Dirty water valve of floor cleaning machine and floor cleaning machine

Abstract

A wastewater valve (15) for connection to the outlet of a wastewater tank of a floor cleaning machine (1) is shown and described, comprising a pipe fitting (21) having an inlet end (23) and an outlet end (25), a closure body (47) which is slidably mounted on the pipe fitting (21) between a closed position and an open position, and an actuating element (17) which is adjustable between a closed position and an open position and which is rigidly coupled to the closure body (47) such that the closure body (47) moves from the closed position to the open position when the actuating element (17) moves from the closed position to the open position, and that the closure body (47) moves from the open position to the closed position when the actuating element (17) moves from the open position to the closed position.wherein a preloading element (45) is provided that preloads the locking body (47) towards the closed position. Also shown and described is a floor cleaning machine (1) with a wastewater tank having an outlet, wherein the outlet is connected to a wastewater valve (15) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a wastewater valve for connecting to an outlet of a wastewater tank of a floor cleaning machine and to a floor cleaning machine.

[0002] Floor cleaning machines are known from the prior art, and these machines typically comprise a chassis with at least one wheel, preferably driven by a motor, a cleaning device (for example, a brush assembly, a mop, and / or a vacuum), a fresh water tank, a dirty water tank, and a coupling device for connecting the floor cleaning machine to a power supply. Known power supplies that can be connected to the floor cleaning machine also typically include a coupling device, a power supply, a fresh water inlet, and a dirty water collection system.

[0003] The coupling arrangement of the floor cleaning machine and the supply unit includes, among other things, an interface for conveying the wastewater from the wastewater tank to the wastewater intake of the supply unit. For this purpose, the floor cleaning machine can have a wastewater outlet that can be connected to the wastewater intake. To convey the wastewater, the interface can be connected to a suction device that can create a vacuum in the wastewater line, thus drawing the wastewater from the wastewater tank.

[0004] Furthermore, floor cleaning machines are known which have a removable dirty water tank that can be removed from the floor cleaning machine and emptied in a known manner.

[0005] With floor cleaning machines of this type, the necessity of a suction device to pump the dirty water from the wastewater tank has proven problematic. This is particularly disadvantageous when the floor cleaning machine is operated manually or when the dirty water must be drained manually. Firstly, the suction devices can be prone to malfunctions, meaning that if the suction device fails, no more dirty water can be pumped from the tank. Secondly, using a suction device increases the complexity of the supply system. Furthermore, a power supply is required to drain the dirty water and operate the suction device. Therefore, the dirty water can only be drained if the floor cleaning machine is powered by electricity or connected to a power supply system.

[0006] Floor cleaning machines with a removable dirty water tank have the problem that the user has to remove the entire tank to empty it. When full, the dirty water tank can be quite heavy, and this method makes it impossible to drain the dirty water in a controlled manner.

[0007] Another problem is the coarse dirt contained in the wastewater, which can get caught in the area of ​​the wastewater valve and prevent the valve from closing again.

[0008] Based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a wastewater outlet and a floor cleaning machine with such a wastewater outlet, with which the wastewater can be conveyed away from the wastewater tank in a particularly simple manner, without the wastewater outlet being blocked from closing by coarse dirt.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by a wastewater valve with the features of claim 1. The wastewater valve serves to connect to the outlet of a wastewater tank of a floor cleaning machine and has a pipe connection having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the inlet end is configured to be connected to the outlet of the wastewater tank, and wherein the outlet end has a circumferential rim. Furthermore, the wastewater valve has a closure element which is slidably mounted on the pipe connection between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the closure element is arranged such that it closes the outlet end, and in the open position, it is spaced apart from the outlet end such that a gap is provided between the closure element and the outlet end over the entire circumferential rim.The wastewater valve has an actuating element that is adjustable between a closed and an open position on the pipe stub. This actuating element is rigidly coupled to the valve body such that the valve body moves from the closed position to the open position when the actuating element moves from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa. Furthermore, a preload element is provided that biases the valve body towards the closed position.

[0010] The wastewater valve is used to connect to the outlet of a wastewater tank of the floor cleaning machine and has a pipe connection comprising an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end is designed to connect to the outlet of the wastewater tank, and the outlet end has a circumferential rim. The wastewater valve can be coupled to a wastewater collection basin of a supply system. Coupling means that the wastewater valve is positioned above or within the wastewater collection basin of the supply system in such a way that wastewater discharged from the wastewater valve can be completely collected by the wastewater collection basin. Alternatively, the wastewater valve can be coupled to a drain in such a way that wastewater discharged from the wastewater valve can be directed to the drain.

[0011] The inlet is connected to the outlet of the wastewater tank, allowing wastewater to flow from the tank to the inlet and discharge through the outlet. The floor cleaning machine can be equipped with a pump to transfer the wastewater from the tank. Alternatively, the pump can be integrated into a supply unit to which the floor cleaning machine is connected. This offers the advantage of particularly efficient and rapid wastewater removal from the tank. Another option is to position the outlet at the bottom of the tank, allowing the wastewater to be forced out by gravity.This is always the case when the minimum level of the wastewater tank is higher than the outlet of the wastewater tank, as this allows wastewater to be pumped out of the tank by gravity. This has the advantage that no pump is required, resulting in a simpler design.

[0012] Furthermore, the wastewater valve has a closing element that is slidably mounted on the pipe stub between the closed and open positions. In the closed position, the closing element seals the outlet, while in the open position, it is positioned so that a gap is maintained between the closing element and the outlet along its entire circumferential edge. The closing element allows the wastewater valve to be opened and closed. This ensures that wastewater can only be discharged when the wastewater valve is in the open position. This allows for controlled discharge of the wastewater, particularly when the wastewater valve is connected to a wastewater collection basin or a drain.In the closed position, the closure body seals the outlet of the pipe fitting, and in the open position, the closure body maintains a distance from the outlet. This can be achieved, for example, by mounting the closure body so that it is slidable along a longitudinal axis of the pipe fitting. Due to the preferably axial slidability of the closure body, positions are also conceivable in which the closure body does not completely seal the outlet or only partially opens it. In this case, the closure body is in an intermediate position where it maintains a smaller distance from the outlet than in the fully open position. This has the advantage that the closure body can position the wastewater valve in a way that prevents it from being fully open.This has the advantage that the sealing element can adjust the flow rate at the wastewater valve via the intermediate positions by moving the sealing element into an intermediate position in which the wastewater valve is not fully open.

[0013] By positioning the closure body in the open position at such a distance from the outlet end that a gap is provided between the closure body and the outlet end over the entire circumferential edge, it is ensured that coarse dirt contained in the wastewater cannot become trapped in the area of ​​the closure body when it is drained, which could lead to the valve not being able to be closed again.

[0014] The wastewater valve has an actuating element mounted on the pipe connection, adjustable between a closed and an open position. This actuating element is rigidly coupled to the valve body such that the valve body moves from the closed position to the open position when the actuating element moves from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa. The wastewater valve has a closed position and an open position and can be moved from the closed position to the open position by actuating the actuating element. In the closed position, wastewater is prevented from escaping the wastewater tank.When the wastewater valve is in the open position, wastewater can be pumped from the wastewater tank through the valve. This allows for controlled drainage of the wastewater by moving the valve from the closed to the open position using the actuator.

[0015] Furthermore, the actuating element allows the user to operate the actuating element, which is connected to the valve body via the pipe fitting, rather than the valve body itself. This has the advantage that the user does not have to directly interact with the valve body, thus preventing additional stress on the valve body and avoiding additional wear on it.

[0016] The actuating element is connected to the valve body, but can be located at a point remote from the valve body. This has the advantage that the actuating element can be positioned in a location that is both easily accessible and where no wastewater is being pumped. This results in particularly easy operation of the wastewater valve.

[0017] The actuating element can be engaged by a push button, allowing it to be moved from the closed to the open position. The push button could be, for example, a user or part of a utility system. This enables the wastewater valve to be used in a manual floor cleaning machine, where a user operates the push button to open the wastewater valve and drain the wastewater.

[0018] Particularly when the wastewater valve is used in an autonomous floor cleaning machine, the actuating element can engage with an actuator of a supply device, such as a lifting cylinder. The lifting cylinder can assume a first and a second position. In the first position, the lifting cylinder is retracted, so the wastewater valve remains closed. In the second position, the lifting cylinder pushes against the actuating element of the wastewater valve, allowing the wastewater valve to be moved from the closed to the open position when the wastewater is connected to a wastewater collection basin of the supply device. This enables the wastewater to be drained in a controlled and autonomous manner by moving the lifting cylinder from the first to the second position.It is also conceivable that the actuator can assume positions beyond the first and second positions. For example, the actuator can also assume one or more intermediate positions. This has the advantage that the actuator can move the wastewater valve to a position where it is not fully open. This allows the actuator to adjust the flow rate at the wastewater valve by moving it to an intermediate position where it is not fully open.

[0019] However, the use of the wastewater valve according to the invention is not limited to autonomous floor cleaning machines, but can also be used in hand-operated floor cleaning machines and ride-on machines.

[0020] Furthermore, a pre-tensioning element is provided that pre-tensions the valve body towards the closed position. The pre-tensioning element is preferably a spring element that exerts a spring force on the valve body. By exerting a force on the valve body in the closed position, the pre-tensioning element holds the valve body in the closed position. This has the advantage that the wastewater valve does not need to be moved separately from the open position to the closed position, as this is done automatically by the pre-tensioning element, resulting in simple operation of the wastewater valve.

[0021] Pre-tensioning the valve body ensures that it maintains a tight seal even if the outlet or the valve body itself has a reduced sealing effect due to wear. This results in lower maintenance requirements for the wastewater valve.

[0022] In one embodiment, the closure body has a closure section shaped like part of a spherical shell, a conical shell, or a truncated conical shell, wherein the outlet has a circular cross-section and, in the closed position, the closure section seals the outlet. Generally, all shapes with a circular cross-section are conceivable for the closure body and the closure section, allowing the outlet to be sealed. A circular cross-section for both the outlet and the closure body has proven advantageous because it results in a uniform flow of wastewater from the wastewater valve. This prevents dirt accumulation in the outlet during wastewater drainage, thus avoiding clogging of the wastewater valve.

[0023] A spherical, conical, or truncated conical sealing cup is particularly suitable for sealing a circular outlet. The cup can be selected, for example, to have a cross-section larger than the circular cross-section of the outlet. In this case, the cup is only partially inserted into the outlet to seal it. This has the advantage that the larger cross-section of the cup can still seal the outlet even if it expands, for example, due to wear or heat. This ensures a particularly reliable seal for the wastewater valve.

[0024] In one embodiment, the pipe fitting has a rubber sleeve on which the outlet is formed. The rubber sleeve is preferably arranged coaxially on the pipe fitting by being slipped over it. This has the advantage that the rubber sleeve seals the pipe fitting between itself and the pipe fitting. Furthermore, the rubber sleeve enables a particularly reliable and tight connection between the closure body and the outlet, which remains leak-proof even under vibrations and shocks such as those that can occur during the operation of a floor cleaning machine.

[0025] In one embodiment, the pipe fitting has a straight section extending from the outlet end to the inlet end, and a sleeve is provided that surrounds this straight section and is slidably mounted along it on the pipe fitting, with the closure body attached to the sleeve. The sleeve and the pipe fitting can be arranged coaxially to each other and within each other, so that the sleeve is slidably mounted on the pipe fitting. The straight section ensures that the sleeve can be guided uniformly relative to the pipe fitting. This results in a particularly simple and robust guidance of the sleeve and the closure body.

[0026] In one embodiment, the sleeve extends from a proximal end to a distal end, with the proximal end pointing towards the inlet end of the pipe fitting and the distal end extending beyond the outlet end. The closure element is at least partially located inside the sleeve. Because the distal end of the sleeve extends beyond the outlet end, the closure element can be positioned within the sleeve and does not protrude from the wastewater valve or the sleeve itself. This provides better protection for the closure element and the outlet end against external influences such as dust and contaminants. The closure element is preferably arranged coaxially within the sleeve. This ensures that the wastewater flows evenly around the closure element and can thus be discharged in a controlled manner.

[0027] In one embodiment, a sealing ring is arranged at the distal end. The wastewater valve can be connected to a wastewater collection basin, and the sealing ring serves to create a tight seal between the wastewater valve and the wastewater collection basin. For this purpose, the wastewater valve is inserted into an opening of the wastewater collection basin, with the sealing ring resting against an inward-facing surface of the opening. This prevents wastewater from escaping the wastewater collection basin.

[0028] In one embodiment, a flushing fluid outlet is provided on the sleeve adjacent to the closure body. This outlet is designed to allow flushing fluid to be sprayed onto the closure body. The flushing fluid can be, for example, fresh water, with the flushing fluid outlet being connected to a fresh water inlet. The flushing fluid cleans the wastewater valve, particularly the closure body. This prevents unpleasant odors caused by the wastewater at the wastewater valve. Furthermore, it allows the wastewater valve to be flushed with the flushing fluid, such as fresh water, thus preventing dirt deposits from remaining on the valve that could impair its sealing.

[0029] In one embodiment, the flushing fluid outlet is arranged longitudinally on the sleeve such that, when the sleeve is in the open position, it is positioned axially between the outlet end and the closure body. This ensures that the closure body and the outlet end can be flushed at the sealing surfaces, thus preventing dirt deposits from remaining on the sealing surfaces that could impair the tightness of the wastewater valve.

[0030] In one embodiment, the actuating element is designed as an actuating lever with an actuating section and a coupling section, wherein the actuating lever is pivotably mounted on the pipe stub between the actuating section and the coupling section about a pivot axis extending transversely to the straight section, wherein the actuating lever is pivotable between the closed position and the open position, wherein the coupling section is connected to the sleeve such that the sleeve with the locking body moves from the closed position to the open position when the actuating lever pivots from the closed position to the open position, and that the sleeve with the locking body moves from the open position to the closed position when the actuating lever pivots from the open position to the closed position.The swiveling actuator allows the actuator to be designed as a push button that moves the wastewater valve to the open position as long as the button is pressed. This makes the actuator particularly easy to operate.

[0031] In one embodiment, a flushing fluid outlet is provided on the pipe stub, designed to allow flushing fluid to be introduced into the pipe stub. This embodiment ensures that the pipe stub and the closure body can be flushed when the closure body is in the open position. This has the advantage of removing contaminants in the pipe stub and on the closure body that could impair the tightness of the wastewater valve.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the invention, the aforementioned problem is solved by a floor cleaning machine with the features of claim 11. The floor cleaning machine has a dirty water tank which has an outlet, the outlet being connected to the dirty water valve according to the invention.

[0033] In one embodiment, the floor cleaning machine has a housing in which the actuating element is arranged behind an opening in the housing such that it can be moved from the closed position to the open position by inserting an actuator. This ensures that the actuating element of the dirty water valve is not accidentally activated, for example, when the floor cleaning machine moves towards an object that presses against the actuating element.

[0034] The present invention will now be explained with reference to a drawing showing only preferred embodiments, in which Figures 1a and 1b Schematic views of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention show, Figures 2 to 4 schematic views of a first embodiment of a wastewater valve according to the invention show and Figures 5 to 6a Schematic views of a second embodiment of a wastewater valve according to the invention are shown.

[0035] The Figures 1a and 1b show a schematic view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention, wherein Figure 1a a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of the floor cleaning machine 1 and Figure 1b a schematic front view of the exemplary embodiment of the floor cleaning machine 1 is shown.

[0036] As from Figures 1a and 1bAs can be seen, the floor cleaning machine 1 has a housing 3 and a chassis 5, which includes at least one wheel 7, preferably driven by a chassis drive. The chassis 5 allows the floor cleaning machine 1 to be moved across a floor surface to be cleaned. In particular, the floor cleaning machine 1 can be an autonomously operating cleaning robot. However, the present invention is not limited to autonomous floor cleaning machines, but can also be used with hand-held floor cleaning machines and ride-on machines.

[0037] The floor cleaning machine 1 further comprises a cleaning unit 9, a fresh water tank, and a dirty water tank. In the present embodiment, the cleaning unit 9 includes a brush assembly, a device for dispensing fresh water, optionally mixed with cleaning agents, and a suction foot 10 with which dirty water can be picked up from the floor surface. In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning unit can include a mopping device. The brush assembly is driven and engages with the floor surface in such a way that contaminants are loosened and / or removed from the floor surface. The suction foot 10 vacuums up contaminants together with previously applied fresh water and directs them into the dirty water tank. This makes it possible to clean floor surfaces with particularly heavy soiling in a particularly simple manner.

[0038] The floor cleaning machine 1 has a coupling assembly 11, which in turn has a socket 13 and a wastewater valve 15, which will be described in detail below. The wastewater valve 15 is connected to the wastewater tank. The socket 13 has an interface for supplying fresh water to the fresh water tank, an interface for supplying fresh water to a flushing line for flushing the wastewater valve 15, and an interface for supplying electrical energy, which can be used to charge a battery of the floor cleaning machine 1. It is also conceivable that the coupling assembly 11 could have an interface for supplying other liquids, for example, a cleaning solution, which could be pumped into a tank for receiving the cleaning solution in the floor cleaning machine 1.Furthermore, the socket 13 of the coupling arrangement 11 has an interface for sending and receiving data, which is connected via a data bus to a control unit of the floor cleaning machine 1. This enables the floor cleaning machine 1 to exchange data with a power supply unit or an external control unit.

[0039] Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine 1 has an actuating element 17 connected to the wastewater valve 15. The wastewater valve 15 has a closed position and an open position and can be moved from the closed position to the open position by actuating the actuating element 17. In the closed position, wastewater is prevented from escaping the wastewater tank. When the wastewater valve 15 is in the open position, wastewater can be pumped out of the wastewater tank via the wastewater valve 15. This allows the wastewater to be drained in a controlled manner by moving the wastewater valve 15 from the closed to the open position via the actuating element 17.

[0040] The actuating element 17 is arranged behind an opening in the housing 3 such that it can be moved from the closed position to the open position by inserting an actuator. This ensures that the actuating element 17 of the wastewater valve 15 is not accidentally actuated, for example, when the floor cleaning machine 1 moves towards an object that presses against the actuating element 17.

[0041] Figures 2 to 4 show schematic views of a first embodiment of a wastewater valve 15 according to the invention, wherein Figure 2 a schematic perspective view of the first embodiment of the wastewater valve 15 according to the invention is shown.

[0042] In the present first embodiment, the wastewater valve 15 can be coupled to a wastewater collection basin 19 of a supply system, as is done in the Figures 3 and 4As shown, a coupling is understood to mean that the wastewater valve 15 is arranged above or in the wastewater collection basin 19 such that wastewater discharged from the wastewater valve 15 can be completely received by the wastewater collection basin 19 of the supply system. Alternatively, the wastewater valve 15 can be coupled to a drain such that wastewater discharged from the wastewater valve 15 can be directed to the drain.

[0043] The wastewater valve 15 has a pipe connection 21 with an inlet end 23 and an outlet end 25, the inlet end 23 being connected to the outlet of the wastewater tank via an outlet pipe 27. The inlet end 23 is connected to the outlet of the wastewater tank via the outlet pipe 27 in such a way that wastewater can flow from the wastewater tank to the inlet end 23 of the wastewater valve 15 and be discharged via the outlet end 25. For pumping the wastewater, the floor cleaning machine 1 can have a pump that pumps the wastewater from the wastewater tank. The pump can also be arranged in a supply unit to which the floor cleaning machine 1 is coupled for pumping the wastewater. This has the advantage that the wastewater can be pumped from the wastewater tank particularly efficiently and quickly.Alternatively, the wastewater tank outlet can be located at the bottom of the tank, allowing the wastewater to be pumped out by gravity. This is always the case when the minimum water level in the tank is higher than the outlet, as this allows the wastewater to be drawn out by gravity. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for a pump, resulting in a simpler design.

[0044] Furthermore, the wastewater valve 15 has a mounting section 29 with which the wastewater valve 15 can be attached to a frame or the housing 3 of the floor cleaning machine 1. The mounting section 29 is connected to the pipe stub 21 in the area of ​​the inlet end 23. In an alternative embodiment, the mounting section 29 can be arranged at a different location, depending on how the wastewater valve 15 is to be attached to the floor cleaning machine 1.

[0045] The pipe fitting 21 has a straight section extending from the outlet end 25 to the inlet end 23, and a sleeve 31 is provided which surrounds the straight section and is slidably mounted along it on the pipe fitting 21. The sleeve 31 and the pipe fitting 21 are arranged coaxially to each other, so that the sleeve 31 is slidably mounted on the pipe fitting 21. The straight section ensures that the sleeve 31 can be guided uniformly relative to the pipe fitting 21. This results in a particularly simple and robust guidance of the sleeve 31.

[0046] A sealing ring 33 is arranged on the sleeve 31. When the wastewater valve 15 is installed in the wastewater collection basin 19, the sealing ring 33 serves to seal the wastewater valve 15 to the wastewater collection basin 19. For this purpose, the wastewater valve 15 is inserted into an opening 35 of the wastewater collection basin 19, with the sealing ring 33 bearing against an inwardly facing surface of the opening. This prevents wastewater from escaping the wastewater collection basin 19.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the actuating element 17 is designed as an actuating lever 35 with an actuating section 37 and a coupling section 39, wherein the actuating lever 35 is pivotably mounted on the pipe stub 21 between the actuating section 37 and the coupling section 39 about a pivot axis 41 extending transversely to the straight section, and wherein the actuating lever 35 is pivotable between the closed position and the open position. First, the function of the actuating element 17 will be explained in more detail, with reference to the following for a detailed description of the closed position of the wastewater valve 15. Figure 3 and for a detailed description of the open position of the wastewater valve 15 on Figure 4 is referred.

[0048] The coupling section 39 is connected to the sleeve 31 via a coupling arm 43 such that the sleeve 31 moves from the closed position to the open position when the actuating lever 35 pivots from the closed position to the open position, and vice versa. The pivotable actuating element 17 allows the actuating element 17 to be configured as a push button that moves the wastewater valve 15 to the open position as long as the button is pressed. This makes actuating the actuating element 17 particularly easy to operate.

[0049] The actuating element 17 can engage with an actuator and thus be moved from the closed to the open position. The actuator can be, for example, a user or part of a supply system. This enables the wastewater valve 15 to be used in a manual floor cleaning machine 1, where a user actuates the actuating element 17 to open the wastewater valve 15 and drain the wastewater.

[0050] Particularly when the wastewater valve 15 is used in an autonomous floor cleaning machine 1, the actuating element 17 can engage with an actuator of the supply unit, for example, a lifting cylinder. The lifting cylinder can assume a first position and a second position. In the first position, the lifting cylinder is retracted, so the wastewater valve 15 remains in the closed position. In the second position, the lifting cylinder pushes against the actuating element 17 of the wastewater valve 15, allowing the wastewater valve 15 to be moved from the closed to the open position when the wastewater is connected to the wastewater collection basin 19 of the supply unit. This enables the wastewater to be drained in a controlled and autonomous manner by moving the lifting cylinder from the first to the second position.It is also conceivable that the actuator can assume positions beyond the first and second positions. For example, the actuator can also assume one or more intermediate positions. This has the advantage that the actuator can move the wastewater valve 15 to a position in which it is not fully open. This allows the actuator to adjust the flow rate at the wastewater valve 15 by moving it to an intermediate position where it is not fully open.

[0051] Furthermore, two preload elements 45 are provided, which preload the sleeve 31 towards the closed position. The preload elements 45 are preferably spring elements that exert a spring force on the sleeve 31. By exerting a force on the sleeve 31 in the closed position, the preload elements 45 hold the sleeve 31 in the closed position. This has the advantage that the wastewater valve 15 does not need to be moved separately from the open position to the closed position, as this happens automatically by the preload elements 45, resulting in simple operation of the wastewater valve 15.

[0052] As from Figure 2As can be seen, the wastewater valve 15 is designed symmetrically, such that the wastewater valve 15 has a preloading element 45 on each side. Furthermore, the wastewater valve 15 also has a coupling arm 43 on each side. This has the advantage that the sleeve 31 can be preloaded evenly into the closed position and moved evenly into the open position, thus enabling uniform opening and closing of the wastewater valve 15.

[0053] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Each figure shows a schematic side view of the first embodiment of the wastewater valve 15 according to the invention, wherein the wastewater valve 15 is in Figure 3 in a closed position and in Figure 4 as shown in an open position. The following explanations therefore apply to Figure 3 and Figure 4Similarly, a separate description of the characters is omitted.

[0054] The wastewater valve 15 has a closure body 47 which is connected to the sleeve 31 via a fastening arm 49 and, due to the displaceability of the sleeve 31, is also displaceably held on the pipe stub 21 between the closed position and the open position, wherein the closure body 47 is arranged in the closed position such that it closes the outlet end 25 and in the open position is arranged at a distance from the outlet end 25, which has a circumferential rim, such that a distance is provided between the closure body 47 and the outlet end 25 over the entire circumferential rim.

[0055] The pipe fitting 21 has a rubber sleeve 51 on which the outlet end 25 is formed. The rubber sleeve 51 is preferably arranged coaxially on the pipe fitting 21 by being fitted over the pipe fitting 21. This has the advantage that the rubber sleeve 51 seals the pipe fitting 21 between the rubber sleeve 51 and the pipe fitting 21. Furthermore, the rubber sleeve 51 enables a particularly reliable and tight connection between the closure body 47 and the outlet end 25, which remains tight even under vibrations and shocks such as those that can occur during the operation of a floor cleaning machine 1.

[0056] The sealing element 47 allows the wastewater valve 15 to be opened and closed. This ensures that wastewater can only be drained when the wastewater valve 15 is in the open position. This allows for controlled drainage of the wastewater, particularly when the wastewater valve 15 is connected to the wastewater drain basin 19 or a drain. In the closed position, the sealing element 47 closes the outlet end 25 of the pipe stub 21, and in the open position, the sealing element 47 is spaced from the outlet end 25. This can be achieved, for example, by mounting the sealing element 47 so that it is slidably positioned on the pipe stub 21 along a longitudinal axis 53.Due to the preferably axial displacement of the closure body 47, positions are also conceivable in which the closure body 47 does not completely close the outlet 25 or only partially opens it. In this case, the closure body 47 is in an intermediate position where it has a smaller distance to the outlet 25 than in the open position. This has the advantage that the closure body 47 can bring the wastewater valve 15 into a position in which the wastewater valve 15 is not fully open. This has the advantage that the closure body 47 can adjust a flow rate at the wastewater valve 15 via the intermediate positions by moving the closure body 47 into an intermediate position in which the wastewater valve 15 is not fully open.

[0057] By arranging the closure body 47 in the open position at such a distance from the outlet end 25 that a gap is provided between the closure body 47 and the outlet end 25 over the entire circumferential edge, it is ensured that coarse dirt contained in the wastewater cannot become trapped in the area of ​​the closure body 47 when the wastewater is drained, which could lead to the wastewater valve 15 not being able to be closed again.

[0058] The actuating element 17, which is connected to the closure body 47 via the sleeve 31, is located at a distance from the closure body 47. This has the advantage that the actuating element 17 can be located in a place where it is particularly easy to access and where no wastewater is pumped. This results in particularly easy operation of the wastewater valve 15.

[0059] The actuating element 17 also ensures that it is not the closure body 47 itself that needs to be actuated, but rather the actuating element 17, which is connected to the closure body 47 via the pipe fitting 21. This has the advantage that a user does not have to directly interact with the closure body 47, thus preventing additional stress on the closure body 47 and avoiding additional wear on the closure body 47.

[0060] Because the locking body 47 is connected to the sleeve 31, the preloading elements 45 preload the sleeve 31 and the locking body 47 towards the closed position. The preloading elements 45, which exert a force on the sleeve 31 and the locking body 47 in the closed position, hold the sleeve 31 and the locking body 47 in the closed position. This has the advantage that the wastewater valve 15 does not need to be moved separately from the open position to the closed position, as this is done automatically by the preloading elements 45, resulting in simple operation of the wastewater valve 15.

[0061] Pre-tensioning the sealing element 47 ensures that it continues to seal the outlet 25 even when the outlet 25 or the sealing element 47 has a reduced sealing effect due to wear. This has the advantage of reducing the maintenance requirements of the wastewater valve 15.

[0062] The closure body 47 has a closure section 55 which is shaped like part of a spherical shell, wherein the outlet end 25 has a circular cross-section and wherein, in the closed position, the closure section 55 seals the outlet end 25. In an alternative embodiment, the closure section 55 has the shape of a conical shell or truncated conical shell. A conical or truncated conical shell also has a circular cross-section and is suitable for sealing the outlet end 25. In general, other embodiments are also conceivable in which the closure body 47 has a closure section 55 with a circular cross-section. A circular cross-section of the outlet end 25 and the closure body 47 has proven advantageous because it results in a uniform flow of the wastewater from the wastewater valve 15.This prevents dirt from accumulating in the outlet end 25 when draining the wastewater, thus preventing the wastewater valve 15 from becoming clogged.

[0063] A spherical shell, a conical shell, or a truncated conical shell is particularly suitable for sealing the outlet 25, which has a circular cross-section. The spherical shell, the conical shell, or the truncated conical shell can, for example, be selected to have a cross-section larger than the circular cross-section of the outlet 25. In this case, the spherical shell, the conical shell, or the truncated conical shell is only partially inserted into the outlet 25 to seal it. This has the advantage that the spherical shell, the conical shell, or the truncated conical shell with the larger cross-section can also seal the outlet 25 even if the outlet 25 is subject to expansion, for example, due to wear or heat. This ensures a particularly reliable seal for the wastewater valve 15.

[0064] The sleeve 31 extends from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end pointing towards the inlet end 23 of the pipe fitting and the distal end extending beyond the outlet end 25, with the closure element 47 being at least partially located inside the sleeve 31. Because the distal end of the sleeve 31 extends beyond the outlet end 25, the closure element 47 can be located within the sleeve 31 and does not protrude from the wastewater valve 15 or the sleeve 31. This provides better protection for the closure element 47 and the outlet end 25 from external influences such as dust and contaminants. The closure element 47 is preferably arranged coaxially within the sleeve 31. This ensures that the wastewater flows evenly around the closure element 47 and can thus be discharged in a controlled manner.

[0065] The wastewater valve 15 of the first embodiment has a flushing fluid outlet 57. In this first embodiment, the flushing fluid outlet 57 is attached to the pipe stub 21. This allows flushing fluid to be introduced into the pipe stub 21. In this embodiment, the pipe stub 21 and the closure body 47 can be flushed when the closure body 47 is in the open position. This has the advantage that contaminants in the pipe stub 21 and on the closure body 47, which could impair the tightness of the wastewater valve 15, can be removed.

[0066] Figures 5 to 6a show schematic views of a second embodiment of a wastewater valve 15 according to the invention, wherein Figure 5 a schematic perspective view of the wastewater valve 15, Figure 6a the wastewater valve in the closed position and Figure 6bThe wastewater valve 15 is shown in the open position. The second embodiment differs only in the position of the flushing fluid outlet 57, which is why all descriptions and details of the first embodiment are superseded by the Figures 2 to 4 The same applies to the second embodiment. Therefore, no further description is provided. Figures 2 to 4 Reference was made and only the positioning of the rinsing fluid outlet 57 was addressed.

[0067] In the present second embodiment, the flushing fluid outlet 57 is provided on the sleeve 31 adjacent to the closure body 47. The flushing fluid outlet 57 is designed so that flushing fluid can be sprayed onto the closure body 47. The flushing fluid can be, for example, fresh water, with the flushing fluid outlet 57 being connected to a fresh water inlet for this purpose. The flushing fluid cleans the wastewater valve 15, in particular the closure body 47. This prevents unpleasant odors caused by the wastewater at the wastewater valve 15. Furthermore, it ensures that the wastewater valve 15 can be flushed with fresh water, thus preventing dirt deposits from remaining on the valve that could impair its sealing.

[0068] The flushing fluid outlet 57 is arranged longitudinally on the sleeve 31 such that, when the sleeve 31 is in the open position, it is positioned axially between the outlet end 25 and the closure body 47. This ensures that the closure body and the outlet end can be flushed at the sealing surfaces, thus preventing dirt deposits from remaining on the sealing surfaces that could impair the tightness of the wastewater valve. Reference symbol list:

[0069] 1 Floor cleaning machine 3 First housing 5 Chassis 7 Wheel 9 Cleaning device 10 Suction foot 11 Coupling assembly 13 Bushing 15 Dirty water valve 17 Actuating element 19 Dirty water collection basin 21 Pipe stub 23 Inlet end 25 Outlet end 27 Outlet pipe 29 Mounting section 31 Sleeve 33 Sealing ring 35 Actuating lever 37 Actuating section 39 Coupling section 41 Swivel axis 43 Coupling arm 45 Preload element 47 Closure body 49 Mounting arm 51 Rubber sleeve 53 Longitudinal axis 55 Closure section 57 Rinsing fluid outlet

Claims

1. Dirty water valve (15) for connection to the outlet of a dirty water tank of a floor cleaning machine (1), comprising a pipe socket (21) having an inlet end (23) and an outlet end (25), wherein the inlet end (23) is designed to be connected to the outlet of the dirty water tank, and wherein the outlet end (25) has a peripheral edge, comprising a closure body (47) which is mounted on the pipe socket (21) so as to be displaceable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the closure body (47) is arranged in the closed position so that it closes the outlet end (25) and in the open position is arranged at a distance from the outlet end (25) such that a distance is provided between the closure body (47) and the outlet end (25) over the entire peripheral edge, comprising a Actuating element (17),which is rigidly coupled to the closure body (47) such that the closure body (47) moves from the closed position to the open position when the actuating element (17) moves from the closed position to the open position, and that the closure body (47) moves from the open position to the closed position when the actuating element (17) moves from the open position to the closed position, wherein a prestressing element (45) is provided which prestresses the closure body (47) towards the closed position.

2. Waste water valve (15) according to claim 1, wherein the closure body (47) has a closure portion (55) which has the shape of a part of a spherical shell or a conical shell or a truncated cone shell, wherein the outlet end (25) has a circular cross-section and wherein, in the closure position, the closure portion (55) closes the outlet end (25).

3. Waste water valve (15) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pipe socket (21) has a rubber sleeve (51) on which the outlet end (25) is formed.

4. Waste water valve (15) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe socket (21) has a straight section extending from the outlet end (25) towards the inlet end (23), with a sleeve (31) surrounding the straight section and slidably mounted on the pipe socket along the straight section, wherein the closure body (47) is fastened to the sleeve (31).

5. A waste water valve (15) according to claim 4, wherein the sleeve (31) extends from a proximal end to a distal end, the proximal end facing the inlet end (23) of the pipe socket (21), the distal end extending beyond the outlet end (25) and the closure body (47) being at least partially arranged inside the sleeve (31).

6. Waste water valve (15) according to claim 5, wherein a sealing ring (33) is arranged at the distal end.

7. Waste water valve (15) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a flushing liquid outlet (57) is provided on the sleeve (31) adjacent to the closure body (47), which outlet is designed such that flushing liquid can be sprayed onto the closure body (47).

8. A waste water valve (15) according to claim 7, wherein the flushing liquid outlet (57) is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve (31) such that it is positioned in the axial direction of the sleeve (31) between the outlet end (25) and the closure body (47) when the closure body (47) is in the open position.

9. Waste water valve (15) according to one or more of claims 4 to 8, wherein the actuating element (17) is designed as an actuating lever (35) with an actuating section (37) and a coupling section (39), wherein the actuating lever (35) is pivotally mounted on the pipe socket (21) between the actuating section (37) and the coupling section (39) about a pivot axis (41) extending transversely to the rectilinear section, wherein the actuating lever (35) is pivotable between the closed position and the open position, wherein the coupling section (39) is connected to the sleeve (31) such that the sleeve (31) with the closure body (47) moves from the closed position into the open position when the actuating lever (35) pivots from the closed position into the open position, and that the sleeve (31) with the closure body (47) moves from the open position into the Locked position moved,when the operating lever (35) pivots from the open position to the closed position., 10. Dirty water valve (15) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein a flushing liquid outlet (57) is provided on the pipe socket (21), which is designed such that flushing liquid can be introduced into the pipe socket (21).

11. Floor cleaning machine (1) with a dirty water tank having an outlet, the outlet being connected to a dirty water valve (15) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

12. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to claim 11 with a housing, wherein the actuating element (17) is arranged behind an opening in the housing (3) in such a way that it can be moved from the closed position to the open position by inserting an actuator.

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