Intake protection device and cleaning device having such a suction protection device

Abstract

The invention relates to an intake protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) for an air guiding arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412) between a liquid collection region (16; 116; 316; 416) and a vacuum source (288) of a cleaning device (250), comprising a closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) that, in its closed position, closes the air guiding arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412) and, in its open position, releases the air guiding arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412) for the intake of air from the liquid collection region (16; 116; 316; 416); a force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) for generating an actuating force by means of which the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) can be urged into the closed position and / or open position.

Description

[0001] Suction protection device and cleaning device with such

[0002] Intake protection device

[0003] The present invention relates to a suction protection device for an air guide arrangement between a liquid collection area and a vacuum source and to a cleaning device with such a suction protection device.

[0004] Cleaning devices with varying degrees of complexity and for different applications for the wet cleaning of surfaces are known from the prior art. Possible applications include floor, wall, or window cleaning. Some of the known cleaning devices are equipped with a suction function. This enables the liquid applied to the surface to be cleaned to be sucked away and collected in a liquid collection area of ​​a liquid collection container. Typically, a suction drive is provided for this purpose, which is designed to suck air from the liquid collection area via an air duct arrangement. The air sucked from the liquid collection area creates a negative pressure there, which in turn enables the liquid to be sucked from the surface to be cleaned into the liquid collection area.The fluid collection area is typically formed in a fluid collection container and is designed to collect fluid and dirt. If the fluid collection container is not filled with fluid or is only partially filled with fluid, air is also present in the fluid collection area.

[0005] EP 2 832 277 B1 discloses a cleaning device with a suction function in the form of a scrubber-dryer. This comprises:

[0006] - a ground unit;

[0007] - at least one tool which is assigned to the floor unit and which, in an operating state, rests at least partially on the floor surface;

[0008] - a guide part for guiding the floor cleaning device;

[0009] - a joint arrangement which has at least one pivot axis and by means of which the guide part is connected to the base unit in an articulated manner and in a torque-transmitting manner about its longitudinal axis;

[0010] - a liquid collection container arranged on the guide part and pivotable together with the guide part, which is intended to collect a liquid sucked from the floor surface,

[0011] - an air guide arrangement; - a suction drive which is designed to suck air out of the liquid collection container via the air guide arrangement in the operating state, so that the liquid collection container is subjected to negative pressure for sucking in the liquid; and

[0012] - a control device.

[0013] The suction drive, which acts as a vacuum source, is typically an electrical component that is sensitive to moisture. To avoid impairing the functionality of the suction drive and to ensure reliable operation of the cleaning device, fluid should be prevented from entering the suction drive from the fluid collection container. Furthermore, there is a risk that fluid could escape from the cleaning device into the environment via the suction drive. The usually contaminated fluid could then re-contaminate the cleaned surface, contaminate or damage objects in the vicinity of the cleaning device, or impair or even injure an operator of the cleaning device.

[0014] A particularly critical situation in which there is an increased risk of liquid entering the suction drive can arise if the liquid collection container has a high liquid level or fill level.

[0015] Another critical situation can occur when the cleaning device is being transported. If the fluid collection container is not completely emptied or if there is residual fluid in the cleaning device, this fluid can enter the suction drive due to a change in the position of the cleaning device during transport or due to forces acting on it.

[0016] EP 2 292 130 A2 discloses a suction device with a float arranged vertically movable in a collection container. The float is designed to float on the liquid present in the collection container and, once a predetermined fill level is reached, block a flow path of a process air stream of the suction device. This terminates the suction process of the suction device.

[0017] However, this solution does not work reliably, at least not when there is liquid in the collection container and the collection container is steeply tilted or is moved jerkily. In this case, the float does not float on the liquid in such a way that the flow path is blocked. EP 3 597 093 B1 discloses providing an inclination sensor in a floor cleaning device as described in EP 2 832 277 B1, which detects the angle of inclination of the guide part relative to the floor unit. Furthermore, a fill level sensor is known from this document, which detects the fill level of the collection container. A control device is provided which is designed to deactivate or activate the suction drive depending on the angle of inclination or the fill level. In this way, for example, suction of liquid due to inclination or fill level can be avoided.

[0018] However, the problem still exists that liquid can get into the suction drive. Even if the suction drive is or will be deactivated, it cannot be ruled out that liquid will flow from the collection container into the suction drive, for example if the collection container is tilted sharply - as is the case in EP 3 597 093 B1 and EP 2 832 277 B1 when the guide part is pivoted sharply relative to the floor unit - or if the fill level is high. Larger dirt particles can also accumulate in the cleaning device in such a way that they cause leaks and, as a result, liquid can flow into the suction drive. Furthermore, the guide part of the floor cleaning device, as known for example from EP 2 832 277 B1, can be placed by an operator on the floor or in another inclined position.It also happens that an operator accidentally releases the guide element, causing it to tip over. In such cases, fluid can also enter the suction drive, causing damage.

[0019] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide improved protection of a vacuum source against liquid ingress. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a cleaning device that offers improved protection of the vacuum source against liquid ingress. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a cleaning device that has improved operational reliability.

[0020] At least one of these objects is achieved by an intake protection device according to claim 1. Furthermore, at least one of the objects is achieved by a cleaning device according to claim 12. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments of the invention. The invention relates to an intake protection device for an air guide arrangement between a liquid collection region and a vacuum source of a cleaning device. The intake protection device comprises a closing body which, in its closed position, closes the air guide arrangement and, in its open position, releases the air guide arrangement for sucking in air from the liquid collection region. Furthermore, the intake protection device comprises a force actuator for generating an actuating force by means of which the closing body can be urged into the closed position and / or open position.

[0021] In the closed position, the sealing body ensures that no liquid can escape from the liquid collection container or the liquid collection area within the liquid collection container and reach the vacuum source. This ensures reliable protection of the vacuum source in the closed position.

[0022] The force actuator enables the closure body to be reliably forced into the closed and / or open positions. For this purpose, the force actuator is designed to operate independently of the vacuum source. If the closure body is forced into the closed position, even strong jerking movements or vibrations can act on the closure body, the liquid collection container, and / or the cleaning device, while the closure body remains reliably in the closed position. Even if liquid in the liquid collection container fluctuates and acts on the closure body, the force actuator holds the closure body in the closed position. Overall, a reliable and robust suction protection device for cleaning devices can be provided.

[0023] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the closing body, in its closed position, seals the air guide arrangement such that at least no liquid, preferably neither liquid nor air, can pass from the liquid collection area to the vacuum source. In connection with air, one considers moisture present in the air, which, in the preferred embodiment, is prevented from reaching the vacuum source when the closing body assumes the closed position.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the force actuator is designed to actuate the closing body by means of the actuating force

[0025] - from the open position to the closed position, and / or - from the closed position to the open position. This allows for easy actuation of the locking body.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the force actuator is configured to exert the actuating force on the closure body at least in the open position and / or closed position. This enables reliable positioning of the closure body.

[0027] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the force actuator is designed to move the closing body in dependence on

[0028] - a further force acting on the closing body, and / or

[0029] - a position of the closing body relative to the force actuator, and / or

[0030] - a position of the closing body relative to the open position and / or closed position into the closed position and / or open position.

[0031] The additional force can, for example, be a suction force from the vacuum source. This can be selected such that, when the vacuum source is activated, the suction force exceeds the actuating force, for example, in the closed position, causing the closing body to leave the closed position and move toward the open position. If the suction force is reduced, for example, by deactivating the vacuum source, the actuating force can be set to exceed the suction force in magnitude and force the closing body from the open position to the closed position.

[0032] Gravity, for example, can also be provided as an additional force, which can exceed or be less than the actuating force depending on the orientation of the force actuator's direction of action. Gravity can, for example, act at least partially in the direction of the open position, and the actuating force can act in the direction of the closed position. Depending on the inclination of the liquid collection container, the portion of the gravity acting in the direction of the open position can exceed the actuating force and thus force the closing body into the open position. In a cleaning device, this inclination range would advantageously be an inclination range of the liquid collection container intended for the operation of the cleaning device.If the liquid collection container is tilted into a position outside the intended operating tilt range, it can be provided that the actuating force exceeds the part of the earth's gravity acting in the direction of the open position and thus forces the closing body into the closed position.

[0033] If the force actuator is configured to urge the closing body into the closed position and / or open position depending on a position of the closing body relative to the force actuator, it can be provided that the actuating force is a function depending on a distance of the closing body from the force actuator.

[0034] If the force actuator is configured to urge the closing body into the closed and / or open position depending on the position of the closing body relative to the closed and / or open positions, the actuating force can be configured to be a function of the distance of the closing body from the closed or open position. Thus, the closing force or the force actuator generating the closing force can be configured to urge the closing body into the closed or open position from a predetermined distance of the closing body from the closed or open position.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the force actuator can be activated and / or deactivated. For example, it can be provided that the force actuator generates no actuating force in the open position. If, however, it is activated, the closing body can be forced into the closed position. This allows reliable protection of the vacuum source to be achieved in a simple manner. Furthermore, an open position can be achieved in which, at least due to the actuating force of the force actuator, no loss of suction force occurs. Such a force actuator can comprise a switchable magnet that can switch between at least two magnetic states. Furthermore, such a force actuator can comprise an electromagnet. The ability to activate or deactivate allows the force actuator to be activated or deactivated as needed.A requirement can be the inclination of the liquid collection container, the fill level, or the operating state of the cleaning device. A combination of magnets can also be provided as the force actuator, such as a permanent magnet combined with a switchable magnet or a permanent magnet combined with an electromagnet.

[0036] If the force actuator comprises a magnet, the closure body can be made of ferromagnetic or magnetizable material, i.e., material that can be attracted to a magnet, such as iron. A reverse arrangement is also possible, in which the force actuator comprises magnetizable material and the closure body comprises a magnet. Furthermore, a respective magnet can be provided on both the force actuator and the closure body, with the magnets preferably generating an attractive force toward each other.

[0037] According to a further development, the magnitude of the actuating force of the force actuator can also be adjustable. This allows the force of the force actuator to be metered as needed. A need can be the inclination of the liquid collection container, its fill level, or an operating state such as the ON or OFF operating state of the cleaning device. An example of an adjustable force actuator is an electromagnet.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the force actuator can be arranged displaceably, wherein the actuating force of the force actuator acting on the closing body can be adjusted by the distance between the force actuator and the closing body, which can be adjusted by the displacement. For displacement, the force actuator can be arranged on a displaceable bearing carriage. According to one aspect of the invention, the suction protection device comprises an actuating mechanism for displacing the closing body. Preferably, a distance of the magnet relative to the magnetizable material can be adjusted by means of the actuating mechanism. This makes it easier to adjust the actuating force generated by the magnet, for example in the closed position.By adjusting the setting, for example, the actuating force acting in the closed position can be selected so large that the suction force generated by the vacuum source is just sufficient to move the closing body from the closed position to the open position. In addition, the actuating mechanism allows easy adaptation to different vacuum sources with different suction forces. The actuating force acting in the closed position can be selected depending on the vacuum source. For a vacuum source with a high suction force, for example, a higher actuating force can be selected for the closed position by reducing the distance of the magnet in the closed position relative to the magnetizable material. This allows the closing body to be held even more reliably in the closed position. The reverse applies to a vacuum source with a low suction force.

[0039] To activate, deactivate, or adjust the force actuator, the force actuator can be designed to be controllable. Furthermore, the suction protection device can comprise a control device configured to control the force actuator. The control device can be a control device of a cleaning device or a control device designed separately from such a device.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the control arrangement is designed to control the vacuum source in such a way that increased air intake occurs during a first operating phase, and that reduced air intake occurs during a second, subsequent operating phase compared to the first operating phase. This can make it easier for the closing body to be moved from the closed position to the open position by means of the increased air intake and against the actuating force, and then regular suction operation can take place in the open position with lower energy consumption. This is particularly advantageous if the actuating force generated by the force actuator comprises a magnetic force. A type of controllability as described above nevertheless makes it possible to provide a comparatively strong magnet which reliably urges the closing body into the closed position to close the air guide arrangement.in this position, and this high actuating force can still be overcome in the first operating phase. If the closing body is in the open position, reduced air intake may be sufficient to operate the cleaning device. At the same time, the reduced air intake in the second operating phase may be sufficient to prevent the closing body from being displaced into the closed position during suction operation, contrary to the reduced suction force or reduced air intake.

[0041] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the suction protection device further comprises a detection device for generating a signal, wherein on the basis of the signal:

[0042] - the force actuator for generating the actuating force can be activated and / or deactivated, and / or

[0043] - the force actuator for generating the actuating force is controllable, and / or

[0044] - the further force on the closing body is variable, and / or

[0045] - the position of the closing body relative to the force actuator is variable and / or

[0046] - the vacuum source is controllable.

[0047] If the vacuum source is controlled based on the signal, it can be activated or deactivated and / or the amount of suction force can be controlled as needed. The force actuator can be configured to urge the closing body into the closed or open position depending on the operating state of the vacuum source. For example, an activated vacuum source can serve to exert a sufficiently large suction force on the closing body in order to move it from the closed position to the open position against the actuating force. In turn, the actuating force can be dimensioned such that the actuating force urges the closing body from the open position to the closed position when the vacuum source is deactivated or the suction force of the vacuum source is reduced.

[0048] According to a further development, the detection device for generating the signal can comprise at least one actuatable switch. The switch can be configured to control, in particular activate and / or deactivate, the vacuum source and / or the cleaning device. Thus, the switch can be an on / off switch for the cleaning device. Alternatively, the switch can be a separately designed switch. It can be provided to activate the force actuator when the cleaning device is deactivated and / or to deactivate the force actuator when the cleaning device is activated.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the detection device comprises at least one sensor configured to generate the signal. The sensor can be a sensor formed on a cleaning device that detects, for example, its operating state.

[0050] According to a further development of the invention, the sensor

[0051] - a level sensor for detecting a liquid level in the liquid collection area and / or

[0052] - an inclination sensor for detecting an inclination of the liquid collection container and / or

[0053] - a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in at least one of the liquid collection area, the air guide arrangement and the negative pressure source, and / or

[0054] - a sensor for detecting an operating state of the cleaning device.

[0055] The inclination of the collection container can also be detected indirectly, for example, by detecting the inclination of a part of the cleaning device to which the collection container is attached. A sensor for detecting an operating state of the cleaning device can be provided, in particular, when the cleaning device can assume different operating positions, such as a parked position or a transport position in which no cleaning operation is performed, and an operating position in which cleaning operation is enabled. For example, it is possible to easily enable the closing body to assume the closed position in the parked position or the transport position.

[0056] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the force actuator can be designed such that the actuating force decreases with increasing distance of the closing body from the closed position and / or increases with increasing distance from the open position. For this purpose, the force actuator can comprise, for example, a spring arrangement. If the closing body is not in the closed position, it can be advantageous if a lower actuating force acts on it. This can reduce the effect on the suction force of the vacuum source. Consider a possible loss of suction force that can occur if the vacuum source has to work against the actuating force outside the closed position.

[0057] According to an advantageous refinement, the force decrease or increase with distance is disproportionate. Examples include an at least approximately quadratic, higher-order, or exponential force increase or decrease. This disproportionality allows for a particularly strong increase or decrease in force. This allows the previously described loss of suction power to be reduced even further.

[0058] According to a further advantageous development of the suction protection device, the force actuator can be configured such that the magnitude of the actuating force acting on the closing body in the open position is essentially zero. Thus, the loss of suction force caused by the actuating force can be essentially completely avoided.

[0059] An advantageous development of the invention provides that the actuating force is maximum in the closed position. This allows the closure body to be reliably held in the closed position, and fluid cannot, or can only with great difficulty, leave the fluid container toward the vacuum source.

[0060] According to a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the actuating force of the force actuator comprises a magnetic force. For this purpose, the force actuator can comprise, for example, a permanent magnet, a switchable magnet, an electromagnet, or a combination thereof. Advantageously, the closing body then comprises magnetizable material such as iron or a magnet, preferably at least in a part of the closing body aligned with the force actuator. A magnetic force decreases significantly with increasing distance from the magnet. This effect can be utilized if the closing body is arranged very close to the magnet in the closed position. The closing body is then held in the closed position or urged into it with a large force. If, on the other hand, the closing body is spaced apart from the magnet, no or almost no magnetic force occurs, at least above a certain distance. The actuating force is thus essentially zero.This can be advantageous for the open position, where the loss of suction force should be as minimal as possible. In other words, the suction force generated by the vacuum source should be as unaffected as possible by the actuating force. The magnet or the magnetic force can thus be designed depending on the distance between the open and closed positions.

[0061] According to a further development of the invention, the force actuator for generating the actuating force can comprise a mechanical actuating mechanism, wherein the mechanical actuating mechanism preferably comprises a hydraulically and / or pneumatically and / or electrically actuated actuator. An example of an electrically actuated actuator is an electric motor or servomotor. The actuator thus enables motorized actuation of the closing body by the force actuator. The mechanical actuating mechanism offers the advantage of simple actuating force generation. Furthermore, the mechanical actuating mechanism can be easily actuated.

[0062] According to one aspect, the mechanical actuating mechanism may comprise a spring or spring-damper arrangement configured to generate the actuating force. The spring or spring-damper arrangement may be configured to generate a force increase or decrease as described above.

[0063] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the mechanical actuating mechanism can be configured to convert a translational movement of the actuator into a rotational movement for displacing the closing body. For this purpose, the mechanical actuating mechanism can comprise a lever arrangement, which is actuated by the actuator and which, in turn, is connected to the closing body in order to exert the actuating force thereon. The lever arrangement can serve to translate the force of the actuator, i.e., to amplify or reduce it. According to an advantageous development of the invention, the mechanical actuating mechanism can be configured to convert a rotational movement of the actuator into a translational movement for displacing the closing body. The mechanical actuating mechanism can comprise a spindle drive for displacing the closing body.In this way, a typical rotary movement of a servo motor can be converted into a translatory movement.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the suction protection device can comprise a guide arrangement configured to guide the closing body between the closed and open positions. Preferably, the closing body maintains its orientation relative to the force actuator when shifted between the closed and open positions. The guide arrangement can be formed integrally with the force actuator or as a separate component. The guide arrangement is particularly advantageous when the force actuator has no direct contact with the closing body, at least between the closed and open positions. This allows a defined movement of the closing body to be provided.

[0065] One embodiment of the invention provides that the suction protection device further comprises a force-generating arrangement, in particular a spring arrangement, which is designed to apply a further force to the closing body, which force is directed counter to the actuating force of the force actuator. This makes it possible to move the closing body counter to the actuating force caused by the force actuator. It should be noted that features explained in connection with the force actuator can also apply to the force-generating arrangement. If the further force of the force-generating arrangement acts, for example, in the direction of the open position and the actuating force in the direction of the closed position, then the closing body can be effectively urged into the closed position or open position, depending on whether the force actuator or the force-generating arrangement is activated or depending on whether the actuating force or the further force is greater.

[0066] According to one aspect of the invention, it can be provided that a suction force generated in an operating state by the vacuum source and acting on the closing body is at least proportionally

[0067] - acts in the direction of the closed position or the open position and / or

[0068] - acts in the direction of or against the actuating force of the force actuator. According to a further development of the invention, the intake protection device comprises the air guide arrangement. The intake protection device can thus be designed in a modular manner and is thus versatile. The air guide arrangement can be designed as a module that couples the liquid collection container to the vacuum source. The air guide arrangement can be coupled directly or indirectly to the liquid collection container and / or the vacuum source. The air guide arrangement can comprise a respective flange that can be coupled to the liquid collection container or the vacuum source or to intermediate components.

[0069] Alternatively, the intake protection device is formed on the air guide arrangement and does not include it.

[0070] The suction protection device is advantageously arranged close to the liquid collection area. For example, the suction protection device can also be arranged directly adjacent to the liquid collection area. For example, the suction protection device is arranged in the liquid collection container. In this context, the section of the air guide arrangement between the liquid collection area and the suction protection device can be selected to be short or even omitted. Thus, apart from the liquid collection area, there are hardly any areas where liquid could collect between the liquid collection area and the vacuum source, for example during transport or a certain inclination of the cleaning device. Thus, hardly any liquid can disadvantageously reach the vacuum source when the suction drive is reactivated and the closing body is reopened.

[0071] The invention also relates to a cleaning device for wet cleaning a cleaning surface, comprising:

[0072] - at least one liquid collection container with a liquid collection area for collecting liquid sucked from the cleaning surface;

[0073] - at least one air duct arrangement;

[0074] - at least one vacuum source which is designed to suck air out of the liquid collection area via the air guide arrangement in an operating state, so that the receiving container is subjected to a vacuum for sucking in the liquid; and

[0075] - at least one suction protection device according to one of the preceding aspects.

[0076] This allows for the provision of a cleaning device that reliably protects the vacuum source. Damage to the vacuum source due to fluid escaping from the fluid collection area into the air guide assembly can thus be avoided.

[0077] The cleaning device can be designed as a floor cleaning device for cleaning a floor surface. Furthermore, the cleaning device can be designed as a scrubbing-vacuum device that has a scrubbing function and a suction function. Since the cleaning device is designed for wet cleaning, it can also be referred to as a wet cleaning device.

[0078] The vacuum source can be designed as a suction drive, in particular as a suction turbine.

[0079] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the suction protection device is arranged within the liquid collection container and / or adjacent to the liquid collection area. A short distance in the air guide arrangement between the liquid collection area and the suction protection device prevents little or no liquid from accumulating in other areas adjacent to the liquid collection area and then flowing toward the vacuum source when the suction protection device is reopened.

[0080] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a guide part for guiding the cleaning device, wherein the liquid collection container is arranged on the guide part and is positionally variable, in particular pivotable or tiltable, together with the guide part. Alternatively, the liquid collection container at least partially forms the guide part and is thus positionally variable, in particular pivotable or tiltable, together with the guide part. Tiltable comprises tilting in space about at least one predetermined or changing axis and / or within at least one predetermined or changing inclination plane. When reference is made here to "positionally variable" or "pivotable," this can also include tilting. Overall, the cleaning device can thus be guided in a simple manner. Furthermore, the vacuum source can be reliably protected from liquid ingress despite tilting of the guide part.

[0081] Thus, at least the liquid collection container can be adjusted in position, pivoted, or tilted. This applies regardless of whether the liquid collection container is arranged on the guide part or at least partially forms it. If the liquid collection container is arranged on the guide part, the guide part preferably has a load-bearing or supporting function. Thus, the guide part can be designed as a load-bearing structure that has sufficient rigidity for the operation of the cleaning device even without the liquid collection container being arranged. If the liquid collection container at least partially forms the guide part, the liquid collection container can at least partially have a load-bearing or supporting function.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device further comprises a cleaning unit, and the guide part and / or the liquid collection container is rigidly or movably connected to the cleaning unit. In the case of a rigid connection, the guide part or the liquid collection container is changed in position or pivoted together with the cleaning unit. A movable connection allows the guide part and / or the liquid collection container to be moved relative to the cleaning unit, at least within a certain pivoting range.

[0083] According to one aspect of the invention, the cleaning device comprises:

[0084] - a cleaning unit; and

[0085] - a joint arrangement which has at least one pivot axis and by means of which the guide part is connected in an articulated manner to the cleaning unit.

[0086] According to a further development of the invention, the guide part is further connected to the cleaning unit in a torque-transmitting manner about its longitudinal axis.

[0087] According to a preferred development of the invention, the joint arrangement comprises two pivot axes that are substantially orthogonal to one another. According to one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device comprises at least one tool that is assigned to the cleaning unit and, in the operating state, rests at least partially on the cleaning surface. A tool drive can be provided, by means of which the at least one tool can be driven, in particular relative to the floor surface, in the operating state. According to one development, the tool comprises a brush arrangement and / or a grinding wheel and / or processing pads and / or another cleaning tool.

[0088] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a suction bar arrangement that can be placed on the floor in the operating state, wherein the liquid can be sucked from the floor into the collection container via the suction bar arrangement by the negative pressure of the vacuum source. The suction bar arrangement is preferably assigned to the floor unit or attached thereto. It can be provided that the suction bar arrangement has an operating position in which it rests on the floor for the operating state, and a non-operating position in which it does not contact the floor. The suction bar arrangement can comprise a suction lip for collecting liquid and feeding it to a suction nozzle, from where the liquid is sucked into the liquid collection area.

[0089] According to a further development of the invention, the cleaning device further comprises a suction hose which connects the liquid collecting container to the suction bar arrangement for sucking off the liquid.

[0090] According to one aspect of the invention, a seal is formed in the air guide arrangement, with which the closing body contacts in the closed position and, in interaction with this, closes the air guide arrangement in a liquid-tight or fluid-tight manner.

[0091] It should be noted that features and configurations explained in connection with the suction protection device can also be provided in the cleaning device with the suction protection device. Furthermore, features and configurations explained in connection with the cleaning device can also be provided in the suction protection device. The invention is further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0092] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an intake protection device according to a first embodiment;

[0093] Fig. 2 is a schematic further representation of the intake protection device according to the first embodiment;

[0094] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an intake protection device according to a second embodiment;

[0095] Fig. 4 is a schematic further representation of the intake protection device according to the second embodiment;

[0096] Fig. 5 is a spatial representation of a cleaning device with a suction protection device;

[0097] Fig. 6 is an exemplary and schematic sectional view of a suction protection device according to a third embodiment in a state arranged on a cleaning device;

[0098] Fig. 7 is a detailed view of the intake protection device according to the third embodiment;

[0099] Fig. 8 is a detailed view of the suction protection device according to the third embodiment in a state inserted into the elongated shaft;

[0100] Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the intake protection device according to the third embodiment;

[0101] Fig. 10 is a further sectional view of the intake protection device according to the third embodiment;

[0102] Fig. 11 is an exemplary and schematic partial sectional view of a suction protection device according to a fourth embodiment in a state arranged on a cleaning device; Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the suction protection device according to the fourth embodiment; and

[0103] Fig. 13 is a further sectional view of the intake protection device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0104] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a liquid collection container 10 of a cleaning device, in which an air guide arrangement 12 is arranged in an upper region. The air guide arrangement 12 is designed as a partition within the liquid collection container 10 and forms an opening 14 that connects the upper region to a liquid collection region 16 of the liquid collection container 10. A liquid 18 is located in a lower region of the liquid collection region 16. Air is arranged above the liquid 18. When the liquid collection container 10 is empty, the liquid collection region 16 is completely filled with air. A suction line 20 leads into the liquid collection container 10 on a lower side thereof; however, this is to be understood merely as an example, and access can also be provided at a different position on the liquid collection container 10.The suction line 20 is configured to guide a liquid and / or air flow and supply it to the liquid collection container 10. A splash guard 22 is formed between the suction line 20 and the air guide assembly 12 to prevent sucked-in liquid from splashing toward the opening 14.

[0105] On an upper side of the liquid collection container 10, a suction port 22 is formed, which is connected to a vacuum source (not shown). In an operating state, the vacuum source is configured to apply vacuum to the liquid collection container 10 so that liquid 18 can be sucked into the liquid collection area 16 via the suction line 20. A filter 24 is arranged on the suction port and is configured to filter out dirt particles from the sucked-in air so that they cannot enter the vacuum source. It is provided that the liquid 18 is separated from the liquid and / or air stream sucked in via the suction line 20 in the liquid collection container 10 and collected in the liquid collection area 16. As soon as the liquid 18 reaches a predetermined level in the liquid collection area 16, the liquid collection container 10 is emptied.The liquid collection container 10 includes a drainage opening (not shown) for emptying the liquid 18. A suction protection device 26 according to a first exemplary embodiment is arranged on the air guide arrangement 12. This device includes a closing body 28 in the form of a pivotable flap and a force actuator 30. The closing body 28 is shown in an open position because it does not close the opening 14, but rather exposes the air guide arrangement 12 for the intake of air from the liquid collection area 16. This can be seen from the arrows shown as examples, which represent the air flow. An open position can be understood as any position in which the closing body 28 exposes the opening 14. The force actuator 30 is designed to generate an actuating force by means of which the closing body 28 can be urged into the open position and a closed position.In the closed position, the closing body 28 closes the air guide assembly 12 such that neither liquid nor air can pass from the liquid collection area 16 to the vacuum source. In other words, the force actuator 30 presses the closing body 28 into the closed position and thus against the air guide assembly 12 in such a way that the opening 14 is sealed fluid-tight. For this purpose, a sealing arrangement, preferably made of rubber material, can be provided in the region of the opening 14, against which the closing body 28 presses in the closed position.

[0106] The force actuator 28 has a guide arrangement 29 in the form of a pivot joint, by means of which the closing body 28 can be pivoted between the closed position and the open position. The force actuator 30 is designed as an actuatable, mechanical actuating mechanism. The pivot joint has a pivot axis A, about which the closing body 28 can be pivoted between the closed and open positions. In this case, the pivot axis A is oriented into the plane of the drawing.

[0107] In the liquid collection area 16, near the air guide arrangement 12, a fill level sensor 32 is formed, which is designed to measure the fill level of the liquid 18 in the liquid collection area 16. Furthermore, an inclination sensor 34 is arranged on the liquid collection container, which is designed to detect an inclination of the liquid collection container 10 in at least one, but in this case two, spatial directions. The two sensors 32, 34 can be connected to a control device (not shown), wherein the control device can control the force actuator 30 to generate the actuating force depending on the measured values ​​or signals from the sensors 32, 34. Figure 2 relates to a schematic representation of the liquid collection container 10 with the suction protection device 26 according to the first exemplary embodiment, wherein the suction protection device 26 is shown in a different state.Compared to Figure 1, the force actuator 30 pushes the closing body 28 into the closed position. This seals the opening 14 of the air guide assembly 12 in a fluid-tight manner. While it is possible for the vacuum source to continue generating a vacuum via the suction port 22, which then applies vacuum to the upper region of the liquid collection container 10, the closed position of the closing body 28 prevents the liquid collection area 16 from also being subjected to vacuum. Thus, no liquid or air is drawn in via the suction line 20. Furthermore, the closed position of the closing body 28 prevents either the liquid 18 or air from reaching the vacuum source from the liquid collection area.

[0108] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a suction protection device 126 according to a second exemplary embodiment. Compared to Figures 1 and 2, the suction protection device 126 has a closing body 128 that is spherical or ball-shaped. Furthermore, a guide recess 136 is formed on the closing body 128, into which a guide arrangement 129 in the form of a guide rod engages. The closing body 128 is designed to be displaced on the guide rod 129 between the closed position and the open position. The guide rod 129 guides the closing body 128 and ensures that the closing body 128 does not change its orientation relative to the opening 114. A magnetizable material 138 is arranged on the closing body 128 in a region oriented toward the opening 114.A stop 140 is formed on the guide rod 129, which in the open position contacts the closing body 128 and prevents the closing body 128 from assuming a position on the guide rod 129 that is impermissibly far from the closed position. A filter 124 is arranged at the suction port 122, which is designed to filter out dirt particles from the sucked-in air so that they cannot enter the vacuum source.

[0109] A force actuator 130 in the form of a magnet is arranged in the liquid collection area 116 and is designed to attract the magnetizable material 138. For this purpose, the magnet can be designed as a switchable (electro)magnet and to generate a magnetic force depending on the switching state. The magnetic force can act as the actuating force on the closing body 128 in order to urge it into the closed position depending on the switching state. In the present case, the magnet is designed as a permanent magnet. The distance between the magnetizable material 138 and the magnet is selected for the open position such that the magnet does not exert a sufficiently large actuating force on the closing body 128 to urge the closing body 128 into the closed position against a suction force acting on it due to the air flow through the vacuum source.However, if the air flow is deactivated or reduced, for example by deactivating the vacuum source, the closing body 128 is forced into the closed position by the actuating force of the magnet.

[0110] In the liquid collection area 116, near the air guide arrangement 112, a fill level sensor 132 is formed, which is designed to measure the fill level of the liquid 118 in the liquid collection area 116. Furthermore, an inclination sensor 134 is arranged on the liquid collection container 110, which is designed to detect an inclination of the liquid collection container 110 in at least one, but in this case two, spatial directions. The two sensors 132, 134 can be connected to a control device (not shown), wherein the control device can control the force actuator 130 to generate the actuating force depending on the measured values ​​or signals from the sensors 132, 134.

[0111] In Figure 3, the closing body 128 assumes the open position. The vacuum source applies negative pressure to the liquid collection container 110 via the suction port 122. Due to the open position, air flows past the closing body 128 through the opening 114. Furthermore, the negative pressure in the liquid collection area 116 draws liquid and air in via the suction line 120. The liquid 118 is separated in the lower region of the liquid collection area 116.

[0112] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the suction protection device 126 according to the second exemplary embodiment, wherein the closing body 128 assumes the closed position. The force actuator 130 in the form of a magnet exerts an actuating force on the magnetizable material 138, which reliably holds the closing body 128 in the closed position. The magnet can be dimensioned such that the actuating force in the closed position is so great that the liquid collection container 110 can be tilted, whereby the force acting on the closing body 128 in the direction of the open position due to the liquid 118—when the fill level of the liquid 118 is high or low—is insufficient to move the closing body 128 out of the closed position. The closing body 128 remains firmly in the closed position and prevents liquid from passing through the opening 114 of the air guide arrangement 112.However, the actuating force can be dimensioned such that a suction force acting on the closing body 128 and generated by the vacuum source is configured to urge the closing body 128 from the closed position into the open position against the actuating force. In this case, the vacuum source can have a suction mode that can generate a particularly high suction force, which is higher than in a normal suction mode of the cleaning device. As a further example, reference is made to the previously mentioned switchable magnet, which is activated when the closing body 128 is to be held in the closed position or urged into it, and which is deactivated when the closing body 128 is to assume the open position.

[0113] Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional representation of a cleaning device 250 with a suction protection device, which, however, is not visible because it is arranged within the illustrated components. The cleaning device 250 is designed as a scrubber-dryer. The cleaning device 250 comprises a cleaning unit 252 and a guide part 254, which are connected to one another in an articulated manner via a joint arrangement 256.

[0114] The cleaning unit 252 is assigned two brush-like tools 258, 260, which can be driven in rotation and then generate a propulsion effect in a propulsion direction V. For this purpose, each tool 258, 260 is assigned a drive assembly 262, which also supports the respective tool 258, 260. The cleaning unit 252 comprises a plate-like housing 264, on which the two drive assemblies 262 are mounted at a distance from one another. The two tools 258, 260 protrude from the housing 264 on an underside of the cleaning unit 252 and, in an operating state, contact a floor surface to be cleaned. A suction strip assembly 266 is provided on the rear of the housing 264. This suction strip assembly comprises two sealing lips 268 and is supported relative to the floor surface (not shown) by three support wheels 270 arranged on the rear. The sealing lips 268 are preferably made of rubber-like material.A design with a single sealing lip or with more than two, for example, three, sealing lips can also be provided. On a front side of the housing 264, two upwardly inclined transport rollers 272 are provided on bearing projections 274 on the cleaning unit 250. The transport rollers serve to facilitate handling of the cleaning device 250 according to the invention in a storage position in which the transport rollers 272 contact the floor surface and support the cleaning device 250 relative to it. A replaceable, U-shaped battery unit 276 is arranged at a distance from the floor surface on the rear of the housing 264 and serves to supply the cleaning device 250 with electrical energy.

[0115] The guide part 254 has an elongated, hollow shaft 278, to the upper end of which an operating arrangement 280 is attached. The operating arrangement 280 comprises two handles 282 with associated operating levers. The guide part 254, together with the operating arrangement 280, forms a T-shape. A central control panel 284 with a display for showing an operating status of the cleaning device is provided in the center of the operating arrangement 280, such as a current charge level, the current speed of the tools 258, 260, fill levels for various liquids such as clean water, dirty water or cleaning liquid, an angle of inclination of the guide part 254, a remaining operating time or similar information. Furthermore, the central control panel can contain setting instruments for switching on and controlling various operating parameters of the cleaning device 250, such as the speed of the tools 258, 260 or similar.This may include a sensing device in the form of an actuatable switch 285 for actuating the force actuator.

[0116] A clean water container 286 and the liquid collection container 210 are arranged on a front side of the elongated shaft 278. Both containers 286, 210 are attached to the shaft 278 via a respective receiving device and are thus designed to be decoupled from the shaft 278 for filling and emptying. The clean water container 286 can be filled with water as well as a mixture of water and cleaning fluid. Alternatively, a separate container with cleaning fluid can be provided, which is not shown in the figures. Below the clean water container 286, a component (not shown in detail) for supplying clean water to the cleaning unit 252 is provided. At an upper region of the liquid collection container 210, one end of the suction line 220 is coupled to the latter. The other end of the suction line 220 is coupled to the cleaning unit 252.The suction line 220 serves to suck air and / or liquid and / or dirt from the suction bar assembly 266 and supply it to the liquid collection container 210. For this purpose, a vacuum source 288 is provided at a lower end of the elongated shaft 278 in the form of a suction turbine, which is coupled to the liquid collection container 210 in a manner not shown in detail in order to generate a vacuum therein.

[0117] The joint arrangement 256 has a first pivot axis B and a second pivot axis C, wherein the guide part 254 can be pivoted forwards or backwards by means of the first pivot axis B and left or right, i.e., in a lateral direction, relative to the cleaning unit 252 by means of the second pivot axis C. The joint arrangement 256 is rigidly configured about a longitudinal axis L, so that the guide part 254 is connected to the cleaning unit 252 in a torque-transmitting manner about the longitudinal axis L.

[0118] The cleaning device 250 may comprise a suction protection device according to an embodiment as already explained above or as will be explained below.

[0119] Figure 6 shows an exemplary and schematic sectional view of a suction protection device 326 according to a third embodiment in a state arranged on a cleaning device 350. The cleaning device 450 can be the one from Figure 5. The liquid collection container 310 is arranged on the elongated shaft 378, on which a closable drain opening 390 for emptying the liquid collection container 310 is formed at an upper end. The drain opening 390 can additionally function as a connection for a suction line, such as the suction line 220 from Figure 5, in order to suck in liquid and / or air from the cleaning unit. An operating arrangement 380 is arranged on the elongated shaft 378, as explained above. In the present case, however, the liquid collection container 310 comprises a separately formed connection for connecting the suction line.The liquid collection container 310 has a connection opening 392 on its side, via which it is coupled to an air guiding arrangement 312. The air guiding arrangement 312 comprises a flange 394, which is fluid-tightly coupled to the connection opening 394 on the one hand, i.e., the supply air side, of the air guiding arrangement 312. On the other side of the air guiding arrangement 312, i.e., the exhaust air side, a hose connection 322 is formed thereon, which is coupled to a hose 395 arranged within the elongated shaft 378, which in turn is connected to the vacuum source (not shown). Thus, in an operating state of the cleaning device 350, air can be sucked from the liquid collection region 316 of the liquid collection container 310 via the air guiding arrangement 312, starting from the vacuum source. However, this requires that the suction protection device 326, described in more detail below, permits this.

[0120] The intake protection device 326 is arranged on the air guide assembly 312 and has a flap-shaped closing body 328 similar to that explained in connection with Figures 1 and 2. The closing body 328 is mechanically coupled to a force actuator 330, which is designed as an electric motor. The electric motor is arranged outside the air guide assembly 312 and is mechanically coupled to the closing body 328 for actuating or urging the same. The closing body 328 is arranged within the air guide assembly 312 and, in its closed position, is designed to close an opening 314 that opens into the flange 392.

[0121] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the intake protection device 326 from Figure 6, which is formed on the air guide arrangement 312. The flange 394 has the opening 314, which is elongated or oval. Furthermore, a flange stop 397 is formed on the flange, which serves to seal the area between the flange 394 and the connection opening 392 from the environment. The force actuator 330, which is designed as an electric motor, is arranged on the upper side of the air guide arrangement. The force actuator 330 is mechanically coupled via a lever mechanism 396 to the closing body 328, which is arranged inside the air guide arrangement 312. A spring 398, which is supported relative to the air guide arrangement 312, engages the lever mechanism 396 and urges the closing body 328 into the closed position.Thus, the force actuator 330 is assisted by the spring 398 when urging it into the closed position, while it must work against the action of the spring 398 when urging it into the open position. The spring 398 could also act on the closing body 328 in the opposite manner. Furthermore, the spring 398 could be omitted.

[0122] The suction protection device 326 is modular and can be inserted into the elongated shaft 378. For inserting the suction protection device 326 into the elongated shaft 378, the shaft can be formed, for example, from at least two halves that can be coupled together or from a sufficiently large opening.

[0123] Figure 8 shows the intake protection device 326 from Figures 6 and 7 inserted into the elongated shaft 378. The flange 394 is coupled to the connection opening 392, whereby an additional seal may be provided between the two for sealing against the environment. The force actuator 330 engages the lever mechanism 396 on the flap-shaped closing body 328 and is configured to pivot it via an actuator axis M between the closed position and the illustrated open position. At a lower end, the air guide arrangement 312 is coupled to the hose 395.

[0124] Figures 9 and 10 show the suction protection device 326 from Figures 6 to 8 in a sectional view along the line DD in the viewing direction from above, i.e., starting from the operating arrangement (not shown). In Figure 9, the closing body 328 assumes the open position, so that the opening 314 is released for sucking in air from the liquid collection container 310. In Figure 10, the closing body 328 assumes the closed position, so that neither liquid nor air from the liquid collection container 310 can pass through the opening 314 on the flange 394. The closing body 328 is designed as an elongated, curved flap. The outer side of the curved closing body 328 essentially coincides with an inner radius of the air guide arrangement 312. The connecting flange 397 is formed on the flange 394.A sealing arrangement can be provided on the closing body 328 and / or in the region of the opening, which the closing body 328 presses into the closing body.

[0125] Figure 11 relates to an exemplary and schematic partial sectional view of an intake protection device 426 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment in a state arranged on a cleaning device 450. The cleaning device 450 can be the one from Figure 5. The further exemplary embodiment differs from the exemplary embodiment of Figures 6 to 10 by a different embodiment of the intake protection device 426 and the air guide arrangement 412, which is similar to that of Figures 3 and 4. The liquid collection container 410 is shown in a partially sectioned view on the elongated shaft 478. The liquid collection container 410 has a receiving curvature 500 to enclose the intake protection device 426, which is attached to the elongated shaft 478.However, a connection opening 492 is formed on the receiving curvature 500, which couples the suction protection device 426 to the liquid collection area 416 of the liquid collection container 410 for sucking in air. The suction protection device 426 has an air filter 502, through which air can be sucked from the liquid collection container 410 into the interior of the suction protection device 426 and thereby cleaned of dirt particles. The air guide arrangement 412 forms a type of housing for the suction protection device 426 and serves to guide air from the liquid collection container 410 toward the vacuum source (not shown). As also described above, a hose 495 (not shown) is arranged within the elongated shaft 478 for this purpose, which hose couples the suction protection device 426 to the vacuum source for guiding or sucking out air.The air guide assembly 412 forms a closed housing, except for its lower region 504, in which the air filter 502 is arranged. The lower region is designed as a housing part 504 of the air guide assembly 412 that can be coupled to an upper part. In addition to simple assembly, the multi-part design allows for the removal of the coupleable housing part 504 from the air guide assembly 412 and the replacement of the air filter 502. Two clamping tabs 505 are arranged on the outside of the air guide assembly 412 to fasten the coupleable housing part 504 to the air guide assembly 412. The intake protection device 426 is attached to the elongated shaft 478 by means of screws, although other fastening means can also be provided instead or in addition.

[0126] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the intake protection device 426 from Figure 11, which illustrates the internal structure of the intake protection device 426. For clarity, the filter is not shown. The closing body 428 assumes the open position and thus releases the circular opening 414 of the air guide arrangement 412 such that air can flow through the air guide arrangement 412 (see arrows shown). The closing body 428 is attached to a guide arrangement 429 designed as a guide rod, on which it can be displaced between the open and closed positions and is guided by the guide rod. One could say that the closing body 428 is plugged onto the guide rod. A magnetizable material 438, namely ferrous metal, is arranged in a lower region of the closing body 428; this could also be a magnet, for example.A force actuator 430, designed as a magnet and arranged on the air guide arrangement 412 centrally to the opening 414 and at a distance from it, exerts an actuating force on the magnetizable material 438. The magnet 430 could also be arranged on the closing body 428, in which case magnetizable material or the like would then be arranged on the air guide arrangement 412 to interact with the magnet. Furthermore, magnets could be provided which are oriented such that they exert a tensile force on one another. The magnet 430 is arranged in a recess 508 formed on the air guide arrangement 412 and is held therein by a magnet holder 510. The closing body 428 is arranged at a distance from the magnet 430, so that the magnetizable material 438 is also spaced from the magnet 430.

[0127] The air guide arrangement 412 is tubular in its interior. An annular web 512, formed on the inner wall of this tubular shape, supports a sealing ring 514 and, together with it, forms the opening 414. The sealing ring 514 is designed to cooperate with the closing body 428 in its closed position and to close the opening 414 in a fluid-tight manner. The guide arrangement 429 is formed on a retaining web 516, which has air passages (not shown) to allow air flow through the air guide arrangement 412. The retaining web 516 is cross-shaped.

[0128] At an upper end of the air guide arrangement 412, a hose connection 422 is formed, which can be coupled directly or via an intermediate piece to a hose 495 (not shown in detail in Figure 12) in the interior of the elongated shaft 478.

[0129] The air guide assembly 412 has intake openings 518 in its lower region 504, in which the filter 502 (not shown) is arranged, so that air from the area surrounding the lower region 504 can be sucked through the intake openings 518 into the air guide assembly 412. After the closing body 428 assumes the open position and thus releases the opening 414, air from the area surrounding the lower region can flow through the intake openings 518, through the opening 414 past the closing body 428 and past the retaining web 514 to the hose connection 422. The magnet is dimensioned such that the actuating force acting on the closing body 428 due to the magnetic force is insufficient to force the closing body 428 into the closed position against the suction force acting on it due to the air flow.Since the magnet 430 is spaced apart from the magnetizable material 438, the actuating force acting on the closing body 428 due to the magnetic force is comparatively small compared to the closed position, in which the magnet 430 is only slightly spaced apart from the magnetizable material 438. The loss of suction force resulting from the actuating force is thus extremely small. The magnet 430 could also be designed as a switchable magnet. Furthermore, the magnet 430 can be designed as a controllable electromagnet or permanent magnet, or as a combination thereof, which generates no actuating force in one operating state in which the open position is desired, and generates the actuating force in another operating state in which the closed position is desired.

[0130] Figure 13 is a sectional view of the intake protection device 426 from Figure 12, but with the closing body 428 in the closed position. For this purpose, the closing body 428 has been displaced on the guide arrangement 429 in the direction of the opening 414 and now closes it. The magnetizable material 438 is arranged near the magnet 430, so that the magnet 430 exerts the actuating force on the magnetizable material 438 and thus on the closing body 428, pushing it into the closed position. The actuating force is so great that the closing body 428 is pressed sufficiently firmly against the sealing ring 514 to close the opening 414 in a fluid-tight manner. Thus, neither liquid nor air can pass through the opening 414. Thus, neither liquid nor air can pass through the air guide arrangement 412. In other words, neither liquid nor air from the liquid collection container can reach the vacuum source via the air guide arrangement 412.

[0131] It is understood in connection with all embodiments that the suction protection device can comprise a control device configured, for example, to control the force actuator and / or the vacuum source. Furthermore, the cleaning device can comprise a corresponding control device. This can be designed separately or integrally with a control system of the cleaning device, which controls further components, such as the tools.

[0132] Features and configurations explained in connection with one of the four exemplary embodiments are transferable to the other exemplary embodiments. Furthermore, all features and configurations explained in connection with one of the exemplary embodiments of suction protection devices can be implemented in the cleaning device according to Figure 5, and vice versa.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) for an air guide arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412) between a liquid collection area (16; 116; 316; 416) and a vacuum source (288) of a cleaning device (250), comprising a closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) which, in its closed position, closes the air guide arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412) and which, in its open position, releases the air guide arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412) for sucking in air from the liquid collection area (16; 116; 316; 416); a force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) for generating an actuating force by means of which the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) can be urged into the closed position and / or open position.

2. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to claim 1, wherein the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) in its closed position closes the air guide arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412) in such a way that at least no liquid, preferably neither liquid nor air, can reach the vacuum source (288) from the liquid collection area (16; 116; 316; 416).

3. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) is configured to move the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) in dependence on - a further force acting on the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428), and / or - a position of the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) relative to the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430), and / or - a position of the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) relative to the open position and / or closed position into the closed position and / or open position.

4. Intake protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) can be activated and / or deactivated, preferably an amount of the actuating force of the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) can be adjusted.

5. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a detection device for generating a signal, wherein on the basis of the signal: - the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) can be activated and / or deactivated to generate the actuating force, and / or - the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) is controllable to generate the actuating force, and / or - the further force on the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) is variable, and / or - the position of the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) relative to the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) is variable and / or - the vacuum source (288) is controllable.

6. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to claim 5, wherein the detection device for generating the signal comprises at least one actuatable switch (285).

7. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the detection device comprises at least one sensor which is arranged to generate the signal, wherein the sensor preferably - a level sensor (32; 132) for detecting a liquid level in the liquid collection area (16; 116; 316; 416) and / or - an inclination sensor (34; 134) for detecting an inclination of the liquid collection area (16; 116; 316; 416) and / or - a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure in at least one of the liquid collection area (16; 116; 316; 416), the air guide arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412) and the vacuum source (288), and / or - a sensor for detecting an operating position of the cleaning device (250).

8. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) is designed such that the actuating force decreases or increases with increasing distance of the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) from the closed position and / or increases or decreases with increasing distance from the open position, wherein the force decrease or increase preferably runs disproportionately with the distance.

9. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating force of the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) comprises a magnetic force.

10. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430) for generating the actuating force comprises a mechanical actuating mechanism, wherein the mechanical actuating mechanism preferably comprises a hydraulically and / or pneumatically and / or electrically actuable actuator.

11. Suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a suction force generated in an operating state by the vacuum source (288) and acting on the closing body (28; 128; 328; 428) is at least proportionally - acts in the direction of the closed position or the open position and / or - acts in the direction of or against the actuating force of the force actuator (30; 130; 330; 430).

12. Cleaning device (250), in particular floor cleaning device, for wet cleaning a cleaning surface, comprising: - a liquid collection container (10; 110; 310; 410) with a liquid collection area (16; 116; 316; 416) for collecting a liquid sucked from the cleaning surface; - an air guiding arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412); - a vacuum source (288) which is configured to suck air from the liquid collection area (16; 116; 316; 416) via the air guide arrangement (12; 112; 312; 412) in an operating state, so that the liquid collection area (16; 116; 316; 416) is subjected to a vacuum for sucking in the liquid; and - a suction protection device (26; 126; 326; 426) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Cleaning device (250) according to claim 12, further comprising a guide part (254) for guiding the cleaning device (250), wherein the liquid collecting container (10; 110; 310; 410) is arranged on the guide part (254) and is positionally variable, in particular pivotable, together with the latter, or the liquid collecting container (10; 110; 310; 410) at least partially forms the guide part (254).

14. Cleaning device (250) according to claim 13, further comprising - a cleaning unit (252); - a joint arrangement (256) which has at least one pivot axis (B, C) and by means of which the guide part (254) is connected to the cleaning unit (252) in an articulated manner and in a torque-transmitting manner about its longitudinal axis (L).

15. Cleaning device (250) according to claim 14, further comprising at least one tool (258) associated with the cleaning unit (252) and in which Operating condition rests at least partially on the cleaning surface.

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