DE102022108090A1 - Tank device for a floor cleaning device, floor cleaning device with a tank device and floor cleaning system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank device for a particularly self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device, comprising a dirty liquid container for receiving a dirty liquid, which comprises a wall enclosing an interior with a bottom wall, and a discharge channel for dirty liquid with an inlet opening, which, based on the direction of gravity, is above the Bottom wall is arranged, and an outlet opening arranged outside the interior. The present invention also relates to a floor cleaning device and a floor cleaning system.

Description

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

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

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

A floor cleaning device of the type described above enables the cleaning of a floor surface. Here, a cleaning liquid is usually applied to the cleaning tool and/or the floor surface in order to wet them and make it easier to remove adhering dirt. The cleaning liquid can in particular be water, to which a cleaning chemical can be added to increase the cleaning performance. The cleaning liquid is preferably stored in a storage container of the floor cleaning device. The floor cleaning device includes a tank device with the dirty liquid container in which dirty cleaning liquid (dirty liquid) is received. After the end of the work, the dirty liquid container can, for example, be emptied.

The object of the present invention is to provide a tank device for a floor cleaning device, a floor cleaning device with a tank device and a floor cleaning system with a floor cleaning device, with the removal of dirty liquid from the dirty liquid container being facilitated.

This object is achieved by a tank device according to the invention for a particularly self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device, comprising a dirty liquid container for receiving a dirty liquid, which comprises a wall enclosing an interior with a bottom wall, and a discharge channel for dirty liquid with an inlet opening, which, based on the direction of gravity , is arranged above the bottom wall, and an outlet opening arranged outside the interior.

In the tank device according to the invention, dirty liquid, which is picked up from the floor surface, for example by wiping the cleaning tool and/or under the action of a suction unit, can be transferred into the dirty liquid container. The wall surrounds the interior of the dirty liquid container and includes a bottom wall and, for example, a circumferential side wall. A ceiling wall of the dirty liquid container can be formed as part of the wall or separately from it. The level of the dirty liquid can rise from the bottom wall, with the dirty liquid entering the discharge channel via the inlet opening arranged above the bottom wall and exiting the discharge channel outside the interior. This preferably offers the possibility of saving an active closing element or valve element on the discharge channel and in particular on the dirty liquid container as a whole, which can in this way have a structurally simple design. Preferably, there is the possibility that an emptying opening can be saved on the bottom wall, which can prevent non-floating dirt particles from settling on the emptying opening and blocking it or any closing element arranged there.

Position and orientation information such as “above”, “below” or the like are, in the present case, related to an intended position of use of the tank device and a floor cleaning device comprising the tank device. Here, the floor cleaning device stands on the floor surface, which can be viewed as horizontally aligned, for example. The direction of gravity is perpendicular to the horizontal.

The present invention can provide for more than one dispensing channel to be present. Accordingly, the tank device can comprise at least one discharge channel as described above and in particular and below. The delivery channels can be of identical or different design.

A structurally simple design can be achieved, for example, in that the dirty liquid container is free of a closing element or valve element at least on the discharge channel and preferably overall. In particular, active closing elements or valve elements can be saved.

It is advantageously provided, as has already been discussed, that no emptying opening is arranged on the bottom wall. Esp It can be provided that dirty liquid can only be removed from the interior through the discharge channel.

For a reliable function of the tank device, it can be advantageous if the discharge channel is designed to extend in a straight line and/or is aligned along the direction of gravity.

For a structurally simple design, it can be advantageous if the dispensing channel is formed in one piece with the wall and is, for example, molded onto the wall.

The discharge channel can, for example, run through the wall.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the dispensing channel projects from the base wall into the interior, the dispensing channel being formed in particular in one piece with the base wall. In this way, for example, a seal for the discharge channel relative to the bottom wall can be saved. The discharge channel extends into the interior, with the inlet opening being arranged above the bottom wall. The dirty liquid can enter the top inlet opening and be drained downwards out of the interior.

In an optional embodiment, the outlet opening is aligned with a plane formed by the bottom wall.

It can be provided that the dispensing channel extends through the bottom wall.

The tank device advantageously comprises a hood element which extends over the dispensing channel and which surrounds the dispensing channel at least in sections and preferably completely, with a lower free edge of the hood element being arranged above the bottom wall. In this way, a flow deflection can be designed to remove the dirty liquid from the interior. The flow deflection enables a somewhat “labyrinth-like” design of the dirty liquid container and serves, for example, as a slosh protection. The dirty liquid can enter a space between the free edge of the hood element and its level can rise upwards towards the inlet opening. The inlet opening is covered by the hood element, with the dirty liquid being able to pass through the space between the inlet opening and an upper section of the hood element. The discharge of the dirty liquid takes place, for example, under the action of a suction unit, whereby the dirty liquid is sucked out through the space between the hood element and the discharge channel.

The hood element can, for example, be fixed to a top wall of the dirty liquid container and/or formed in one piece with the top wall.

The hood element can, for example, project beyond a ceiling wall section of the ceiling wall that at least partially surrounds it in the direction of gravity, the inlet opening of the discharge channel being arranged in the direction of gravity at least at the height or substantially at the height of the ceiling wall section. In this way, effective splash protection can be achieved in the dirty liquid container.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the discharge channel engages into the interior from above, with the inlet opening being formed below a ceiling wall of the dirty liquid container. The discharge channel can, for example, be guided from above into the dirty liquid container similar to an immersion tube. The dirty liquid can, for example, be sucked upwards under the action of a suction unit.

It can be provided, for example, that the discharge channel passes through a through opening which is formed in the top wall of the dirty liquid container. Here, the channel is formed in particular separately from the ceiling wall.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the dispensing channel is formed in one piece with the ceiling wall and, for example, is molded onto it.

The tank device advantageously comprises a storage container for cleaning liquid, which is arranged in particular above the dirty liquid container. Cleaning liquid can be applied from the storage container, for example, to the at least one cleaning tool and/or the floor surface.

The discharge channel runs, for example, through the storage container, in particular up to a top wall of the storage container. From above, the dirty liquid can be sucked out of the interior of the dirty liquid container through the storage container, for example by means of a suction unit.

For example, an opening is formed in the top wall of the storage container, with the edge of which the dispensing channel engages. The ceiling wall can be from the storage container for example be detachable to open it. During operation, the ceiling wall is closed and engages with the discharge channel, which means that the tank device can function reliably and have a robust design.

The discharge channel can in particular be formed in one piece with a wall of the storage container, which, for example, includes its bottom wall and/or its side wall.

As mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also relates to a floor cleaning device. A floor cleaning device according to the invention, which solves the problem mentioned at the outset, comprises a housing, a tank device of the type described above which is arranged in the housing or is formed by the housing, and at least one cleaning tool, wherein dirty liquid can be picked up from the floor surface and transferred into the dirty liquid container, and a housing opening on the housing is arranged, which is formed by the outlet opening of the dispensing channel or is aligned with it.

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

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

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

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

The housing opening can, for example, be formed flush with a housing wall of the housing. For example, the housing opening is arranged on a bottom wall of the housing and lies in the plane defined by the bottom wall, being aligned with the outlet opening of the dispensing channel. In a different embodiment, the housing opening is formed, for example, on a top wall of the housing and lies in the plane defined by the top wall, being aligned with the outlet opening of the upwardly directed dispensing channel.

The at least one cleaning tool is designed, for example, as a cleaning roller that can be driven in rotation, wherein the floor cleaning device comprises a stripping element arranged on the dirty liquid container for stripping off the dirty liquid, which is in engagement with a trim of the cleaning roller. Dirty liquid can be picked up from the floor surface via the trim and wiped off on the scraper element in order to get into the dirty liquid container. Such an embodiment of the invention can be free of a suction unit for collecting the cleaning liquid.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the floor cleaning device comprises a suction unit and a suction device which can be subjected to negative pressure by the suction unit, wherein the dirty liquid can be sucked off from the floor surface under the effect of the suction air flow of the suction unit. The extracted dirty liquid can be transferred into the dirty liquid container.

As was also mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also relates to a floor cleaning system. A floor cleaning system according to the invention, which solves the task mentioned at the outset, comprises a floor cleaning device of the type described above, a docking station and a vacuum generating device and a suction line with a suction inlet, the suction inlet being directly or indirectly in fluid connection with the outlet opening when the floor cleaning device assumes a docking position at the docking station of the discharge channel, with dirty liquid being able to be sucked out of the dirty liquid container via the suction line.

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

In the floor cleaning system according to the invention, the floor cleaning device can assume a docking position at the docking station. Unless otherwise stated, this is assumed to be the case.

The vacuum generating device can, for example, comprise a suction unit via which the suction line is subjected to negative pressure. For example, a suction fan can be used as a suction unit on or in the suction line.

Alternatively, the negative pressure generating device can, for example, apply negative pressure to a receptacle. A quick pressure equalization while sucking in the dirty liquid can be done, for example, by opening a valve unit, which can be controlled by a control unit.

By controlling a control unit, for example, the vacuum generating device can be activated in order to apply negative pressure to the suction line. The suction inlet is fluidly connected directly to the discharge channel via its outlet opening or indirectly, for example via the above-mentioned housing opening of the housing of the floor cleaning device. When the vacuum generating device is activated, the dirty liquid can be sucked out of the interior of the dirty liquid container through the discharge channel and the suction line.

In particular, downward suction is conceivable, with the discharge channel directed downwards and the suction inlet can be arranged below the floor cleaning device.

Alternatively, it is conceivable that suction is carried out upwards with the discharge channel directed upwards, with the housing opening being arranged, for example, on an upper side of the housing.

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

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

In the present case, an electrical unit can be viewed as a “control unit” with which, for example, the current flow between the docking station and the floor cleaning device is determined, whereupon the vacuum generating device is activated. Alternatively or additionally, a “control unit” can be viewed as an electrical unit that detects the actuation of a control element for activating the suction unit by an operator.

Conveniently, a sealing element is arranged at the suction inlet, which sealingly rests against an edge of the outlet opening or an edge of a housing opening of the floor cleaning device that is aligned with the outlet opening. This increases the suction performance, whereby the entry of external air into the suction inlet can preferably be prevented.

The sealing element can, for example, comprise a fastening section which is fixed in an annular gap of the suction line at the suction inlet. The fastening section here is, for example, ring-shaped and engages between sections of the suction line that are arranged at a distance from one another.

The sealing element preferably further comprises a sealing section which is designed in a funnel shape and surrounds the edge of the suction inlet in a ring shape. The funnel shape, for example similar to a suction cup, allows an effective seal to be achieved relative to the outlet opening or relative to the housing opening.

The docking station can, for example, comprise a particularly ramp-shaped support for the floor cleaning device, the suction opening being formed in the support, and the floor cleaning device being arranged in the docking position above the suction inlet and the dirty liquid being able to be sucked downwards out of the dirty liquid container. For example, the floor cleaning device rests on the suction inlet, with a tight connection being formed between the suction line and the discharge channel, preferably via the sealing element.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the docking station comprises an upper section arranged above the floor cleaning device, on which the suction line with the suction opening is arranged, the dirty liquid being able to be sucked upwards out of the dirty liquid container. For example, in the docking position of the floor cleaning device, the suction inlet rests on a housing wall with the housing opening, which can be, for example, a ceiling wall of the storage container.

It can be provided that a drive is used for the suction line in order to bring it closer to the floor cleaning device in order to establish the fluid connection.

The docking station can include a receptacle into which the dirty liquid is stored the effect of the negative pressure generating device can be transferred.

In a preferred embodiment, the docking station can comprise a storage container for cleaning liquid and a fluid line with a valve unit connected therein and/or a pump unit, wherein in the storage container of the floor cleaning device under control of the valve unit and/or the pump unit (for example by a control unit) when taking a Docking position of the floor cleaning device at the docking station cleaning fluid can be supplied. For example, the fluid line is released by means of the valve unit. Alternatively or additionally, the pump unit can be started. Cleaning fluid can be supplied to the storage container, for example, via a filling opening. A fluid-tight coupling between the fluid line and the storage container is conceivable here. Alternatively, for example, filling can take place via an air gap.

• 1: eine perspektivische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungssystems mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerät, das eine erfindungsgemäße Tankeinrichtung umfasst;
• 2: eine schematische Darstellung des Bodenreinigungssystems aus 1;
• 3: eine perspektivische Darstellung der Tankeinrichtung zusammen mit einem Reinigungswerkzeug in Gestalt einer Reinigungswalze;
• 4: eine Schnittansicht der Tankeinrichtung längs der Linie 4-4 in 3, wobei auch ein Abschnitt einer Saugleitung der Andockstation gezeigt ist;
• 5: eine Darstellung entsprechend 2 bei einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Andockstation;
• 6: eine Darstellung entsprechend 4 bei dem Bodenreinigungsgerät des Andocksystems aus 5; und
• 7: eine schematische Darstellung eines handgeführten erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsgerätes mit erfindungsgemäßer Tankeinrichtung.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves to explain the invention in more detail in conjunction with the drawing. Show it:

• 1 : a perspective view of a floor cleaning system according to the invention with a floor cleaning device according to the invention, which includes a tank device according to the invention;
• 2 : a schematic representation of the floor cleaning system 1 ;
• 3 : a perspective view of the tank device together with a cleaning tool in the form of a cleaning roller;
• 4 : a sectional view of the tank device along the line 4-4 in 3 , also showing a section of a suction line of the docking station;
• 5 : a representation accordingly 2 in a further preferred embodiment of the docking station according to the invention;
• 6 : a representation accordingly 4 in the floor cleaning device of the docking system 5 ; and
• 7 : a schematic representation of a hand-held floor cleaning device according to the invention with a tank device according to the invention.

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

The floor cleaning system 10 further includes a docking station 16 for the floor cleaning device 12.

In the present case, the floor cleaning device 12 is designed to be self-propelled and self-steering as a cleaning robot and enables the autonomous cleaning of a floor surface 18 on which the floor cleaning device 12 can be moved by means of a chassis 20.

To clean the floor surface 18, the floor cleaning device 12 comprises at least one cleaning tool 22. In the present case, the cleaning tool 22 is a cleaning roller 24 ( 3 ), which, for example, is designed with one segment, but can also be designed with multiple segments. For rotating the cleaning roller 24, the floor cleaning device 12 has a drive unit, not shown in the drawing.

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

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

The docking station 16 is used to accommodate the floor cleaning device 12 during operational interruptions or breaks. In particular, there is the possibility that the floor cleaning device 12 can assume a defined docking position on the docking station 16 ( 1 and 2 ). When used as intended, the docking station 16 stands on the floor surface 18 and includes a ramp-shaped support 26, which can be traveled by the floor cleaning device 12 to assume the docking position.

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

A fluid line 34 is connected to the storage container 28, into which an electrically actuated valve unit 36 is connected. The valve unit 36 can preferably be controlled by an optional control unit 38 for releasing or blocking the fluid Line 34 can be operated. When the fluid line 34 is released, cleaning liquid flows through an outlet 40 of the fluid line 34.

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

The docking station 16 further comprises a suction unit 42. A suction line 44 is connected to the suction unit 42, which can be subjected to negative pressure via the suction unit 42. The suction unit 42 forms a vacuum generating device 46.

In the present case, the suction unit 42 is arranged on the output side of a receptacle 48 for receiving dirty liquid, to which the suction line 44 is connected on the input side.

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

The suction line 44 includes a suction inlet 50 on the inlet side. In the present example, the suction inlet 50 is arranged on the support 46, which for this purpose comprises an opening within which the suction inlet 50 is positioned. The suction line 44 runs in sections from the support 46 to a lower section 52 of the docking station 16. The 2 shows schematically the arrangement of the suction unit 42 and the receptacle 48 on the upper section 32, although these could also be arranged on the lower section 52.

4 shows a section of the suction line 44 comprising the suction inlet 50, which in the present example is designed at an angle to achieve a compact design of the support 26 (for example with a 90 ° bend), although other types of geometries are conceivable.

At the suction inlet 50, the suction line 44 is, for example, double-walled with two concentric sections 54, 55, between which an annular gap 56 is formed.

A sealing element 58 is arranged at the suction inlet 50. In the present example, the sealing element 58 engages with a fastening section in the annular gap 56 and is held between the sections 54, 55.

The sealing element 58 further comprises a sealing section 62 which surrounds the inlet opening of the suction line 44 at the suction inlet 50. Like in particular 4 As can be seen, the sealing section is annular, having a funnel-shaped shape which widens in the direction of the floor cleaning device 12 occupying the docking position. The sealing section 62 is deformable to provide a fluid-tight connection to the floor cleaning device 12.

The floor cleaning device 12 comprises a housing 64 on which functional units are arranged and in particular accommodated therein. In particular, the tank device 14 according to the invention is accommodated in the housing 64. It is conceivable that the tank device 14 can be removed from the housing 64 as a structural unit, for example for cleaning purposes, and can be connected to the housing 64 again.

The tank device 14 includes, in particular 4 becomes clear, a storage container 66 for cleaning liquid and a dirty liquid container 68 for dirty liquid (dirty cleaning liquid).

The storage container 66 comprises a lower container part 70, which is essentially trough-shaped, and an upper container part 72 that can be placed on it. In the present case, the upper container part 72 forms a top wall 74 of the storage container 66. A filling opening 76 is formed in the top wall 74. Cleaning liquid can be filled in through the filling opening 76 via the fluid line 34 in the docking position of the floor cleaning device 12.

The dirty liquid container 68 comprises a lower container part 78, which in the present case comprises a wall 80 or is part of a wall 80 of the dirty liquid container 68. The wall 80 includes a bottom wall 82 and a side wall 84 of the dirty liquid container 68, which enclose an interior 86.

In the present example, a top wall 88 of the dirty liquid container 68 is formed by an intermediate part 90 of the tank device 14, which is positioned between the lower container part 78 and the container part 70. For example, a pump unit 91 is accommodated on the intermediate part 90, via which cleaning liquid can be conveyed from the storage container 66.

During operation of the floor cleaning device 12, cleaning liquid is applied to the floor surface 18 and/or to a coating of the cleaning roller 24. For the latter purpose, the tank device 14 can have, for example, a strip-shaped distributor element 92 with a plurality of openings arranged along the extension of the cleaning roller 24.

The mixture of cleaning liquid and detached dirt (dirty liquid) can be picked up from the floor surface 18 during operation by means of the cleaning roller 24. The tank device 14 comprises a strip-shaped stripping element 94, for example arranged on the dirty liquid container, which engages with the trimmings. The dirty liquid is collected in the interior 86.

The tank device 14 includes a discharge channel 96 on the dirty liquid container 68. The discharge channel 96 comprises an inlet opening 98 and an outlet opening 100.

In the present case, the discharge channel 96 is designed to extend in a straight line and is aligned along the direction of gravity 30. This refers to the intended use of the floor cleaning device 12 on the floor surface 18, which is viewed as horizontally aligned.

In the present example, the dispensing channel 96 is formed in one piece with the wall 80, in particular with the bottom wall 82. The dispensing channel 96 is formed onto the base wall 82, the wall being made of a plastic material.

Because the dispensing channel 96 is formed in one piece with the bottom wall 82, any sealing in the area of the bottom wall 82 can be saved.

The discharge channel 96 projects into the interior 86, upwards from the bottom wall 82. In the present case, there is no emptying opening for the dirty liquid container 68 arranged on the bottom wall 82.

The outlet opening 100 is arranged outside the interior 86. In the present example, the outlet opening 100 is arranged in a plane defined by the bottom wall 82.

In the case of the floor cleaning device 12, the bottom wall 82 forms a bottom end of the housing 64, so that the outlet opening 100 in the present example forms a housing opening of the housing 64 or can be viewed as such a housing opening.

The dirty liquid container 68 has the ceiling wall 88 formed by the intermediate part 90. The ceiling wall 88 includes a hood element 104, which is partially surrounded by a substantially plate-shaped ceiling wall section 106. The hood element 104 engages over the dispensing channel 96, with an upper section 108 of the hood element 104 being arranged above and at a distance from the inlet opening 98.

The inlet opening 98 is arranged essentially at the level of the ceiling wall section 106.

The hood element 104 surrounds the dispensing channel 96 at least partially and in the present example completely. Here, the dispensing channel 96 and the hood element 104 are aligned concentrically to one another.

A free edge 110 is arranged on the bottom of the hood element 104 and is arranged above the bottom wall 32.

A somewhat “labyrinth-like” flow deflection of the dirty liquid for discharge from the dirty liquid container 68 is formed via the hood element 104 which overlaps the discharge channel 96 and forms a flow deflection element. As in 3 shown, dirty liquid can flow through a gap 112 between the free edge 110 and the bottom wall 82 into the gap 114 between the hood element and the discharge channel. The liquid level in the gap 114 corresponds to the liquid level outside the hood element 104.

In the docking position of the floor cleaning device 12, dirty liquid can be sucked out of the dirty liquid container 68. If the assumption of the docking position is determined, for example by electrical contact closure as explained above, the vacuum generating device 46, in particular the suction unit 42, is activated. For this purpose, the suction unit 42 can be controlled by the control unit 38, for example. This can be done automatically as a result of docking or triggered by an operator using a control element of the docking station 16.

When the floor cleaning device 12 assumes the docking position, there is a fluid-tight connection between the suction inlet 50 and the outlet opening 100. For example, it is provided that the support 26 includes wheel wells for the chassis 20, so that the floor cleaning device 12 is lowered with the edge 116 of the outlet opening 100 and can place on the sealing element 58.

When the suction unit 42 is activated, the suction line 44 is subjected to negative pressure. The dirty liquid is sucked out of the dirty liquid container 68 through the discharge channel 96. The dirty liquid flows between the discharge channel 96 and the hood element 104 through into the inlet opening 98. The suction effect simultaneously flushes the dirty liquid container 68.

In the docking position, the storage container 66 can advantageously be filled via the fluid line 34. It is preferably possible to fill the storage container 66 with cleaning liquid from the storage container 28, with suction being carried out at the same time via the suction unit 42. The tank device 14 can preferably include at least one overflow channel 118, which runs from the interior 120 of the storage container 66 into the interior 86 or opens into the dirty liquid container 68. Cleaning liquid supplied allows both the storage container 66 and the dirty liquid container 68 to be rinsed and cleaned.

It can be provided that the supplied cleaning liquid simultaneously serves to clean the cleaning roller 24, being applied to its trim via the distributor element 92.

During the cleaning operation of the floor cleaning device 12, the design of the discharge channel 96, particularly in combination with the hood element 104, allows the formation of an effective splash protection.

It is advantageous that the dirty liquid container on the discharge channel 96 and overall is free of a closing element or valve. This enables a structurally simple design while at the same time reliably functioning of the tank device 14.

Below we will refer to one in the 5 and 6 preferred embodiment of the invention. 5 shows in one with the 2 Correspondingly, a preferred preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning system according to the invention, assigned the reference number 122, with a floor cleaning device 124 according to the invention, which has a tank device 126 according to the invention ( 6 ).

Identical reference numbers are used for features or components that are the same or have the same effect. The advantages explained above can also be achieved with the further embodiments of the invention explained below, so that the above statements can largely be avoided. Only the main differences are explained.

In the floor cleaning system 122, the suction line 44 is arranged on the upper section 32. This allows the dirty liquid container 68 to be sucked out from above, for which the tank device 126 is designed accordingly.

A discharge channel 96 with an inlet opening 98 arranged above the bottom wall 82 is also provided in the tank device 126. The dispensing channel 96 engages into the interior 96 from above.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the dispensing channel 96 is guided through the ceiling wall 88, which includes a through opening for this purpose. The discharge channel 96 extends through the storage container 66 to its top wall 74.

A housing opening 128 is formed in the top wall 74 and is aligned with the outlet opening 100 on the top side of the discharge channel 96. The discharge channel is on the top wall 74 and engages with an edge of the housing opening 128.

In the docking position, the suction line 44 with the sealing element 58 lies sealingly against the ceiling wall 74 at the suction inlet. The dirty liquid is sucked upwards from the interior 86 through the discharge channel 96, the outlet opening 100 and the housing opening 128.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the dispensing channel 96 of the tank device 126 is formed in one piece with a wall of the storage container 66, in particular the lower container part 70. The dispensing channel 96 is, for example, formed onto the lower container part 70.

Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the discharge channel 96 is formed in one piece with the top wall 88 of the dirty liquid container 68, for example molded onto it. In this case, the dispensing channel 96 can run, for example, through the storage container 66 or laterally past it.

7 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention, which is assigned the reference number 130. The floor cleaning device 130 can be part of a floor cleaning system according to the invention and can be used, for example, as an alternative to or together with the floor cleaning device 12 and/or 122 at the docking station 16.

The floor cleaning device 130 is hand-held in the present example. For this purpose, the floor cleaning device 130 includes a handle element 132, which is arranged, for example, on a handle 134 and can be handled by an operator ren of the floor cleaning device 130 can be taken.

The handle 134 is connected to a floor cleaning head 136 of the floor cleaning device 130, for example on the housing 64, the floor cleaning head 136 comprising the at least one cleaning tool 22.

The floor cleaning device 130 further comprises a tank device according to the invention, for example the tank device 14 or the tank device 126.

In the case of the floor cleaning device 130, the chassis 20 is omitted, but this can also be provided. In the present case, the floor cleaning device comprises two roller-shaped cleaning tools 22, the number of which could also be different.

Reference symbol list

10

Floor cleaning system

12

Floor cleaning device

14

Tank facility

16

docking station

18

floor area

20

landing gear

22

Cleaning tool

24

Cleaning roller

26

edition

28

storage container

30

Gravity direction

32

upper section

34

Fluid line

36

Valve unit

38

Control unit

40

outlet

42

Suction unit

44

suction line

46

Negative pressure generating device

48

Receptacle container

50

Suction inlet

52

lower section

54, 55

Section

56

Annular gap

58

Sealing element

60

Fastening section

62

sealing section

64

Housing

66

storage container

68

Dirty liquid container

70

Container base

72

Container top

74

ceiling wall

76

Filling opening

78

Container base

80

wall

82

floor wall

84

Side wall

86

inner space

88

ceiling wall

90

Intermediate part

91

Pump unit

92

distribution element

94

stripping element

96

Dispensing channel

98

Entry opening

100

Exit opening

104

Hood element

106

Ceiling wall section

108

top section

110

free edge

112

space

114

space

116

edge

118

overflow channel

120

inner space

122

Floor cleaning system

124

Floor cleaning device

126

Tank facility

128

Case opening

130

Floor cleaning device

132

Handle element

134

stalk

136

Floor cleaning head

Claims (26)

Tank device for a particularly self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device, comprising a dirty liquid container (68) for receiving a dirty liquid, which comprises a wall (80) enclosing an interior (86) with a bottom wall (82), and a discharge channel (96) for dirty liquid with a Inlet opening (98), which is arranged above the bottom wall (82) with respect to the direction of gravity (30), and an outlet opening (100) arranged outside the interior (86). Tank facility Claim 1 , characterized in that the dirty liquid container (68) is free of a closing element or valve element at least on the discharge channel (96) and preferably overall. Tank facility Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that no emptying opening is arranged on the bottom wall (82). Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge channel (96) is designed to extend in a straight line and/or is aligned along the direction of gravity (30). Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge channel (96) is formed in one piece with the wall (80), for example is formed onto the wall (80). Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge channel (96) projects from the bottom wall (82) into the interior (86), the discharge channel (96) being formed in particular in one piece with the bottom wall (82). Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge channel (96) extends through the bottom wall (82). Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank device (14; 126) comprises a hood element (104) which extends over the dispensing channel (96) and which surrounds the dispensing channel (96) at least in sections and preferably completely, with a lower free edge ( 110) of the hood element (104) is arranged above the bottom wall (82). Tank facility Claim 8 , characterized in that the hood element (104) is fixed to a ceiling wall (88) of the dirty liquid container (68) and / or is formed in one piece with the ceiling wall (88). Tank facility Claim 9 , characterized in that the hood element (104) projects beyond a ceiling wall section (106) of the ceiling wall (88) that at least partially surrounds it and that the inlet opening (98) of the discharge channel (96) in the direction of gravity (30) at least at the height or substantially is arranged at the height of the ceiling wall section (106). Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge channel (96) engages from above into the interior (86), the inlet opening (98) being formed below a ceiling wall (88) of the dirty liquid container (68). Tank facility Claim 11 , characterized in that the discharge channel (96) passes through a through opening which is formed in the top wall (88) of the dirty liquid container (68). Tank facility Claim 11 , characterized in that the discharge channel (96) is formed in one piece with the ceiling wall (88). Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank device (14; 126) comprises a storage container (28, 66) for cleaning liquid, which is arranged in particular above the dirty liquid container (68), and that the discharge channel (96) through the storage container (28, 66) runs through, in particular up to a ceiling wall (88) of the storage container (28, 66). Tank facility Claim 14 , characterized in that an opening is formed in the ceiling wall (88), with the edge of which the discharge channel (96) engages. Floor cleaning device, comprising a housing (64), a tank device (14; 126) arranged in the housing (64) or formed by the housing according to one of the preceding claims and at least one cleaning tool (22), dirty liquid being absorbable from the floor surface (18) and in the dirty liquid container (68) can be transferred, and wherein a housing opening (128) is arranged on the housing (64), which is formed by the outlet opening (100) of the discharge channel (96) or is aligned with it. Floor cleaning device Claim 16 , characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) is itself designed to be mobile and self-steering; - The floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) is hand-held and includes a handle device for an operator. Floor cleaning device Claim 16 or 17 , characterized in that the housing opening (128) is formed flush with a housing wall of the housing (64). Floor cleaning device according to one of the Claims 16 until 18 , characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - the at least one cleaning tool (22) is designed as a cleaning roller (24) which can be driven in rotation, the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) having a stripping element (94) arranged on the dirty liquid container (68). for wiping off the dirty liquid, which engages with a trim of the cleaning roller (24); - The floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) comprises a suction unit (42) and a suction device which can be subjected to negative pressure by the suction unit (42), the dirty liquid being able to be sucked off from the floor surface (18) under the effect of the suction air flow of the suction unit (42). Floor cleaning system, comprising a floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) according to one of Claims 16 until 19 , a docking station (16), a vacuum generating device (46) and a suction line (44) with a suction inlet (50), the suction inlet (50) being in a docking position of the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) at the docking station (16 ) is directly or indirectly in fluid communication with the outlet opening (100) of the discharge channel (96), dirty liquid being able to be sucked out of the dirty liquid container (68) via the suction line (44). Floor cleaning system Claim 20 , characterized in that a sealing element (58) is arranged at the suction inlet (50), which seals against an edge of the outlet opening (100) or an edge of a housing opening (128) of the floor cleaning device (12; 124) which is aligned with the outlet opening (100); 130). Floor cleaning system Claim 21 , characterized in that the sealing element (58) comprises at least one of the following: - a fastening section (60) which is fixed in an annular gap (56) of the suction line (44) at the suction inlet (50); - A sealing section (62), which is funnel-shaped and surrounds the edge of the suction inlet (50) in a ring. Floor cleaning system according to one of the Claims 20 until 22 , characterized in that the docking station (16) comprises a particularly ramp-shaped support (26) for the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) and that the suction opening is formed in the support (26), the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130 ) is arranged in the docking position above the suction inlet (50) and the dirty liquid can be sucked downwards out of the dirty liquid container (68). Floor cleaning system according to one of the Claims 20 until 23 , characterized in that the docking station (16) comprises an upper section (32) arranged above the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130), on which the suction line (44) with the suction opening is arranged, the dirty liquid flowing upwards out of the dirty liquid container (68) can be extracted. Floor cleaning system according to one of the Claims 20 until 24 , characterized in that the docking station (16) comprises a receptacle (48) into which the dirty liquid can be transferred under the action of the vacuum generating device (46). Floor cleaning system according to one of the Claims 20 until 25 , characterized in that the docking station (16) comprises a storage container (28, 66) for cleaning liquid as well as a fluid line (34) and a valve unit therein and / or a pump unit, wherein a storage container (28, 66) of the floor cleaning device (12; 124 ; 130) cleaning liquid can be supplied by controlling the valve unit and / or the pump unit when the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) assumes a docking position at the docking station (16).

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