Tank device for a floor-cleaning appliance, floor-cleaning appliance having a tank device, and floor-cleaning system

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank device for an in particular self-propelled and self-steering floor-cleaning appliance, comprising a dirty-liquid container (68) for receiving a dirty liquid, which comprises a wall structure (80), enclosing an interior (86), with a bottom wall (82), and comprising a discharge channel (96) for dirty liquid, having an inlet opening (98), which, with respect to the direction of gravity (30), is arranged above the bottom wall (82), and an outlet opening (100) arranged outside the interior (86). The present invention also relates to a floor-cleaning appliance and to a floor-cleaning system.

Description

[0001] TANK DEVICE FOR A FLOOR CLEANING DEVICE, FLOOR CLEANING DEVICE WITH A TANK DEVICE AND FLOOR

[0002] CLEANING SYSTEM

[0003] 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.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a floor cleaning device, in particular a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning device, comprising a tank device and at least one cleaning tool. Alternatively or additionally, the floor cleaning device can be hand-guided.

[0005] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a floor cleaning system comprising a floor cleaning device and a docking station, wherein the floor cleaning device can assume a docking position at the docking station.

[0006] A floor cleaning device of the type described above enables the cleaning of a floor surface. A cleaning fluid is typically applied to the cleaning tool and / or the floor surface to wet it and facilitate the removal of adhering dirt. The cleaning fluid can, in particular, be water, to which a cleaning chemical can be added to increase cleaning performance. The cleaning fluid is preferably stored in a reservoir of the floor cleaning device. The floor cleaning device comprises a tank device with the dirty fluid container, in which contaminated cleaning fluid (dirty fluid) is collected. After work, the dirty fluid container can, for example, be emptied.

[0007] 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, wherein a discharge of dirty liquid from the dirty liquid container is facilitated.

[0008] 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 space with a bottom wall, and a discharge channel for dirty liquid with an inlet opening which, with respect to the direction of gravity, is arranged above the bottom wall, and an outlet opening arranged outside the interior space.

[0009] 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 encloses the interior of the dirty liquid container and comprises a bottom wall and, for example, a circumferential side wall. A top 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, whereby the dirty liquid can enter the discharge channel via the inlet opening arranged above the bottom wall and exit the discharge channel outside the interior.This preferably offers the possibility of eliminating the need for an active closing element or valve element on the discharge channel and, in particular, on the dirty liquid container as a whole, which can thus have a structurally simple design. It is preferably possible to eliminate the need for a drainage opening on the bottom wall, thereby preventing non-floating dirt particles from becoming trapped at the drainage opening and blocking it or any closing element arranged there.

[0010] Position and orientation specifications such as "above," "below," or the like, refer to the intended use position of the tank system and a floor cleaning device comprising the tank system. In this case, the floor cleaning device rests on the floor surface, which can be considered horizontal, for example. The direction of gravity is perpendicular to the horizontal.

[0011] The present invention may provide for more than one discharge channel. Accordingly, the tank device may comprise at least one discharge channel as described above and in particular below. The discharge channels may be of identical or different configurations.

[0012] A structurally simple design can be achieved, for example, by having the dirty liquid container free of a closing element or valve element, at least at the discharge channel and preferably entirely. This can, in particular, eliminate the need for active closing elements or valve elements.

[0013] As already discussed, it is advantageous to provide no drainage opening on the floor wall. In particular, it can be provided that dirty liquid can only be drained from the interior through the discharge channel.

[0014] It can be beneficial for the reliable functioning of the tank system if the discharge channel is designed to be straight and / or aligned along the direction of gravity.

[0015] It can be advantageous for a structurally simple design if the discharge channel is formed in one piece with the wall and is, for example, molded onto the wall.

[0016] The discharge channel can, for example, run through the wall.

[0017] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the discharge channel to extend from the bottom wall into the interior, with the discharge channel being formed, in particular, integrally with the bottom wall. This eliminates, for example, the need for a seal for the discharge channel relative to the bottom wall. The discharge channel extends into the interior, with the inlet opening located above the bottom wall. The dirty liquid can enter the top inlet opening and be drained downwards out of the interior.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the outlet opening is aligned with a plane formed by the bottom wall.

[0019] The discharge channel can be designed to extend through the floor wall.

[0020] Advantageously, the tank device comprises a hood element that extends over the discharge channel and surrounds the discharge channel at least partially 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 created to drain 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 guard. The dirty liquid can enter a space between the free edge of the hood element, and its level can rise upwards toward the inlet opening. The inlet opening is overlapped by the hood element, whereby the dirty liquid can pass through the space between the inlet opening and an upper section of the hood element.The dirty liquid is discharged, 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.

[0021] The hood element can, for example, be fixed to a ceiling wall of the dirty liquid container and / or be formed integrally with the ceiling wall.

[0022] The hood element can, for example, project beyond a ceiling wall section that at least partially surrounds it in the direction of gravity, with the inlet opening of the discharge channel being arranged at least at the height or substantially at the height of the ceiling wall section in the direction of gravity. In this way, effective splash protection can be achieved in the dirty liquid container.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the discharge channel can be provided to enter 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 into the dirty liquid container from above, similar to a dip tube. The dirty liquid can, for example, be sucked upwards by means of a suction unit.

[0024] For example, the discharge channel may be provided to pass through a through-opening formed in the ceiling wall of the dirty liquid container. In this case, the channel is formed separately from the ceiling wall.

[0025] Alternatively, it can be provided that the discharge channel is formed in one piece with the ceiling wall and, for example, is molded onto it.

[0026] Conveniently, the tank device comprises a storage container for cleaning fluid, which is arranged in particular above the dirty fluid container. Cleaning fluid can be applied from the storage container, for example, to the at least one cleaning tool and / or the floor surface.

[0027] The discharge channel runs, for example, through the storage container, in particular up to a ceiling 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, using a suction unit.

[0028] For example, an opening is formed in the top wall of the storage tank, with the edge of which the discharge channel engages. The top wall can be detachable from the storage tank, for example, to open it. During operation, the top wall is closed and engages with the discharge channel, thus ensuring reliable function and a robust design of the tank system.

[0029] The discharge channel can be formed, in particular, in one piece with a wall of the storage container, which comprises, for example, its bottom wall and / or its side wall.

[0030] As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to a floor cleaning device. A floor cleaning device according to the invention, which achieves the aforementioned object, comprises a housing, a tank device of the type described above arranged in the housing or formed by the housing, and at least one cleaning tool. Dirty liquid can be collected from the floor surface and transferred into the dirty liquid container. A housing opening is arranged on the housing, which opening is formed by the outlet opening of the discharge channel or is aligned with it.

[0031] The advantages already 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.

[0032] The floor cleaning device can be self-propelled and self-steering and designed for autonomous cleaning of the floor surface. Accordingly, the floor cleaning device can, in particular, be a cleaning robot.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the floor cleaning device can be hand-held and include a handle for an operator. For example, a cleaning head is provided that has the housing with the tank device and the at least one cleaning tool, with a handle with a handle for the operator being held in the cleaning head. The floor cleaning device can include a chassis for moving across the floor surface.

[0034] 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, while being flush with the outlet opening of the discharge channel. In another 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, while being flush with the outlet opening of the upwardly directed discharge channel.

[0035] The at least one cleaning tool is configured, for example, as a rotationally driven cleaning roller. The floor cleaning device comprises a scraper element arranged on the dirty liquid container for scraping off the dirty liquid, which element engages with a bristle of the cleaning roller. Dirty liquid can be picked up from the floor surface via the bristle and scraped off by the scraper element to reach the dirty liquid container. Such an embodiment of the invention can be devoid of a suction unit for collecting the cleaning liquid.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the floor cleaning device may comprise a suction unit and a suction device that can be subjected to negative pressure by the suction unit, whereby the dirty liquid can be sucked from the floor surface under the action of the suction air flow of the suction unit. The sucked-up dirty liquid can be transferred to the dirty liquid container.

[0037] As also mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also relates to a floor cleaning system. A floor cleaning system according to the invention, which achieves the object mentioned at the beginning, comprises a floor cleaning device of the type described above, a docking station, a vacuum generation device, and a suction line with a suction inlet. When the floor cleaning device is in a docking position at the docking station, the suction inlet is directly or indirectly fluidically connected to the outlet opening of the discharge channel. Dirty liquid can be sucked out of the dirty liquid container via the suction line.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The vacuum generation device can, for example, comprise a suction unit that applies negative pressure to the suction line. A suction fan, for example, can be used as a suction unit on or in the suction line.

[0041] Alternatively, the vacuum generation device can, for example, apply negative pressure to a receiving container. Rapid pressure equalization while sucking in the dirty liquid can be achieved, for example, by opening a valve unit, which can be controlled by a control unit.

[0042] Under control of a control unit, for example, the vacuum generation device can be activated to apply negative pressure to the suction line. The suction inlet is fluidically connected directly to the discharge channel via its outlet opening or indirectly, for example, via the aforementioned housing opening in the housing of the floor cleaning device. When the vacuum generation 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. A downward suction system is particularly conceivable, with the discharge channel facing downward and the suction inlet located below the floor cleaning device.

[0043] Alternatively, it is conceivable that suction takes place upwards with the discharge channel directed upwards, with the housing opening being arranged, for example, on the top side of the housing.

[0044] A control unit may be included in the docking station and / or the floor cleaning device.

[0045] For example, the docking position can be detected automatically. For example, electrical contacts on the floor cleaning device and the docking station are coupled in such a way that the current flow can detect the position of the floor cleaning device in the docking position.

[0046] In this context, a "control unit" can be considered an electrical unit that, for example, detects the current flow between the docking station and the floor cleaning device, whereupon the vacuum generation device is activated. Alternatively or additionally, a "control unit" can be considered an electrical unit that detects the actuation of a control element for activating the suction unit by an operator.

[0047] Advantageously, a sealing element is arranged at the suction inlet, which seals 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, while preferably preventing the entry of external air into the suction inlet.

[0048] The sealing element can, for example, comprise a fastening section that is fixed in an annular gap of the suction line at the suction inlet. The fastening section is, for example, annular and engages between spaced-apart sections of the suction line. The sealing element preferably further comprises a sealing section that is funnel-shaped and surrounds the edge of the suction inlet in an annular manner.

[0049] The funnel shape, similar to a suction cup, for example, allows for effective sealing relative to the outlet opening or relative to the housing opening.

[0050] The docking station can, for example, comprise a particularly ramp-shaped support for the floor cleaning device, wherein the suction opening is formed in the support, and wherein the floor cleaning device is arranged above the suction inlet in the docking position, and the dirty liquid can be sucked downwards from the dirty liquid container. For example, the floor cleaning device rests on the suction inlet, wherein a tight connection is preferably formed between the suction line and the discharge channel via the sealing element.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the docking station may comprise an upper section located above the floor cleaning device, to which the suction line with the suction opening is arranged, whereby the dirty liquid can 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 may be, for example, a ceiling wall of the storage container.

[0052] It may 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.

[0053] The docking station may comprise a receiving container into which the dirty liquid can be transferred under the action of the vacuum generating device.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the docking station can comprise a storage container for cleaning fluid and a fluid line with a valve unit and / or a pump unit connected therein, wherein cleaning fluid can be supplied to 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 the floor cleaning device assumes a docking position at the docking station. 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 in this case. Alternatively, filling can take place via an air gap, for example.

[0055] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. They show:

[0056] Figure 1: a perspective view of a floor cleaning system according to the invention with a floor cleaning device according to the invention, which comprises a tank device according to the invention;

[0057] Figure 2: a schematic representation of the floor cleaning system from Figure 1;

[0058] Figure 3: a perspective view of the tank device together with a cleaning tool in the form of a cleaning roller;

[0059] Figure 4: a sectional view of the tank assembly taken along line 4-4 in Figure 3, also showing a portion of a suction line of the docking station;

[0060] Figure 5: a representation corresponding to Figure 2 in a further preferred embodiment of the docking station according to the invention;

[0061] Figure 6: a representation corresponding to Figure 4 for the floor cleaning device of the docking system from Figure 5; and

[0062] Figure 7: A schematic representation of a hand-held floor cleaning device according to the invention with a tank device according to the invention. Figures 1 and 2 show an advantageous embodiment of the floor cleaning system according to the invention, designated overall by the reference numeral 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.

[0063] Furthermore, the floor cleaning system 10 comprises a docking station 16 for the floor cleaning device 12.

[0064] The floor cleaning device 12 is in the present case designed as a self-propelled and self-steering 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.

[0065] For cleaning 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 (Figure 3), which is configured, for example, with a single segment, but can also be configured with multiple segments. For rotating the cleaning roller 24, the floor cleaning device 12 has a drive unit (not shown in the drawing).

[0066] Alternatively or in addition to the cleaning roller 24, the floor cleaning device 12 can, for example, comprise a rotationally driven sweeping roller.

[0067] Alternatively or in addition to the cleaning roller 24, the floor cleaning device 12 can, for example, comprise a cleaning cloth.

[0068] The docking station 16 serves to accommodate the floor cleaning device 12 during interruptions or breaks in operation. In particular, it is possible for the floor cleaning device 12 to assume a defined docking position at the docking station 16 (Figures 1 and 2). During normal use, the docking station 16 rests on the floor surface 18 and comprises a ramp-shaped support 26 onto which the floor cleaning device 12 can travel to assume the docking position. The docking station 16 comprises a storage container 28 for a cleaning fluid, in particular water, to which a cleaning chemical can be added to increase cleaning performance. Relative to the direction of gravity 30, the storage container 28 is arranged in an upper section 32 of the docking station 16.

[0069] A fluid line 34 is connected to the reservoir 28, into which an electrically actuated valve unit 36 ​​is connected. The valve unit 36 ​​can preferably be actuated by an optional control unit 38 to open or close the fluid line 34. When the fluid line 34 is open, cleaning fluid flows through an outlet 40 of the fluid line 34.

[0070] In the present case, the control unit 38 is a component of the docking station 16, but alternatively or additionally, a control unit of the floor cleaning device 12 could also be used.

[0071] 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 negative pressure generating device 46.

[0072] In the present case, the suction unit 42 is arranged on the output side of a receiving container 48 for collecting dirty liquid, to which the suction line 44 is connected on the input side.

[0073] The suction unit 42 is coupled to the control unit 38 and can be activated and deactivated by it.

[0074] The suction line 44 comprises 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. Figure 2 schematically shows the arrangement of the suction unit 42 and the receiving container 48 on the upper section 32, although these could also be arranged on the lower section 52. Figure 4 shows a section of the suction line 44 comprising the suction inlet 50, which in the present example is angled (for example, with a 90° bend) to achieve a compact design of the support 26, although other geometries are conceivable.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] The sealing element 58 further comprises a sealing section 62 that surrounds the inlet opening of the suction line 44 at the suction inlet 50. As can be seen particularly from Figure 4, the sealing section is annular, having a funnel-shaped configuration that widens toward the floor cleaning device 12 in the docking position. The sealing section 62 is deformable to provide a fluid-tight connection to the floor cleaning device 12.

[0078] 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 reconnected to the housing 64.

[0079] The tank device 14 comprises, as is particularly clear from Figure 4, a storage container 66 for cleaning fluid and a dirty fluid container 68 for dirty fluid (contaminated cleaning fluid).

[0080] The storage container 66 comprises a container lower part 70, which is essentially trough-shaped, and a container upper part 72 which can be placed thereon. The container upper part 72 forms a ceiling wall 74 of the storage container 66. A filling opening 76 is formed in the ceiling wall 74.

[0081] When the floor cleaning device 12 is in the docking position, cleaning fluid can be filled through the filling opening 76 via the fluid line 34.

[0082] The dirty liquid container 68 comprises a container base 78, which in this case comprises a wall 80 or is part of a wall 80 of the dirty liquid container 68. The wall 80 comprises a bottom wall 82 and a side wall 84 of the dirty liquid container 68, which enclose an interior space 86.

[0083] 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 container bottom 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 pumped from the storage container 66.

[0084] During operation of the floor cleaning device 12, cleaning fluid 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 a, for example, strip-shaped distribution element 92 with a plurality of openings arranged along the extension of the cleaning roller 24.

[0085] The mixture of cleaning fluid and removed dirt (dirty fluid) can be collected from the floor surface 18 during operation by the cleaning roller 24. The tank device 14 comprises a strip-shaped scraper element 94 arranged on the dirty fluid container, for example, which engages the filling. The dirty fluid is collected in the interior space 86.

[0086] The tank device 14 comprises 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 this 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 considered to be horizontally oriented.

[0087] In the present example, the discharge channel 96 is formed integrally with the wall 80, in particular with the bottom wall 82. The discharge channel 96 is molded onto the bottom wall 82, wherein the wall consists of a plastic material.

[0088] Because the discharge channel 96 is formed in one piece with the bottom wall 82, any sealing in the area of ​​the bottom wall 82 can be eliminated.

[0089] The discharge channel 96 extends upwards into the interior space 86 from the bottom wall 82. In this case, there is no drain opening for the dirty liquid container 68 on the bottom wall 82.

[0090] The outlet opening 100 is arranged outside the interior space 86. In the present example, the outlet opening 100 is arranged in a plane defined by the bottom wall 82.

[0091] In the floor cleaning device 12, the bottom wall 82 forms a closure of the housing 64 at the bottom, so that the outlet opening 100 in the present example forms a housing opening of the housing 64 or can be regarded as such a housing opening.

[0092] The dirty liquid container 68 has the top wall 88 formed by the intermediate part 90. The top wall 88 comprises a hood element 104, which is partially surrounded by a substantially plate-shaped top wall section 106. The hood element 104 overlaps the discharge channel 96, with an upper section 108 of the hood element 104 being arranged above and spaced from the inlet opening 98. The inlet opening 98 is arranged substantially at the level of the top wall section 106.

[0093] The hood element 104 surrounds the discharge channel 96 at least partially, and in the present example, completely. The discharge channel 96 and the hood element 104 are aligned concentrically with each other.

[0094] On the underside of the hood element 104, a free edge 110 is arranged, which is arranged above the bottom wall 32.

[0095] The hood element 104, which spans the discharge channel 96 and forms a flow deflection element, creates a somewhat "labyrinthine" flow deflection of the dirty liquid for discharge from the dirty liquid container 68. As shown in Figure 3, 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.

[0096] In the docking position of the floor cleaning device 12, dirty liquid can be sucked out of the dirty liquid container 68. If the docking position is detected, 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, for example, by the control unit 38. This can occur automatically as a result of docking or triggered by an operator using a control element of the docking station 16.

[0097] When the floor cleaning device 12 assumes the docking position, a fluid-tight connection exists between the suction inlet 50 and the outlet opening 100. For example, it is provided that the support 26 comprises wheel recesses for the chassis 20, so that the floor cleaning device 12 can lower itself with the edge 116 of the outlet opening 100 and rest 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 into the inlet opening 98. The suction effect simultaneously rinses the dirty liquid container 68.

[0098] In the docking position, the storage container 66 can advantageously be filled via the fluid line 34. Preferably, the storage container 66 can be filled with cleaning fluid from the storage container 28, while simultaneously being sucked away via the suction unit 42. The tank device 14 can preferably comprise 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 fluid container 68. Supplied cleaning fluid allows both the storage container 66 and the dirty fluid container 68 to be rinsed and cleaned.

[0099] It can be provided that the supplied cleaning fluid simultaneously serves to clean the cleaning roller 24, wherein it is applied to its lining via the distributor element 92.

[0100] During 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 guard.

[0101] It is advantageous that the dirty fluid container is free of any closing element or valve at the discharge channel 96 and overall. This allows for a structurally simple design while simultaneously ensuring reliable function of the tank device 14.

[0102] A preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 5 and 6 will be discussed below. Figure 5 shows, in a manner corresponding to Figure 2, a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning system according to the invention, designated by reference numeral 122, with a floor cleaning device 124 according to the invention, which includes a tank device 126 according to the invention (Figure 6).

[0103] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalent features or components. The advantages explained above can also be achieved with the further embodiments of the invention explained below, so that the above explanations can largely be omitted. Only the essential differences will be explained.

[0104] In the floor cleaning system 122, the suction line 44 is arranged at the upper section 32. This allows the dirty liquid container 68 to be vacuumed from above, for which the tank device 126 is designed accordingly.

[0105] The tank device 126 also includes a discharge channel 96 with an inlet opening 98 arranged above the bottom wall 82. The discharge channel 96 extends into the interior space 96 from above.

[0106] In the present embodiment, the discharge channel 96 extends 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 ceiling wall 74.

[0107] A housing opening 128 is formed in the ceiling wall 74, which is aligned with the outlet opening 100 at the top of the discharge channel 96. The discharge channel engages an edge of the housing opening 128 on the ceiling wall 74.

[0108] In the docking position, the suction line 44 with the sealing element 58 at the suction inlet lies sealingly against the ceiling wall 74. The dirty liquid is sucked upwards from the interior space 86 through the discharge channel 96, the outlet opening 100, and the housing opening 128.

[0109] In the present exemplary embodiment, the discharge channel 96 of the tank device 126 is formed integrally with a wall of the storage container 66, in particular the container lower part 70. The discharge channel 96 is, for example, integrally formed with the container lower part 70. Alternatively, it can be provided, for example, that the discharge channel 96 is formed integrally with the top wall 88 of the dirty liquid container 68, for example, integrally formed thereon. In this case, the discharge channel 96 can, for example, extend through the storage container 66 or laterally past it.

[0110] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device according to the invention, which is designated by the reference numeral 130. The floor cleaning device 130 can be a component of a floor cleaning system according to the invention and can be used, for example, alternatively to or together with the floor cleaning device 12 and / or 122 at the docking station 16.

[0111] In the present example, the floor cleaning device 130 is hand-held. For this purpose, the floor cleaning device 130 comprises a handle element 132, which is arranged, for example, on a handle 134 and can be grasped by an operator to guide the floor cleaning device 130.

[0112] The handle 134 is connected to a floor cleaning head 136 of the floor cleaning device 130, for example on the housing 64, wherein the floor cleaning head 136 comprises the at least one cleaning tool 22.

[0113] 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.

[0114] The floor cleaning device 130 does not include the chassis 20, although this may be provided. In the present case, the floor cleaning device comprises two roller-shaped cleaning tools 22, although the number of these tools may also vary.

[0115] 10 Floor cleaning system

[0116] 12 Floor cleaning device

[0117] 14 Tank facility

[0118] 16 Docking station

[0119] 18 floor area

[0120] 20 chassis

[0121] 22 Cleaning tools

[0122] 24 cleaning roller

[0123] 26th edition

[0124] 28 storage containers

[0125] 30 Direction of gravity

[0126] 32 upper section

[0127] 34 Fluid line

[0128] 36 Valve unit

[0129] 38 Control unit

[0130] 40 outlet

[0131] 42 suction unit

[0132] 44 Suction line

[0133] 46 Vacuum generation device

[0134] 48 receptacles

[0135] 50 Suction inlet

[0136] 52 lower section

[0137] Section 54, 55

[0138] 56 Annular gap

[0139] 58 Sealing element

[0140] 60 fastening section

[0141] 62 Sealing section

[0142] 64 housings

[0143] 66 storage containers

[0144] 68 Dirty liquid container Lower container part Upper container part Ceiling wall Filling opening Lower container part Wall

[0145] Floor wall Side wall Interior Ceiling wall Intermediate part Pump unit

[0146] Distributor element scraper element

[0147] Discharge channel inlet opening

[0148] Outlet opening hood element

[0149] Ceiling wall section top section free edge gap gap

[0150] edge

[0151] overflow channel

[0152] Interior

[0153] Floor cleaning system Floor cleaning device Tank facility

[0154] Housing opening floor cleaning device handle element 134 handle

[0155] 136 floor cleaning head

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS Tank device for a floor cleaning device, in particular a self-propelled and self-steering device, comprising a dirty liquid container (68) for receiving a dirty liquid, which includes a wall (80) enclosing an interior space (86) with a bottom wall (82), and a discharge channel (96) for dirty liquid with an inlet opening (98) which, with respect to the direction of gravity (30), is arranged above the bottom wall (82), and an outlet opening (100) arranged outside the interior space (86). Tank device according to claim 1, characterized in that the dirty liquid container (68) is free of a closing element or valve element, at least at the discharge channel (96) and preferably entirely. Tank device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that no discharge opening is arranged on the bottom wall (82).Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge channel (96) extends 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 integrally with the wall (80), for example, by being integrally formed with 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), wherein the discharge channel (96) is formed integrally 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) extending over the discharge channel (96), which surrounds the discharge channel (96) at least partially and preferably completely, wherein a lower free edge (110) of the hood element (104) is arranged above the bottom wall (82). Tank device according to claim 8, characterized in that the hood element (104) is fixed to a ceiling wall (88) of the waste liquid container (68) and / or is formed integrally with the ceiling wall (88). Tank device according to claim 9, characterized in that the hood element (104) projects beyond a ceiling wall section (106) of the ceiling wall (88) which at least partially surrounds it, and that the inlet opening (98) of the discharge channel (96) is arranged in the direction of gravity (30) at least at the level or substantially at the level of the ceiling wall section (106).Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge channel (96) engages the interior (86) from above, the inlet opening (98) being formed below a ceiling wall (88) of the wastewater container (68). Tank device according to claim 11, characterized in that the discharge channel (96) passes through a through-opening formed in the ceiling wall (88) of the wastewater container (68). Tank device according to claim 11, characterized in that the discharge channel (96) is formed integrally with the ceiling wall (88). Tank device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank device (14; 126) includes a storage container. (28, 66) for cleaning fluid, which is arranged in particular above the dirty fluid container (68), and in that the discharge channel (96) extends through the storage container (28, 66), in particular to a ceiling wall (88) of the storage container (28, 66). Tank device according to 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 or formed by the housing according to one of the preceding claims and at least one cleaning tool (22), wherein dirty liquid can be absorbed from the floor surface (18) and transferred into the dirty liquid container (68), and wherein a housing opening (128) is arranged on the housing (64), which is formed by or aligned with the outlet opening (100) of the discharge channel (96).Floor cleaning device according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) is self-propelled and self-steering; the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) is hand-operated and includes a handle for an operator. Floor cleaning device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the housing opening (128) is flush with a housing wall of the housing (64). Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the at least one cleaning tool (22) is designed as a rotatably driven cleaning roller (24), wherein the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) has a scraper element (94) arranged on the dirt liquid container (68) for scraping off the dirt liquid. The floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) comprises a suction unit (42) and a suction device that can be subjected to negative pressure by the suction unit (42), wherein the dirty liquid can be extracted from the floor surface (18) under the effect of the suction airflow of the suction unit (42). Floor cleaning system comprising a floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) according to one of claims 16 to 19, a docking station (16), a vacuum generating device (46) and a suction line (44) with a suction inlet (50), wherein the suction inlet (50) is in a direct or indirect fluid connection with the outlet opening (100) of the discharge channel (96) when the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) is in a docking position at the docking station (16), and wherein dirty liquid can be drawn from the dirty liquid container (68) via the suction line (44).Floor cleaning system according to claim 20, characterized in that a sealing element (58) is arranged at the suction inlet (50), which abuts a sealing edge of the outlet opening (100) or an edge of a housing opening (128) of the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) aligned with the outlet opening (100). Floor cleaning system according to 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 an annular manner. Floor cleaning system according to one of claims 20 to 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), wherein the. The floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) is arranged in the docking position above the suction inlet (50), and the dirty liquid can be drawn downwards from the dirty liquid container (68). A floor cleaning system according to any one of claims 20 to 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, and the dirty liquid can be drawn upwards from the dirty liquid container (68). A floor cleaning system according to any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the docking station (16) comprises a receiving container (48) into which the dirty liquid can be transferred under the influence of the vacuum generating device (46).Floor cleaning system according to one of claims 20 to 25, characterized in that the docking station (16) comprises a reservoir (28, 66) for cleaning fluid as well as a fluid line (34) and a valve unit and / or a pump unit therein, wherein cleaning fluid can be supplied to a reservoir (28, 66) of the floor cleaning device (12; 124; 130) 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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