EP4066715B1 - Battery operated cleaning apparatus and method for operating a cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a battery-operated cleaning device, in particular a floor cleaning device, which can be operated independently of the mains using a battery, wherein the cleaning device comprises a display device for displaying a charge level of the battery, wherein the cleaning device comprises a display control device for controlling the display device depending on an analog charge level signal which corresponds to the charge level of the battery, wherein the display control device comprises an analog signal input for receiving the analog charge level signal from the battery.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a cleaning device, in particular a floor cleaning device, which is operated independently of the mains using a battery, wherein a charge level of the battery is displayed using a display device of the cleaning device, wherein the display device is controlled as a function of an analog charge level signal which corresponds to the charge level of the battery.

It is known to use cleaning devices of the type described above, in particular in the form of floor cleaning devices, which are supplied with electrical energy by a battery in the form of a lead battery. In particular, the electrical energy is used to drive, for example, a drive device and cleaning elements of the cleaning device. If a lead battery is used as the energy supply, the charge level of the same can be determined directly from the battery voltage, because this depends essentially on the charge level of the battery, and this over a large range of the battery charge. The display control device of cleaning devices of the type described above, which are operated with lead batteries, is therefore usually designed as described above. The battery voltage tapped at the battery poles is used as an analogue charge level signal of the battery and is processed directly with the display control device to operate the display device.

However, if battery-operated cleaning devices of the type described above are to be operated with a lithium-ion battery instead of a lead battery, this can lead to problems with the display of the charge level if the battery is a lithium-ion battery whose voltage is independent of the charge level over a wide range. This is particularly the case with a lithium iron phosphate battery. In other words, no conclusions can be drawn about the charge level of the battery from the battery voltage for this type of battery.

From the EN 10 2016 111 876 A1 A portable device with at least one battery pack and a cleaning device is known. A battery-operated cleaning device and methods for operating the same are described in WO 2017/054856 A1 described. The EN 10 2018 102 982 A1 relates to a charger and method for charging a battery pack. The US 2018/299899 A1 describes a battery-operated cleaning device according to the preamble of independent claims 1 and 12.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a battery-operated cleaning device and a method of the type described above in such a way that a charge state of the battery can be reliably displayed during operation of the cleaning device.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a battery-operated cleaning device of the type described above in that the cleaning device comprises an electrical signal conversion device for converting a digital charge state signal provided by the battery and corresponding to the charge state of the battery into a digital charge state signal corresponding to the charge state of the Battery corresponding analogue charge level signal, that the signal conversion device comprises an analogue signal output and that the analogue signal output is electrically connected to the analogue signal input of the display control device for transmitting the analogue charge level signal from the signal conversion device to the display control device.

Developing a battery-operated cleaning device of the type described at the beginning in the manner proposed makes it easy to operate the cleaning device, in particular with battery types whose battery voltage is independent or essentially independent of the charge level of the battery. In other words, the proposed signal conversion device makes it possible to use a lithium-ion battery, for example in the form of a lithium iron phosphate battery, instead of a lead battery. The cleaning device itself, in particular its display device including the display control device, does not have to be changed for this purpose. Instead, the digital charge level signal provided by the battery is converted by the signal conversion device into an analog charge level signal, which can be directly processed by the display control device included in the cleaning device and displayed on the display device for a user. Users can thus choose between different battery types to operate the cleaning device. This increases the flexibility for using the cleaning devices. In addition, existing cleaning devices can be easily converted or retrofitted, because the electrical signal conversion device can be installed as an additional circuit arrangement on the cleaning device. The signal conversion device can be designed in such a way that it simulates a functional dependency between voltage and state of charge that corresponds to the battery for which the display control device was originally configured.

It is advantageous if the signal conversion device is an electronic circuit arrangement with a bus transceiver, in particular in the form of a CAN bus transceiver, and if the bus transceiver includes the digital signal input or is electrically connected to it. The bus transceiver can be used to prepare and convert a charge level signal, which is provided by a battery, in particular a battery management system thereof, for a data processing unit of the signal conversion device. The battery management system can in particular provide data relating to the charge level of a battery, but also other battery-specific parameters such as temperature, number of charging cycles, age or specific data for the battery such as battery type and manufacturer.

It is advantageous if the digital signal input is designed in the form of a CAN bus input interface of the signal conversion device. This allows the signal conversion device to be designed to be particularly compact and simple. In particular, it can process CAN bus signals directly in this way.

It is advantageous if the signal conversion device comprises a signal processing unit, in particular in the form of a microcontroller or an ASIC, for converting a digital bus signal provided by the bus transceiver into an analogue charge level signal, in particular a PWM signal, and if the signal processing unit is electrically connected to the analogue signal output. The signal processing unit thus converts the digitally provided charge level signal into an analogue charge level signal, which can be transmitted to the display control device either directly or, optionally after electrical amplification thereof.

It is advantageous if the signal conversion device comprises an analog signal amplifier for amplifying the analog charge state signal generated by the signal processing unit, in particular in the form of the PWM signal, and if the signal amplifier is connected downstream of the signal processing unit and is electrically connected to the analog signal output to provide the analog charge state signal. The signal amplifier can in particular in the form of an operational amplifier. This can be used in particular to convert or transform a voltage range provided by the signal processing unit into the voltage range required by the display control device.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the signal conversion device comprises at least one further bus transceiver, in particular in the form of a further CAN bus transceiver, and if the at least one further bus transceiver is electrically operatively connected to the signal processing unit and is designed to provide a digital bus signal corresponding to the charge state of the battery, in particular a CAN bus signal, to at least one further digital bus interface, in particular in the form of a CAN bus output interface, of the signal conversion device. The at least one further bus transceiver also makes it possible in particular to convert further data signals provided by the battery, for example other commands, messages or bus speeds, and to transmit them, for example, to the cleaning device or to accessories thereof. In particular, the cleaning device can comprise a further display device in order to display physical status information of the battery to a user, such as temperature, charging cycles and the like.

A battery charge level can be displayed to a user quickly and easily if the display device is designed in the form of a bar or multi-segment display. In particular, the bar or multi-segment display can be designed in the form of an LCD or LED display with a plurality of display segments. A charge level can thus be presented to a user in a clear manner. For example, the multi-segment display can comprise seven display segments.

For a particularly compact design of the cleaning device, it is advantageous if the display control device includes the display device. For example, the display device can be arranged on a circuit board or on which the display control device is also arranged or formed.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the battery-operated cleaning device comprises a battery. In particular, this can be designed in the form of a rechargeable battery. The battery can in particular be arranged or designed in such a way that it is permanently connected to the cleaning device. In this context, permanently means in particular that the battery cannot be separated from the cleaning device by a user as intended. Removal of the battery, in particular separation of it from the cleaning device, can, for example, only be carried out as intended by an authorized specialist company.

In principle, it is possible to operate the cleaning device with any type of battery. The battery is preferably in the form of a lead battery or a lithium-ion battery, for example in the form of a lithium iron phosphate battery. This allows the user to use the cleaning device for a sufficiently long time.

It is advantageous if the battery, in particular a lithium-ion battery, comprises a battery management system for generating a digital charge level signal corresponding to the charge level of the battery and if the battery management system is electrically connected to a digital data output of the battery to provide the digital charge level signal for the cleaning device, in particular for the display control device. Such a battery management system can in particular determine a current charge level of the battery with high precision and provide it in the form of a digital charge level signal, which is then transmitted or transmitted to the digital data output. The battery management system can also monitor in particular individual cells of a battery that is designed in the form of a battery pack with several individual cells. In particular, charging current monitoring and withdrawal current monitoring can thus be carried out. permanently. Furthermore, the temperature and number of charging cycles can be monitored, stored and, if necessary, output.

It is advantageous if the battery can be detachably connected to the cleaning device, if the battery is completely electrically and mechanically separated from the cleaning device in a disconnected position and is electrically connected to the cleaning device in a connected position. In the connected position, the battery can optionally also be mechanically coupled to the cleaning device. This allows a secure connection to be created between the battery and the cleaning device for the operation of the cleaning device. It is also possible to disconnect the battery from the cleaning device, for example to charge it, and replace it with a charged battery. This means that the cleaning device can be used continuously.

Preferably, the battery is mechanically coupled to the cleaning device in the connection position. In this way, the battery can be held securely on the cleaning device in the connection position in order to prevent the battery from accidentally coming loose, falling off or falling off the cleaning device. For example, a mechanical coupling can be implemented by positioning the battery in a holder provided for this purpose, which can be closed with a lockable cover.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the cleaning device comprises a battery interface for electrically connecting to the battery, that the battery interface comprises a digital data input and that the digital data input is electrically connected to the digital data output of the battery when the battery is electrically connected to the battery interface. Such a battery interface makes it possible in particular to transmit digital data or signals from the battery to the cleaning device when the Battery is connected to the cleaning device, especially if a digital data output of the battery is electrically connected to the digital data input of the cleaning device.

The cleaning device advantageously comprises a battery holder for holding the battery, wherein the battery interface is arranged or formed in or on the battery holder. A battery holder makes it possible in particular to position the battery in a defined manner on the cleaning device. In addition, an electrical and/or mechanical coupling of the battery to the cleaning device can also be specified in a defined manner.

It is advantageous if the battery interface includes battery connection contacts and if the battery connection contacts are electrically connected to the battery poles of the battery when the battery is electrically connected to the battery interface. This makes it possible in particular to supply the cleaning device with electrical energy stored in the battery. In addition, a defined connection of the battery with its battery poles to the cleaning device is possible.

It is advantageous if the battery connection contacts comprise first battery connection contacts for a lead battery and second battery connection contacts for a lithium-ion battery, if the first battery connection contacts are electrically connected to the battery poles of a lead battery that is electrically connected to the battery interface, and if the second battery connection contacts are electrically connected to the battery poles of a lithium-ion battery that is electrically connected to the battery interface. The proposed development makes it possible in particular to use different battery types, for example the two battery types mentioned, namely lead battery and lithium-ion battery, to operate the cleaning device. The battery interface can comprise first and second battery connection contacts for this purpose, each of which is designed for a battery type. are specifically arranged and designed. This makes it possible in particular to operate the cleaning device with different types of batteries that can be used alternatively to operate the cleaning device.

It is advantageous if the display control device comprises a voltage divider for reducing a voltage of the analog charge level signal present at the analog signal input. Such a voltage divider makes it possible in particular to operate the cleaning device with batteries that provide different operating voltages. The display device then does not have to be modified in a complex manner in order to safely and reliably display the charge level of a battery with a higher battery voltage. Rather, the battery voltage can be reduced, in particular proportionally, with the voltage divider, so that the analog charge level signal of the battery tapped at the voltage divider can be further processed by the display control device for output on the display device. In other words, such a voltage divider makes it possible in particular to provide an additional analog signal input for higher battery voltages, which also makes it possible to overwrite the analog charge level signal of batteries with a lower battery voltage.

The object set out at the outset is further achieved according to the invention in a method of the type described at the outset in that a digital charge state signal provided by the battery and corresponding to the charge state of the battery is converted into an analog charge state signal corresponding to the charge state of the battery and is made available for controlling the display device.

As already described above, such a procedure makes it possible in particular to use different types of batteries to operate the cleaning device, namely, for example, battery types whose state of charge is proportional to the battery voltage and batteries whose state of charge is independent or essentially independent of the battery voltage. In particular With these latter batteries, it is known to provide the charge level of the battery in digital form, for example with or from a battery management system. The proposed conversion of the digital charge level signal into an analog charge level signal enables a user to use the cleaning device optionally with different battery types, in which case the display device and in particular a display control device thereof do not have to be modified.

A digital charge level signal can be easily converted into an analog charge level signal if the converted analog charge level signal is provided in the form of a PWM signal.

It is advantageous if the converted analogue charge level signal is amplified before being provided to the display device. In particular, the analogue charge level signal can preferably be amplified for provision to a display device for controlling the display device. In particular, a signal level of the converted analogue charge level signal can be adapted to the display device or its display control device via an amplification factor.

Preferably, the charge level of the battery is displayed in bar or segment form using a number of display segments. This allows the user to quickly see the charge level of the battery they are using.

Conveniently, the cleaning device is powered by a battery in the form of a rechargeable battery. This allows a user to use one battery multiple times. This is a great ecological advantage.

It is advantageous if a lead battery or a lithium-ion battery is used as the battery. In particular, the battery types mentioned above enable enables a user to supply a cleaning device, in particular a floor cleaning device, with sufficient operating currents.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the battery is detachably connected to the cleaning device in such a way that the battery is completely electrically and mechanically separated from the cleaning device in a disconnected position and is electrically operatively connected to the cleaning device in a connected position. Optionally, it can also be mechanically operatively connected to the cleaning device in the connected position. In the manner described, the battery can be connected to the cleaning device in order to operate the cleaning device, and the battery can be separated from the cleaning device for charging or storage.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Reinigungsgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik;

Figur 2:

eine schematische Darstellung der Batteriespannung in Abhängigkeit des Ladezustands bei einer Bleibatterie;

Figur 3:

eine schematische Darstellung der Batteriespannung in Abhängigkeit des Ladezustands einer Lithium-Ionen-Batterie;

Figur 4:

eine schematische Darstellung eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines Reinigungsgeräts gemäß der Erfindung;

Figur 5:

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines Reinigungsgeräts gemäß der Erfindung;

Figur 6:

eine schematische Darstellung einer Batterie-Schaltungs-Anordnung umfassend eine Batterie, eine Anzeigeansteuereinrichtung sowie eine Signalumwandlungseinrichtung; und

Figur 7:

eine schematische Darstellung eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Signalumwandlungseinrichtung.

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

Figure 1:

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the prior art;

Figure 2:

a schematic representation of the battery voltage depending on the state of charge of a lead battery;

Figure 3:

a schematic representation of the battery voltage depending on the state of charge of a lithium-ion battery;

Figure 4:

a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 5:

a schematic representation of another embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention;

Figure 6:

a schematic representation of a battery circuit arrangement comprising a battery, a display control device and a signal conversion device; and

Figure 7:

a schematic representation of another embodiment of a signal conversion device.

In Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the prior art, designated overall by the reference numeral 10. The cleaning device 10 is designed in the form of a floor cleaning device 12. The cleaning device 10 comprises a battery 14 in the form of a lead battery 16 for operation. Further components of the cleaning device 10, in particular an optional drive device and cleaning elements such as brushes, rollers and the like, are shown in the drawing for the sake of clarity. Figure 1 not shown.

A display device 18 is used to display a charge level of the battery 14. The display device 18 is designed in the form of a bar display 20 or a multi-segment display. A display control device 22 that is electrically connected to the display device 18 is used to control the display device 18. This comprises an analog signal input 24 for receiving an analog charge level signal from the battery 14.

In the case of the lead battery 16, the analog charge level signal is defined by the battery voltage present at the battery poles 30 and 32. This depends on the charge level of the battery 14. In other words, there is a mathematically functional relationship between the battery voltage and the charge level. To transmit the analog charge level signal from the battery 14 to the display control device 22, the battery poles 30 and 32 are connected to the first signal input contact 26 and the second signal input contact 28, respectively, via electrical connecting lines 34 and 35.

Figure 2 shows schematically the dependence of the battery voltage applied to the battery poles 30 and 32 on the charge state of the lead battery 16. If this is discharged, i.e. the charge of the battery 14 decreases, the voltage at the battery poles 30 and 32 also drops.

Figure 3 In contrast, the dependence of the battery voltage of a battery 14 in the form of a lithium-ion battery 36, namely a lithium iron phosphate battery, is shown schematically as a function of the charge level of such a battery 14. The battery voltage practically does not change over a wide charge level range. A lithium-ion battery 36, which in the embodiment of the cleaning device 10 according to Figure 1 Replacing the lead battery 16 would result in its charge level not being displayed correctly.

In order not to have to change the design of the display control device 22 of the cleaning device 10, Figure 4 In the schematically illustrated embodiment, a signal conversion device 38 is additionally provided. The signal conversion device 38 comprises a digital signal input 40, which is connected to a digital data output 44 of the battery 14 for transmitting the digital charge state signal provided by a battery management system 110 via a two-wire data line 42.

The signal conversion device 38 converts the digital charge level signal into an analog charge level signal corresponding to the charge level of the battery 14, namely in the form of an analog voltage signal, and provides this at an analog signal output 46 of the signal conversion device 38. The analog signal output 46 is connected to the analog signal input 124 of the display control device 22 via two connecting lines 48 and 50.

The described equipment of the cleaning device 10 with the signal conversion device 38 thus enables in particular, instead of the lead battery 16 to use the lithium-ion battery 36 to operate the cleaning device 10. The display control device 22 and the display device 18 do not have to be changed for this purpose. Rather, it is also possible to use a cleaning device 10, in particular, as shown schematically in Figure 1 shown, with a digital signal conversion device 38.

Figure 5 shows a further schematically illustrated embodiment of a cleaning device 10 in the form of a floor cleaning device 12. Here, too, the same reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar components as in the previous embodiments.

The cleaning device 10 comprises a battery interface 52 for electrically connecting to the battery 14. The battery interface 52 comprises a digital data input 54, which is electrically connected to the digital data output 44 of the battery 14 when it is electrically connected to the battery interface 52. In Figure 5 A battery 14 in the form of a lithium-ion battery 36 with a digital data output 44 is shown schematically here.

The cleaning device 10 comprises a battery holder 56 for at least partially receiving the battery 14. The battery interface 52 is arranged or formed on or in the battery holder 56.

The battery interface 52 comprises battery connection contacts 58 which, when the battery 14 is electrically connected to the battery interface 52, namely either the lead battery 16 or the lithium-ion battery 36, are electrically connected to their battery poles 30, 32 or 130, 132 when the respective battery 14 is inserted into the battery receptacle 56 as intended.

The battery connection contacts 58 include first battery connection contacts 60 and 62 for the lead battery 16 and second battery connection contacts 160 and 162 for a lithium-ion battery 36.

The first battery connection contacts 60, 62 are electrically connected to the battery poles 30 and 32 of the lead battery 16 that is electrically connected to the battery interface 52. The second battery connection contacts 160, 162 are electrically connected to the battery poles 130 and 132 of the lithium-ion battery 36 that is electrically connected to the battery interface 52.

The battery holder 56 is in the Figure 5 schematically illustrated embodiment is designed such that optionally one of the two in Figure 5 schematically illustrated batteries, i.e. either the lead battery 16 or the lithium-ion battery 36, can be inserted into the battery holder 56. Thus, either the lead battery 16 is connected with its battery poles 30, 32 to the first battery connection contacts 60, 62 or the lithium-ion battery 36 with its battery poles 130 and 132 to the second battery connection contacts 160, 162.

The digital data input 54, which is designed in particular in the form of a bus interface, of the battery interface 52 is connected via the two-wire data line 42 to the digital signal input 40 of the signal conversion device 38.

The analog signal output 46 is as in the embodiment of the Figure 4 already explained, is electrically connected to the analog signal input 124 of the display control device 22 via the connecting lines 48 and 50.

The first and second battery contacts 60 and 160 or 62 and 162 are connected to the further analog signal input 24 of the display control device 22 via the connecting lines 34 and 35.

In an embodiment not shown, a voltage divider can be arranged between the analog signal input 24 and the analog signal input 124, which makes it possible to reduce the battery voltages of both batteries 14 if necessary so that the display control device 22 can otherwise be used essentially unchanged.

Figure 6 shows schematically a circuit structure of a display control device 22, which is electrically connected on the one hand to a battery 14 in the form of a lithium-ion battery 36 and on the other hand to a signal conversion device 38.

The digital data output 44 of the lithium-ion battery 36 is two-pole and designed in the form of a CAN bus connection 64. This is electrically connected via a two-wire bus line 66 to the digital data input 54, which is also designed in the form of a CAN bus connection 68.

The signal conversion device 38 comprises a signal processing unit 70 in the form of a microcontroller 72. A CAN input 74 of the microcontroller 72 is electrically connected to an output 78 of a CAN transceiver 80 via a data line 76. The CAN transceiver 80, also referred to as a CAN bus transceiver, forms a bus transceiver 82 of the electrical circuit arrangement 84 comprised by the signal conversion device 38, the digital signal input 86 of which is electrically connected to the CAN bus connection 68.

The digital signal input 86 is designed in the form of a CAN bus input interface 88 of the signal conversion device 38.

The signal processing unit 70 is designed to convert a digital bus signal provided by the bus transceiver 82 via the data line 76 into an analog charge state signal, specifically in the form of a PWM signal. Furthermore, an output 90 of the signal processing unit 70 is connected to the analog signal output 46 of the signal conversion device 38 is electrically connected.

The signal conversion device 38 further comprises an analog signal amplifier 92, which in the Figure 6 illustrated embodiment is designed in the form of an operational amplifier. It serves to amplify the analog charge level signal generated by the signal processing unit 70. For this purpose, the signal amplifier 92 is connected downstream of the signal processing unit 70 and is electrically connected to the analog signal output 46 to provide the amplified analog charge level signal for the display control device 22.

The analog signal input 124 of the display control device 22 is electrically connected to a display driver 96 via a connecting line 94. The display driver 96 is electrically connected to the bar display 20, which comprises a plurality of display segments 100, via a connecting line 98.

The analog signal input 24 of the display control device 22 is electrically connected to the display driver 96 via a voltage divider 102.

Another embodiment of a signal conversion device 138 is shown schematically in Figure 7 It corresponds in essential parts to the embodiment of the signal conversion device 38 from Figure 6 so that identical reference symbols were used to designate identical components.

The signal conversion device 138 differs from the signal conversion device 38 in particular in that a further output 190 of the signal processing unit 70 is connected for data purposes via a data line 176 to a further bus transceiver in the form of a CAN transceiver 180. The CAN transceiver 180 is in turn connected to a CAN bus connection 168, which forms a digital data output 154.

Thus, the CAN bus connection 168 forms a CAN bus output interface 188.

The CAN transceiver 180 makes it possible, additionally or optionally, to output the digital charge level value provided by the lithium-ion battery 36, but also, for example, other commands and messages, to a machine-compatible CAN bus of the cleaning device 10 or to change a bus speed. The charge level of the battery 14 can thus also be output on alternative display devices of the cleaning device or stored in a storage device.

As described, the signal conversion devices 38 and 138 make it possible to convert digital charge level signals provided by batteries 14 in the form of lithium-ion batteries 36, for example in the form of a lithium iron phosphate battery, into analog charge level signals which can be processed with known display control devices 22 and displayed to a user on the associated display device 18.

List of reference symbols

10

Cleaning device

12

Floor cleaning device

14

battery

16

Lead battery

18

Display device

20

Bar display

22

Display control device

24

analog signal input

26

first signal input contact

28

second signal input contact

30

Battery terminal

32

Battery terminal

34

Connecting line

35

Connecting line

36

Lithium Ion Battery

38

Signal conversion device

40

digital signal input

42

Data line

44

digital data output

46

analog signal output

48

Connecting line

50

Connecting line

52

Battery interface

54

digital data input

56

Battery holder

58

Battery connection contact

60

first battery connection contact

62

first battery connection contact

64

CAN bus connection

66

Bus line

68

CAN bus connection

70

Signal processing unit

72

Microcontroller

74

CAN input

76

Data line

78

Exit

80

CAN transceiver

82

Bus transceiver

84

Circuit arrangement

86

digital signal input

88

CAN bus input interface

90

Exit

92

Signal amplifier

94

Connecting line

96

Display driver

98

Connecting line

100

Display segment

102

Voltage divider

110

Battery management system

124

analog signal input

126

first signal input contact

128

second signal input contact

130

Battery terminal

132

Battery terminal

138

Signal conversion device

154

digital data output

160

second battery connection contact

162

second battery connection contact

168

CAN bus connection

176

Data line

180

CAN transceiver

182

Bus transceiver

188

CAN bus output interface

190

Exit

Claims (15)

1. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus (10), in particular floor cleaning apparatus (12), which is operable with a battery (14) independently of the grid, wherein the cleaning apparatus (10) comprises an indicator device (18) for indicating a state of charge of the battery (14), wherein the cleaning apparatus (10) comprises an indicator control device (22) for controlling the indicator device (18) in dependence on an analog state-of-charge signal which corresponds to the state of charge of the battery (14), wherein the indicator control device (22) comprises an analog signal input (24; 124) for receiving the analog state-of-charge signal from the battery (14), characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (10) comprises an electrical signal conversion device (38; 138) having a digital signal input (40) for converting a digital state-of-charge signal provided by the battery (14) and corresponding to the state of charge of the battery (14) and receivable at the digital signal input to an analog state-of-charge signal corresponding to the state of charge of the battery (14), in that the signal conversion device (38; 138) comprises an analog signal output (46), and in that the analog signal output (46) is operatively and electrically connected to the analog signal input (24; 124) of the indicator control device (22) for transmitting the analog state of charge signal from the signal conversion device (38; 138) to the indicator control device (22).
2. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the signal conversion device (38; 138) comprises an electronic circuit arrangement (84) having a bus transceiver (82), in particular in the form of a CAN bus transceiver (80), and in that the bus transceiver (82) comprises the digital signal input (86) or is operatively and electrically connected thereto,
   in particular wherein the digital signal input (86) is configured in the form of a CAN bus input interface (88) of the signal conversion device (38; 138).
3. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 2, characterized in that the signal conversion device (38; 138) comprises a signal processing unit (70), in particular in the form of a microcontroller (72) or an ASIC, for converting a digital bus signal provided by the bus transceiver (82) to an analog state-of-charge signal, in particular a PWM signal, and in that the signal processing unit (70) is operatively and electrically connected to the analog signal output (46),
   in particular wherein the signal conversion device (38; 138) comprises an analog signal amplifier (92) for amplifying the analog state-of-charge signal generated by the signal processing unit (70), in particular in the form of the PWM signal, and wherein the signal amplifier (92) is connected downstream of the signal processing unit (70) and is operatively and electrically connected to the analog signal output (46) for providing the analog state-of-charge signal.
4. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the signal conversion device (138) comprises at least one further bus transceiver (182), in particular in the form of a further CAN bus transceiver (180), and in that the at least one further bus transceiver (182) is operatively and electrically connected to the signal processing unit (70) and is configured to provide a digital bus signal corresponding to the state of charge of the battery (14), in particular CAN bus signal, to at least one further digital bus interface (168), in particular in the form of a CAN bus output interface (188), of the signal conversion device (138).
5. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator device (18)

   a) is configured in the form of a bar or multi-segment indicator (20), in particular wherein the bar or multi-segment indicator (20) is configured in the form of an LCD or LED display having a plurality of indication segments (100),
   and/or

   b) is comprised by the indicator control device (22).
6. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a battery (14), in particular configured in the form of a rechargeable battery (14),
   in particular wherein the battery (14)

   a) is configured in the form of a lead battery (16) or a lithium-ion battery (36),
   and/or

   b) comprises a battery management system (110) for generating a digital state-of-charge signal corresponding to the state of charge of the battery (14), and the battery management system (110) is operatively and electrically connected to a digital data output (44) of the battery (14) for providing the digital state-of-charge signal for the cleaning apparatus (10), in particular for the indicator control device (22).
7. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that the battery (14) is removably connectable to the cleaning apparatus (10) and in that the battery (14), in a separated position, is fully electrically and mechanically separated from the cleaning apparatus (10) and, in a connected position, is operatively and electrically connected to the cleaning apparatus (10),
   in particular wherein the battery (14) in the connected position is mechanically coupled to the cleaning apparatus (10).
8. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a battery interface (52) for operative and electrical connection to the battery (14), in that the battery interface (52) comprises a digital data input (54), and in that the digital data input (54) is operatively and electrically connected to the digital data output (44) of the battery (14) when the battery (14) is operatively and electrically connected to the battery interface (52),
   in particular wherein the cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a battery receptacle (56) for receiving the battery (14) and wherein the battery interface (52) is arranged or formed in or on the battery receptacle (56).
9. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that the battery interface (52) comprises battery terminal contacts (58) and in that the battery terminal contacts (58) are operatively and electrically connected to the battery terminals (30, 32; 130, 132) of the battery (14) when the battery (14) is operatively and electrically connected to the battery interface (52).
10. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the battery terminal contacts (58) comprise first battery terminal contacts (60, 62) for a lead battery (16) and second battery terminal contacts (160, 162) for a lithium-ion battery (36), in that, when the lead battery (16) is operatively and electrically connected to the battery interface (52), the first battery terminal contacts (60, 62) are operatively and electrically connected to the battery terminals (30, 32) of the lead battery, and in that, when the lithium-ion battery (36) is operatively and electrically connected to the battery interface (52), the second battery terminal contacts (160, 162) are operatively and electrically connected to the battery terminals (130, 132) of the lithium-ion battery.
11. Battery-operated cleaning apparatus in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator control device (22) comprises a voltage divider (102) for reducing a voltage of the analog state-of-charge signal present at the analog signal input (24).
12. Method for operating a cleaning apparatus (10), in particular floor cleaning apparatus (12), which is operated with a battery (14) independently of the grid, wherein a state of charge of the battery (14) is indicated by an indicator device (18) of the cleaning apparatus (10), wherein the indicator device (18) is controlled in dependence on an analog state-of-charge signal which corresponds to the state of charge of the battery (14), characterized in that a digital state-of-charge signal provided by the battery (14) and corresponding to the state of charge of the battery (14) is converted to an analog state-of-charge signal corresponding to the state of charge of the battery (14) and is provided for controlling the indicator device (18).
13. Method in accordance with claim 12, characterized in that the converted analog state-of-charge signal

    a) is provided in the form of a PWM signal,
    and/or

    b) is amplified before being provided to the indicator device (18).
14. Method in accordance with claim 12 or 13, characterized in that

    a) the state of charge of the battery (14) is indicated in bar or segment form by way of a plurality of indication segments (100),
    and/or

    b) the cleaning apparatus (10) is operated with a battery (14) in the form of a rechargeable battery (14),
    and/or

    c) a lead battery (16) or a lithium-ion battery (36) is used as the battery (14).
15. Method in accordance with any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the battery (14) is removably connected to the cleaning apparatus (10) such that the battery (14), when in a separated position, is fully electrically and mechanically separated from the cleaning apparatus (10) and, in a connected position, is operatively and electrically connected to the cleaning apparatus (10).

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