Surface treatment system

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface treatment system for treating, in particular for cleaning, a surface, in particular a floor surface, the surface treatment system comprising: a surface treatment device having a base part which is designed to act on the surface to be treated, and having a guide part, in particular an elongated guide part, which is detachably connected to the base part and is designed to manually move the base part over the surface to be treated; and a robot device which can be detachably connected to the base part of the surface treatment device and is designed to autonomously move the base part over the surface to be treated, wherein the surface treatment system can be switched between an autonomous use configuration and a manual use configuration, wherein, in the autonomous use configuration, the guide part is detached from the base part and the robot device is detachably connected to the base part in order to allow autonomous movement of the base part over the surface to be treated, and wherein, in the manual use configuration, the robot device is detached from the surface treatment device in order to allow the guide part to manually move the base part over the surface to be treated.

Description

[0001] Area treatment system

[0002] The invention relates to a surface treatment system for treating a surface, in particular for cleaning a floor surface.

[0003] A surface treatment device is known from DE 10 2013 215 198 A1. The known surface treatment device is intended for treating a floor surface and comprises a base part and an elongated guide part. The base part is designed to act on the surface to be treated. The elongated guide part is connected to the base part and is designed for manual movement of the base part over the floor surface to be treated. The known surface treatment device is designed exclusively for manual use.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a surface treatment system that offers advantages over the prior art.

[0005] This object is achieved by providing a surface treatment system having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims. The wording of the claims is incorporated into the description by reference.

[0006] The surface treatment system according to the invention comprises a surface treatment device and a robot device. The surface treatment device has a base part and a guide part. The base part is designed to act on the surface to be treated. The guide part is detachably connected to the base part and designed for manual movement of the base part over the surface to be treated. The robot device is detachably connectable to the base part of the surface treatment device. The robot device is designed for autonomous movement of the base part over the surface to be treated. The surface treatment system according to the invention can be converted between an autonomous use configuration and a manual use configuration. In the autonomous use configuration, the guide part is separated from the base part and the robot device is detachably connected to the base part. In the manual

[0007] In the usage configuration, the robot device is separated from the base part and the guide part is / remains detachably connected to the base part. The autonomous

[0008] The usage configuration enables autonomous movement of the base part (and the robot device connected thereto) over the area to be treated, in particular autonomous treatment of the area. The manual usage configuration instead provides for manual movement of the base part by means of the guide part over the area to be treated. The area treatment system according to the invention can therefore be used in a manner adapted to a specific treatment situation. For example, smaller areas and / or areas unsuitable for autonomous treatment can be treated in the manual usage configuration of the area treatment system. Larger areas and / or areas unsuitable for manual treatment can be treated in the autonomous usage configuration of the area treatment system.Depending on the dimensions of the guide part and the robot device, the surface treatment system has more compact dimensions in the autonomous use configuration than in the manual use configuration, or vice versa. If the robot device has compact dimensions compared to the guide part, even those areas of the surface that are inaccessible or difficult to reach with the connected guide part (in the manual use configuration) can be treated in the autonomous use configuration. If the guide part has compact dimensions compared to the robot device, even those areas of the surface that are inaccessible or difficult to reach with the connected robot device (in the autonomous use configuration) can be treated in the manual use configuration.The ability to use one and the same surface treatment system for both autonomous and manual treatment eliminates the need for two separate surface treatment devices—a manual / hand-held surface treatment device and an autonomous surface treatment device. This saves equipment costs. Time and / or personnel can also be saved. The solution according to the invention is also sustainable and allows for overall cost reduction.

[0009] The surface treatment system according to the invention is designed to treat a surface. The surface treatment system is preferably used to clean a floor surface, preferably a floor surface in a building.

[0010] The base part is designed to act on the surface to be treated. During use, i.e., both in the manual use configuration and in the autonomous use configuration, the base part preferably rests against the surface to be treated. In particular, the base part rests on the floor surface to be treated / cleaned. The base part can also be referred to as a treatment head. The guide part serves to manually move the base part. For this purpose, the guide part is detachably connectable to the base part (in the autonomous use configuration) or detachably connected (in the manual use configuration). In one embodiment, the guide part is rigidly connected to the base part. In a further embodiment, the guide part is connected to the base part so that it can be moved relative to the base part, preferably so that it can rotate and / or pivot.The guide part is detachably connected to the base part and thus replaceable with the robot device. The detachable connection between the guide part and the base part can be designed in any way suitable for the present purpose. The guide part can also be referred to as a hand-guided part. The guide part is preferably elongated. More preferably, the guide part is elongated between a first end and a second end. Preferably, the first end is configured for connection, in particular directly or indirectly, to the base part. Preferably, the second end is configured for handling by an operator.

[0011] The robot device is configured to autonomously move the base part over the area to be treated. In one embodiment, the robot device is configured to drive the autonomous movement. In one embodiment, the robot device is alternatively or additionally configured to steer the autonomous movement. In one embodiment, the robot device is alternatively or additionally configured to control, in particular the autonomous movement driven and / or steered by means of the base part. In a further embodiment, the robot device is alternatively or additionally configured to control and / or switch at least one function, in particular a treatment function, of the area treatment system and / or the base part. Autonomous means in particular independent, automatic and / or without control, in particular of the speed and / or direction, of the movement by an operator.Autonomous surface treatment devices are already known to those skilled in the art in the form of robot vacuum cleaners or robot mops. A specific device of the robot device for autonomously moving the base part is preferably based on technologies known from these fields and is therefore not the focus of the present invention. In the autonomous use configuration, the robot device is detachably connected to the base part. The detachable connection of the robot device to the base part preferably comprises at least one mechanical operative connection. Alternatively or in addition to the mechanical operative connection, said connection can comprise at least one electrical, fluid-conducting, signaling, and / or data-related operative connection between the robot device and the base part and / or between the robot device and the guide part.In one embodiment, the robot device is configured to autonomously form and / or release the detachable connection with the base part. In other words, this embodiment allows the robot device to be coupled to the base part and / or uncoupled from the base part without the intervention of an operator.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the base part has a tool device with at least one driven tool for acting on the surface to be treated. In one embodiment, the base part has a drive device for generating propulsion that supports or effects the manual movement and / or the autonomous movement of the base part. The drive device preferably has a drive motor, for example in the form of an electric motor. Preferably, the drive device has at least one drive element, for example a drive wheel, a drive roller or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one driven tool is designed to generate said propulsion when driven. The at least one tool can be designed in one part or in multiple parts. Preferably, the tool device and / or the at least one tool is removable from the base part.The tool device is designed differently in different embodiments, for example as a grinding, polishing or scouring device. The at least one driven tool can in particular be a grinding, polishing or scouring tool. In the driven state, the tool moves relative to the base part, wherein in particular a translational, rotating, oscillating, oscillating and / or eccentric driven movement can be provided. In one embodiment, the at least one tool is a roller with an outer circumferential surface for acting on the surface to be treated. In a further embodiment, the tool is plate-shaped, in particular a plate tool, with an end face for acting on the surface to be treated.In different embodiments, the end face and / or the plate tool have different contours, in particular a round, preferably circular, oval, angular, polygonal, preferably rectangular, star-shaped, or other contour. In one embodiment, the at least one tool, in particular its end face, is driven and movable relative to the base part such that a section of the surface to be treated swept over by the tool, in particular its end face, moved relative to the base part has a round, preferably circular, oval, angular, polygonal, preferably rectangular, star-shaped, or other contour. The said propulsion is generated via the driven movement of the at least one tool. Surface treatment devices with a tool device that have at least one driven tool for generating propulsion are known to the person skilled in the art, for example from the prior art acknowledged at the outset.In one embodiment, the propulsion supports the manual movement of the floor section in the manual usage configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the propulsion supports the autonomous movement of the floor section in the autonomous usage configuration. Depending on the strength of the propulsion, the respective movement can be induced rather than merely supported. This eliminates the need for a separate drive device on the robot in the autonomous usage configuration. This allows for a particularly simple design of the surface treatment system. In the manual usage configuration, the manual movement is simplified by a sufficiently strong propulsion such that only manual steering is required, but no manual driving of the movement.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the tool device comprises two counter-rotating, disc-shaped tools, in particular disc tools. The disc-shaped tools are each driven to rotate relative to the base part about a rotational axis. In one embodiment, the rotational axes of the disc-shaped tools are orthogonal to the surface to be treated and / or parallel to each other. In a further embodiment, the rotational axes are slightly inclined, starting from a parallel orientation. This inclination is, for example, between 0.5° and 5°. The said propulsion can thus be generated in a particularly simple and reliable manner.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device is connected to the tool device in the autonomous use configuration and configured to control the propulsion of the at least one driven tool in order to control the autonomous movement of the base part by controlling the propulsion. This allows a particularly simple structure of the surface treatment system to be achieved. In one embodiment, the robot device is configured to control an amount of propulsion (propulsion force and / or propulsion speed). In a further embodiment, the robot device is alternatively or additionally configured to control a direction of propulsion (propulsion direction). In the former case, a separate drive device for driving the autonomous movement can be dispensed with.In the latter case, a separate steering device for steering the autonomous movement can be dispensed with, alternatively or additionally. The connection provided for control purposes between the robot device and the tool device comprises, in one embodiment, a mechanical operative connection. In a further embodiment, said connection alternatively or additionally comprises a signaling and / or data operative connection. In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface treatment device has a bearing device by means of which the guide part and the base part are connected to one another so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein a direction of the manual movement of the base part can be controlled via a relative movement between the base part and the guide part.In one embodiment, the base part and the guide part are pivotally and / or rotatably connected to one another by means of the bearing device. In this case, the relative movement is a pivoting movement and / or a rotational movement. Preferably, the bearing device is configured such that, by acting on the guide part, the base part can be rotated about its vertical axis parallel to the surface to be treated in order to control the direction of the manual movement. Said action can, in particular, be a rotational movement of the guide part about its longitudinal axis and / or a pivoting movement of the guide part. In one embodiment, the bearing device allows pivoting mobility of the guide part in at least one pivoting plane.In one embodiment, the guide part is pivotable relative to the base part by at least 10°, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, more preferably by at least 90°, more preferably by at least 120°, more preferably by at least 150°, more preferably by at least 180°, within said pivot plane. In a further embodiment, the bearing device allows pivoting mobility of the guide part in at least two, in particular orthogonal, pivot planes. In one embodiment, the guide part is pivotable relative to the base part by at least 10°, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, more preferably by at least 90°, more preferably by at least 120°, more preferably by at least 150°, more preferably by at least 180°, within a first pivot plane of said two pivot planes.In one embodiment, the guide part is pivotable relative to the base part by at least 10°, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, more preferably by at least 90°, more preferably by at least 120°, more preferably by at least 150°, more preferably by at least 180°, within a second pivot plane of said two pivot planes. Preferably, the guide part is pivotable simultaneously at least within the first pivot plane and the second pivot plane, in particular in any angular combinations of the aforementioned angular ranges.In one embodiment, the guide part is pivotable at least in one pivot plane with respect to an imaginary or actually adoptable vertical orientation of the guide part in at least one direction, for example backwards, forwards and / or laterally, by at least 10°, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, more preferably by up to 90°. In a further embodiment, the bearing device allows the guide part to pivot in all directions relative to the base part. Preferably, the guide part is circumferential and pivotable in all directions with respect to an imaginary or actually adoptable vertical orientation of the guide part by at least 10°, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, more preferably by up to 90°.The direction of the manual movement of the base part is preferably controllable via a pivoting and / or rotating movement of the guide part. If no (translational) movement of the base part occurs, the orientation of the base part can be controlled via the pivoting and / or rotating movement.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the bearing device forms a cardanic connection between the guide part and the base part, whereby by rotating the guide part about its longitudinal axis, the base part can be rotated about its vertical axis and in a rotation plane parallel to the surface to be treated, resting on the surface, in order to control the direction of the manual movement of the base part. In one embodiment, the base part is rotatable about its vertical axis by at least 10°, preferably by at least 30°, more preferably by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60°, more preferably by at least 90°, more preferably by at least 120°, more preferably by at least 150°, more preferably by at least 180°, more preferably by at least 210°, more preferably by at least 240°, more preferably by at least 270°, more preferably by at least 300°, more preferably by at least 330°, more preferably by at least 360°.The cardanic connection between the guide part and the base part allows for particularly easy maneuverability of the base part while simultaneously ensuring a simple structure for the bearing device. The cardanic connection allows the base part to be rotated parallel to the surface to be treated by rotating the guide part around its longitudinal axis. In the manual use configuration, the guide part is rotated around its longitudinal axis by the operator. To implement the cardanic connection, the bearing device can be designed in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the bearing device is a cardan joint with two orthogonal joint axes. These joint axes can be formed by structural elements or be axes in the geometric sense. In another embodiment, the cardanic connection is a flexure joint, a spring joint, or the like.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device has a drive device configured to drive the autonomous movement. By equipping the robot device with the drive device, a drive device associated with the surface treatment device can be dispensed with. The surface treatment device can therefore be constructed simply. The drive device preferably has a drive motor and at least one drive element. The drive motor is preferably an electric motor. The at least one drive element is preferably a drive wheel. Alternatively or additionally, a drive roller can be provided as the drive element.In one embodiment, the drive device of the robot device is formed by a tool device with at least one driven tool, wherein the at least one driven tool is configured to act on the surface to be treated and is further configured to generate propulsion in the driven state, which brings about the autonomous movement. The tool device of the robot device can also be referred to as an additional tool device, so that at least one additional tool can also be spoken of. With regard to the design of the drive device as a tool device (additional tool device) and the design of the at least driven tool (additional tool), what has been disclosed regarding the design of the tool device of the base part applies, mutatis mutandis.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device has a steering device configured to steer the autonomous movement. By equipping the robot device with the steering device, a separate steering device on the surface treatment device can be dispensed with. This allows for a simple design of the surface treatment device. If the robot device also has a / the drive device, the steering device is preferably integrated into the drive device, for example in the form of a drive wheel whose orientation can be steered or a drive roller that can be steered. Alternatively or additionally, at least two drive elements, for example drive wheels or drive rollers, that can be driven in different directions of rotation and / or at different speeds, can be provided to steer the movement.If the autonomous movement is driven by a device on the surface treatment device, for example, a tool device equipped with a propulsion function, control of the propulsion direction for steering purposes can be omitted. This allows for a simplified design of the tool device on the base section. Instead, the steering (of the direction) of the autonomous movement is achieved by means of the dedicated steering device on the rotor device. This can, for example, comprise a steerable wheel or a steerable roller.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, a battery device is provided and configured to supply the robot device and / or the surface treatment device with electrical operating energy. The battery device eliminates the need for a wired power supply for the surface treatment system. Eliminating the need for a corresponding electrical cable improves maneuverability and simplifies use of the surface treatment system. In one embodiment, the robot device comprises the battery device. In a further embodiment, the surface treatment device comprises the battery device. In a further embodiment, the battery device is assigned partly to the robot device and partly to the surface treatment device.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the battery device comprises a first battery arranged on the surface treatment device. The first battery serves to supply power to the surface treatment device. In one embodiment, the first battery is attached to the base part and, in the autonomous use configuration, also serves to supply power to the robot device.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the battery device comprises a second battery arranged on the robot device. The second battery serves to supply power to the robot device. In one embodiment, the second battery serves alternatively or additionally to supply power to the base part in the autonomous use configuration. If the surface treatment device has a / the first battery, the second battery can serve as an additional battery or backup battery for the first battery, or vice versa. The first battery can be configured to charge the second battery and / or vice versa.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first battery and second battery can be attached to the robot device and the surface treatment device in an interchangeable manner. In other words, the first battery can be used instead of the second battery, and vice versa. Preferably, the first battery and the second battery have the same dimensions, the same electrical connections, and / or the same technical specifications. In one embodiment, the surface treatment device and the robot device have the same receptacles and / or the same connections for receiving and / or connecting the first battery and the second battery.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, a liquid absorption device is provided and configured to absorb liquid from the surface to be treated. In one embodiment, the surface treatment device comprises the liquid absorption device. In a further embodiment, the robot device comprises the liquid absorption device. In a further embodiment, the liquid absorption device is arranged partially on the surface treatment device and partially on the robot device. The liquid absorption device allows the absorption of liquid, in particular in the form of dirty water, foam, and / or a mixture of liquid and solid components, from the surface to be treated.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the liquid intake device comprises at least one liquid intake, at least one liquid suction source, and / or at least one liquid collection container. The at least one liquid intake is configured to suck in the liquid to be absorbed, the at least one liquid suction source is configured to generate a negative pressure for sucking in the liquid to be absorbed, and the at least one liquid collection container is configured to collect the liquid to be absorbed. The at least one liquid intake, the at least one liquid suction source, and the at least one liquid collection container can each be arranged either on the surface treatment device or on the robot device.Furthermore, it is conceivable and possible for the liquid intake device to have a plurality of liquid intakes, a plurality of liquid suction sources, and / or a plurality of liquid collection containers, wherein in each case one of the aforementioned components can be arranged on the surface treatment device and a further similar component can be arranged on the robot device. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid collection container is attached, preferably removably, to the guide part of the surface treatment device, and a further liquid collection container is attached to the robot device. More preferably, the liquid intake is attached to the base part. In this case, attachment of the liquid intake arranged behind the base part in the direction of movement is preferred. In one embodiment, the liquid suction source is attached to the guide part, preferably at a lower end of the guide part facing the base part.In a further embodiment, the liquid suction source is attached to the base part. In a further embodiment, a further liquid suction source is attached to the robot device. Preferably, components of the liquid intake device that are arranged on the guide part and usable in the manual use configuration are not usable in the autonomous use configuration—due to the then separated guide part—and are functionally replaceable by similar components of the liquid intake device that are attached to the robot device, and vice versa. In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device has at least one component of the liquid intake device.Said component can be the / an additional liquid receptacle, the / an additional liquid suction source, and / or the / an additional liquid collection container. In one embodiment, the component arranged on the robot device is one of several similar components of the liquid receptacle. Preferably, the component arranged on the robot device is connected to at least one additional component of the liquid receptacle arranged on the base part by means of an electrical, fluid-conducting, signaling, data-conducting, and / or other operative connection. Preferably, said connection comprises existing connecting elements of the surface treatment device, for example an electrical plug connection, a fluid-conducting hose connection, or the like.In one embodiment, the base part has a liquid collection container, and the robot device has another liquid collection container. In one embodiment, it is provided that—in the autonomous usage configuration—absorbed liquid is conveyed from the liquid collection container of the base part into the other liquid collection container of the robot device, for example, by means of the liquid suction source or another conveying device. This conveying can occur continuously or when a predetermined liquid level in the liquid collection container of the base part is exceeded.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, a liquid dispensing device is provided and configured to dispense liquid onto the surface to be treated. The liquid dispensing device allows, in particular, the dispensing of fresh water and / or a cleaning liquid onto the floor surface to be treated. In one embodiment, the surface treatment device comprises the liquid dispensing device. In another embodiment, the robot device comprises the liquid dispensing device. In another embodiment, the liquid dispensing device is arranged partially on the surface treatment device and partially on the robot device.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the liquid dispensing device has at least one liquid outlet, at least one liquid pressure source, and / or at least one liquid reservoir. The at least one liquid outlet is configured to directly dispense the liquid onto the surface, the at least one liquid pressure source is configured to generate an overpressure for conveying the liquid to be dispensed, and the at least one liquid reservoir is configured to store the liquid to be dispensed. The at least one liquid outlet, the at least one liquid pressure source, and / or the at least one liquid reservoir can each be arranged either on the surface treatment device or on the robot device.It is also conceivable and possible for the liquid dispensing device to have a plurality of liquid outlets, a plurality of liquid pressure sources, and / or a plurality of liquid storage containers. In this case, one of said components can be arranged on the surface treatment device, and another similar component can be arranged on the robot device. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid outlet is arranged on the base part. If the base part has a tool device with at least one driven tool, the liquid outlet is preferably arranged in the immediate vicinity of the driven tool, for example in front of the tool. If the driven tool is a rotating tool, the liquid outlet is alternatively or additionally preferably arranged centrally through a rotational axis of the rotating tool.The liquid to be dispensed can be guided radially outwards from the central axis of rotation, in particular under the influence of centrifugal force, for example through channels provided for this purpose in the rotating tool. In one embodiment, the dispensing of the liquid in front of the tool can be switched on in addition to the central dispensing, for example to remove heavy soiling, or vice versa. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid reservoir is attached to the guide part and a further liquid reservoir is attached to the robot device. If a liquid pressure source is present, this is preferably arranged on the guide part, whereby a further liquid pressure source can be arranged on the robot device. In one embodiment, the liquid pressure source is arranged on the robot device.In one embodiment, no fluid pressure source is present, and the fluid to be dispensed is conveyed from the fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet solely by gravity. In this case, a switching valve, in particular a mechanically and / or electrically controllable one, is preferably present to control the dispensing of the fluid. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable and possible in which the switching valve is present in addition to the fluid pressure source. In one embodiment, at least one switching valve is present to control the dispensing of the fluid instead of the fluid pressure source.Preferably, components of the liquid dispensing device that are arranged on the guide part and usable in the manual use configuration cannot be used in the autonomous use configuration - due to the then separated guide part - and can be replaced with similar components of the liquid dispensing device that are attached to the robot device, and vice versa. In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device has at least one component of the liquid dispensing device. Said component can be the / one / one further liquid outlet, the / one / one further liquid pressure source and / or the / one / one further liquid reservoir. In one embodiment, the component arranged on the robot device is one of several similar components of the liquid dispensing device.Preferably, the component arranged on the robot device is connected to at least one further component of the liquid dispensing device arranged on the base part by means of an electrical, fluid-conducting, signaling, data-conducting, and / or other operative connection. Preferably, said connection comprises existing connecting elements of the surface treatment device, for example, an electrical plug connection, a fluid-conducting hose connection, or the like. In one embodiment, the base part has a liquid reservoir, and the robot device has another liquid reservoir.In one embodiment, it is provided that – in the autonomous usage configuration – the liquid to be dispensed is conveyed from the additional liquid reservoir of the robot device into the liquid reservoir of the base part, for example, by means of the liquid pressure source or another conveying device. This conveying can occur continuously or when the liquid level in the liquid reservoir of the base part falls below a predetermined level.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the liquid dispensing device is or can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the liquid receiving device by means of at least one fluid path, whereby liquid absorbed from the surface by means of the liquid receiving device can be released onto the surface again by means of the liquid dispensing device. Due to the fluid-conducting connection or connectability of the liquid dispensing device to the liquid receiving device, liquid absorbed from the surface can be released onto the surface again. In other words: in this embodiment of the invention, the liquid used to treat the surface is circulated. This can also be referred to as liquid recycling and / or liquid recirculation. It is understood that the liquid absorption is not necessarily complete, so that some of the released liquid can remain on the surface.This embodiment of the invention is based on the realization that the wet cleaning of surfaces does not necessarily have to be carried out with unused liquid, in particular fresh water. Even soiled liquid or liquid previously used for wet cleaning can be reused, repeatedly used, and / or recycled without any practical impairment of the cleaning result or even with improved cleaning results. This reduces resource consumption. In principle, any liquid collection container of the liquid intake device has a limited capacity. The same applies to any liquid storage container of the liquid dispensing device. In embodiments without liquid recirculation, the limited capacity(ies) therefore results in a limited operating time of the surface treatment system.If the fluid collection container is full, the cleaning process must be interrupted to empty the fluid collection container. If the fluid storage container is empty, the cleaning process must be interrupted to refill the fluid storage container. These interruptions require user intervention in both manual and autonomous use configurations. This costs time, requires personnel effort, and reduces efficiency. A design with fluid recirculation can counteract all of this. Fluid recirculation also allows a larger amount of fluid to be delivered to the surface per unit of time, which also allows for improved treatment, especially during wet cleaning.In other words: The liquid recirculation eliminates the need for economical liquid dispensing, as the available amount of liquid can be dispensed onto the surface multiple times and / or in a cycle. This is in contrast to designs without liquid recirculation, which naturally only allow a single dispensing, the extent of which is inevitably limited by the capacity of the liquid reservoir. Depending on whether the liquid intake device and the liquid dispensing device are arranged on the surface treatment device and / or on the robot device, the relevant fluid path is arranged either exclusively on the surface treatment device, exclusively on the robot device and / or partially on the surface treatment device and partially on the robot device. In one design, the liquid recirculation is designed in the autonomous use configuration.In a further embodiment, the liquid return is alternatively or additionally designed in the manual use configuration. With regard to the different possibilities for arranging the respective components of the liquid intake device and the liquid discharge device on the surface treatment device and / or the robot device, the statements made regarding the previous embodiments apply mutatis mutandis. Accordingly, different embodiments of the liquid return result. In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid is conveyed along the fluid path by means of the liquid suction source of the liquid intake device. Alternatively or additionally, the conveyance takes place by means of the liquid pressure source of the liquid discharge device. Further alternatively or additionally, a separate conveying device can be provided for this purpose.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface treatment system comprises at least one filter device with at least one filter unit configured to filter the liquid. The filter device, specifically the at least one filter unit, can filter out dirt from the liquid flowing along the fluid path. This prevents excessive accumulation of dirt in the fluid path and / or the liquid. Filtering reduces the degree of contamination of the collected liquid, for example, by separating undissolved and / or dissolved dirt particles, collected small parts, lint, hair, or the like from the liquid. This offers particular advantages in combination with the recirculation of the liquid (the liquid circuit) according to the preceding embodiment.Filtering by means of the filter device makes it possible for an available quantity of liquid to be used for an even longer cleaning time and / or for even larger cleaning surfaces without compromising the cleaning result. Furthermore, a larger quantity of liquid can be delivered to the surface per unit of time without compromising the cleaning time and / or cleaning surface, which also results in an improved cleaning result. The at least one filter unit can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. It is understood that the at least one filter device can have a plurality of identical and / or different filter units arranged at one or more locations along the fluid path.In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit is a consumable item that must be replaced after reaching a predetermined level of use, for example after reaching a maximum service life. In a further embodiment, the at least one filter unit is designed to be used throughout the entire service life of the surface treatment device and / or the robot device and is therefore not such a consumable item. Preferably, the at least one filter unit is washable, cleanable and / or biodegradable. In one embodiment, the surface treatment device has the filter device. In a further embodiment, the robot device has the filter device. In yet a further embodiment, both the surface treatment device and the robot device have a filter device.It is also understood that components of one and the same filter device can be arranged distributed across the surface treatment system. In other words: in one embodiment, the filter device is arranged partly on the surface treatment device and partly on the robot device. It is also conceivable and possible for a plurality of filter devices to be present. In one embodiment, the at least one filter device can be selectively switched on and off. In other words: the filter device, in particular the at least one filter unit, can be arranged in a secondary path and / or bypass of the fluid path that can be switched on and off. A suitable fluid control element, for example a valve or the like, can be provided for switching on and off. In one embodiment, switching on and off, i.e. controlling the filter function, takes place as a function of a degree of contamination and / or another detected variable.It may be advantageous to initially operate without filtration and then with filtration as the degree of contamination increases. This can, for example, extend the maximum service life of the filter unit.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit comprises at least one rigid filter medium. In this embodiment, the filter medium is therefore dimensionally stable. In other words, the filter medium has a comparatively high degree of rigidity and / or inherent strength. The rigid filter medium can be made of metal, plastic, paper, and / or ceramic, for example. The rigid filter medium can be designed in a wide variety of filter configurations, for example, as a sieve filter, pore filter, and / or filter candle.

[0029] In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit comprises at least one flexible filter medium. The flexible filter medium can be made of metal, plastic, paper, and / or ceramic, for example. The flexible filter medium can be designed in various filter configurations, for example, as a paper filter, fabric filter, and / or nonwoven filter.

[0030] In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit comprises at least one loose filter medium. The loose filter medium is a loose material composite formed from a granular, granular, or other loose material, specifically a sand filter, gravel filter, or the like. Metal, plastic, and / or ceramic, for example, can be used as the material for the loose filter medium. In one embodiment, the loose filter medium forms a packed-bed filter.

[0031] It is understood that the at least one filter unit can comprise a plurality of similar and / or different filter media. Furthermore, it is understood that a plurality of different filter units, each with a different filter medium, can be present. In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit comprises a screen filter, a pore filter, and / or a filter candle. The aforementioned filter designs preferably comprise a rigid filter medium and / or are formed from a rigid filter medium.

[0032] In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit comprises a paper filter, a fabric filter, and / or a nonwoven filter. The aforementioned filter designs preferably comprise a flexible filter medium and / or are formed from a flexible filter medium.

[0033] In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit comprises a packed bed filter made of a granular material. The packed bed filter acts as a loose filter medium. In one embodiment, the packed bed filter is a sand filter, a gravel filter, or the like.

[0034] In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit has a wire mesh filter made of wire mesh, in particular the wire mesh is a filter dutch weave or a mesh fabric. The wire mesh filter is preferably made of metal, specifically stainless steel. The wire mesh is a sheet-like structure with identical openings in a preferably regular arrangement, which is produced, for example, by crossing warp wires and weft wires. In one embodiment, the wire mesh is a mesh fabric, for example in plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the wire mesh is a filter dutch weave. In filter dutch weaves, either the warp wires or the weft wires are so close together that no open meshes remain. In one embodiment, the filter dutch weave is a smooth dutch weave.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filter mesh is a reinforced braid. The reinforced braid design allows for improved stability and / or tear resistance of the wire mesh filter.

[0035] In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit is made of metal, plastic, paper, and / or ceramic. It is understood that combinations of the aforementioned materials are also possible.

[0036] In one embodiment, the opening width of the at least one filter unit is between 1 pm and 50 pm, preferably between 5 pm and 30 pm, particularly preferably between 10 pm and 20 pm. The opening width can in particular also be referred to as pore width and / or mesh width. The opening width is a property of the filter unit, in particular of the filter medium and / or filter media used. It has been shown that the above-mentioned value ranges offer particular advantages for use in surface treatment systems with said liquid circuit. An opening width between 10 pm and 20 pm has proven to be particularly advantageous. In principle, a distinction can be made between opening widths for macrofiltration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration.

[0037] In one embodiment, the filter device has at least one support structure on which the at least one filter unit is held. The at least one support structure acts as a carrier, holder and / or support for the at least one filter unit. If the filter device has a plurality of different and / or similar filter units, these are held together on one support structure in one embodiment. In a further embodiment, the filter device has a plurality of support structures on each of which a filter unit of the plurality of filter units is held. The support structure is particularly advantageous when a dimensionally flexible and / or loose filter medium is used. In one embodiment, the support structure is designed to be attached and / or fastened at a location provided for this purpose on the fluid path of the surface treatment system.The support structure is preferably designed to be arranged in a liquid tank through which the fluid path extends in sections, for example in the liquid storage container and / or the liquid collection container. In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit is firmly connected to the support structure. In a further embodiment, the at least one filter unit is detachably connected to the support structure. In the latter case, the filter unit can be detached from the support structure, for example for the purpose of replacement, cleaning, or the like. The support structure can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. The support structure is preferably dimensionally stable.In one embodiment, the support structure together with the permanently connected filter unit forms a consumable item that is disposed of and replaced after reaching a predetermined level of use, for example a maximum service life.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one filter device has a filter cleaning device which is designed to clean the at least one filter unit, in particular before, during and / or after operation of the surface treatment system. The filter cleaning device allows the at least one filter unit to be cleaned before, during and / or after operation of the surface treatment system. The filter cleaning device can free the at least one filter unit of filtered dirt. This counteracts clogging of the at least one filter unit. The filter cleaning device can in principle have any design suitable for the present purpose. For example, cleaning can take place by wiping a surface of the at least one filter unit. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one filter unit and / or the at least one wiping element can be set into vibration.Further alternatively or additionally, the at least one filter unit can be backwashed. In one embodiment, the filter cleaning device is configured for manual operation by a user of the surface treatment system. In this case, it can be provided that the user operates the filter cleaning device as needed. This operation can occur before, during and / or after operation of the surface treatment system. In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter cleaning device is configured for the independent and / or automatic cleaning of the at least one filter unit, in particular depending on the degree of contamination of the liquid. The degree of contamination can be detected, for example, by a detection device, specifically by means of a sensor.In one embodiment, the filter device can be controlled depending on the detected degree of contamination, in particular switched on and off, for example by means of a / the processor device of the robot device.

[0039] In one embodiment, the filter cleaning device comprises a scraping device configured to scrape a surface of the at least one filter unit. The scraping device can be used to scrape the surface to remove dirt.

[0040] In one embodiment, the stripping device has at least one stripping element and a movement mechanism, wherein the stripping element and the at least one filter unit are movable relative to one another, and wherein the movement mechanism is configured to move the stripping element and / or the filter unit. In one embodiment, the at least one stripping element is rotationally movable relative to the at least one filter unit, in particular its surface. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one stripping element can be translationally movable. Dirt can be stripped from the filter unit by the movable stripping element. In one embodiment, the at least one filter unit is rotationally movable relative to the at least one stripping element. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one filter unit can be translationally movable.The relative movement between the scraper element and the filter unit allows dirt to be scraped off the filter unit. The movement mechanism serves to move the at least one scraper element and / or the at least one filter unit and can, in principle, have any design suitable for the intended purpose.

[0041] In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is configured for manual operation by a user. This eliminates the need for a separate drive to drive the movement of the stripping element. In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is a rotary mechanism for transmitting a rotary movement and / or a torque applied by the user to the at least one stripping element. In another embodiment, the movement mechanism is a translation mechanism for transmitting a translational pulling and / or pushing movement generated by the user to the at least one stripping element.

[0042] In one embodiment, the at least one stripping element functions as a positioning aid for inserting and / or replacing the at least one filter unit. In one embodiment, the at least one stripping element forms a section of a / the possible support structure.

[0043] In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is driven by a drive motor and / or the flowing fluid. This eliminates the need for manual drive of the movement mechanism. The motor and / or fluid drive of the movement mechanism allows for simple, continuous cleaning of the at least one filter unit, especially during operation of the surface treatment system.

[0044] In one embodiment, the filter cleaning device has a vibration device that is designed to cause the at least one filter unit to vibrate. Alternatively or additionally, the vibration device is designed to cause the liquid to be filtered to vibrate, in particular at least in the region of the at least one filter unit. The vibrations generated by the vibration device shake or rattle off dirt accumulated on and / or in the filter unit. In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration device acts directly on the at least one filter unit. In a further embodiment, the vibration device acts indirectly on the at least one filter unit, for example via a transmission element and / or the liquid to be filtered. In one embodiment, the vibration device is designed to generate vibrations.Alternatively or additionally, the vibration device can be configured to generate sound, in particular ultrasound. In one embodiment, the vibration device is configured to generate movements. In one embodiment of the invention, the vibration device acts on the filter unit via the support structure. In order to enable sufficient vibrational movements of the filter unit and / or to prevent unwanted vibration transmission to adjacent components, the filter unit is preferably elastically mounted on a section of the fluid path of the surface treatment system provided for this purpose, for example by means of an elastic holding element. If the filter device has a support structure for holding the at least one filter unit, the support structure is preferably correspondingly elastically mounted.

[0045] In one embodiment, the vibration device is designed to cause the stripping device, in particular the at least one stripping element, to vibrate. This makes it possible to achieve advantages that go beyond a summary combination of the advantages of the vibration device on the one hand and the stripping device on the other. It is also possible to cause the stripping device and / or the stripping elements and the filter device and / or the filter unit to vibrate. In one embodiment, the vibration device is designed to subject different components to different vibrations. The different components are, for example, the at least one stripping element, the at least one filter unit and / or the support structure. The different vibrations preferably differ with regard to their respective frequency and amplitude.

[0046] In one embodiment, the vibration device is configured to generate a sweep and / or chirp. In this embodiment, the frequency of the generated vibration is variable and, preferably periodically, passes through a defined frequency range, continuously increasing and / or continuously decreasing, preferably with a constant amplitude. This allows for further improved dirt removal.

[0047] In one embodiment, a / the frequency range of the generated oscillations extends from 20 Hz to 5 kHz, preferably to 10 kHz, more preferably to 20 kHz, more preferably to 40 kHz, more preferably to 100 kHz, more preferably to 250 kHz, more preferably to 500 kHz.

[0048] In one embodiment, the vibration device is configured to generate the vibration in a pulsed manner. This pulsed generation creates the vibrations in bursts, so to speak. This allows for further improved dirt removal.

[0049] In one embodiment, the vibration device is configured to generate at least one signal, information, and / or warning tone. In one embodiment, the vibration device is configured to generate the signal, information, and / or warning tone as a sequence of tones, in particular as a melody and / or jingle. The signal, information, and / or warning tone is acoustically perceptible to a user. The signal tone has a signaling function. The information tone has an information function. The warning tone has a warning function. The vibration device is preferably configured to generate the at least one signal, information, and / or warning tone depending on at least one control parameter, for example by controlling the vibration device by means of a control device, which can preferably be a central control device of the surface treatment device and / or the surface treatment system.Said at least one control parameter can, in particular, be a degree of contamination of the liquid, a fill level of the liquid, an operating time of the filter device, in particular of the filter unit, switching on and / or off of the surface treatment device and / or the surface treatment system, or the like. In one embodiment, different signal, indication, and / or warning tones are generated depending on different control parameters.

[0050] In one embodiment, the vibration device comprises a vibration motor operatively connected to the at least one filter unit. The vibration motor serves to generate vibrations. The vibrations of the vibration motor cause the at least one filter unit to vibrate in order to loosen adhered and / or embedded dirt. The vibrations shake off the dirt. If the filter device comprises a support structure to which the at least one filter unit is held, the vibration motor preferably acts on the support structure and / or is attached to the support structure.

[0051] In one embodiment, the vibration device comprises an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate ultrasound. In one embodiment, the ultrasound is transmitted directly to the at least one filter unit. In another embodiment, transmission occurs indirectly, for example, via a / the support structure and / or the liquid to be filtered. The ultrasound generated by the ultrasonic transducer prevents dirt deposits and loosens dirt already deposited on and / or in the at least one filter unit.

[0052] In one embodiment, the filter cleaning device has a backwashing device that is designed to backwash the at least one filter unit. By backwashing, dirt accumulated on and / or in the at least one filter unit can be flushed out of the filter unit. This flushing takes place counter to a usual conveying direction of the liquid along the fluid path and / or through the at least one filter unit. Backwashing by means of the backwashing device can take place before, during and / or after operation of the surface treatment system. In one embodiment of the invention, the backwashing device has a separate conveying device by means of which the liquid can be conveyed for the purpose of backwashing. In one embodiment, the conveying device has the / a liquid suction source of the liquid intake device.Alternatively or additionally, the conveying device comprises the / a fluid pressure source of the fluid dispensing device. In a further embodiment of the invention, the backwashing device comprises an actuating element by means of which a flow direction of the fluid in the region of the at least one filter unit can be influenced, in particular reversed. In one embodiment of the invention, the backwashing device is configured for operation by a user of the surface treatment system. In a further embodiment, the backwashing device is configured for self-actuating and / or automatic backwashing.

[0053] In one embodiment, the backwash device is combined with the scraper device(s) and / or the vibration device(s). The advantages achieved thereby go beyond a summary combination of the advantages of the individual devices.

[0054] In one embodiment, the filter device has at least one additive that is designed to be released into the liquid flowing along the fluid path. The at least one additive can also be referred to as an additional substance, additive, and / or additive. The at least one additive is designed to exert an effect that, in the broadest sense, supports improved surface cleaning and / or the function of the surface treatment system. The at least one additive can be in solid, liquid, and / or gaseous form. In other words, in one embodiment, the additive is a solid, for example in tablet, pad, and / or powder form. In a further embodiment, the at least one additive is a liquid, a gel, or the like. It is understood that the filter device can also have a plurality of similar and / or different additives.Preferably, the at least one additive is assigned to the at least one filter unit, for example, by arranging the at least one additive on and / or in the at least one filter unit. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one additive can be soluble in the at least one filter unit.

[0055] In one embodiment, the at least one additive has a cleaning, disinfecting, descaling, coloring, deodorizing, and / or clarifying effect. In other words: In this embodiment, the at least one additive is a cleaning agent, disinfectant, descaling agent, coloring agent, deodorizing agent, and / or clarifying agent. The cleaning agent allows for improved surface cleaning. The disinfectant serves to disinfect the surface and / or the liquid-carrying components of the surface treatment system and the filter device, as well as the liquid itself. The descaling agent decalcifies the liquid and prevents limescale deposits on the filter device and the surface treatment system. The coloring agent serves to mark previously cleaned sections of the surface and the liquid itself.The deodorizer counteracts unwanted odor formation, especially when the surface treatment system is not in use for extended periods. The clarifier promotes the flocculation of water-soluble dirt particles and can enhance the effectiveness of the filter system.

[0056] In one embodiment, the at least one additive is soluble in an additive body which is assigned to the at least one filter unit. The additive body is preferably a capsule, a tablet, a pad or the like. In one embodiment, the additive body is arranged on a section of the filter unit provided for this purpose. For example, the filter unit can have a receiving recess into which the additive body is or can be received. As a further example, the filter unit can consist of several identical or different filters or filter media, for example in different layers or plies, and the additive body can be formed as a layer or ply or received in a layer or ply.In this example, the additive body can expediently and taking into account the respective function of the additive be the first or uppermost layer or ply of the filter unit or the last or lowermost layer or ply of the filter unit or be arranged between them. It is also conceivable and possible to arrange several additive bodies in the filter unit, for example in the first layer / ply and last layer / ply or an intermediate layer / ply. The additive is soluble, in particular liquid-soluble and especially water-soluble, and bound in the additive body. The additive can be dissolved from the additive body by the liquid flowing along the fluid path and released into the liquid to exert its corresponding effect there. The additive body is designed to dissolve, preferably completely, under the influence of the flowing liquid.

[0057] In one embodiment, the at least one additive is soluble in the at least one filter unit. During operation of the filter device, the additive is dissolved from the filter unit under the action of the liquid flowing through the filter unit and released into the liquid. The additive is liquid-soluble, in particular water-soluble, and is bound in the filter unit. In one embodiment, the additive is in the form of a coating, layer and / or ply. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one filter unit can be impregnated, soaked or otherwise provided with the additive. In this embodiment of the invention, the at least one filter unit has a particularly advantageous multiple function. On the one hand, the filter unit serves to filter the liquid used for surface cleaning. On the other hand, the filter unit simultaneously serves to release the additive into the liquid.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface treatment system has at least one additive device with at least one additive that is designed to be released into at least one / the fluid path of the surface treatment system, in particular wherein the at least one additive has a cleaning, disinfecting, descaling, coloring, deodorizing and / or clarifying effect. The at least one additive can also be referred to as an additional substance, additive and / or additive. The at least one additive is designed to exert an effect that, in the broadest sense, supports improved surface treatment, in particular surface cleaning, and / or improved function of the surface treatment system. The at least one additive can be in solid, liquid and / or gaseous form. In other words: in one embodiment, the additive is a solid, for example in tablet, pad and / or powder form.In a further embodiment, the at least one additive is a liquid, a gel, or the like. It is understood that the additive device can also comprise a plurality of similar and / or different additives. Preferably, the at least one additive has a cleaning, disinfecting, descaling, coloring, deodorizing, and / or clarifying effect. In other words, the at least one additive is preferably a cleaning agent, disinfectant, descaling agent, coloring agent, deodorizing agent, and / or clarifying agent. The cleaning agent allows for improved surface cleaning. The disinfectant serves to disinfect the surface and / or the liquid-carrying components of the surface treatment system, as well as the liquid itself. The descaling agent serves to decalcify the liquid and prevents limescale deposits on the surface treatment system and the surface to be cleaned.The colorant serves to mark previously cleaned sections of the surface as well as the liquid itself. The deodorizing agent counteracts unwanted odor formation, particularly when the surface treatment system is not in use for an extended period. The clarifying agent supports the flocculation of water-soluble dirt components and can support the effect of any filter device of the surface treatment system. In one embodiment, the surface treatment device has the additive device. In another embodiment, the robot device has the additive device. In another embodiment, both the surface treatment device and the robot device each have an additive device. Furthermore, a distributed arrangement is conceivable and possible in this respect, in which the additive device is arranged partly on the surface treatment device and partly on the robot device.The additive system has proven particularly advantageous in conjunction with a liquid recirculation system, as the additive can be used in a particularly effective, resource-saving, and ecologically beneficial manner. This is based on the knowledge that additives, particularly cleaning agents, are not immediately and completely used up during the treatment and, in particular, cleaning of a surface. Therefore, if liquid is treated with an additive and used for surface treatment, the additive's effective potential is not exhausted in many applications between the application of the liquid, the surface treatment, and the subsequent removal of the liquid. The liquid recirculation system thus allows the remaining effective potential of the additive to be utilized and used by repeated application, treatment, and removal, even repeatedly.This allows the use of additives, especially widely used cleaning agents and additives, to be significantly reduced.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the invention, the additive device has at least one additive container in which the at least one additive is stored. Depending on the property of the at least one additive, the at least one additive container has properties adapted thereto, for example depending on whether the at least one additive is liquid, solid and / or gaseous. In one embodiment, the additive container is fluid-tight. In a further embodiment, the additive container is open in the broadest sense and primarily allows the storage of an additive in solid form. If the additive device has a plurality of different additives, these are each accommodated in a separate additive container in one embodiment, so that the additive device has a plurality of additive containers in the said embodiment.In a further embodiment, the additive device has an additive container that is designed to hold a plurality of, preferably different, additives. In different embodiments, the at least one additive container is attached and / or attachable to different parts and / or components of the surface treatment system. In one embodiment, the at least one additive container is attached to a liquid tank of the surface treatment system, specifically the surface treatment device, for example a liquid storage container and / or a liquid collection container. In a further embodiment, the additive container is attached to the guide part of the surface treatment device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one additive container can be attached to the base part of the surface treatment device.In a further embodiment, the at least one additive container is attached to the robot device. In one embodiment, both the surface treatment device and the robot device have at least one additive container.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the invention, the additive device has at least one dispensing device which is designed for the, in particular metered, dispensing of the at least one additive, in particular onto the at least one additive container, into the fluid path. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is designed for the manual dispensing of the additive, for example by means of manual actuation of an actuating element by a user of the surface treatment system. In a further embodiment, the dispensing device is designed for the automatic and / or self-actuating dispensing of the at least one additive, for example via a drive motor, a movement mechanism or the like. Preferably, the dispensing device is designed for the metered dispensing of the at least one additive. In this embodiment, it can also be referred to as a dispensing and dosing device.In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing device is configured for the automatic dispensing and dosing of the at least one additive, for example, depending on the degree of contamination of the liquid. In one embodiment, the base part comprises the dispensing device, and the robot device, in particular a / the processor device, is configured - in the autonomous usage configuration - to control the dispensing device. The degree of contamination can be detected, for example, via a sensor of the dispensing device. Alternatively or additionally, the degree of contamination can be detected by means of a detection device of the surface treatment system. If the additive device has an additive container, the dispensing device is preferably configured to dispense the at least one additive from the additive container.

[0061] In a further embodiment of the invention, a particle pickup device is provided and configured to pick up particles from the surface to be treated. The said particles can be, for example, dry, moist or wet particles, as well as a mixture of particles and liquid. The particle pickup device allows, in particular, the pickup of dirt particles from the floor surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the particle pickup device is a suction device configured to suck up the particles. In a further embodiment, the particle pickup device is a sweeping device configured to sweep up the particles. Of course, a combined suction and sweeping device is also conceivable and possible. In one embodiment, the surface treatment device has the particle pickup device. In a further embodiment, the robot device has the particle pickup device.In a further embodiment, the particle receiving device is arranged partly on the surface treatment device and partly on the robot device.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the invention, the particle receiving device has at least one particle receiving device, at least one particle suction source and / or at least one particle collection container, wherein the at least one particle receiving device is configured to suck in and / or sweep up the particles to be picked up, wherein the at least one particle suction source is configured to generate a negative pressure for sucking in the particles to be picked up, and wherein the at least one particle collection container is configured to collect the particles to be picked up. The at least one particle receiving device, the at least one particle suction source and / or the at least one particle collection container can each be arranged either on the surface treatment device or on the robot device. In one embodiment, the particle receiving device has a plurality of particle receiving devices, a plurality of particle suction sources and / or a plurality of particle collection containers.In this case, one of the said components can be arranged on the surface treatment device and another similar component on the robot device. In a preferred embodiment, the particle holder is arranged on the base part. More preferably, the particle holder is attached in front of the base part in the direction of movement. Preferably, the particle collection container is attached to the base part. This is particularly advantageous if the particle holder is designed alternatively or additionally to sweep up the particles to be picked up. In this case, it is ensured that the particles to be swept up can be picked up directly in the region of the base part. If a particle suction source is present, this is preferably attached to the guide part, with attachment to a lower end of the guide part facing the base part being preferred.If the surface treatment system has a liquid intake with a liquid suction source, the latter preferably also functions as a particle suction source, or vice versa. This allows a simplified structure to be achieved. Preferably, components of the particle intake device that are arranged on the guide part and usable in the manual use configuration are not usable in the autonomous use configuration—due to the then separate guide part—and are functionally replaceable by similar components of the particle intake device that are attached to the robot device, and vice versa. In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device has at least one component of the particle intake device.The said component may be the / an additional particle intake, the / an additional particle suction source and / or the / an additional particle collection container.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface treatment system comprises a sensor device and / or a navigation device and / or a processor device. The sensor device is configured to detect the surface to be treated and / or the surroundings and to generate sensor data representing the surface to be treated and / or the surroundings. The sensor device can alternatively or additionally be configured to detect (further) detection variables and to generate (further) sensor data representing said detection variables. The detection variables can be, for example, a flow velocity, a pressure or pressure increase, a power consumption, or other physical variables that can be determined by measurement from the fluid used, the surface treatment device, and / or the robot device.The navigation device is configured to detect a position of the robot device and to generate navigation data representing the position. The processor device is configured to control the autonomous movement, in particular as a function of the sensor data and the navigation data. Detecting the area to be treated and / or the surroundings allows, in particular, obstacle detection. Detecting the position serves to localize the robot device on and / or relative to the area to be treated. Depending on the sensor data and the navigation data, the autonomous movement can be controlled by means of the processing device. In one embodiment, the robot device has the sensor device and / or the navigation device and / or the processor device. In one embodiment, the area treatment device has the sensor device and / or the navigation device and / or the processor device.Of course, a distributed arrangement of said devices across the robot device and the surface treatment device is also conceivable and possible. In one embodiment, the processor device is configured to record and / or document operating parameters of the autonomous usage configuration. For example, the treated area, a function used, resources used, or the like can be recorded and / or documented. Such recording and / or documentation is advantageous with regard to future planning of the surface treatment, recognition of treatment patterns, contamination patterns, malfunctions, wear, and / or the like. In one embodiment, the processor device is configured to provide data for an evaluation unit, which can be, for example, a computer, a tablet PC, or a smartphone.Such provision of data allows for monitoring, observation, and / or control of autonomous use. The data is preferably provided wirelessly via radio, Wi-Fi, or a mobile data network. In one embodiment, the surface treatment system has an antenna unit for data transmission, preferably arranged on the robot device and configured for the aforementioned purpose.

[0064] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sensor device comprises at least one camera system, a radar system, a lidar system, and / or an ultrasound system. These systems enable comprehensive and reliable detection of the area and / or the surroundings, both in the near field and in the far field.

[0065] In a further embodiment of the invention, the processor device is configured to control at least one treatment function, in particular as a function of the sensor data and / or the navigation data, wherein the treatment function is in particular a tool function, a liquid intake function, a liquid dispensing function, a liquid circulation function, a filter function, an additive function, an additional tool function, and / or a particle intake function. By configuring the processor device to control the at least one treatment function, the surface can be treated autonomously. For example, the treatment function can be autonomously activated, deactivated, and / or controlled with regard to its intensity by means of the processor device, in particular as a function of the sensor data and / or the navigation data.If the surface treatment system has a tool device, its function (the tool function) can be controlled autonomously. If the surface treatment system has a liquid intake device, its function (the liquid intake function) can be controlled autonomously. If the surface treatment system has a liquid discharge device, its function (the liquid discharge function) can be controlled autonomously. If the surface treatment system has a fluid-conducting connection or connectability between the liquid intake device and the liquid discharge device, its function (the liquid circulation function, also: recycling function) can be controlled autonomously. If the surface treatment system has a filter device, its function (the filter function) can be controlled autonomously.If the surface treatment system has an additive device, its function (the additive function) can be controlled autonomously. If the robot device has an additional tool device, its function (the additional tool function) can be controlled autonomously. If the surface treatment system has a particle pickup device, its function (particle pickup function) can be controlled autonomously. In one embodiment, the sensor device or another sensor device is configured to detect a degree of contamination of the surface to be treated and / or the liquid used.In one embodiment, the sensor device is alternatively or additionally configured to detect a flow velocity of the liquid, a pressure and / or a pressure increase within the fluid path and / or a power consumption of a conveying device for conveying the liquid along the fluid path, for example the liquid suction source and / or the liquid pressure source. In one embodiment, the processor device is configured to control the at least one treatment function and / or the autonomous movement depending on the detected degree of contamination. In one embodiment, the processor device is configured to control the at least one treatment function depending on the detected flow velocity, the pressure, the pressure increase and / or the power consumption. For example, vacuuming can occur first, then wiping, or wiping can occur first and then vacuuming.In one embodiment, the sensor device is arranged on the surface treatment device and configured to detect the area to be treated and / or its surroundings during a manual movement, i.e. in the manual usage configuration. Preferably, in this embodiment, the processor device is configured to control the autonomous movement and / or at least one treatment function depending on the area and / or surroundings detected during the manual movement. In this way, the autonomous movement can be taught-in, so to speak. In one embodiment, the sensor device is detachably connectable or connected to the surface treatment device. This allows surface treatment devices already on the market to be easily retrofitted.

[0066] In a further embodiment of the invention, the guide part, in the manual use configuration, is detachably connected to the base part by means of a connecting device. The connecting device can have any design suitable for the present purpose.

[0067] In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device is connected to the base part by means of the connecting device in the autonomous use configuration. In this embodiment, the connecting device therefore also allows the robot device to be connected to the base part. This makes it possible to achieve a further simplified structure. In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device has an additional tool device with at least one driven additional tool that is designed to act on the surface to be treated. In the autonomous use configuration, a tool effect on the surface to be treated can be achieved by the additional tool device. The effect of the additional tool device can be provided alternatively or in addition to an effect of any tool device of the surface treatment device. The at least one additional tool can be designed in one part or in multiple parts.Preferably, the additional tool device and / or the at least one additional tool is removable from the robot device. The additional tool device is designed differently in different embodiments, for example as a grinding, polishing, sweeping or scouring device. The at least one driven additional tool can in particular be a grinding, polishing, sweeping or scouring tool. In the driven state, the additional tool moves relative to the robot device, wherein in particular a translational, rotating, oscillating, oscillating and / or eccentric driven movement can be provided. In one embodiment, the at least one additional tool is a roller with an outer circumferential surface for acting on the surface to be treated.In a further embodiment, the additional tool is flat and / or plate-shaped, in particular a plate tool, with an end face for acting on the surface to be treated. In different embodiments, the end face and / or the plate tool have different contours, in particular a round, preferably circular, oval, angular, polygonal, preferably rectangular, star-shaped or other contour. In one embodiment, the at least one additional tool, in particular its end face, is driven and movable relative to the robot device in such a way that a section of the surface to be treated swept over by the additional tool, in particular its end face, moved relative to the robot device, has a round, preferably circular, oval, angular, polygonal, preferably rectangular, star-shaped or other contour.In one embodiment, the additional tool device is configured to generate propulsion (propulsion force along a propulsion direction) by means of the at least one driven additional tool. In one embodiment, the propulsion supports the movement in the autonomous usage configuration. Depending on the strength of the propulsion, the movement can be caused rather than merely supported. As a result, in the autonomous usage configuration, a separate drive device on the robot device and / or the base part can be dispensed with. This allows a particularly simple design of the surface treatment system. In one embodiment, the at least one additional tool is arranged in front of the base part, in particular of any tool device, with respect to a direction of movement of the surface treatment system.In a further embodiment, the at least one additional tool is arranged behind the base part, in particular of any tool device. It can also be advantageous to arrange the at least one and in particular, for example, two plate-shaped tools, in the direction of movement of the surface treatment system in front of or behind the base part and at the same time offset outwards to one or both sides. Using such an arrangement, for example, a working width of the surface treatment system can be increased compared to a working width of the base part, which can be advantageous in an autonomous use constellation. If the additional tool device has several additional tools, these can be arranged both in front of and behind the base part and its possible tool device.Depending on the arrangement of the at least one additional tool in relation to the base part, pre-treatment and / or post-treatment of the surface can be achieved by means of the additional tool device. In one embodiment, identical movements of the at least one tool and the at least one additional tool are provided, for example, translational, rotary, oscillating, oscillating and / or eccentric. In a further embodiment, different types of movement are provided, so that the at least one additional tool moves in a first way and the at least one tool moves in a different second way. It is therefore also conceivable and possible to arrange the additional tools in this way and offset outwards or next to the base part and its possible tool device.Finally, a further combination of these several additional tools is also conceivable, for example a roller extending in front of the base part and across its width with two disc brushes arranged next to the base part or behind the base part but offset to the outside.

[0068] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one additional tool is driven by a drive of the surface treatment device, in particular the base part, and / or by a drive of the robot device. If the at least one additional tool is driven by a drive of the surface treatment device, a separate drive on the robot device can be dispensed with. This allows a simplified and thus cost-effective design of the robot device. For the purpose of transmitting force and / or movement from the drive of the surface treatment device to the at least one additional tool of the robot device, a detachable mechanical operative connection is preferably present. Said operative connection can, for example, comprise a toothing, a driver or the like.If the at least one additional tool is driven by a drive of the robot device, such an operative connection can be dispensed with. This also results in design advantages. In a further embodiment of the invention, the additional tool device and / or the surface treatment system in the autonomous use configuration has a working width that is greater than a working width of the surface treatment device, in particular greater than a working width of a / the tool device of the surface treatment device. By increasing the working width, even larger areas can be treated efficiently in the autonomous use configuration. The working width extends transversely, preferably orthogonally, to a direction of movement of the surface treatment system across the area to be treated.In one embodiment, the at least one additional tool is arranged transversely to the direction of movement next to the tool device of the surface treatment device. In other words: the at least one additional tool is arranged laterally and therefore to the left or right of the tool device. To ensure the most seamless treatment possible, the at least one additional tool is preferably arranged with an overlap to the working width of the tool device. In a further embodiment, at least two additional tools are present and arranged on opposite sides of the tool device. In this case, too, an overlap is preferably provided. In one embodiment, there is no overlap.

[0069] In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device is configured for detachable connection to and / or for receiving differently specified base parts. In this embodiment of the invention, the robot device is particularly versatile, namely in combination with differently specified base parts. Said base parts are preferably specified differently with regard to their dimensions and / or treatment functions, preferably with regard to a working width of the respective tool device and / or with regard to a width of the respective base part.

[0070] In a further embodiment of the invention, the robot device has an adaptable receiving device that is designed to receive floor parts of different widths. In one embodiment, the receiving device has a sliding mechanism, a folding mechanism, or another mechanism for adapting to the floor parts of different widths. In a further embodiment, the receiving device has different adapter parts that can be optionally attached by a user to a location provided on the robot device depending on the width of the floor part to be received. In a further embodiment, the receiving device is adaptable to receive floor parts that differ in terms of their treatment function and / or design.Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated with reference to the drawings.

[0071] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a surface treatment system according to the invention with a surface treatment device and a robot device, wherein the surface treatment system assumes a manual use configuration,

[0072] Fig. 2 the surface treatment system according to Fig. 1 in an autonomous use configuration,

[0073] Fig. 3 is a schematic bottom view of a base part of the surface treatment device with a view of a tool device,

[0074] Fig. 4 is a schematic front view of the tool device of the base part,

[0075] Fig. 5 is a schematically simplified block diagram of the surface treatment system to illustrate further features,

[0076] Fig. 6 is a further block diagram of the robot device to illustrate further features,

[0077] Fig. 7 to 10 further block diagrams of the area treatment system to illustrate further features,

[0078] Fig. 11 is a schematic side view of the surface treatment device with further details to illustrate the structure and operation of a liquid intake device and a liquid discharge device,

[0079] Fig. 12 to 16 different perspective views of the surface treatment system in the manual use configuration to illustrate the mobility of the surface treatment device on the surface to be treated, and

[0080] Fig. 17 is a schematic perspective view to illustrate further features of the surface treatment system in the autonomous use configuration, Fig. 18 is a side view of the surface treatment system in the autonomous use configuration,

[0081] Fig. 19 an embodiment of a surface treatment system according to the invention in a schematic bottom view,

[0082] Fig. 20 the robot device of the surface treatment system according to Fig. 19 in a schematic bottom view,

[0083] Fig. 21 a variant of the surface treatment system according to Fig. 19 in a schematic bottom view,

[0084] Fig. 22 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a surface treatment system according to the invention with liquid recirculation (liquid circuit),

[0085] Fig. 23 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a surface treatment system according to the invention with a filter device comprising at least one filter unit, a support structure, a filter cleaning device and an additive,

[0086] Fig. 24 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a filter unit of the filter device according to Fig. 23,

[0087] Fig. 25 is a further schematic block diagram to illustrate features of the filter cleaning device of the filter device according to Fig. 23,

[0088] Fig. 26 is a further schematic block diagram to illustrate features of the additive of the filter device according to Fig. 23,

[0089] Fig. 27 is a further schematic block diagram relating to the additive and the filter unit of the filter device according to Fig. 23,

[0090] Fig. 28 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment in which the additive is soluble in the filter unit, Fig. 29 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a surface treatment system according to the invention with an additive device which has at least one additive container and a dispensing device,

[0091] Fig. 30 shows a schematic perspective view of a liquid container for a surface treatment system according to the invention, wherein the liquid container has a filter device with a filter cleaning device in the form of a stripping device,

[0092] Fig. 31 the liquid container according to Fig. 30 in a schematic longitudinal section,

[0093] Fig. 32, 33 each show a perspective longitudinal section of a variant of a filter unit including support structure,

[0094] Fig. 34 shows a schematic longitudinal section of another liquid container for a surface treatment system according to the invention, wherein the liquid container has a filter device with a filter cleaning device in the form of a vibration device,

[0095] Fig. 35 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an additive device for a surface treatment system according to the invention,

[0096] Fig. 36 the additive device according to Fig. 35 in a perspective longitudinal section, and

[0097] Fig. 37 shows a cut-off perspective detailed view of a specifically designed connecting device for a surface treatment system according to the invention.

[0098] According to Fig. 1, a surface treatment system 1 is provided for treating a surface F. In the embodiment shown, the surface treatment system 1 is a surface cleaning system for cleaning the surface F. The surface to be cleaned is a floor surface B in the present case, so that it can also be referred to as a floor cleaning system.

[0099] The surface treatment system 1 comprises a surface treatment device 2 and a robot device 5. The surface treatment device 2 and the robot device 5 are shown here in a simplified schematic. This applies in particular to the robot device 5. Its shape and dimensions, including those relative to the surface treatment device 2, are to be understood as purely schematic.

[0100] The surface treatment device 2 has a base part 3 and a guide part 4. In the embodiment shown, the surface treatment device 2 can also be referred to as a floor cleaning device.

[0101] The base part 3 is designed to act on the surface F to be treated, in this case the floor surface B. The guide part 4 is elongated and, in the configuration shown in Fig. 1, is detachably connected to the base part 3. The guide part 4 is designed for manual movement of the base part 3 over the surface F to be treated. In this case, the elongated guide part 4 has handles 41 at one end, at its end facing away from the base part 3. At its end facing away from the handles 41, the guide part 4 is detachably connected to the base part 3. In this case, a pivotable connection is provided, which will be described in more detail below. In principle, however, a rigid connection between the guide part 4 and the base part 3 is also conceivable.

[0102] In the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the robot device 5 is detachably connectable to the base part 3 of the surface treatment device 2 and is configured to autonomously move the base part 3 over the surface F to be treated.

[0103] The surface treatment system 1 is shown in Fig. 1 in a manual use configuration. In this manual use configuration, the robot device 5 is separated from the surface treatment device 2. The manual use configuration enables manual movement of the base part 3 by means of the guide part 4. For manual movement, an operator engages the guide part 4, in this case the handles 41, in order to move the base part 3 in the desired or required manner across the surface F, for example by pulling, pushing, or other actions on the guide part 4.

[0104] Fig. 2 shows the surface treatment system 1 in an autonomous use configuration. In the autonomous use configuration, the guide part 4 is separated from the base part 3, and the robot device 5 is detachably connected to the base part 3.

[0105] The connection between the robot device 5 and the base part 3 is schematically illustrated in Fig. 2 by an arrow and designated by reference symbol C. The autonomous use configuration provides for autonomous movement of the base part 3 over the surface F to be treated by means of the robot device 5. For this purpose, the robot device 5 acts on the base part via the connection C.

[0106] The connection C comprises at least one mechanical operative connection. In other words, the connection C forms at least one indirect mechanical connection between the robot device 5 and the base part 3.

[0107] It is understood that, alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned mechanical connection, the connection C may comprise at least one electrical, fluid-conducting, signaling, and / or data connection. This depends on the specific design of the surface treatment device 2 and / or the robot device 5.

[0108] The surface treatment system 1 can be converted between the manual use configuration (Fig. 1) and the autonomous use configuration (Fig. 2). To change from the manual use configuration to the autonomous use configuration, the connection between the guide part 4 and the base part 3 is released, i.e. the guide part 4 is separated from the base part 3, and the robot device 5 is connected to the base part 3 via the connection C. To change from the autonomous use configuration to the manual use configuration, the connection C between the robot device 5 and the base part 3 is released, i.e. the robot device 5 is separated from the base part 3, and the guide part 4 is connected to the base part 3, whereby the surface treatment device 2 can be used manually independently of the robot device 5.

[0109] In the embodiment shown, the guide part 4 is detachably connected to the base part 3 in the manual use configuration by means of a connecting device 7. The connecting device 7 can have any design suitable for the present purpose. For example, the connecting device 7 can have a screw connection, plug connection, snap connection, bolt connection, or the like and can be detachable and reconnected without tools or using a suitable tool. At least one mechanical operative connection is formed via the connecting device 7. The connecting device 7 can also be configured to form any electrical, fluid-conducting, signaling, and / or data connection between the base part 3 and the guide part 4 (in the manual use configuration) or the robot device 5 (in the autonomous use configuration).In the embodiment shown, the robot device 5 in the autonomous use configuration is detachably connected to the base part 3 by means of the said connecting device 7. In Fig. 2, the arrow symbolizing the connection C does not engage directly with the connecting device 7 for illustrative reasons alone. The connecting device 7 is designed to form at least one mechanical operative connection between the base part 3 and the guide part 4 (in the manual version).

[0110] usage configuration) or the robot device 5 (in the autonomous

[0111] The connecting device 7 can additionally be configured to form any electrical, fluid-conducting, signaling, and / or data connection between the base part 3 and the guide part 4 (in the manual use configuration) or the robot device 5 (in the autonomous use configuration). A specifically designed connecting device 7 is shown as an example in Fig. 37.

[0112] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the robot device 5 and the base part 3 are detachably connected to one another in the autonomous use configuration via an alternative or additional connecting device.

[0113] In the embodiment shown, the surface treatment device 2 has a tool device 30, which is arranged on the base part 3. The tool device 30 has at least one driven tool 31. The tool

[0114] 31 is designed to act on the surface F to be treated. In the present case, the at least one tool 31 serves to clean, in particular to scrub, the floor surface B.

[0115] In the embodiment shown, the tool device 30 also has a drive motor 32 for driving the at least one tool 31. The drive motor

[0116] 32 is arranged in a housing (without reference number) of the base part 3.

[0117] In the embodiment shown, the tool device 30 has two driven tools 31. The tools 31 are each designed as disc tools 33. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the disc tools 33 are each driven in opposite directions about a rotation axis R. With respect to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 3, the left disc tool 33 rotates counterclockwise, the right disc tool 33 rotates clockwise. The disc tools 33 are provided with bristles (no reference numerals) in the present case. The disc tools 33 can therefore also be referred to as disc brushes. It is understood that a different design of the disc tools without bristles and instead, for example, with a pad each is also possible. In the embodiment shown, the tool device 30 is configured to generate a propulsion V (see in particular Fig. 3) when the at least one tool 31 is in the driven state.

[0118] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the said propulsion is not generated by means of the tool device, but by means of a drive device designed for this purpose and arranged on the base part, which has, for example, a drive wheel, a drive roller or the like.

[0119] In the embodiment shown, the propulsion V is achieved by a slight inclination of the rotational axes R of the disc tools 33 (see Fig. 4). The rotational axes R are each inclined towards each other by an angle α, starting from the orthogonal to the base surface B. Accordingly, the disc tools 33 are also inclined by said angle α relative to the base surface B. When the disc tools 33 are driven, said inclination causes an uneven distribution of the sliding friction with the base surface B in the circumferential direction of the disc tools 33. This uneven distribution generates the said propulsion V.

[0120] The propulsion can be influenced in particular by the inclination of the rotation axes R, the nature of the disc tools 33, the speed of the disc tools 33 and the friction conditions between the disc tools 33 and the base surface B, and can be more or less pronounced. In one embodiment, the propulsion is so pronounced that it effects the manual movement and / or the autonomous movement. In this case, no further manual or other effort is required to drive the manual movement and / or the autonomous movement. In a further embodiment, the propulsion V is so pronounced that it merely supports the respective movement. In this case, the operator in the manual usage configuration has to apply less force to drive the movement. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, in the autonomous usage configuration.

[0121] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the axes of rotation of the disc tools are parallel to one another and orthogonal to the base surface B. The orthogonal alignment results in sliding friction with the base surface B that is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the disc tools 33. This results in a propulsion-free state. It is understood that the tool device 30 can have just a single disc tool or more than two disc tools instead of the two disc tools 33 shown. In addition, the at least one driven tool 31 can be designed in an alternative way, for example as a roller brush with a horizontal axis of rotation. In addition, embodiments with non-rotationally driven tools are conceivable and possible, for example oscillating tools, eccentric tools or the like.

[0122] In the embodiment shown, the robot device 5, in the autonomous use configuration, is connected to the tool device 30 and configured to control the advance V of the at least one driven tool 31. By controlling the advance V, the autonomous movement is (indirectly) controlled. The robot device 5 is configured to control the advance V according to amount and / or direction. In the present case, both control of the amount, i.e. the strength of the advance V or the advance speed, and control of the advance direction are possible. For this purpose, the robot device 5 can, for example, control the drive motor 32 to increase or decrease the speed of the two disk tools 33. In addition, a reversal of the direction of rotation is conceivable and possible. In order to control the direction of the advance V, the speeds and / or directions of rotation of the disk tools 33 can be controlled independently of one another.Furthermore, it is conceivable and possible that the robot device 5 is configured to adjust the inclination of the rotation axes R. By adjusting the inclination in this way, the propulsion speed and / or the propulsion direction can be controlled.

[0123] In the embodiment shown, the robot device 5 has a drive device 51 (see Fig. 5) that is designed to drive the autonomous movement. In this case, the drive device 51 is provided in addition to the tool device 30, which also functions as a drive. If the tool device 30 is designed to generate sufficiently strong propulsion that not only supports but also causes the autonomous movement, the drive device 51 can be omitted. The drive device 51 is shown generically in Fig. 5 and can have any design suitable for the present purpose. For example, the drive device 51 can have a drive motor and at least one drive element driven by the drive motor, which can be designed, for example, as a drive wheel, drive roller, or drive chain.By means of said drive element, the forces and torques required for the autonomous movement can be transmitted from the robot device to the floor surface B. In the present case, the robot device 5 also has a steering device 52, which is shown generically in Fig. 5. The steering device 52 serves to steer the autonomous movement. In other words, the steering device 52 is configured to control the direction of the autonomous movement, whereas the drive device 51 serves to control the speed of the autonomous movement. The steering device 52 can have any design suitable for the present purpose. For example, the steering device 52 can have an actuator and a steering element. The steering element can be, for example, a steering roller, a steering cylinder, or the like. The said steering element can be controlled by means of the actuator for the purpose of directional control.

[0124] If the direction of the autonomous movement is controlled via the tool device 30, the steering device 52 can be omitted. Furthermore, it is conceivable and possible for the speed of the autonomous movement to be controlled via a control of the tool device 30 and the direction of the autonomous movement to be controlled via the steering device 52. Alternatively, embodiments are provided in which the drive device 51 of the robot device 5 controls the speed of the autonomous movement, with the direction being controlled via a control of the tool device 30, for example, via an adjustment of the rotation axes R controlled by the robot device 5.

[0125] In the embodiment shown, the surface treatment system 1, specifically the robot device 5, also comprises a sensor device 53, a navigation device 54, and a processor device 55. These devices are shown generically in Fig. 5.

[0126] The sensor device 53 is configured to detect the area F to be treated and / or its surroundings E and to generate sensor data representing the area F to be treated and / or the surroundings E of the area treatment system 1. The navigation device 54 is configured to detect a position of the robot device 5 on the area B to be treated and to generate navigation data representing the position. The processor device 55 is configured here to control the autonomous movement depending on the sensor data of the sensor device 53 and the navigation data of the navigation device 54. The sensor device 53, the navigation device 54, and the processor device 55 can have any design suitable for the present purpose.Devices for the autonomous control of robotic devices for the automated treatment of surfaces are known to those skilled in the art, for example, in the field of robot vacuum cleaners or robot mops. Robotic device 5 preferably utilizes these known technologies. Further details in this regard and / or the further design of sensor device 53, navigation device 54, and / or processor device 55 therefore need not be discussed further here. The further structure of sensor device 53 is explained below merely by way of example.

[0127] The sensor device 53 in this case comprises a camera system 531, a radar system 532, a lidar system 533, and an ultrasound system 534. Said systems of the sensor device 53 are shown generically in Fig. 6 and are configured in a manner known to those skilled in the art to detect the area F to be treated and / or the surroundings E. Detection can occur in the near field and / or the far field.

[0128] In the embodiment shown, the surface treatment system 1 also has a battery device 100 (see Fig. 7). The battery device 100 is configured to supply the robot device 5 and / or the surface treatment device 2 with electrical operating energy. The battery device 100 allows a wireless power supply to the surface treatment system 1. In this case, the battery device 100 serves to supply the tool device 30, the drive device 51, the steering device 52, the sensor device 53, the navigation device 54, and the processor device 55. If the surface treatment system 1 has further electrically operated components, these are preferably also supplied with energy by means of the battery device 100.

[0129] In the embodiment shown, the battery device 100 comprises a first battery 101 and a second battery 102. The first battery 101 is arranged on the surface treatment device 2. Specifically, the first battery 101 is attached to the base part 3 (see Figs. 1, 2). The second battery 102 is attached to the robot device 5.

[0130] In the manual use configuration, the first battery 101 serves to supply energy to the surface treatment device 2 (without the then separated robot device 5). In the manual use configuration, the robot device 5 can be supplied with energy for standby operation by means of the second battery 102. In the autonomous use configuration, the robot device 5 is presently supplied with energy by means of the second battery 102. The base part 3 is then (as before) supplied with energy by means of the first battery 101. Of course, a distributed or complementary energy supply is also conceivable and possible in the autonomous use configuration. In this case, the base part 3 can be supplied with energy at least partially via the second battery 102. The robot device 5 can be supplied with energy at least partially via the first battery 101.

[0131] In the embodiment shown, the first battery 101 and the second battery 102 are each rechargeable. Furthermore, a removable attachment is provided.

[0132] In the embodiment shown, the surface treatment system 1 also has a liquid collection device 200 (see Fig. 8). The liquid collection device 200 is configured to collect liquid from the surface F to be treated. In the present case, the liquid collection device 200 serves specifically to collect dirty water from the floor surface B.

[0133] The liquid intake device 200 comprises a liquid intake 201, a liquid suction source 202, and a liquid collection container 203. These components are shown generically in Fig. 8 and can generally be attached either to the surface treatment device 2 or to the robot device 5. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable and possible in which multiple liquid intakes, multiple liquid suction containers, and / or multiple liquid collection containers are present. In this case, one of the components can be attached to the surface treatment device, and the other similar component can be attached to the robot device.

[0134] The liquid intake 201 is configured to suck in the liquid to be absorbed. The liquid suction source 202 is configured to generate a negative pressure to suck in the liquid to be absorbed. The liquid collection container 203 is configured to collect the liquid to be absorbed / absorbed.

[0135] In the embodiment shown, the liquid receptacle 201 or at least one of several liquid receptacles of the liquid receptacle device 200 is attached to the base part 3. In this case, the liquid receptacle 201 is mounted behind the tool device 30 with respect to the advance direction V. The liquid receptacle 201 can have any design suitable for the present purpose. Suitable designs are known to those skilled in the art. In this case, the liquid receptacle 201 is designed as a suction strip with two spaced-apart sealing lips (without reference numerals).

[0136] The liquid suction source 202 or at least one of several liquid suction sources of the liquid receiving device 200 is attached to the guide part 4. In particular, the liquid suction source 202 is arranged at an end of the guide part 4 facing away from the handles 41. Said end faces the base part 3 and can also be referred to as the lower end. The liquid suction source 202 can have any design suitable for the present purpose, such designs being known to the person skilled in the art. In the present case, the liquid suction source is

[0137] 202 a suction turbine.

[0138] The liquid collection container 203 or at least one of several liquid collection containers of the liquid receiving device 200 is attached to the guide part 4 in the embodiment shown. Specifically, the liquid collection container 203 is elongated and attached to the elongated guide part 4 parallel to the elongated guide part 4. The liquid collection container 203 is mounted longitudinally between the handles 41 and the liquid suction source 202. The liquid collection container 203 can also be referred to as a wastewater tank in the embodiment shown.

[0139] It is understood that the liquid receptacle 201, the liquid suction source 202 and the liquid collection container 203 are fluidly connected to one another in order to be able to collect the liquid from the surface F. Fig. 11 shows an example of a possible connection of the said components in the manual use configuration, i.e. with a detachable connection of the guide part 4 to the base part 3. The liquid collection container 203 is fluidly connected to the liquid suction source 202 via a channel (without reference symbol) extending longitudinally in the guide part 4. This fluid-conducting connection allows the liquid collection container 203 to be subjected to negative pressure by means of the liquid suction source 202. In this case, the container and the liquid receptacle 201 are fluidly connected to one another via a liquid collection line 204. The liquid collection line 204 can be designed as a pipeline or hose line.Alternatively or additionally, the liquid intake line 204 can be formed by other cross sections of the surface treatment device 2.

[0140] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the liquid intake 201, the liquid suction source 202 and the liquid collection container

[0141] 203 in the manual use configuration is arranged on the surface treatment device 2. In a further embodiment, at least one of said components or another component of the liquid intake device 200 is arranged on the robot device 5. For example, it is conceivable and possible for a further liquid collection container to be arranged on the robot device 5 as a replacement for the liquid collection container 203 and to be configured to collect liquid in the autonomous use configuration. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to any further liquid suction source and / or further liquid intake of the liquid intake device arranged on the robot device 5.

[0142] In the embodiment shown, the surface treatment system 1 also has a liquid dispensing device 300 (see Fig. 9), which is designed to dispense liquid onto the surface F to be treated. In particular, the liquid dispensing device

[0143] 300 is configured here to dispense cleaning fluid onto the floor area B to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid may, for example, be fresh water or a mixture of fresh water and cleaning agent.

[0144] In the embodiment shown, the liquid dispensing device 300 has a liquid outlet 301 and a liquid reservoir 303. The liquid outlet

[0145] 301 is configured to directly dispense the liquid onto surface F. The liquid reservoir 303 is configured to store the liquid to be dispensed. Also shown in Fig. 9 is a liquid pressure source 302 configured to generate an overpressure for conveying the liquid to be dispensed. In particular, the liquid pressure source 302 is optional. Instead of conveying the liquid to be dispensed by means of the liquid pressure source 302, gravity-driven conveyance from the liquid reservoir 303 toward the liquid outlet 301 can be provided. The aforementioned components 301, 302, 303 of the liquid dispensing device 300 are shown generically in Fig. 9 and can each have any design suitable for the present purpose. Suitable designs are known to those skilled in the art.

[0146] The aforementioned components of the liquid dispensing device 300 can, in principle, be attached either to the surface treatment device 2 or to the robot device 5. Embodiments are also conceivable and possible in which the liquid dispensing device has multiple liquid outlets, multiple liquid pressure sources, and / or multiple liquid reservoirs. In this case, one of the components can be arranged on the surface treatment device 2 and another similar component on the robot device 5.

[0147] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the liquid outlet 301 or at least one of several liquid outlets of the liquid dispensing device 300 is arranged on the surface treatment device 2. In particular, the liquid outlet 301 is arranged on the base part 3. In the embodiment shown, the liquid outlet 301 is arranged in front of the liquid receptacle 201 with respect to the propulsion V. The liquid outlet 301 is positioned in the region of the driven tools 31 of the tool device 30. The liquid is thus applied to the surface F directly in the region of the moving tools 31. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the liquid outlet 301 is coaxial with respect to the rotation axes R.

[0148] The liquid reservoir 303 or at least one of several liquid reservoirs of the liquid dispensing device 300 is also arranged on the surface treatment device 2 in the present case. In particular, the liquid reservoir 303 is attached to the elongated guide part 4. The liquid reservoir 303 is elongated parallel to the guide part 4 in the present case. With respect to its longitudinal axis and / or the longitudinal axis L of the guide part 4, the liquid reservoir 303 is attached to the guide part 4 between the handles 41 and the liquid suction source 202. The liquid reservoir 303 is arranged on a side of the guide part 4 facing away from the liquid collection container 203. This side is in the present case a rear side of the hand-held guide part 4. The liquid reservoir

[0149] 303 can also be referred to as a fresh water tank in the embodiment shown.

[0150] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 11, at least in the manual use configuration, no fluid pressure source is present. Instead, the fluid is transported by gravity from the fluid reservoir 303 toward the fluid outlet 301. It is understood that the fluid outlet 301 and the fluid reservoir 303 are fluidly connected to one another. In the present case, a fluid discharge line 304 is provided, which connects the fluid reservoir 303 and the fluid outlet 301. Specifically, the fluid outlet 301 is formed by an opening of the fluid discharge line 304 facing away from the fluid reservoir 303. The fluid discharge line

[0151] 304 can be designed as a hose line, a pipe line, and / or formed by other cross-sections of the surface treatment device 2. To control the discharge of the liquid from the liquid reservoir, a switching valve (not shown in detail) is provided in the embodiment shown.

[0152] In the embodiment shown, the liquid outlet 301 and the liquid reservoir 303 are arranged on the surface treatment device 2 in the manual use configuration. In a further embodiment, at least one of the components or a further component of the liquid dispensing device 300 is arranged on the robot device 5. For example, the robot device 5 can have a further liquid reservoir, which in the autonomous use configuration serves as a replacement for the liquid reservoir 303 in order to enable the dispensing of liquid onto the surface to be treated even in the autonomous use configuration. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to any (further) liquid pressure source and / or further liquid outlet of the liquid dispensing device arranged on the robot device 5.

[0153] The liquid intake device and the liquid discharge device can be connected or connectable to each other by means of a fluid path. This allows the used liquid to be circulated. This aspect will be explained in more detail below with reference to Fig. 22 in particular. It is understood that the aforementioned liquid return (the liquid circuit) can be optionally present in the surface treatment systems, surface treatment devices, and / or robotic devices disclosed herein.

[0154] In the embodiment shown, the surface treatment system 1 also has a particle collection device 400 (see Fig. 10) configured to collect particles from the surface F to be treated. Specifically, the particle collection device 400 serves to collect solid dirt from the floor surface B. Collection can be accomplished by vacuuming or sweeping, or a combined vacuuming and sweeping. Said solid dirt can be, for example, dust, waste, or debris, each in a dry, damp, or wet state.

[0155] In the present case, the particle pickup device 400 has a particle pickup 401, a particle suction source 402, and a particle collection container 403, each of which is shown generically in Fig. 10. The particle pickup 401 serves to suck in the particles to be picked up. The particle suction source 402 serves to generate a negative pressure for sucking in the particles to be picked up. The particle collection container 403 is configured to collect the particles to be picked up. The particle pickup 401, the particle suction source 402, and the particle collection container 403 can each have any design suitable for the present purpose. For example, the particle pickup can have a suction opening, in particular in the form of a suction bar 4011 (see Fig. 19) and / or a sweeping box 4012 with a sweeping roller (see Fig. 21). The particle suction source can be designed as a suction turbine. The particle collection container 403 can be designed similarly to the liquid collection container 203.The aforementioned components of the particle receiving device 400 can be arranged either on the surface treatment device 2 or on the robot device 5. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable and possible in which the particle receiving device 400 has a plurality of particle receptacles 401, a plurality of particle suction sources 402, and / or a plurality of particle collection containers 403. In this case, one of the components can be arranged on the surface treatment device 2 and another similar component on the robot device 5.

[0156] It is understood that the fluid intake device 200, the fluid discharge device 300, and the particle intake device 400 are each optional. The same applies to the tool device 30 and the battery device 100, as well as to the filter device 600, additive device 700, additional tool device 800, and the aforementioned fluid return (fluid circuit), which will be described in more detail below.

[0157] Consequently, in different embodiments, not all of the aforementioned devices 30, 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 700, 800 and the fluid circuit are present. Furthermore, different embodiments have different combinations of the devices 30, 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 700, 800 and the fluid circuit.

[0158] In one embodiment, as shown in particular in Fig. 1, the surface treatment system 1 comprises the tool device 30, the battery device 100, the liquid intake device 200, and the liquid discharge device 300. In this case, the surface treatment system 1 is configured for wet scrubbing and vacuuming the floor surface B, so that it can also be referred to as a scrubbing-vacuum system for wet cleaning floor surfaces, in particular solid floor coverings in buildings.

[0159] In the embodiment shown, the robot device 5 is configured to control at least one treatment function of the surface treatment system 1. Said treatment function can be a tool function of the tool device 30, a liquid intake function of the liquid intake device 200, a liquid discharge function of the liquid discharge device 300, and / or a particle intake function of the particle intake device 400. In other words, said devices 30, 200, 300, and / or 400 can be controlled autonomously by means of the robot device 5. The same applies analogously to the devices 600, 700, and 800, as well as the liquid circuit. In the autonomous use configuration, therefore, not only an autonomous movement takes place, but instead an autonomous treatment of the surface to be treated, specifically an autonomous cleaning of the floor area B.

[0160] In the embodiment shown, the control of at least one treatment function takes place as a function of the said sensor data of the sensor device 53 and / or the navigation data of the navigation device 54 and by means of the processor device 55. For this purpose, the processor device 55 is connected for control purposes to the tool device 30, the liquid intake device 200, the liquid discharge device 300, and / or the particle intake device 400. Furthermore, a corresponding connection to the filter device 600, its possible filter cleaning device, the additive device 700, and / or the additional tool device 800 is present. The autonomous control of the treatment function can include activation and deactivation. Furthermore, autonomous control of the intensity of the respective treatment function is conceivable and possible.With regard to the fluid circuit between the fluid intake device and the fluid discharge device, autonomous release and blocking can be provided, for example by controlling a fluid control element, a valve, or the like provided for this purpose. With regard to the filter device 600, autonomous switching on and off can be provided, in particular, switching into said fluid circuit and / or bypassing the filter device 600 (bypass) while maintaining the fluid circuit (then without filtering function).

[0161] It is understood that autonomous control of the treatment is not provided for in every embodiment. For example, it is conceivable that the respective treatment function is initiated manually by the operator by operating the respective device 30, 200, 300, and / or 400, and then (only) an autonomous movement occurs by means of the robot device 5. This also applies, mutatis mutandis, to the other devices 600, 700, and 800 and the fluid circuit.

[0162] In the embodiment shown, the surface treatment device 2 has a bearing device 6 (see Fig. 1). The guide part 4 is pivotally and / or rotatably connected to the base part 3 by means of the bearing device 6. The bearing device 6 allows control of the direction of movement of the base part 3 on the surface F to be treated. In the manual use configuration, control is achieved via a manual pivoting movement and / or rotational movement of the guide part 4. In the embodiment shown, the bearing device 6 forms a cardanic connection 61 between the guide part 4 and the base part 3. By means of the cardanic connection 61, the base part 3 can be rotated about its vertical axis H on the surface F to be treated by rotating the guide part 4 about its longitudinal axis L. The cardanic connection 61 allows rotation of the base part 3 parallel to the surface F to be treated.In other words, the rotation takes place in a rotation plane (without reference symbol) that is parallel to the surface F to be treated, in this case the floor surface B. This rotatability of the floor part 3 is also present when the guide part 4 is inclined relative to a vertical, as shown by way of example in Fig. 1.

[0163] Figures 12 to 16 show, by way of example, the maneuverability of the base part 3 via the guide part 4, with the figures referring to the manual use configuration. Specifically:

[0164] Fig. 12 shows a situation in which the base part 3 moves in a straight line in the direction of advance V across the ground surface B. The guide part 4 is inclined backwards with respect to the direction of advance V, so that an operator shown in Figs. 12 to 16 can easily grasp the handles 41 and walk behind the surface treatment device 2. Without rotating the guide part 4, the direction of movement of the base part 3 does not change. If the advance V is sufficiently strong, the operator does not have to exert any force to move the base part 3 - at least not in the direction of advance V. If the advance V merely serves to support the manual movement, additional manual force in the longitudinal direction of the guide part 4 is required. To change the direction of movement, the operator can rotate the guide part 4 about its longitudinal axis L.This is done by the operator applying a torque to the handles 41.

[0165] Such a situation is shown as an example in Fig. 13. There, the guide part 4 was rotated counterclockwise with respect to a viewing direction along the guide part 4 toward the base part 3. This rotation of the guide part 4 causes a counterclockwise rotation of the base part 3 around the vertical axis H on the base surface B.

[0166] Starting from the situation shown in Fig. 13, the operator can further rotate the base part 3 to change the direction of movement by further rotating the guide part 4 counterclockwise. As shown in Fig. 14, the base part 3 can be rotated 180° in this way, starting from the orientation shown in Fig. 12, so that the direction of movement initially pointing away from the operator now points toward the operator.

[0167] The maneuverability of the base part 3, which is illustrated by way of example in Figs. 12 to 14, is also given when the guide part 4 is inclined laterally from the vertical (see Fig. 15).

[0168] The above-described maneuverability of the base part 3 allows particularly simple and efficient cleaning of the floor surface B, even along walls, as shown by way of example in Fig. 16. The surface treatment device 2 can be guided easily and ergonomically along the wall W by a corresponding inclination of the guide part 4 and due to the propulsion V.

[0169] As already explained, the surface treatment device 2 in the embodiment shown has the liquid receptacle 201 in the form of a suction bar. To ensure the most efficient liquid receptacle possible, it is desirable that the liquid receptacle 201 is always arranged behind the driven tools 31 with respect to the direction of movement during the movement of the base part 3. In other words, it is desirable for the liquid receptacle 200 to always track the tool device 30, which would not be guaranteed, for example, if the base part 3 were simply pulled backward or moved sideways. The cardanic connection 61, in conjunction with the propulsion V, allows for easy tracking of the liquid receptacle 201.

[0170] The cardanic connection 61 can have any design suitable for the present purpose. In the embodiment shown, the cardanic connection 61 comprises a first joint axis G1 and a second joint axis G2. The first joint axis G1 and the second joint axis G2 are orthogonal. In this case, the first joint axis G1 is pivotable together with the guide part 4 about the second joint axis G2. The second joint axis G2 enables pivoting mobility of the guide part 4 in a vertical central longitudinal plane of the surface treatment device 2. The first joint axis G1 enables pivoting mobility in a pivot plane oriented orthogonally thereto, wherein this pivot plane can be changed in its orientation relative to the vertical depending on the position of the guide part 4 about the second joint axis G2. The second joint axis G2 is oriented horizontally.With an exactly vertical alignment of the guide part 4, the first joint axis G1 is also oriented horizontally. The design of the cardanic connection 61 shown here with the first joint axis G1 and the second joint axis G2 is to be understood as purely exemplary.

[0171] The cardanic connection 61 in the present case enables a rotation of the base part 3 parallel to the base surface B by at least 45°, preferably at least 90°, more preferably at least 180°, even more preferably 270°.

[0172] Figures 17 and 18 show the surface treatment system 1 in the autonomous use configuration, wherein in particular further features of the specific design of the robot device 5 are apparent.

[0173] In this case, the robot device 5 has a housing 56 in and / or on which the other components of the robot device 5 are arranged. The shape of the housing 56 shown in Figs. 17 and 18 is to be understood as exemplary.

[0174] The housing 56 has a substantially cuboidal basic shape. The housing 56 has a top side 561, a bottom side 562, a front side 563, a rear side 564, and opposing outer sides 565. The top side 561 and the bottom side 562 lie opposite one another (vertically) along a vertical axis (no reference symbol) of the robot device 5. The front side 563 and the rear side 564 lie opposite one another (longitudinally and / or horizontally) along a longitudinal axis (no reference symbol) of the robot device 5. The two outer sides 565 lie opposite one another (laterally and / or horizontally) along a transverse axis (no reference symbol) of the robot device 5.

[0175] In the embodiment shown, the housing 56 has a receiving recess A designed to receive the base part 3. In this case, the receiving recess A extends from the front side 563 toward the rear side 564 and from the bottom side 562 toward the top side 561 of the housing.

[0176] In the embodiment shown, the robot device 5 is detachably connected to the base part 3 by means of the connecting device 7. Details of the connecting device 7 are (again) not visible in Figs. 17 and 18 and are not essential to the present invention. Reference is made to what has already been said regarding the connecting device 7.

[0177] As further shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the drive device 51 of the robot device 5 in this case has two drive wheels, whereby only one drive wheel 511 of the two drive wheels is visible in the figures. The drive wheels are arranged offset rearward from a center relative to the longitudinal axis of the robot device 5. In the autonomous use configuration shown, the weight of the robot device 5 is supported on the floor surface B on the one hand via the drive wheels and on the other hand via the floor part 3, in particular the two plate tools 33.

[0178] The drive device 51 with its drive wheels simultaneously functions as a steering device 52. In other words, the steering of the autonomous movement is achieved via separate control of the two drive wheels. To drive the drive wheels, the drive device 51 has a drive motor 512. In the embodiment shown, this is arranged in the housing 56.

[0179] To achieve the simplest possible design, the drive wheels in the illustrated embodiment are not adjustable around a steering axis for steering. Instead, steering is achieved via separate control of the two drive wheels with different rotational speeds and / or directions.

[0180] The drive motor 512 is supplied with energy via the second battery 102. In the embodiment shown, this is removably attached to and / or in the housing 56 and is not shown in detail in Figs. 17 and 18. For example, the second battery 102 can be inserted into the housing 56 along the transverse axis, starting from the outside of the housing 56 (not shown in Figs. 17 and 18). For this purpose, the housing 56 can have a receiving shaft or the like. However, it is also conceivable and possible for the second battery 102 to be permanently integrated into the housing 56, so that partial disassembly of the housing 56 may be necessary for removal.

[0181] In order to enable the absorption of liquid from the floor surface B also in the autonomous usage configuration shown, the robot device 5 in the present case has a (further) liquid collection container 203' of the liquid absorption device 200.

[0182] The liquid collection container 203' is inserted into a complementarily designed receiving recess (without reference symbol) in the housing 56. Said receiving recess extends from the top side 561 toward the bottom side 562, from the rear side 564 toward the front side 563, and from the front outer side 565—with respect to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 17—in the direction of the rear outer side of the housing 56, not visible. The receiving recess has a cuboid basic shape. The liquid collection container 203' has a complementary design and complements the cuboid basic shape of the housing 56. The liquid collection container 203' also has an openable container closure 2031. This can be designed as a twist lock or a hinged closure.

[0183] In the autonomous use configuration, the liquid collection container 203' of the robot device 5 is connected via the liquid intake line 204 to the liquid intake

[0184] 201 of the base part 3. For this purpose, the liquid intake line 204 is fluidly connected at its end 2041 facing away from the liquid intake 201 to a connecting piece (without reference symbol) of the robot device 5.

[0185] As already explained, the liquid receiving device 200 comprises the liquid suction source

[0186] 202 (see Figs. 1, 11). The liquid suction source 202 is presently attached to the guide part 4 and generates the negative pressure required to suck in the liquid to be collected in the manual use configuration. To generate negative pressure in the autonomous use configuration, the robot device 5 has a (further) liquid suction source 202'. In the embodiment shown, this is integrated into the housing 56 and is therefore not visible in detail in Figs. 17 and 18.

[0187] To also enable the dispensing of liquid onto the floor surface in the autonomous usage configuration, the robot device 5 in this case has a (further) liquid storage container 303'. Regarding the design and arrangement of the liquid storage container 303', what has already been said regarding the liquid collection container 203' applies, mutatis mutandis.

[0188] The liquid reservoir 303' is fluidly connected, in a manner not shown in detail, to the liquid outlet 301 of the liquid dispensing device 300, which is arranged on the base part 3. The liquid outlet 301 (see Fig. 11) is not shown in detail in Figs. 17 and 18. The liquid reservoir 303' in turn has an openable container closure 3031.

[0189] To enable the collected liquid to be returned to the liquid dispensing device, the surface treatment system 1 has an optional liquid return (liquid circuit). For this purpose, at least one of the two liquid containers 203', 303' is fluidly connected or connectable to both the liquid outlet 301 and the liquid receptacle 201. Through this fluid-conducting connection, the used liquid can be conveyed in the circuit (see also Fig. 22).

[0190] In order to enable filtering of the liquid to be (re)dispensed, the surface treatment system 1 in the present case has a filter device 600 which is assigned to one of the two liquid containers 203', 303'.

[0191] In the embodiment shown, the filter device 600 is arranged in a tank volume of the liquid collection container 203', as shown in principle and by way of example with respect to a generic liquid container 900 in Figures 31 and 34. Alternatively, the filter device 600 can be arranged upstream and / or downstream of the second liquid collection container 203' in a fluid path extending through the robot device 5 and connectable to the surface treatment device 2.

[0192] With regard to the arrangement and possible specific configurations of the filter device 600, particular reference is made to what is disclosed in FIGS. 23 and 31. In other words: The filter devices shown in FIGS. 23 and 31, together with the respective optional filter cleaning device (for example, stripping device 630 and / or vibration device 650 and / or backwash device 670), can be arranged in an analogous manner in the tank volume of the liquid collection container 203'.

[0193] The fluid circulation system allows for significantly increased cleaning time without user intervention to empty and / or fill the surface treatment system's fluid containers. In combination with the filter system, an even further increased cleaning time can be achieved without such user intervention.

[0194] In the embodiment shown, the sensor device 53 is arranged on the front side 563 of the housing 56. This type of arrangement of the sensor device 53 is to be understood as exemplary.

[0195] In the present case, the robot device 5 also has an antenna unit 541. In the embodiment shown, the antenna unit 541 is arranged on the upper side 561. The antenna unit 541 serves in particular for transmitting (sending and / or receiving) navigation data of the navigation device 54. It is understood that further data can be transmitted using the antenna unit 541, in particular the aforementioned data for monitoring, observing, and / or controlling the autonomous use.

[0196] As further shown in Figs. 17 and 18, the processor device 55 is also arranged in the housing 56.

[0197] In Figs. 19 and 20, an embodiment of a surface treatment system 1a according to the invention with a surface treatment device 2 and a robot device 5a is shown.

[0198] The following primarily explains the essential differences between the surface treatment system 1a and the surface treatment system 1 shown in the preceding figures. Furthermore, the disclosures made for Figs. 1 to 18 apply to the surface treatment system 1a shown in Figs. 19 and 20.

[0199] The robot device 5a can be detachably connected to the base part 3 in a manner described in more detail below and is designed to move the base part 3 autonomously over the surface to be cleaned.

[0200] In the embodiment shown, the robot device 5a comprises a base device, an additional tool device 800, a particle receptacle 401, and a liquid receptacle 201a. Furthermore, similar to the embodiment according to Figs. 17 and 18, several liquid containers may be present.

[0201] Alternatively or in addition to the liquid receptacle 201a, in a further embodiment, the liquid receptacle 201 is also attached to the base part 3 in the autonomous use configuration. The liquid receptacle 201 can be raised from the surface F and thus inactive, or it can rest on the surface F for the purpose of liquid receptacle.

[0202] The structure of the robot device 5a shown in Figs. 19 and 20 is to be understood as exemplary. Consequently, in embodiments not shown in the figures, not all of the aforementioned components 800, 401, 201a are present. The base device is also optional.

[0203] In the present case, the base device functions as a carrier for further components of the robot device 5a, in particular the previously mentioned components 800, 401, 201a. Furthermore, the base device serves to actually receive the base part 3. In the embodiment shown, the base device has a front part 571a and a rear part 572a for this purpose, between which a receiving recess 573a is formed for receiving the base part 3.

[0204] Also possible and in accordance with the invention are configurations in which the robot device is designed as a single piece to accommodate the base part, for example, the front part alone or the rear part alone forms the receptacle for the base part. In other words, the receptacle can be open at the front (no front part) or open at the back (no rear part). Laterally open configurations are also conceivable and possible. In one configuration, the robot device is a humanoid robot.

[0205] In the embodiment shown, the front part 571a and the rear part 572a are pivotable relative to one another in order to open and close the receiving recess 573a for receiving the surface treatment device 2. In Figs. 19 and 20, the front part 571a and the rear part 572a are pivoted together and secured to one another in a manner not shown in detail. The receiving recess 573a is closed in this state. In a state not shown in the figures, the front part 571a and rear part 572a are pivoted open, releasing the receiving recess 573a. In this state, the base part 3 can be removed from the receiving recess 573a and thus from the robot device 5a.

[0206] In the removed state, the base part 3 can be connected to the guide part 4 and, in the form of the surface treatment device 2, can be moved manually by a user in the usual way over the surface to be cleaned. When coupled to the robot device 5a and received in the receiving recess 573a, the base part 3 is moved autonomously by means of the robot device 5a. However, this does not preclude the surface treatment system from being designed such that it can also be guided or operated by a user in the autonomous use configuration. This can be done, for example, to specify a treatment sequence, a treatment path, or the like for the robot device ("teach-in").

[0207] In the embodiment shown, the base device also has a drive device with drive wheels 511a.

[0208] The base unit also includes a sensor device. The sensor device serves to detect the surroundings of the surface treatment system 1a. In principle, this detection can be carried out using any technology suitable for this purpose, for example, a camera, ultrasound, lidar, laser, or the like. Reference is made to the previously disclosed information and express reference is made to it.

[0209] The optional liquid containers are removably attached to the base unit. For example, the robot device 5a can have a first liquid container, a second liquid container, and a third liquid container. Furthermore, what has already been disclosed regarding the liquid containers of the surface cleaning system 1 according to Figs. 17 and 18 preferably applies. In particular, the surface treatment system 1a can also have a liquid circulation system and a filter device.

[0210] In the embodiment shown, the additional tool device 800 comprises two additional tools 810, each designed as a disc brush 811 and removably attached to the base device. The additional tool device 800, like the particle receptacle 401 and the rear liquid receptacle 201a, is to be understood as purely optional and therefore not present in all embodiments.

[0211] Particle receiver 401 is a component of a particle receiver device of the surface treatment system 1a, not shown in detail otherwise. In this case, all components of the particle receiver device are arranged on the robot device 5a. The particle receiver 401 is designed as a suction bar 4011.

[0212] The liquid intake 201a is designed as a suction bar with sealing lips.

[0213] Fig. 21 shows a variant in which the particle collection device is designed as a sweeping box 4012. The sweeping box 4012 can have a rotating sweeping roller and a box or the like arranged behind the sweeping roller, in which the swept-up particles are collected. Alternatively, the swept-up particles can be sucked out of the box by a particle suction source and collected in a particle collection container of the particle collection device.

[0214] Fig. 19 shows that the two additional tools 810 are arranged in front of the tools 31 with respect to a forward direction of movement. With a forward direction of movement, the additional tools 810 thus allow pretreatment of the surface.

[0215] In this case, the additional tools 810 are arranged at a distance transverse to the forward direction and / or laterally offset from the tools 31. In the embodiment shown, an outward offset is provided in each case. As a result, the surface treatment system 1a has a working width that is greater than the working width of the surface treatment device 2.

[0216] The particle holder 401 is arranged between the additional tools 810 and the tools 31 with respect to the said forward direction.

[0217] The liquid intake 201b is arranged behind the tools 31 with respect to the forward direction.

[0218] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 19 and 20, the robot device 5a is configured for connection to floor parts of different specifications. Specifically, the robot device 5a is configured for connection to floor parts of different widths.

[0219] For this purpose, the robot device 5a has a receiving device (not shown in detail here) associated with the receiving recess 573a. The receiving device and / or the receiving recess 573a is adaptable to the aforementioned base parts of different widths. For this purpose, the receiving device and / or the receiving recess 573a can have a sliding, folding, or other mechanism. Alternatively or additionally, different adapter parts can be provided, which are arranged in and / or on the receiving recess 573a for the purpose of dimensionally adapting it.

[0220] Fig. 22 shows the principle of a fluid recirculation (fluid circuit). The principle shown is applicable to the surface treatment devices 2, robot devices 5, 5a and / or surface treatment systems 1, 1a shown in the other figures and provides a fluid path P that fluidically connects the fluid intake device 200 to the fluid discharge device 300. Said devices 200,

[0221] 300 can in turn be arranged completely or component-wise on the surface treatment device 2 and / or the robot device 5, 5a.

[0222] In particular, the fluid path P connects the at least one liquid discharge 301 to the at least one liquid intake 301, whereby liquid absorbed by the liquid intake 201 from the surface F is conveyed via the fluid path P to the liquid discharge

[0223] 301 and can be discharged again onto the surface F. The fluid circuit formed in this way results in the numerous advantages already described. The fluid can be conveyed from the fluid intake 201 to the fluid discharge 301 by various means, for example, by means of the fluid suction source 202, the fluid pressure source 302, and / or a separate conveying device.

[0224] In one embodiment, the fluid path P extends through at least one liquid container, for example, through the liquid collection container 202, the liquid storage container, and / or another liquid container of the respective surface treatment system 1, 1a. However, embodiments that do not require a liquid container are also conceivable and possible. In such embodiments, the fluid path P functions as a kind of liquid reservoir for the circulating liquid.

[0225] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 23, the surface treatment system 1, 1a comprises a filter device 600. The filter device 600 offers particular advantages in combination with any liquid recirculation, as explained with reference to Fig. 22.

[0226] The filter device 600 comprises at least one filter unit 610, an optional support structure 620, an optional filter cleaning device 630, and an optional additive ZM. Consequently, the support structure 620, the filter cleaning device 630, and the additive ZM are not present in all embodiments.

[0227] The at least one filter unit 610 is configured to be arranged in the fluid path P of the respective surface treatment system 1, 1a and to filter the liquid flowing along the fluid path P. In other words, the at least one filter unit 610 is arranged in a fluid-conducting manner between the liquid intake 201 and the liquid discharge 303 in order to filter the circulating liquid.

[0228] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 23, the filter device 600 has only a single filter unit 610. In further embodiments, several similar or different filter units are provided. For the sake of brevity, reference is made below only to the filter unit 610. What has been said about the filter unit 610 also applies mutatis mutandis to any additional filter units.

[0229] The filter unit 610 serves to reduce the degree of contamination of the treatment fluid, especially for wet cleaning, and is configured to filter out dirt particles, small parts, lint, hair, or the like from the fluid. In one embodiment, the filter unit 610 is a consumable that is disposed of and replaced after reaching a predetermined usage level, for example, a maximum service life. Alternatively, the filter unit 610 can be configured to be used over the entire service life of the respective surface treatment system 1, 1a.

[0230] Depending on the specific configuration of the respective surface treatment system 1, 1a, the filter device 600 can be arranged entirely on the surface treatment device 2 or entirely on the robot device 5, 5a. Alternatively, a partial and / or component-wise arrangement on both the surface treatment device 2 and the robot device 5, 5a is possible. Furthermore, configurations are conceivable and possible in which the surface treatment device 2 and the robot device 5, 5a each have one or more separate filter devices 600.

[0231] According to Fig. 33, the at least one filter unit 610 comprises a rigid filter medium 611, a flexible filter medium 612, and / or a loose filter medium 613. Said filter media 611, 612, 613 can be present individually or in combination and can be configured into different filter designs.

[0232] In Fig. 24, different filter designs 6101 to 6108 are shown schematically as simplified functional blocks. These filter designs are a sieve filter 6101, a pore filter 6102, a filter candle 6103, a paper filter 6104, a fabric filter 6105, a fleece filter 6106, a packed bed filter 6107, and a wire mesh filter 6108.

[0233] In this case, the filter unit 610 comprises at least one of the aforementioned filter designs 6101 to 6108. Combined filter designs are also conceivable and possible. In one embodiment, the filter device 600 comprises a plurality of filter units, each of which has a different filter design. In one embodiment, a plurality of similar filter designs are alternatively or additionally present.

[0234] The at least one filter unit 610 can be made of metal, plastic, paper, and / or ceramic. Of course, combinations of the aforementioned materials are also conceivable and possible.

[0235] An opening width of the at least one filter unit 610, in particular of the filter media 611, 612, 613 and / or the filter designs 6101 to 6108, is between 1 pm and 50 pm in the embodiment shown. A value range between 5 pm and 30 pm has proven advantageous. Particular advantages are achieved with an opening width between 10 pm and 20 pm.

[0236] The support structure 620 shown in Fig. 23 as a schematic functional block functions as a carrier, holder, and / or support for the filter unit 610. The filter unit 610 is held on the support structure 620. The optional support structure 620 is particularly advantageous when the filter unit 610 has a dimensionally flexible filter medium 612 and / or a loose filter medium 613. The support structure 620 can also serve to fasten and / or attach the filter unit 610 at a location provided for this purpose on the fluid path P of the surface treatment system 1, 1a. The filter unit 610 can be detachably or permanently connected to the support structure 620.

[0237] If the support structure is permanently connected to the filter unit, they can together form a consumable item that needs to be replaced.

[0238] The optional filter cleaning device 630 shown in Fig. 23 as a schematic functional block serves to clean the at least one filter unit 610.

[0239] The filter cleaning device 630 allows the cleaning of at least one filter unit 610 before, during, and / or after operation of the surface treatment system 1, 1a. Cleaning the filter unit 610 removes dirt. This counteracts clogging of the filter unit 610. Depending on the design of the filter cleaning device, even the accumulation of dirt can be prevented.

[0240] The filter cleaning device 630 can generally be configured for manual and / or self-actuated and / or automatic cleaning of the filter unit 610. The cleaning itself can be performed in different ways, for example by wiping the filter unit 610, by causing the filter unit 610 to vibrate, and / or by backwashing the filter unit 610.

[0241] In the exemplary embodiment of the filter cleaning device 630 shown in Fig. 25, it comprises a stripping device 650, a vibration device 670, and / or a backwash device 690. The stripping device 650, the vibration device 670, and the backwash device 690 can be present individually or in combination. The stripping device 650 is configured to strip a surface of the at least one filter unit 610. A specific embodiment of the stripping device 650 will be explained below with reference to Fig. 31.

[0242] The vibration device 670, shown schematically as a functional block in Fig. 25, is configured to cause the at least one filter unit 610 to vibrate. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 670 shake off dirt accumulated on or in the filter unit 610. For this purpose, the vibration device 670 can act directly or indirectly on the filter unit 610 and / or the optional support structure 620.

[0243] The aforementioned oscillations can be generated as vibrations, sound, and especially ultrasound. A specific embodiment of a vibration device is explained below with reference to Fig. 34.

[0244] In one embodiment, the vibration device is alternatively or additionally designed to set the stripping device, in particular the at least one stripping element or the liquid surrounding or flowing around the filter unit, in motion, in particular in vibration.

[0245] The backwashing device 690, shown schematically as a functional block in Fig. 25, is configured for backwashing the filter unit 610. The backwashing device 690 can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. By backwashing, dirt accumulated on and / or in the filter unit 610 can be flushed out of the same. The backwashing takes place counter to a usual conveying direction of the liquid along the fluid path P and can take place before, during, and / or after operation of the surface treatment system 1, 1a. For the purpose of backwashing, the backwashing device 690 can have a separate conveying device. Alternatively or additionally, the / any liquid suction source 202 and / or the / a liquid pressure source 302 of the respective surface treatment system 1, 1a can be used.

[0246] The optional additive ZM, shown schematically as a functional block in Fig. 23, is designed to be released into the liquid flowing along the fluid path P and can also be referred to as an additional substance, additive and / or additive. The additive ZM exerts an effect which, in the broadest sense, supports improved surface cleaning and / or improved function of the relevant surface treatment system 1, 1a and / or the filter device 600. Fig. 26 schematically shows that the additive ZM can in principle be present as a solid additive ZMa, a liquid additive ZMb and / or a gaseous additive ZMc. In other words: the additive ZM can be present as a solid, liquid and / or gas. Combined additives which are partly solid, partly liquid and / or partly gaseous are also conceivable and possible.

[0247] The additive ZM can have various effects, such as cleaning, disinfecting, descaling, coloring, deodorizing, and / or clarifying. Depending on its effect, the additive ZM can therefore also be referred to as a cleaning agent, disinfectant, descaling agent, coloring agent, deodorizing agent, and / or clarifying agent.

[0248] It is understood that the filter device 600 may comprise several similar or different additives.

[0249] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 27, the additive ZM is soluble in an additive body ZMK. The additive body ZMK is assigned to the filter unit 610 in the broadest sense. For example, the additive body ZMK can be received, fastened, held, or otherwise attached to the filter unit 610 at a location provided for this purpose. The additive ZM bound in the additive body ZMK is dissolved from the additive body ZMK by the liquid flowing along the fluid path P and released into the liquid. The additive body can dissolve partially or completely over time.

[0250] The additive body ZMK can be in the form of, for example, capsule ZMK1, tablet ZMK2, and / or sachet ZMK3. This is illustrated schematically in simplified form in Fig. 35.

[0251] In the embodiment shown schematically in Fig. 28, the additive ZM is soluble in the filter unit 610. During operation of the filter device, the additive ZM is dissolved out of the filter unit 610 under the influence of the liquid flowing through the filter unit 610 and released into the liquid.

[0252] In one embodiment, the additive ZM is applied as a coating or layer on and / or into the filter unit 610. Alternatively or additionally, the filter unit 610 can be impregnated, saturated, or otherwise provided with the additive ZM. In the embodiments shown in Fig. 29, the surface treatment system 1, 1a has an additive device 700. Fig. 29 schematically shows a specific embodiment of an additive device 700 with an additive container 710 and a dispensing device 720.

[0253] The additive device 700 offers particular advantages in combination with the liquid recirculation described with reference to Fig. 22 and / or the filter device 600. It is understood, however, that the additive device 700 can also advantageously be provided on surface treatment systems which do not have such a liquid recirculation.

[0254] The additive device 700 comprises at least one additive ZM, which in the illustrated embodiment is accommodated in the additive container 710. Regarding the properties, effects, and other features of the additive ZM, reference is made to the preceding disclosure and expressly incorporated by reference. What is stated therein regarding the additive ZM of the filter device 600 also applies mutatis mutandis to the additive ZM of the additive device 700.

[0255] The additive container 710 serves to store the additive ZM. Depending on whether the additive ZM is liquid, solid, and / or gaseous, the additive container 710 has adapted properties.

[0256] In the embodiment shown, the additive device 700 has only one additive ZM. In a further embodiment, several similar or different additives can be present. In this case, each of the additives can be accommodated in a separate additive container.

[0257] In principle, the additive container 710 can be attached and / or attachable to various parts and / or components of the respective surface treatment system 1, 1a. In one embodiment, the additive container 710 is attached or attachable to the surface treatment device 2, specifically to a liquid container of the surface treatment device 2. In a further embodiment, the additive container 710 is attached and / or attachable to the robot device 5, 5a, specifically to a liquid container of the robot device 5, 5a.

[0258] The dispensing device 720 shown in Fig. 29 as a schematic functional block is designed to dispense the additive ZM from the additive container 710 into the liquid to be dispensed onto the surface F, in particular for dispensing into the fluid path P. Alternatively or additionally, the additive ZM can be dispensed directly onto the surface to be cleaned by means of the dispensing device 720.

[0259] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 720 is configured for manual operation by a user. In another embodiment, the dispensing device 720 provides for automatic and / or self-actuating dispensing of the additive ZM.

[0260] In preferred embodiments, the dispensing device 720 is configured for metered dispensing of the additive ZM.

[0261] In embodiments with a plurality of additive containers, the additive device preferably has a plurality of dispensing devices, wherein each of the plurality of additive containers is preferably assigned one of the plurality of dispensing devices.

[0262] In Fig. 30, an embodiment of a liquid tank 900 with a specifically designed filter device 600 is shown.

[0263] The liquid tank 900 together with the filter device 600 can be used as a component of the surface treatment system 1, 1a, in particular as a liquid container 203, 303.

[0264] Depending on the specific configuration of the surface treatment system 1, 1a, the liquid tank 900 can be arranged on the surface treatment device 2 or the robot device 5, 5a. The cylindrical design of the liquid tank shown in Fig. 30 is to be understood as purely exemplary. The same applies to Figs. 31, 34, 35, and 36.

[0265] The liquid tank 900 has a tank inlet and a tank outlet 903 (neither shown in Fig. 30), a tank volume 901 and a tank shell 904. The tank shell 904 is shown cut off in the proximal direction, i.e., upwards, in Fig. 68. At its lower end, the liquid tank 900 is openably closed with a lower tank lid 908 and detachably supported on a generically shown lower component. Said component can, for example, be a component of the guide part 4 of the surface treatment device 2 and / or a component of the robot device 5, 5a. During operation of the respective surface treatment system 1, 1a, liquid absorbed by the surface flows through the tank inlet into the tank volume, from there through the filter device 600 and further via the tank outlet to the at least one liquid outlet of the surface treatment system 1, 1a.In other words, the fluid path P extends sectionally through the liquid container 900.

[0266] The filter device 600 associated with the liquid tank 900 is shown in detail in the sectional view according to Fig. 31.

[0267] In the embodiment shown, the filter device 600 according to Fig. 31 is arranged in the tank volume 901 in a manner described in more detail below. An arrangement away from the tank volume 901 is also conceivable and possible, for example, upstream of the tank inlet or downstream of the tank outlet. In principle, the filter device 600 shown in Fig. 31 can also be arranged away from the liquid tank 900 at a designated and suitable location on the fluid path P of the respective surface cleaning system 1, 1a.

[0268] The filter device 600 is held in place by the lower tank cap 908. After removing the liquid tank 900 from the lower component, the lower tank cap 908 can be removed and the filter device 600 held on and / or by it can be removed from the tank volume 901.

[0269] In the embodiment according to Fig. 31, the filter device 600 has a filter unit 610, a support structure 620 and a filter cleaning device designed as a stripping device 650.

[0270] The filter unit 610 is a wire mesh filter 6108. The opening width of the wire mesh filter 6108 is between 10 μm and 20 μm. The wire mesh filter 6108 has a cylindrical shape. The wire mesh filter 6108 is aligned coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the tank shell 904.

[0271] The filter unit 610, specifically the wire mesh filter 6108, is held in this case on the support structure 620. The support structure 620 is pot-shaped and thus also has a circular-cylindrical shape. A radially outer side of the support structure 620 abuts a radially inner side of the wire mesh filter 6108. As a result, the wire mesh filter 6108 is supported inwardly in the radial direction by the support structure 620. This support is particularly advantageous when the wire mesh filter 6108 does not have sufficient inherent rigidity and therefore has and / or is a flexible filter medium 612.

[0272] The support structure 610 has a plurality of through-openings extending continuously in the radial direction (in Fig. 31 without reference numerals), through which the liquid to be filtered can pass from the outside via the inside of the wire mesh filter 6108 to the interior of the filter element 610 and from there through the tank outlet 903.

[0273] The stripping device 650 has several stripping elements 651 and a movement mechanism 652.

[0274] In the longitudinal section of Fig. 31, two of the aforementioned plurality of scraper elements 651 are shown. The scraper elements 651 are each in contact with an outer side of the wire mesh filter 6108 and are movable relative thereto. In the embodiment shown, a rotational movement of the scraper elements 651 is provided by means of the movement mechanism 652.

[0275] In the embodiment shown, the movement mechanism 652 comprises a drive motor 653, a drive shaft 654, a drive pinion 655, an output gear 656, an output element 657 and a bearing element 658.

[0276] In the present case, the drive motor 653 is mounted on the lower component (without reference symbol) and is detachably connected to the drive shaft 654 in a torque-transmitting manner. When the liquid tank 900 is removed from the lower component, the connection between the drive shaft 654 and the drive motor 653 is released. For the purpose of detachably connecting the drive motor 653 and the drive shaft 654, a lower end of the drive shaft 654 engages in a complementary driver element of the drive motor 653. The lower end of the drive shaft 654 protrudes from the tank volume 901 through the tank lid 908 in a manner not shown in detail. To prevent liquid from escaping from the tank volume 901, the passage of the drive shaft 654 through the tank lid 908 is fluid-tightly sealed with a sealing element not shown in detail.

[0277] The drive shaft 654 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the liquid tank 900 and thus also to the filter unit 610. In the embodiment shown, an upper end of the drive shaft 654 protrudes beyond an upper end of the filter unit 610. The drive pinion 655 is torque-tightly connected to the upper end of the drive shaft 654. The drive pinion 655 engages the output gear 656.

[0278] In the embodiment shown, the output toothing 656 is an internal toothing and is formed on the output element 657.

[0279] The output element 657 is mounted on the support structure 620 for rotation relative to the latter. For this purpose, the bearing element 658 is provided and, in this case, is formed integrally with the output element 657. The bearing element 658 engages in a bearing seat 622 of the support structure 620, releasably engaging it in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction and slidingly movable in the circumferential direction, provided for this purpose. In this case, the output element 657 is coaxially rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the liquid tank 900 and thus also of the filter unit 610. The plurality of stripping elements 651 are each operatively connected to the output element 657 in a force- and motion-transmitting manner. This operative connection is detachable in this case, so that the stripping elements 651 can be easily removed and replaced if necessary.

[0280] To clean the filter unit 610, more precisely: to strip the wire mesh filter 6108, the drive motor 653 drives the output element 657 via the drive shaft 654 and, with it, the stripping elements 651. The stripping elements 651 thus move along the filter unit 610, stripping off any dirt deposited on its surface.

[0281] In the embodiment shown, the rotary drive movement of the drive motor 653 is reduced via the gearing formed between the drive pinion 655 and the output gearing 656. In other words, the drive pinion 655 and the output gearing 656 form a reduction stage.

[0282] In one embodiment, continuous filter cleaning is provided. With such continuous filter cleaning, the drive motor 653 drives the scraping elements 651 throughout the entire duration of the surface treatment, in this case, wet cleaning. The drive motor 653 is started when the respective surface treatment system 1, 1a is switched on and switched off together with the surface treatment system 1, 1a.

[0283] In a further embodiment, controllable filter cleaning is provided. This control can be achieved by a user of the surface treatment device selectively switching the drive motor 653 on and off. Alternatively or additionally, the control—in the manual use configuration and / or autonomous use configuration—can be automatic, for example, by controlling the drive motor 653 depending on the degree of contamination of the liquid and / or another measured variable. The other measured variable can be, for example, a flow rate of the liquid to be filtered, a pressure, a pressure increase, and / or a power consumption of a conveying device.

[0284] This control may also include a speed control, in particular a stepless one, of the drive motor. The degree of contamination can be detected, for example, by means of a sensor configured for this purpose and arranged, for example, in the fluid path P and / or the tank volume 901.

[0285] Figs. 32 and 33 show exemplary filter units 610. The filter units 610 according to Figs. 32 and 33 have a fundamentally similar design and function to the filter unit of the filter device according to Fig. 31. Thus, the filter units 610 according to Figs. 32 and 33 each have a flexible filter medium 612 in the form of a wire mesh filter 6108.

[0286] The filter unit 610 according to Fig. 32 has a support structure 620, which radially abuts an inner side of the wire mesh filter 6108 and is provided with a plurality of through-openings 621. The through-openings 621 extend radially between an inner side and an outer side of the support structure 620 and, in this case, each have a square cross-section. The support structure 620 thus has a grid-like structure. At its upper end, the support structure 620 has a bearing seat 622 (see Fig. 31).

[0287] The filter element 610 according to Fig. 33 has a differently designed support structure 620'. The support structure 620' is largely identical to the support structure 620 of the filter device 600 shown in Fig. 32. In contrast to the support structure 620 according to Fig. 32, the support structure 620' according to Fig. 42 has a plurality of circular through-openings 620'. The circular through-openings 620' have a smaller opening width than the respective opening widths of the square through-openings 6201. Due to the different design, the support structure 620' has a comparatively greater inherent rigidity in the radial direction than the support structure 620 according to Fig. 32.

[0288] Fig. 34 shows a further embodiment of a filter device 600. In accordance with the embodiment according to Fig. 31, the filter device 600 is also arranged in a tank volume 901 of a liquid tank 900. With regard to possible alternatives for the arrangement of the filter device 600, what has already been said with reference to Fig. 40 applies mutatis mutandis.

[0289] The filter device 600 according to Fig. 34 differs from the filter device 600 according to Fig. 31 essentially in the manner of filter cleaning. In the embodiment according to Fig. 34, a vibration device 670 is provided instead of a scraping device.

[0290] The vibration device 670 has a vibration motor 671. The vibration motor 671 is accommodated in a motor mount 623 of the support structure 620" designed for this purpose. The vibrations generated by the vibration motor 671 are transmitted directly to the support structure 620" through the mount in the motor mount 623 and from there to the filter unit 610.

[0291] To enable sufficient vibrational mobility of the support structure 620" and thus of the filter unit 610, the support structure 620" is held on an inner side of the lower tank cap 908 via an elastic holding element 672. In other words: the support structure 620" together with the filter unit 610 is elastically mounted by means of the holding element 672.

[0292] With regard to the remaining design of the filter unit 610, what has already been said regarding the filter units 610 according to Figs. 31 to 33 applies mutatis mutandis. Here, too, the filter unit 610 comprises a flexible filter medium 612 and / or a wire mesh filter 6108.

[0293] The vibration motor 671 is supplied with electrical energy via a connecting cable 673. In this case, the connecting cable 673 runs on a radial inner side of the support structure 620. At its end facing away from the vibration motor 671, the connecting cable 673 is connected to an electrical connector (without reference symbol). The connection running via the electrical connector can be separated by removing the liquid tank 900 from the lower component. Conversely, the electrical connection is closed as soon as the liquid tank 900 is placed on the lower component. The said electrical connector can be connected or is connected to a / the battery device 100 in a manner not shown in detail.

[0294] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, an inductive power transmission to the vibration motor 671 is provided instead of a wired power transmission. An ultrasonic transducer 675 can also be used instead of the vibration motor 671. The ultrasonic transducer 675 generates ultrasound, which can prevent the accumulation of dirt on the filter unit 610.

[0295] The ultrasonic transducer 675 can also be arranged away from the support structure 620" and transmit the ultrasound only indirectly to the filter unit 610. The indirect transmission can occur, for example, via the liquid to be filtered itself.

[0296] With regard to a possible continuous or controlled operation of the vibration device 670, what has already been said regarding the stripping device 650 according to Fig. 31 applies mutatis mutandis.

[0297] In Figs. 35 and 36, an embodiment of a liquid tank 900 with a specifically designed additive device 700 is shown.

[0298] The liquid tank 900 together with the additive device 700 can be used as a component of the surface treatment system 1, 1a, in particular as a liquid container 203, 303.

[0299] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 35 and 36, the additive device 700 is detachably secured to the tank shell 904 of the fluid tanks 900 in the form of an upper tank cap 907. The tank shell 904 is shown cut off at the bottom in Figs. 35 and 36.

[0300] As an alternative to the design shown in Figs. 35 and 36 as an upper tank lid 907, the additive device 700 can also be designed, for example, as a component of the guide part 4 of the surface treatment device 2.

[0301] In the illustrated embodiment, the additive device 700 is configured for the metered dispensing of several different additives. The additive device 700 comprises an additive container 710 and a dispensing device 720.

[0302] The additive container 710 has three container chambers, of which two container chambers 711, 712 are shown in Fig. 36, which can also be referred to as the first container chamber 711 and the second container chamber 712. Each of the container chambers is designed to accommodate an additive. In the embodiment shown, the respective container chamber is designed to accommodate a liquid additive. The container chambers are accordingly separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner.

[0303] The dispensing device 720 has a plurality of actuating elements 721, 722 and 723, each of which is assigned to one of the container chambers and as the first actuating element

[0304] 721, second actuating element 722 and third actuating element 723.

[0305] The actuating elements 721, 722, 723 each form an upper cover of the respective container chamber. The actuating elements 721, 722, 723 can each be manually pressed along an actuating axis, which in this case is aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fluid tank 900.

[0306] The actuating elements 721, 722, 723 are each elastically retracted relative to the actuating axis by means of a spring element 740. The spring elements are supported at one end on an inner side of the respective actuating element 721, 722, 723 and at the other end on a bottom of the respective container chamber. The container chambers each have an outlet valve 730 in the region of their bottom. By pressing the respective actuating element 721, 722, 723, pressure is exerted on the respective additive. If the pressure exceeds an opening pressure of the outlet valve 730, the valve opens, whereby the additive is released from the respective container chamber into the tank volume 901.

[0307] In order to allow a metered release of the additives, the actuating elements 721,

[0308] 722, 723 and / or container chambers must be equipped with a stop. The stop only allows a limited amount of pressure on the respective actuating element and thus also a limited amount of additive dispensed.

[0309] In embodiments not shown in the figures, the additive device 700 has an additive container 710 with one, two, or more than the three container chambers shown here. The same applies to the number of actuating elements.

[0310] The embodiment shown in Figs. 35 and 36 is particularly advantageous for the use of three different additives. For example, a first additive can be accommodated in the first container chamber 711, a second additive in the second container chamber 712, and a third additive in the third container chamber (without reference symbol). The additives can differ in terms of their effect or other properties. To avoid confusion of the additives, a particularly advantageous embodiment provides for color coding of the actuating elements 721, 722, 723. In other words: In said embodiment, the actuating elements 721, 723, 722 have different colors.

[0311] To fill the additive container 710, the actuating elements 721, 723, 722 can be removed. Alternatively or additionally, the additive can be filled into the additive container 710 via the respective outlet valve or a filling opening provided for this purpose.

[0312] It is also possible to provide additives in pre-assembled units, for example capsules, tablets or the like, which can be introduced into the additive containers, for example inserted through the filling opening, and removed as required.

[0313] Fig. 37 shows a specifically designed connecting device 7 with a first connecting unit 71 and a second connecting unit 72. The connecting units 71, 72 are complementary.

[0314] The connecting device 7 is configured to form a plug-in connection between the first connecting unit 71 and the second connecting unit 72. Said plug-in connection can be removed and reconnected without tools. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting units 71, 72 can be plugged together and removed from one another along the longitudinal axis L.

[0315] The first connection unit 71 is a component of the base part 3. Both the guide part 4 and the respective robot device each have a second connection unit 72. In the manual use configuration, the first connection unit 71 is releasably connected to the second connection unit of the guide part 4. In the autonomous connection configuration, the first connection unit 71 is connected to the second connection unit of the robot device.

[0316] At least one mechanical operative connection is formed via the connecting device 7. The connecting device 7 is configured to form at least one mechanical operative connection between the base part 3 and the guide part 4 (in the manual use configuration) or the robot device (in the autonomous use configuration). The connecting device 7 can additionally be configured to form any electrical, fluid-conducting, signaling, and / or data connection between the base part 3 and the guide part 4 (in the manual use configuration) or the robot device (in the autonomous use configuration). For these, at least one connector pair can be provided, each with a first connector arranged on the first connecting unit and a complementary second connector arranged on the second connecting unit.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) for treating, in particular for cleaning, a surface (F), in particular a floor surface (B), comprising a surface treatment device (2) with a base part (3) which is designed to act on the surface (F) to be treated, and with a, in particular elongated, guide part (4) which is detachably connected to the base part (3) and is designed for manually moving the base part (3) over the surface (F) to be treated, and a robot device (5, 5a) which is detachably connectable to the base part (3) of the surface treatment device (2) and is designed for autonomously moving the base part (3) over the surface (F) to be treated, wherein the surface treatment system (1, 1a) is transferable between an autonomous use configuration and a manual use configuration, wherein in the autonomous use configuration the guide part (4) is separated from the base part (3) and the robot device (5,5a) is detachably connected to the base part (3) to enable autonomous movement of the base part (3) over the surface (F) to be treated, and wherein in the manual use configuration the robot device (5, 5a) is separated from the surface treatment device (2) to enable manual movement of the base part (3) over the surface (F) to be treated by means of the guide part (4).

2. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 1, wherein the base part (3) has a tool device (30) with at least one driven tool (31) for acting on the surface to be treated (F), in particular wherein the at least one driven tool (31) is designed to generate a propulsion (V) in the driven state, which at least supports the manual movement and / or the autonomous movement of the base part (3).

3. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 2, wherein the tool device (30) has two counter-rotating, plate-shaped tools (33), in particular plate tools.

4. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the robot device (5, 5a) in the autonomous use configuration is connected to the tool device (30) and is used to control the propulsion (V) of the at least a driven tool (31) is arranged to control the autonomous movement of the base part (3) by means of the control of the propulsion (V).

5. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface treatment device (2) has a bearing device (6) by means of which the guide part (4) and the base part (3) are connected to one another so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein a direction of the manual movement of the base part (3) is controllable via a relative movement between the base part (3) and the guide part (4).

6. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 5, wherein the bearing device (6) forms a cardanic connection (61) between the guide part (4) and the base part (3), whereby by means of a rotation of the guide part (4) about its longitudinal axis (L) the base part (3) can be rotated about its vertical axis (H) and in a rotation plane parallel to the surface (F) to be treated, resting on the surface (F), in order to control the direction of the manual movement of the base part (3).

7. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the robot device (5, 5a) has a drive device (51) which is arranged to drive the autonomous movement.

8. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the robot device (5, 5a) has a steering device (52) which is arranged to steer the autonomous movement.

9. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a battery device (100) which is designed to supply the robot device (5, 5a) and / or the surface treatment device (2) with electrical operating energy.

10. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 9, wherein the battery device (100) comprises a first battery (101) arranged on the surface treatment device (2).

11. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the battery device (100) has a second battery (102) arranged on the robot device (5, 5a).

12. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 11, wherein the first battery (101) and the second battery (102) are interchangeably attachable to the robot device (5, 5a) and the surface treatment device (2).

13. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a liquid receiving device (200) which is arranged to receive liquid from the surface (F) to be treated.

14. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 13, wherein the Liquid receiving device (200) at least one liquid receptacle (201), at least one liquid suction source (202) and / or at least one Liquid collection container (203), wherein the at least one liquid receptacle (201) is configured to suck in the liquid to be absorbed, and wherein the at least one liquid suction source (202) is configured to generate a negative pressure for sucking in the liquid to be absorbed, and wherein the at least one liquid collection container (203) is configured to collect the liquid to be absorbed.

15. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the Robot device (5, 5a) has at least one component (201, 202, 203) of the liquid receiving device (200), in particular one component (201, 202, 203) of several similar components of the Liquid intake device (200).

16. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a liquid dispensing device (300) which is arranged to dispense liquid onto the surface (F) to be treated.

17. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 16, wherein the Liquid dispensing device (300) at least one liquid outlet (301), at least one liquid pressure source (302) and / or at least one liquid storage container (303), wherein the at least one Liquid outlet (301) is arranged for directly dispensing the liquid onto the surface (F), wherein the at least one liquid pressure source (302) is arranged for generating an overpressure for conveying the liquid to be dispensed, and wherein the at least one liquid storage container (303) is arranged to store the liquid to be dispensed.

18. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the robot device (5, 5a) has at least one component (301, 302, 303) of the liquid dispensing device (300), in particular one component (301, 302, 303) of several similar components of the liquid dispensing device (300).

19. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of claims 16 to 18 in combination with one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the liquid dispensing device (300) is or can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the liquid receiving device (200) by means of at least one fluid path (P), whereby liquid taken up from the surface (F) by means of the liquid receiving device (200) can be dispensed again onto the surface (F) by means of the liquid dispensing device (300).

20. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 19, further comprising at least one filter device (600) with at least one filter unit (610) which is configured to filter the liquid.

21. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 20, wherein the at least one filter device (600) has a filter cleaning device (630) which is designed to clean the at least one filter unit (610), in particular before, during and / or after operation of the surface treatment system (1, 1a).

22. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additive device (700) with at least one additive (ZM) which is designed to be released into at least one / the fluid path (P) of the surface treatment system (1, 1a), in particular wherein the at least one additive (ZM) has a cleaning, disinfecting, descaling, coloring, deodorizing and / or clarifying effect.

23. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 22, wherein the additive device (700) has at least one additive container (710) in which the at least one additive (ZM) is stored, and / or at least one dispensing device (720) which is used for dispensing, in particular in a metered manner, the at least one additive (ZM), in particular on the at least one additive container (710), is arranged in the fluid path (P).

24. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a particle receiving device (400) which is arranged to receive particles from the surface (F) to be treated.

25. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 24, wherein the Particle receiving device (400) has at least one particle receiving device (401), at least one particle suction source (402) and / or at least one particle collecting container (403), wherein the at least one particle receiving device (401) is designed to suck in the particles to be picked up, wherein the at least one particle suction source (402) is designed to generate a negative pressure for sucking in the particles to be picked up, and wherein the at least one particle collecting container (403) is designed to collect the particles to be picked up.

26. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the robot device (5, 5a) has at least one component (401, 402, 403) of the particle receiving device (400), in particular one component (401, 402, 403) of several similar components of the particle receiving device (400).

27. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface treatment system (1, 1a) has a sensor device (53), a navigation device (54) and / or a processor device (55), wherein the sensor device (53) is configured to detect the surface to be treated (F) and / or its surroundings (E) and to generate sensor data representing the surface to be treated (F) and / or the surroundings (E), wherein the navigation device (54) is configured to detect a position of the robot device (5, 5a) and to generate navigation data representing the position, and wherein the processor device (55) is configured to control the autonomous movement as a function of the sensor data and / or the navigation data.

28. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 27, wherein the sensor device (53) comprises at least one camera system (531), a radar system (532), a lidar system (533) and / or an ultrasound system (534).

29. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the processing device (55) is configured to control at least one treatment function as a function of the sensor data and / or the navigation data, in particular wherein the treatment function is a tool function, a liquid intake function, a liquid discharge function, a liquid circulation function, a filter function, an additive function, an additional tool function and / or a particle intake function.

30. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide part (4) in the manual use configuration is detachably connected to the base part (3) by means of a connecting device (7).

31. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 30, wherein in the autonomous Use configuration, the robot device (5, 5a) by means of the Connecting device (7) is connected to the base part (3).

32. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the robot device (5, 5a) has an additional tool device (800) with at least one driven additional tool (810) which is designed to act on the surface (F) to be treated.

33. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 32, wherein the at least one additional tool (810) is driven by means of a drive of the surface treatment device (2), in particular of the base part (3), and / or is driven by means of a drive of the robot device (5, 5a).

34. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 32 or 33, wherein the additional tool device (800) has a working width which is greater than a working width of the surface treatment device (2), in particular greater than a working width of a / the tool device (30) of the surface treatment device (2).

35. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the robot device (5, 5a) is designed for detachable connection to and / or for receiving differently specified floor parts.

36. Surface treatment system (1, 1a) according to claim 35, wherein the robot device (5, 5a) has an adaptable receiving device adapted to receive different widths of floor parts.

Images