Base station for an automatic floor wiper

Abstract

A base station (110) for an automatic floor wiper (105) comprises a ramp (150) with a drive-on edge (155) over which the floor wiper (105) can drive from the floor (115) onto the ramp (150); and a movable floor protection element (170) that can be extended from the base station (110) in the area of ​​the drive-on edge (155). The floor protection element (170) can be moved into a first position in which it covers a floor section (165) located in front of the drive-on edge (155), or into a second position in which it releases the floor section (165).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a base station for an automatic floor mop. In particular, the invention relates to a base station for a floor mop for the wet cleaning of a floor surface.

[0002] An automatic floor cleaner is designed to move autonomously across a household floor surface, cleaning it as it goes. Cleaning is achieved using a typically water-based solution, which can be applied to the floor surface using a brush or a microfiber pad. After a cleaning cycle, the pad may still contain residual moisture, which dries over time. If the floor cleaner remains stationary, this moisture can damage the floor surface. Wooden floors, such as laminate or parquet, are particularly sensitive to standing moisture. If the floor cleaner is placed in a base station between cleaning cycles, the same section of the floor can be repeatedly exposed to moisture, potentially leading to gradual damage.

[0003] WO 2019 / 007 377 A1 proposes a base station for a floor mop in which a protective plate prevents liquid from the mop onto the floor surface. The protective plate can be manually folded upwards to allow cleaning of the floor area underneath.

[0004] CN 2 17 645 152 U proposes a similar base station where a protective plate can be manually plugged into a base station.

[0005] One of the problems underlying the present invention is to provide an improved base station for a floor mop that can prevent moisture damage to a floor surface and improve the cleaning of the floor surface by the floor mop. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a base station for an automatic floor wiper comprises a ramp with an approach edge over which the floor wiper can drive from the floor onto the ramp; and a movable floor protection element that can be extended from the base station in the area of ​​the approach edge. The floor protection element can be moved into a first position in which it covers a section of the floor located in front of the approach edge, or into a second position in which it releases the floor section.

[0007] The floor protection element can be extended into the first position when the floor mop is on the ramp. The floor protection element covers the floor section, thus protecting it, in particular, from moisture. When the floor mop moves off the ramp, the floor protection element can be moved into the second position, allowing the floor mop access to the previously covered floor section for cleaning. It is preferred that the movement of the floor protection element between the first and second positions is automatically controlled when the floor mop moves onto or off the ramp. The floor protection element can always be kept out of sight, preventing users from tripping over it. Furthermore, the overall aesthetic appearance of the base station, with or without the floor mop, can be improved.

[0008] The ramp is preferably designed such that a predetermined section of the floor mop, once it has driven onto the ramp, projects beyond the ramp edge. For this purpose, the section of the ramp accessible to the floor mop can be shorter than the mop itself. With respect to the direction of travel when driving onto the ramp, the device section can be located at the rear of the floor mop. Once the floor mop has fully driven onto the ramp, the device section can hover above the floor section. Preferably, a cleaning element for wet cleaning the floor is located in the area of ​​the device section. This cleaning element can, for example, comprise a cloth, a mop pad, a sponge, a fleece, a brush, or a moistening nozzle.During a wet cleaning process, the cleaning element can accumulate liquid with the mop, which can keep the floor area beneath the device damp while the mop is on the ramp. The mop's resting position allows the cleaning element to be well-ventilated and dry quickly.

[0009] The floor protection element is preferably positioned between the machine section and the floor section. This allows the floor section to be separated from moisture at the machine section. A further preferred advantage is a predetermined distance between the floor protection element and the machine section to improve drying. Optionally, some convection can also be allowed between the floor and the floor protection element to prevent persistent moisture in this area, for example, when the floor mop wet-cleans the floor section and then moves onto the ramp shortly afterward.

[0010] The floor protection element is preferably designed to keep liquid dripping from the floor mop away from the floor. In its first position, the floor protection element can form a kind of tray that prevents liquid dripping from the mop head onto the floor protection element from running onto the floor. Optionally, the floor protection element can be designed to absorb or bind at least a predetermined amount of liquid. For this purpose, the floor protection element can, for example, be designed as a tray, have an absorbent fabric, or a capillary structure. It is usually sufficient if the floor protection element can absorb an amount of liquid approximately equivalent to the volume of a teaspoon or a tablespoon. Moisture on the floor protection element can be removed by natural evaporation.

[0011] It is further preferred that the base station includes a drive for the floor protection element. In one embodiment, the drive comprises a drive motor, for example an electric motor, to move the floor protection element into the first or second position. The electric motor can be controlled by a control device of the base station. In a particularly preferred embodiment, however, the base station does not include a drive motor, and the drive is configured to be actuated by a drive wheel of the floor wiper while the floor wiper is in a predetermined position on the ramp.

[0012] In this way, the drive mechanism of the floor mop can be put to an additional use. The movement of the floor mop and the floor protection element can be automatically synchronized more effectively. The base station can be manufactured more cost-effectively, and the control can be handled by the floor mop itself, which may be better suited for this purpose.

[0013] A recess for the drive wheel can be formed on the upper surface of the ramp. The drive mechanism can then include an actuating wheel attached to the recess for engagement with the drive wheel. A force-fit between the drive wheel and the actuating wheel can be established due to the weight of the floor wiper, which presses the drive wheel into the recess. This allows the floor wiper to be fixed in the predetermined position on the ramp. The precisely known position can be used to establish a connection between the base station and the floor wiper. This connection can be, for example, electrical, to charge the floor wiper's energy storage device, or hydraulic, to fill or empty the floor wiper's fluid tank.

[0014] It is further preferred that the actuating mechanism can only be moved between the two predetermined positions of the ground protection element. Stops can prevent movement beyond one of these positions. The actuating wheel can only be moved in the direction of the other position when in one of the predetermined positions.

[0015] If the floor wiper travels up the ramp until its drive wheel engages with the actuating wheel, it may be prevented from traveling further up the ramp by a mechanical stop. The positive connection between the drive wheel and the ramp may be broken. By continuing to drive the drive wheel, the actuating element can be driven to move the floor guard from the second to the first position. The floor wiper can determine when the floor guard engages in the recess by establishing a connection, particularly an electrical connection, to the base station. The drive wheel can then be driven a predetermined angle or a predetermined number of revolutions to move the floor guard into the first position.If the safety element is in the first position, the drive can lock, which the floor mop can detect, for example, by an increased current draw from the drive wheel's motor. The drive wheel can then be switched off.

[0016] To exit the ramp, the floor wiper can rotate its drive wheel in the opposite direction. The drive can use this rotational movement to retract the floor guard into the ramp. Once the floor guard reaches its second position, the drive can lock. By continuing to rotate the drive wheel against the now stationary actuating wheel, the floor wiper can exit the ramp under its own power.

[0017] The drive system can include a gear drive, such as a spur gear drive or a traction drive. Any desired gear ratio (over- or under-ratio) can be incorporated. The gear drive comprises the actuating wheel and a torque-coupled engagement wheel for engaging the ground protection element. The combination of engagement wheel and ground protection element can convert a rotary motion into a translational motion.

[0018] The drive can include a toothed connection to the drive wheel. The toothed connection can include a positive-locking engagement contour that can be brought into positive engagement with a corresponding contour of the drive wheel. The drive wheel can engage with the toothed connection in the manner of a gear. In one embodiment, the toothed connection is provided directly between the drive wheel and the ground protection element. A positive-locking engagement can be achieved by means of the toothed connection, which allows for the reliable transmission of an actuating force from the drive wheel. Typically, two laterally offset drive wheels are used, each of which can engage with a corresponding element of the drive or the ground protection element. This ensures that the ground protection element is retracted or extended straight.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment, a friction-fit connection can be provided between the drive wheel and the drive. Power from the drive wheel can be transmitted to the drive, in particular by means of friction.

[0020] The floor protection element can be slidably mounted on the top of the ramp. In this case, the technique described herein can be very simple, whereby the drive wheel of the floor wiper acts directly on the floor protection element to extend or retract it between the first and second positions.

[0021] This embodiment, especially in conjunction with a toothed mechanism, can enable robust and reliable actuation.

[0022] The floor protection element is typically rigid and can also be designed to extend the ramp when extended, thus facilitating access for the floor mop. In another embodiment, however, the floor protection element is flexible. For example, the floor protection element can comprise a film that can be deformed from a flat shape. The film can have an engagement contour into which a gear, spiked roller, or similar drive element can engage. Such an engagement contour can, for example, include a series of holes into which a type of gear can engage. The film can be stored compactly in the base station. Alternatively, the film can be driven by friction. The floor protection element can be flat in the first position and deformable from a flat to another shape in the second position, thus enabling particularly space-saving storage.

[0023] In this embodiment, the drive can include a drum onto which the floor protection element can be wound. The drive can be configured to unwind the floor protection element from the drum to move it into the first position, or to wind it onto the drum to move it into the second position.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a floor wiper comprises a platform that can move autonomously on a floor; a wiping element attached to a predetermined section of the floor wiper; a drive wheel for moving the floor wiper across the floor; and a control device. The control device is configured to move the floor wiper from the floor onto a ramp of a base station, such that the section of the device with the wiping element extends beyond an edge of the ramp.

[0025] When driving onto the ramp, the wiping element is preferably positioned behind the drive wheel. However, the center of gravity of the floor mop can be located in front of the drive wheel, allowing the rear section of the unit to hover above the ground once the floor mop has driven onto the ramp.

[0026] The floor mop can also be configured to be serviced at its base station. This service may include, in particular, recharging an electrical energy storage device, emptying a dirt container, replacing or cleaning a filter, emptying or filling a tank, or performing other or additional maintenance tasks.

[0027] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a system comprises a base station and a floor mop as described herein. The devices are preferably coordinated such that they can interact with each other in the manner described herein.

[0028] The control device may be configured to execute a method described herein, either partially or completely. For this purpose, the control device may include an electronically implemented processing unit, such as a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller. The method may be in the form of a computer program product containing program code. The computer program product may also be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method may be transferred to the control device and vice versa.

[0029] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1: A system with a floor mop and a base station; Figure 2: A base station with the floor protection element extended; Figure 3: A base station with the floor protection element retracted; Figure 4: A schematic longitudinal section through a system; Figure 5: A schematic longitudinal section through a system in a further embodiment; represent.

[0030] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a system 100 with a floor mop 105 and a base station 110. In the illustrated configuration, both the floor mop 105 and the base station 110 are located on a floor 115. The floor 115 can be part of a household, and the devices 105 and 110 are preferably household appliances.

[0031] The floor mop 105 is designed to move across the floor 115 and clean it with a damp cloth. For movement, the floor mop 105 includes a drive wheel 120. A cleaning element 130 is provided on a section 125 of the device for cleaning the floor surface. In the illustrated configuration, the device section 125 is located behind the drive wheel 120 in the direction of travel towards the base station 110. The cleaning element 130 is designed to be moistened with a liquid to clean the floor 115. The cleaning element 130 can, for example, consist of a fleece or a cleaning pad. The cleaning element 130 can be moistened with liquid from a tank carried on the device.

[0032] The base station 110 comprises a ramp 150 that adjoins the floor 115 along a ramp edge 155. The floor wiper 105 can drive onto the ramp 150 by traveling over the ramp edge 155. Preferably, the floor wiper 105 is configured to assume a predetermined position on the ramp 150 for maintenance by the base station 110. Maintenance may include, in particular, fluid exchange, dirt removal, or recharging of the floor wiper 105's energy storage device. To facilitate finding and maintaining the predetermined position, the ramp 150 may be designed such that the floor wiper 105 engages positively with a corresponding contour. In particular, a recess 160 for receiving the drive wheel 120 is preferably provided on the upper surface of the ramp 150. The illustrated floor wiper 105 includes two drive wheels 120, so that two recesses 160 are also provided in the ramp 150.Another recess can, for example, accommodate a bristle roller of the floor wiper 105 in a fluid form.

[0033] In the predetermined position, the device section 125 can extend beyond the ramp 150 or the approach edge 155. The device section 125 with the cleaning element 130 can then be located above a floor section 165 that lies in front of the approach edge 155.

[0034] It is proposed to provide a floor protection element 170 at ramp 150, which can be extended from the base station 110 to lie vertically between the device section 125 with the cleaning element 130 and the floor section 165 when the floor wiper 105 has reached the predetermined position at the base station 110. It is also proposed that the floor protection element 170 retracts into the ramp 150 of the base station 110 when the floor wiper 105 leaves the predetermined position and travels over the approach edge 155 from the ramp 150 onto the floor 115.

[0035] Figures 2 and 3 The base station 110 is shown without the floor mop 105. In Figure 2 The ground protection element 170 is in a first position in which it lies on or above the ground section 165. In the illustrated embodiment, the ground protection element 170 is essentially formed by a flat plate.

[0036] A drive 205 for moving the ground protection element 170 above or below the approach edge 155 preferably comprises an actuating wheel 210, which is configured to be actuated by the drive wheel 120 when the latter is in the recess 160. In the illustrated embodiment, an engagement contour similar to a gear can be seen on the actuating wheel 210, which can engage with a corresponding engagement contour on the drive wheel 120. Instead of such a positive-locking coupling, force transmission by means of frictional engagement can also be provided.

[0037] In the representation of Figure 3 The floor protection element 170 is in a second position. In this position, the floor protection element 170 is retracted relative to the approach edge 155 in the direction of the base station 110. Floor section 165 is cleared, allowing the floor wiper 105 to also drive over and, in particular, clean floor section 165.

[0038] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a system 100 in a further embodiment. The floor wiper 105 is located on the ramp 150. The floor protection element 170 is extended in its first position and lies vertically between the floor section 165 and the device section 125 with the cleaning element 130 of the floor wiper 105. A contact 405 allows electrical energy to be transferred from the base station 110 to the floor wiper 105; optionally, data can also be transmitted electrically. The contact 405 is preferably closed when the floor wiper 105 reaches its predetermined position on the ramp 150. Figure 4 Contact 405 is located, for example, in the area of ​​depression 160, but it can also be located elsewhere.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the floor protection element 170 is attached to the upper side of the ramp 150. The drive wheel 120 of the floor wiper 105 comprises a gear-type engagement geometry. Correspondingly, the floor protection element 170 comprises a rack-type engagement geometry. By driving the drive wheel 120, the floor protection element 170 can be extended into or out of the ramp 150. The extension of the floor protection element 170 can begin when, after the floor wiper 105 has moved onto the ramp 150 of the base station 110, the drive wheel 120 engages with the floor protection element 170. This can occur when the floor wiper 105 engages in one of the recesses 160. Simultaneously, the contact 405 can be closed. The closing of contact 405 can be detected by a control device 410 on board the floor wiper 105.The ground protection element 170 can be extended into the first position by rotating the drive wheel 120 by a predetermined angle after the contact has closed. To exit the ramp 150, the drive wheel 120 can be rotated by a corresponding angle in the opposite direction.

[0040] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a system 100 in a further embodiment. The floor wiper 105 is located on the ramp 150 of the base station 110, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 .

[0041] The floor protection element 170 is designed to be flexible and can, for example, be made of a film. The drive 205 comprises a drum 505, which is configured to roll the floor protection element 170 up or down. The drive 205 can be driven, as before, by a drive wheel 120 of the floor wiper 105.

[0042] When the floor protection element 170 is unwound from the drum 505, it can slide along the floor 115 beyond the ramp edge 155 and vertically between the device section 125 with the cleaning element 130 and the floor section 165 of the floor 115. When the drum 505 is rotated to wind up the floor protection element 170, it can be retracted into the base station 110, thus releasing the floor section 165. This position of the floor protection element 170 is located in an upper left area of Figure 5 presented as an alternative detail. Reference sign

[0043] 100 System 105 Floor mop 110 Base station 115 Floor 120 Drive wheel 125 Device section 130 Cleaning element 150 Ramp 155 Access edge 160 Recess 165 Floor section 170 Floor protection element 205 Drive 210 Actuating wheel 405 Contact 410 Control device 505 drum

Claims

1. Base station (110) for an automatic floor wiper (105), the base station (110) comprising the following elements: - a ramp (150) with a drive-on edge (155) over which the floor wiper (105) can drive from the floor (115) onto the ramp (150); - a movable floor protection element (170) which can be extended from the base station (110) in the area of ​​the drive-on edge (155); - wherein the floor protection element (170) can be moved into a first position in which it covers a floor section (165) located in front of the drive-on edge (155), - or into a second position in which it releases the floor section (165).

2. Base station (110) according to claim 1, wherein the ramp (150) is designed such that a predetermined device section (125) of the floor wiper (105) driven onto the ramp (150) protrudes beyond the approach edge (155).

3. Base station (110) according to claim 2, wherein the ground protection element (170) is located in the first position between the device section (125) and the ground section (165).

4. Base station (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor protection element (170) is configured to keep any liquid dripping from the floor wiper (105) away from the floor (115).

5. Base station (110) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive (205) for the floor protection element (170); wherein the drive (205) is configured to be actuated by a drive wheel (120) of the floor wiper (105) while the floor wiper (105) is in a predetermined position on the ramp (150).

6. Base station (110) according to claim 5, wherein a recess (160) for receiving the drive wheel (120) is formed on an upper surface of the ramp (150); and the drive (205) comprises an actuating wheel (210) attached to the recess (160) for engaging with the drive wheel (120).

7. Base station (110) according to claim 6, wherein the actuating mechanism can only be moved between the two predetermined positions of the ground protection element (170), so that the actuating wheel (210) can only be moved in the direction of the other position in one of the predetermined positions.

8. Base station (110) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the drive (205) comprises a wheel drive; wherein the wheel drive comprises the actuating wheel (210) and a torque-locking engagement wheel for engagement with the ground protection element (170).

9. Base station (110) according to one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the drive (205) comprises a toothing for the drive wheel (120).

10. Base station (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground protection element (170) is slidably attached to the top of the ramp (150).

11. Base station (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground protection element (170) is flexible.

12. Base station (110) according to claim 11, wherein the drive (205) comprises a drum (505) onto which the floor protection element (170) can be wound.

13. Floor wiper (105), comprising: - a platform capable of autonomous movement on a floor (115); - a wiping element (130) attached to a predetermined device section (125) of the floor wiper (105); - a drive wheel (120) for moving the floor wiper (105) across the floor (115); and - a control device (410) configured to move the floor wiper (105) from the floor (115) onto a ramp (150) of a base station (110), such that the device section (125) with the wiping element (130) extends beyond a ramp edge (155) of the ramp (150).

14. System (100) comprising a base station (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a floor wiper (105) according to claim 13.

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