Cleaning station for cleaning the loading space of a means of transport

Abstract

The present application relates to a cleaning station (1) for cleaning a loading space (3) of a means of transport (2), said cleaning station comprising: a support frame (4) for providing a platform (7) above a base (13); a cleaning robot (5); a garage (8) for accommodating the cleaning robot (5); a liquid supply (9) for supplying the cleaning robot (5) with a cleaning liquid; and a control unit (6), the garage (8) having an interior (17) enclosed by a floor (14), a roof (15) and side walls (16), at least one side wall (16) of the garage (8) being at least in part designed in the form of an openable space-delimiting element (18), the liquid supply (9) comprising at least one liquid tank (20), at least one pump (22), and at least one liquid line (23) which is directly or indirectly operatively connected to the liquid tank (20) and the cleaning robot (5), the control unit (6) being provided and designed to control operation of the cleaning station (1) in accordance with at least one cleaning programme so that the cleaning robot (5) automatically performs a cleaning process in order to clean the loading space (3).

Description

Cleaning station for cleaning the cargo area of ​​a means of transport Description

[0001] The present application relates to a cleaning station for cleaning a loading space of a means of transport according to claim 1.

[0002] The means of transport can in particular be a truck or a semi-trailer for a truck. The loading space is typically spatially delimited by walls, in particular a loading space floor, a loading space deck, side walls and an end wall, wherein the loading space floor, the loading space ceiling and the walls together preferably have the shape of a cuboid. One of the walls, typically opposite the end wall, is designed to be openable, for example by means of pivoting doors, so that cargo, for example in the form of solid objects, can be brought into and removed from the loading space. For the purpose of transport, the openable wall is typically closed and the respective load is secured in the loading space.

[0003] The cleaning station comprises a cleaning robot that is intended and configured to independently or automatically clean the cargo space. For this purpose, the cleaning robot is typically equipped with a chassis by means of which it can be moved within the cargo space. The chassis can, for example, be formed by a crawler track that has two tracks oriented parallel to one another, which can preferably be driven independently of one another. Furthermore, the cleaning robot is typically configured to dispense a cleaning fluid by means of which the surfaces of walls of the means of transport are cleaned, thereby necessitating cleaning. The cleaning fluid can, in particular, be dispensed by means of a plurality of cleaning nozzles that are directed towards the walls so that the cleaning fluid can be sprayed onto the walls.At least for the autonomous cleaning of the cargo space, the cleaning robot is controlled by a control unit. "Autonomous" or "automatic" in the context of this application means that the cleaning of the cargo space itself takes place without the involvement of a user. For example, it is conceivable for a user to manually select a cleaning program according to which the cargo space is to be cleaned. This cleaning program defines operating parameters for the cleaning robot to carry out at least one cleaning process, for example, a temperature of the cleaning fluid, a quantity of fluid to be dispensed, and / or a concentration. a cleaning agent in the cleaning fluid. The cleaning robot can then clean the cargo area without any further user intervention and thus operates independently or automatically within the meaning of the present application. At least one operating parameter can also be changed (possibly multiple times) during a cleaning process.

[0004] Cleaning the cargo space can comprise one or more cleaning operations. A cleaning operation can, in particular, comprise a movement of the cleaning robot, first forward in a main direction of the cleaning robot along the entire length of the cargo space and then back against the main direction along the entire length of the cargo space. Depending on the level of soiling in the cargo space, multiple cleaning operations may be required to achieve the desired level of cleanliness in the cargo space. State of the art

[0005] The use of a cleaning robot for cleaning the cargo space of a means of transport is already known in the prior art. Reference is made to published patent application DE 102019 004 959 A1. To carry out a cleaning process, the cleaning robot is moved into the cargo space of the means of transport, whereupon the cleaning robot can be moved within the cargo space using its own drive. The surfaces of the walls of the means of transport are typically cleaned by applying a cleaning fluid sprayed via cleaning nozzles. As the cleaning robot moves along a longitudinal axis of the cargo space, all areas of the walls of the means of transport are thus exposed to the cleaning fluid, so that the entire cargo space is cleaned. Once cleaning is complete, the cleaning robot is removed from the cargo space.

[0006] To place the cleaning robot in the cargo space, according to the aforementioned document, it is preferably lifted to a level with the cargo space using a forklift and placed in the cargo space. The cleaning robot is then ready to clean the cargo space as described. The process is reversed to remove the cleaning robot from the cargo space. This procedure is complex and requires individual supervision in every case.

[0007] A cleaning robot comparable to the one according to DE 102019 004 959 A1 can also be found in the document US 2019 / 0023234 A1. Task

[0008] The present application is therefore based on the object of providing a cleaning station which can be operated at least largely, preferably completely, in an automated manner. Solution

[0009] The underlying object is achieved according to the invention by means of a cleaning station having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the associated subclaims.

[0010] The cleaning station comprises a rigid support frame that provides a platform above a base on which the support frame is placed. The support frame can be formed, in particular, from a steel structure. It comprises at least one stand element, by means of which the support frame can be placed on a base in a support plane. Such a stand element can be formed, for example, by a stand base. The platform, or a travel plane thereof, on which the cleaning robot can travel, is arranged vertically above the support plane. This creates a gap between the platform and the base.

[0011] "Intrinsically stable" in the context of this application means that the support frame is capable of standing on its own. The at least one support element can, for example, be designed in the form of a column. For example, the support frame can comprise a plurality of support elements, on whose upper ends a horizontally oriented plate rests, which is supported by the support elements at a vertical distance from the support plane. In this example, the plate forms the platform.

[0012] Furthermore, the cleaning station comprises the cleaning robot described above, by means of which the loading space of a respective means of transport can be cleaned.

[0013] Furthermore, the cleaning station comprises a garage in which the cleaning robot can be accommodated. Thus, when the cleaning robot is parked, it is positioned within the garage. The garage comprises a floor, a roof, and side walls that together spatially enclose an interior space of the garage. At least one side wall of the garage is designed as an openable space boundary element that can be moved between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the interior space of the The garage is accessible in such a way that the cleaning robot can be moved alternately in and out of the garage. When the space-delimiting element is in its closed position and parked, the cleaning robot is protected from unauthorized access within the garage. The openable space-delimiting element can, in particular, be formed by a roller shutter or the like.

[0014] The cleaning station further comprises a liquid supply for supplying the cleaning robot with a cleaning liquid. The liquid supply, in turn, comprises at least one liquid tank, by means of which the cleaning liquid is stored. The liquid supply further comprises at least one pump, by means of which the cleaning liquid can be pumped to the cleaning robot. For this purpose, the pump is operatively connected directly or indirectly to the liquid tank and interacts with a liquid line through which the cleaning liquid can be pumped. The liquid line is connected to the cleaning robot at an end facing away from the liquid tank. As explained separately below, the liquid supply preferably comprises a plurality of liquid tanks.As soon as the cleaning robot is ready to begin applying cleaning fluid to the cargo space to be cleaned, the cleaning fluid in the fluid tank can be pumped through the fluid line to the cleaning robot using the pump. The cleaning fluid is applied, for example, to the surfaces of the cargo space walls to be cleaned using cleaning nozzles. The fluid supply is preferably arranged below the platform, preferably in a space between the platform and the ground on which the support frame rests. To protect against external influences, the fluid supply can be enclosed in a housing.

[0015] Finally, the cleaning station comprises at least one control unit which is provided and configured to control the operation of the cleaning station according to at least one cleaning program. This particularly relates to the operation of the cleaning robot as such, so that it can automatically carry out at least one cleaning process for cleaning the loading space, preferably automatically a complete cleaning process. In particular, the control unit is configured to issue control commands which cause the cleaning robot to move, to dispense cleaning fluid, and the like. The control unit can be mounted either stationary, directly or indirectly on the support frame or on a frame of the The control unit can, for example, comprise a computing unit, a storage unit, and an input device.

[0016] The cleaning station according to the invention has many advantages. In particular, it enables autonomous operation, so that the loading space of a means of transport can be cleaned without the use of personnel. This is particularly interesting in view of the fact that such a cleaning station can be operated regardless of opening hours, i.e., it is ready for use 24 hours a day. To use the cleaning station, it is only necessary for the means of transport to be cleaned to drive to the cleaning station, i.e., to position the loading space relative to the platform in such a way that the cleaning robot can drive into the loading space from the platform. Cleaning can be carried out according to a preset cleaning program, which a user of the cleaning station can, for example, select independently.For this purpose, it is advantageous if the control unit interacts with an input device and, if necessary, a display device so that a user can make inputs and information is displayed to him.

[0017] When the cleaning station is not in use, the cleaning robot is parked inside the garage, protecting it from unauthorized access. This minimizes the effort required to monitor the cleaning station. To operate the cleaning station, it can be connected to an external water supply for the supply of fresh water and to an external power supply for the cleaning station's electrical power. Periodic refilling of cleaning agent may be necessary if it is used for cleaning and consumed accordingly. For this purpose, the cleaning station's fluid supply should preferably be equipped with a fluid tank designed to store cleaning agent.

[0018] For the use of the cleaning station, it is particularly advantageous if it can be operated in combination with a booking system that can be operated by a user of the cleaning station. For example, it is conceivable that a user could book and bill a cleaning for a specific means of transport and, if necessary, for a specific time slot via a user account. The cleaning station would then be automatically activated and, if necessary, started via manual activation.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the cleaning station, the floor of the garage is formed by part of the platform, wherein the platform preferably has an outdoor area outside the garage. In other words, in this embodiment, the garage occupies part of the entire surface of the platform, wherein part of the platform forms the floor of the garage and the side walls of the garage extend perpendicular to the surface of the platform. This embodiment has the advantage that the cleaning robot does not have to overcome any height difference when moving out of the garage, but can step directly into the outdoor area of ​​the platform. The outdoor area of ​​the platform, in turn, has the advantage that doors of the respective means of transport can be locked to the side of the platform, which the cleaning robot can also clean while standing on the platform in the outdoor area of ​​the platform (and thus outside the garage).With this approach, the doors of the transport vehicle are positioned at an angle of between 80° and 100° relative to a closed position, for example, and the transport vehicle is positioned relative to the cleaning station so that the doors are located to the side of the platform. Cleaning of the doors thus takes place while the cleaning robot is not yet, or no longer, located within the loading space of the transport vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, an embodiment of the cleaning station is particularly advantageous in which it comprises at least one sensor, preferably a plurality of sensors. At least one sensor can be formed, for example, by an optical sensor, such as a camera. At least one sensor can be formed by a lidar. The at least one sensor is connected to a data processing device in a data-transmitting manner, wherein information detected by the sensor can be transmitted to the data processing device. For this purpose, it is conceivable, for example, for the cleaning station to have a transmitting / receiving unit by means of which data can be transmitted and received.The at least one sensor can be arranged, for example, at a front edge of the garage roof or within the garage on its ceiling or rear side wall and directed toward an area in front of the cleaning station, so that the sensor is suitable for detecting the means of transport and / or the cargo space of the means of transport when the means of transport is approaching and parked at the cleaning station. It is also conceivable to arrange at least one sensor below the platform, whereby such a sensor would be particularly well suited for detecting a vehicle license plate number of a means of transport. An arrangement of the at least one sensor at a different location in the remaining cleaning station is also conceivable.

[0021] The data processing device, by means of which the information can be processed, can be configured as part of the control unit, which in this embodiment includes the data processing device. Thus, the data processing device can be configured locally as part of the cleaning station. It is also conceivable for the data processing device to be configured as an external data processing device. This can also include the data processing device not being arranged locally as a physical part, directly or indirectly, on the support frame of the cleaning station, but being accessible via the Internet.Accordingly, the data processing device can be located in the "cloud," with information from the at least one sensor being transmitted to the data processing device via the internet, processed by the data processing device, and finally, the processed information being sent via the internet to the local control unit. This control unit can, for example, generate control commands and control the cleaning station based on the received information.

[0022] In a particularly preferred manner, the data processing device is provided and configured to process the information detected by the at least one sensor and to adjust at least one operating parameter of the cleaning robot depending on the processed information. This adjustment can be made directly, but is preferably made indirectly using the control unit. In particular, it is conceivable for the at least one sensor to detect a level of soiling in the cargo space and for the corresponding information to be processed by the data processing device. Following detection of the level of soiling, the control unit can then adjust at least one operating parameter of the cleaning robot such that the level of soiling is individually taken into account when carrying out at least one cleaning process.For example, it is conceivable that the cleaning fluid is sprayed at a specific, perhaps comparatively high, pressure, or that the temperature of the cleaning fluid is raised above a normal level. Numerous other operating parameters that affect the operation of the cleaning robot are readily conceivable. An operating parameter refers to a parameter of the cleaning robot that relates to the cleaning operation of the cleaning robot for the purpose of performing at least one cleaning process for the cargo space.

[0023] If at least one sensor is formed by a lidar, a loading space to be cleaned can be measured by means of the sensor in a particularly preferred manner This allows the length, width, and height of the cargo space to be determined. This information can then be used to control the cleaning robot.

[0024] Furthermore, a design of the cleaning station in which at least one identification feature of the means of transport can be detected by means of the at least one sensor can be particularly advantageous. Such an identification feature can be, for example, a license plate number of the means of transport and / or an RFID chip and / or a QR code and / or a barcode. The sensor can be formed, for example, by an optical sensor, e.g. a camera. The information detected by the sensor can be transmitted to the data processing device and processed by it, so that the means of transport whose loading space is due to be cleaned can be identified. For this purpose, it is conceivable for the data processing device to access a database in which data about the means of transport has been stored in advance, which enables the respective identification feature to be assigned to the means of transport.Identifying the respective means of transport has the particular advantage that cleaning can be carried out individually for the identified means of transport. For example, it is conceivable that at least one operating parameter of the cleaning robot can be set directly or indirectly using the data processing device (via the control unit), thereby facilitating cleaning of the cargo area. For example, the identified means of transport can store information about which goods were last transported and the resulting need for cleaning. The configuration of the cleaning robot for cleaning can be adjusted accordingly as needed.

[0025] Furthermore, such a cleaning station is particularly advantageous in which at least one sensor is configured to detect the height of a loading space floor. This has the advantage that a height difference between the height of the loading space floor and the height of a driving level of the platform can be determined. The sensor can be formed, for example, by an optical sensor, such as a camera. In order to drive the cleaning robot into the loading space, it is particularly advantageous if the said height difference is at most a few millimeters, preferably completely disappears. Knowing the height of the loading space floor, it is therefore possible to give a driver of the means of transport, for example by means of a signaling system, signals that indicate the current height difference. A purely qualitative statement is also conceivable, for example, "too high" or "too low."This enables the driver to operate the means of transport in such a way. to adjust so that this height difference is at least reduced, preferably completely eliminated. In a means of transport consisting of a semi-trailer, such changes in the height of the loading space floor can typically be made pneumatically or hydraulically from the cab of an associated tractor unit.

[0026] Further developing the cleaning station according to the invention, it comprises a collecting device arranged at a height below a travel level of the platform. The collecting device comprises at least one collecting container, in particular a plurality of collecting containers, by means of which cleaning fluid can be collected. The arrangement of the collecting device below the travel level of the platform, on which the cleaning robot can travel, enables cleaning fluid previously applied by the cleaning robot to be collected. The cleaning fluid can, in particular, be rinsed out of the cargo space, wherein it exits the cargo space at a rear edge of the cargo space floor. Since, as explained above, the cargo space floor is preferably arranged at the same height as the travel level of the platform, the collecting device arranged below the travel level can collect the cleaning fluid.The same applies to cleaning fluid that is applied outside the cargo area, for example, in the outer area of ​​the platform. As explained above, this can be done, for example, to clean the doors of the vehicle. Collecting cleaning fluid has the advantage that the collected cleaning fluid can be recirculated and reused for another cleaning process.

[0027] In order to be able to reuse collected cleaning fluid particularly efficiently, it is particularly advantageous if the cleaning station has a treatment device by means of which the collected cleaning fluid can be treated. For this purpose, the treatment device can in particular have at least one filter, preferably a plurality of filters. The cleaning fluid can thus be treated in such a way that it can be used at least partially for at least one further cleaning process. For example, retreated cleaning fluid can be mixed with "fresh" cleaning fluid, thereby reducing the overall consumption of cleaning agent, which can for example be formed from a chemical cleaning agent. Accordingly, the cleaning station in this embodiment can be operated particularly efficiently and ecologically.

[0028] Regarding the design of the liquid supply, it can be particularly advantageous if it has at least two, preferably at least three, liquid tanks. One of the liquid tanks can, for example, be A water tank can be formed, by means of which fresh water can be stored. A further liquid tank can be used as a cleaning agent tank, by means of which cleaning agent is stored. The cleaning liquid that is dispensed by the cleaning robot is typically made up of a mixture of fresh water and cleaning agent. Accordingly, it can also be advantageous if the liquid supply comprises a further liquid tank that contains cleaning liquid. For the interconnection of the liquid tanks, it can be advantageous if the fresh water on the one hand and the cleaning agent on the other hand are pumped into the yet further liquid tank and mixed there to form the cleaning liquid. Furthermore, the supply of collected and recycled cleaning liquid to the yet further liquid tank is possible.The cleaning fluid thus formed can then be pumped through the fluid line to the cleaning robot by means of the pump. In the exemplary embodiment below, the fluid tank containing the fresh water is referred to as the "first fluid tank," the fluid tank containing the cleaning fluid is referred to as the "second fluid tank," and the fluid tank containing the cleaning agent is referred to as the "third fluid tank."

[0029] Furthermore, a design of the cleaning station may be advantageous in which it comprises at least one door holder, by means of which a door of the means of transport whose cargo space is to be cleaned can be locked in a defined open position. Preferably, the cleaning station comprises two door holders, so that two doors of the means of transport can be locked. Preferably, the at least one door holder is configured to lock a door of the respective means of transport, when the door is present, in an opening angle range between 80° and 110°, preferably between 85° and 100°. This is particularly advantageous with regard to cleaning the doors of the means of transport, as already explained above.Accordingly, it is further advantageous if a door holder is assigned to each side of an outer area of ​​the platform, so that the doors of the means of transport can be locked laterally to the platform and are thus particularly easy to clean using the cleaning robot. The door holder can, for example, comprise a suction cup, by means of which a door can be locked under the effect of a negative pressure. Preferably, the door holder is designed to interact with an outer surface of a respective door, so that an inner surface of the door facing the loading space, which in a closed position of the door faces the loading space of the means of transport and delimits it, is completely free and can accordingly be fully exposed to cleaning fluid.

[0030] Further developing the cleaning station according to the invention, it comprises a cable winch having a traction cable that is or can be wound onto a bearing roller. An end of the traction cable facing away from the bearing roller is connectable or connected to the cleaning robot, so that by starting up the cable winch, the traction cable can be wound onto the bearing roller and the cleaning robot can thereby be pulled towards the bearing roller. The cable winch is preferably arranged on a rear side wall of the garage, so that the cleaning robot can be pulled into the interior of the garage by means of the cable winch. The need for such a cable winch may arise if the cleaning robot fails and can no longer move under its own power. Such a failure can be caused, for example, by damage to the chassis of the cleaning robot or a failure of the electrical power supply.In this case, it is still necessary to remove the cleaning robot from the cargo space of the vehicle being cleaned, so that the vehicle itself is free to depart from the cleaning station. The cable winch is therefore used to remove the cleaning robot from the cargo space in an emergency. It can be equipped with either a crank for manual operation or an electric drive. To ensure the cable winch's operation even in the event of a power failure, the cable winch can be combined with a battery that supplies the electric drive with power.

[0031] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the cleaning station has a cleaning device arranged in the interior of the garage and configured to clean the cleaning robot. For example, the cleaning device can be arranged on the roof of the garage, so that cleaning fluid can be sprayed from above onto the cleaning robot in its parked position using at least one cleaning nozzle of the cleaning device. The cleaning device is particularly advantageous for fully autonomous operation of the cleaning station, as manual cleaning of the cleaning robot, which should be performed at least periodically, preferably after each cleaning of a cargo area, can be eliminated.The cleaning device can be connected to the at least one liquid tank of the liquid supply by means of a liquid line, so that the same cleaning liquid can be supplied to the cleaning device by means of a pump that is also provided for application into the loading space by means of the cleaning robot.

[0032] In a further preferred manner, the cleaning station can be have an impact device by means of which a collision of a vehicle moving into a parking position transport means to the support frame of the cleaning station is prevented. The impact device is therefore preferably arranged at or in front of a front end of the support frame, so that a transport means which is positioned relative to the cleaning station, in the event of an accident, impacts the impact device first and thereby protects the rest of the cleaning station from damage. The impact device can in particular comprise a battering ram which is anchored in the ground on which the cleaning station stands, for example by means of a foundation. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the impact device to comprise a base plate which extends on the front side of the support frame in a direction facing away from the support frame, so that a transport means which approaches the cleaning station inevitably impacts the base plate.In this design, the battering ram is located at an end of the base plate facing the support frame and is firmly connected to the base plate. The impact device is secured relative to the ground by the weight of the transport vehicle itself, with the base plate forming a frictional connection with the ground due to the weight of the transport vehicle, which is transferred into the ground via the base plate. This design has the advantage that structural intervention in the ground at the installation site of the cleaning station is not necessary. The cleaning station as such remains mobile and can be dismantled at one installation site, transported away, and installed at another with manageable effort. Examples of implementation

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures. It shows: Fig. 1 : A vertical longitudinal section through a set comprising a Cleaning station and a means of transport, Fig. 2: A horizontal longitudinal section through the set according to Figure 1, Fig. 3: A perspective view of a cleaning station, Fig. 4: A front view of the cleaning station according to Figure 3, Fig. 5: A vertical longitudinal section through the cleaning station according to Figure 3, Fig. 6: A perspective view of a cleaning robot, Fig. 7: A front view of the cleaning robot according to Figure 6, Fig. 8: A side view of the cleaning robot according to Figure 6.

[0034] An embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 comprises a cleaning station 1 comprising a cleaning robot 5 for cleaning a loading space 3 of a means of transport 2. In the example shown, the means of transport 2 is formed by a semi-trailer whose loading space 3 is awaiting cleaning. For this purpose, the means of transport 2 is positioned relative to the cleaning station 1 such that the cleaning robot 5 can enter the loading space 3 of the means of transport 2. The cleaning robot 5 is provided and configured to carry out the cleaning of the loading space 3 independently or automatically, i.e., in particular, without the intervention of a user of the cleaning station 1.

[0035] The cleaning station 1, which is particularly clear from Figures 1 to 5, comprises a support frame 4, which forms a platform 7 at an end facing away from a base 13. The platform 7 is thus spaced from the base 13, wherein the platform 7 forms a flat driving plane that is oriented at least substantially parallel to a surface of the base 13. The arrangement of the platform 7 in the manner described enables the cleaning robot 5, which is mounted on the platform 7, to step from the platform 7 into the loading space 3 of the means of transport 2 without overcoming a height difference, wherein the platform 7 and a loading space floor 39 of the means of transport 2 are at least at a similar, preferably at the same, height level.

[0036] The cleaning station 1 further comprises a garage 8 in which the cleaning robot 5 can be stored in a parked position when not in use. The garage 8 comprises a plurality of side walls 16, a floor 14, and a roof 15, these elements together spatially enclosing an interior space 17 of the garage 8. Towards a front side of the garage 8, the interior space 17 is also delimited by a side wall 16 formed by an openable space-delimiting element 18. The space-delimiting element 18 can be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position. In the example shown, the space-delimiting element 18 is formed by a roller shutter-like roller door which, when the space-delimiting element 18 is in its open position, is stored rolled up in a storage box 47. When in its closed position, the space-delimiting element 18 secures the interior space of the garage 8 against unauthorized access.In the example shown, the floor 14 of the garage 8 is formed by the platform 7, so that the floor 14 of the garage 8 continues to an outer area 42 of the platform 7 without forming a height difference. This allows the cleaning robot 5 to emerge from the garage 8. without having to go up or down a step, ramp or the like.

[0037] The support frame 4 of the cleaning station 1 has a plurality of stand elements 11, by means of which the cleaning station 1 as a whole is placed and supported on the base 13 in a support plane 12. As explained above, the platform 7 is oriented parallel to the support plane 12. As a result of the provision of the distance between the support plane 12 and the platform 7, a space 43 is created between the platform 7 and the support plane 12, in which, in the example shown, among other things, a liquid supply 9 is arranged. This comprises a plurality of liquid tanks 19, 20, 21 and at least one pump 22. A first liquid tank 19 is formed by a water tank and, in the example shown, serves to store fresh water.The first liquid tank 19 can, for example, be equipped with a supply connection (not shown), by means of which the liquid tank 19 can be connected to an external supply line so that it can be filled with fresh water, for example, from a municipal water supply. Furthermore, the liquid supply 9 has a second liquid tank 20, which here is formed by a cleaning liquid tank. As such, the second liquid tank 20 serves to store a cleaning liquid that is intended to be applied into the cargo space 3 by the cleaning robot 5. The third liquid tank 21 serves as a cleaning agent tank for storing the cleaning agent, which is typically formed from a specific chemical formulation.The cleaning fluid stored in the second fluid tank 20 is typically formed from a mixture comprising recaptured cleaning fluid, previously dispensed by the cleaning robot 5 and then recaptured by the collecting device 49, and possibly fresh cleaning agent. The cleaning robot 5 is supplied with the cleaning fluid from the second fluid tank 20, which is fluidly connected to the cleaning robot 5 by a fluid line 23. The pump 22 interacts with this fluid line 23, so that it is suitable for pumping the cleaning fluid stored in the fluid tank 20 through the fluid line 23 to the cleaning robot 5, where the cleaning fluid is ultimately sprayed.

[0038] The cleaning station 1 further comprises a collecting device 49, which in the example shown comprises several individual collecting containers 10, which serve to collect and recirculate cleaning fluid discharged during a cleaning process of the transport means 2. For this purpose, the individual collecting containers 10 each arranged at a height below an upper travel level of the platform 7. In addition, the travel level of the platform 7, on which the cleaning robot 5 can travel, is formed by a grating, so that discharged cleaning fluid can flow downwards through the grating and thus be fed to the collecting device 49.

[0039] The cleaning station 1 can further comprise a processing device 56 to which the collected cleaning fluid can be fed, in particular by means of a pump. By means of the processing device 56, the cleaning fluid can be processed such that it is at least partially suitable for carrying out a further cleaning process. The processing can, in particular, comprise filtering the cleaning fluid of solids using one or more filters. The portion of the processed cleaning fluid suitable for further use is then fed to the second fluid tank 20. As explained above, cleaning agent can also be fed to this fluid tank 20.

[0040] The cleaning station 1 further comprises a power supply (not shown in the figures), by means of which the cleaning station 1 in general and the cleaning robot 5 in particular can be supplied with electrical energy. This supply can be provided indirectly and / or directly, with the intermediate storage of a certain amount of electrical energy, for example, by means of a battery, being particularly conceivable. The power supply comprises a supply connection (also not shown), to which an external supply line can be connected.

[0041] The cleaning station 1 also comprises a control unit 6, which here is fixedly arranged on a side wall 16 of the garage 8. The control unit 6 is designed and intended to control the cleaning station 1 in general and the cleaning robot 5 in particular. For this purpose, the control unit 6 is connected to the cleaning robot 5 by means of at least one data connection in a data-transmitting manner. This connection can be wired or wireless. In the example shown, the cleaning robot 5 is connected to the rest of the cleaning station 1 in addition to the liquid line 23 by means of a further supply line (not shown in the figures). This supply line can be used to supply the cleaning robot 5 with electrical energy provided by the power supply and also to exchange data with the control unit 6.

[0042] In the example shown, the control unit 6 comprises a data processing device suitable for electronically processing the information provided. This can, in particular, be information acquired by various sensors, which are explained separately below. In the example shown, the processing of this information is used, among other things, to control the cleaning robot 5 as needed using the control unit 6 and thus to influence a cleaning process in the cargo space 3 of the means of transport 2.

[0043] In the example shown, an input device 44 and a display device 45 are installed together with the control unit 6 in the form of a touch display. In this way, a user of the cleaning station 1 can make inputs that relate to at least one cleaning process, or possibly an entire cleaning process. For example, it is conceivable that the display device 45 shows the user options for various cleaning programs that the user can select alternatively. Depending on the selection of a cleaning program, the cleaning robot 5 is then controlled by the control unit 6 for at least one cleaning process of the loading space 3. The various cleaning programs can, for example, require different operating parameters of the cleaning robot 5, so that cleaning is carried out automatically in different ways depending on the selection of the cleaning program.

[0044] The cleaning station 1 further comprises a signaling system 48, which is connected laterally to a side wall 16 of the garage 8 in the manner of a traffic light. The signaling system 48 can be used for various purposes. In particular, it serves to visually indicate to the driver of a respective means of transport 2 when a parking position relative to the cleaning station 1 has been reached. It is understood that the means of transport 2 must be positioned relative to the cleaning station 1 in such a way that the cleaning robot 5 can drive into the loading space 3 of the means of transport 2 from the platform 7. In particular, it is advantageous if there is only a slight, preferably no, difference between the height of a loading space floor 39 of the loading space 3 to be cleaned and the height of the driving plane of the platform 7.

[0045] To protect the support frame 4 from an unintentional impact of a transport means 2 moving into its parking position, it may further be advantageous if the cleaning station 1 has an impact device (not shown in the figures). This is arranged relative to the support frame 4 in such a way that the transport means 2 When approaching the cleaning station 1, the impact device first comes into contact with the impact device before striking the support frame 4. The impact device can be anchored in a subsurface, for example by means of a foundation. However, in order to be able to set up and operate the cleaning station as flexibly as possible without structural changes to the subsurface, it is particularly advantageous if the impact device is stabilized by the dead weight of the means of transport 2. For this purpose, the impact device can in particular comprise a battering ram which is connected at the end to an elongated base plate. The latter is oriented relative to the support frame 4 in such a way that the means of transport 2 drives onto the base plate when it takes up a parking position at the cleaning station 1 and thereby fixes the impact device as a whole relative to the subsurface 13 by forming a frictional connection.

[0046] Furthermore, in the example shown, the signaling system 48 makes it possible to visually indicate to the driver of the means of transport 2 a height difference between the height of the loading space floor 39 of the means of transport 2 and the height of the driving level of the platform 7. For the reasons already mentioned above, this height difference should be minimal, preferably zero, so that the cleaning robot 5 does not have to overcome any height when crossing from the platform 7 into the loading space 3. The height of the loading space floor 39 can be adjusted to the height of the platform 7, in particular, by the means of transport 7, so that the driver can make the adjustment taking into account the signal displayed by the signaling system 48.

[0047] Furthermore, the cleaning station 1 has two door holders 54, one of which is arranged on each side of the platform 7. The door holders 54 serve to lock the doors 55 of the means of transport 2 in their open position when present. This is particularly clearly shown in Figure 1. Due to the extension of the platform 7 into its outer area 42, it is possible to position the doors 55 of the means of transport 2, when present in their open position, to the side of the platform 7 and thus make them accessible for cleaning by the cleaning robot 5. For this purpose, the cleaning robot 5 is positioned outside the garage 8 in the outer area 42 of the platform 7 and activated in such a way that the doors 55 arranged to the side of the platform 7 are exposed to the cleaning fluid and are thereby cleaned.The door holders 54 serve to lock the doors 55 during cleaning, so that cleaning can be carried out reliably. In particular, the door holders 54 can each have a suction cup, by means of which a respective door 55 can be gripped on an outer side by applying a negative pressure. The door holders 54 can be arranged in a force-transmitting manner on the support frame 4 and in this way divert forces arising when the doors 55 are locked into the support frame 4. Preferably, the door holders 54 are arranged such that they are suitable for locking the doors 55 when an opening angle of approximately 90° is present.

[0048] The cleaning station 1 further comprises a sensor 46, which in the example shown is formed by a camera. This sensor 46 is arranged on a front edge 30 of the roof 15 of the garage 8. It is oriented forward toward a front end of the cleaning station 1 or toward the means of transport 2, so that it is suitable for detecting optical information relating to the means of transport 2 and the loading space 3. The sensor 46 is connected in a data-transmitting manner to the data processing device, which, as described above, is embodied as part of the control unit 6 in the example shown. In this way, it is possible to transmit information detected by the sensor 46 to the data processing device and to process it by the latter.

[0049] In particular, the sensor 46 is provided and configured to detect at least one identification feature of the means of transport 2. In the example shown, the sensor 46 is configured to optically detect a license plate number of the means of transport 2, wherein the license plate number serves as an identification feature of the means of transport 2. The information detected in this way is compared by the data processing device with data already available for the same means of transport 2, which data is stored in a database. In the example shown, this database is not implemented locally as part of the data processing device, but is located in the "cloud," with data being exchanged between the database and the data processing device via the Internet.The database contains data that contain an assignment of the vehicle registration number optically detected by the sensor 46 to the means of transport 2, so that in connection with a cleaning of the loading space 3 of the means of transport 2 to be carried out, it is known which means of transport 2 is involved.

[0050] The identification of the means of transport 2 carried out in this way is subsequently used to create a cleaning certificate after the cleaning of the cargo space 3 has been completed, by means of which the completed cleaning is documented. This cleaning certificate is then assigned to the identified means of transport 2 and documented in a database. This can, for example, be the same database from which the assignment of the vehicle registration number to the means of transport 2 is derived. This type of data processing makes it possible, in particular, to The possibility is created to access the cleaning certificate at any time by accessing a user account of a respective customer for the means of transport 2, which belongs to a customer's fleet, and in this way to prove, upon request, for example to a supervisory authority, the successful completion of the cleaning of the loading space 3.

[0051] Furthermore, the identification of the affected means of transport 2 can be useful in order to control the cleaning robot 5 in a targeted manner for at least one upcoming cleaning process. For example, it is conceivable that the database for the identified means of transport 2 contains information about the type of means of transport 2 and the type of contamination to be expected in the cargo space 3. For example, the means of transport 2 was last used to transport food, which results in certain requirements for cleaning the cargo space 3. Thus, as a result of the identification of the means of transport 2, at least one operating parameter of the cleaning robot 5 can be automatically set for at least one cleaning process, so that the cleaning process can be adapted to the expected contamination and, if necessary, to a predetermined cleaning objective.For example, it is conceivable that for cleaning a cargo space 3 in which food was previously transported, the cleaning fluid applied by the cleaning robot 5 is heated to a specific temperature in order to effectively remove expected contamination of the cargo space 3. It is also conceivable that cleaning is carried out with a view to the next cargo to be transported.

[0052] Furthermore, in the example shown, the sensor 46 is provided and configured to optically detect a height difference between the height level of the loading space floor 36 and the height level of the driving plane of the platform 7 and to transmit the corresponding information to the data processing device. This is configured to process the information and subsequently provide the driver of the means of transport 2 with information, for example by means of the signaling system 48, in order to provide the driver with feedback on the existing height difference. The driver is then able to adjust the height of the means of transport 2, for example by means of a pneumatic system of the means of transport 2. The adjustment is preferably carried out in such a way that there is ultimately no longer any height difference between the loading space floor 39 and the platform 7.

[0053] Finally, in the example shown, the sensor 46 is further provided and configured to optically detect the loading space 3 or walls 38, the loading space floor 39 and / or a loading space ceiling 40 of the means of transport 2. In this way, Information is sent to the data processing device and processed by the latter, thereby enabling the detection of objects in general, in particular obstacles, and / or dirt. The latter can, in particular, be in the form of dirt present on the surfaces of the walls 38, the loading compartment floor 39, and / or the loading compartment ceiling 40. The data processing device is provided and configured to process the acquired information and, depending on the information—that is, to a certain extent, as a result of its processing—to control the cleaning robot 5.

[0054] This control consists in particular in that at least one operating parameter of the cleaning robot 5 is set for at least one cleaning process of the cargo space 3 in question. For example, it is conceivable that local soiling is optically detected by means of the sensor 46 on a wall 38 of the means of transport 2 and, as a result of the processing of the information detected in this way, the cleaning robot 5 is controlled in such a way that it temporarily reduces its driving speed in the longitudinal direction of the cargo space 3 in the area of ​​the detected soiling. As a result, the application of cleaning fluid to the location of the local soiling is increased and the soiling is thus removed in a targeted manner. It is also conceivable that an application rate of the cleaning fluid that is applied locally in the area of ​​the soiling by the cleaning robot 5 ora cleaning nozzle 33 thereof is temporarily increased in order to apply more cleaning fluid to the soiling. In this way, in cooperation between the sensor 46 and the data processing device of the control unit 6, the cleaning robot 5 can be controlled as needed for a respective cleaning process. It is also possible to change at least one operating parameter of the cleaning robot 5 during the execution of a cleaning process and / or between different cleaning processes.

[0055] In the example shown, a further sensor (not shown) is a lidar. This sensor is used to detect the dimensions of the cargo space 3. The information thus obtained can be used to control the cleaning robot 5 to perform the automatic cleaning and / or to adjust at least one operating parameter for at least one cleaning process.

[0056] It is also conceivable to use a sensor, which can be formed by a camera or a lidar, for example, to detect the level of soiling in the cargo space 3 after completion of a respective cleaning process. For example, it is conceivable that a sensor formed by a lidar in the Any foreign bodies or accumulations of liquid (“puddles”) remaining in cargo space 3 are detected. If no contamination is detected, the cleaning is assessed as sufficient and cleaning is terminated. The result of such a “follow-up inspection” of cargo space 3 can also be the subject of an automatically generated cleaning certificate, which not only documents that a prescribed cleaning was carried out, but also that the desired cleaning result was achieved. For this purpose, it is conceivable that, for example, certain requirements for the cleaning result are stored for an identified means of transport 2. The verification of these requirements can be the subject of sensory recording using at least one sensor, whereby if the requirements are met, the generated cleaning certificate can document the cleaning result.

[0057] In the event that a drive of the cleaning robot 5 is unexpectedly prevented from leaving the loading space 3 of a respective means of transport 2 under its own power, it is necessary to remove the cleaning robot 5 from the loading space 3 so that the means of transport 2 is free and can leave the cleaning station 1. Such a failure can be caused, for example, by a chassis 25 being damaged, a power failure, or the like. In order to reliably remove the cleaning robot 5 from the loading space 13, the cleaning station 1 in the example shown has a cable winch 52 arranged on the rear side wall 16 of the garage 8. The cable winch 52 has a bearing roller (not shown) on which a traction cable (not shown) is wound.This traction cable can be connected to the cleaning robot 5 in a force-transmitting manner, so that by means of a subsequent rotary drive of the bearing roller, the traction cable is wound onto the bearing roller, thereby pulling the cleaning robot 5 backwards out of the loading space 3, counter to its main direction 32. The cable winch 52 can be operated manually using a crank or motorized using an electric drive. To ensure continued functionality in the event of a failure of an external power supply, the cable winch 52 can be supplied with electrical energy by means of a battery.

[0058] Furthermore, the cleaning station 1 in the example shown has a cleaning device 53, which is arranged on an underside of the roof 15 of the garage 8. The cleaning device 53 is intended to apply cleaning fluid to the cleaning robot 5 when it is in its parking position, in which the cleaning robot 5 is parked in the interior 17 of the garage 8, and thus to clean it. For this purpose, the cleaning device 53 can in particular have at least one cleaning nozzle, by means of which the cleaning fluid is sprayed from above onto the Cleaning robot 5 is sprayable. Rinsing with fresh water after the cleaning fluid has been applied is also conceivable and could be performed using the cleaning device 53. Preferably, the space boundary element 18 is closed when the cleaning robot 5 is actively cleaning within the garage 8.

[0059] As explained above, the cleaning of a respective cargo space 3 is carried out automatically or independently by means of the cleaning robot 5. This is particularly clearly shown in Figures 6 to 8. The cleaning robot 5 comprises a frame 24, which represents a supporting structure for the cleaning robot 5. Furthermore, the cleaning robot 5 comprises a chassis 25, which, in the example shown, comprises two crawler tracks 31 arranged side by side and oriented parallel to one another. The crawler tracks 31 each comprise a self-contained, circumferentially driven conveyor belt or track, so that the cleaning robot 5 as a whole can be moved relative to a surface using the crawler tracks 31. The crawler tracks 31 are arranged on an underside of the frame 24 facing the cargo space floor 38 and can be driven separately from one another, so that the cleaning robot 5 can be moved like a tank control system.In particular, a main direction 32 in which the cleaning robot 5 moves forward during synchronous operation of the crawler tracks 31 can be changed as a result of an asynchronous operation of the crawler tracks 31, wherein the cleaning robot 5 rotates about its vertical axis 35 in the course of this.

[0060] The cleaning robot 5 further comprises a cleaning unit 26, which is suitable for applying the cleaning fluid to the walls 38, the loading space floor 39, the loading space ceiling 40, and the doors 55 of the means of transport 2. For this purpose, the cleaning unit 26 comprises a plurality of cleaning nozzles 33, which are distributed on the frame 24. The cleaning nozzles 33 are each directed to the sides or upwards and downwards at a front end of the cleaning robot 5 in order to apply the cleaning fluid to the respective corresponding surfaces of the loading space 3. In order to change the orientation of the cleaning nozzles 33 during a cleaning process, in the example shown, a plurality of cleaning nozzles 33 are arranged on elongated nozzle bars 36, wherein the nozzle bars 36 are each pivotably mounted about a longitudinal axis 34. In the example shown, a nozzle bar 36 is assigned to each direction.In this way, it is possible, for example, to operate the cleaning nozzles 33 in a first orientation relative to the walls 38, the loading space floor 39, and the loading space ceiling 40 during a forward movement of the cleaning robot 5 in the main direction 32. After reaching an end wall 51 of the means of transport 2, the drive direction of the. Crawler tracks 31 are reversed, so that the cleaning robot 5 then moves backward, opposite to the main direction 32, back toward the platform 7. To remove previously detached contaminants from the loading space 3, the nozzle bars 36 are pivoted about their respective longitudinal axes 34 before the start of the backward movement, so that the cleaning nozzles 33 are now directed "backward." In this way, the continued operation of the cleaning nozzles 33, i.e., the spraying of the cleaning fluid, results in the contaminants being flushed out of the loading space 3 in the direction of the platform 7.

[0061] The application of the cleaning fluid by means of the cleaning nozzles 33 is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 by means of spray cones 41. The adjustment of the nozzle bars 36 is motorized in the example shown, with each nozzle bar 36 being assigned an electric drive. The adjustability of the nozzle bars 36 – and thus the application direction of the cleaning nozzles 33 – is also advantageous for the targeted removal of localized soiling or dirt spots. This is due to the fact that such dirty spots can be sprayed with the cleaning fluid from different directions, whereby the respective dirty spot can be literally "scraped" off the respective surface according to the principle of a high-pressure cleaner. Thus, by changing the application direction of the cleaning fluid, a particularly high cleaning performance can be achieved.

[0062] Furthermore, the cleaning unit 26 comprises a plurality of valves (not shown in the figures) by means of which the supply of cleaning fluid to the individual nozzle bars 36 can be adjusted. The valves can be used both to throttle the flow rate of cleaning fluid and to completely shut off one or more nozzle bars 36. In this way, it is possible to apply cleaning fluid specifically to specific locations in the cargo space 3, for example, in the presence of heavy soiling on the surface of a wall 38 of the means of transport 2, which is not present in the same form on other walls 38.

[0063] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if an upper, transversely extending nozzle bar 50, which results from Figure 8, is moved downwards along the frame 24 after reaching the end wall 51 of the transport means 2 and before reversing the direction of travel of the cleaning robot 5. In this way, it is possible to apply cleaning fluid to the end wall 51 by means of cleaning nozzles 33, which are arranged on the said nozzle bar 50, and thereby also to clean it. Accordingly, the cleaning robot 5 is designed such that the said nozzle bar 50 extends vertically along of the frame 24, for example, by means of a rotationally drivable threaded rod. Before the cleaning robot 5 begins to reverse, the nozzle bar 36 is moved upwards again so that it can continue to clean the load compartment ceiling 40 during the reverse movement. To change the orientation of the cleaning nozzles 33, which are arranged on the transversely extending nozzle bar 50, the latter interacts in the manner described above with an electric drive, by means of which the nozzle bar 50 can be pivoted about its longitudinal axis 34. As a result, the cleaning nozzles 33 can be aligned with the end wall 51, at least during the downward movement of the nozzle bar 50.

[0064] In the example shown, the cleaning robot 5 further comprises a control box 37, which can in particular accommodate a control unit 6. This is particularly advantageous if, in one embodiment, the control unit 6, which in the example shown is arranged on the support frame 4 or the garage 8, is arranged locally on the cleaning robot 5. Furthermore, the control box 37 can comprise additional switching devices for the local control of the cleaning robot 5.

[0065] The cleaning robot 5 further comprises a sensor device 27 which comprises a plurality of sensors 28. In particular, a plurality of the sensors 28 are formed by distance sensors 29, wherein in the example shown, two distance sensors 29 are arranged on each of the crawler tracks 31. This is particularly clear from Figure 6. The distance sensors 29 can, for example, also be arranged laterally on the frame 24. The aforementioned distance sensors 29 serve to detect a lateral distance of the cleaning robot 5 to the lateral walls 38 of the means of transport 2, i.e. both to the left side and to the right side of the cleaning robot 5. The distance sensors 29 are formed here by ultrasonic sensors. By determining the distances of the cleaning robot 5 to both sides relative to the lateral walls 38 of the means of transport 2, it is possible to align the cleaning robot 5 orthe main direction 32 of the cleaning robot 5 relative to a longitudinal axis of the loading space 3. For this purpose, the information acquired by the distance sensors 29 is sent to the data processing device and processed by the latter. For the travel of the cleaning robot 5 during a cleaning process of the loading space 3, it must be ruled out that the cleaning robot 5 comes into contact with the walls 38 of the means of transport 2, in particular that it collides with them. Therefore, the orientation of the main direction 32 relative to the longitudinal axis of the loading space 3 is important.

[0066] The information acquired by the distance sensors 29 is used to determine the orientation of the cleaning robot 5 within the loading space 3 and to correct it if necessary. Such a correction requires a rotation of the cleaning robot 5 about its vertical axis 35. To accomplish this, the information acquired by the distance sensors 29 is processed by the data processing device in the manner described above, and the chassis 25 is then controlled by the data processing device (here indirectly via the control unit 6) so that the crawler tracks 31 of the crawler track 25 of the cleaning robot 5 are operated asynchronously. For example, it is conceivable that only one of the crawler tracks 31 is driven while the other crawler track 31 remains stationary. It is also conceivable that the crawler tracks 31 are temporarily operated in opposite directions or at different speeds in the same direction.These and other conceivable concepts lead to a desired rotation of the cleaning robot 5 about the vertical axis 35 and thus to a change in the main direction 32 in which the cleaning robot 5 travels during synchronous operation of the crawler tracks 31. In this way, the cleaning robot 5 can be aligned particularly easily within the loading space 3 so that its travel during a cleaning process runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the loading space 3. A continuous check of the distances of the cleaning robot 5 to the lateral walls 38 is conceivable, wherein a correction of the main direction 32 can be carried out repeatedly in the manner described. This makes it possible to align the cleaning robot 5 within the loading space 3 without having to establish physical contact with the lateral walls 38.Furthermore, it is particularly easy to position the cleaning robot 5 at least substantially centrally between the lateral walls 38 of the transport means 2, so that the lateral distances of the cleaning robot 5 from the walls 38 on both sides are at least substantially equal.

[0067] Furthermore, the sensor device 27 comprises further sensors 28, which are formed by distance sensors 29, but are not shown separately in the figures. In particular, a distance sensor 29 is arranged on a front side of the cleaning robot 5 and oriented in the main direction 32, so that a distance of the cleaning robot 5 to an obstacle located in the main direction 32 of the cleaning robot 5 can be detected. In this way, the cleaning robot 5 can be positioned particularly easily relative to the front end wall 51 of the transport means 2, wherein the cleaning robot 5 can be stopped in good time before a collision with the end wall 51. Likewise, the sensor device 27 has a distance sensor 29 oriented in the rear direction of the cleaning robot 5, which is also in not shown separately in the figures. This can be particularly advantageous for assuming the parking position within the garage 8, whereby the distance of the cleaning robot 5 from the rear side wall 16 of the garage 8 can be detected.

[0068] Furthermore, in the example shown, the sensor device 27 comprises a further sensor 28, which here is formed by a combined temperature and humidity sensor. Using this sensor 28, it is possible to record information about the temperature prevailing in the cargo space 3 during a cleaning process, as well as the existing air humidity. This information is processed, in particular by means of the data processing device of the control unit 6, so that at least one operating parameter of the cleaning robot 5 can be changed depending on the recorded information. The recorded information can also be used to monitor the cleaning itself and thus ensure and document the quality of the cleaning. Corresponding data can be documented, for example, as part of the cleaning certificate described above.

[0069] Additional sensors 28 can, for example, be formed by a pressure sensor or a flow sensor, by means of which information concerning the cleaning fluid can be detected. This makes it possible to determine the flow rate of cleaning fluid being applied, for example, at a nozzle bar 36 or the pressure at which cleaning fluid is sprayed by means of the cleaning nozzles 33. This information can be used in control technology to modify the control of the cleaning robot 5 and to influence the aforementioned operating parameters accordingly. Likewise, malfunctions in the fluid supply 9 can be detected; for example, a sudden drop in the pressure or flow rate of the cleaning fluid can provide an indication of such a malfunction.

[0070] After the cleaning fluid has been successfully applied by means of the cleaning unit 26, it is conceivable that the cargo space 3 is dried at the end of each cleaning. For this purpose, it is conceivable, for example, to apply an air stream, in particular to the cargo space floor 39, and possibly also to the walls 38 and the cargo space ceiling 40, by means of the cleaning nozzles 33 or separate air outlets, whereby any remaining moisture resulting from the application of the cleaning fluid is dried off. List of reference symbols 1 cleaning station 2 means of transport 3 cargo space 4 supporting frames 5 cleaning robots Control unit 7 podium garage 9 Fluid supply 10 collection containers 11 Stand element 12 Uprising Level 13 Underground 14 Floor 15 Roof side wall 17 Interior 18 Room boundary element 19 Liquid tank 20 Liquid tank 21 Liquid tank 22 Pump 23 Liquid line 24 frames 25 chassis 26 Cleaning unit 27 Sensor device 28 Sensor 29 Distance sensor 30 Rand 31 crawler 32 Main direction 33 Cleaning nozzle 34 Longitudinal axis of nozzle bar 35 vertical axis 36 nozzle bar 37 Switch box 38 wall 39 Loading compartment floor 40 Load compartment ceiling 41 spray cones 42 Outdoor area podium 43 space 44 Input device 45 Display device 46 Sensor 47 storage box 48 Signal system 49 Reception facility 50 nozzle bar 51 front wall 52 cable winch 53 Cleaning device 54 Door bracket 55 Door Air treatment facility

Claims

Claims 1. A cleaning station (1) for cleaning a cargo space (3) of a means of transport (2), comprising a rigid support frame (4) for providing a platform (7) above a base (13), a cleaning robot (5), a garage (8) for accommodating the cleaning robot (5), a fluid supply (9) for supplying the cleaning robot (5) with a cleaning fluid, and at least one control unit (6), wherein the support frame (4) comprises at least one stand element (11) by means of which the support frame (4) can be erected in a support plane (12) on the base (13), wherein the garage (8) has an interior space (17) enclosed by a floor (14), a roof (15), and side walls (16), wherein at least one side wall (16) of the garage (8) is at least partially designed in the form of an openable space-delimiting element (18),when in an open position, the cleaning robot (5) can be moved alternately out of the garage (8) and into the garage (8), and when in a closed position, the cleaning robot (5) can be stored in the garage (8) in a manner secured against unauthorized access, wherein the liquid supply (9) comprises at least one liquid tank (20), at least one pump (22), and at least one liquid line (23) that is directly or indirectly connected to the liquid tank (20) and the cleaning robot (5), so that the cleaning liquid stored in the liquid tank (20) can be pumped directly or indirectly by means of the pump (22) through the liquid line (23) to the cleaning robot (5), wherein the control unit (6) is provided and configured to operate the cleaning station (1) according to at least one cleaning program, control, so that the cleaning robot (5) automatically carries out a cleaning process for cleaning the loading space (3). Cleaning station (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the pedestal (7) forms the floor (14) of the garage (8), wherein the pedestal (7) preferably has an outer area (42) outside the garage (8) onto which the cleaning robot (5) can be driven during its movement out of the garage (8). Cleaning station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one sensor (46), preferably a plurality of sensors (46), which is connected to a data processing device in a data-transmitting manner, wherein information detected by means of the sensor (46) can be transmitted to the data processing device, preferably by means of a transmitting / receiving unit.Cleaning station (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one sensor (46) is formed by an optical sensor, in particular a camera. Cleaning station (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the data processing device is provided and configured to process the acquired information and to adjust at least one operating parameter of the cleaning robot (5) directly or indirectly, preferably using the control unit (6), depending on the processed information. Cleaning station (1) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that at least one identification feature of the means of transport (2) whose loading space (3) is to be cleaned can be detected by means of at least one sensor (46), and the information acquired in this way can be transmitted to the data processing device, by means of which the information can be processed and the means of transport (2) can thereby be identified.Cleaning station (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that a height level of a loading space floor (39) of the loading space (3) which is to be cleaned can be detected by means of at least one sensor (46), wherein preferably by means of a signaling system (48) a. Drivers of the respective means of transport (2) can give signals concerning a height difference of the loading space floor (39) relative to the platform (7).

8. Cleaning station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a collecting device (49) which is arranged at a height level below a driving plane of the platform (7) on which the cleaning robot (5) can travel, wherein cleaning liquid which has been discharged by the cleaning robot (5) can be collected by means of the collecting device (49).

9. Cleaning station (1) according to claim 8, characterized by a processing device (56) by means of which cleaning liquid collected by means of the collecting device (49) can be processed in such a way, in particular using at least one filter, that the cleaning liquid is suitable for at least partial use in at least one further cleaning process following the processing.

10. Cleaning station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid supply (9) has at least two liquid tanks (19, 21), wherein preferably the first liquid tank (19) is formed by a water tank for holding fresh water and the further liquid tank (21) is formed by a cleaning agent tank for holding a cleaning agent.

11. Cleaning station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one door holder (54), by means of which at least one door (55), preferably two doors (55), of the respective transport means (2) can be locked in a defined open position, wherein preferably the at least one door (55) can be locked in the defined open position in an opening angle range between 80° and 110°, preferably between 85° and 100°.

12. Cleaning station (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the door holder (54) is formed laterally on the support frame (4) so ​​that the at least one door (55) of the respective transport means (2) can be locked laterally on the platform (7).

13. Cleaning station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cable winch (52) which has a bearing roller comprises a rollable or rolled-up traction cable, wherein an end of the traction cable facing away from the bearing roller is or can be connected to the cleaning robot (5) so that the cleaning robot (5) can be pulled in the direction of the bearing roller by starting up the cable winch (52).

14. Cleaning station (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cleaning device (53) arranged in the interior (17) of the garage (8), by means of which the cleaning robot (5) can be cleaned at least when it assumes a parking position in the interior (17), wherein the cleaning device (53) has at least one cleaning nozzle by means of which cleaning fluid can be sprayed onto the cleaning robot (5).

15. Cleaning station (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the cleaning direction is arranged on the roof (15) of the garage (8), so that the cleaning robot (5) can be sprayed with cleaning fluid from above when in the parking position.

Images