WO2024042065A1

WO2024042065A1 - Cleaning assembly for suctioning a suction substrate by means of a suction apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2024042065A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/073012
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rudolf Franke
Original assignee: Hawig Maschinenfabrik Gmbh
Priority date: 2022-08-23
Filing date: 2023-08-22
Publication date: 2024-02-29
Also published as: DE102022121296A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning assembly (300) for suctioning a suction substrate by means of a suction apparatus (254; 268), the cleaning assembly comprising: - an adapter device (10; 110) comprising a first turbine unit (12; 112) that can be driven by a primary suction air stream of the suction apparatus (254; 268); a second turbine unit (18; 118) that can be driven to generate a secondary suction air stream for suctioning the suction substrate; and a transmission unit (20; 120) that is coupled to the first turbine unit (12; 112) and the second turbine unit (18; 118); driving of the first turbine unit (12; 112) by the primary suction air stream can be used via the transmission unit (20; 120) to drive the second turbine unit (18; 118) in order to generate the secondary suction air stream; and - at least one collection container unit (41) that is designed to separate the suction substrate suctioned in by the secondary suction air stream from the secondary suction air stream and receive the separated suction substrate.

Description

Cleaning arrangement for sucking a suction substrate using a suction device

The present invention relates to a cleaning arrangement for sucking a suction substrate using a suction device.

Suction devices with a cleaning function, so-called suction cleaning devices, are known from the prior art, some being designed as dry vacuum cleaners, others as wet vacuum cleaners and still others as combined wet/dry vacuum cleaners. Typically, dry vacuum cleaners are mainly used in households, as they are comparatively cheap and also available on the market in a variety of variations. This also applies to commercial cleaning, such as room cleaning in hotels. However, there are also known suction devices that are not intended for cleaning. Instead of a suction device, one can also generally speak of a vacuum source.

If liquid or moist air is sucked in with a dry vacuum cleaner, this leads to numerous problems. Liquid can get into the suction turbine of the dry vacuum cleaner and damage it. In general, liquid can also include water. Furthermore, liquid can also come into contact with other electrical components of the dry vacuum cleaner in addition to the suction turbine. This can lead to impairment or damage to the electrical components. Furthermore, fluid coming into contact with electrical components can pose a safety risk to an operator. In addition, the dry vacuum cleaner usually includes an air filter which is arranged in front of the suction turbine in order to remove impurities such as dust from the air sucked in by the suction turbine before it is fed to the suction turbine. If the air filter comes into contact with liquid or if moisture from the air sucked in accumulates in it, the filter can be damaged.

The problems described above as examples mean that a dry vacuum cleaner cannot be used for wet vacuuming or for combined wet/dry vacuuming.

However, there are situations in which it is advantageous to also vacuum liquid or moist air. For example, some surfaces to be cleaned require treatment with liquid in order to achieve a good cleaning result. The ones on the However, the liquid applied to the surface to be cleaned often has to be removed from the surface to be cleaned after the treatment together with the dirt it has picked up. Consider also cleaning after a flood event, where it is often necessary to remove a mixture of water and dirt from parts of buildings, especially basements. The removal should be done quickly in order to keep the impact on the structure of the building as low as possible. A typical dry vacuum cleaner is unsuitable for all of the purposes described above. For example, wet vacuum cleaners or combined wet/dry vacuum cleaners are often not available in households. This is also due to their increased acquisition costs and their often bulky design. During flood events, wet vacuum cleaners or combined wet/dry vacuum cleaners are often not available quickly enough because demand suddenly increases and available wet vacuum cleaners or combined wet/dry vacuum cleaners are quickly sold out.

If hotel rooms are cleaned, the hotel room is usually cleaned with a dry vacuum cleaner. The associated bathroom or wet room, on the other hand, is only cleaned with the dry vacuum cleaner if it is ensured that no moisture is sucked in. However, especially for cleaning the wet room, it would be advantageous if liquid or a mixture of liquid and/or air that was distributed due to cleaning could also be sucked out.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a simple solution for sucking liquid. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a cost-effective solution for sucking liquid.

At least one of the aforementioned tasks is solved by the cleaning arrangement according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention.

The invention relates to a cleaning arrangement for sucking a suction substrate by means of a suction device, comprising: an adapter device comprising a first turbine arrangement which can be driven by a primary suction air flow of the suction device; a second turbine assembly drivable to generate a secondary suction air stream for suction of the suction substrate; and a transmission assembly coupled to the first turbine assembly and the second turbine assembly, wherein driving the first turbine assembly by the primary suction air stream is usable via the transfer assembly to drive the second turbine assembly to generate the secondary suction air flow; and at least one collecting container arrangement, which is designed to separate and receive the suction substrate sucked in by the secondary suction air flow from the secondary suction air flow.

The usability according to the invention can include that a drive effect resulting from the primary suction air flow on the first turbine arrangement acts at least partially on the transmission arrangement and / or is transmitted to it, and the transmission arrangement is set up to at least partially apply the drive effect to the second turbine arrangement Driving the same to transfer.

The invention makes it possible to use the primary suction air flow as a drive for generating the secondary suction air flow. At the same time there are two different suction air flows. While the primary suction air flow therefore has the function of driving the primary turbine arrangement, the second turbine arrangement being driven based thereon to generate the secondary suction air flow by means of the transmission arrangement, the secondary suction air flow has the function of sucking or picking up a suction substrate from a surface to be cleaned . The suction substrate can include solid substances such as dust or dirt particles, or liquid and/or moisture. Of course, the suction substrate is preferably at least partially deposited from the secondary suction air stream before it is fed to the secondary turbine arrangement in order to avoid damage to the secondary turbine arrangement. The second turbine arrangement can thus be provided to suck air out of the collecting container arrangement or a collecting container of the collecting container arrangement by means of the secondary suction air flow. The collecting container arrangement or the collecting container is designed to separate the suction substrate from the secondary suction air flow and to at least partially absorb it.

The invention makes it possible to provide a dry vacuum cleaner as a suction device, with liquid and/or moist air then being sucked using the dry vacuum cleaner can be. The adapter device decouples the primary suction air flow from the secondary suction air flow, so that damage to the dry vacuum cleaner by the suction substrate, in particular moist air and / or liquid, can be avoided. So the suction device sucks in the primary suction air stream, but not the secondary suction air stream. This can also avoid the risk of a short circuit in the dry vacuum cleaner.

The cleaning arrangement according to the invention is a compact and inexpensive solution that makes it possible to suck a suction substrate comprising liquid and/or moist air using a dry vacuum cleaner. The suction substrate is separated from the secondary suction air stream and received in the collecting container. There is therefore no risk of the moist or wet suction substrate coming into contact with the dry vacuum cleaner, because the primary suction air flow and the secondary suction air flow are structurally separated from one another in the adapter device.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the collecting container arrangement is designed to be connectable to the adapter device. It can also be provided, for example, that the collecting container arrangement can be decoupled from the adapter device. For example, the cleaning arrangement can be dismantled into several smaller individual parts for transport purposes, for storage, for emptying the collecting container arrangement or for its maintenance.

According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the adapter device and the collecting container arrangement are firmly, in particular rigidly, connected to one another in the coupled state. This enables simple power transmission between the adapter device and the collecting container arrangement.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the adapter device and the collecting container arrangement are designed as an integral component. In other words, the adapter device and the collecting container arrangement are permanently coupled to one another and structurally connected to one another. This enables a particularly compact design of the cleaning arrangement. Furthermore, the adapter device and collecting container arrangement then form a structural unit.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the

Cleaning arrangement also includes a hose arrangement which is used for this purpose is set up to couple the adapter device and the collecting container arrangement. This makes it possible to arrange the adapter device locally separately from the collecting container arrangement, with the secondary suction air flow still being able to be carried away from the collecting container arrangement to the adapter device. For example, the adapter device can be carried by an operator in the form of a backpack, while other components of the cleaning arrangement, for example the collecting container arrangement, or a cleaning tool, can be operated, in particular displaced, by an operator. The part to be operated by an operator is therefore comparatively light.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the collecting container arrangement and/or the adapter device comprises a geometric body of rotation.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the collecting container arrangement is essentially tubular, in particular cylindrical. This favors a particularly compact design. In addition, the tubular design can reduce the number of corners and edges within. In this way it can be prevented or at least reduced that components of the suction substrate are deposited in corners and edges of the collecting container arrangement. In addition, the tubular design enables good grip for an operator. In addition to a tubular design, other geometric shapes or combinations thereof can also be provided. Think of a spherical shape, cuboid shape, cube shape, prism shape, cylindrical shape, pyramid shape, cone shape or other polygonal bodies as well as extrudable bodies. In general, tubular means that an elongated hollow body is provided, which is designed to guide a medium.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that a length of the collecting container arrangement is a multiple of its height and/or width and/or diameter. The ratio is preferably at least 5:1, particularly preferably at least 8:1.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the collecting container arrangement comprises at least one viewing window. This allows an operator to see inside the collection container assembly for example, to detect a fill level of the suction substrate in the collecting container arrangement. This also makes it easier for an operator to recognize when the collection container arrangement needs to be emptied.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the collecting container arrangement or the collecting container comprises at least partially transparent material. For example, the collecting container arrangement can also be made entirely of transparent material. This also enables an operator to look into the interior of the collecting container arrangement in order, for example, to recognize a fill level of the suction substrate in the collecting container arrangement. This also makes it easier for an operator to recognize when the collection container arrangement needs to be emptied.

According to one aspect of the invention, the collection container assembly includes a drain opening that enables the suction substrate to be removed from the collection container assembly. A lid arrangement can be provided which makes it possible to open or close the emptying opening. Additionally or alternatively, the collecting container arrangement can be emptied via the interface with which the collecting container arrangement is coupled or can be coupled to the adapter device.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the collecting container arrangement and/or the adapter device is designed as a supporting structure of the cleaning arrangement. This results in a particularly stable design of the cleaning arrangement. For example, force and/or torque can be transmitted from one area of the collecting container arrangement to another area of the collecting container arrangement. This can make cleaning easier using the cleaning arrangement. If a cleaning tool is also coupled to the collecting container arrangement, the cleaning tool can also be moved by moving the collecting container arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the adapter device or the cleaning arrangement comprises a supporting structure with which the collecting container arrangement can be coupled.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the collecting container arrangement and/or the adapter device is designed to be position-changeable, in particular tiltable. The collecting container arrangement can be used together with and/or separately from other components Cleaning arrangement can be designed to be changeable in position, in particular tiltable. This enables easy handling of the collecting container arrangement and/or the adapter device. Position-changeable can include that the collecting container arrangement and/or the adapter device can be pivoted within one level, within two levels and/or several levels. Furthermore, pivoting about one or more pivot axes or a pivot point can be provided. The planes, pivot axes or pivot points can be designed to be stationary or locally varying with respect to the collecting container arrangement and/or the adapter device. The planes and/or the pivot axes can be aligned orthogonally to one another or at a predetermined angle. If the term “position-changeable” or “pivotable” is mentioned here, this can also include tiltable or tiltable. By “changeable in position” it can be meant that pure translational changes in position are not included. For example, “changeable in position” can be limited to one or more rotational changes in position or combined translational and translational changes in position.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the cleaning arrangement comprises a closing body which, in its closed position, is designed to close a passage through which the primary or secondary suction air flow flows during operation. Furthermore, the closure body can be set up in its open position to release the primary or secondary suction air flow. In the case of the secondary suction air flow, the closure body in its closed position can reliably ensure that no suction substrate, in particular no liquid, escapes from the collecting container arrangement to the second turbine arrangement. This means that the cleaning arrangement can also be stored and relocated safely. The closing body can be set up to assume the closed position when the suction substrate in the collecting container arrangement reaches a predetermined level or a predetermined amount. In the case of the primary suction air flow, it can be reliably ensured in the closed position that suction substrate cannot reach the suction device accidentally and despite the decoupling of the two suction air flows.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cleaning arrangement comprises a force actuator for generating an actuating force by means of which the closing body can be pushed into the closed position and/or open position. The force actuator can include a magnetic force to generate the actuating force. The force actuator can be activated and/or deactivated. The force actuator can be controllable. Is preferred the force actuator is controlled or activated and/or deactivated depending on a control signal. The control signal can be based on a signal from a sensor such as an inclination sensor and/or a fill level sensor etc. of the collecting container arrangement.

According to a further development of the invention, the cleaning arrangement comprises a control arrangement which is set up to control at least the power actuator. The control arrangement is preferably set up to carry out control based on signals, for example a signal from a fill level sensor in the collecting container arrangement for measuring the filling level of the suction substrate, from an inclination sensor, for example for measuring the inclination of the collecting container arrangement or similar.

According to a further development of the invention, the cleaning arrangement comprises at least one handle arrangement, which is set up for gripping by an operator and is firmly coupled or designed to be coupled to the adapter device and/or the collecting container arrangement. This makes it easier for an operator to handle the cleaning arrangement. This can make it easier to use the cleaning arrangement and also to handle it away from an operation, for example during transport or storage. The dockable design allows an operator to provide the handle assembly when it is actually beneficial to the operator and accordingly to decouple it when not needed. Tightly coupled can include integral training.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the handle arrangement for coupling has an actuatable connection mechanism which, when actuated, is designed to couple and/or decouple the handle arrangement with the adapter device and/or the collecting container arrangement. This means the handle assembly can easily be added or removed as needed. This allows an operator to only provide the handle arrangement when it is actually beneficial. For example, when the cleaning assembly is stored, the handle assembly can be easily removed to keep the cleaning assembly compact.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the handle arrangement comprises a handle part which can be grasped by a user and a handle base part which is used for coupling to the adapter device and/or the Transmission arrangement is set up, wherein a position of the handle part is adjustable relative to the handle base part. This makes it easier for an operator to adjust an ergonomic position of the handle assembly. When the cleaning assembly is stowed away, the handle assembly can be brought into a compact position.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the cleaning arrangement further comprises a tool connection interface for coupling to a cleaning tool, wherein the secondary suction air flow can be removed from the cleaning tool by means of the tool connection interface. The tool connection interface makes it possible to couple different cleaning tools to the cleaning arrangement. This makes the cleaning arrangement versatile.

The tool connection interface is advantageously formed on the collecting container arrangement or on a tool connection module that is coupled to the collecting container. The sucked suction substrate can thus be fed directly to the collecting container arrangement. Overall, a compact design of the cleaning arrangement can therefore be provided.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the tool connection interface comprises an electrical contact arrangement which is designed to establish electrical contact with the cleaning tool. The electrical contact can be helpful, for example, to transmit sensor signals from or to the cleaning tool. Furthermore, electrical current can be provided to the cleaning tool in order, for example, to operate electric motors, in particular for driving cleaning tools such as cleaning brushes or rollers.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the tool connection interface is set up to essentially rigidly couple the cleaning tool or a part of the cleaning tool. This enables power to be transferred to the cleaning tool during operation.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the cleaning arrangement comprises at least one power supply interface for establishing electrical contact with a power source. Advantageously, the power supply interface is on the adapter device or the Collection container arrangement formed. The power supply interface makes it possible to provide additional electrical energy using the power source. This can be used, for example, to operate a cleaning tool coupled to the cleaning arrangement.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the power supply interface comprises a holding arrangement which is designed to releasably accommodate a battery.

According to a further development, the cleaning arrangement comprises a primary connection interface for coupling to the suction device, wherein the primary suction air flow can be removed from the adapter device for driving the first turbine arrangement via the primary connection interface. It can be provided that the primary connection interface is designed to be adaptable to the suction device, in particular in terms of its geometry and/or size. For this purpose, an adjustment mechanism can be provided that can be actuated to change the geometry or size of the primary connection interface. Additionally or alternatively, the primary connection interface may have a plurality of interface sections for coupling to a respective suction device. These interface sections can have different geometries and/or sizes. Overall, the configurations make it possible for counterparts or connecting pieces of the suction device of different geometries to be coupled to the primary connection interface. It is therefore possible to couple the adapter device with a large number of suction devices available on the market or to make it compatible with them. The adapter device can therefore be universally coupled to various suction devices. The primary connection interface may include a thread, a bayonet fitting, a clamping mechanism or the like.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the primary connection interface is set up to essentially rigidly couple the suction device to the adapter device. This enables force transmission between the suction device and the adapter device. If the secondary connection interface and the collecting container are also rigid, a rigid unit can be formed. This is easy to use.

According to a further development of the invention, the cleaning arrangement further comprises a hose arrangement which is coupled to the adapter device for guiding the primary suction air flow. The hose arrangement is preferably with the Primary connection interface coupled. The hose arrangement makes it possible to arrange the suction device separately and displaceably relative to the adapter device. For example, the suction device can be carried by an operator, for example in the form of a backpack. The primary suction air flow can then be removed from the adapter device via the hose arrangement. The cleaning arrangement thus remains comparatively light and can be easily operated by an operator. The hose arrangement is preferably designed to be elastic.

According to a further development of the invention, the cleaning arrangement further comprises a hose arrangement which couples the adapter device and the collecting container arrangement to one another. Suction air flow is coupled. The hose arrangement is preferably coupled to the primary connection interface. The hose arrangement makes it possible to arrange at least the adapter device in a locally separated and displaceable manner relative to the collecting container arrangement. For example, the adapter device can be carried by an operator together with the suction device, for example in the form of a backpack. The primary suction air flow can then be removed from the collecting container arrangement via the hose arrangement. The part of the cleaning arrangement that an operator has to carry with his arms thus remains comparatively light. The hose arrangement is preferably designed to be elastic.

According to a further development of the invention, the cleaning arrangement comprises at least one fresh water container for holding fresh water. Fresh water means liquid, in particular water, that is intended for cleaning and is preferably not contaminated. A cleaning substance such as soap, a cleaning agent or the like can be added to the fresh water. The cleaning arrangement preferably comprises a water delivery arrangement which is designed to supply the fresh water from the fresh water container to a surface to be cleaned. For this purpose, an operable valve can preferably be provided in the water delivery arrangement, which allows an operator to adjust the amount of water delivery.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the collecting container arrangement comprises a riser pipe which is designed to at least partially guide the secondary suction air flow into the collecting container arrangement. One aspect relates to an adapter device for a suction device, in particular a suction cleaning device, comprising a first turbine arrangement which can be driven by a primary suction air flow of the suction device, a second turbine arrangement which can be driven to generate a secondary suction air flow and a transmission arrangement which is connected to the first turbine arrangement and the second turbine arrangement is coupled, wherein driving the first turbine arrangement by the primary suction air flow via the transmission arrangement can be used to drive the second turbine arrangement in order to generate the secondary suction air flow.

The usability can include that a drive effect resulting from the primary suction air flow on the first turbine arrangement acts at least partially on the transmission arrangement and / or is transmitted to it, and the transmission arrangement is set up to at least partially apply the drive effect to the second turbine arrangement for driving the same transmitted.

According to the aspect, it is possible to use the primary suction air flow as a drive for generating the secondary suction air flow. At the same time there are two different suction air flows. While the primary suction air flow therefore has the function of driving the primary turbine arrangement, the second turbine arrangement being driven based thereon to generate the secondary suction air flow by means of the transmission arrangement, the secondary suction air flow has the function of sucking or picking up a suction substrate from a surface to be cleaned . The suction substrate can include solid substances such as dust or dirt particles, or liquid and/or moisture. Of course, the suction substrate is preferably at least partially separated from the secondary suction air stream before it is fed to the secondary turbine assembly in order to avoid damage to the secondary turbine assembly. The second turbine arrangement can thus be intended to use the secondary suction air flow to suck air out of a collecting container which is set up to hold liquid. Generally speaking, the collecting container can be designed to at least partially accommodate the suction substrate.

The invention makes it possible to provide a dry vacuum cleaner as a suction device, in which case liquid and/or moist air can then be sucked using the dry vacuum cleaner. The adapter device decouples the primary suction air flow from the secondary suction air flow, so that the dry vacuum cleaner is damaged can be avoided by the suction substrate, in particular moist air and/or liquid. This also avoids the risk of a short circuit in the dry vacuum cleaner.

According to a further development of the invention, the adapter device further comprises a barrier arrangement which provides at least one liquid barrier between the first and the second turbine arrangement. The barrier arrangement can serve as a type of splash protection, which prevents, for example, liquid from getting from the second turbine arrangement to the first turbine arrangement. The barrier arrangement can thus have a labyrinth-like arrangement. According to a related aspect of the invention, it is further provided that the barrier arrangement separates the first turbine arrangement and the second turbine arrangement from one another in a substantially liquid-tight, in particular fluid-tight, manner. This ensures that at least no liquid, in particular no moisture, can pass from the first turbine arrangement to the second turbine arrangement. This prevents liquid from getting into the secondary suction air stream, which could damage the suction device. The fluid-tight separation means that no exchange of a medium is provided between the second turbine arrangement and the first turbine arrangement. The two suction air streams are thus guided completely decoupled from one another, at least within the adapter device. This ensures extremely safe and reliable operation of the adapter device using a dry vacuum cleaner. In other words, the barrier arrangement can be designed to separate the primary and secondary suction air streams from one another in such a way that essentially no liquid and/or moisture can get from the secondary suction air stream into the primary suction air stream. According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the barrier arrangement comprises a sealing arrangement. The seal assembly may include a labyrinth seal.

According to one aspect of the invention, the barrier arrangement can be designed to at least partially support or at least partially form the transmission arrangement. This enables a compact design of the adapter device.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the

Adapter device further includes a primary connection interface for coupling to the

Suction device for driving the first turbine assembly through the primary Suction air flow is set up. It can be provided that the primary connection interface is designed to be adaptable to the suction device, in particular in terms of its geometry and/or size. For this purpose, an adjustment mechanism can be provided that can be actuated to change the geometry or size of the primary connection interface. Additionally or alternatively, the primary connection interface may have a plurality of interface sections for coupling to a respective suction device. These interface sections can have different geometries and/or sizes. Overall, the configurations make it possible for counterparts or connecting pieces of the suction device of different geometries to be coupled to the primary connection interface. It is therefore possible to couple the adapter device with a large number of suction devices available on the market or to make it compatible with them. The adapter device can therefore be universally coupled to various suction devices. The primary connection interface may include a thread, a bayonet fitting, a clamping mechanism, a screw connection or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the adapter device can be coupled to a primary connection module, the primary connection module having the primary connection interface as described above. A connecting piece with a predetermined geometry can thus be provided on the adapter device for coupling to the primary connection module. While the construction of the adapter device remains simple thanks to the connecting piece, the adapter device can still be coupled or compatible with a large number of suction devices by means of the primary connection module.

According to a further development of the invention, it is provided that the transmission arrangement for making it possible to drive the first turbine arrangement for driving the second turbine arrangement couples the first turbine arrangement with the second turbine arrangement mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically or by means of a combination thereof. For example, it can be provided that the transmission arrangement is set up to generate electrical energy based on driving the first turbine arrangement, wherein the second turbine arrangement can be driven by means of the electrical energy. The transmission arrangement can have a corresponding generator and a corresponding motor drive. Furthermore, the transmission arrangement can be designed such that driving the first turbine arrangement results in actuation of a fluid Transmission arrangement, for example a hydraulic oil, wherein the transmission arrangement is further configured to drive the second turbine arrangement based on the actuation of the fluid.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the transmission arrangement comprises a shaft, and the first turbine arrangement is set up to drive the shaft, and the shaft is set up to drive the second turbine arrangement to generate the secondary suction air flow. The shaft can be driven indirectly or directly. Furthermore, the second turbine arrangement can also be driven directly or indirectly. According to the direct driving, it can be provided that the shaft couples the first turbine arrangement and the second turbine arrangement, in particular rigidly, to one another. An indirect drive can include, for example, a clutch and/or a transmission, in particular with a step-up or step-down function.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the barrier arrangement at least partially supports the shaft. This means that the barrier arrangement can have a further function. Overall, this facilitates a compact design of the adapter device.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the first turbine arrangement comprises a primary turbine wheel which is designed to rotate about a primary axis of rotation, and the second turbine arrangement comprises a secondary turbine wheel which is designed to rotate about a secondary axis of rotation, wherein the primary and secondary axes of rotation are arranged substantially parallel to each other or coincide. Just to clarify, it should be mentioned that the primary turbine wheel can be driven by means of the primary suction air flow, and the secondary turbine wheel is set up to generate the secondary suction air flow. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the primary and secondary axes of rotation are congruent, i.e. coincide. This embodiment therefore concerns a special form of parallelism, namely a congruent arrangement of the two axes of rotation. This allows a particularly compact design of the adapter device to be achieved.

In this context, it can be provided that the secondary suction air flow is initially parallel to the secondary when driving the second turbine arrangement Axis of rotation flows to be supplied to the secondary turbine wheel and then flows in a radial direction opposite the secondary axis of rotation to flow away from the secondary turbine wheel. The movement of the secondary turbine wheel thus acts as an additional barrier between the secondary and the primary suction air flow, in particular against the passage of liquid and/or moisture. This is due to the centrifugal force, which acts on any liquid and/or moisture and/or dirt that may be adhering to the secondary turbine wheel while it is being driven and carries it away in the radial direction. Alternatively, the secondary suction air stream may then also flow parallel to the axis of rotation or at any angle thereto in order to flow away from the secondary turbine wheel. Furthermore, it can be provided that the secondary suction air flow flows out in a predetermined angular range around the secondary axis of rotation. The primary suction air flow preferably flows from outside this angular range into the adapter device to the primary turbine wheel.

According to a further development, it can be provided that the adapter device includes a reduction or translation. This can be provided in the transmission arrangement. For this purpose, a transmission can be provided that converts a speed of the first turbine arrangement into a different speed for the second turbine arrangement. However, the reduction or translation can also be generated by different configurations of turbine wheels of the turbine arrangements, for example by different blade geometries of the turbine wheels or sizes of the turbine wheels.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, the adapter device comprises an actuatable valve arrangement which is designed to adjust the proportion of the primary suction air flow acting on the first turbine arrangement. The operable valve arrangement can be designed as a throttle valve. The operable valve arrangement makes it possible to couple the adapter device with suction devices of different suction power or suction air flows of different sizes. If, for example, the suction power of a suction device is very strong, the valve arrangement can be at least partially opened, so that only part of the primary suction air flow acts on the first turbine arrangement. In the case of a suction device with low suction power, the valve arrangement can be closed completely or almost completely. Operable can include an embodiment in which the valve arrangement depends on the strength of the primary suction air flow first turbine arrangement adjusts the proportion of the primary suction air flow. Consider a spring assembly that opens or closes a flap of the valve assembly depending on the strength of the primary suction air flow. The term strength can include a predetermined volume flow. In addition to a spring arrangement, other at least partially automatic mechanisms can also be provided.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the adapter device further comprises a secondary connection interface for coupling the adapter device to a module, wherein the secondary suction air flow can be at least partially removed from the module in the coupled state. The module preferably includes a collection container for collecting liquid and/or dirt, but may also include a suction tube, a floor unit or a cleaning tool. The secondary connection interface may include a thread, a bayonet fitting, a clamping mechanism, a screw connection or the like.

According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a module from which the secondary suction air flow can be removed is formed integrally with the adapter device. Such a module can, for example, include a collecting container for collecting liquid and/or dirt.

According to a further development of the invention, the adapter device further comprises a collecting container for collecting liquid and/or dirt.

According to a further development of the invention, the adapter device further comprises at least a first electrical contact arrangement in order to supply electrical current to the adapter device, wherein the adapter device preferably further comprises a second electrical contact arrangement in order to at least partially transmit the electrical current to a module coupled to the adapter device. The module includes, for example, a cleaning tool that can be driven by an electric motor and can be driven by means of the electrical current.

According to a further development of the invention, the adapter device comprises a generator which is set up to generate electrical power in order to provide it to a module coupled to the adapter device, for example a tool. For this purpose, at least one connection for dissipating the electrical current can be formed on the adapter device. The generator can be powered by the primary suction air flow or the secondary suction air flow be drivable. For example, the generator can produce a voltage level of 12 volts or 24 volts. This voltage level is different than that of conventional suction devices, which are usually operated at 230 volts. However, this voltage level is less dangerous and is commonly used to power tools or sensors.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, a receiving interface for coupling to an additional energy source, preferably an accumulator, can also be provided on the adapter device. This makes it possible to supply additional energy, for example electrical power, to the adapter device. This energy can, for example, be intended to supply energy to a module coupled to the adapter device, such as a cleaning tool that can be driven by an electric motor.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the adapter device further comprises a handle arrangement which is formed on the adapter device or can be coupled to it, and which is designed to be actuated by an operator to move the adapter device. This makes it easier for an operator to operate the adapter device.

According to a further development of the invention, the adapter device further comprises a housing, wherein the first turbine arrangement and/or the second turbine arrangement and/or the transmission arrangement are at least partially enclosed by the housing.

According to a further development of the invention, the housing comprises at least a first and a second housing part, which are designed to be coupled to one another. For example, the housing parts can be coupled to one another using a bayonet lock or threaded screw connection or similar. The two housing parts make assembly and maintenance of the adapter device easier. The housing can therefore have a modular structure.

According to a further development of the invention, the adapter device has a modular structure. For example, the first turbine arrangement and/or the second turbine arrangement and/or the transmission arrangement and/or the housing or the housing parts can each form a module. It can also be provided that the modules are designed to be detachably coupled to one another. The modular structure and the ability to connect allow for easy installation. Furthermore, it is easily possible to disassemble the adapter device for cleaning, maintenance or to change spare parts. Furthermore, for example, turbine wheels of the turbine arrangements can be easily replaced in order to adapt the adapter device to vacuum sources with different suction power.

According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that the transmission arrangement and/or the second turbine arrangement and/or the first turbine arrangement can be activated and deactivated, in particular controllable. For this purpose, a control can be provided, by means of which, for example, the transmission arrangement can be activated and deactivated. Furthermore, a sensor arrangement can be provided, wherein the transmission arrangement and/or the second turbine arrangement and/or the first turbine arrangement can be activated and deactivated based on a signal from the sensor arrangement. A fill level sensor for measuring a fill level of the suction substrate in a collecting container can be provided as a sensor. Additionally or alternatively, a moisture sensor can be provided as a sensor. The signal can, for example, indicate that a predetermined moisture value in the secondary suction air flow is exceeded. Additionally or alternatively, an inclination sensor can be provided as a sensor.

According to a further development of the invention, the adapter device can have at least one tertiary connection interface, wherein the secondary suction air flow can be dissipated at least partially via the tertiary connection interface. The tertiary connection interface can be set up to be coupled to a hose, for example. So it can include a suction connection. In this way, air and/or liquid sucked in by the secondary suction air flow, i.e. a suction substrate, can be at least partially removed via the tertiary connection interface and fed to the hose for removal. This is particularly advantageous if the suction substrate was not or only partially removed from the secondary suction air stream before entering the adapter device. Even then, the suction substrate cannot get into the primary suction air stream and into the suction device. Think of liquid that can be sucked in by means of the adapter device and can be excreted from the adapter device via the tertiary connection interface. In this way, a suction substrate such as liquid can be sucked into the adapter device in a controlled manner and excreted again. This allows large amounts of fluid to be sucked in and excreted in a targeted manner, as is often necessary after a flood event, for example. Instead of or In addition to the tertiary connection interface, a module such as a hose can also be formed integrally with the adapter device for discharging the suction substrate.

The invention further relates to a cleaning arrangement comprising: an adapter device according to one of the types described above, and a suction device which is coupled to the first turbine arrangement for generating the primary suction air flow.

The suction device can be designed as a suction cleaning device and in particular as a dry vacuum cleaner. The suction device can be, for example, a handheld vacuum cleaner or a conventional vacuum cleaner. The suction device can be operated using a battery.

The adapter device can be permanently installed in the cleaning arrangement and/or formed integrally with the cleaning arrangement. Alternatively, the adapter device can be designed as an exchangeable module of the cleaning arrangement. In general, it should be noted that the term “adapter” is to be understood broadly and, in addition to training as a module that is connected to other components via interfaces, it can also include integral training. Integral means in one piece with one or more other components or modules. Furthermore, even when the term “interface” is mentioned, instead of a linkable training, an integral training of the components that are connected to one another via the so-called “interface” can be provided.

Advantages, features and configurations that were explained in connection with the adapter device also apply to the cleaning arrangement and vice versa.

The invention is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They represent:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an adapter device according to the invention;

2 shows a schematic representation of an adapter device according to the invention in a state coupled to a collecting container; 3 shows an exploded view of an adapter device according to the invention according to a further exemplary embodiment;

4 shows a sectional view of an adapter device according to the invention according to the further exemplary embodiment;

Fig. 5 is an exemplary representation of the cleaning arrangement;

6 shows an exemplary exploded view of the collecting container arrangement;

7 shows an exemplary partial exploded view of the cleaning arrangement;

8 shows an exemplary representation of the cleaning arrangement in a state coupled to an exemplary suction device;

9 shows an exemplary representation of the adapter device with exemplary connectable suction devices;

10a shows an exemplary exploded view of a third handle arrangement;

10b shows an exemplary exploded view of a fourth handle arrangement;

11 shows a representation of the cleaning arrangement with exemplary cleaning tools;

12a shows a detailed representation of the exemplary connection module;

12b shows a further detailed representation of the exemplary connection module; and

Fig. 13 is a detailed view of an exemplary tool connection module.

Figure 1 relates to a schematic representation of an adapter device 10 according to the invention for a suction device. The adapter device 10 comprises a first turbine arrangement 12, which is powered by a primary suction air flow 14 can be driven. The adapter device 10 further comprises a second turbine arrangement 16, which can be driven to generate a secondary suction air flow 18. The adapter device 10 further comprises a transmission arrangement 20 which is coupled to the first turbine arrangement 12 and the second turbine arrangement 16. The transmission arrangement 20 is designed such that driving the first turbine arrangement 12 by the primary suction air flow 14 can be used to drive the second turbine arrangement 16 in order to generate the secondary suction air flow 18.

Making usable can mean that a drive effect created by the primary suction air flow 14 on the first turbine arrangement 12 acts at least partially on the transmission arrangement 20 and/or is transmitted to it, and the transmission arrangement 20 is set up to at least partially apply the drive effect to the second turbine arrangement 16 to transmit to drive the same.

The adapter device 10 includes a housing 22 that encloses the first turbine assembly 12, the second turbine assembly 16 and the transmission assembly 20. The adapter device 10 further comprises a barrier arrangement 24 which is arranged within the housing 22 and divides the housing 22 into a first or upper housing section 26 and a second or lower housing section 28. The barrier arrangement 24 runs through the schematically illustrated transmission arrangement 20. The barrier arrangement 24 provides a substantially fluid-impermeable barrier, so that at least within the housing 22, for example, no liquid or air can be exchanged between the two housing sections 26, 28.

A primary connection interface 30 is formed at an upper end of the first turbine arrangement 12 and is designed to be coupled to a suction device. For this purpose, the primary connection interface 30 is designed with a circular cross section, although other shapes are also possible. For the sake of simplicity, no suction device is shown here. However, the primary suction air flow 14 generated by the suction device and acting on the first turbine arrangement 12 is shown. If the suction device is coupled to the primary connection interface 26 and is in operation, so that the primary suction air stream 14 is generated, the primary suction air stream 14 flows starting from a suction opening 32, which is located laterally on the first Turbine arrangement 12 is formed by the first turbine arrangement 12 and leaves the first turbine arrangement 12 via the primary connection interface 30 and flows into the suction device. The primary suction air flow 14 drives the first turbine arrangement 12. The transmission arrangement 20 is set up to make the driving of the first turbine arrangement 12 usable for driving the second turbine arrangement 16. For this purpose, the transmission arrangement 20 can, as shown here, comprise a shaft arrangement 34, which mechanically couples the first turbine arrangement 12 with the second turbine arrangement 16, so that by means of the shaft arrangement 34 a mechanical movement of the first turbine arrangement 12, in particular a turbine wheel of the first turbine arrangement 12, to the second Turbine arrangement 16, in particular a turbine wheel of the second turbine arrangement 16, is transmitted. By driving the second turbine arrangement 16, the secondary suction air flow 18 is generated. The secondary suction air flow 18 thus flows via a secondary connection interface 36, which is formed at a lower end of the housing 22 on the second turbine arrangement 16, to an outflow opening 38 which is formed laterally on the housing 22 and laterally on the second turbine arrangement 16. In other words, driving the second turbine arrangement 16 creates a suction effect at the secondary connection interface 36, so that air, the secondary suction air flow 18, can be sucked in via the secondary connection interface 36. The secondary connection interface 36 is designed to be connected to a module, such as a suction pipe, a tool or a floor unit. In the present case, the secondary connection interface 36 has a circular cross section, although other shapes are also possible. The secondary suction air stream 18 can be used to suck up liquid or a suction substrate. The adapter device 10 makes it possible to decouple the primary suction air stream 14 from the secondary suction air stream 18. So no suction substrate, in particular no liquid or moisture, can get from the secondary suction air stream 18 into the primary suction air stream 14 and to the suction device. Nevertheless, the primary suction air flow 14, which is caused by the suction device, can be used to generate the secondary suction air flow. By means of the adapter device 10, a suction device in the form of a dry vacuum cleaner can be converted into wet vacuuming. If a suction substrate such as liquid is to be sucked in and excreted in turn using the adapter device 10, similar to a pump, the outflow opening 38 can be used as a connection interface, a so-called tertiary connection interface for a hose Removal of the liquid can be designed. This allows large amounts of liquid to be sucked in and expelled.

The housing 22 is cylindrical, although it could also be cuboid, circular, etc., for example. Instead of coupling the module via the secondary connection interface 36, it is also possible to provide a connection interface or a connection arrangement such as a thread or a bayonet lock on the housing 22 in order to remove the secondary suction air flow from the module, for example a collecting container, for sucking a suction substrate .

Figure 2 relates to a schematic representation of an adapter device 10 according to the invention in a state coupled to a collecting container 40 of a collecting container arrangement 41. The structure of the adapter device 10 is based on that from Figure 1, but differs as follows. According to Figure 2, the lower housing section 28 forms the collecting container 40 or the collecting container arrangement 41. The first turbine assembly 12 is arranged within a larger upper housing section 26. Due to the enlarged upper housing section 26, the primary connection interface 30 is formed on a pipe section 31 which couples the first turbine arrangement 12 to the primary connection interface 30. A liquid collecting area 42 is provided in the collecting container 40. The secondary suction air flow 18 generates a negative pressure in the collecting container 40, so that a suction substrate, in particular air and/or liquid and/or dirt, for example from a substance to be cleaned, is drawn via a suction pipe 44 arranged at a lower end of the housing 22 and leading into the collecting container 40 surface can be sucked in. The liquid is separated in the liquid collection area 42, so that only air is removed from the collection container 40 via the secondary suction air flow 18. For this purpose, the suction pipe 44 projects through the liquid collection area 42 and beyond it, so that an outlet opening 46 of the suction pipe 44 is arranged above the liquid collection area 42. Furthermore, a splash protection barrier 48 is formed in the collecting container 40 in the area between the outlet opening 46 and the second turbine arrangement 16, which shields the outlet opening 46 in an umbrella shape at a distance from it and prevents the suction substrate from escaping directly in the direction of the second after exiting the suction pipe 44 Turbine arrangement 16 can reach. Figure 3 relates to a schematic exploded view of an adapter device 110 according to the invention according to a further exemplary embodiment. The adapter device 110 is based on the functionality according to the adapter device 10 according to Figures 1 and 2, but has a special structure. The adapter device 110 has a first housing section 126, a first turbine arrangement 112 with a primary turbine wheel 150, a barrier arrangement 124, a second turbine arrangement 118 with a secondary turbine wheel 152, a transmission arrangement 120 comprising a rigid shaft 154, and a second housing section 128. The shaft 154 is arranged on an axis A about which the shaft 154 rotates during operation. The shaft 154 is designed to accommodate a first ball bearing 156 and a second ball bearing 158 in its central cylindrical region, whereby other types of roller bearings can also be provided additionally or alternatively. The ball bearings 156, 158 are configured to support the shaft 154 radially and axially relative to the barrier assembly 124, the shaft 154 being rotatably arranged relative to the barrier assembly. For this purpose, an opening 160 is formed on the barrier arrangement 124, which is essentially axially symmetrical relative to the axis A and symmetrical with respect to a central plane which is arranged essentially orthogonally to the axis A, along its central axis, which coincides with the axis A. which is designed to accommodate the ball bearings 154, 156 and to contact them on their outer peripheral surface. A press fit can be provided for this purpose. On both sides along the axis A, outer circumferential geometries, not shown, are formed on the shaft 154 with a smaller diameter, which are designed to accommodate corresponding inner circumferential geometries formed on the primary turbine wheel 150 and the secondary turbine wheel 152 and also arranged along the axis A. The circumferential geometries are designed to form a positive fit, so that a rotation of the primary turbine wheel 150 or the secondary turbine wheel 152 leads to a rotation of the shaft 154 and vice versa. Instead of or in addition to the positive connection, a non-positive connection can also be provided, for example. At the two ends of the shaft 154, external threads with a smaller diameter are formed, onto which a respective shaft nut 162, 164 can be screwed. The first shaft nut 162 is adapted to axially fasten the primary turbine wheel 150 on the shaft 154, and the second shaft nut 164 is adapted to axially fasten the secondary turbine wheel 152 on the shaft 154 on the other hand. The respective area provided adjacent to the middle cylindrical area with an outer circumferential geometry forms the respective middle one Cylindrical area has a shoulder or stop against which the first shaft nut 162 presses the primary turbine wheel 150 and the second shaft nut 164 presses the secondary turbine wheel 152, the respective shoulder serving to keep the primary turbine wheel 150 or the secondary turbine wheel 152 at a small distance from the barrier arrangement 124 to be arranged so that they are freely rotatable relative to this and the ball bearings 154, 156.

The primary turbine wheel 150 and the secondary turbine wheel 152 are constructed essentially the same and are arranged on the shaft 154 only rotated by 180 degrees. Thus, features that are described below for the sake of simplicity for one of the two turbine wheels 150, 152 apply correspondingly to the other. The primary turbine wheel 150 is essentially flat on the side facing the barrier arrangement 124 and only has the opening with the inner circumferential geometry to accommodate the shaft 120. On the side facing away from the barrier arrangement 124, the secondary turbine wheel 152 has a suction opening 166 arranged in the middle, which is surrounded by an annular side surface 168 and is designed to protrude relative to it. The secondary turbine wheel 152 is designed with a plurality of internal turbine blades 170, which are designed to generate an air flow when the secondary turbine wheel 152 moves or to cause a movement of the secondary turbine wheel 152 based on an air flow. The turbine blades 170 are designed to cause an air flow from the intake opening 166 outwards to radial openings 172 formed on the outer circumference of the secondary turbine wheel 152 when the secondary turbine wheel 152 rotates in a first direction of rotation about the axis A. This air flow corresponds to the secondary suction air flow. The first direction of rotation corresponds to the direction of rotation during operation of the adapter device 110. If the secondary turbine wheel 152 were rotated in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first, the air flow would be directed from the radial openings 172 through the secondary turbine wheel 152 to the intake opening 166. As described, the primary turbine wheel 150 is constructed analogously to the secondary turbine wheel 152, and in particular the shape of the turbine blades can also be modified or adapted. This is due to the fact that the primary turbine wheel 150 is primarily intended to be driven by means of a suction air flow, the so-called primary suction air flow, which is directed from the radial opening 172 of the primary turbine wheel 150 to an air outlet opening 174 designed analogously to the suction opening 166. while the secondary turbine wheel 152 - as explained - is set up based on whose rotation in the first direction of rotation generates an air flow, the so-called secondary suction air flow, which is directed from the suction opening 166 to the radial openings 172.

The suction opening 166 is designed to receive the second shaft nut 164, so that the second shaft nut 164 contacts the secondary turbine wheel 152 on an inner surface and axially secures it on the shaft 154. Accordingly, the air outlet opening 174 is set up to remove the first shaft nut 162, so that the first shaft nut 162 contacts the primary turbine wheel 150 on an inner surface and axially secures it on the shaft 154. The internal arrangement of the respective shaft nuts 162, 164 has the advantage of little interference with the air flow.

The barrier arrangement 124 is disk-shaped, essentially axially symmetrical with respect to the axis A and symmetrical with respect to a central plane of the barrier arrangement 124 arranged orthogonally to the axis A. On both sides in the direction of axis A, ribs 176 are formed, which serve to stiffen the barrier arrangement 124. Apart from the opening 160, no passage is formed in the direction of the axis A, so that no fluid can pass through the barrier arrangement 124. At least one sealing arrangement can be provided at the opening 160 relative to the ball bearings 156, 158 so that no fluid can pass through between the ball bearings 156, 158 and the barrier arrangement 124. Analogously, sealing arrangements can be provided in the area between the ball bearings 156, 158 and the shaft 154. The ball bearings 156, 158 are also designed to be fluid-tight. An annular central web 180 is formed on the peripheral surface 178 of the barrier arrangement 124. On one side of the central web 180, in a direction along the axis A to the first turbine arrangement 112, a first radial connection surface 182 is formed, which is designed to contact the first housing section 126 and to fasten it to the barrier arrangement 124. On the other hand of the central web 180, in an opposite direction along the axis A, i.e. in the direction of the second turbine arrangement 118, a second radial connection surface 184 is formed, which is designed to contact the second housing section 128 and to connect it to the barrier arrangement 124 attach. For fastening, several respective fastening bolts 186 are provided on the connection surfaces 182, 184, which together with the housing sections 126, 128 form a respective bayonet lock. Instead of a bayonet lock, another fastening arrangement could also be provided, such as a Threaded screw connection. Additionally or alternatively, clips can be provided which snap into one another for fastening and can be released again. The bayonet lock offers the advantage of easy operation. For the bayonet lock, 182 connecting prongs are provided on the first connection surface. Respective sealing arrangements can be provided on the peripheral surface 178, for example on the connection surfaces 182, 184, in order to provide a fluid-tight connection between the respective housing part 126, 128 and the barrier arrangement 124.

The first housing part 126 has a ring-shaped section 188, which is hollow on the inside and is designed to encompass, in particular, the primary turbine wheel 150 and the barrier arrangement 124, at least in the state attached to the first connection surface 182. The annular section 188 has a plurality of air passage openings 190 which serve to provide air contact for the primary turbine wheel 150 with the environment. In an operating state, the primary suction air flow can flow through the air passage openings 190 to the primary turbine wheel 150. An inner circumferential surface 192 is also formed on the annular section 188, which is designed to contact the first connection surface 182. For this purpose, a counterpart to the bayonet lock is formed on the inner peripheral surface 192 in the form of several groove arrangements, which are designed to accommodate a respective connecting prong of the barrier arrangement 124.

On the first housing part 126, the primary connection interface 130 is further formed in the form of a tubular section, which is designed to be coupled to a suction device, for example a hose or a nozzle of a dry vacuum cleaner. For this purpose, the hose or nozzle can encompass the tubular section or be inserted into it. The tubular section is hollow on the inside and extends into the annular section 188. In addition, a first connection tab 183 and a second connection tab 185 are formed on the first housing part 126. These are formed on opposite sides of the first housing part 126 in the radial direction with respect to the axis A. They serve to interact with a connection arrangement that is optionally designed on the suction device in order to couple the suction device firmly but releasably to the primary connection interface 130. Air passage openings 195 which are open to the outside are formed between the annular section 188 and the tubular section 130, the first housing part 126 being designed to be coupled to an actuatable valve arrangement 194. In the present case, this is designed as a two-part, annular throttle valve, wherein the two parts of the throttle valve can be releasably clipped together, and the throttle valve can be rotated relative to the first housing part 126 and about the axis A. The throttle valve also has air passage openings which, depending on the rotational position, coincide with or close the air passage openings of the first housing part 126. In this way, the proportion of the primary suction air flow that flows through the primary turbine wheel 150 can be adjusted.

The second housing part 128 also has a ring-shaped section 196, which has air passage openings in order to allow air conveyed by the secondary turbine wheel 152, the secondary suction air flow, to escape into the environment. The annular section 196, for example, is constructed similarly to the annular section 188 of the first housing part 126 with regard to the fastening arrangement, so that reference is made to this for further features such as the bayonet lock.

The second housing part 128 also has a secondary connection interface 136, which is designed as an annular extension. The secondary connection interface 136 has part of a bayonet lock, namely several groove arrangements. The secondary connection interface 136, in particular the annular extension, is designed to be coupled to a module such as a collecting container. For this purpose, a sealing arrangement can be provided between the secondary connection interface 136 and the module, so that a fluid-tight connection is provided. Instead or additionally, the secondary connection interface 136 can also be formed on a tubular air inflow region 198 which is formed on the second housing part 128 and is present in the present case. The annular extension is supported by several ribs relative to the tubular air inflow area 198.

Figure 4 relates to a schematic sectional view of the adapter device 110 according to the invention according to the further exemplary embodiment in an assembled or assembled state. The first housing section 126 is attached to the barrier arrangement 124 by means of the bayonet lock. In addition The inner peripheral surface 192 contacts the first connection surface 182 and forms a substantially fluid-tight connection. The first housing section 126 encloses the primary turbine wheel 150, but is arranged at a distance from it in the radial direction. The air passage openings 190 provided on the annular section 188 enable the primary suction air flow to enter the adapter device 110 or the first turbine arrangement 116 and flow through it. The air passage opening 195 is closed by the valve arrangement 194, so that the primary suction air flow only enters through the air passage openings 190. This means that the primary suction air flow can act completely on the first turbine arrangement 112 and drive the primary turbine wheel 150. For reasons of simplicity, no suction device is coupled to the primary connection interface 130. However, the arrows indicate how the primary suction air flow and the generated secondary suction air flow flow.

The second housing section 128 is attached to the barrier arrangement 124 by means of the associated bayonet lock. For this purpose, an inner peripheral surface of the annular section 196 contacts the second connection surface 184 of the barrier arrangement 124. The second housing section 128 encloses the secondary turbine wheel 152, but is arranged at a distance from it in the radial direction. The air passage openings provided on the annular section 196, which are arranged offset and are therefore not visible in the sectional view, enable the secondary suction air flow to enter the adapter device 110 or the second housing section 128 via the air inflow area 198 and through the second turbine arrangement 118 can flow. For reasons of simplicity, no module is arranged on the secondary connection interface 130. However, the arrows indicate how the secondary suction air flow flows.

The primary suction air flow therefore flows through the first turbine arrangement 116 and acts on the primary turbine wheel 150 by exerting a drive force directed in the circumferential direction on individual turbine blades 173 of the primary turbine wheel 150. The first turbine arrangement 116 is thus driven by means of the primary suction air flow. Since the primary turbine wheel 150 is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the transmission arrangement 120 comprising the shaft 154 in the assembled state, the rotational driving of the first turbine wheel 150 leads to a rotationally driving the shaft 154, and in turn to a rotationally driving the secondary turbine wheel 152, which is also rotationally fixed in the assembled state the shaft 154 is coupled. The rotation of the secondary turbine wheel 152 acts in the second turbine assembly 118 existing air and pushes it in the radial direction outwards from the adapter device 1 10 through the air passage openings, and sucks in air via the air inflow area 198. The secondary suction air flow is thus generated. This can be used to vacuum the suction substrate.

It can be seen that with the two suction air streams there are two suction air streams that are different from one another and structurally separate from one another. In this context, the barrier arrangement 124 ensures, among other things, that the suction air streams flow spatially separated from one another. During operation, the rotation of the primary turbine wheel 150 also ensures that any remaining residues of the suction substrate, such as moisture or liquid, are transported away to the outside and do not enter the primary suction air flow.

It can also be seen that in an operating state the shaft 154 and the turbine wheels 150, 152 rotate about the common axis A.

In order to prevent air, dirt, moisture and/or liquid, in particular water, or the like from the outflowing secondary suction air flow from entering the inflowing primary suction air flow in the area of the ring-shaped sections 188, 196, various structural measures can be provided. Thus, the air passage openings 190 and those of the second housing section 128 can be arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction, an additional structural barrier can be provided between them, or the air passage openings 190 can only be provided on one side of the adapter device, while the air passage openings of the second housing section 128 can be provided on one side in this regard be arranged on the opposite side.

In order to enable liquid to be removed, it can be provided that instead of the air passage openings of the second housing section 128, a tertiary connection interface is provided analogous to the first exemplary embodiment. This can be designed, for example, as a connection for a hose.

For example, the area of the primary connection interface 130, for example its outer surface, can be designed to be coupled to a handle arrangement. Alternatively, the handle arrangement can be formed on this. The handle arrangement, comprising, for example, a handle, can serve to operate the adapter device 110 by an operator. 5 shows a cleaning arrangement 300 according to the invention, comprising the adapter device 110 from FIGS. 3 and 4 and a collecting container arrangement 200, as well as a first handle arrangement 202 and a second handle arrangement 204.

The collecting container arrangement 200 has a substantially tubular collecting container 201 with a substantially constant inner diameter, although other geometries can also be provided. The collecting container 201 is therefore hollow and extends along a collecting container axis S, which in the coupled state shown coincides with the axis A of the adapter device 110. Furthermore, it is designed as a body of revolution. The ratio of the wall thickness of the collecting container 201 to its radius is at least 1:10, preferably at least 1:20. The collecting container arrangement 200 is coupled to the adapter device 110 by means of the secondary connection interface 136, in this case the bayonet lock. For this purpose, four bolts are formed at a first end 206 of the collecting container 201, which extend in the radial direction outwards from a lateral surface 208 of the adapter device 1 10 and engage in openings in the bayonet lock of the adapter device 1 10. In other words, a part of the bayonet lock that is designed to complement that on the adapter device 110 is formed on the collecting container 201. The collecting container arrangement 200 and the adapter device 110 can be decoupled from one another by rotating them relative to one another in a first direction of rotation. Furthermore, the collecting container arrangement 200 and the adapter device 110 can be firmly coupled to one another by rotating them in a second direction of rotation that is opposite to the first direction of rotation. Instead of a bayonet lock, the secondary connection interface 136 can also have a different type of coupling, for example a threaded screw connection or fastening using screws or similar.

The secondary connection interface 136 enables a rigid and fluid-impermeable coupling of the adapter device 1 10 to the collecting container arrangement 200. The movements of the adapter device 1 10 and the collecting container arrangement 200 are thus coupled to one another, and a movement or inclination of the collecting container arrangement 200 also leads to a corresponding one Movement or inclination of the adapter device 1 10 and vice versa. The lateral surface 208 also has a large number of annular notches 209. The notches 209 are designed as reductions in the outer diameter of the collecting container 201. The notches 209 extend in the direction of the collecting container axis S with a predetermined width, a ratio of the width to a distance to an adjacent notch 209 being at least 1:3, preferably at least 1:4. The first handle arrangement 202 and the second handle arrangement 204 are also formed on the lateral surface 208. The first handle arrangement 202 has two coupling rings 210 and a two-part handle part 212. The coupling rings 210 completely encompass the lateral surface 208 or engage in a respective one of the notches 209. The two-part handle part 212 is designed similar to a parallelogram and has a handle area 214 that is designed to be gripped by an operator. The handle area 214 represents an upper leg of the parallelgram, which is aligned essentially parallel to the collecting container axis S.

The second handle arrangement 204 also has a coupling ring 216 which completely surrounds the lateral surface 208. Furthermore, the second handle arrangement 204 has an L-shaped holding bracket 218 with a handle area 220, the longitudinal axis of which is aligned essentially transversely to the collecting container axis S. The holding bracket 218 is coupled to the coupling ring 216 by means of a lockable pivot joint 222, wherein the pivot joint 222 can be opened by slightly loosening a screw in order to pivot the holding bracket 218 about a pivot axis A1 relative to the coupling ring 216, which is oriented perpendicular to the collecting container axis S is.

The coupling rings 210 can be arranged at each of the notches 209 as required. Instead of the notches 209, the lateral surface 208 can also be designed with a constant outer diameter, with the coupling rings 210 then preferably being fastenable to the lateral surface 208 by means of a clamping effect. This additionally increases the variability for an operator because he is then not limited to a coupling in the notches 209, which are arranged at equal distances from one another.

The collection container arrangement 200 further includes a tool connection module 224 with a tool connection interface 226. The tool connection interface 226 is designed to be coupled to a cleaning tool. The tool connection interface 226 includes a pipe section 228 arranged concentrically to the collecting container axis S, as well as two on both sides of the Pipe piece 228 arranged connecting tabs 229. The tool connection module 224 further has a connecting flange 230, which is annular and surrounds a second end 232 of the collecting container 201, which is formed on the other hand of the first end 206 on the collecting container 201. Furthermore, the connecting flange 230 has a bayonet closure or a bayonet closure part, which is designed to cooperate with an associated bayonet closure part formed on the collecting container arrangement 200 in order to couple the tool connection module 224 with the collecting container arrangement 200.

The collecting container arrangement 200 is designed to be transparent. This allows an operator to see the interior of the collection container assembly 200, as well as any suction substrate collected therein. Alternatively, a viewing window can be provided so that only part of the collecting container arrangement 200 is transparent. For this purpose, the collecting container arrangement 200 or the viewing window can, for example, comprise transparent material, in particular a transparent polymer such as acrylic glass, polycarbonate or polystyrene. In addition or as an alternative to the transparent design, opaque material, in particular an opaque polymer, can also be provided.

A riser pipe 234 is arranged within the collecting container arrangement 200, which cannot be seen in more detail due to the simplified representation, but will be described in more detail below. The riser pipe 234 extends along the collection container axis S starting from the second end 232 towards the first end 206. However, along the collection container axis S, the riser pipe 234 is arranged at a distance from the first end 206. In other words, the length of the riser pipe 234 is approximately 60 to 90 percent, preferably 85 percent, of the length of the collecting container arrangement 200. The riser pipe 234 is releasably coupled to the tool connection module 224. For this purpose, an external thread is formed on the riser pipe 234, which is screwed into an internal thread formed on the tool connection module 224.

The riser pipe 234 serves to guide or suck the secondary suction air flow together with the suction substrate into the collecting container 201. After the riser pipe 234 is designed to be open at an end facing the first end 206, the secondary suction air flow can escape into the collecting container 201 with the suction substrate. This configuration of the riser pipe 234 also helps to separate the suction substrate from the secondary suction air stream and in the To enrich collecting container 201. Gravity pulls the suction substrate towards the second end 232 of the collecting container 201 so that it accumulates there, while the light suction air flow can flow to the first end 206 and thus into the adapter device 110.

In order to remove the suction substrate from the collecting container 201 or to empty it, the adapter device 110 can be decoupled from the collecting container arrangement 200. In this case, the bayonet lock (secondary connection interface) can be opened for this purpose. Alternatively, the tool connection module 224 could also be decoupled from the collecting container 201. In addition, the collection container 201 may include an emptying opening that can be opened or closed if necessary.

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the collecting container arrangement 200. A sealing arrangement 236 is arranged at the first end 206 of the collecting container 201. This is designed to couple the collecting container 201 to the adapter device 110 in a fluid-tight manner. In the present case, the sealing arrangement 236 is designed as an O-ring.

The collecting container arrangement 200 further comprises a splash protection arrangement 238, which is arranged on the end of the riser pipe 234 oriented towards the first end 206 and can be coupled to the riser pipe 234. The splash protection arrangement 238 is designed to form a barrier for suction substrate sucked into the riser pipe 234 by the secondary suction air flow, so that the suction substrate does not emerge from the riser pipe 234 in the direction of the first end 206 and along the collecting container axis S, but in the radial direction. This makes it easier to separate the suction substrate from the secondary suction air stream and to enrich it in the collecting container 201. In other words, the suction substrate is prevented from emerging from the riser pipe 234 in the direction of the adapter device 110. The splash guard arrangement 238 has a tubular section 240 and a disc-shaped section 242. The tubular section 240 is adapted to be coupled to the riser 234 by being pushed out onto the riser 234. Other types of coupling are also conceivable, for example a coupling using interlocking threads. The disk-shaped section 242 is designed to be closed in the direction of the collecting container axis S and prevents the suction substrate from passing through. The tubular section 240 includes radially arranged passage openings 244 in, which allows the suction substrate or the secondary suction air flow to pass through or

Allow exit in the radial direction from the riser pipe 234.

Instead of a riser pipe 234, an elastic suction hose can also be provided. Furthermore, the suction hose can be guided on the outside of the collecting container arrangement 200 and enter the collecting container 201 below the first end 206, possibly via a connection. This also makes it possible to introduce the secondary suction air flow into the collecting container 201 below the first end 206, preferably at a distance from it.

A sealing arrangement 246 in the form of an O-ring is arranged between the riser pipe 234 and the tool connection module 224.

Electrical contacts 248 are formed on the two connection tabs 229 of the tool connection module 224, which form an electrical contact arrangement 249. These serve to establish electrical contact with a cleaning tool when it is coupled to the tool connection module 224. In the present case, electrical lines 250 are also formed on the collecting container 201. These can be arranged as insulated conductors inside or outside of the collecting container 201. Alternatively, the electrical lines 250 can be designed to be at least partially embedded in the material of the collecting container 201. At the second end 232, electrical contacts (not shown here) can also be formed, which are designed to establish electrical contact between the electrical lines 250 and the tool connection module 224 and its electrical contacts 248. Electrical contacts (not shown here) can also be formed on the first end 206, which are designed to establish electrical contact between the adapter device 110 and the electrical lines 250. In the present case, a respective electrical line 250 is directly connected to a respective electrical contact 248.

Figure 7 relates to a partial exploded view of the cleaning arrangement 300. The collecting container arrangement 200 is shown in the assembled state. The tool connection module 224 is firmly coupled to the collecting container 201 by means of the bayonet lock. Furthermore, the riser pipe 234 with the splash protection arrangement 238 is arranged within the collecting container 201 and is firmly coupled to the tool connection module 224. No cleaning tool is coupled to the tool connection module 224. The two handle parts 212, 214 are from decoupled from the collecting container 201, whereby they can be coupled to the respective notches 209 of the lateral surface 208 of the collecting container 201.

In the partial exploded view according to FIG. 7, the collecting container arrangement 200 is decoupled from the adapter device 110 and shown spaced from one another along the axis A or collecting container axis S. A suction protection device 252 is also arranged between the adapter device 110 and the collecting container arrangement 200. The suction protection device 252 is designed to be coupled to the adapter device 110. More specifically, the intake protection device 252 may be coupled to the tubular air inflow region 198. For this purpose, associated bayonet locking parts are designed, alternatively a connection using a threaded screw connection or similar can also be provided. Alternatively, the suction protection device 252 may be formed integrally with the adapter device 110. In the coupled state and during operation of the adapter device 110 according to the invention, the secondary suction air flow is sucked out of the collecting container arrangement 200 starting from the second turbine arrangement 118 via the tubular air inflow region 198 and thus via the suction protection device 252. The suction protection device 252, not shown, includes an internal air guide arrangement in order to supply the air from the collecting container arrangement 200 to the adapter device 110. The external shape of the suction protection device 252 is designed so that it is essentially fluid-tight with the tubular air inflow region 198, in particular a radially inner surface of the air inflow region 198, when coupled, so that the secondary suction air flow only flows over the internal air guide arrangement of the suction protection device 252 can. When coupled to the adapter device 110, the suction protection device 252 extends along the axis A. If the adapter device 110 is further coupled to the collecting container arrangement 200, the suction protection device 252 further extends along the collecting container axis S. In addition, the suction protection device 252 is spaced from the inner surface of the collecting container 201 arranged.

The suction protection device 252, not shown, comprises a closing body which, in its closed position, closes the air duct arrangement in such a way that at least no liquid, preferably neither liquid nor air, passes from the collecting container arrangement 200 to the adapter device 110 can, and which, in its open position, releases the air guide arrangement for sucking in air from the collecting container arrangement 200. Furthermore, the suction protection device 252 includes a force actuator for generating an actuating force by means of which the closing body can be pushed into the closed position and/or the open position. Advantageously, the suction protection device 252 can be controlled so that the open position and closed position can be assumed depending on a control signal. The open position is assumed in particular when regular suction operation is to take place using the adapter device 110. The closed position should be assumed in particular when the level of the suction substrate in the collecting container 201 exceeds a predetermined level and/or the suction operation of the adapter device 110 is ended, so that the suction substrate does not come away from the suction substrate even when pivoting, tilting, transporting, storing or similar Collection container arrangement 200 can get into the adapter device 1 10. The actuating force of the force actuator preferably comprises a magnetic force.

The suction protection device 252 is an optional component of the cleaning arrangement 300. The cleaning arrangement 300 can therefore also be provided without the suction protection device 252.

Figure 8 relates to a representation of the cleaning arrangement 300 from Figure 5 in a state coupled to an exemplary suction device 254. The suction device 254 is a conventional dry vacuum cleaner that can be operated using household electricity, although essentially any other type of suction device can also be provided. The suction device 254 comprises a main body 256, which can be displaced relative to a floor surface by means of a rolling effect by means of two wheels 258 arranged at its rear, lower end and a front wheel, not shown. All wheels 258 protrude at least partially from an underside of the main assembly 256 and space the main body 256 from the floor surface. The main body 256 includes a carrying handle 260 arranged at the rear upper end thereof and formed in an arcuate shape.

An elastic suction hose 262 is coupled to the main body 256. The suction hose 262 includes a handle part 264 that can be grasped by an operator and has a suction nozzle 266. The handle part 264 and the suction nozzle 266 are essentially rigid. The suction nozzle 266 is connected to the primary connection interface 130 of the adapter device 110 by means of a clamping effect coupled. For this purpose, the suction nozzle 266 is tubular, the outer diameter of the suction nozzle 266 essentially corresponding to the inner diameter of the tubular section of the primary connection interface 130 or being minimally smaller than this in order to be at least partially inserted into the tubular section of the primary connection interface 130.

The suction device 254 is designed to generate a negative pressure during operation. For this purpose, the suction device 254 has a turbine arrangement, not shown, which is set up to generate the negative pressure on the suction hose 262 and ejects the sucked air into the surroundings of the main body 256. This negative pressure generated at the suction hose 262 causes the primary suction air flow, which ultimately flows from the surroundings of the adapter device 110 through the air passage openings 190 into the first turbine arrangement 116 in order to drive the primary turbine wheel 150. The suction air flow then flows further via the primary connection interface 130 and leaves the adapter device 110, entering the main body 256 of the suction device 254 through the suction nozzle 266, the handle part 264 and the suction hose 262, and then from there into the surroundings of the suction device after the turbine arrangement 254 to get to.

The cleaning arrangement 300 can therefore be driven by means of the suction device 254. During operation of the cleaning assembly 300, the main body 256 may stand on the floor surface. An operator can freely move the cleaning assembly 300 and use it according to cleaning needs. Advantageously, the cleaning arrangement 300 according to the invention makes it possible to use the suction device 254 designed as a dry vacuum cleaner to drive the cleaning arrangement 300, ensuring that no suction substrate, in particular no liquid or moist air, emerges from the cleaning arrangement 300, in particular the secondary suction air flow and can get into the primary suction air flow and thus into the suction device 254. For reasons of simplified representation, the notches 209 are not shown again.

9 relates to an exemplary partial representation of the adapter device 110 with various suction devices or handle parts that can be coupled to the primary connection interface 130, which are shown spaced from and decoupled from the primary connection interface 130 according to an exploded view. On the one hand, the suction hose 262 known from FIG. 8 is connected to the Handle part 264 and the suction nozzle 266 are shown. In addition, an alternative suction device 268 in the form of a handheld vacuum cleaner is shown, as well as a third handle arrangement 269 and a fourth handle arrangement 271.

The suction device 268 comprises a substantially cylindrical main body 270, on the rear end of which a handle arrangement 272 which can be grasped by an operator is formed. The handle assembly 272 includes an upper handle portion 274 that connects to and extends away from the main body 270. In the present case, the upper handle part 274 is cuboid-shaped, although it can also be round or designed in another way. The upper handle part 274 is preferably designed to be ergonomically adapted so that an operator can grip it comfortably. A lower, arcuate lower handle part 276 extends below the upper handle part 274. The lower handle part 276 is formed integrally with a rear end of the upper handle part 274 at one end and integrally with the main body 270 at the other end. The lower handle part 276 is essentially L-shaped and essentially cuboid, although it can also be round or in another way.

The lower handle part 276 is preferably designed to be ergonomically adapted so that an operator can grip it comfortably.

The front end of the cylindrical main body 270 is designed to be coupled to the primary connection interface 130 of the adapter device 110. For this purpose, a tubular section (not shown) is formed on the inside of the main body 270, which is designed to be coupled to the tubular section of the primary connection interface 130 in a similar way to the suction nozzle 266 of the suction device 254. In addition, however, the main body 270 has an operable connection arrangement 275, which has operable rocker arms 276, 278 and which are designed to cooperate with the connection tabs 183, 185 of the first housing part 126 of the adapter device 110. In the coupled state, the rocker arms 276, 278 reach with one end behind the respective connecting tab 183, 185 and thus prevent the suction device 368 from being decoupled from the adapter device 110. However, an operator can actuate a second end of the rocker arms 276, 278, so that the respective rocker arm 276, 278 no longer engages behind the respective connection tab 183, 185 and thus releases the suction device 268 to be decoupled from the adapter device 110. The operation of such rocker arms will be described further below and the rocker arm can be designed in one of the ways - as will be described below. The main body 270 also has laterally formed air passage openings 280, which are designed to discharge the primary suction air flow generated by the primary connection interface 130 and by a suction turbine arranged within the suction device 268 into the environment.

The suction device 268 is designed to be releasably coupled to a battery, the battery providing electrical energy to drive the suction turbine. For this purpose, a receptacle can be provided on the suction device 268 in order to couple the accumulator to the suction device 268. A switch 282 is arranged on an upper side of the suction device 268 in order to switch the suction turbine on or off depending on the position of the switch 282.

The suction device 268 is shown as an example and is intended to illustrate that the adapter device 110 or the cleaning arrangement 300 can also be coupled and operated by means of a battery-operated, compact suction device.

The third handle assembly 269 and the fourth handle assembly 271 are also designed to be coupled to the primary connection interface 130. For this purpose, they each have a coupling ring 284, which is designed to be coupled to the outer lateral surface of the tubular section of the primary connection interface 130. Furthermore, the handle arrangement in 269, 271 can be grasped by an operator. For this purpose, the third handle arrangement 269 has a gripping body 286, which includes handle parts designed similarly to a parallelogram. The lateral surface of the coupling ring 284 is formed integrally with the gripping body 286. In addition, the third handle arrangement 269 includes a rocker arm 288, which is designed to interact with the first connection tab 183 or the second connection tab 185 of the first housing part 126 of the adapter device 110. The rocker arm 288 makes it possible, on the one hand, to couple the third handle arrangement 269 firmly but releasably to the adapter device 110. At the same time, in the coupled state, rotation of the third handle arrangement 269 about axis A is prevented, since the rocker arm 288 engages behind one of the connecting tabs 183, 185 in such a way that rotation is blocked.

When we talk about rocker arms, this can mean a so-called connecting mechanism that is set up to connect the handle arrangement with the when actuated To couple and/or decouple the adapter device and/or the collecting container arrangement.

The fourth handle arrangement 271 has a gripping body 290 arranged below the coupling ring 284, which is designed similarly to a pistol grip and is designed to be at least partially gripped by an operator's hand. The fourth handle arrangement 271 also has a rocker arm 292, the functionality of which is similar to that of the rocker arms mentioned above. The coupling ring 284 is formed integrally with the gripping body 290.

Figure 10a relates to an exploded view of the third handle arrangement 269. The third handle arrangement 269 has a first housing part 294 and a second housing part 296. The first housing part 294 has one half of the gripping body 286 and one half of the coupling ring 284. The second housing part 296 has the other half of the gripping body 286 and the other half of the coupling ring 284. The second housing part 296 has four openings 298 on its inside, into which respective threaded inserts 302 can be inserted. In the inserted state, the threaded inserts 302 are firmly coupled to the second housing part 296. The first housing part 294 includes four through openings 304 which are designed to receive respective screws 306 which can be screwed to a respective threaded insert 302 in order to firmly couple the first housing part 294 to the second housing part 296.

At least the second housing part 296 has a mounting bolt 308, which is designed to accommodate the rocker arm 288 and to mount it in an articulated manner. For this purpose, the rocker arm 288 has a passage opening 310 in its central region, which is designed to accommodate the locating bolt 308. Furthermore, the rocker arm 288 has a first leg 312 and a second leg 314. The two legs 312, 314 are designed to contact the second housing part 296 at least in sections when it is attached. The two legs 312, 314 are slightly curved. This makes it possible for an operator to actuate an end of the first leg 312 that protrudes from the second housing part 296, so that at least the second leg 314 is elastically deformed and tensioned. This results in a tab 31 1 formed between the two legs 312, 314 and in the area of the passage opening 310 being displaced about a longitudinal axis K of the locating bolt 308. Then the tab 31 1 engages behind the first connection tab 183 or the second connection tab 185 of the first housing part 126 of the adapter device 1 10 no longer exists if the third handle arrangement 269 was coupled to the adapter device 1 10, so that the third handle arrangement 269 can be decoupled from the adapter device 1 10. This mechanism enables the third handle arrangement 296 to be coupled firmly but releasably to the primary connection interface 130 or the first housing part 126 of the adapter device 110.

To assemble the third handle assembly 296, the threaded inserts 302 and the rocker arm 288 are first inserted into the second housing part 296. The first housing part 294 is then assembled with the second housing part 296 so that the axes of the passage openings 304 are aligned with the axes of the openings 298. The screws 306 are then guided through the passage openings 304 and screwed to the threaded inserts 302.

Figure 10b relates to an exploded view of the fourth handle arrangement 271. The fourth handle arrangement 271 has a first housing part 316 and a second housing part 318. The first housing part 316 has one half of the gripping body 290 and one half of the coupling ring 284. The second housing part 318 has the other half of the gripping body 290 and the other half of the coupling ring 284. On an inside of the second housing part 318, three receiving openings 320 are formed, which are designed to receive respective threaded inserts 322 as described above. The first housing part 316 has three through openings 324, which are designed to accommodate respective screws 326.

The two housing parts 316, 318 have respective receiving openings 328 which are designed to receive a respective end of a guide pin 330 which is formed on the rocker arm 292. In the present case, only the receiving opening 328 of the second housing part 318 can be seen. The two housing parts 316, 318 have respective openings 332. If the rocker arm 292 is inserted into the receiving openings 328, it is mounted so that it can pivot about an axis K of the guide pin 330. Furthermore, one end of a first leg 334 then protrudes through the opening 332 and can be actuated by an operator. A tab 338 is formed at the end of a second leg 336 of the rocker arm 292. As described above, the tab 338 is designed to reach behind one of the connection tabs 183, 185 and thus to couple the fourth handle arrangement 271 firmly but releasably to the adapter device 110. A nose 340 is also formed on the first leg 334, which is designed to support a spring element 342 in such a way that, when the fourth handle arrangement 271 is mounted on the first leg 334, it is urged in a first direction of rotation about the axis K. If the fourth handle arrangement 271 is attached to the adapter device 110, the tab 338 is then pushed behind one of the connecting tabs 183, 185. In order to release the connection of the tab 338 with the respective connecting tab 183, 185, an operator grabs the end of the first leg 334 protruding from the two housing parts 316, 318 and pushes it about the axis K in a second direction of rotation, which is the first direction of rotation is opposite. The operator must counteract the force of the spring element 342.

In order to assemble the fourth handle arrangement 271, the threaded inserts 322 are first inserted into the receiving openings 320 of the second housing part 318. Furthermore, the spring element 342 is inserted into a receiving opening 344, which is formed on at least one of the housing parts 316, 318, the spring element 342 engaging the nose 340 and being inserted into the second housing part 318 together with the rocker arm 292. The first housing part 316 is then assembled with the second housing part 318 so that the axes of the passage openings 324 are aligned with the axes of the openings 328. The screws 326 are then guided through the passage openings 324 and screwed to the threaded inserts 322.

Figure 11 relates to a representation of the cleaning arrangement 300 with exemplary cleaning tools 346, 348, 350, each of which is designed to be attached to the tool connection interface 226. The cleaning arrangement 300 is shown in an assembled state and without a suction device coupled to it.

The first cleaning tool 346 includes a floor unit 352, wherein on the floor unit 352 there is arranged a first brush 354, which is designed to rotate about a first brush axis B1, and a second brush 356, which is designed to rotate about a second brush axis B2 to rotate. The two brush axes B1, B2 are arranged at a distance from one another. The brushes 354, 356 are designed to contact a floor surface to be cleaned during operation. The base unit 352 further comprises an arcuate squeegee arrangement 356, with a suction lip on the squeegee arrangement 356 359 is arranged, which is designed to contact the floor surface and to withdraw and bring together the suction substrate of the floor surface, in particular liquid. The first cleaning tool 346 further has a connection module 358, which is designed to be coupled to the tool connection module 224. For this purpose, the connection module 358 has a tubular section 360, which is designed to be coupled to the pipe section 228. More specifically, the tubular section

360 pushed onto the pipe section 228. The tubular section 360 further has a second end to which a suction hose 362 is coupled. The suction hose 362 connects the tubular section 360 to the squeegee arrangement 356, so that during operation the secondary suction air flow starting from the squeegee arrangement 356, via the suction hose 362, can flow through the tubular section into the pipe section 228 of the tool connection interface 226 in order to suck suction substrate. For this purpose, a suction opening is preferably formed on the suction bar arrangement 356 near the floor surface, via which the secondary suction air stream can flow with the suction substrate into the suction hose 362.

The connection module 358 is coupled to the base unit 352 via a joint arrangement 364. The joint arrangement 364 has a first pivot axis SA1 and a second pivot axis SA2, which are aligned perpendicular to one another and arranged at a distance from one another. The joint arrangement 364 enables the connection module 358 and, for example, the container arrangement 200 coupled thereto to be arranged pivotably relative to the base unit 352. This enables easy handling of the cleaning arrangement 300.

The second cleaning tool 348 also has the connection module 358 as described above, with a removal head 366 being provided on the tubular section 360 instead of the suction hose, which is formed integrally with the tubular section 360 or the connection module 358. The extraction head 366 is designed similarly to the shape of a substantially equilateral triangle of small thickness, with a lower leg of this triangle forming a suction lip 368 with a suction opening 370. The extraction head 366 is hollow on the inside or is designed with at least one large or several small air flow channels which open into the suction opening 370, so that the secondary suction air flow can flow from the suction lip 368 into the suction opening and through the extraction head 366 to the tubular section 360 . The suction lip 368 can be made of a rubber-like material. The suction lip 368 is included set up to at least partially contact the floor surface during operation in order to supply the suction substrate to the suction opening 370.

The third cleaning tool 350 has a base unit 372 in which a first cleaning roller 374 and a second cleaning roller 376 are arranged. The first cleaning roller 374 has a first roller axis W1, about which it can be driven in rotation. The second cleaning roller 346 has a second roller axis W2, about which it can be driven in rotation. The two roller axes W1, W2 are arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another. If the third cleaning tool 350 rests on the floor surface, the roller axes W1, W2 are aligned essentially parallel to the floor surface. The cleaning rollers 374, 376 may include brushes and/or slats. The cleaning rollers 374, 376 contact the floor surface during operation. The third cleaning tool 350 also includes the connection module 358 as described above. The connection module 358 has the tubular section which is designed to be coupled to the pipe section 228. More precisely, the tubular section 360 is pushed onto the pipe section 228. The connection module 358 is further coupled to the base unit 372 by means of a pivot joint 378. The pivot joint 378 has a pivot axis SA3, which is arranged parallel and spaced apart from the roller axes W1, W2. The swivel joint 378 enables the connection module 358 to be swiveled relative to the base unit 372 about the swivel axis SA3. A housing 380 is formed on the connection module 358 and surrounds the tubular section 360. The tubular section 360 is coupled to a suction hose 382, which in turn couples the connection module 358 next to the pivot joint 378 to the base unit 372. The suction hose 382 is designed to remove the secondary suction air flow from the base unit 372 and to supply it to the tubular section 360. A motor drive is formed in the base unit 372 and is designed to rotate the two cleaning rollers 374, 376 about the roller axes W1, W2. For this purpose, the motor drive is coupled to the cleaning rollers 374, 376 via a belt arrangement, which in the present case is formed outside a housing of the base unit 350. Of course, the belt arrangement can also be formed within the housing. Furthermore, other mechanical couplings can be provided instead of the belt arrangement.

Figures 12a and 12b relate to a detailed representation of the connection module 358 of the first cleaning tool 346, and serve, among other things, to explain the mechanism with which the connection module 358 is connected to the Tool connection interface 226 can be coupled. As already explained, the connection module 358 has the tubular section 360. Furthermore, the connection module 358 has a first receiving opening 384 and a second receiving opening 386. The two receiving openings 384, 386 are formed on opposite sides of the tubular section 360 and form a cuboid recess on the connection module 358. The connection module 358 also has a striker 388, which is designed as a component separate from the connection module 358, but coupled to it is. The striker 388 has a respective hook 390 at its respective ends, which protrude into the receiving openings 384, 386 without actuation of the striker 388. Without actuation means that the striker is pretensioned in a first direction R1 due to a spring arrangement/spring element (not shown) and the hooks 390 thereby protrude into the receiving openings 384, 386, but against the direction R1 and against a spring force of the spring arrangement relative to the rest Connection module 358 can be relocated. To do this, an operator presses on the striker 388 in the opposite direction to R1 and displaces the striker 388 in the opposite direction to R1. This displacement causes the hooks 390 to emerge from the receiving openings 384, 386 in the opposite direction to the direction R1 and release them. The two receiving openings 384, 386 are designed to accommodate a respective connecting tab 229 formed on the tool connection interface 226, with the hooks 390 reaching through a respective passage opening 410 of the respective connecting tab 229 in the coupled state. The hooks 390 thus produce a locking effect, which prevents the connection module 358 from being decoupled from the tool connection interface 226 without actuating the striker 388.

The connection module 358 has an upper housing part 392 and a lower housing part 394, with through openings 396 formed on the lower housing part 394 to accommodate screws, not shown, which are designed to be screwed into screw-in areas 398 formed on the upper housing part 392 in order to achieve the upper Housing part 392 and the lower housing part 394 are to be firmly coupled to one another. If the upper housing part 392 is coupled to the lower housing part 394, the striker 388 is clamped between these two against the spring force of the spring element. The striker 388 cannot therefore be removed from the remaining connection module 358 without separating the housing parts 392, 394 from one another. The tubular portion 360 has a guide projection 400 extending along a longitudinal axis LA1 of the tubular portion 360 on an inner surface thereof. The guide projection 400 is designed to engage in a guide groove formed on the outside of the pipe section 228.

The first receiving opening 384 has a first electrical contact plate 402 and the second receiving opening 386 has a second electrical contact plate 404. The contact plates 402, 404 are intended to contact a respective one of the electrical contacts 248 when coupled to the tool connection interface 226 in order to establish electrical contact with them. The electrical contact plates 402 are coupled to a respective electrical line 406. The electrical lines 406 are in turn coupled, for example, to at least one motor drive in order to supply them with electrical power. The motor drives can be intended to rotate the cleaning rollers 374 or the brushes.

In the connection module 358 of the second cleaning tool 348, the electrical contact plates 402, 404 can be dispensed with, since in the present case the second cleaning tool 348 does not have a drivable tool.

The connection module 358 of the third cleaning tool 350 is essentially designed on the side facing the tool connection interface 226 analogous to that of the first cleaning tool 346, but additionally has the already mentioned housing 380. The housing 380 can form the striker 388. Alternatively, the connection module 358 of the third cleaning tool 350 can only have the tubular section 360 and the housing 380 on the side facing the tool connection interface 226, the tubular section 360 achieving a clamping effect with it when pushed onto the pipe section 228.

Figure 13 relates to a detailed view of the tool connection module 224 according to an exemplary embodiment. The tool connection module 224 is coupled to the collecting container 201 and firmly connected to it. The above-described guide groove 408 is formed on the pipe section 228 and extends along the axis A on an outer lateral surface of the pipe section 228. The guide groove 228 is designed to accommodate the guide projection 400. The two connection tabs 229 are also formed on the tool connection module 224 and protrude from a rear side of the tool connection module 224 in the direction of the axis A. The tool connection modules 224 are plate-shaped and have a respective passage opening 410. The passage openings 410 serve to accommodate the hooks 390 as described above.

The electrical contacts 248 are also formed at the passage openings 410. The electrical contacts 248 are also at least partially formed on an underside of the connection tabs 229. Furthermore, the electrical contacts 248 have a respective receiving extension 412, onto which a respective plug arrangement 414, in the present case in the form of a flat receptacle, is pushed. The respective plug arrangement 414 is electrically conductively connected to a respective one of the electrical lines 250. Each of the electrical lines 250 is fastened in the area of the respective receiving extension 412 by a respective line holder 416 on the back of the tool connection module 224. For this purpose, the line holders 416 have respective clamping jaws which clamp the respective line 250. The electrical lines 250 are preferably intended to provide a voltage of 12V, 24V or 48V.

The electrical lines 250 and associated structural features are optional. On the other hand, additional electrical lines can also be provided in order to establish electrical contact with a cleaning tool or to supply it with electrical power.

A power supply interface for establishing electrical contact with a power source can be formed on the collecting container arrangement 200 or on the adapter device 110. The power supply interface is then preferably coupled to the electrical lines 250. The power supply interface may include a holder for receiving a power supply. The holder can be designed to accommodate a battery.

Features that were explained in connection with a specific exemplary embodiment can also be provided in isolation from it in the cleaning arrangement, in particular the adapter device. The same applies to features that were explained in connection with the cleaning arrangement. These can also be provided in the adapter device and vice versa.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Cleaning arrangement (300) for sucking a suction substrate by means of a suction device (254; 268), comprising: an adapter device (10; 110), comprising a first turbine arrangement (12; 112) which is powered by a primary suction air stream of the suction device (254; 268 ) can be driven; a second turbine assembly (18; 118) drivable to generate a secondary suction air stream for suction of the suction substrate; and a transmission arrangement (20; 120) coupled to the first turbine arrangement (12; 112) and the second turbine arrangement (18; 118), wherein driving the first turbine arrangement (12; 112) by the primary suction air flow via the transmission arrangement ( 20; 120) can be used to drive the second turbine assembly (18; 118) to generate the secondary suction air flow; and at least one collecting container arrangement (41), which is designed to separate and receive the suction substrate sucked in by the secondary suction air flow from the secondary suction air flow.

2. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to claim 1, wherein the collecting container arrangement (41) is firmly coupled or designed to be coupled to the adapter device (10; 110).

3. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the collecting container arrangement (41) is essentially tubular.

4. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting container arrangement (41) comprises at least partially transparent material.

5. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting container arrangement (41) comprises at least one viewing window.

6. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting container arrangement (41) and / or the adapter device (10; 110) is designed as a supporting structure.

7. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting container arrangement (41) and / or the adapter device (10; 1 10) is designed to be changeable in position, in particular tiltable.

8. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one handle arrangement (202; 204; 269; 271), which is set up for gripping by an operator and with the adapter device (10; 1 10) and / or the collecting container arrangement ( 41) is designed to be firmly coupled or connectable.

9. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to claim 8, wherein the handle arrangement (202; 204; 269; 271) for coupling has an actuatable connection mechanism which, when actuated, is designed to connect the handle arrangement (202; 204; 269; 271) to the adapter device (10; 1 10) and/or the collecting container arrangement (41) to couple and/or decouple.

10. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tool connection interface (226) for coupling to a cleaning tool (346; 348; 350), wherein the secondary suction air flow by means of the tool connection interface (226) from the cleaning tool (346; 348; 350) is deductible.

1 1. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to claim 10, wherein the tool connection interface (226) comprises an electrical contact arrangement (249) which is designed to make electrical contact with the cleaning tool (346; 348; 350).

12. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to one of claims 10 or 1 1, wherein the tool connection interface (226) is designed to couple the cleaning tool (346; 348; 350) substantially rigidly.

13. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one power supply interface for establishing electrical contact with a power source, in particular a battery.

14. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a primary connection interface (130) for coupling to the suction device (254; 268), wherein via the primary connection interface (130). primary suction air flow can be removed from the adapter device (10; 110) for driving the first turbine arrangement (12; 112).

15. Cleaning arrangement (300) according to claim 14, wherein the primary connection interface (130) is designed to connect the suction device (254;

268) to be coupled essentially rigidly with the adapter device (10; 110).