Collecting container for a cleaning device

EP4512292A1Active Publication Date: 2025-02-26BOSCH SIEMENS HAUSGERATE GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2024184919
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-08-24
Filing Date
2024-06-27
Publication Date
2025-02-26
Estimated Expiration
2044-06-27

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Abstract

A collection container (140) is described which has a base container (146) with a filter unit (141) and with a drain opening (216) for emptying the base container (146). The collection container (140) further comprises a lid (142) designed to cover the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) so that the lid (142) prevents dirt particles from falling out of the collection container (140), and a locking mechanism (145, 400) designed to close the lid (142) over the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) in such a way that a user is prompted by the locking mechanism (145, 400) to turn the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) away from the ground in order to open the lid (142).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning robot. In particular, the invention relates to a collecting container for a cleaning device.

[0002] A cleaning device, in particular a suction device, typically has a suction nozzle with a suction port through which impurities or dirt, in particular dust particles, are sucked up from a surface to be cleaned by means of a suction air stream. The air stream can be generated by a fan. The air stream transports the dirt from the suction port via a suction channel into a dirt collection container of the cleaning device.

[0003] From the prior art, for example, DE 10 2017 208 969 A1 is known, which discloses a dust separation unit for a vacuum cleaner or vacuum robot, which has at least one locking unit for releasably fixing the dust separation unit to the vacuum cleaner.

[0004] To empty the collection container, the user of the cleaning device can remove it from the cleaning device and place it in a waste bin. It may happen that the collection container opens during removal and / or transport, causing dirt particles to inadvertently fall out.

[0005] This document addresses the technical task of providing a collection container that is protected against accidental opening in an efficient and reliable manner.

[0006] The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments are defined in particular in the dependent patent claims, described in the following description, or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to one aspect, a collection container is described that is designed to be inserted into a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning robot, and to collect dirt particles during the cleaning operation of the cleaning device. The cleaning device can, for example, have a recess into which the collection container can be inserted.

[0008] The collection container comprises a base container with a filter unit. The filter unit can be designed to retain dirt particles from the suction air flow of the cleaning device in the base container. The fan of the cleaning device (for generating the suction air flow) can be arranged downstream of the filter unit in the flow direction. The base container can be cuboid-shaped or cylindrical, for example.

[0009] The base container also has a drain opening for emptying the base container. The suction air stream containing the dirt particles can enter the collection container through the drain opening. The suction air stream can be drawn through the filter unit, so that the dirt particles are retained by the filter unit in the base container of the collection container.

[0010] The collection container further comprises a lid designed to cover the emptying opening of the base container, preventing dirt particles from falling out of the collection container. The lid can optionally be pivotally mounted on the base container via a pivot axis. The lid can have a suction channel opening (optionally closable by a flap) for receiving the suction air flow containing the dirt particles.

[0011] The emptying opening of the base container can be arranged along the longitudinal axis of the collecting container opposite the base surface of the base container. In other words, the emptying opening and the base surface of the base container can be arranged on opposite sides of the base container with respect to the longitudinal axis. The collecting container can be configured to be arranged in the cleaning device such that the longitudinal axis of the collecting container is arranged (predominantly and / or substantially) parallel to the surface being cleaned by the cleaning device during the cleaning operation of the cleaning device. Thus, a (predominantly and / or substantially) horizontal arrangement of the collecting container in the cleaning device can be provided.For example, during the cleaning operation of the cleaning device, the longitudinal axis of the collecting container may have an angle to the surface being cleaned by the cleaning device that is less than 10°, preferably less than 5°. In general, it should be noted that when this document describes two axes and / or directions as being (substantially) parallel, this preferably means that the two axes and / or directions are at an angle to each other that is less than 10°, preferably less than 5°.

[0012] The collection container further comprises a closure mechanism configured to close the lid over the emptying opening of the base container in such a way that the closure mechanism prompts, in particular forces, a user to move the emptying opening of the base container away from the floor to open the lid. Alternatively or additionally, the closure mechanism may be configured to prompt, in particular force, a user to orient the collection container in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the collection container forms a specific angle relative to the floor to open the lid, e.g., an angle of 45° or more, in particular of 60° or more.

[0013] This reliably prevents dirt particles from accidentally falling out of the collection container when the lid is opened.

[0014] The closure mechanism can be designed such that the closure mechanism is (automatically) in the closed state or closed, so that the lid is held (firmly) over the emptying opening of the base container when the emptying opening faces the floor and / or is not facing away from the floor. Alternatively or additionally, the closure mechanism can be designed such that the closure mechanism is (automatically) in the open state or open, so that the lid can be (freely) moved away from the emptying opening of the base container (e.g., unfolded or removed) by a user (to open the collection container) when the emptying opening faces away from the floor.

[0015] The closure mechanism can in particular be designed such that the closure mechanism automatically transitions from the open state to the closed state when the collection container is transferred from an orientation in which the emptying opening faces away from the floor to an orientation in which the emptying opening faces the floor and / or is no longer facing away from the floor; and / or that the closure mechanism automatically transitions from the closed state to the open state when the collection container is transferred from an orientation in which the emptying opening faces the floor and / or is no longer facing away from the floor to an orientation in which the emptying opening is facing away from the floor.

[0016] In a specific example, the locking mechanism can be designed such that the locking mechanism is (automatically) in the closed state (or transitions to the closed state) when the longitudinal axis has an angle to the ground that is equal to or smaller than a first angle threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism can be designed such that the locking mechanism is (automatically) in the open state (or transitions to the open state) when the longitudinal axis has an angle to the ground that is equal to or greater than a second angle threshold. The first angle threshold can be equal to or smaller than the second angle threshold. For example, the first angle threshold can be 45° or less, in particular 25° or less.

[0017] Typically, the first angle threshold and the second angle threshold are equal. By using a second angle threshold that is greater than the first angle threshold, a hysteresis can be provided for the transition between the closed state and the open state, which can further increase the comfort of the collection container.

[0018] The locking mechanism can be arranged (along the vertical axis of the collection container) on the opposite side of the collection container to the side on which the pivot axis of the lid is arranged.

[0019] Thus, a locking mechanism can be provided which automatically, depending on the orientation of the collection container, closes / locks or opens / unlocks a locking mechanism of the lid of the collection container (in order to lock or release the lid). In particular, the locking mechanism of the lid can be automatically locked or remains locked if the emptying opening is oriented downwards (or horizontally, if applicable). Furthermore, the locking mechanism of the lid can be automatically unlocked if the emptying opening is oriented upwards to a sufficient extent (e.g., by 45° or more). This allows the accidental opening of the collection container to be prevented in a particularly convenient and reliable manner.

[0020] The locking mechanism may comprise a guide element attached to the base container for guiding a movable latch. Furthermore, the locking mechanism may comprise a retaining element (e.g., configured as a hook) attached to the lid, which is configured to receive the latch movably mounted in the guide element in order to close the locking mechanism. The latch may comprise, in particular, a ball; a pin or bolt; and / or a movable element with a triangular end facing the retaining element.

[0021] The latch can be movably mounted in the guide element such that the latch is moved solely by the action of gravity on the latch. In particular, the latch can be moved (given a specific orientation of the collection container) solely by gravity from the first end position of the guide element to the second end position of the guide element, so that the locking mechanism (automatically) transitions from the closed state to the open state. Furthermore, the latch can be moved (given a specific further orientation of the collection container) solely by gravity from the second end position of the guide element to the first end position of the guide element, so that the locking mechanism transitions from the open state to the closed state.

[0022] Such a locking mechanism can prevent accidental opening of the collection container in a particularly efficient and reliable manner.

[0023] As already explained above, the collection container can have a longitudinal axis that runs (substantially) perpendicular to the emptying opening of the base container. The guide element can be designed to move the latch along a movement axis that is arranged obliquely to the longitudinal axis. By arranging the guide element obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis, the angle (between the longitudinal axis and the base) at which the locking mechanism automatically transitions from the closed state to the open state or vice versa can be adjusted efficiently and precisely. In particular, the first and / or second angle threshold values ​​can be adjusted and / or specified in this way.

[0024] The angle between the longitudinal axis and the movement axis can, for example, correspond to the first and / or second angle threshold. The angle between the longitudinal axis and the movement axis can, for example, be 45° or more, in particular 60° or more.

[0025] The locking mechanism, together with the lid, can form a clip closure for the base container. The contact point between the edge of the emptying opening and the lid can be elastic, e.g., with a sealing ring. The clip closure can be designed such that a user can open the base container (in an intuitive and comfortable manner) by holding it with (exactly or at least) one hand with the emptying opening facing upwards and pressing the thumb of the same hand against the hinge of the clip closure. This provides a particularly reliable way to prevent the collection container from being accidentally opened with the emptying opening facing downwards.

[0026] According to a further aspect, a cleaning device, in particular a cleaning robot, is described. The cleaning device comprises a cleaning unit configured to clean a surface, e.g., a surface on which the cleaning device is arranged and / or on which the cleaning device moves. The cleaning device further comprises the collection container described in this document for receiving dirt particles. Furthermore, the cleaning device comprises a suction channel that fluidically connects the cleaning unit to the collection container, and a fan configured to effect a suction air flow through the cleaning unit and through the suction channel to the collection container.

[0027] It should be noted that any aspects of the collection container and / or the cleaning device described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the patent claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

[0028] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Figures 1a and 1b an exemplary cleaning robot as an example of a cleaning and / or suction device in different perspective views; Figure 1c exemplary components of a cleaning device; Figures 1d and 1e an example of removing the collection container from the cleaning robot; Figures 2a to 2d an exemplary collection container with a locking mechanism; Figures 3a to 3can exemplary collection container with a further closure mechanism; and Figures 4a to 4c an exemplary collection container with an additional locking mechanism.

[0029] As stated at the beginning, this document is concerned with preventing the accidental falling out of a collection container in an efficient and reliable manner. In this context, Fig. 1a the top 121 and Fig. 1b The underside 122 of a cleaning robot 100 as an example of a cleaning device, in particular as an example of a suction device. The aspects described specifically for a cleaning robot apply generally to a cleaning device.

[0030] During vacuuming operation of the cleaning robot 100, the underside 122 faces the floor to be cleaned or the surface of a cleaning area, such as a room, to be cleaned. The underside 122 of the cleaning robot 100 typically has one or more drive units 101 (with one or more drive wheels), by means of which the cleaning robot 100 can be moved independently to clean different areas of a floor. Furthermore, the cleaning robot 100 can have one or more guide and / or support elements 104 (e.g., non-driven wheels) that enable stable movement of the cleaning robot 100 over the floor to be cleaned. In addition, a cleaning robot 100 typically comprises one or more cleaning units 106 (in particular, suction nozzles) that are configured to clean the floor beneath the cleaning robot 100.

[0031] A cleaning unit 106 (in particular a suction nozzle) may include a brush roller 102 configured to rotate about a rotational axis, wherein the rotational axis is typically arranged (substantially) parallel to the underside 122 of the cleaning robot 100. The brush roller 102 may be used to mechanically remove dust and / or contaminants from the floor to be cleaned, so that the dust and / or contaminants can be sucked into the suction mouth 107 of the cleaning unit 106 with increased reliability.

[0032] A user interface can be arranged on the top side 121 of the cleaning robot 100, which allows a user of the cleaning robot 100 to make control inputs. Furthermore, the cleaning robot 100 can comprise a bumper 105 on a side wall 123 (e.g., on a side wall 123 in the front area of ​​the cleaning robot 100). A bumper sensor can be arranged on the bumper 105, which is configured to capture sensor data indicating whether or not the cleaning robot 100 has encountered an obstacle in the direction of movement 120. Triggering the bumper sensor (due to the deflection of the bumper 105) by an obstacle can, for example, cause the cleaning robot 100 to rotate about its vertical or vertical axis, which is perpendicular to the floor, and thereby change the direction of movement 120 to avoid the obstacle.

[0033] Furthermore, a cleaning robot 100 typically has one or more environment sensors 110 (see Fig. 1c) that are configured to capture environmental or sensor data relating to the environment of the cleaning robot 100. The one or more environmental sensors 110 can include: one or more image cameras, one or more ultrasonic sensors, one or more tactile and / or optical distance sensors, one or more acoustic sensors, one or more temperature sensors, one or more lidar and / or radar sensors, etc. A control unit 130 of the cleaning robot 100 can be configured to determine digital map information relating to the cleaning area to be cleaned based on the environmental data and, if necessary, to store it on a storage unit 111 of the cleaning robot 100. The cleaning robot 100 can use the digital map information to independently orient itself within the cleaning area (e.g., within a room) and / or to determine a route for cleaning the cleaning area.

[0034] Fig. 1cshows a Cartesian coordinate system with a longitudinal axis (i.e., an x-axis), a transverse axis (i.e., a y-axis), and a vertical axis (i.e., a z-axis). The direction of movement 120 of the cleaning device 100 typically corresponds to the longitudinal axis. The rotational axis of the brush roller 102 typically runs along the transverse axis.

[0035] The cleaning device 100 typically has a collecting container 140, which can be inserted into a recess of the cleaning device 100 or removed from the recess of the cleaning device 100. In the Figures 1d and 1e illustrates how the collecting container 140 can be removed from the recess of the cleaning device 100.

[0036] The collection container 140 can have a base container 146 that can be covered with a lid 142. The lid 142 can be pivotally mounted on the base container 146, for example, via a joint and / or a pivot axis 144. The base container 146 can have a filter unit 141 on a container wall through which suction air is drawn. The filter unit 141 can be configured to filter out dirt particles that were sucked into the collection container 140 by the cleaning device 100 via the suction mouth 107 from the suction air, so that the dirt particles remain in the collection container 140.

[0037] A suction channel opening 143 can be arranged on the lid 142 of the collection container 140, through which the suction air (with the dirt particles) enters the collection container 140. A flap can be provided on the suction channel opening 143, with which the suction channel opening 143 can be closed (when the cleaning device 100 is not operating in cleaning mode). The flap can be designed such that it opens automatically (e.g., due to the suction air flow) when the cleaning device 100 is operating in cleaning mode.

[0038] It may happen that the user of the cleaning device 100 holds the collection container 140 with the lid 142 facing down, e.g., when removing the collection container 140 from the cleaning device 100 and / or when transporting the collection container 140 to a waste bin. This may cause the lid 142 to open, causing dirt particles to inadvertently fall out of the collection container 140.

[0039] The collection container 140 described in this document has a locking mechanism 145 that prevents the lid 142 from opening, particularly when the lid 142 is held downward. The locking mechanism 145 can be arranged, for example, on the opposite side of the collection container 140 from the hinge or pivot axis 144 of the lid 142.

[0040] The locking mechanism 145 can be configured such that the locking mechanism 145 is in the closed state and / or is automatically transferred to the closed state when the collection container 140 is or is oriented such that the lid 142 could open on its own due to gravity. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 145 can be configured such that the locking mechanism 145 is in the open state and / or is automatically transferred to the open state when the collection container 140 is or is oriented such that the lid 142 does not open on its own due to gravity and / or that there is no risk of dirt particles falling out of the collection container 140.

[0041] In the Figures 2a to 2dA first example of a closure mechanism 145, in particular a locking mechanism, is shown, which can be automatically (solely by gravity) transferred from the closed state to the open state and vice versa. The closure mechanism 145 has a guide element 201, which is fastened, for example, to the base container 146. The guide element 201 is designed to have a latch 203, in the example from Fig. 2a to 2d a ball. Furthermore, the locking mechanism 145 has a retaining element 202, which is, for example, attached to the cover 142. The retaining element 202 can be configured to receive the latch 203 in a recess of the retaining element 202 in order to transfer the locking mechanism 145 into the closed state.

[0042] The latch 203 can be arranged movably in the guide element 201 such that the latch 203 can be moved (solely) by the action of gravity towards the holding element 202 (in order to transfer the locking mechanism 145 into the closed state) or can be moved away from the holding element 202 (in order to transfer the locking mechanism 145 into the open state).

[0043] The collection container 140 may have a longitudinal axis extending from the base surface of the base container 146 to the lid 142 of the collection container 140, in particular to the emptying opening 216 of the base container 146. The joint of the collection container 140 may be configured to pivot the lid 142 about a pivot axis 144 that runs (substantially) parallel to the transverse axis of the collection container 140. The vertical axis of the collection container 140 may extend from the pivot axis 144 to the closure mechanism 145 (as shown by way of example in Fig. 2ashown).

[0044] Fig. 2a shows the collection container 140 in a horizontal orientation, in which the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis are (essentially) aligned horizontally. The guide element 201 and the latch 203 are designed such that, in this position of the collection container 140, the latch 203 engages the holding element 202, so that the locking mechanism 145 is in the closed state.

[0045] From the Figures 2b and 2c It can be seen that the latch 203 automatically (due to gravity) moves away from the holding element 202 and thereby opens the locking mechanism 145 when the collecting container 140 is rotated about the transverse axis so that the lid 142 is located above the base container 146. On the other hand, the latch 203 is automatically moved back towards the holding element 202 and thereby closes the locking mechanism 145 when the collecting container 140 is rotated back about the transverse axis into the Fig. 2a shown horizontal position is rotated.

[0046] Fig. 2d illustrates details of the ball-shaped latch 203, the guide element 201 for the ball and the holding element 202 for receiving the ball for locking the cover 142.

[0047] In the Figures 3a to 3c An example of a locking mechanism 145 is described in which a movable bolt is used as the movable latch 203.

[0048] Through the Figures 2 and 3 The locking mechanisms 145 shown can automatically ensure that the lid 142 of the collecting container 140 can only be opened if the lid 142 is arranged higher up with respect to the base container 146.

[0049] In the Figures 4a to 4cA collection container 140 is shown in which a clamp closure mechanism 400 is used to secure the lid 142 to the base body 146. The clamp closure 400 can be designed such that the collection container 140 can be Fig. 4b The vertical orientation shown must be, or at least should be, brought into the vertical orientation shown in order to enable the user (in a convenient manner) to open the swing-top closure mechanism 400 in the usual way (like a bottle). Thus, the user can be conveniently encouraged to open the collection container 140 only when the lid 142 is arranged above the base body 146.

[0050] Measures are thus described to achieve "automatic" tilting of the dust box 140 (i.e., the collection container) by the user through certain handling steps. The user is forced, or at least prompted, to tilt the dust box 140 in order to move the dust and dirt contained therein away from the front flap 142 (i.e., from the lid) toward the rear wall of the base container 146 (i.e., toward the base of the base container 146). The tilting movement allows the dust to more easily detach itself from the filter unit 141. Furthermore, it can be achieved that the dirt (especially the dust) no longer lies in the area of ​​the front flap 142 and thus cannot fall out of the dust box 140 when the user opens the front flap 142.

[0051] As already explained, the dust box 140 can be pulled upwards out of the cleaning robot 100. The dust box 140 has a front flap 142, which allows the contents of the dust box 140 to be completely emptied.

[0052] The dust box 140 can be removed from the cleaning robot 100 in its standard position, ie (essentially) horizontally (as shown in Fig. 2a shown). As long as the front flap 142 is closed, no dust can fall out of the dust box 140.

[0053] Located on the dust box 140 is a locking mechanism 145 for the front flap 142. A movable latch 203 is arranged in an elongated shaft 201 (i.e., in the guide element), which is pulled downward by gravity. In the lower position, this latch locks the front flap 142.

[0054] The latch 203 can be an elongated, cuboid-shaped and / or cylindrical pin or bolt. Alternatively, the latch 203 can be shaped like a ball. The ball 203 rolls downward in the elongated shaft 201 due to gravity and blocks a hook 202 (i.e., the retaining element) attached to the front flap 142. As long as the ball is in its lower position, the front flap 142 cannot be swung open.

[0055] If the dust box 140 is tilted (around its transverse axis), the ball (or the latch 203) rolls from a certain angle in the shaft 201 to the second end position. Once this position is reached, the front flap 142 is unlocked. The hook 202 is then free, and the front flap 142 can be swung open. Because the dust box 140 was tilted, dirt and dust have slipped into the rear area of ​​the dust box 140, preventing dust from falling out of the box 140. The dust box 140 can then be emptied.

[0056] With a suitable implementation of the locking mechanism 145, the front flap 142 of the dust box 140 can be closed when the dust box 140 is aligned horizontally. For this purpose, the hook 202 on the front flap 142 and the latch 203 on the dust box 140 (e.g., the round ball) can be shaped so that the closing front flap 142 can push the latch 203 upward. As soon as the front flap 142 is completely closed, the latch 203 slides back into its original position and locks the front flap 142. This makes handling the dust box 140 even more convenient for the user.

[0057] Further shapes for bars 203 are possible, each of which can be adapted to the design of the dust box 140. In the Figures 3a to 3c An example with a triangular bar 203 is shown.

[0058] The locking mechanism 145 can be configured such that the front flap 142 is locked when the dust box 140 is held nearly horizontally. If the dust box 140 is tilted beyond a certain angle (around the transverse axis), the latch 203 slides into its second end position and releases the hook 202 on the front flap 142, which can now be opened by the user. The locking mechanism forces the user to upright the dust box 140.

[0059] In the Figures 4a to 4c The front flap 142 is attached to the dust box 140 by means of a clamp locking mechanism 400. In the rest position, the clamps of the clamp locking mechanism 400 pull the front flap 142 with a certain pre-tension onto the opening 216 on the base container 146 of the dust box 140. The clamps can be made of sheet metal and thus rest against the dust box 140 in a space-saving manner.

[0060] Due to the preload by the brackets, and due to the increased tension at the saddle point of the bracket closure mechanism 400 during opening, the dust box 140 preferably has a resilient seal between the base container 146 and the front flap 142.

[0061] To open the front flap 142, the user will most likely hold the dust box 140 nearly vertically (so that dust and dirt fall completely to the base of the dust box 140) and then push the lower legs of the clamp locking mechanism 400 away from themselves. Once the saddle point of the clamp locking mechanism 400 is overcome, the tension on the front flap 142 decreases and the front flap 142 rests only loosely. The user can now push the front flap 142 away and empty the dust box 140. Since the front flap 142 is moved completely to the side and has no direct connection to the base container 146 of the dust box 140, the front flap 142 is particularly well protected from contamination.

[0062] By tilting the dust box 140 as described, dust and dirt are moved to the rear area, i.e., to the base area, of the dust box 140, reliably preventing accidental and / or unwanted falling out when opening the front flap 142. Tilting the dust box 140 provides an additional cleaning effect for the filter unit 141 (particularly with regard to relatively coarse dirt). The user is guided by the mechanisms 145, 400 described in this document, ensuring reliable tilting of the dust box 140.

[0063] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the collection container and / or the cleaning device described in this document. List of reference symbols

[0064] 100Cleaning device (cleaning robot) 101Drive unit 102Brush roller 104Guide and / or support element 105Bumper 106Cleaning unit / suction nozzle 107Suction mouth 110Environment sensor 111Storage unit 120Direction of movement / longitudinal direction 121Top 122Bottom 123Side wall 130Control unit 140Collection container 141Filter unit 142Cover 143Suction channel opening 144Joint 145Closing mechanism (locking mechanism) 146Base container 201Guide element 202Holding element 203Latch 216Empty opening (basic container) 400Closing mechanism (bar closure mechanism)

Claims

1. A collection container (140) designed to be inserted into a cleaning device (100) and to receive dirt particles during a cleaning operation of the cleaning device (100); wherein the collection container (140) comprises - a base container (146) with a filter unit (141); wherein the filter unit (141) is designed to retain dirt particles from a suction air flow of the cleaning device (100) in the base container (146); wherein the base container (146) has an emptying opening (216) for emptying the base container (146); - a lid (142) designed to cover the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146), such that the lid (142) prevents dirt particles from falling out of the collection container (140);and - a closure mechanism (145, 400) designed to close the lid (142) over the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) in such a way that a user is prompted by the closure mechanism (145, 400) to turn the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) away from the floor in order to open the lid (142); 2. Collection container (140) according to claim 1, wherein - the emptying opening (216) is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the collection container (140) opposite a base surface of the base container (146); and - the closure mechanism (145, 400) is designed to cause a user to align the collection container (140) for opening the lid (142) such that the longitudinal axis of the collection container (140) has an angle of 45° or more, in particular of 60° or more, with respect to the base.

3. Collection container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure mechanism (145) is designed such that - the closure mechanism (145) is in a closed state, so that the lid (142) is held over the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) when the emptying opening (216) is not facing away from the bottom; and - the closure mechanism (145) is in an open state, so that the lid (142) can be moved away from the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146) by a user when the emptying opening (216) is facing away from the bottom.

4. The collection container (140) according to claim 3, wherein the closure mechanism (145) is configured such that - the closure mechanism (145) automatically transitions from the open state to the closed state when the collection container (140) is transferred from an orientation in which the emptying opening (216) faces away from the floor to an orientation in which the emptying opening (216) faces the floor; and / or - the closure mechanism (145) automatically transitions from the closed state to the open state when the collection container (140) is transferred from an orientation in which the emptying opening (216) does not face away from the floor to an orientation in which the emptying opening (216) faces away from the floor.

5. The collection container (140) according to one of claims 3 to 4, wherein - the collection container (140) has a longitudinal axis that runs substantially perpendicular to the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146); - the closure mechanism (145) is designed such that the closure mechanism (145) is in the closed state when the longitudinal axis has an angle to the bottom that is equal to or smaller than a first angle threshold; - the closure mechanism (145) is designed such that the closure mechanism (145) is in the open state when the longitudinal axis has an angle to the bottom that is equal to or greater than a second angle threshold; - the first angle threshold is in particular equal to or smaller than the second angle threshold; and - the first angle threshold is in particular 45° or less.

6. Collection container (140) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the closure mechanism (145) comprises - a guide element (201) fastened to the base container (146) for guiding a movable latch (203); and - a holding element (202) fastened to the lid (142) and designed to receive the latch (203) movably mounted in the guide element (201) in order to close the closure mechanism (145).

7. Collection container (140) according to claim 6, wherein the latch (203) is movably mounted in the guide element (201) such that the latch (203) is moved solely by the action of gravity on the latch (203), in particular - is moved solely by gravity from a first end position of the guide element (201) to a second end position of the guide element (201), so that the locking mechanism (145) transitions from the closed state to the open state; and - is moved solely by gravity from the second end position of the guide element (201) to the first end position of the guide element (201), so that the locking mechanism (145) transitions from the open state to the closed state.

8. Collection container (140) according to one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the latch (203) comprises - a ball; - a pin or bolt; and / or - a movable element with a triangular end facing the holding element (202).

9. Collection container (140) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein - the collection container (140) has a longitudinal axis that runs perpendicular to the emptying opening (216) of the base container (146); - the guide element (201) is designed to move the latch (203) along a movement axis that is arranged obliquely to the longitudinal axis; and - an angle between the longitudinal axis and the movement axis is in particular 45° or more, in particular 60° or more.

10. Collection container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure mechanism (400) together with the lid (142) forms a clamp closure of the base container (146).

11. Collection container (140) according to claim 10, wherein a contact point between an edge of the emptying opening (216) and the lid (142) is elastic.

12. Collection container (140) according to one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the clip closure is designed such that a user can open the clip closure by holding the base container (146) with one hand with the emptying opening (216) facing upwards and by pressing with the thumb of the same hand on a joint of the clip closure.

13. Collection container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the emptying opening (216) is arranged along a longitudinal axis of the collection container (140) opposite a base surface of the base container (146); and - the collection container (140) is designed to be arranged in the cleaning device (100) such that the longitudinal axis of the collection container (140) is arranged substantially parallel to the surface being cleaned by the cleaning device (100) during the cleaning operation of the cleaning device (100).

14. Collection container (140) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid (142) has a suction channel opening (143) for receiving the suction air flow with the dirt particles.

15. Cleaning device (100) for cleaning a surface; wherein the cleaning device (100) comprises - a collecting container (140) for receiving dirt particles, which is designed according to one of the preceding claims; - a cleaning unit (106) which is designed to be moved over the surface to be cleaned; - a suction channel which connects the cleaning unit (106) to the collecting container (140) in a fluid-conducting manner; and - a fan which is designed to cause a suction air flow through the cleaning unit (106) and through the suction channel to the collecting container (140).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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