Supply device for method on a floor surface and for coupling with a floor cleaning machine and system comprising a supply device

Abstract

A supply device (1) for movement on a floor surface and for coupling with a floor cleaning machine is shown and described. The supply device (1) has a frame, a chassis supported on the frame, configured so that the supply device (1) can be moved over the floor surface, a coupling arrangement (9) configured to be detachably coupled to a further coupling arrangement on the floor cleaning machine, and a drive unit (65) configured to move the supply device (1) in or against a preferably straight first direction of travel (29) between a first and a second position, wherein the drive unit (65) is supported at a proximal end on the frame and has a distal end configured to be connected to a fastening element (67) that is stationary relative to the floor surface.Also shown and described is a system comprising a supply device (1) according to the invention for traveling on a floor surface and two guide pins (59) aligned to each other in the direction of travel (29), which are fixedly attached relative to the floor surface.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply device for moving on a floor surface and for coupling to a floor cleaning machine as well as a system comprising a supply device and a floor surface.

[0002] Supply devices for coupling to a floor cleaning machine and floor cleaning machines are known from the prior art. The floor cleaning machines known from the prior art, which can be designed in particular as autonomously operating cleaning robots but also as hand-held cleaning machines or self-propelled ride-on machines, generally comprise a chassis with at least one wheel, preferably driven by a drive, a cleaning device, for example in the form of a brush arrangement, a wiping device and / or a suction device for collecting dirty liquid from the floor surface to be cleaned, a fresh water tank for holding fresh water, a dirty water tank for holding dirty water, and a coupling arrangement for coupling the floor cleaning machine to the supply device.Known supply devices usually also have a coupling arrangement for coupling the supply device to the floor cleaning machine, a power supply, a fresh water supply and a dirty water intake.

[0003] In such systems consisting of a floor cleaning machine and a supply device, it has proven problematic that in order to couple the floor cleaning machine, the two are moved towards the supply devices while the supply device is stationary. For this purpose, the floor cleaning machine must move towards the supply device until the coupling assemblies make contact and also press against the supply device to ensure a secure connection. Such coupling processes can cause additional stress on the supply device, which can lead to damage to the supply device or the floor cleaning machine and its coupling assemblies. Furthermore, the supply device can be tilted or shifted during the coupling process, which can also lead to errors.

[0004] Another disadvantage is that the floor cleaning machines have to reverse to release the coupling units. This requires more space for uncoupling, and if the floor cleaning machine is designed as an autonomous cleaning robot, it must be equipped with sensors that can check the rear area for obstacles, and especially people, before and during reversing.

[0005] Based on the prior art, it is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a supply device which can be coupled to and detached from a floor cleaning machine in a particularly simple and safe manner, without requiring increased space and without the floor cleaning machine having to perform a backward movement for detachment.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved by a supply device having the features of patent claim 1. The supply device is configured to be moved across a floor surface and coupled to a floor cleaning machine, which may be designed in particular as a hand-held floor cleaning machine or a self-propelled ride-on machine or even as an autonomously driving cleaning robot, and comprises a frame, a chassis supported on the frame, which is configured to allow the supply device to be moved across the floor surface, a fresh water inlet, a dirty water outlet and / or a power supply, a coupling arrangement connected to the fresh water inlet, the dirty water outlet and / or the power supply and configured to be detachably coupled to a further coupling arrangement on the floor cleaning machine,so that fresh water can be conveyed from the fresh water inlet via the coupling arrangements to a fresh water tank of the floor cleaning machine, dirty water can be conveyed from a dirty water tank of the floor cleaning machine to the dirty water outlet and / or a rechargeable battery of the floor cleaning machine can be connected to the power supply, and a drive unit which is designed to move the supply device in or against a preferably rectilinear first direction of travel between a first and a second position, wherein the drive unit is supported with a proximal end on the frame and has a distal end which is designed to be connected to a fastening element which is stationary relative to the floor surface.

[0007] As already mentioned, the supply device comprises a frame and a chassis supported on the frame, which is designed to allow the supply device to be moved across the floor surface. The chassis enables the supply device to be moved across the floor surface by supporting the frame in a movable manner on the floor surface. The supply device is supported evenly on the floor surface, allowing the supply device to move parallel to it. This has the advantage of ensuring a smooth movement of the supply device, preventing it from tipping over.

[0008] In addition, the supply device has a coupling arrangement which is connected to the fresh water inlet, the dirty water outlet and / or to the power supply and which is designed to be detachably coupled to a further coupling arrangement on the floor cleaning machine, so that fresh water can be conveyed from the fresh water inlet via the coupling arrangements to a fresh water tank of the floor cleaning machine, dirty water can be conveyed from a dirty water tank of the floor cleaning machine to the dirty water outlet and / or a rechargeable battery of the floor cleaning machine can be connected to the power supply.For this purpose, the coupling arrangement can have an interface for providing fresh water, which is connected to the fresh water inlet, an interface for providing electrical energy, which is connected to the power supply, and a waste water collecting basin, which is connected to the waste water outlet.

[0009] The supply device further comprises a drive unit configured to move the supply device in or against a preferably rectilinear first direction of travel between a first and a second position. The supply device is thus movable in or against a preferably rectilinear direction of travel. The supply device can be installed in a building, preferably on or in front of a wall, such that a rear wall of the supply device faces the wall. In this case, the first position is a retracted position and the second position is an extended position, meaning that a front side of the supply device is arranged closer to the wall in the first position than in the second position.This means that the supply device requires less space in the first position and in the second position the distance that the floor cleaning machine has to travel to connect to the supply device is reduced.

[0010] If the supply unit is installed in front of a wall, the travel direction is preferably perpendicular to the wall. "Rectilinear" means that the supply unit moves at a fixed angle to the wall, meaning the direction does not change. This has the advantage that the supply unit can always move directly toward or away from the floor cleaning machine, allowing for the most precise and time-efficient coupling with the floor cleaning machine.

[0011] It is also conceivable for the supply device to be installed inside a room, in which case the fresh water inlet and the wastewater outlet are connected to the supply device via pipes from the ceiling or floor of the room. If the supply device is connected to pipes from the ceiling, the wastewater outlet can have a conveying device, for example a pump and in particular a lifting system, to convey wastewater to a wastewater pipe located above the wastewater outlet. This has the advantage that no wall is required for the installation of the supply device, and it can be positioned freely.

[0012] The drive unit is supported by a proximal end on the frame and has a distal end that is designed to be connected to a fastening element that is stationary relative to the floor surface. In the event that the supply device is set up in front of a wall, the proximal end of the drive unit is the end of the drive unit furthest from the wall and the distal end is the end of the drive unit closer to the wall. The fastening element that is stationary relative to the floor surface can, for example, be attached to the wall or the floor surface. The stationary fastening element serves as a stationary tension and / or pressure point for the drive unit. Two fastening elements can also be provided, each functioning as a tension or pressure point. The drive unit can press against the fastening element such that the supply device is moved in the first travel direction from the first to the second position.To move the supply device opposite to the first direction of travel, the drive unit can pull on the fastening element so that the supply device is moved from the second to the first position. This has the advantage that the supply device always moves relative to the stationary fastening element, so that it always maintains a fixed position. Despite its mobility, the supply device can be reliably and easily positioned and coupled to the floor cleaning machine.

[0013] In one embodiment, the supply device comprises a guide unit having a first guide rod and a second guide rod arranged parallel to one another, the first guide rod extending along a first longitudinal axis and the second guide rod extending along a second longitudinal axis. The guide unit further comprises two first guide arms having a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, the first coupling portion of the first guide arms being pivotably mounted on the frame about a first pivot axis, and the second coupling portions of the first guide arms being connected to the first guide rod at a distance from one another along the first longitudinal axis.The guide unit further comprises two second guide arms, each having a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion. The first coupling portion of the second guide arms is pivotably mounted on the frame about a second pivot axis, and the second coupling portions of the second guide arms are connected to the second guide rod at a distance from one another along the second longitudinal axis. The first pivot axis, the second pivot axis, the first longitudinal axis, the second longitudinal axis, and the first travel direction run parallel to one another. The guide unit further comprises first prestressing elements between the frame and the first guide arms, which are configured to prestress the first guide arms such that the first guide rod is pressed toward the second guide rod.The guide unit further comprises second preloading elements between the frame and the second guide arms, which are configured to preload the second guide arms such that the second guide rod is pressed toward the first guide rod. Finally, the guide unit is configured to accommodate at least two guide pins, which are arranged on the base surface and protrude perpendicularly therefrom, between the two guide rods.

[0014] The guide unit thus has the first guide rod and the second guide rod, which are arranged parallel to one another, wherein the first guide rod extends along a first longitudinal axis and the second guide rod extends along a second longitudinal axis. The guide rods run parallel to one another and along their longitudinal axes, so that they can be understood as a parallel guide. The guide rods are preferably elongated, i.e. the guide rods are considerably greater in their length along the longitudinal axis than in their width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This has the advantage that the supply device can also be guided through the guide unit over longer travel paths, wherein the guide unit has a particularly compact design.

[0015] Preferably, the first and second guide rods have a round cross-section, so that the two guide rods touch or intersect along and on their circumferential surface in a contact line, namely if no guide pins were arranged between the two guide rods. The contact line defines the direction along which the supply device is guided.

[0016] The guide unit has two first guide arms, which have a first coupling section and a second coupling section, wherein the first coupling section of the first guide arms is mounted on the frame so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis, and the second coupling sections of the first guide arms are connected to the first guide rod at a distance from one another along the first longitudinal axis. The two first guide arms ensure that the first guide rod is connected to the frame at two spaced-apart positions and is therefore stable but about a defined first pivot axis. The first guide arms preferably have an identical shape. This allows for particularly simple alignment of the first guide rod, so that the direction in which the guide unit is to guide the supply device can be easily determined.

[0017] The guide unit also has two second guide arms, which also have a first coupling section and a second coupling section, wherein the first coupling section of the second guide arms is mounted on the frame so as to be pivotable about a second pivot axis, and the second coupling sections of the second guide arms are connected to the second guide rod at a distance from one another along the second longitudinal axis. The two second guide arms ensure that the second guide rod is also connected to the frame in two positions and is therefore stable but about a defined second pivot axis. The second guide arms preferably have an identical shape. This allows for particularly simple alignment of the second guide rod, so that the direction in which the guide unit is to guide the supply device can be determined particularly easily.

[0018] The first pivot axis, the second pivot axis, the first longitudinal axis, and the second longitudinal axis run parallel to one another. Because the first and second longitudinal axes, and thus the guide rods, run parallel to one another and to the first travel direction, the supply device is guided along the first travel direction. The pivotability of the guide rods also ensures that the supply device can be offset parallel to the first travel direction defined by the guide pins and can also be pivoted, which is necessary when coupling it to a floor cleaning machine that is not precisely aligned with the first travel direction.

[0019] Preferably, the first guide rod and the second guide rod, as well as the first guide arms and the second guide arms, are identical. This results in a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the guide unit.

[0020] The guide unit has first prestressing elements between the frame and the first guide arms, which are designed to prestress the first guide arms such that the first guide rod is pressed towards the second guide rod. The first prestressing elements are preferably designed as tension springs and prestress the first guide arms such that a tensile force acts on the first guide rod, which acts on the first guide arms perpendicular to the first pivot axis, so that the first guide rod is pressed towards the second guide rod due to the pivotability of the first guide arms. The guide unit also has second prestressing elements between the frame and the second guide arms, which are designed to prestress the second guide arms such that the second guide rod is pressed towards the first guide rod.The second pretensioning elements are preferably designed as tension springs and pretension the second guide arms such that a tensile force acts on the second guide rod, which acts perpendicular to the second pivot axis on the second guide arms, so that the second guide rod is pressed in the direction of the first guide rod due to the pivotability of the second guide arms.

[0021] This has the advantage that the guide unit not only guides the supply device along the travel direction, but also pushes it back towards it when the supply device is moved or pivoted in a direction perpendicular to the first travel direction.

[0022] The first and second preload elements are preferably identical in design, so that they exert an identical preload force on the guide arms. This ensures that the two guide rods are aligned parallel to the travel direction of the supply device, resulting in linear guidance.

[0023] The guide unit is designed to accommodate at least two guide pins, which are arranged on the base surface and protrude perpendicularly from it, between the two guide rods. Because they are arranged on the base surface, the guide pins are fixedly connected to the base surface. The two guide pins also define a straight line that runs through the two guide pins.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second preloading elements are arranged such that their longitudinal axes intersect. This allows the preloading elements to be arranged directly on the frame of the supply device, resulting in a particularly space-saving design for the guide unit.

[0025] Preferably, the first preloading elements and the second preloading elements have the same angle to the base surface or the first and second longitudinal axes. This ensures that the preloading elements preload the guide arms with the same force, thus achieving a uniform preload.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, the first and second pretensioning elements are arranged such that their longitudinal axes run at an angle of between 90° and 180° to one another. At an angle of less than 90° to one another, the pretensioning elements would exert a lower force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide rods on the guide arms than in the case in which they are arranged at an angle of more than 90° to one another. At an angle of 180° to one another, the entire force of the pretensioning elements could be used for pretensioning, but this would result in a more complicated structure with greater space requirements. The advantage of an angle of the longitudinal axes of the pretensioning elements to one another of between 90° and 180° results in the guide unit being constructed in a particularly simple and space-saving manner.

[0027] In one embodiment, guide elements are attached to the ends of the guide rods which point in the direction opposite to the first travel direction, wherein the guide elements are designed such that the distance between the guide element on the first guide rod and the guide element on the second guide rod increases with decreasing distance to the free end of the guide elements, and wherein the guide elements are designed to receive a further guide pin between them.The guide elements arranged at the ends of the guide rods point in a direction opposite to the first direction of travel and thus away from the floor cleaning machine when the floor cleaning machine is coupled to the supply unit. This ensures that, even when the supply unit is in the second, extended position and also pivoted relative to the first direction of travel, it is correctly aligned again when moved back to the first position. This occurs due to the engagement of the guide elements, whose distance increases toward their free ends, with the additional guide pin. Engagement with the additional guide pin is achieved particularly easily due to the increasing distance. The guide pin is, in a sense, "captured" by the guide elements, even when the supply unit is pivoted significantly relative to the first direction of travel.

[0028] In one embodiment, the chassis has several, preferably four, bearing units designed to be in contact with the floor surface and to support the supply device during movement along the floor surface. The bearing units ensure particularly good load distribution of the supply device and particularly good mobility of the supply device along the floor surface. With four bearing units, the supply device can also be mounted particularly stably, making it less prone to wobbling or tipping.

[0029] In one embodiment, the bearing units comprise ball bearings or ball rollers. The use of ball bearings or ball rollers allows the supply device to be supported particularly well on the floor surface, especially during movement. The use of ball rollers as bearing units also allows the supply device to move freely in all directions. This has the advantage of also allowing the supply device to move in a direction perpendicular to the first direction of travel.

[0030] It is also conceivable for the bearing units to have plain bearings or sliding elements that slide on the floor surface. This has the advantage that the bearing units have no moving parts, resulting in less maintenance for the supply unit.

[0031] In one embodiment, the supply device comprises a housing, wherein the housing has a recess pointing in the first travel direction, which extends across the width of the housing. The recess also extends in a horizontal plane. This recess ensures that when an autonomously driving floor cleaning machine with laser scanners provided at the height of the recess approaches the supply device, the laser scanners do not detect the supply device, which would otherwise lead to an immediate stop of the movement of the floor cleaning machine if it is configured as an autonomously driving cleaning machine.

[0032] In one embodiment, the coupling arrangement comprises a plug or socket unit designed to be coupled to a socket or plug unit of the further coupling arrangement of the floor cleaning machine, and a dirty water collecting basin for collecting dirty water from a dirty water tank of the floor cleaning machine. Coupling the socket or plug unit can be understood as bringing the socket or plug unit into contact with a plug or socket unit of the floor cleaning machine or achieving a coupled connection between them. If, for example, the coupling arrangement of the supply device has a plug unit and the coupling arrangement of the floor cleaning machine has a socket unit, coupling can be understood as the plug unit being completely received in the socket unit.This also applies analogously if the coupling arrangement of the supply device has a plug unit and the coupling arrangement of the floor cleaning machine has a socket unit. With regard to the dirty water valve and the dirty water collection basin, a coupling is understood to mean that the dirty water valve is positioned above or within the dirty water collection basin of the supply device in such a way that the dirty water discharged by the dirty water valve can be completely absorbed by the dirty water collection basin.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the drive unit comprises a linear drive having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the linear drive can move the supply device in or against the first travel direction by extending and retracting. The linear drive enables precise positioning of the supply device. This is advantageous because the supply device should assume the same position for coupling to the floor cleaning machine during each coupling process in order to achieve the best possible coupling.

[0034] In addition, the speed can be varied in or against the first travel direction, allowing the supply device to move from the second to the first position at a higher speed and from the first to the second position at a lower speed for coupling with the floor cleaning machine. The drive unit can also feature overload protection. The overload protection limits the power consumption of the drive unit's motor, stopping or slowing down the drive unit if a predefined load limit is exceeded.

[0035] In one embodiment, the drive unit is coupled at its proximal end to a mounting arm pivotally mounted on the frame. The mounting arm has a third pivot axis arranged perpendicular to the first direction of travel, and the mounting arm is preloaded such that its portion coupled to the proximal end is preloaded toward the distal end. Preloading the proximal end of the drive unit is particularly important when the supply device is coupled to the floor cleaning machine. When coupling the supply device to the floor cleaning machine, it may occur that the supply device presses against the floor cleaning machine.To ensure that the drive unit of the supply device, which strives to move the supply device into the second position during overrun, does not press further against the floor cleaning machine, the proximal end of the drive unit is attached to the frame via the pivoting mounting arm. If the drive unit moves the supply device in the first direction of travel but the supply device reaches a stop, for example the floor cleaning machine, the remaining travel path of the drive unit is absorbed by the mounting arm by pivoting the mounting arm in the first direction of travel. This has the advantage that the supply device does not press against the floor cleaning machine beyond the point at which they are coupled. This prevents the floor cleaning machine from being pushed back by the supply device or tipping backwards.

[0036] Preferably, the drive unit is connected to the fastening arm via a fastening element, wherein the drive unit is pivotably connected to the fastening element about a fourth pivot axis, and the fastening element is arranged on the fastening arm so as to be pivotable about a fifth pivot axis. The fourth pivot axis and the fifth pivot axis are arranged perpendicular to one another. More preferably, the fourth pivot axis is arranged parallel to the third pivot axis. The pivotable mounting of the drive unit on the fastening arm ensures that the supply device can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the first travel direction, and loads on the drive unit are avoided.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the frame has a stop element that limits the pivoting range of the fastening arm towards the distal end. The stop element prevents the pivotable fastening arm from being pivoted towards the distal end of the drive unit when the supply device is moved from the second position to the first position. When the supply device is uncoupled from the floor cleaning machine, the supply device is moved from the second to the first position, so that the effect of the drive unit trailing has no negative effect, since the supply unit is attracted to the fixed fastening element. This would enable a direct coupling of the drive unit to the frame of the supply device via the stop element.

[0038] In one embodiment, the coupling arrangement has an interface for transmitting and / or receiving data from the floor cleaning machine. This has the advantage that the floor cleaning machine can exchange data with the supply device or an external control unit. In particular, it is possible for error messages to be transmitted from the supply device to the floor cleaning machine, which in turn transmits them, preferably wirelessly, to a central server. This eliminates the need for the supply device to be independently connected to the corresponding server.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved by a system having the features of patent claim 14. The system comprises a supply device according to the invention for moving on a floor surface and two guide pins aligned with one another in the direction of travel, which are fixedly attached relative to the floor surface.

[0040] In one embodiment, the system comprises a base plate on which the floor surface is formed and to which the guide pins are attached. The base plate creates a modular system that incorporates the guide pins, so that they do not need to be applied to the floor surface at the installation site of the utility. This ensures that the system can be assembled and disassembled without causing any damage.

[0041] The base plate, to which the guide pins are attached, can be firmly connected to the floor on which the base plate and the supply device are to be installed using connecting elements. Alternatively, the base plate can be firmly connected to a wall in front of which the supply device is to be installed. For this purpose, the base plate can be connected to the wall either directly or via an adapter. A firm connection of the base plate to the floor or wall has the advantage that the base plate cannot slip relative to the floor. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to increase the friction between the base plate and the floor so that the base plate does not slip on the floor. This can be achieved either by weighing down the base plate with weights or by using friction elements that increase the friction with the floor. This has the particular advantage that the base plate can be removed from the floor without causing any damage.

[0042] The present invention will be explained below with reference to a drawing showing only a preferred embodiment, in which Figures 1a to 2b show schematic views of an embodiment of a system according to the invention, Figure 3 shows a schematic partial view of the embodiment of the system according to the invention from the Figures 1a to 2b shows, and Figures 4 to 8 schematic partial views of the embodiment from the Figures 1a to 2b show.

[0043] The Figures 1a to 2b show a schematic view of an embodiment of a system according to the invention with a supply device 1, wherein Figure 1a a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the system with the supply device 1 and Figure 1b shows a schematic front view of the embodiment.

[0044] As from Figures 1a and 1bAs can be seen, the supply device 1 can be inserted into a frame element 3 by moving a rear side of the supply device 1 into it. The frame element 3 can be fixedly mounted on a floor surface or on a wall. Furthermore, the supply device 1 has a housing 5. Furthermore, a base plate 7 can be provided on which the supply device 1 moves.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment described here, the base plate 7 is provided. However, it is also conceivable for the supply device 1 to be set up and moved on a floor surface existing at the installation location of the supply device 1 without the base plate 7 being necessary.

[0046] Furthermore, the supply device 1 has a coupling arrangement 9 which has a plug unit 11 complementary to a socket unit of a floor cleaning machine, which can also be referred to as a plug, and a dirty water collecting basin 13 complementary to a dirty water valve of a floor cleaning machine.

[0047] As already explained, the floor cleaning machine can be, for example, a hand-held floor cleaning machine, a self-propelled ride-on machine or an autonomously driving cleaning robot.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the plug unit 11 and the wastewater collection basin 13 are separate from each other, i.e., they are arranged at a distance from each other. In an alternative embodiment, the plug unit 11 and the wastewater collection basin 13 can be arranged integrally, i.e., in one component. The latter has the advantage that the coupling arrangement 9 requires less space.

[0049] The coupling assembly 9 is connected to a fresh water inlet 15, a waste water outlet 17, and a power supply. The fresh water inlet 15 can be connected to a water supply, for example, of the building in which the supply device 1 is used, for example via a line not shown. Similarly, the waste water outlet can be connected to the building's drain. Finally, the power supply can be connected to the building's supply network.

[0050] Alternatively, the fresh water inlet 15 can be connected to a fresh water storage tank, and the waste water outlet 17 can be connected to a waste water storage tank. This is particularly advantageous if there is no water supply or drainage at the installation location of the utility device 1.

[0051] To pump the fresh water from the fresh water storage tank and to pump the wastewater into the wastewater storage tank, the supply device 1 can have a pumping device, for example a pump. The pump can be part of the supply device 1. Alternatively, the supply device 1 can have a further interface for supplying power to an external pump, which can be connected to the supply device 1. This has the advantage that only the supply device 1 needs to be connected to a power supply, since the supply device 1 can supply the pump with power via the interface.

[0052] The plug 11 has an interface for providing fresh water, which is connected to the fresh water inlet 15. Furthermore, the plug 11 has an interface for providing electrical energy, which is connected to the power supply. The wastewater collection basin 13 is connected to the wastewater outlet 17. In this case, it is additionally or alternatively possible for cleaning solution to be conveyed from the supply device 1 via a suitable interface to the floor cleaning machine and into a cleaning solution tank in addition to fresh water. If this is the case, a corresponding cleaning solution tank can preferably also be provided in the supply device 1.

[0053] Furthermore, the plug 11 has an interface for data transfer, which is connected to a control unit of the supply device 1 and can be connected to an interface of a coupling arrangement of a floor cleaning machine. This enables the supply device 1 to exchange and evaluate data with the floor cleaning machine. In particular, it is possible for error messages to be transmitted from the supply device 1 to the floor cleaning machine, which then transmits them, preferably wirelessly, to a central server.

[0054] The supply device 1 has an actuator 19 that can engage with an actuating element of a dirty water valve of a floor cleaning machine when the coupling arrangement 11 is connected to a coupling arrangement of the floor cleaning machine. To pump dirty water from a dirty water tank of the floor cleaning machine to the dirty water outlet 17, the actuator 19 engages with the actuating element and moves the dirty water valve into the open position. The actuator 19 of the supply device 1 can be designed as a lifting cylinder that can assume a first position and a second position and, if necessary, also positions in between. In the first position, the lifting cylinder is retracted, so that the dirty water valve remains in the closed position when the coupling assemblies are connected.In the second position, the actuator 19 presses against the actuating element of the dirty water valve so that the dirty water valve can be moved from the closed to the open position when the coupling assemblies are connected.

[0055] The supply device 1 has a lighting unit 21, preferably in the form of one or more light-emitting diodes. The lighting unit 21 serves to emit a visual warning signal when the supply device 1 is moved. Preferably, the lighting unit 21 flashes when the supply device 1 is moved from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. The warning signal emitted by the lighting unit 21 can warn people that the supply device 1 is being moved.

[0056] Furthermore, the supply device 1 has an LED arrangement with at least one LED light 22. In the present exemplary embodiment, two LED lights 22 are arranged, one on each side of the supply device 1. The LED lights 22 are suitable for illuminating in a variety of colors, so that the LED light 22 can indicate a status by illuminating in a specific color. For example, it can be provided that the LED light 22 illuminates in a first color, for example, blue, to indicate that the supply device 1 is in an autonomously operating state. The autonomously operating state is understood to mean that the supply device 1 operates autonomously, i.e., that it operates itself, i.e., extends and retracts. This state is particularly advantageous when the supply device 1 is used with an autonomously operating floor cleaning machine.In contrast, the LED light 22 can illuminate in a second color, for example green, to indicate that the supply device 1 is in a manually operated state. A manually operated state means that the supply device 1 does not extend and retract independently, but only extends when a user has activated the supply device 1. This state is particularly advantageous when the supply device 1 is used with a manually operated floor cleaning machine. Furthermore, the LED light 22 can illuminate in a third color, for example red, to indicate that an error is present. The error can be an error in the supply device 1 or an error when coupling it to the floor cleaning machine.

[0057] It is also conceivable for the LED light 22 to illuminate in a fourth color to indicate that it is exchanging data with the floor cleaning machine, preferably when it is coupled to the floor cleaning machine. This exchange of data may comprise sending data, for example when the supply unit 1 sends data to the floor cleaning machine. Such data may comprise, for example, error data, operating data, or other information about the supply device 1. The exchange of data may also comprise receiving data, for example when the supply device 1 receives data from the floor cleaning machine. Such data may comprise, for example, information about the floor cleaning machine or updates to the software of the supply device 1. The floor cleaning machine typically has an interface for communication, for example with a server.By exchanging information with the supply unit 1, it is not necessary for the supply unit 1 to also have a communication interface; instead, communication takes place via the floor cleaning machine, for example, with the server. This makes it possible for the floor cleaning machine to receive an error log from the supply unit 1 and send it to the server, or to receive update data from the server for the supply unit 1 and forward it to it. This makes maintenance of the supply unit 1 particularly easy.

[0058] Furthermore, the supply device 1 has an identification tag 23. The identification tag 23 can be read optically by the floor cleaning machine, for example, by a camera. Using the identification tag 23, the floor cleaning machine can identify the supply device 1 and check whether the supply device 1 is compatible with the floor cleaning machine.

[0059] The supply device 1 has a threading unit 25 that can engage with a threading plate of the floor cleaning machine in order to align the supply device 1 relative to the floor cleaning machine. For this purpose, the threading unit 25 has a recess that preferably has a conical shape, i.e., the recess widens in the direction away from the supply device 1. The threading unit 25 achieves a correct alignment of the supply device 1 relative to the floor cleaning machine in a particularly simple manner, so that the supply device 1 is always correctly aligned relative to the floor cleaning machine. This enables a particularly reliable coupling of the floor cleaning machine to the supply device 1.

[0060] Above the threading unit 25, the housing of the supply device 1 has a recess 27, which serves to allow the floor cleaning machine to move fully up to the supply device 1. The recess 27 points in a first travel direction 29 of the supply device 1 and extends across the width of the housing 5. The recess 27 also extends in a horizontal plane. This recess 27 makes it possible for an autonomously moving floor cleaning machine with laser scanners provided at the height of the recess 27 to prevent the laser scanners from detecting the supply device 1 when it approaches the supply device 1, which would otherwise lead to an immediate stop in the movement of the floor cleaning machine if the floor cleaning machine is designed as an autonomously moving cleaning machine.

[0061] Figures 2a and 2b show a schematic plan view of the embodiment of the supply device 1, wherein Figure 2athe supply device 1 in the second position and Figure 2b shows the supply device 1 in the first position. As already mentioned, the second position is the extended position, i.e. the supply device 1 has been moved by a movement in the first travel direction 29. In the second position, a front side of the supply device 1 has a first distance 31 to the rear side of the frame element 3. In the first, retracted position, i.e. the supply device 1 has been moved by a movement in a second travel direction 33 opposite the first travel direction 29, the front side of the supply device 1 has a second distance 35 to the rear side of the frame element 3.

[0062] The first distance 31 is greater than the second distance 35, so that the supply device 1 requires less space in the first position, and in the second position the distance that the floor cleaning machine has to travel in order to connect to the supply device 1 is reduced.

[0063] Figure 3 and 4 show schematic partial views of the embodiment of the system according to the invention from the Figures 1a to 2. The supply device 1 has a guide unit 37 which has a first guide rod 39 and a second guide rod 41 which are arranged parallel to one another, wherein the first guide rod 39 extends along a first longitudinal axis 43 and the second guide rod 41 extends along a second longitudinal axis 45. The guide unit 37 further has two first guide arms 47 which have a first coupling section and a second coupling section, wherein the first coupling section of the first guide arms 47 is held on a frame 50 of the supply device 1 so as to be pivotable about a first pivot axis 49 and the second coupling sections of the first guide arms 47 are connected to the first guide rod 39 at a distance from one another along the first longitudinal axis 43.The guide unit 37 also has two second guide arms 51, which have a first coupling section and a second coupling section, wherein the first coupling section of the second guide arms 51 is pivotally mounted on the frame 50 about a second pivot axis 53, and the second coupling sections of the second guide arms 51 are connected to the second guide rod 41 at a distance from one another along the second longitudinal axis 45. The first pivot axis 49, the second pivot axis 53, the first longitudinal axis 43, the second longitudinal axis 45, and the first travel direction 29 run parallel to one another.

[0064] The guide unit 37 also has first preloading elements 55 between the frame 50 and the first guide arms 47, which are designed to preload the first guide arms 47 such that the first guide rod 39 is pressed toward the second guide rod 41. The guide unit 37 also has second preloading elements 57 between the frame 50 and the second guide arms 51, which are designed to preload the second guide arms 51 such that the second guide rod 41 is pressed toward the first guide rod 39. Finally, the guide unit 37 is designed to accommodate at least two guide pins 59, which are arranged on the base surface and protrude perpendicularly therefrom, between the two guide rods 39, 41.

[0065] The preload elements 55, 57 are shown in the figures in an untensioned state, in which they are not connected to the guide arms 47, 51. In the tensioned state, the preload elements 55, 57 are connected to the guide arms 47, 51. For this purpose, the preload elements 55, 57 can be hooked via their eyelets onto projections of the guide arms 47, 51, analogous to the connection to the frame, so that they preload the guide arms 47, 51.

[0066] The guide rods 39, 41 run parallel to each other and along their longitudinal axes 43, 45, thus serving as a parallel guide. The guide rods 39, 41 are preferably elongated, meaning that the guide rods 39, 41 are significantly greater in length along the longitudinal axis than in width perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This has the advantage that the supply device 1 can also be guided over longer travel distances by the guide unit 37, with the guide unit 37 having a particularly compact design.

[0067] Preferably, the first and second guide rods 39, 41 have a round cross-section, so that the two guide rods 39, 41 touch or intersect each other along and on their circumferential surface in a contact line, namely if no guide pins 59 were arranged between the two guide rods 39, 41. The contact line defines the direction along which the supply device 1 is guided.

[0068] The two first guide arms 47 ensure that the first guide rod 39 is connected to the frame 50 at two spaced-apart positions, thus stably but pivoting around a defined first pivot axis 49. The two second guide arms 51 ensure that the second guide rod 41 is also connected to the frame 50 at two positions, thus stably but pivoting around a defined second pivot axis 53. The first and second guide arms 47, 51 preferably have an identical shape. This allows for particularly simple alignment of the guide rods 39, 41, so that the direction in which the guide unit 37 is to guide the supply device 1 can be easily determined.

[0069] Because the first and second longitudinal axes 43, 45 and thus the guide rods 39, 41 run parallel to one another and to the first travel direction 29, the supply device 1 is guided along the first travel direction 29. The pivotability of the guide rods 39, 41 further ensures that the supply device 1 can be offset parallel to the first travel direction 29 defined by the guide pins 59 and can also be pivoted, which is necessary when coupling to a floor cleaning machine that is not precisely aligned with the first travel direction.

[0070] Preferably, the first guide rod 39 and the second guide rod 41, as well as the first guide arms 47 and the second guide arms 51, are identical. This results in a particularly simple and cost-effective construction of the guide unit 37.

[0071] The first and second pretensioning elements 55, 57 are preferably designed as tension springs and pretension the first and second guide arms 47, 51 such that a tensile force acts on the first and second guide rods 39, 41, which acts perpendicular to the first and second pivot axes 47, 49 on the first and second guide arms 47, 51, so that the first and second guide rods 39, 41 are pressed in the direction of the respective other guide rod 39, 41 due to the pivotability of the first and second guide arms 47, 51. This has the advantage that the guide unit 37 not only guides the supply device 1 along the first travel direction 29, but also pushes it back towards this when the supply device 1 is displaced or pivoted in a direction perpendicular to the first travel direction 29.

[0072] The first and second preload elements 55, 57 are preferably identical in design, so that they exert an identical preload force on the guide arms 47, 51. This ensures that the two guide rods 39, 41 are aligned parallel to the direction of travel of the supply device 1, resulting in a linear guide.

[0073] The guide pins 59 are fixedly connected to the floor surface by being arranged on the floor surface. The two guide pins 59 also define a straight line that runs through the two guide pins 59.

[0074] As particularly in Figure 4 The first pivot axis 49, the second pivot axis 53, the first longitudinal axis 43 and the second longitudinal axis 45 are shown parallel to each other. Figure 4It can be seen that the guide pins 59 are also arranged in a row, i.e. a straight line running through the guide pins 59 is also parallel to the first and second longitudinal axes 43, 45 and to the first and second pivot axes 49, 53. The first pretensioning elements 55 also each have a third longitudinal axis 61. The second pretensioning elements 57 have a fourth longitudinal axis 63. The first and second pretensioning elements 55, 57 are arranged such that their longitudinal axes 61, 63 intersect. This ensures that the pretensioning elements 55, 57 can be arranged directly on the frame 50 of the supply device 1, so that the guide unit 37 has a particularly space-saving design. The first and second pretensioning elements 55, 57 are arranged such that their longitudinal axes 61, 63 run at an angle of between 90° and 180° to one another.At an angle of less than 90° to one another, the preload elements 55, 57 would exert a lower force perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 43, 45 of the guide rods 39, 41 on the guide arms 47, 51 than in the case where they are arranged at an angle of more than 90° to one another. At an angle of 180° to one another, the entire force of the preload elements 55, 57 could be used for preload, but this would result in a more complicated structure with greater space requirements. The advantage of an angle of the longitudinal axes 61, 63 of the preload elements 55, 57 to one another between 90° and 180° results in the guide unit 37 being constructed in a particularly simple and space-saving manner.

[0075] Preferably, the first preload elements 55 and the second preload elements 57 have the same angle to the base surface or the first and second longitudinal axes 43, 45. This ensures that the preload elements 55, 57 preload the guide arms 47, 51 with the same force, so that a uniform preload is achieved.

[0076] Figure 5 and 6show schematic partial views of the rear and side of the supply device 1. The supply device 1 has a drive unit 65, which is designed to move the supply device 1 in or against the preferably rectilinear first travel direction 29 between the first and the second position. The supply device 1 can thus be moved in or against the preferably rectilinear travel direction 29. The drive unit 65 is supported by a proximal end on the frame 50 and has a distal end, which is designed to be connected to a fastening element 67 that is stationary relative to the floor surface. In the event that the supply device 1 is set up in front of a wall, the proximal end of the drive unit 65 is the end of the drive unit 65 farther from the wall, and the distal end is the end of the drive unit 65 closer to the wall.The fastening element 67, which is fixed relative to the floor surface, can be attached, for example, to the wall or, as in . Figure 5 shown, be attached to the floor surface or the floor plate 7. The stationary fastening element 67 serves as a stationary tension and / or pressure point for the drive unit 65. Two fastening elements can also be provided, each functioning as a tension or pressure point. The drive unit 65 can press against the fastening element 67 such that the supply device 1 is moved in the first travel direction 29 from the first to the second position.

[0077] To move the supply device 1 counter to the first travel direction 29, the drive unit 65 can pull on the fastening element 67 such that the supply device 1 is moved from the second to the first position. This has the advantage that the supply device 1 always moves relative to the stationary fastening element 67, so that it always has a fixed position. Despite its mobility, the supply device 1 can be reliably and easily positioned and coupled to the floor cleaning machine.

[0078] Also shown are four bearing units 69, each with a ball transfer unit. The bearing units 69 ensure particularly good load distribution of the supply device and particularly good mobility of the supply device 1 on the floor surface. As shown in Figure 5As can be seen, the bearing units 69 are evenly distributed, namely by arranging two bearing units 69 at the rear end and two bearing units 69 at the front end of the supply device 1. This results in the supply device 1 being mounted particularly stably, so that the supply device 1 is less prone to wobbling or tipping.

[0079] By using ball transfer units, the supply device 1 can be supported particularly well on the floor surface, especially during movement. The use of ball transfer units as bearing units 69 also allows the supply device 1 to move freely in all directions. This has the advantage that it also allows the supply device 1 to move in a direction perpendicular to the first travel direction 29.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the bearing units 69 comprise sliding bearings or sliding elements that slide on the floor surface. This has the advantage that the bearing units 69 have no moving parts, resulting in less maintenance effort for the supply unit.

[0081] In Figure 6 It can be seen in detail that the drive unit 65 is connected to the fastening element 67 via the distal end. The drive unit 65 is designed as a linear drive and has a piston rod 71, which forms the distal end. The piston rod 71 can be retracted and extended and is located in Figure 6in the retracted position. This corresponds to the first position of the supply unit 1. When the piston rod 71 is now extended, the drive unit 65 presses against the fastening element 67 and the supply device 1 is moved in the first travel direction 29, since the drive unit 65 is fastened with the proximal end to the frame 50 of the supply device 1.

[0082] As in Figure 6As shown, the drive unit 65 is coupled at its proximal end to a mounting arm 73 pivotally mounted on the frame 50. The mounting arm 73 has a third pivot axis 75 arranged perpendicular to the first travel direction 29. The mounting arm 73 is prestressed by a third prestressing element 77 such that its portion coupled to the proximal end is prestressed toward the distal end. The third prestressing element 77 is preferably designed as a tension spring that prestresses the mounting arm 73 such that a tensile force acts in a direction toward the distal end of the drive unit 65.

[0083] Pre-tensioning the proximal end of the drive unit 65 is particularly important when the supply device 1 is coupled to the floor cleaning machine. When coupling the supply device 1 to the floor cleaning machine, it may happen that the supply device 1 presses against the floor cleaning machine, so that the supply device 1 is pushed at least partially from the second position toward the first position and thus against the direction of the drive unit 65. To prevent the drive unit 65, which strives to move the supply device 1 into the second position during overrun, from pressing further against the floor cleaning machine, the proximal end of the drive unit 65 is attached to the frame 50 via the pivotably mounted attachment arm 73.If the drive unit 65 moves the supply device 1 in the direction of the first travel direction 29, but the supply device 1 reaches a stop, for example, the floor cleaning machine, the remaining travel path of the drive unit 65 is absorbed by the fastening arm 73 by pivoting the fastening arm 73 in the direction of the first travel direction 29. This has the advantage that the supply device 1 does not press against the floor cleaning machine beyond the point at which they are coupled. This prevents the floor cleaning machine from being pushed back or tilted backward by the supply device 1.

[0084] The drive unit 65 is connected to the fastening arm 73 via a connecting element 79, wherein the drive unit 65 is pivotally connected to the connecting element 79 about a fourth pivot axis 81 and the connecting element 79 is arranged on the fastening arm 73 so as to be pivotable about a fifth pivot axis 83. The fourth pivot axis 81 and the fifth pivot axis 83 are arranged perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the fourth pivot axis 81 is arranged parallel to the third pivot axis 75. The pivotable mounting of the proximal section of the drive unit 65 on the fastening arm 73 ensures that the supply device 1 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the first travel direction 29 and loads on the drive unit 65 are avoided.

[0085] The frame 50 has a stop element 85 that limits the pivoting range of the fastening arm 73 toward the distal end. The stop element 85 prevents the pivotable fastening arm 73 from being pivoted toward the distal end of the drive unit 65 when the supply device 1 is moved from the second position to the first position. When the supply device 1 is uncoupled from the floor cleaning machine, the supply device 1 is moved from the second to the first position, so that the effect of the drive unit 65 trailing behind has no negative effect, since the supply unit 1 is attracted to the fixed fastening element 67. This enables a direct coupling of the drive unit 65 to the frame 50 of the supply device 1. Figures 7 and 8Finally, it can be seen that guide elements 58 are attached to the ends of the guide rods 39, 41, which point in the direction opposite to the first travel direction 29. The guide elements 58 are designed such that the distance between the guide element 58 on the first guide rod 39 and the guide element 58 on the second guide rod 41 increases with decreasing distance to the free end of the guide elements 58. As shown in the Figures 7 and 8 As can be seen, the free area between the guide elements 58 on the guide rods 39, 41 has a V-shaped form. Furthermore, in particular in Figure 7It can be seen that the guide elements 58 are designed to accommodate a further guide pin 59, which is fixedly connected to the floor surface and in the present case to the floor plate 7. This is the case when the supply device 1 is moved from the second position against the first travel direction 29 to the first position, wherein this position in Figure 7 is shown.

[0086] If the supply device 1 is then moved further against the first travel direction 29 (see Figure 8 ), the further guide pin 59 also passes between the guide rods 39, 41.

[0087] The following is achieved by the guide elements 58, which are arranged at the ends of the guide rods 39, 41, which point in a direction opposite to the first travel direction 29 and thus away from the floor cleaning machine when the latter is coupled to the supply device 1. Even when the supply device 1 is in the second, extended position and is also pivoted relative to the first travel direction 29, the supply device 1 is correctly aligned again when it is moved back to the first retracted position by means of the drive unit 65.

[0088] This is due to the engagement of the guide elements 58, whose spacing increases toward their free ends, with the additional guide pin 59. The engagement with the additional guide pin 59 is achieved particularly easily due to the increasing spacing. The additional guide pin 59 is, in a sense, "captured" by the guide elements 58, even when the supply device 1 is pivoted to a large extent relative to the first travel direction 29. List of reference symbols:

[0089] 1Supply device 3Frame element 5Housing 7Base plate 9Coupling assembly 11Plug unit 13Waste water collection basin 15Fresh water inlet 17Waste water outlet 19Actuator 21Light unit 23Identification tag 25Threading unit 27Recess 29First travel direction 31First distance 33Second travel direction 35Second distance 37Guide unit 39First guide rod 41Second guide rod 43First longitudinal axis 45Second longitudinal axis 47First guide arm 49First pivot axis 50Frame 51Second guide arm 53Second pivot axis 55First preload element 57Second preload element 58Guide element 59Guide pin 61Third longitudinal axis 63 fourth longitudinal axis 65 drive unit 67 fastening element 69 bearing unit 71 piston rod 73 fastening arm 75 third pivot axis 77 third preload element 79 connecting element 81 fourth pivot axis 83 fifth pivot axis 85 stop element

Claims

1. Supply device (1) for moving on a floor surface and for coupling to a floor cleaning machine, comprising a frame (50), a chassis supported on the frame (50) and designed so that the supply device (1) can be moved over the floor surface, a fresh water inlet (15), a dirty water outlet (17) and / or a power supply, a coupling arrangement (9) connected to the fresh water inlet (15), the dirty water outlet (17) and / or the power supply and designed to be detachably coupled to a further coupling arrangement on the floor cleaning machine, so that fresh water can be conveyed from the fresh water inlet (15) via the coupling arrangements to a fresh water tank of the floor cleaning machine,Dirty water can be conveyed from a dirty water tank of the floor cleaning machine to the dirty water outlet (17) and / or a rechargeable battery of the floor cleaning machine can be connected to the power supply, and with a drive unit (65) which is designed to move the supply device (1) in or against a preferably rectilinear first travel direction (29) between a first and a second position, wherein the drive unit (65) is supported with a proximal end on the frame (50) and has a distal end which is designed to be connected to a fastening element (67) which is stationary relative to the floor surface.

2. Supply device (1) according to claim 1, with a guide unit (37) having a first guide rod (39) and a second guide rod (41) arranged parallel to one another, wherein the first guide rod (39) extends along a first longitudinal axis (43) and the second guide rod (41) extends along a second longitudinal axis (45), wherein the guide unit (37) has two first guide arms (47) having a first coupling section and a second coupling section, wherein the first coupling section of the first guide arms (47) is pivotally mounted on the frame about a first pivot axis (49), and wherein the second coupling sections of the first guide arms (47) are connected to the first guide rod (39) at a distance from one another along the first longitudinal axis (43), wherein the guide unit (37) has two second guide arms (51),which have a first coupling section and a second coupling section, wherein the first coupling section of the second guide arms (51) is pivotally mounted on the frame (50) about a second pivot axis (53), and wherein the second coupling sections of the second guide arms (51) are connected to the second guide rod (41) at a distance from one another along the second longitudinal axis (45), wherein the first pivot axis (49), the second pivot axis (53), the first longitudinal axis (43), the second longitudinal axis (45), and the first travel direction (29) run parallel to one another, wherein the guide unit (37) has first prestressing elements (55) between the frame (50) and the first guide arms (47), which are designed to prestress the first guide arms (47) such that the first guide rod (39) is pressed towards the second guide rod (41),wherein the guide unit (37) has second prestressing elements (57) between the frame (50) and the second guide arms (51), which are designed to prestress the second guide arms (51) such that the second guide rod (41) is pressed towards the first guide rod (39), wherein the guide unit (37) is designed to receive at least two guide pins (59) arranged on the bottom surface and protruding perpendicularly therefrom between the two guide rods (39, 41).

3. Supply device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first and second biasing elements (55, 57) are arranged such that their longitudinal axes (61, 63) intersect.

4. Supply device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first and second biasing elements (55, 57) are arranged such that their longitudinal axes (61, 63) extend at an angle between 90° and 180° to one another.

5. Supply device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein guide elements (58) are attached to the ends of the guide rods (39, 41) which point in the direction opposite to the first direction of travel (33), wherein the guide elements (58) are designed such that the distance between the guide element (58) on the first guide rod (39) and the guide element (58) on the second guide rod (41) increases with decreasing distance to the free end of the guide elements (58), and wherein the guide elements (58) are designed to receive a further guide pin (59) between them.

6. Supply device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, wherein the chassis has several, preferably four, bearing units (69) which are designed to be in contact with the ground surface and to support the supply device (1) on the ground surface during movement.

7. Supply device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the bearing units (69) comprise ball bearings or ball rollers.

8. Supply device (1) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, with a housing (5), wherein the housing has a recess pointing in the first travel direction (29) which extends in a horizontal plane and across the width of the housing (5).

9. Supply device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling arrangement (9) comprises a plug or socket unit (11) which is designed to be coupled to a socket or plug unit of the further coupling arrangement of the floor cleaning machine, and a dirty water collecting basin (13) for collecting dirty water from a dirty water tank of the floor cleaning machine.

10. Supply device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (65) has a linear drive which has the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the linear drive can move the supply device (1) in or against the first travel direction (29) by extending and retracting.

11. Supply device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (65) is coupled to the proximal end with a fastening arm (73) pivotally mounted on the frame (50), wherein the fastening arm (73) has a third pivot axis (75) which is arranged perpendicular to the first travel direction (29), and wherein the fastening arm (73) is prestressed such that its section coupled to the proximal end is prestressed towards the distal end.

12. Supply device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the frame (50) has a stop element (85) which limits the pivoting range of the fastening arm (73) towards the distal end.

13. Supply device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling arrangement (9) has an interface for transmitting and / or receiving data from the floor cleaning machine.

14. System comprising a supply device (1) for moving on a floor surface according to one of claims 1 to 13 and two guide pins (59) aligned with one another in the first direction of travel (29) which are fixedly fastened relative to the floor surface.

15. System according to claim 14, comprising a base plate (7) on which the base surface is formed and to which the guide pins (59) are fastened.

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