Surface cleaning device, fluid tank for a surface cleaning device, surface cleaning system, and surface cleaning method

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface cleaning device for wet cleaning a surface, the device comprising: a guiding part which extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end and is designed to manually guide the surface cleaning device over the surface; a base part which is connected to the distal end of the guiding part; a tool device which is arranged on the base part and is designed to act on the surface; a fluid dispensing means which is designed to dispense fluid onto the surface; a fluid collection means which is designed to collect, from the surface, fluid dispensed onto the surface by means of the fluid dispensing means; a fluid path which fluidically connects the fluid collection means to the fluid dispensing means, allowing the fluid collected by the fluid collection means to be returned; and a conveying device which is designed to convey fluid along the fluid path, thereby allowing fluid collected from the surface by means of the fluid collection means to be dispensed onto the surface by means of the fluid dispensing means. The invention also relates to: a fluid tank for such a surface cleaning device; a surface cleaning system; and a method for wet cleaning a surface.

Description

[0001] Surface cleaning device, fluid tank for a surface cleaning device, surface cleaning system and method for surface cleaning

[0002] The invention relates to improvements in the field of wet cleaning of surfaces, in particular floor surfaces, for example floor surfaces in buildings.

[0003] In particular, the invention relates to a surface cleaning device for wet cleaning a surface, a fluid tank for a surface cleaning device, a surface cleaning system with a surface cleaning device, a method for wet cleaning a surface, an adapter device for converting a surface cleaning device and a kit.

[0004] DE 10 2013215 198 A1 discloses a surface cleaning device comprising a guide part, a base part, a tool device, a fluid dispenser, and a fluid receptacle. The known surface cleaning device is intended for the wet cleaning of floor surfaces and is designed as a scrubber-drier. The known surface cleaning device has a fresh water tank, which is fluidically connected to the fluid dispenser, and a dirty water tank, which is fluidly connected to the fluid receptacle. The fresh water tank and the dirty water tank, and thus also the fluid dispenser and fluid receptacle, are fluidically separated from one another. During wet cleaning with the known surface cleaning device, fresh water is released from the fresh water tank via the fluid dispenser onto the surface to be cleaned. The surface moistened with the released fluid is processed using the tool device, for example to loosen dirt.The released fluid, mixed with the loosened dirt, is collected by the fluid intake, stored in the dirty water tank, and disposed of after wet cleaning. In addition to the various advantages offered by this surface cleaning device, particularly compared to a mop on the one hand and larger cleaning machines (ride-on machines) on the other, it is disadvantageous that the separate fluid tanks of this surface cleaning device naturally have a limited capacity. For example, if the fresh water is exhausted, wet cleaning must be interrupted to refill the fresh water tank. If the dirty water tank is full, wet cleaning must be interrupted to empty the dirty water tank.If a cleaning agent is used in addition to clean water, the cleaning agent is collected in the dirty water tank and disposed of, even though the cleaning agent's effectiveness is often not yet exhausted. The object of the invention is to enable improved wet cleaning of surfaces. Specifically, improved wet cleaning of floor surfaces, especially floors in buildings, is to be enabled.

[0005] This object is achieved by providing a surface cleaning device having the features of claim 1, a fluid tank having the features of claim 65, a fluid tank having the features of claim 97, a surface cleaning system having the features of claim 116, a method having the features of claim 121, an adapter device having the features of claim 122 and / or a kit having the features of claim 135. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims. The wording of the claims is incorporated into the description by reference.

[0006] The surface cleaning device according to the invention is designed for wet cleaning a surface and has an optional guide part, an optional base part, a tool device, a fluid dispenser, a fluid receptacle, a fluid path, and a conveying device. The surface to be cleaned can generally be horizontal, vertical, or oriented in any other way. The surface cleaning device according to the invention is particularly advantageous for wet cleaning floor surfaces, such as floor surfaces in buildings, which can in particular be hard floors or carpets. The guide part is elongated between a proximal end and a distal end and is designed for manually guiding the surface cleaning device over the surface to be cleaned. The base part is connected to the distal end of the guide part. The tool device is designed to act on the surface to be cleaned.The fluid dispenser is designed to dispense fluid onto the surface to be cleaned. The fluid receiver is designed to receive fluid from the surface that has been delivered to the surface via the fluid dispenser. The fluid path connects the fluid receiver to the fluid dispenser in a fluid-conducting manner for the return of fluid received via the fluid receiver. The conveying device is designed to convey fluid along the fluid path. This allows fluid that has been received from the surface via the fluid receiver to be delivered (again) onto the surface via the fluid dispenser.

[0007] The invention is based on the realization that wet cleaning of surfaces does not necessarily have to be done with fresh water. Even dirty water or water previously used for wet cleaning can be reused and / or repeatedly without any practical impairment of the cleaning result, or even with improved cleaning results. The invention offers numerous advantages, each of which, individually and in combination, allows for improved wet cleaning of surfaces:

[0008] The invention reduces resource consumption and enables environmentally friendly wet cleaning. By recirculating the fluid absorbed by the fluid intake and releasing it again via the fluid discharge, fluid consumption is reduced. If a cleaning agent is added to the fluid, its consumption can also be reduced.

[0009] The invention allows for a compact and lightweight design of the surface cleaning device. According to the invention, a fluid tank for storing fluid can be eliminated. In particular, separate fresh water and dirty water tanks can be dispensed with. The resulting compact design allows for efficient and thorough mechanical wet cleaning, even of smaller and / or hard-to-reach areas. The resulting lightweight design allows the surface cleaning device to be moved with reduced effort, improving ergonomics and also allowing for increased cleaning speed (area cleaned per unit of time).

[0010] The invention enables improved cleaning results at a constant or increased cleaning speed. It has been shown that the amount of fluid delivered per unit of time (delivery rate) significantly influences the cleaning result. In principle, the higher the delivery rate, the better the cleaning result. In prior art surface cleaning devices with a fresh water tank and a separate dirty water tank, the delivery rate is inherently limited by the limited fresh water volume available in the fresh water tank. The fluid recirculation according to the invention eliminates this disadvantage, and (theoretically) any desired delivery rate can be used.

[0011] The achievable cleaning speed is also increased by the fact that there is no need to dispose of the absorbed fluid (dirty water) or to refill the fluid to be dispensed (fresh water). In prior art surface cleaning devices with a fresh water tank and a separate dirty water tank, disposal takes place by emptying the dirty water tank or by replacing it with an empty dirty water tank. To refill the fluid to be dispensed, the fresh water tank can be refilled or replaced with a full fresh water tank. The invention makes these work steps unnecessary. In practice, the fluid used will have to be replaced from time to time, although the time intervals for such a replacement will generally be significantly longer than the time intervals for refilling / emptying separate fluid tanks that are usual in the prior art.This saves time and further increases cleaning speed. It also provides ergonomic benefits for the user.

[0012] Compared to surface cleaning devices known from the prior art, which are limited by separate fresh and dirty water tanks, the invention allows for improved cleaning performance, in particular a significantly increased surface performance.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention essentially eliminates the need for complex filter or treatment devices designed to clean the absorbed fluid before re-release. The implementation of the invention is thus particularly simple and cost-effective, while simultaneously maintaining the most compact dimensions and low weight of the surface cleaning device.

[0014] The guide part can also be referred to as a hand guide part and serves for the aforementioned manual guidance of the surface cleaning device over the surface to be cleaned. The guide part preferably has a handle at its proximal end. When the surface cleaning device is used as intended, the proximal end generally faces the user, while the distal end faces away from the user. The distal end is at least indirectly connected to the base part. The aforementioned connection can be detachable, non-detachable, rigid, and / or movable. The longitudinal extension of the guide part allows the user to assume an upright posture when wet cleaning floor surfaces. The guide part is optional. In embodiments of the invention, the surface cleaning device does not have a guide part.

[0015] During wet cleaning, the base part rests on or against the surface to be cleaned. In designs with a guide part, the base part is connected to the distal end of the guide part. This connection can be permanent, detachable, rigid, and / or movable. The base part is optional. In designs of the invention, the surface cleaning device does not have a base part.

[0016] The tool device is designed to act on the surface to be cleaned and / or to remove dirt from the surface to be cleaned. The tool device is preferably designed to act mechanically on the surface, so that the dirt is removed mechanically, in particular abrasively. In a preferred embodiment, the tool device is a scouring device or a scrubbing device. In embodiments with a base part, the tool device is arranged on the base part. During wet cleaning, the tool device rests at least partially on or against the surface.

[0017] The fluid discharge and fluid intake are fluidly connected to one another via the fluid path. The conveying device is provided for conveying the fluid along the fluid path. The discharged fluid binds and / or loosens dirt present on the surface. It is understood that the fluid intake not only allows for the absorption of the discharged (uncontaminated) fluid, but is also designed to absorb the dirt bound and / or loosened in the fluid. In preferred embodiments, the surface cleaning device has a separation device for separating the absorbed dirt from the fluid. By separating dirt, the degree of contamination of the absorbed fluid is reduced, for example by separating (retaining, collecting, filtering and / or separating) undissolved and / or loosened dirt particles, absorbed small parts, lint, hair or the like before the fluid is released again.However, the object of the invention is also achieved if the absorbed fluid is released again onto the surface to be cleaned without prior dirt separation. The fluid release can also be referred to as liquid release, the fluid intake can also be referred to as liquid intake, and the fluid path can also be referred to as liquid path. The terms "fluid" and "liquid" can be used interchangeably in this description.

[0018] The solution according to the invention is not limited to wet cleaning of surfaces. In principle, it is also conceivable and possible to use it for wet treatment of surfaces, for example, wet sanding.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, the fluid path comprises a fluid reservoir with a reservoir volume, a reservoir inlet, and a reservoir outlet. The reservoir inlet is fluidly connected to the fluid intake. The reservoir outlet is fluidly connected to the fluid discharge. The reservoir inlet and the reservoir outlet are fluidly connected to one another via the reservoir volume. The fluid reservoir serves as an intermediate storage device for the fluid. In embodiments without a fluid reservoir, the fluid discharge and fluid intake occur without intermediate storage, so that, in principle, continuous fluid intake and discharge must occur at essentially identical rates. The fluid reservoir enables the use of different rates. For example, more fluid can be absorbed than discharged per unit of time, or vice versa.The difference between the amount of fluid delivered and the amount of fluid absorbed that arises over a certain period of time is buffered or even compensated by the fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir can, in principle, have any design and configuration suitable for the intended purpose. For example, the fluid reservoir can comprise one or more fluid tanks. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid reservoir can be formed by cross-sections and / or cavities of other components of the surface cleaning device, for example, the guide part, the base part, and / or the tool assembly.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the fluid reservoir is attached to the guide part. This allows the weight and dimensions of the base part to be kept low. Alternatively, the fluid reservoir is attached to the base part. This allows the weight and dimensions of the guide part to be kept low. Further alternatively, the fluid reservoir is attached in sections to the guide part and in sections to the base part. This allows the weight and volume of the fluid reservoir to be distributed partially between the guide part and partially between the base part. Preferably, a removable attachment of the fluid reservoir is provided. Due to the removable attachment, the fluid reservoir can be cleaned or replaced particularly easily.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid reservoir is a component of a carrying device, wherein the carrying device is designed to be carried on the body of a user. By carrying the fluid reservoir on the user's body, attachment of the fluid reservoir to the guide part and / or base part is omitted, so that their dimensions and weight are not increased by the fluid reservoir. The carrying device can be designed to be carried on the user's back, for example in the form of a backpack, as a hip belt or the like. In one embodiment, the fluid reservoir forms the said component of the carrying device and is additionally designed for optional attachment to the base part and / or the guide part. Depending on the cleaning task, the user can decide how the fluid reservoir should be attached / carried.When cleaning horizontal surfaces, attachment to the base part and / or the guide part can offer advantages, as the weight of the fluid reservoir increases the contact pressure of the tool against the horizontal surface. When cleaning inclined, particularly vertical, surfaces, carrying the tool on the user's body can offer advantages, as the weight of the guide part and / or the base part is not increased by the fluid reservoir, which allows for easier manual guidance of the surface cleaning device along the inclined, particularly vertical, surface.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the reservoir volume is a maximum of 10 liters, preferably a maximum of 8 liters, preferably a maximum of 6 liters, preferably a maximum of 5 liters, preferably a maximum of 4 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters, preferably a maximum of 2 liters, particularly preferably between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters. The size of the reservoir volume determines the available amount of fluid. A larger amount of fluid allows the absorption of a larger amount of dirt, but at the same time leads to a relatively high weight. By limiting the reservoir volume to a maximum of 10 liters or one of the aforementioned additional maximum values, the dimensions of the fluid reservoir can be kept compact. The weight of the reservoir volume is then relatively low even when filled and can be easily moved by a user. A reservoir volume between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters has proven to be particularly advantageous.This is because, on the one hand, particularly compact dimensions and a particularly low weight are achieved. On the other hand, a reservoir volume of between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters still allows a sufficient amount of fluid to loosen and / or bind dirt generated during wet cleaning. With a reservoir volume of less than 0.5 liters, the fluid will usually become very heavily soiled after just a short period of wet cleaning. With a reservoir volume of more than 2.0 liters, the weight is already noticeable and cannot be easily moved and / or carried by all potential users under all circumstances. The value range of 0.5 liters to 2 liters is optimal in this respect. When using the surface cleaning device, the reservoir volume will usually not be completely filled with the fluid absorbed / dispensed.It has been shown that a fill level and / or liquid level between 30% and 60%, preferably between 40% and 55%, particularly preferably 50%, of the reservoir volume is particularly advantageous.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid reservoir is made at least partially from a translucent material. This allows the user to easily determine the degree of contamination of the fluid from the outside and without opening the fluid reservoir. Preferably, the fluid reservoir is made at least predominantly from the translucent material. More preferably, the fluid reservoir is made entirely from the translucent material. It is preferred to manufacture it from translucent plastic. As an alternative, it is fundamentally conceivable and possible to manufacture it at least partially from shatter-resistant glass.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid reservoir has at least one fluid tank. Preferably, the fluid reservoir has a (single) fluid tank. In this embodiment, the reservoir volume is / is the tank volume of the fluid tank. The reservoir inlet is / is the tank inlet of the fluid tank, and the reservoir outlet is / is the tank outlet of the fluid tank. The fluid tank can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank, in particular its tank volume and / or a tank shell forming the tank volume, is designed in the form of an elongated hollow cylinder. Preferably, a design in the form of a tube is provided. The elongated, hollow-cylindrical design of the fluid tank offers advantages in particular when the fluid tank is designed for attachment to the elongated guide part or for carrying on the user's body.When attached to the guide part, the elongated hollow cylindrical design allows for compact dimensions and advantageous weight distribution. The same applies when the elongated hollow cylindrical fluid tank is carried on the user's body. The elongated hollow cylinder has a different cross-sectional shape depending on the configuration. In principle, the hollow cylinder can have a square, rounded, oval, or circular cross-section. Furthermore, it is understood that the cross-section of the hollow cylinder can be variable along its longitudinal axis. The aforementioned design is particularly preferred as a tube or pipe. Tubes are commercially available and / or inexpensive to manufacture in various diameters, wall thicknesses, and other properties. This allows for particularly simple production of the fluid tank or tank shell.With a hollow-cylindrical, particularly tubular, design of the tank shell, the fluid tank preferably has a tank cap or other closures for closing the front end of the tank shell. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid tank is made of plastic. A hollow-cylindrical, particularly tubular, design in combination with a plastic construction is particularly advantageous.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank, in particular its tank volume and / or the tank shell forming the tank volume, has a plurality of parts that are joined together in a fluid-tight manner along a longitudinal axis of the fluid tank. Such a multi-part design achieves a modular construction of the fluid tank, in particular of the tank shell. In a preferred embodiment, the tank shell consists of the plurality of parts. When joined together, the plurality of parts enclose the tank volume. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of parts is a hollow cylinder section, in particular a pipe section. In one embodiment, the plurality of parts are identical. In a further embodiment, the plurality of parts differ with regard to at least one property, for example a respective enclosed tank sub-volume, a diameter, a length or the like.In a preferred embodiment, the multiple parts are plugged together in a fluid-tight manner along the longitudinal axis. In this case, immediately adjacent parts are connected by means of a plug-in connection, which in a particularly preferred embodiment is a bayonet connection or a bayonet lock. Instead of such a plug-in connection, other joining connections are also conceivable. For example, the multiple parts can be screwed together or locked together. Due to the modular design of the fluid tank, in particular of the tank shell, the tank volume can be easily adapted. To reduce the tank volume, a smaller number of parts can be used. To increase the tank volume, a larger number of parts can be used.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the multiple parts are detachably joined, in particular plugged together. This detachable connection allows the user to easily adjust the tank volume. To increase the tank volume, another part can be inserted. To reduce the tank volume, one or more of the parts can be removed. Furthermore, the detachable connection of the parts allows for particularly easy cleaning of the fluid tank and any devices located within the tank volume.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid path has a blocking device. The blocking device serves to selectively interrupt the fluid return. The blocking device can be transferred between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the fluid path between the fluid intake and fluid discharge is / remains open for the return of fluid. In the closed state, the fluid path between the fluid intake and fluid discharge is blocked by the blocking device. The blocking device can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. For example, the blocking device can have or be a fluid control valve, in particular a shut-off valve, a switching valve, or the like.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, in the blocked state, the reservoir volume is divided into a fluid discharge reservoir volume and a fluid intake reservoir volume by means of the blocking device, interrupting the return of fluid. The fluid discharge reservoir volume has the reservoir outlet and is separated from the reservoir inlet by means of the blocking device. The fluid intake reservoir volume has the reservoir inlet and is separated from the reservoir outlet by means of the blocking device. In the released state, the division of the reservoir volume by means of the blocking device is canceled, so that fluid return is possible. By selectively subdividing the reservoir volume, the user can choose whether the absorbed fluid should be returned to the fluid discharge or instead stored in the fluid intake reservoir volume for later disposal.Thanks to the blocking device, the surface cleaning device can be operated with fluid recirculation or conventionally without fluid recirculation, depending on the application. It is also conceivable and possible to initially clean without fluid recirculation. If the user determines that a satisfactory cleaning result has not been achieved after emptying the fluid dispensing reservoir volume, subsequent cleaning can be carried out with fluid recirculation. A reverse operation is also possible, in which cleaning is initially carried out with fluid recirculation, then the reservoir volume is emptied and filled with fresh fluid, and finally cleaning is carried out without fluid recirculation. In designs with multiple fluid tanks, the blocking device can be arranged and / or formed between adjacent fluid tanks with respect to the direction of fluid flow.In designs with a multi-part tank shell, the locking device can be arranged and / or formed between adjacent parts. For example, the locking device can be a locking element that can be inserted fluid-tight between adjacent parts of the tank shell or introduced into the tank volume in some other way.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the blocking device is integrated into the reservoir volume, in particular the tank volume of the fluid tank. By integrating the blocking device into the reservoir volume, for example, the tank volume, the blocking device is protected from external influences and the external dimensions of the surface cleaning device are not increased.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the blocking device comprises a fluid control element, in particular a switching valve or the like. The fluid control element can be actuated to switch between the release state and the blocking state. In one embodiment, manual actuation is provided. In another embodiment, automatic actuation is provided, for example by means of an actuator, motor, flowing fluid, or the like. In another embodiment, the fluid control element can be electrically controlled and / or actuated to switch between the release state and the disconnected state.

[0031] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid path comprises a separation device configured to separate dirt from fluid flowing along the fluid path. The separation device can separate dirt from the collected fluid. This prevents excessive accumulation of dirt in the fluid and / or fluid path. The separation of dirt reduces the degree of contamination of the collected fluid, for example, by separating (retaining, collecting, filtering, and / or separating) undissolved and / or dissolved dirt particles, collected small parts, lint, hair, or the like before the fluid is released again. The separation of dirt by means of the separation device allows an available amount of fluid to be used for a longer cleaning period and / or for larger cleaning areas without compromising the cleaning results.The separation device can have any design suitable for the present purpose. In principle, the separation device can be arranged at one or more locations along the fluid path between the fluid intake and the fluid discharge.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separation device comprises at least one filter device. Alternatively, the separation device is a filter device. The filter device is designed to filter contaminants from fluid flowing along the fluid path. The filter device can generally be arranged at one or more locations along the fluid path between the fluid intake and the fluid discharge.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter device has at least one sieve filter whose mesh size is between 0.06 mm and 0.7 mm, preferably between 0.09 mm and 0.3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.125 mm and 0.25 mm. In one embodiment, the filter device has a plurality of sieve filters. The plurality of sieve filters can be arranged in series or parallel to one another in a fluid-conducting manner. The plurality of sieve filters can have identical or different mesh sizes. Alternatively, the mesh size can be between mesh (US) 230 and mesh (US) 25, preferably between mesh (US) 170 and mesh (US) 50, particularly preferably between mesh (US) 120 and mesh (US) 60. The aforementioned value ranges for the mesh size of the at least one sieve filter have proven to be particularly advantageous.In a preferred embodiment, the filter device has a first screen filter and a second screen filter, wherein the first screen filter and the second screen filter are connected in series, wherein the first screen filter is arranged upstream of the second screen filter with respect to the flow direction of the fluid. Preferably, the first screen filter has a first mesh size and the second screen filter has a different second mesh size. Particularly preferably, the first mesh size is larger than the second mesh size. The respective mesh size is decisive for the size of the filterable dirt particles. With a mesh size of 0.7 mm, for example, dirt particles with a size of 0.7 mm or more are retained by the mesh of the screen filter and thus filtered. Smaller dirt particles with a size of less than 0.7 mm can pass through the mesh and are not filtered.The filter device comprises at least one filter unit, which does not necessarily have to be designed as a screen filter. Alternatively or in addition to the screen filter, the filter device may comprise at least one foam filter or the like. The filter device, in particular its at least one filter unit, is preferably designed such that dirt particles, small parts, hair, lint, or the like with a size appropriate for the cleaning task at hand can be filtered out of the fluid. In particular, clogging of the fluid path should be avoided.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter device comprises a filter cleaning device configured to clean the filter device. The filter cleaning device can be freed from filtered dirt by the filter cleaning device. This counteracts clogging of the filter device, for example, by the filter cleaning device wiping and / or rinsing dirt from the filter device. The filter cleaning device can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. In one embodiment, the filter cleaning device is configured for manual operation. In another embodiment, the filter cleaning device cleans the filter device automatically without user intervention.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter cleaning device comprises a cleaning element movable relative to the filter device and a movement mechanism for moving the cleaning element. In one embodiment, the cleaning element is rotationally movable. In another embodiment, the cleaning element is translationally movable. A combined translational and rotational movement of the cleaning element is also conceivable and possible. The movable cleaning element can remove dirt from the filter device. The movement mechanism serves to move the cleaning element and can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the invention, 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 cleaning element. In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is a rotary mechanism for transmitting a rotary movement and / or torque applied by the user to the cleaning element. In a further embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism is a translation mechanism for transmitting a translational movement and / or force generated by the user to the cleaning element.

[0037] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism is configured for automatic drive by means of a flowing fluid. In this embodiment of the invention, fluid flowing along the fluid path drives the movement mechanism. This eliminates the need for a separate drive motor and also eliminates the need for the user to move the cleaning element. Instead, the movement mechanism utilizes the flow energy of the fluid to move the cleaning element.

[0038] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cleaning element comprises a scraping element configured to scrape a surface of the filter device. For the purpose of cleaning the filter device, the scraping element moves relative to the filter device along said surface. This scrapes off any dirt adhering to the surface of the filter device. This configuration allows for particularly simple and reliable cleaning of the filter device.

[0039] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separation device comprises a centrifuging device. Alternatively, the separation device is a centrifuging device. The centrifuging device is configured to centrifuge fluid flowing along the fluid path. In other words, the centrifuging device generates centrifugal accelerations and thus centrifugal forces within the fluid flow, by means of which contaminants are separated from the fluid flow. In principle, the centrifuging device can be arranged at any location or at multiple locations along the fluid path between the fluid intake and the fluid discharge.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the invention, the centrifuging device has a fluid guide element that is designed to set the flowing fluid in rotation. In one embodiment, the fluid guide element is formed by a section of the fluid path. In embodiments with a fluid reservoir, in particular a fluid tank, the fluid guide element can be formed by a section of the fluid reservoir or fluid tank, for example by a section of a tank shell and / or a tank lid of the fluid tank. In a further embodiment, the fluid guide element is a separate component from the fluid reservoir, in particular the fluid tank. In one embodiment, the fluid guide element is movable to generate the rotation. In a further embodiment, the fluid guide element is stationary instead.

[0041] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid guide element is rotationally movable. In one embodiment, the fluid guide element is configured for rotational movement by means of the fluid flowing along the fluid path. This eliminates the need for a separate drive for the rotational movement. In a further embodiment, the fluid guide element is configured for rotational movement by means of a drive. Such driven rotational movement of the fluid guide element can cause particularly large centrifugal accelerations in the fluid flow. This allows even dirt particles with very low mass to be separated. In a further embodiment of the invention, the separation device is arranged upstream and / or downstream of the fluid reservoir. Alternatively, the separation device is arranged between the reservoir inlet and the reservoir outlet.Alternatively or additionally, the separation device is arranged between the reservoir inlet and the reservoir outlet, preferably within the reservoir volume. Depending on the location or locations where the separation device is arranged, different advantages are achieved.

[0042] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separation device is integrated into the fluid reservoir, in particular the fluid tank. This protects the separation device from external influences, and the external dimensions of the surface cleaning device are not increased by the separation device. If the fluid reservoir, in particular the fluid tank, is designed to be removable, this advantageously also applies to the separation device.

[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid path has a detection device that is configured to detect a degree of contamination of fluid flowing in the fluid path, in particular by a user. The detection device enables the user to detect how heavily contaminated the fluid already is during wet cleaning. This enables the user to determine whether the fluid needs to be reused or replaced with fresh fluid or diluted with fresh fluid. The detection device can generally be arranged at one or more points along the fluid path. In principle, the detection device can have any design suitable for the application at hand. In embodiments with a separation device, the detection device can be assigned to the separation device and / or formed by a component of the separation device.

[0044] In a further embodiment of the invention, the detection device comprises a sensor device configured to detect the degree of soiling and to output a sensor signal representing the degree of soiling. In this embodiment of the invention, the degree of soiling is measured by means of the sensor device. The sensor device is preferably an optical sensor device configured to optically detect the degree of soiling. The sensor signal output by the sensor device represents the degree of soiling. In one embodiment, the sensor signal is output as acoustic, optical, or other information for perception by the user. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor signal can be used to control the surface cleaning device and / or individual functions of the surface cleaning device.For example, the surface cleaning device, in particular the conveying device, the tool device, the blocking device, the separation device, a / the disinfection device, etc., can be controlled, in particular switched on and / or switched off, depending on the sensor signal as soon as the degree of contamination reaches or exceeds a defined maximum value.

[0045] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid path comprises a disinfection device configured to disinfect at least a portion of the fluid path and / or fluid flowing along the fluid path. Germs (bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms) picked up along with the fluid can be killed by the disinfection device. This prevents germs picked up at one point on the surface during wet cleaning from being spread to other areas of the surface, which is also referred to as cross-contamination. Furthermore, it prevents said germs from multiplying within the fluid path once the surface cleaning device is switched off and not used for an extended period. This counteracts the formation of odors and decay. The disinfection device can, in principle, be arranged at one or more points along the fluid path.In principle, the disinfection device can have any design suitable for the intended purpose. For example, the disinfection device can be configured to dose a disinfectant into the fluid.

[0046] In a further embodiment of the invention, the disinfection device comprises a UV light source. The UV light source emits ultraviolet light (UV light). It is known that germs can be rendered harmless by ultraviolet light. UV light sources are available on the market in various designs, dimensions, and other technical specifications and offer a particularly cost-effective and robust design for the disinfection device.

[0047] In a further embodiment of the invention, the disinfection device forms a section of the fluid path or has a section of the fluid path, wherein said section is made of an antibacterial material. The antibacterial material counteracts the proliferation of bacteria within the fluid path. In one embodiment, said section of the fluid path is a hose or pipe made of the antibacterial material. Alternatively or additionally, the antibacterial material can be applied to said section as a coating. In a further embodiment of the invention, the disinfection device is arranged upstream and / or downstream of the fluid reservoir and / or between the reservoir inlet and the reservoir outlet, in particular in the reservoir volume.Depending on whether the disinfection device is located upstream, downstream and / or in the reservoir volume, different advantages arise.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the invention, the disinfection device is integrated into the fluid reservoir, in particular the fluid tank. By integrating the disinfection device into the fluid reservoir, in particular the fluid tank, it is protected from external influences. Furthermore, installation space outside the fluid reservoir can be saved. In designs with a removable fluid reservoir, the disinfection device in this design is removable together with the fluid reservoir. This allows the fluid reservoir to be disinfected using the disinfection device even when removed. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous when the disinfection device has a / the UV light source. The said UV light source can be structurally integrated into the fluid reservoir, in particular the fluid tank, in a simple manner, for example, into a tank cap of the fluid tank or into a wall of a tank shell of the fluid tank.

[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, the conveying device comprises a pumping device and / or a suction device. The pumping device is configured to pump the fluid through the fluid path. The pumping device can generally be arranged at one or more points along the fluid path. The pumping device can comprise one or more pumps. In different embodiments, the pumping device operates according to different principles and is configured, for example, to pump the fluid by means of overpressure, underpressure, and / or a displacement movement. The suction device is configured to suck the fluid through the fluid path. The suction device can generally be arranged at one or more points along the fluid path.In different embodiments, the suction device operates according to different principles and can, for example, have at least one suction turbine, suction pump or other device for generating a negative pressure within the fluid path. In one embodiment, the suction device, in particular the suction turbine, is arranged on the guide part. In a further embodiment, the suction device, in particular the suction turbine, is arranged on the base part. In a further embodiment, the suction device, in particular the suction turbine, is a component of / of the carrying device that is designed to be carried on the user's body. In a further embodiment, the suction device, in particular the suction turbine, can be attached optionally to the guide part, the base part and / or the carrying device. In one embodiment, the pump device is arranged on the guide part.In a further embodiment, the pumping device is arranged on the base part. In a further embodiment, the pumping device is a component of a / the carrying device, which is designed to be worn on the user's body. In a further embodiment, the pumping device can be optionally attached to the guide part, the base part, and / or the carrying device.

[0050] In a further embodiment of the invention, a delivery rate of the delivery device, in particular of the pumping device and / or the suction device, can be adjusted by a user of the surface cleaning device. By adjusting the delivery rate, the user can change the amount of fluid delivered to the surface per unit of time and / or the amount of fluid absorbed by the surface per unit of time, preferably independently of each other.

[0051] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pumping device is arranged downstream of the reservoir outlet and is configured to pump fluid from the reservoir volume via the reservoir outlet through the fluid discharge. Alternatively or additionally, the suction device is configured to generate a negative pressure within the fluid reservoir in order to suck fluid from the fluid intake via the reservoir inlet into the reservoir volume. In this embodiment, the delivery rate of the pumping device (pump delivery rate) specifies the amount of fluid delivered per unit of time, and the delivery rate of the suction device (suction delivery rate) specifies the amount of fluid taken up per unit of time. It is understood that air taken up by the fluid intake, which can be taken up in addition to the fluid or as a component of the fluid, is preferably removed from the fluid path, in particular the fluid reservoir, before the fluid is released again.For example, the suction device may have an exhaust air opening designed for this purpose.

[0052] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pumping device comprises a peristaltic pump which, in order to pump the fluid, causes an external mechanical deformation of an elastic tube section of the fluid path. Peristaltic pumps can also be referred to as peristaltic pumps. Such pumps are particularly widespread in the field of medical technology, as direct contact between the fluid to be pumped and the moving part of the peristaltic pump is not necessary. To pump the fluid, the peristaltic pump only acts on the said tube section without coming into contact with the fluid. This prevents dirt contained in the fluid from accumulating on or in the peristaltic pump and impairing its function. In this embodiment of the invention, the pumping device is therefore particularly reliable and robust.In a further embodiment of the invention, the hose section of the fluid path can be removed, in particular without tools, from a housing of the peristaltic pump and / or separated from the peristaltic pump. This makes it particularly easy to clean the hose section. In addition, this embodiment allows particularly simple disassembly of the peristaltic pump for maintenance or repair. In a preferred embodiment, the housing has a housing cover that can be opened, in particular without tools, wherein, when the housing cover is open, the hose section can be inserted into the housing or removed therefrom. A pump element designed to deform the elastic hose section is preferably arranged in said housing, for example a translationally movable pump element in the form of a finger (finger pump) or a rotationally movable rotor (rotor pump).

[0053] In a further embodiment of the invention, the suction device has a suction turbine that is designed to suck in air, in particular wherein an intake filter is connected upstream of the suction turbine, which is designed to separate liquid and / or particles from the pumped fluid. The suction turbine is designed to generate a / the negative pressure within the fluid reservoir, in particular the fluid tank. The said negative pressure is generated by the suction turbine sucking air out of the fluid reservoir, in particular the fluid tank. The negative pressure causes fluid to be sucked from the fluid intake through the reservoir inlet into the reservoir volume. The fluid sucked in and taken in by the fluid intake will generally be a mixture of ambient air, liquid, in particular water with an optional cleaning additive, and dirt.To prevent interference with the suction turbine, an intake filter is preferably provided. The intake filter can separate liquid and / or dirt before it reaches the suction turbine. The suction turbine is preferably arranged above a fluid level in the fluid reservoir.

[0054] In a further embodiment of the invention, the tool device has at least one tool which is driven by at least one drive for carrying out a tool movement to act on the surface. The tool device preferably has said drive. In different embodiments, the at least one tool carries out different tool movements, for example an oscillating, translatory, rotary and / or eccentric tool movement. It is understood that different combinations of tool movements are also conceivable and possible, for example an oscillating rotary movement or an oscillating translatory movement. During wet cleaning, the at least one tool contacts the surface to be cleaned. The tool movement loosens adhering dirt from the surface. The fluid released by means of the fluid release supports the dirt dissolution and binds the loosened dirt.In a preferred embodiment, a weight of the surface cleaning device is supported at least predominantly, preferably substantially completely, particularly preferably completely, on the surface via the base part, in particular the at least one tool. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a working width of the tool device is less than 100 cm, preferably less than 50 cm, more preferably less than 40 cm, more preferably less than 30 cm, and particularly preferably between 30 cm and 45 cm. Different tool devices with different working widths are preferably provided for different cleaning tasks, for example a first working width of 64 cm, a second working width of 46 cm, and a third working width of 37 cm.

[0055] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one tool is a scrubbing tool for wet scrubbing the surface, wherein the surface cleaning device is a scrubber-dryer. This is a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention. The at least one scrubbing tool can, in principle, have any design suitable for wet scrubbing the surface. For example, the at least one scrubbing tool can be designed in one or more parts. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one scrubbing tool can have or be at least one brush, a pad, a fleece, or the like.

[0056] In a further embodiment of the invention, the tool device comprises at least one roller tool that is rotationally driven about a horizontal axis of rotation. In other words, the roller tool is rotationally driven about an axis of rotation oriented parallel to the surface. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation is straight and longitudinally extended. In another embodiment, the axis of rotation is curved and longitudinally extended. The roller tool acts on the surface with its peripheral surface.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the invention, the tool device has at least one plate tool that is rotationally driven about a vertical axis of rotation. In other words, the at least one plate tool is rotationally driven about an axis of rotation that is oriented orthogonal to the surface. The plate tool acts on the surface with its end face. The end face can in principle have any desired contour and can be, for example, circular, oval, square or star-shaped. In a further embodiment of the invention, the tool device has two plate tools, each of which is rotationally driven about an axis of rotation and in opposite directions to one another. The counter-rotating drive of the two plate tools can compensate for reaction forces and / or inertial forces occurring as a result of the effect of the plate tools on the surface.This force balancing prevents the operation of the tool device from affecting the easy manual mobility and / or maneuverability of the surface cleaning device. In particular, it avoids the user having to work against any forces of the tool device to move the surface cleaning device across the surface during wet cleaning. This ensures that the user can move the surface cleaning device across the surface in different directions, particularly forwards, backwards, and sideways, with virtually identical effort. This mobility is particularly advantageous when wet cleaning confined spaces, for example, when wet cleaning toilet cubicles or the like.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the invention, the two disc tools generate a propulsion force along a propulsion direction, wherein the propulsion force supports or causes a movement of the surface cleaning device during wet cleaning of the surface. The propulsion generated by the disc tools (propulsion force along the propulsion direction) can achieve a particularly smooth, energy-saving and thus ergonomic movement of the surface cleaning device. If the propulsion is sufficiently strong to cause the surface cleaning device to move, the user does not have to pull and / or push the surface cleaning device. If the propulsion force is measured in such a way that the movement is supported (and not completely caused), the user can still move more smoothly.The disc tools can be configured in different ways to generate the propulsion force along the propulsion direction, for example, by slightly skewing / inclining the rotational axes of the disc tools and / or by locally applying force to the disc tools. In both cases, an uneven distribution of frictional forces around the rotational axis is created between the respective disc tool and the surface. The uneven frictional force distribution causes the propulsion force along the propulsion direction. In principle, an uneven frictional force distribution can also be achieved by covering the contact between the respective disc tool and the surface in certain areas. Alternatively or additionally, a friction-reducing agent, such as a lubricant, can be locally introduced between the respective disc tool and the surface.In a further embodiment of the invention, the rotational axes of the disc tools are slightly inclined to generate the propulsion force. Specifically, the rotational axes of the disc tools are inclined toward or away from each other, starting from an exact orthogonal / vertical alignment in a common plane. The inclination with respect to the exact vertical / orthogonal alignment is preferably between 0.5° and 5°, particularly preferably between 1° and 3°. Preferably, the two disc tools are driven at identical speeds but in opposite directions of rotation.

[0059] In a further embodiment of the invention, the disk tools are each subjected to an axial force that is unevenly distributed and / or locally concentrated in the circumferential direction of the respective disk tool to generate the propulsion force. The uneven and / or locally concentrated axial force causes the aforementioned uneven friction force distribution and thus the propulsion. In one embodiment, to generate the respective axial force, each of the disk tools is preferably assigned a preload element or pressure element arranged radially spaced from the respective axis of rotation. This preload element can, for example, comprise a wheel pressing on the disk tool, a pressing roller, a sliding spring, or the like.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid dispenser has at least one outlet opening, in particular arranged on the base part, through which fluid exits for delivery onto the surface and / or exits the fluid path. In a particularly simple embodiment, the fluid dispenser is formed by a section of the fluid path and the at least one outlet opening is an outlet opening of the fluid path. In one embodiment, the outlet opening is arranged on the base part. This allows the fluid to be delivered in the immediate vicinity of the surface. In a further embodiment, the at least one outlet opening is arranged away from the base part, in particular on the guide part. This allows the fluid to be delivered over a larger area of ​​the surface.

[0061] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one outlet opening is arranged in the region of the tool device, in particular of a tool of the tool device. By arranging the at least one outlet opening in the region of the tool device, in particular of the at least one tool, a sufficient supply of the tool device with the fluid is ensured. A sufficient supply of fluid to the tool device improves the result of wet cleaning, since the released fluid makes it easier to remove dirt by means of the tool device. In one embodiment, the at least one outlet opening is directed towards the at least one tool of the tool device. The fluid is therefore released onto the at least one tool. In a further embodiment, the at least one outlet opening is arranged on a section of the tool. In this case, the fluid is released onto the surface via the tool.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one outlet opening is directed toward a peripheral surface and / or an end face of a tool of the tool device. This allows the moving tool to improve the distribution of the discharged fluid over the surface to be cleaned. The peripheral surface can be, for example, the peripheral surface of the roller tool. The end face can be, for example, the end face of the plate tool.

[0063] In a further embodiment of the invention, a section of the fluid path located upstream of the at least one outlet opening extends longitudinally through a cross-section of a / the tool of the tool device. In this embodiment, the fluid is thus discharged through a cross-section of the tool. For example, the fluid can be guided along a horizontal and / or vertical axis of rotation of the tool before being discharged through the at least one outlet opening. This embodiment of the invention offers compact dimensions and facilitates fluid discharge in the immediate vicinity of the at least one tool. In addition, the discharged fluid is better distributed over the surface and thus better utilized.

[0064] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one outlet opening is arranged upstream of the fluid receptacle, in particular a suction bar of the fluid receptacle, with respect to a direction of movement, in particular a / the direction of advance, of the surface cleaning device during wet cleaning of the surface. This arrangement of the at least one outlet opening ensures advantageous fluid discharge and fluid intake with respect to the direction of movement, in particular the direction of advance, of the surface cleaning device. In a forward direction of movement, the fluid is consequently discharged onto the surface via the at least one outlet opening and absorbed by the fluid receptacle, in particular the suction bar, which is arranged downstream of the at least one outlet opening with respect to the direction of movement.

[0065] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid dispenser comprises a section of the fluid path, wherein the section is detachably fastened at its opposite ends and is exposed between the ends. This allows said section to be particularly easily detached from the surface cleaning device for the purpose of cleaning, replacement, or repair. Said section can, for example, be a hose and / or pipe section. Preferably, the opposite ends of the section can be detached without tools. For this purpose, the ends can each have a fluid connector, for example a hose and / or pipe coupling. In principle, the fluid path can also be formed by cross-sections and / or cavities of the tool device, the base part, and / or the guide part.In this case, however, the fluid path is not "exposed" within the meaning of this design and therefore cannot be easily removed for cleaning, maintenance, or repair. Even if it is covered by trim panels or other components, particularly those that cannot be removed without tools, the section is not "exposed" within the meaning of this design.

[0066] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid path between the fluid intake and the fluid discharge is designed as a removable hose line. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid path between the fluid intake and a / the fluid reservoir is designed as a removable hose line. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid path between a / the fluid reservoir, in particular between a tank outlet of the fluid tank, and the fluid discharge, in particular an outlet opening of the fluid discharge, is designed as a removable hose line and / or pipe. In one embodiment, the respective section of the fluid path is designed at least predominantly as a removable hose line and / or pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid path is designed substantially entirely as a removable hose line and / or pipe.In a particularly preferred embodiment, the respective section of the fluid path is designed entirely as a removable hose line and / or pipe. Tool-free removal is preferably provided, for example by equipping the respective hose line and / or pipe with a fluid connector at its opposite ends. This embodiment of the invention allows particularly simple cleaning of the fluid path. For cleaning purposes, the respective hose line and / or pipe is removed, preferably without tools, and rinsed, for example, with fresh water or cleaning solution. In surface cleaning devices known from the prior art, the fluid path often extends through cross sections or cavities of load-bearing components of the surface cleaning device, which cannot be removed for cleaning or can only be removed with considerable effort.This embodiment of the invention offers particular advantages over the prior art.

[0067] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid receptacle has a suction bar arranged and / or fastened to the base part, which rests on the surface during wet cleaning of the surface. The fluid is picked up, in particular sucked, from the surface by means of the suction bar. For this purpose, the suction bar preferably forms a suction channel or suction region in which a vacuum and / or air flow is generated by means of the conveying device, in particular a suction device of the conveying device, to suck the fluid from the surface. The suction bar can in principle have any design suitable for the present purpose. For example, the suction bar can be curved and / or straight in length. The suction bar is preferably longitudinally extended along a working width of the tool device, preferably orthogonal to the advancing direction.In a preferred embodiment, the suction bar is arranged behind the fluid dispenser and / or the tool device with respect to a direction of movement, in particular the direction of advance, of the surface cleaning device during wet cleaning of the surface.

[0068] In a further embodiment of the invention, the suction bar can be movably lifted from the surface relative to the tooling device. The liftable design of the suction bar allows the surface to be wet-cleaned first without absorbing fluid, which can also be referred to as pre-cleaning. In embodiments where the tooling device is designed as a scrubbing device, this can also be referred to as pre-scouring.

[0069] In a further embodiment of the invention, the suction bar is curved longitudinally in a plane oriented parallel to the surface and at least partially around the tool device, in particular at least one tool of the tool device. The curved longitudinal extension of the suction bar allows for more thorough absorption of the fluid. Since the suction bar is curved at least partially around the tool device, fluid can also be absorbed by the surface in a lateral region of the tool device.

[0070] In a further embodiment of the invention, the suction bar is arranged behind the fluid dispenser, in particular at least one outlet opening of the fluid dispenser, with respect to a direction of movement, in particular the propulsion direction, of the surface cleaning device during wet cleaning of the surface. Such an arrangement of the suction bar ensures that, when the surface cleaning device moves along the direction of movement, fluid is first dispensed onto the surface and can then be picked up from the surface by means of the tracking suction bar.

[0071] In a further embodiment of the invention, the suction strip has at least one first sealing lip resting on the surface. During wet cleaning, the first sealing lip rests on the surface in a fluid-tight manner. As a result, any fluid present on the surface is trapped by the first sealing lip when the surface cleaning device moves and is then sucked away. The first sealing lip prevents a liquid film from remaining on the surface and thus enables the most complete absorption of the fluid possible. The first sealing lip is preferably made of an elastomeric material, for example, rubber, silicone, or the like.

[0072] In a further embodiment of the invention, the suction strip has a second sealing lip resting on the surface and a suction channel formed between the first sealing lip and the second sealing lip. The suction channel is arranged at one end of the fluid path and, during operation of the surface cleaning device, is subjected to a negative pressure which is generated by the conveying device, in particular by the suction device of the conveying device. The second sealing lip is preferably made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber, silicone or the like. The second sealing lip is preferably arranged in front of the first sealing lip with respect to a forward direction of movement, in particular the propulsion direction, of the surface cleaning device. The second sealing lip can therefore also be referred to as the front sealing lip. The first sealing lip can also be referred to as the rear sealing lip.The second sealing lip preferably has recesses, each of which opens into the suction channel and is arranged at a distance from one another, in particular along a longitudinal direction of the second sealing lip. Fluid trapped in front of the second sealing lip can pass through the recesses into the suction channel and be sucked off the surface there.

[0073] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device comprises a power supply device configured to supply at least the conveying device and / or the tool device with electrical operating power. In one embodiment, the power supply device comprises a mains connection device for connecting the surface cleaning device to an electrical power grid. In this case, wired operation of the surface cleaning device is provided. In a further embodiment, the power supply device is configured for wireless power supply. In embodiments with a blocking device, a separation device, a detection device, and / or a disinfection device, and provided that said devices are configured for electrical operation, the power supply device is preferably also configured to supply power to these devices.

[0074] In a further embodiment of the invention, the energy supply device has at least one energy storage device. The at least one energy storage device is preferably a rechargeable battery. The at least one energy storage device enables wireless operation of the surface cleaning device. Compared to wired operation, in which the surface cleaning device is connected to a power grid via an electrical cable, wireless operation allows for an increased working radius. This also increases the cleaning speed. In one embodiment, the at least one energy storage device is permanently installed and therefore not intended to be removed by the user. This can prevent the energy storage device from being inadvertently replaced with an unsuitable or damaged energy storage device, which could result in consequential damage.In a further embodiment, the energy storage device is designed for removal by the user, which enables a quick replacement of an empty energy storage device with a full one. In one embodiment, the energy supply device has a plurality of energy storage devices, each of which is designed to supply energy to different devices of the surface cleaning device. In embodiments with a removable fluid tank, this preferably has at least one of the plurality of energy storage devices and / or at least one separate energy storage device, whereby a supply of energy to devices that can be assigned to the fluid tank (for example the blocking device, the separating device, the separation device and / or the disinfection device) is possible even when the fluid tank is removed.

[0075] In a further embodiment of the invention, the energy supply device, in particular the at least one energy storage device, is attached to the guide part and / or to the base part. The attachment is preferably removable. By attaching it to the guide part, the dimensions and weight of the base part can be kept low. Conversely, by attaching it to the base part, the dimensions and weight of the guide part can be kept low. By partially attaching the energy supply device to the guide part and to the base part, a balanced weight distribution and balanced use of available installation space can be achieved. The removable attachment of the at least one energy storage device enables quick and inexpensive replacement. Downtimes of the surface cleaning device when recharging the energy storage device on the surface cleaning device can thus be avoided.This contributes to increasing the cleaning speed and improving the utilization of the surface cleaning device.

[0076] In a further embodiment of the invention, the energy supply device, in particular the at least one energy storage device, is a component of a / the carrying device, wherein the carrying device is designed to be carried on the body of a user. By carrying the energy supply device, in particular the at least one energy storage device, on the user's body, the dimensions of the surface cleaning device can be kept compact and the weight low. In one embodiment, the carrying device is a backpack device for carrying on the user's back. In a further embodiment, the carrying device is a belt device that can be put around the hip and / or shoulder of the user. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the energy supply device, in particular the at least one energy storage device, can be attached selectively in a removably manner to the guide part, the base part and / or the carrying device.This allows the user to decide, depending on the cleaning task, whether the power supply unit should be attached to the base part, the guide part, or the carrying device. When wet cleaning horizontal surfaces, attachment to the base part and / or the guide part is usually advantageous, since the weight of the power supply unit can increase the contact pressure of the tool on the surface to be cleaned. When cleaning inclined, particularly vertical, surfaces, attaching the power supply unit to the carrying device is usually advantageous in order to minimize the weight that needs to be moved along the inclined, particularly vertical, surface.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device further comprises a propulsion device configured to generate a propulsion force along a propulsion direction, wherein the propulsion force assists or causes a movement of the surface cleaning device during wet cleaning of the surface. The propulsion device reduces the amount of force required by the user to move the surface cleaning device. If the propulsion force is so strong that it not only assists but also causes the movement, the user can limit themselves to simply controlling the direction of movement. The user then no longer needs to exert any force to move the surface cleaning device during wet cleaning. The propulsion device can, in principle, be designed in any way suitable for the intended purpose.For example, the propulsion device can have a drive motor and a drive element drivable by the drive motor. The drive element can be a drive wheel, a drive roller, or the like. To generate the propulsion, the at least one drive element rests against the surface to be cleaned and generates the propulsion force through a rolling and / or rotational movement. The latter movement can occur without slippage or with slippage. The propulsion generated by the propulsion device is preferably controllable by manually changing the speed of the rolling or rotational movement. The propulsion generated by the propulsion device can be provided as an alternative to or in addition to propulsion generated by the tool device.In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device additionally comprises a connecting device by means of which the guide part, in particular its distal end, and the base part are connected to one another so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein a direction of movement of the base part during wet cleaning of the surface can be controlled by means of a movement of the guide part relative to the base part. The connecting device allows the user to control the direction of movement of the base part intuitively and easily by means of the guide part. Said control is effected by means of a movement of the guide part relative to the base part. In one embodiment, the base part and the guide part are connected to one another so as to be pivotable and / or rotatable relative to one another by means of the connecting device. In this case, the relative movement is a pivoting movement and / or rotary movement.Preferably, the connecting device is configured such that, by means of a relative movement of the guide part, the base part can be rotated about its vertical axis parallel to the surface, in order to thereby change / control the direction of movement of the base part. In one embodiment, the connecting device allows pivoting mobility of the guide part in relation to the base part in at least one pivoting plane. In one embodiment, the guide part can be pivoted 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 pivoting plane.In a further embodiment, the connecting device allows pivoting mobility of the guide part relative to the base part in at least two, in particular orthogonal, pivoting 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 pivoting plane of said two pivoting 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 connecting 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°.

[0078] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting device forms a cardanic connection between the guide part, in particular its distal end, 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 cleaned while resting on the surface in order to control the direction of movement of the base part, wherein the cardanic connection allows the said controllability of the direction of movement of the base part with different orientations of the longitudinal axis of the guide part with respect to the vertical axis of the base part. In other words, the cardanic connection allows the base part to be rotated while resting on the surface by rotating the guide part, even if the guide part is inclined, i.e., positioned at an angle.The cardanic connection between the guide part and the base part allows for particularly easy and intuitive maneuverability of the base part while simultaneously maintaining a simple design of the connecting device. The cardanic connection can be designed in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the connecting device comprises a cardan joint with two orthogonal joint axes, which can be formed by structural elements or axes in the geometric sense. In another embodiment, the cardanic connection is formed by a flexure joint, a spring joint, or the like.

[0079] In a further embodiment of the invention, the base part can be rotated by means of a rotation of the guide part 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 fluid tank according to the invention is provided for a surface cleaning device for wet cleaning a surface, in particular for a surface cleaning device according to the preceding description. The fluid tank according to the invention has a tank volume, a tank outlet and a tank inlet.The tank outlet is designed for fluid-conducting connection to the fluid discharge of the surface cleaning device. The tank inlet is designed for fluid-conducting connection to the fluid intake of the surface cleaning device. The tank inlet and the tank outlet are fluid-conductingly connected to one another via the tank volume. As a result, the fluid tank according to the invention enables fluid absorbed from the surface by means of the fluid intake of the surface cleaning device to be returned to the fluid discharge of the surface cleaning device. The fluid tank acts as an intermediate storage device or buffer for the absorbed fluid before it is released again via the fluid discharge. The fluid tank forms a section of a fluid path of the surface cleaning device, wherein the fluid path fluid-conductingly connects the fluid discharge to the fluid intake. The tank inlet opens into the tank volume. The tank volume opens into the tank outlet.In one embodiment, the tank outlet and / or the tank inlet are formed on a tank shell of the fluid tank, wherein the tank shell encloses and / or forms the tank volume. In a further embodiment, the fluid tank has at least one tank cap which is designed to openably close the tank volume and / or said tank shell and has the tank inlet. In a further embodiment, the fluid tank has a further tank cap which is designed to openably close the tank volume and / or said tank shell and has the tank outlet. In one embodiment, the fluid tank, in particular its tank shell, is designed in one piece. In a further embodiment, the fluid tank, in particular its tank shell, is designed in multiple parts. The fluid tank can in principle be designed and constructed in any way suitable for the present purpose.The fluid tank is preferably made of a dimensionally stable material. Examples of suitable materials include plastic, metal, metal-coated plastic, and / or plastic-coated metal.

[0080] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank is designed for attachment to an elongated guide part of the surface cleaning device and / or to a base part of the surface cleaning device. The guide part of the surface cleaning device is elongated between a proximal end and a distal end and is designed for manually guiding the surface cleaning device over the surface to be cleaned. The base part is connected to the distal end of the guide part and rests on or against the surface during wet cleaning. Further features of the guide part and the base part emerge, mutatis mutandis, from the disclosure of the surface cleaning device according to the invention and its embodiments. Preferably, a removable attachment of the fluid tank is provided. This allows the fluid tank to be easily removed from the surface cleaning device for cleaning, repair, or replacement.By attaching the fluid tank to the elongated guide part, the dimensions of the base part and its weight can be kept small. By attaching the fluid tank to the base part, the dimensions of the guide part can be kept compact and its weight kept low. By attaching the fluid tank to the guide part and the base part, a balanced weight distribution and improved utilization of available installation space can be achieved. For attachment to the elongated guide part, the fluid tank preferably has an elongated basic shape.

[0081] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank is designed to be carried on the body of a user and / or to be attached to a carrying device, wherein the carrying device is designed to be carried on the body of a user. By carrying the fluid tank on the user's body, the dimensions and weight of the surface cleaning device can be kept low. This applies in particular to the guide part and / or the base part of the surface cleaning device. Carrying the fluid tank on the user's body offers advantages, in particular when wet cleaning inclined, in particular vertical, surfaces, since in this case the weight of the fluid tank does not have to be moved along the inclined, in particular vertical, surface together with the surface cleaning device.Attaching the fluid tank to the guide part and / or the base part can offer advantages when wet cleaning horizontal surfaces, as this increases the contact pressure of the base part and any tool device due to the weight of the fluid tank and the fluid contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid tank can be attached optionally to the base part, the guide part and / or the said carrying device. This allows the user to decide how the fluid tank is to be carried depending on the cleaning task. The carrying device can, for example, be a backpack device for carrying on the user's back. Alternatively, the carrying device can be designed as a belt device for fastening around the user's hips and / or shoulders.

[0082] In a further embodiment of the invention, the tank volume is a maximum of 10 liters, preferably a maximum of 8 liters, preferably a maximum of 6 liters, preferably a maximum of 5 liters, preferably a maximum of 4 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters, preferably a maximum of 2 liters, particularly preferably between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters. In this embodiment of the invention, the tank volume and thus also the fluid tank is comparatively small and compact. By limiting the tank volume to a maximum of 10 liters or one of the aforementioned further maximum values, the dimensions of the fluid tank can be kept compact. The weight of the fluid tank is then relatively low even when filled and can be easily moved by a user. A tank volume between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters has proven to be particularly advantageous. This is because particularly compact dimensions and a particularly low weight are achieved.On the other hand, a tank volume between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters still allows for a sufficient amount of fluid to loosen and / or bind dirt generated during wet cleaning. With a tank volume of less than 0.5 liters, the fluid will usually become very heavily soiled after just a short period of wet cleaning. With a tank volume of more than 2.0 liters, the weight is already noticeable, which cannot be easily moved and / or carried by all potential users and under all circumstances. The value range of 0.5 liters to 2 liters is optimal in this respect. When using the surface cleaning device, the tank volume will usually not be completely filled with the fluid being absorbed / dispensed. It has been shown that a fill level and / or fluid level between 30% and 60%, preferably between 40% and 55%, and particularly preferably 50% of the tank volume is particularly advantageous.

[0083] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank, in particular its tank volume and / or a tank shell forming the tank volume, is designed in the form of an elongated hollow cylinder. A design in the form of a tube is preferably provided. The elongated hollow cylindrical design of the fluid tank offers particular advantages when the fluid tank is designed for attachment to the elongated guide part or for carrying on the user's body. When attached to the guide part, the elongated hollow cylindrical design allows for compact dimensions and advantageous weight distribution. The same applies when the elongated hollow cylindrical fluid tank is carried on the user's body. The elongated hollow cylinder has a different cross-sectional shape in different designs. In principle, the hollow cylinder can have a square, rounded, oval, or circular cross-section.Furthermore, it is understood that the cross-section of the hollow cylinder can be variable along its longitudinal axis. Particularly preferred is the aforementioned design as a tube or pipe. Tubes are available on the market in various diameters, wall thicknesses, and other properties. This allows for particularly simple production of the fluid tank or tank shell. With a hollow-cylindrical, particularly tubular, design of the tank shell, the fluid tank preferably has tank caps or other closures for closing the front end of the tank shell. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid tank is made of plastic. A hollow-cylindrical, particularly tubular, design in combination with a plastic construction is particularly advantageous.

[0084] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank, in particular its tank volume and / or the tank shell forming the tank volume, has a plurality of parts that are joined together in a fluid-tight manner along a longitudinal axis of the fluid tank. Such a multi-part design achieves a modular construction of the fluid tank, in particular of the tank shell. In a preferred embodiment, the tank shell consists of the plurality of parts. When joined together, the plurality of parts enclose the tank volume. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of parts is a hollow cylinder section, in particular a pipe section. In one embodiment, the plurality of parts are identical. In a further embodiment, the plurality of parts differ with regard to at least one property, for example a respective enclosed tank sub-volume, a diameter, a length or the like.In a preferred embodiment, the multiple parts are plugged together in a fluid-tight manner along the longitudinal axis. In this case, immediately adjacent parts are connected by means of a plug-in connection, which in a particularly preferred embodiment is a bayonet connection or a bayonet lock. Instead of such a plug-in connection, other joining connections are also conceivable. For example, the multiple parts can be screwed together or locked together. Due to the modular design of the fluid tank, in particular of the tank shell, the tank volume can be easily adapted. To reduce the tank volume, a smaller number of parts can be used. To increase the tank volume, a larger number of parts can be used.

[0085] In a further embodiment of the invention, the multiple parts are detachably joined, in particular plugged together. This detachable connection allows the user to easily adjust the tank volume. To increase the tank volume, another part can be inserted. To reduce the tank volume, one or more of the parts can be removed. Furthermore, the detachable connection of the parts allows for particularly easy cleaning of the fluid tank and any devices located within the tank volume.

[0086] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank, in particular the tank shell forming the tank volume, is made at least partially, preferably entirely, of a translucent material, in particular plastic. This allows the user to easily determine the degree of contamination of the fluid from the outside and without opening the fluid tank. Preferably, the fluid tank is made at least predominantly of the translucent material. Further preferably, the fluid tank is made entirely of the translucent material. Manufacture from translucent plastic is preferred. As an alternative, manufacture from shatter-resistant glass is fundamentally conceivable and possible.

[0087] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank has a blocking device. The blocking device can be transferred between a release state and a blocking state. In the release state, the fluid-conducting connection between the tank inlet and the tank outlet is / remains released via the tank volume. In the blocking state, the tank volume is divided by means of the blocking device into a fluid discharge tank volume and a fluid reception tank volume. The fluid discharge tank volume has the tank outlet and is separated from the tank inlet. The fluid reception tank volume has the tank inlet and is separated from the tank outlet. The blocking device serves to selectively interrupt the return of fluid. The blocking device can be transferred between a release state and a blocking state. In the release state, the fluid path between the fluid reception and the fluid discharge is / remains released for the return of fluid.In the blocked state, the fluid path between the fluid intake and the fluid discharge is blocked by the blocking device. The blocking device can in principle have any design suitable for the present purpose. For example, the blocking device can have or be a fluid control valve, in particular a shut-off valve, a switching valve or the like. In the blocked state, the tank volume is divided into the fluid discharge tank volume and the fluid intake tank volume by means of the blocking device, with the return of fluid being interrupted. The fluid discharge reservoir volume has the tank outlet and is separated from the tank inlet by means of the blocking device. The fluid intake tank volume has the tank inlet and is separated from the tank outlet by means of the blocking device. In the released state, the division of the tank volume by means of the blocking device is canceled, so that a return of fluid is possible.By optionally subdividing the tank volume, the user can choose whether the collected fluid should be returned to the fluid discharge or instead stored in the fluid holding tank volume for later disposal. Thanks to the locking device of the fluid tank, the surface cleaning device can be operated with fluid return, depending on the application, or conventionally without fluid return. It is also conceivable and possible to initially clean without fluid return. If the user determines that a satisfactory cleaning result is still not achieved after emptying the fluid discharge tank volume, subsequent cleaning with fluid return can be carried out. In designs with a multi-part tank design, in particular the tank shell, the locking device can be arranged and / or formed between adjacent parts.For example, the blocking device can be a blocking element that can be inserted fluid-tight between adjacent parts of the tank shell or that can be introduced into the tank volume in some other way.

[0088] In a further embodiment of the invention, the blocking device comprises at least one fluid control element, in particular a switching valve. The fluid control element can be actuated to switch between the release state and the blocking state. In one embodiment, manual actuation is provided. In another embodiment, automatic actuation is provided, for example by means of an actuator, motor, flowing fluid, or the like. In another embodiment, the fluid control element can be electrically controlled and / or actuated to switch between the release state and the disconnected state.

[0089] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank has a separation device designed to separate dirt from fluid flowing between the tank inlet and the tank outlet. The separation device can separate dirt from the absorbed fluid. This prevents excessive accumulation of dirt in the fluid. By separating dirt, the degree of contamination of the absorbed fluid is reduced, for example by separating (retaining, collecting, filtering and / or separating) undissolved and / or dissolved dirt particles, absorbed small parts, lint, hair or the like before the fluid is released again. The separation of dirt by means of the separation device makes it possible for an available quantity of fluid to be used for a longer cleaning period and / or for larger cleaning areas without impairing the cleaning results.The separation device can have any design suitable for the intended purpose. In principle, the separation device can be arranged at one or more locations in the fluid tank.

[0090] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separation device comprises at least one filter device. Alternatively, the separation device is a filter device. The filter device is designed to filter contaminants from the fluid. The filter device can generally be arranged at one or more locations in the fluid tank.

[0091] In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter device is arranged, in particular directly, downstream of the tank inlet in the tank volume. Preferably, the filter device is arranged upstream of a liquid level of the fluid in the fluid tank. Such an arrangement of the filter device separates contaminants before they can mix with the liquid level in the fluid tank.

[0092] In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter device is arranged, in particular directly, upstream of the tank outlet in the tank volume. In this embodiment of the invention, the filter device is preferably arranged below the liquid level in the fluid tank.

[0093] In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter device comprises a coarse filter for filtering coarse dirt and a fine filter for filtering fine dirt. The coarse filter and the fine filter are preferably arranged in series. The coarse filter is preferably arranged upstream of the fine filter. The coarse filter and the fine filter are preferably arranged within the tank volume. However, it is conceivable and possible for the coarse filter to be arranged upstream of the tank inlet outside the tank volume. Alternatively or additionally, the fine filter can be arranged downstream of the tank outlet outside the tank volume.

[0094] In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter device can be removed from the tank volume through a closable opening in the fluid tank and / or attached to a tank cap of the fluid tank. The removable attachment of the filter device from the tank volume and / or its attachment to the tank cap allows for particularly easy cleaning, maintenance, and / or replacement. The tank cap is designed to openably close the tank volume, in particular a tank shell forming the tank volume.

[0095] In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter device has at least one sieve filter whose mesh size is between 0.06 mm and 0.7 mm, preferably between 0.09 mm and 0.3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.125 mm and 0.25 mm. In one embodiment, the filter device has a plurality of sieve filters. The plurality of sieve filters can be arranged in series or parallel to one another in a fluid-conducting manner. The plurality of sieve filters can have identical or different mesh sizes. Alternatively, the mesh size can be between mesh (US) 230 and mesh (US) 25, preferably between mesh (US) 170 and mesh (US) 50, particularly preferably between mesh (US) 120 and mesh (US) 60. The aforementioned value ranges for the mesh size of the at least one sieve filter have proven to be particularly advantageous.In a preferred embodiment, the filter device has a first screen filter and a second screen filter, wherein the first screen filter and the second screen filter are connected in series, wherein the first screen filter is arranged upstream of the second screen filter with respect to the flow direction of the fluid. Preferably, the first screen filter has a first mesh size and the second screen filter has a different second mesh size. Particularly preferably, the first mesh size is larger than the second mesh size. The respective mesh size is decisive for the size of the filterable dirt particles. With a mesh size of 0.7 mm, for example, dirt particles with a size of 0.7 mm or more are retained by the mesh of the screen filter and thus filtered. Smaller dirt particles with a size of less than 0.7 mm can pass through the mesh and are not filtered.The filter device comprises at least one filter unit, which does not necessarily have to be designed as a screen filter. Alternatively or in addition to the screen filter, the filter device may comprise at least one foam filter or the like. The filter device, in particular its at least one filter unit, is preferably designed such that dirt particles, small parts, hair, lint, or the like with a size appropriate for the cleaning task at hand can be filtered out of the fluid. In particular, clogging of the fluid path should be avoided.

[0096] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank additionally comprises a filter cleaning device configured to clean the filter device. The filter device can be freed of filtered dirt by the filter cleaning device. This counteracts clogging of the filter device, for example by the filter cleaning device wiping and / or rinsing dirt from the filter device. The filter cleaning device can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. In one embodiment, the filter cleaning device is configured for manual operation. In a further embodiment, the filter cleaning device cleans the filter device automatically without user intervention. In a preferred embodiment, the filter cleaning device is arranged together with the filter device in the tank volume.

[0097] In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter cleaning device has a cleaning element that is movable relative to the filter device and a movement mechanism for moving the cleaning element. In one embodiment, the cleaning element is rotationally movable. In a further embodiment, the cleaning element is translationally movable. A combined translational and rotational movement of the cleaning element is also conceivable and possible. Dirt can be removed from the filter device by the movable cleaning element. The movement mechanism serves to move the cleaning element and can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. In a further embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism is designed to be manually driven by a user. This makes a separate drive for driving the movement of the cleaning element unnecessary.In one embodiment, the movement mechanism is a rotary mechanism for transmitting a rotary movement and / or torque applied by the user to the cleaning element. In a further embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism is a translational mechanism for transmitting a translational movement and / or force generated by the user to the cleaning element.

[0098] In a further embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism is configured for automatic drive by flowing fluid. In this embodiment of the invention, the movement mechanism is driven by fluid flowing into the tank volume through the tank inlet and / or fluid flowing through the tank volume toward the tank outlet and / or fluid flowing out of the tank outlet. This eliminates the need for a separate drive motor and also eliminates the need for the user to move the cleaning element. Instead, the movement mechanism utilizes the flow energy of the fluid to move the cleaning element.

[0099] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cleaning element comprises a scraping element configured to scrape a surface of the filter device. For the purpose of cleaning the filter device, the scraping element moves relative to the filter device along said surface. This scrapes off any dirt adhering to the surface of the filter device. This configuration allows for particularly simple and reliable cleaning of the filter device.

[0100] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separation device comprises a centrifuging device configured to centrifuge fluid flowing along the fluid path. Alternatively, the separation device is a centrifuging device. The centrifuging device is configured to centrifuge the fluid. In other words, the centrifuging device generates centrifugal accelerations and thus centrifugal forces within the fluid flow, by means of which contaminants are separated from the fluid flow. In principle, the centrifuging device can be arranged at any location or at multiple locations in the fluid tank.

[0101] In a further embodiment of the invention, the centrifuging device has a fluid guide element that is designed to set the flowing fluid in rotation. In one embodiment, the fluid guide element is formed by a section of the fluid tank. In one embodiment, the fluid guide element is movable to generate the rotation. In a further embodiment, the fluid guide element is instead stationary. In one embodiment, the fluid guide element is arranged and / or formed on an inner wall of the fluid tank, in particular a / the tank shell of the fluid tank. For this purpose, the inner wall can, for example, have spiral-shaped elevations or the like. Preferably, the fluid guide element is integrated into a / the tank cap of the fluid tank. This allows for simple production. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the fluid tank has a tubular tank shell.In this case, the formation of the fluid guiding element on the tank shell can be dispensed with and the tubular tank shell can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner from a semi-finished tubular product.

[0102] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid guide element is rotatably movable relative to the tank inlet and / or tank outlet. In one embodiment, the fluid guide element is configured for rotational movement by means of the fluid flow. This eliminates the need for a separate drive for the rotational movement. In a further embodiment, the fluid guide element is configured for rotational movement by means of a drive. Such a driven rotational movement of the fluid guide element can cause particularly large centrifugal accelerations in the fluid flow. This allows even dirt particles with very low mass to be separated.

[0103] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank has a disinfection device designed to disinfect the tank volume and / or fluid flowing between the tank inlet and the tank outlet. The disinfection device can kill germs (bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms) absorbed along with the fluid. This prevents germs absorbed at one point on the surface during wet cleaning from being spread to other areas of the surface, which is also referred to as cross-contamination. Furthermore, it prevents said germs from multiplying within the fluid tank once the surface cleaning device is switched off and not used for an extended period. This counteracts the formation of odors and decay. The disinfection device can be arranged at one or more points on the fluid tank.In principle, the disinfection device can have any design suitable for the present purpose. For example, the disinfection device can be configured to dose a disinfectant into the fluid tank. Preferably, the disinfection device is arranged in the tank volume between the tank inlet and the tank outlet in the flow direction. In one embodiment, the disinfection device has an antibacterial coating applied to an inner wall of the fluid tank. In another embodiment, the fluid tank, in particular its tank shell, is made of an antibacterial material.

[0104] In a further embodiment of the invention, the disinfection device comprises a UV light source. The UV light source emits ultraviolet light (UV light). It is known that germs can be rendered harmless by ultraviolet light. UV light sources are available on the market in various designs, dimensions, and other technical specifications and offer a particularly cost-effective and robust design for the disinfection device.

[0105] In a further embodiment of the invention, the UV light source is arranged in the tank volume and / or on a tank lid of the fluid tank. By arranging the UV light source in the tank volume, the tank volume can be disinfected with UV light. This counteracts the proliferation of germs and / or the formation of odors and rot in a particularly simple and effective manner. By arranging it on a / the tank lid, the UV light source is particularly easy to reach and / or remove from the tank volume. This simplifies cleaning, maintenance, or replacement of the UV light source. By arranging it in the tank volume, the UV light source is also protected from external influences and damage, and the external dimensions of the fluid tank can be kept compact.

[0106] In a further embodiment of the invention, the UV light source is arranged outside the tank volume. By being arranged outside the tank volume, the UV light source is protected from moisture and contamination by fluid contained in the tank volume. In addition, the UV light source is particularly easily accessible. Optionally, the fluid tank has a UV-transparent section through which UV light emitted by the UV light source can reach the tank volume. Preferably, the UV-transparent section of the fluid tank is transparent or at least translucent to UV light. Further optionally, the fluid tank has a light guide and / or a reflector by means of which the UV light emitted by the UV light source can be guided into the tank volume. The light guide and / or reflector also allows the UV light source to be arranged further away from the tank volume.This allows for improved utilization of available space and an arrangement of the UV light source that protects it from damage and contamination. In addition, the UV light can be focused, scattered, or shaped in some other way using the light guide and / or the reflector in order to improve the disinfection effect. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank and / or the tank volume is closed or closable, whereby the fluid tank can be subjected to a negative pressure in order to suck fluid into the fluid tank through the tank inlet. In other words, the fluid tank is designed as a closed container with the exception of the openings required for its function, such as in particular the tank inlet and the tank outlet. Such a closed design of the fluid tank differs, for example, from a basin that is open at the top or the like.Due to the closed design, the fluid tank can be subjected to said negative pressure by means of a conveying device in order to draw fluid from the fluid intake of the surface cleaning device through the tank inlet into the tank volume. In one embodiment, said conveying device is a component of the fluid tank. In a further embodiment of the invention, the conveying device is a component of the surface cleaning device.

[0107] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank has a connecting section which is designed for mechanical and / or fluid-conducting connection to a suction device of the surface cleaning device, wherein the fluid tank and / or the tank volume is closed or closable, whereby a negative pressure for sucking fluid through the tank inlet into the fluid tank can be generated by means of the suction device. The connecting section serves as a mechanical and / or fluidic connection for the suction device in order to suck air out of the tank volume by means of the suction device. The said negative pressure is generated by sucking out the air. The sucked-out air is preferably released into the environment via an exhaust air opening. In one embodiment, the suction device has the exhaust air opening. In a further embodiment, the fluid tank has the exhaust air opening. The suction device is preferably a suction turbine.In a particularly simple embodiment, the connecting section is an air outlet that is fluidly connected to the suction device. The suction device can also be arranged further away from the fluid tank on the surface cleaning device and / or a carrying device and can be fluidly connected to the air outlet by means of a hose, pipe, or other fluid line. In a further embodiment, the connecting section also serves as the mechanical connection between the suction device and the fluid tank. For example, the connecting section of the fluid tank can be designed to complement a connecting section of the suction device, so that the two connecting sections can be joined together to form a fluid-tight joint. The said joint connection can in particular be a plug-in, bayonet, snap-in, clamp-in, or other type of connection. The joint connection is preferably detachable.In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting section is arranged at a proximal end of the fluid tank. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting section is arranged above a liquid level of the fluid in the fluid tank. The arrangement above the liquid level relates to a proper use of the fluid tank and / or the surface cleaning device. In other words, the connecting section is preferably arranged above the liquid level during wet cleaning of the surface using the surface cleaning device. The proximal end of the fluid tank faces away from the surface and / or is further away from the surface than a distal end of the fluid tank.By arranging the connecting section at the proximal end of the fluid tank and / or above the liquid level, it can be avoided that liquid enters the suction device of the surface cleaning device via the connecting section and damages it.

[0108] The further fluid tank according to the invention is also suitable for a surface cleaning device for

[0109] Wet cleaning of a surface is provided, in particular for a surface cleaning device according to the preceding description. The further fluid tank according to the invention has a tank volume, a tank outlet, a tank inlet and a separating device. The tank outlet is designed for fluid-conducting connection with the fluid discharge of the surface cleaning device. The tank inlet is designed for fluid-conducting connection with the fluid intake of the surface cleaning device. The tank inlet and the tank outlet are separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner by means of the separating device, and the tank volume is divided by means of the separating device to form a fluid discharge tank volume and a

[0110] Fluid receiving tank volume is divided. The fluid dispensing tank volume has the tank outlet and is fluid-tightly separated from the tank inlet by means of the separating device. The fluid receiving tank volume has the tank inlet and is fluid-tightly separated from the tank outlet by means of the separating device. The separating device is movable relative to the tank inlet and the tank outlet. When the separating device moves, the fluid receiving tank volume increases and simultaneously the fluid dispensing tank volume decreases and / or vice versa. The further fluid tank according to the invention allows separate storage of the fluid to be dispensed and the collected fluid. The fluid dispensing tank volume serves to store the fluid to be dispensed, which will usually be fresh water, a cleaning solution or another liquid for wet cleaning the surface.During wet cleaning, the fluid from the fluid dispensing tank volume is dispensed onto the surface via the tank outlet by the fluid dispensing device of the surface cleaning device. Under the action of the surface cleaning device, for example, a tool device of the surface cleaning device, dirt is loosened from the surface. The dispensed fluid supports the loosening and binding of dirt. The previously dispensed fluid, including any loosened and / or bound dirt, is then collected from the surface by the fluid intake of the surface cleaning device and directed through the tank inlet into the fluid intake volume of the fluid tank. The prior art teaches the use of separate fluid tanks for dispensing and collecting fluid.Conventional surface cleaning devices for wet cleaning of surfaces therefore usually have two separate fluid tanks with different functions, namely a fresh water tank for the dispensed fluid and a dirty water tank for the collected fluid. The solution according to the invention eliminates the need for separate fluid tanks for fluid dispensing and fluid collection. The additional fluid tank according to the invention simultaneously serves to store the dispensed fluid and the collected fluid, whereby the proportions of the volumes provided for this purpose in relation to the total available tank volume, i.e., the fluid collection tank volume and the fluid discharge tank volume, can be varied by means of the movement of the separating device.The fluid dispensing tank volume decreases over the duration of the wet cleaning and with increasing amount of dispensed fluid, while at the same time the fluid receiving tank volume increases in order to be able to receive an amount of fluid that increases over the duration of the wet cleaning. The decrease in the fluid dispensing tank volume with the simultaneous increase in the fluid receiving tank volume is brought about by the aforementioned movement of the separating device. To change the volumes, the separating device can in principle be translationally, rotationally and / or pivotally movable. The separating device is arranged at least partially or sectionally in the tank volume. In one embodiment, the movement of the separating device is effected by a separate drive. In another embodiment, the movement is effected by manual actuation.In a further embodiment of the invention, the movement occurs automatically when fluid flows out of the fluid dispensing tank volume and / or fluid flows into the fluid receiving tank volume. In one embodiment of the invention, the entire separating device is movable. In a further embodiment, only a section, a part, and / or a component of the separating device is movable for changing the fluid dispensing tank volume and the fluid receiving tank volume.

[0111] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating device is configured such that an outflow of fluid from the fluid dispensing tank volume and / or an inflow of fluid into the fluid receiving tank volume causes the separating device to move. In this embodiment of the invention, the separating device is movable under the influence of the outflowing and / or inflowing fluid. This eliminates the need for a separate drive or manual actuation to move the separating device. For example, the outflow of fluid from the fluid dispensing tank volume can create a negative pressure in the fluid dispensing tank volume, which moves the separating device to reduce the fluid dispensing tank volume while simultaneously increasing the fluid receiving tank volume.Alternatively or additionally, an inflow of fluid into the fluid receiving tank volume can cause an overpressure in the fluid receiving tank volume or an increasing weight of the inflowing fluid can act on the separating device so that the fluid receiving tank volume is increased and the fluid discharge tank volume is reduced at the same time.

[0112] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating device comprises a separating element that rests relatively movably and fluid-tight against an inner wall of the fluid tank, wherein a relative movement of the separating element is accompanied by a change in the fluid discharge tank volume and the fluid receiving tank volume. The fluid discharge tank volume and the fluid receiving tank volume are separated from one another in a fluid-tight manner by means of the separating element. The separating element rests relatively movably and fluid-tight against the inner wall of the fluid tank, in particular against the inner wall of a tank shell of the fluid tank. Said tank shell encloses the total available tank volume of the fluid tank, which is composed of the fluid receiving tank volume and the fluid discharge tank volume. A relative movement of the separating element along the inner wall causes the fluid discharge tank volume to decrease and the fluid receiving tank volume to increase at the same time.The relative movement of the separating element is guided along the inner wall. For this purpose, the separating element can be supported directly or indirectly on the inner wall in a relatively movable manner. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid tank can have a guide device for guiding the relative movement of the separating element.

[0113] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating element is translationally movable relative to the inner wall. In one embodiment, the separating element is translationally movable along a longitudinal axis of the fluid tank relative to the inner wall. In another embodiment, the separating element is movable relative to a transverse axis of the fluid tank relative to the inner wall.

[0114] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating element is relatively movable along a longitudinal axis of the fluid tank. In this embodiment, the fluid tank is preferably elongated along the longitudinal axis. With an imaginary vertical orientation of the longitudinal axis, the separating element moves between an upper (proximal) end and a lower (distal) end of the fluid tank. Preferably, the tank inlet is arranged above the tank outlet, and the separating element moves from top to bottom to reduce the fluid discharge tank volume while simultaneously increasing the fluid reception tank volume. In principle, a reversed arrangement of the tank outlet and tank inlet, with a correspondingly reversed direction of movement of the separating element, is also possible.Preferably, the separating element is relatively movable over a movement distance which is at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, further preferably at least 40%, further preferably at least 50%, further preferably at least 60%, further preferably at least 70%, further preferably at least 80%, of a total length of the fluid tank, in particular of the tank volume and / or the tank shell.

[0115] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating element has a disc-shaped and / or plate-shaped base body. Such a design enables a compact construction of the separating element. The base body serves, in particular, to accommodate and / or secure any additional components and / or parts of the separating element or separating device. Due to the disc shape and / or plate shape, the base body has a flat design with a low overall height. This prevents the available tank volume from being excessively reduced by the volume occupied by the separating element.

[0116] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating element has at least one sealing element, for example a sealing ring and / or a sealing lip, on its outer contour facing the inner wall. The sealing element rests against the inner wall in a fluid-tight and relatively movable manner. In one embodiment, the sealing element is formed integrally on the separating element. In a further embodiment, the sealing element is a separate component that is fixed to the outer contour of the separating element, in particular to a / the base body of the separating element. The sealing element is preferably made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber, silicone or the like. Preferably, two axially spaced-apart sealing elements, for example sealing rings and / or sealing lips, are present. If the separating element is relatively movable in translation along the longitudinal axis of the fluid tank, this means axially parallel to said longitudinal axis.By such a spaced arrangement of the at least two sealing elements, tilting of the separating element during movement along the inner wall can be avoided and improved guidance of the movement of the separating element can be achieved.

[0117] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating device comprises an elastically deformable separating element that is attached in a fluid-tight manner to / on the inner wall of the fluid tank, wherein an elastic deformation of the separating element is accompanied by a change in the fluid dispensing tank volume and the fluid receiving tank volume. In this embodiment, the separating element therefore does not bear against the inner wall of the fluid tank in a relatively movable manner. Instead, the separating element is firmly connected to the inner wall and elastically deformable for the purpose of changing the fluid dispensing tank volume and the fluid receiving tank volume. Preferably, the elastically deformable separating element is a sealing membrane. The elastic separating element is deformed by the outflow of fluid from the fluid dispensing tank volume and / or the inflow of fluid into the fluid receiving tank volume.The deformation causes a decrease in the fluid discharge tank volume and a simultaneous increase in the fluid receiving tank volume and / or vice versa.

[0118] In a further embodiment of the invention, the tank volume is fixed. Designs with variable tank volumes are also conceivable and possible in principle. However, a fixed, fixed tank volume is preferred.

[0119] In a further embodiment of the invention, the tank volume is a maximum of 10 liters, preferably a maximum of 8 liters, preferably a maximum of 6 liters, preferably a maximum of 5 liters, preferably a maximum of 4 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters, preferably a maximum of 2 liters, particularly preferably between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters. In this embodiment of the invention, the tank volume and thus also the fluid tank is comparatively small and compact. By limiting the tank volume to a maximum of 10 liters or one of the aforementioned further maximum values, the dimensions of the fluid tank can be kept compact. The weight of the fluid tank is then relatively low even when filled and can be easily moved by a user. A tank volume between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters has proven to be particularly advantageous. This is because particularly compact dimensions and a particularly low weight are achieved.On the other hand, a tank volume between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters still allows for a sufficient amount of fluid to loosen and / or bind dirt generated during wet cleaning. With a tank volume of less than 0.5 liters, the fluid will usually become very dirty after just a short period of wet cleaning. With a tank volume of more than 2.0 liters, the weight is already noticeable, which cannot be easily moved and / or carried by all potential users and under all circumstances. The value range of 0.5 liters to 2 liters is optimal in this respect. In one design, the fluid dispensing tank volume and the fluid receiving tank volume can each be varied in opposite directions between 0 liters and 10 liters.In further embodiments, the said volumes are variable in opposite directions between 0 liters and 6 liters, more preferably between 0 liters and 5 liters, more preferably between 0 liters and 4 liters, more preferably between 0 liters and 3 liters, more preferably between 0 liters and 2 liters, more preferably between 0 liters and 0.5 liters. In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating device can be transferred between a connected state and a separated state, wherein in the connected state the fluid-tight separation between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet is eliminated, and wherein in the separated state the fluid-tight separation between the tank inlet and the tank outlet is formed or remains formed.The transferability of the separating device between the connected state and the separated state serves for an optional fluid-conducting connection and separation between the tank inlet and the tank outlet, and thus also between the fluid dispensing tank volume and the fluid receiving tank volume. In the connected state, the tank inlet and the tank outlet, and thus also the fluid dispensing tank volume and the fluid receiving tank volume, are fluidly connected to one another. This fluid-conducting connection allows the collected fluid to be returned for renewed release onto the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment of the invention, the separating device can be manually transferred between the connected state and the separated state. In further embodiments, automatic transferability and / or a transfer driven by an actuator, drive, or the like is provided.In one embodiment of the invention, the separating device has a fluid control element that is movable between an open and a closed state. In the open state, the separating device assumes the connected state. In the closed state, the separating device assumes the separated state. In one embodiment, the separating device can be removed from the tank volume by the user. In the removed state, the separating device assumes the connected state. In the non-removed state, the separating device assumes the separated state.

[0120] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating device, in particular the separating element, has at least one fluid control element. The fluid control element can be, for example, a switching valve. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid control element is movable between an open state and a closed state. In the open state, the separating device assumes the connected state. In the closed state, the separating device assumes the separated state. The fluid control element can be movable between the open and closed states manually, by means of an actuator, motor, or automatically, for example under the influence of fluid present in the tank volume.

[0121] In a further embodiment of the invention, the separating device, in particular the separating element, has a separating device designed to separate dirt from fluid contained in the tank volume. Alternatively or additionally, the separating device, in particular the separating element, has a disinfecting device designed to disinfect the fluid receiving tank volume, the fluid discharge tank volume, and / or fluid flowing between the tank inlet and the tank outlet. When fluid is returned, i.e., when the separating device is connected, the separating device serves to separate dirt from the received fluid. As a result, the returned fluid can be released again onto the surface to be cleaned with a reduced degree of contamination. Further features of the separating device emerge from the preceding disclosure and the claims.For example, in one embodiment, the separation device has a filter device. In one embodiment, the filter device has at least one sieve filter whose mesh size is between 0.06 mm and 0.7 mm, preferably between 0.09 mm and 0.3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.125 mm and 0.25 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the filter device is integrated into the separation device, in particular the separation element. In a further embodiment, the filter device has a plurality of filters, wherein one of the plurality of filters is integrated into the separation device, in particular the separation element, and another filter of the plurality of filters is arranged away from the separation element. The plurality of filters are preferably sieve filters. One of the plurality of filters can be a coarse filter. Another of the plurality of filters can be a fine filter.In a further embodiment, a filter cleaning device is provided which is configured to clean the filter device. For further features of the filter cleaning device, reference is made to the preceding disclosure and the claims, and express reference is made thereto. In a further embodiment, the separation device has a centrifuging device which is configured to centrifuge fluid flowing between the tank inlet and the tank outlet in the connected state. With regard to further features of the centrifuging device, reference is made to the preceding disclosure and the claims, and express reference is made thereto. The separating device, in particular the separating element, can additionally have a disinfection device. Further features of the disinfection device also emerge from the preceding disclosure and the claims. For example, the disinfection device can have a UV light source.The separating device, in particular the separating element, can also have a detection device. Further features of the detection device also emerge from the preceding disclosure and the claims. For example, the detection device can have a sensor device.

[0122] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank is designed for attachment to an elongated guide part of the surface cleaning device and / or a base part of the surface cleaning device. Preferably, a removable attachment is provided. By attaching the fluid tank to the elongated guide part, the weight and dimensions of the base part can be kept low. By attaching the fluid tank to the base part, the weight and dimensions of the guide part can be kept low. If the fluid tank is attached sectionally or partially to the guide part and to the base part, the weight and volume of the fluid tank can be distributed partially between the guide part and partially between the base part, thus ensuring a balanced distribution. The removable attachment makes it particularly easy to clean or replace the fluid tank.Preferably, said guide part of the surface cleaning device is elongated between a proximal end and a distal end and is configured for manually guiding the surface cleaning device over the surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, the base part of the surface cleaning device is preferably connected to the distal end of the guide part. During wet cleaning, the base part rests on or against the surface to be cleaned.

[0123] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank is designed to be carried on the body of a user and / or to be attached to a carrying device, wherein the carrying device is designed to be carried on the body of a user. By carrying the fluid tank on the user's body, the dimensions and weight of the surface cleaning device can be kept low. This applies in particular to the guide part and / or the base part of the surface cleaning device. Carrying the fluid tank on the user's body offers advantages, in particular when wet cleaning inclined, in particular vertical, surfaces, since in this case the weight of the fluid tank does not have to be moved along the inclined, in particular vertical, surface together with the surface cleaning device.Attaching the fluid tank to the guide part and / or the base part can offer advantages when wet cleaning horizontal surfaces, as this increases the contact pressure of the base part and any tool device due to the weight of the fluid tank and the fluid contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid tank can be attached optionally to the base part, the guide part and / or the said carrying device. This allows the user to decide how the fluid tank is to be carried depending on the cleaning task. The carrying device can, for example, be a backpack device for carrying on the user's back. Alternatively, the carrying device can be designed as a belt device for fastening around the user's hips and / or shoulders.

[0124] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank, in particular its tank volume and / or a tank shell forming the tank volume, is designed in the form of an elongated hollow cylinder. A design in the form of a tube is preferably provided. The elongated hollow cylindrical design of the fluid tank offers particular advantages when the fluid tank is designed for attachment to the elongated guide part or for carrying on the user's body. When attached to the guide part, the elongated hollow cylindrical design allows for compact dimensions and advantageous weight distribution. The same applies when the elongated hollow cylindrical fluid tank is carried on the user's body. The elongated hollow cylinder has a different cross-sectional shape in different designs. In principle, the hollow cylinder can have a square, rounded, oval, or circular cross-section.Furthermore, it is understood that the cross-section of the hollow cylinder can be variable along its longitudinal axis. Particularly preferred is the aforementioned design as a tube or pipe. Tubes are available on the market in various diameters, wall thicknesses, and other properties. This allows for particularly simple production of the fluid tank or tank shell. With a hollow-cylindrical, particularly tubular, design of the tank shell, the fluid tank preferably has tank caps or other closures for closing the front end of the tank shell. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid tank is made of plastic. A hollow-cylindrical, particularly tubular, design in combination with a plastic construction is particularly advantageous.

[0125] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank, in particular its tank volume and / or the tank shell forming the tank volume, has a plurality of parts that are joined together in a fluid-tight manner along a longitudinal axis of the fluid tank. Such a multi-part design achieves a modular construction of the fluid tank, in particular of the tank shell. In a preferred embodiment, the tank shell consists of the plurality of parts. When joined together, the plurality of parts enclose the tank volume. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of parts is each a hollow cylinder section, in particular a pipe section. In one embodiment, the plurality of parts are identical.In a further embodiment, the plurality of parts differ with respect to at least one property, for example a respective enclosed tank volume, a diameter, a cross-section, a length, a material used or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of parts are plugged together in a fluid-tight manner along the longitudinal axis. In this case, immediately adjacent parts are connected by means of a plug-in connection, which in a particularly preferred embodiment is a bayonet connection or a bayonet lock. Instead of such a plug-in connection, other joining connections are also conceivable. For example, the plurality of parts can be screwed together or locked together. Due to the modular design of the fluid tank, in particular of the tank shell, the tank volume can be easily adapted structurally.To reduce the tank volume, a smaller number of parts can be used. To increase the tank volume, a larger number of parts can be used.

[0126] In a further embodiment of the invention, the multiple parts are detachably joined, in particular plugged together. This detachable connection allows the user to easily adjust the tank volume. To increase the tank volume, another part can be inserted. To reduce the tank volume, one or more of the parts can be removed. Furthermore, the detachable connection of the parts allows for particularly easy cleaning of the fluid tank and any devices located within the tank volume.

[0127] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank, in particular the tank shell forming the tank volume, is made at least partially, preferably entirely, of a translucent material, in particular plastic. This allows the user to easily determine the degree of contamination of the fluid from the outside and without opening the fluid tank. Preferably, the fluid tank is made at least predominantly of the translucent material. More preferably, the fluid tank is made entirely of the translucent material. Manufacture from translucent plastic is preferred. As an alternative, manufacturing sections from shatter-resistant glass is fundamentally conceivable and possible.

[0128] The surface cleaning system according to the invention comprises a base station and a surface cleaning device according to the invention, which is optionally equipped with one of the fluid tanks according to the invention. The base station is configured to accommodate the surface cleaning device and has a fluid device configured to empty, refill, and / or flush the fluid path and / or the fluid tank of the surface cleaning device. The base station serves to store the surface cleaning device. For this purpose, the base station is configured to accommodate the surface cleaning device. Furthermore, the base station allows emptying, refilling, and / or flushing the fluid path and / or the fluid tank of the surface cleaning device. For this purpose, the base station has the fluid device. Preferably, the fluid device is configured for automatic emptying, refilling, and / or flushing.In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid device comprises a fluid connection device configured for fluid-conducting connection to the fluid path, the fluid intake, the fluid discharge, and / or the fluid tank of the surface cleaning device. Preferably, the fluid connection device is configured for automatic fluid-conducting connection. For example, the base station can comprise a detection device that detects whether or not the surface cleaning device is mounted on the base station. If the surface cleaning device is detected, the fluid connection device can automatically establish said fluid-conducting connection.

[0129] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid device comprises a tank device with a dirty liquid tank, a fresh liquid tank, and / or a rinsing liquid tank. The dirty liquid tank can be fluidly connected to the fluid path, in particular the fluid tank, by means of the fluid connection device. The dirty liquid tank serves to receive dirty liquid from the fluid path, in particular the fluid tank. The fresh liquid tank can be fluidly connected to the fluid path, in particular the fluid tank, by means of the fluid connection device. The fresh liquid tank serves as a reservoir for fresh liquid for refilling the fluid path, in particular the fluid tank. The rinsing liquid tank can be connected to the fluid path, in particular the fluid tank, by means of the fluid connection device. The rinsing liquid tank serves to discharge rinsing liquid into the fluid path, in particular the fluid tank.Optionally, the released rinsing fluid can be returned to the rinsing fluid tank. Disposal of used rinsing fluid in the dirty fluid tank is also conceivable and possible. Alternatively or in addition to the tank system, the fluid system can have one or more fixed water connections, for example, a fresh water connection and / or a wastewater connection.

[0130] In a further embodiment of the invention, the base station has a holding device which is designed for releasable mechanical coupling to the surface cleaning device, in particular the guide part and / or the base part of the surface cleaning device, and by means of which the surface cleaning device is held to the base station, in particular when the base station is moving. The holding device serves to hold the surface cleaning device to the base station. For this purpose, the holding device is designed for releasable mechanical coupling to the surface cleaning device. For example, the holding device can be designed to form a snap-in, plug-in, clamp-in, or other releasable mechanical connection to the surface cleaning device, in particular the guide part and / or the base part.In a further embodiment of the invention, the base station has a movement device that enables manual or motor-driven movement of the base station. The movement device enables the base station to be moved. This allows the position of the base station on the surface or relative to the surface to be changed. In particular, the base station can be moved along the surface cleaning device during wet cleaning. For this purpose, the movement device allows manual and / or motor-driven movement. In a preferred embodiment, the movement device has a plurality of wheels, rollers, or the like, which are supported on the surface to be cleaned and allow the base station to roll.

[0131] The method according to the invention is intended for cleaning a surface using a surface cleaning device, in particular a surface cleaning device according to the preceding description. The surface to be cleaned is preferably a floor surface, for example a floor surface in a building, such as, in particular, a hard floor or carpet. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of: dispensing fluid onto the surface by means of a fluid dispenser of the surface cleaning device; receiving the dispensed fluid by means of a fluid receptacle of the surface cleaning device; conveying the received fluid by means of a conveying device of the surface cleaning device, wherein the fluid is conveyed along a fluid path of the surface cleaning device,which connects the fluid intake for returning the absorbed fluid with the fluid discharge; discharging the returned fluid onto the surface by means of the fluid discharge. The method according to the invention allows for particularly resource-saving and environmentally friendly wet cleaning of surfaces. For this purpose, the fluid used for wet cleaning, after being picked up from the surface by means of the fluid intake, is conveyed via the fluid path of the surface cleaning device to its fluid discharge and is (again) discharged onto the surface to be cleaned by means of this. Further advantages of the method according to the invention arise, mutatis mutandis, from the disclosure of the surface cleaning device according to the invention, to which express reference is made. Further optional steps of the method arise from the disclosure of the surface cleaning device according to the invention, the fluid tanks according to the invention,of the surface cleaning system according to the invention and the respective embodiments. Some optional method steps are expressly described below merely by way of example: Acting on the surface to be cleaned by means of a tool device of the surface cleaning device, in particular by means of a movable tool of the surface cleaning device; Draining the fluid to be dispensed from a fluid tank of the surface cleaning device and introducing the absorbed fluid into the fluid tank; Separating dirt from the absorbed fluid by means of a separation device of the surface cleaning device, in particular by means of a filter device and / or a centrifuging device of the separation device; Disinfecting the fluid path, in particular the fluid tank, of the surface cleaning device by means of a disinfection device of the surface cleaning device,in particular, wherein UV light is emitted by means of a UV light source of the disinfection device; interrupting the return of the fluid by means of a blocking device and / or a separating device of the surface cleaning device; manually controlling a direction of movement of a base part of the surface cleaning device, wherein the direction of movement of the base part is controlled by influencing an elongated guide part of the surface cleaning device, wherein the elongated guide part and the base part are connected to one another by means of a connecting device, in particular a cardanic connection, such that rotation of the guide part about its longitudinal axis causes rotation of the base part about its vertical axis. It is understood,that embodiments of the method according to the invention can comprise the aforementioned optional method steps individually or in any combination. Further features of the optional method steps emerge from the disclosure of the surface cleaning device, the fluid tanks according to the invention, the surface cleaning system according to the invention, and their embodiments.

[0132] The invention also relates to a method for converting a surface cleaning device, wherein the surface cleaning device is configured for wet cleaning a surface and is designed, in particular, as a scrubber-drier. The method comprises the steps of: disconnecting a first fluid-conducting connection of the surface cleaning device, wherein the first fluid-conducting connection is formed between a fluid intake of the surface cleaning device and a dirty water tank of the surface cleaning device; disconnecting a second fluid-conducting connection of the surface cleaning device, wherein the second fluid-conducting connection is formed between a fluid discharge of the surface cleaning device and a fresh water tank of the surface cleaning device; removing the fresh water tank and / or the dirty water tank, in particular wherein the fresh water tank and / or the dirty water tank is removed from a guide part of the surface cleaning device;Attaching a fluid tank according to the preceding description, in particular wherein the fluid tank is attached to a guide part, a base part, and / or a support device of the surface cleaning device; fluid-conducting connection of a tank inlet of the fluid tank to the fluid receptacle of the surface cleaning device; fluid-conducting connection of a tank outlet of the fluid tank to the fluid discharge. The method according to the invention thus allows the conversion of a surface cleaning device without fluid recirculation into a surface cleaning device with fluid recirculation.

[0133] The invention also relates to an adapter device, preferably for converting a surface cleaning device without fluid recirculation into a surface cleaning device with fluid recirculation. The adapter device according to the invention has an adapter fluid inlet, an adapter fluid outlet, and an adapter fluid path. The adapter fluid inlet is configured for fluid-conducting connection to a fluid receptacle of the surface cleaning device. The adapter fluid outlet is configured for fluid-conducting connection to a fluid discharge of the surface cleaning device. The adapter fluid path connects the adapter fluid outlet to the adapter fluid inlet in a fluid-conducting manner. In the converted state, the adapter fluid path forms a section of / the fluid path of the surface cleaning device. The adapter device according to the invention allows for simplified conversion of a surface cleaning device without fluid recirculation into a surface cleaning device with fluid recirculation.This can save investment costs. In addition, the surface cleaning device in question can be operated with or without fluid recirculation, as needed, depending on whether the adapter device is provided or not. The surface cleaning device to be converted preferably has a guide part, a base part, a tool device, a fluid discharge, a fluid intake, as well as a dirty water tank and a fresh water tank. The guide part and the base part are optional. The fresh water tank is detachably connected to the fluid discharge in a fluid-conducting manner. The dirty water tank is detachably connected to the fluid intake in a fluid-conducting manner. Preferably, the fresh water tank and the dirty water tank are each detachably attached to the guide part. In one embodiment, the adapter device is a separate component that can be attached to the surface cleaning device for the purpose of conversion.In one embodiment, the adapter device is a component of a / the fluid tank, which can be attached to the surface cleaning device together with the fluid tank for the purpose of conversion, wherein the adapter device can preferably be arranged on and / or in a tank outlet of the fluid tank. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter device can be integrated into a tank cap of the fluid tank and / or function as a, preferably lower, tank cap of the fluid tank. In a further embodiment, the adapter device is designed in the form of an adapter tank, which can be attached to the surface cleaning device to be converted instead of the fresh water tank and / or the dirty water tank.

[0134] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter device is designed in the form of an adapter tank. The adapter tank is preferably configured for attachment to the surface cleaning device to be converted instead of a fresh water tank and / or a dirty water tank. In this embodiment, the adapter fluid inlet is a tank inlet of the adapter tank, and the adapter fluid outlet is a tank outlet of the adapter tank. In this embodiment, the adapter fluid path is formed by a tank volume of the adapter tank and / or extends through the tank volume. In one embodiment, the adapter tank is designed according to claims 65 to 96 and / or claims 97 to 114.

[0135] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter fluid inlet is configured for fluid-conducting connection to a tank outlet of a fluid tank. Said fluid tank is preferably a fluid tank according to the preceding disclosure, i.e., a fluid tank according to claims 65 to 96 and / or claims 97 to 114. In this embodiment, the adapter fluid inlet is indirectly fluid-conductingly connected to the fluid receptacle via the fluid tank.

[0136] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter device has a fastening section. The fastening section is designed for the, preferably detachable, fastening of the adapter device to the surface cleaning device to be converted. The fastening section can be fastened to the surface cleaning device in any manner suitable for the present purpose. Preferably, the fastening section is designed for detachable fastening, for example, to the guide part, the base part, a / the fluid tank, and / or another device of the surface cleaning device. In a further embodiment, a non-detachable fastening is provided.

[0137] In one embodiment, the surface cleaning device can be converted by first removing the dirty water tank and the fresh water tank. For this purpose, the fluid-conducting connections to the fluid intake and discharge are separated. The adapter device can then be releasably attached to the surface cleaning device, preferably to the guide part. The fluid tank can then be attached to the surface cleaning device, and its tank outlet can be fluidly connected to the adapter fluid inlet, whereby the fluid tank is attached in place of one or both of the previously removed tanks (dirty water tank, fresh water tank). In other words: In this case, the fluid tank replaces the fresh water tank and / or the dirty water tank. The adapter fluid outlet is fluidly connected to the fluid discharge of the surface cleaning device.A fluid tank inlet is connected to the fluid intake of the surface cleaning device via a fluid-conducting connection. This establishes the aforementioned fluid return, starting from the fluid intake via the fluid tank inlet and its outlet, and from there via the adapter fluid path to the fluid discharge point.

[0138] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter device has a base body, wherein the optional fastening section, the at least one adapter fluid inlet, the adapter fluid outlet, and the adapter fluid path are arranged and / or formed on the base body. Due to the base body and the corresponding arrangement and / or formation of the fastening section, the at least one adapter fluid inlet, the adapter fluid outlet, and the adapter fluid path, the adapter device has a particularly compact design. This facilitates handling of the adapter device, in particular when attaching it to the surface cleaning device. This embodiment of the invention thereby allows for further simplification of conversion. The base body can, in principle, be designed in any way suitable for the present purpose. A flat design is preferred, in particular in the form of a plate, a disk, or the like.

[0139] In a further embodiment of the invention, the base body has a top side and a bottom side. The top side and the bottom side are axially opposite one another. The at least one adapter fluid inlet is arranged on the top side. The adapter fluid outlet is arranged on the bottom side. In this embodiment of the invention, the fluid tank can be placed onto the top side from top to bottom. This allows a particularly simple, preferably automatic, fluid-conducting connection between the tank outlet and the adapter fluid inlet. The same applies mutatis mutandis to the fluid-conducting connection between the adapter fluid outlet of the adapter device and the fluid discharge of the surface cleaning device.

[0140] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one adapter fluid inlet and the adapter fluid outlet are arranged offset from one another with respect to a longitudinal axis of the adapter device that is oriented orthogonally to the axial direction. Preferably, the at least one adapter fluid inlet is offset forward along the longitudinal axis, and the adapter fluid outlet is offset rearward. This embodiment of the invention takes into account the fact that a forward-displaced arrangement of the fluid tank offers advantages with regard to weight distribution on the surface cleaning device. Furthermore, in surface cleaning devices that are to be converted, the fresh water tank is usually arranged offset rearward with respect to the longitudinal axis. Advantages therefore arise from a corresponding arrangement of the at least one adapter fluid inlet and the adapter fluid outlet.When mounted, the longitudinal axis of the adapter device is aligned parallel to a direction of movement, specifically the propulsion direction, of the surface cleaning device. When mounted, the axial direction is preferably aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the guide part of the surface cleaning device, specifically coaxially.

[0141] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fastening section is designed for detachable, form-fitting attachment to a / the guide part of the surface cleaning device. This embodiment takes into account the fact that, in surface cleaning devices to be converted, the dirty water tank and the fresh water tank are usually removably attached to the guide part. Accordingly, the fluid connections of the surface cleaning device—connected to the fresh water tank and the dirty water tank when the surface cleaning device is not converted—are also arranged in this area. By attaching the adapter device to the guide part, any fluid line path sections, for example in the form of hose lines, between the adapter device and the fluid connections of the surface cleaning device can be kept particularly short or, ideally, eliminated entirely.In one embodiment, the positive fastening is in the form of a plug-in connection. Alternatively or additionally, a snap-in, clamp-in, or other connection can be provided.

[0142] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fastening section has a receiving recess and a plug-in slot. The receiving recess extends axially from the top to the bottom of the base body and is shaped complementarily to a cross-section of the guide part. The plug-in slot opens radially into the receiving recess. This allows the adapter device to be plugged radially onto the guide part, in particular its cross-section. This embodiment allows particularly simple fastening of the adapter device to the guide part. The user can easily slide or plug the adapter device radially onto the guide part. If necessary, the adapter device can also be displaced axially along the guide part after radially sliding or plugging it on until a final fastening position is reached. In the fastened state, the guide part extends longitudinally through the receiving recess.

[0143] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one adapter fluid inlet has a self-closing fluid connector. The self-closing fluid connector is configured for plug-in connection with a complementary fluid connector of the fluid tank. Alternatively or additionally, the adapter fluid outlet has a self-closing fluid connector configured for plug-in connection with a complementary fluid connector of the surface cleaning device. This embodiment allows for a quasi-automatic formation of the fluid-conducting connections between the tank outlet of the fluid tank and the adapter fluid inlet, as well as between the adapter fluid outlet and the fluid discharge. The fluid connectors can, in principle, be designed in any manner suitable for the present purpose. Self-closing fluid connectors for forming fluid-conducting plug-in connections are known to those skilled in the art.Self-closing means that the fluid connector seals itself automatically when disconnected, i.e. not connected, to prevent unwanted fluid leakage and / or fluid ingress.

[0144] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter device has a further adapter fluid inlet and a fluid control element. The further adapter fluid inlet is designed for fluid-conducting connection to a tank outlet of an additional tank. The additional tank is intended for attachment to the surface cleaning device to be converted. Preferably, the additional tank can be attached instead of the fresh water tank. The fluid control element is movable between a first and a second position. In the first position, the adapter fluid inlet is fluid-conductingly connected to the adapter fluid outlet, and the further adapter fluid inlet is separated from the adapter fluid outlet. In the second position, the further adapter fluid inlet is fluid-conductingly connected to the adapter fluid outlet, and the adapter fluid inlet is separated from the adapter fluid outlet.The fluid control element allows for optional connection and disconnection of the adapter fluid inlet and the additional adapter fluid inlet to or from the adapter fluid outlet. The first position of the fluid control element is used for fluid return without fluid discharge from the additional tank. The second position is used for fluid discharge from the additional tank without fluid return. This design allows the surface cleaning device to be used in a manner adapted to the respective cleaning task and situation. Depending on requirements, it can be operated with or without fluid return. In a preferred design, the fluid control element can be moved manually by the user between the first position and the second position. Alternatively or additionally, a controlled movement, in particular an automatic one, between the first position and the second position can be provided, for example by means of an actuator.The fluid control element can be designed in any way suitable for the present purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid control element is a two-way valve, a two-way cock, or the like. In a further embodiment, the adapter device has further adapter fluid inlets, for example a third adapter fluid inlet. In this case, the fluid control element is preferably movable between at least three positions, so that each of the adapter fluid inlets can be fluidly connected to and separated from the adapter fluid outlet. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fluid control element allows multi-stage, preferably stepless, adjustment between the first position and the second position. This allows liquid from the additional tank to be added to the liquid return in several stages, preferably steplessly.The multi-stage and, in particular, stepless mixing allows for even better adaptation to the respective cleaning task.

[0145] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adapter device comprises a pumping device, a filtering device, a drive unit, an energy storage device, a detection device, and / or a disinfection device. The aforementioned devices and / or units can be present individually or in any combination with one another. If the adapter device has a base body, the corresponding unit / device is preferably arranged and / or formed on the base body. Integration into the base body is particularly preferred.

[0146] The pumping device of the adapter device is designed to pump fluid along the adapter fluid path. This pumping device is particularly advantageous if the surface cleaning device to be converted does not have a pumping device for pumping fluid from the fresh water tank. Such surface cleaning devices often discharge fresh water using gravity. Under certain circumstances, such a gravity-driven discharge may not be sufficient to implement fluid recirculation. The pumping device of the adapter device remedies this.

[0147] The filter device of the adapter device is configured to filter fluid flowing along the adapter fluid path. The filter device thus allows cleaning of the recirculated fluid. The filter device of the adapter device can be present alternatively or in addition to any filter device of the surface cleaning device and / or fluid tank. Regarding possible further features of the filter device, reference is made to the preceding disclosure. What is disclosed therein regarding the filter device of the surface cleaning device and / or the fluid tank also applies mutatis mutandis to the filter device of the adapter device.

[0148] The drive unit of the adapter device is designed to drive a filter cleaning device of the fluid tank. This eliminates the need for a separate drive unit on or in the fluid tank. The drive unit preferably serves to drive a movement mechanism of the filter cleaning device. Alternatively or additionally, the drive unit generates ultrasound or, in the broadest sense, vibrations, provided the filter cleaning device of the fluid tank provides for ultrasonic and / or vibration-based filter cleaning.

[0149] The energy storage device of the adapter device is provided for supplying electrical energy to at least one device. The at least one device can be a device of the adapter device, the fluid tank, and / or the surface cleaning device. The energy storage device can be an additional energy storage device or an exclusive energy storage device. In one embodiment, the energy storage device serves to supply energy to the filter device and / or the drive unit of the adapter device. Alternatively or additionally, the energy storage device can be provided to supply energy to the optional detection and / or disinfection device. The energy storage device of the adapter device is preferably a rechargeable battery.

[0150] The detection device of the adapter device is configured to detect a degree of contamination of the liquid and / or of a / the filter device. For this purpose, the detection device preferably has at least one sensor configured to detect at least one measured variable that is at least indirectly related to the degree of contamination. In one embodiment, the detection device has an optical sensor configured to detect clouding of the liquid. Alternatively or additionally, a pressure sensor configured to detect a required delivery pressure can be provided. Based on the required delivery pressure, a conclusion can be drawn about the degree of contamination of the filter device.Alternatively, the detection device can measure the power consumption of a pumping device, whereby the power consumption is indirectly related to the degree of contamination of the filter device. As the power consumption increases, the degree of contamination also increases.

[0151] The disinfection device of the adapter device is configured to disinfect fluid flowing along the adapter fluid path. In one embodiment, the disinfection device is configured to emit UV light.

[0152] With regard to further material and functional features of the filter device, the drive unit, the energy storage device, the detection device, and the disinfection device of the adapter device, reference is made to the preceding disclosure. What is disclosed therein regarding the filter device, the drive unit, the energy storage device, the detection device, and / or the disinfection device of the surface cleaning device and / or fluid tank also applies mutatis mutandis to the corresponding device / unit of the adapter device.

[0153] In embodiments of the invention, the surface cleaning device and / or the fluid tank and / or the adapter device has an additive device which is designed to dispense an additive into the fluid path of the surface cleaning device.

[0154] The kit according to the invention is intended for converting a surface cleaning device without fluid recirculation into a surface cleaning device with fluid recirculation and comprises an adapter device according to the disclosure. Furthermore, the kit comprises a fluid tank according to the disclosure. Alternatively or in addition to the fluid tank according to the disclosure, the kit comprises the surface cleaning device to be converted (without fluid recirculation).

[0155] 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.

[0156] They show:

[0157] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention,

[0158] Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention,

[0159] Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of another embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention,

[0160] Fig. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of a tool device, a

[0161] Fluid discharge, a fluid intake, a fluid path and a conveying device of the surface cleaning device according to Fig. 3,

[0162] Fig. 5 shows in schematic block diagram the components of the

[0163] Surface cleaning device together with further optional components / devices of the surface cleaning device, Fig. 6 a perspective view of another embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention,

[0164] Fig. 7 is a perspective detailed view of the surface cleaning device according to Fig. 6 in

[0165] Area of ​​a floor part,

[0166] Fig. 8 shows the detailed view according to Fig. 7 in a direction rotated by approximately 180°,

[0167] Fig. 9 is a perspective detailed view of the surface cleaning device according to Fig.

[0168] 6 to 8 in the area of ​​an upper housing device of a guide part with the fluid tank removed,

[0169] Fig. 10 is a perspective sectional view in the area of ​​the upper

[0170] Housing device with attached fluid tank and by an upper tank cover of the fluid tank,

[0171] Fig. 11 a perspective and partially cutaway view of the upper

[0172] fuel cap,

[0173] Fig. 12 to 16 different perspective views of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention to illustrate the maneuverability of the surface cleaning device when wet cleaning a surface,

[0174] Fig. 17 shows an embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention for a

[0175] Surface cleaning device in a simplified schematic sectional view, wherein the fluid tank has a locking device shown as a functional block,

[0176] Fig. 18 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a specifically designed locking device, wherein the locking device assumes a locking state,

[0177] Fig. 19 shows the fluid tank according to Fig. 18, wherein the blocking device assumes a release state, Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention in a simplified schematic sectional view, wherein the fluid tank has a separating device shown as a functional block,

[0178] Fig. 21 shows an embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a specifically designed separation device, wherein the separation device comprises a filter device and / or a centrifuging device, each of which is shown as a functional block,

[0179] Fig. 22 an embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with

[0180] Filter device, wherein the filter device comprises a first filter and a second filter,

[0181] Fig. 23 the fluid tank according to Fig. 22 in an exploded view,

[0182] Fig. 24 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with

[0183] Filter device, wherein the filter device has a coarse filter and a fine filter.

[0184] Fig. 25 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with

[0185] Filter device and with a filter cleaning device,

[0186] Fig. 26 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with

[0187] Filter device and with filter cleaning device, wherein the filter cleaning device has a cleaning element and a movement mechanism,

[0188] Fig. 27, 28 further embodiments of the fluid tank according to Fig. 26 with specifically designed filter cleaning device,

[0189] Fig. 29 shows a schematic sectional view along a section line Q'-Q' according to Fig. 21, a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a centrifuging device which has a fixed fluid guide element,

[0190] Fig. 30 shows a schematic sectional view along a section line Q'-Q' according to Fig. 21, a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a centrifuging device which has a rotationally movable fluid guide element,

[0191] Fig. 31 shows a schematically simplified sectional view of a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a disinfection device shown as a functional block,

[0192] Fig. 32 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with

[0193] Disinfection device, wherein the disinfection device has a UV light source arranged outside a tank volume of the fluid tank,

[0194] Fig. 33 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with

[0195] Disinfection device, the UV light source of which is arranged in the tank volume,

[0196] Fig. 34 the fluid tank according to Fig. 33 in exploded view,

[0197] Fig. 35 shows a schematically simplified sectional view of a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a connecting section for mechanical and / or fluid-conducting connection to a suction device of the conveying device of the surface cleaning device,

[0198] Fig. 36 in exploded view the fluid tank according to Fig. 35 together with the

[0199] suction device,

[0200] Fig. 37 shows a schematically simplified sectional view of a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a separating device shown as a functional block,

[0201] Fig. 38, 39, 40 schematically simplified sectional views of a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a separating device, wherein the separating device has a separating element which is arranged to be movable between different positions in the tank volume,

[0202] Fig. 41 is a schematic sectional view of the movable separating element, Fig. 42, 43, 44 are schematically simplified sectional views of further fluid tanks according to the invention with a separating device, wherein their separating elements are differently designed and / or movable,

[0203] Fig. 45 shows a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a

[0204] Separating device for a fluid tank according to the invention, wherein the separating device has a movable separating element and a blocking device,

[0205] Fig. 46 is a further schematic representation of the separating device according to Fig. 45,

[0206] Fig. 47 shows an embodiment of the separating device, wherein the separating device comprises, in addition to the blocking device, a separation device, a detection device and / or a disinfection device, each of which is shown as a generic functional block,

[0207] Fig. 48, 49, 50 in a schematically simplified sectional view a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a separating device, wherein the separating element is elastically deformable and assumes different deformation states,

[0208] Fig. 51 shows a schematically simplified sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention,

[0209] Fig. 52 the fluid tank according to Fig. 51 along a section line QQ according to Fig. 51,

[0210] Fig. 53 shows a schematically simplified sectional view of another embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with a modular structure,

[0211] Fig. 54 the fluid tank according to Fig. 53 in exploded view,

[0212] Fig. 55 a simplified side view of a non-inventive

[0213] Surface cleaning device with a fresh water tank and a separate dirty water tank,

[0214] Fig. 56 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention, which is formed using an embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention and the non-inventive surface cleaning device according to Fig. 55,

[0215] Fig. 57 shows a schematic block diagram of an arrangement with an embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention and an additional tank,

[0216] Fig. 58 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a surface cleaning system according to the invention with a surface cleaning device and a base station,

[0217] Fig. 59 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for wet cleaning a surface using a surface cleaning device,

[0218] Fig. 60 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a filter device according to the invention for a surface cleaning device according to the invention with a filter unit, a support structure, a filter cleaning device and an additive,

[0219] Fig. 61 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a

[0220] Filter unit of the filter device according to Fig. 60,

[0221] Fig. 62 shows a further schematic block diagram to illustrate further

[0222] Features of the filter cleaning device of the filter device according to Fig. 60,

[0223] Fig. 63 is another schematic block diagram to illustrate

[0224] Features of the additive of the filter device according to Fig. 60,

[0225] Fig. 64 is a further schematic block diagram relating to the additive and the filter unit of the filter device according to Fig. 60,

[0226] Fig. 65 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment in which the

[0227] Additive is soluble in the filter unit,

[0228] Fig. 66 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a kit according to the invention for forming a filter device according to the invention, Fig. 67 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an additive device according to the invention for a surface cleaning device according to the invention,

[0229] Fig. 68 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with an embodiment of a filter device according to the invention with a stripping device integrated into the fluid tank,

[0230] Fig. 69 the fluid tank according to Fig. 68 in a schematic longitudinal section,

[0231] Fig. 70, 71 each show in a perspective longitudinal section an embodiment of a filter unit including support structure,

[0232] Fig. 72 shows a schematic longitudinal section of a further embodiment of a fluid tank according to the invention with an embodiment of a filter device according to the invention with a vibration device,

[0233] Fig. 73 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an additive device according to the invention,

[0234] Fig. 74 the additive device according to Fig. 73 in a perspective

[0235] Longitudinal section,

[0236] Fig. 75 shows a schematically simplified block diagram of an embodiment of an adapter device according to the invention for converting a surface cleaning device without liquid recirculation into a surface cleaning device with liquid recirculation,

[0237] Fig. 76, 77 in a schematically simplified block diagram a further embodiment of an adapter device according to the invention with a fluid control element for selectively connecting and disconnecting different adapter fluid inlets with an adapter fluid outlet,

[0238] Fig. 78 shows a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention with liquid recirculation, which is / was converted from a surface cleaning device without liquid recirculation using an embodiment of an adapter device according to the invention,

[0239] Fig. 79 the surface cleaning device according to Fig. 78 in a perspective view,

[0240] Fig. 80, 81 in perspective exploded views an additional tank (Fig. 80) and a fluid tank (Fig. 81) of the surface cleaning device according to Figs. 78 and 79,

[0241] Fig. 82, 83 an embodiment of an adapter device according to the invention in a perspective view (Fig. 82) and a plan view (Fig. 83) and

[0242] Fig. 84 shows a schematic perspective and block view of another embodiment of an adapter device according to the invention.

[0243] According to Fig. 1, a surface cleaning device 1 is provided for wet cleaning a surface S. The surface S to be cleaned is in this case a floor surface S', for example a floor surface in a building, such as in particular a hard floor or carpet.

[0244] The surface cleaning device 1 is shown in a simplified schematic form in Fig. 1 and has a tool device 300, a fluid dispenser 400, a fluid receptacle 500, a fluid path 600 and a conveying device 700.

[0245] The tool device 300 is configured to act on the surface S. The fluid dispenser 400 is configured to dispense fluid F onto the surface S. The fluid receptacle 500 is configured to receive fluid F from the surface S. The fluid path 600 connects the fluid receptacle 500 to the fluid dispenser 400 in a fluid-conducting manner. The conveying device 700 is configured to convey fluid F along the fluid path 600. As a result, fluid F picked up by the fluid receptacle 500 can be returned along the fluid path 600 by means of the conveying device 700 to the fluid dispenser 400 and there delivered onto the surface S by means of the latter.

[0246] For wet cleaning of the surface S, the surface cleaning device 1 can be moved along a direction of movement B over the surface S. The surface S is moistened with the dispensed fluid F. In order to be able to loosen dirt from the surface S, the tool device 300 acts on the surface S. By moistening the surface S, an improved dirt loosening and binding of the loosened dirt can be achieved. The previously applied fluid F is then taken up together with the loosened dirt by means of the fluid intake 500 and returned by means of the conveying device 700 along the fluid path 600 for renewed dispensing via the fluid discharge 400.

[0247] The aforementioned fluid recirculation reduces the fluid consumption required for wet cleaning. Furthermore, a fluid tank for storing fluid is generally dispensed with, in particular separate fresh water and dirty water tanks known from the prior art. The surface cleaning device 1 can therefore be designed to be particularly compact and lightweight. The compact and lightweight construction also allows for simplified handling of the surface cleaning device 1 by a user. In particular, the surface cleaning device 1 can be moved with less effort. The fluid recirculation also allows for improved cleaning results at a constant or increased cleaning speed (area cleaned per unit of time). The cleaning result is primarily determined by the amount of fluid released per unit of time (release rate). In principle, higher release rates lead to better cleaning results.In prior art surface cleaning devices without fluid recirculation, i.e., without a fluid circuit, with separate fresh water and waste water tanks, the discharge rate is limited by design. This is not the case with the surface cleaning device 1 shown in Fig. 1. The surface cleaning device 1 also allows for increased cleaning speed, since refilling of dispensed fluid and disposal of absorbed fluid can essentially be dispensed with. This saves effort and time.

[0248] In the embodiment according to Fig. 2, the surface cleaning device 1 has, in addition to the tool device 300, the fluid dispenser 400, the fluid intake 500, the fluid path 600 and the conveying device 700, further components and / or devices 100, 200, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800. Furthermore, the surface cleaning device can have, as a further component, an additive device 1450 according to Fig. 67 and in particular according to Figs. 73 and 74 and / or an adapter device 4000 according to Figs. 75 to 79 and 82 to 84. These optional components and / or devices each offer particular advantages individually and in combination with one another.

[0249] Said optional components and / or devices are a guide part 100, a base part 200, a fluid reservoir 800, a fluid tank 900, a support device 1000, a blocking device 1100, a separating device 1200, a separating device 1300, a detection device 1400, a disinfection device 1500, an energy supply device 1600, a propulsion device 1700 and a connecting device 1800.

[0250] The guide part 100 is designed for manually guiding the surface cleaning device 1 during the wet cleaning of the surface S and can also be referred to as a hand-held guide part. In embodiments with a guide part 100, the device can therefore also be referred to as a hand-held surface cleaning device. In preferred embodiments, the guide part 100 is elongated between a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated design of the base part allows the user to maintain an upright posture even when cleaning floor surfaces S'.

[0251] The base part 200 rests against the surface S during wet cleaning and can also be referred to as a surface cleaning head. In embodiments with a guide part 100, the base part 200 is connected to the distal end of the guide part 100. In embodiments without a guide part, the base part can be configured, for example, for autonomous or electrically or electronically guided or guided. Autonomous guidance can be provided, for example, by artificial intelligence and / or remote control, for example, in a local (wireless) or mobile data network.

[0252] The tool device 300, the fluid discharge 400, the fluid intake 500, the fluid path 600, and the conveying device 700 can each be arranged on the guide part 100 and / or on the base part 200. The tool device 300, the fluid discharge 400, and the fluid intake 500 are preferably arranged on the base part 200.

[0253] The fluid reservoir 800 has a reservoir volume 801, a reservoir inlet 802, which is or can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the fluid receptacle 500, and a reservoir outlet 803, which is or can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the fluid discharge 400. The reservoir inlet 802 and the reservoir outlet 803 are fluid-conductingly connected to one another via the reservoir volume 801. The reservoir volume 801 serves as a storage or buffer for the fluid F to be discharged and received. During wet cleaning, fluid F received by the fluid receptacle 500 is introduced into the reservoir volume 801 via the reservoir inlet 802 and from there is discharged from the reservoir volume 801 via the reservoir outlet 803 for renewed discharge via the fluid discharge 400. The fluid reservoir 800 is designed differently in different embodiments, in particular as a fluid tank 900 or an arrangement of several fluid tanks.Alternatively or additionally, the reservoir volume 801 can be formed at least in sections by cross sections and / or cavities of the guide part 100, the base part and / or the tool device 300.

[0254] The fluid tank 900 has a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, and a tank outlet 903. The tank inlet 902 is fluidly connected or connectable to the fluid receptacle 500. The tank outlet 903 is fluidly connected or connectable to the fluid discharge 400. The tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903 are fluidly connected or connectable to one another via the tank volume 901. The fluid tank 900 can be understood as a special embodiment of the fluid reservoir 800. The fluid tank 900 can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid tank 900 is removably attached to the guide part 100. However, attachment to the base part 200 and / or the optional carrying device 1000 is also conceivable and possible.

[0255] In the embodiment shown, the reservoir volume 801, specifically the tank volume 901, is 2 liters. In further embodiments, the reservoir volume 801, specifically the tank volume 901, is a maximum of 10 liters.

[0256] The fluid reservoir 800, specifically the fluid tank 900, is made at least in sections from a transparent material, in this case from a transparent plastic K. The fluid reservoir 800 can have several sub-reservoirs that are connected or connectable to one another in a fluid-conducting manner. The same applies to the fluid tank 900. In this case, however, the fluid reservoir 800, specifically the fluid tank 900, is a (single) container.

[0257] The carrying device 1000 is designed to be carried on the user's body and is specifically configured as a backpack device 1001 or a belt device 1002. The backpack device 1001 can be worn on the user's back. The belt device 1002 can be placed around the user's hips and / or shoulders. The carrying device 1000 serves to accommodate additional components and / or devices of the surface cleaning device 1. For example, the conveying device 700, the fluid reservoir 800 and / or the fluid tank 900 as well as the energy supply device 1600, in particular its at least one energy storage device 1601, can be designed to be carried on the carrying device 1000.

[0258] The blocking device 1100 allows for the fluid return to be selectively interrupted or blocked. For this purpose, the blocking device 1100 can be transferred between a release state and a blocking state. In the release state, the fluid return is / remains maintained. In the blocking state, the fluid return is interrupted by the blocking device 1100. For this purpose, the fluid-conducting connection between the fluid intake 500 and the fluid outlet 400 is blocked by the blocking device 1100. In embodiments without a fluid reservoir 800 and / or fluid tank 900, the blocking device 1100 interrupts the fluid path 600. In embodiments with a fluid reservoir 800 and / or fluid tank 900, the blocking device 1100 is configured for the fluid-tight separation of the reservoir inlet 802 and the reservoir outlet 803, specifically the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903.This function of the blocking device 1100 is illustrated by the dashed lines drawn in the reservoir volume 801 and the tank volume 901. In the blocking state of the blocking device 1100, the reservoir volume 801 is divided into a fluid discharge reservoir volume 8011 and a fluid intake reservoir volume 8012. The fluid discharge reservoir volume 8011 has the reservoir outlet 803 and is separated from the reservoir inlet 802 by the blocking device 1100. The fluid intake reservoir volume 8012 has the reservoir inlet 802 and is separated from the reservoir outlet 803 by the blocking device 1100. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, to a subdivision of the tank volume 901 into a fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and a fluid intake tank volume 9012.

[0259] The separating device 1200 also serves to separate the reservoir volume 801, specifically the tank volume 901, into the aforementioned sub-volumes 8011, 8012 and 9011, 9012, respectively. The separating device 1200 allows a variable subdivision according to proportions of the total available volume 801, 901, whereby the discharge volumes 8011, 9011 and the intake volumes 8012, 9012 are variable during the wet cleaning period. As the fluid discharge reservoir volume 8011 decreases, the fluid intake reservoir volume 8012 increases. The same applies to the fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and the fluid intake tank volume 9012.

[0260] The separation device 1300 is configured to separate dirt from the fluid F received by the fluid receptacle 500. The separation device 1300 can remove dirt from the fluid and reduce its degree of contamination. The separation device 1300 can, in principle, be arranged at any location or at multiple locations along the fluid path 600. In embodiments with a fluid reservoir 800, the dirt separation by means of the separation device 1300 can take place in the flow direction of the fluid F before the reservoir volume 801 (upstream), after the reservoir volume 801 (downstream), and / or within the reservoir volume 801. In embodiments with a fluid tank 901, the same applies with regard to the dirt separation with respect to the tank volume 901. In the embodiment shown, the separation device 1300 has a filter device 1301.Alternatively or additionally, the separation device 1300 comprises a centrifuging device 1350. The filtering device 1301 is configured to filter the fluid F. The centrifuging device 1350 is configured to generate centrifugal forces in the fluid F.

[0261] The detection device 1400 is configured to detect a degree of contamination G of the fluid F received by the fluid receptacle 500. In a particularly simple embodiment, the detection device 1400 comprises a sight glass or the like arranged in the fluid path 600, through which the user can visually detect the degree of contamination G. In the embodiment shown, the detection device 1400 comprises a sensor device 1401 configured to metrologically detect the degree of contamination G and to output a sensor signal 1402 representing the degree of contamination G. The sensor signal 1402 can be processed by an optional control device 1900 of the surface cleaning device 1 (see Fig. 6) and output as a signal perceptible to the user.Alternatively or additionally, further components and / or devices of the surface cleaning device 1 can be controlled depending on the sensor signal 1402.

[0262] The disinfection device 1500 is configured to disinfect at least a portion of the fluid path 600 and / or the fluid F flowing therein. In embodiments with a fluid reservoir 800, specifically a fluid tank 900, the disinfection device 1500 is preferably configured to disinfect the reservoir volume 801, specifically the tank volume 901. In a particularly simple embodiment, the disinfection device 1500 is formed by a portion of the fluid path 600 that is made of an antibacterial material or coated with such a material. In the embodiment shown, the disinfection device 1500 has at least one UV light source 1501. The UV light source 1501 is configured to emit UV light and can in principle be arranged at any location of the fluid path 600, upstream, downstream and / or in the reservoir volume 801, in particular the tank volume 901.

[0263] The energy supply device 1600 serves to supply the surface cleaning device 1 with electrical operating energy. By means of the energy supply device 1600, at least the tool device 300 and the conveyor device 700 can be supplied with electrical operating energy. In the embodiment shown, the energy supply device 1600 also serves to supply energy to the additional (optional) devices, for example, the sensor device 1401 and the UV light source 1501. In the embodiment shown, the energy supply device 1600 has at least one energy storage device 1601 in the form of a rechargeable battery. In embodiments with a guide part 100, a base part 200, or a carrying device 1000, the energy storage device 1601 can be attached to the guide part 100, the base part 200, and / or the carrying device 100. A removable attachment is preferred.In addition, the energy storage device 1601 can be configured for optional attachment to the base part 100, the guide part 200, and the carrying device 1000, so that the user can decide, depending on the cleaning task, to which of the said components / devices 100, 200, 1000 the energy storage device 1601 should be attached and carried during wet cleaning. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the energy supply device has multiple energy storage devices. The multiple energy storage devices can be arranged on the base part, the guide part, or the carrying device. For example, one energy storage device on the base part can supply the tool device with energy, and another energy storage device on the guide part can supply the disinfection device and / or the sensor device.

[0264] The propulsion device 1700 is configured to generate a propulsion force V along a propulsion direction R. The propulsion force V serves to assist the manual movement of the surface cleaning device 1. If the propulsion force V is sufficiently strong, the movement of the surface cleaning device 1 can also be driven solely by the propulsion device 1700, in which case the user can limit themselves to merely controlling the direction R of the movement B, for example, by directing the direction R via the guide part 100. Such propulsion (propulsion force along the propulsion direction) can in principle also be generated by means of the tool device 300, as will be explained in more detail below. The propulsion device 1700 can be present alternatively or in addition to a tool device configured to generate propulsion.

[0265] The connecting device 1800 serves as a relatively movable connection between the guide part 100 and the base part 200. The connecting device 1800 is configured such that the direction of movement B, in particular the direction of advance R, can be controlled by means of a movement of the guide part 100 relative to the base part 200. In the embodiment shown, the connecting device 1800 forms a cardanic connection 1801 between the guide part 100 and the base part 200. As will be explained in more detail below, the cardanic connection 1801 allows particularly simple and intuitive maneuvering of the surface cleaning device 1. This means that the direction of movement B, in particular the direction of advance R, of the base part 200 can be controlled particularly simply and intuitively by manually moving the guide part 100 via the cardanic connection 1801.

[0266] In the embodiment shown, the delivery device 700 has a pump device 701 and a suction device 750. In embodiments with a fluid reservoir 800, the pump device 701 is arranged downstream of the reservoir outlet 803 and is configured to pump fluid F via the reservoir outlet 803 from the reservoir volume 801 through the fluid dispenser 400. The same applies to embodiments with a fluid tank 900. The suction device 750 is configured to generate a negative pressure within the fluid reservoir 801 in order to suck fluid F from the fluid receptacle 500 via the reservoir inlet 802 into the reservoir volume 801. The same applies to embodiments with a fluid tank 900. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the suction device 750 is configured to be (optionally) carried on the user's body by means of the carrying device 1000.

[0267] Figures 3 to 5 show a further exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning device 1 according to the invention.

[0268] According to Fig. 3, the surface cleaning device 1 has a guide part 100, a base part 200, a fluid dispenser 400, a fluid receptacle 500, a fluid path 600, a conveying device with a pump device 701 and a suction device 750, a fluid tank 900, a separation device 1300, a power supply device 1600, and a connecting device 1800. The basic function and design of the aforementioned components and / or devices of the surface cleaning device 1 will not be explained in detail again with reference to the embodiment according to Figs. 3 to 5. Instead, reference is made to the disclosure relating to the embodiments according to Figs. 1 and 2, and express reference is made thereto. What has already been disclosed there also applies to the embodiment according to Figs. 3 to 5, unless otherwise stated.

[0269] Continuing with reference to Fig. 3, the guide part 100 extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis 101 between a proximal end 102 and a distal end 103. At its proximal end 102, the guide part 100 has a handle 1021. The distal end 103 faces the base part 200 and thus also the surface S to be cleaned, which in the present case is a floor surface S' extending in an XY plane.

[0270] The base part 200 is arranged at the distal end 103 of the guide part 100 and is connected to the guide part 100 by means of the connecting device 1800. The connecting device 1800 forms a cardanic connection 1801. In the embodiment shown, the connecting device 1800 has a first joint axis 1802 and a second joint axis 1803. The two joint axes 1802, 1803 can be axes in the geometric sense or physically present axes. The mobility of the guide part 100 relative to the base part 200 resulting from the cardanic connection 1801 and the resulting controllability of the direction of movement B of the base part 200 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figs. 12 to 16.

[0271] The tool device 300 is arranged in the present case on the base part 200 and has at least one movable tool 301 and a drive motor 302. As will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, two tools are present in the present case. The at least one tool 301 can be driven by the drive 302 to perform a rotary tool movement. In embodiments not shown in the figures, the tool device can have oscillating, translational and / or eccentrically driven tools. The driven tool movement of the at least one tool 301 occurs relative to the base part 200. The driven tool movement loosens dirt from the surface S.

[0272] In the embodiment shown, the at least one tool 301 is a scrubbing tool 303 configured for wet scrubbing the surface S. The surface cleaning device 1 is designed as a scrubber dryer machine T.

[0273] The at least one tool 301 can be, for example, a roller tool 304 or a plate tool 305, with the latter being the case in the specific embodiment shown. Any roller tool 304 is rotationally driven about a horizontal axis of rotation. The plate tool 305 shown is rotationally driven about a vertical axis of rotation.

[0274] The fluid dispenser 400 has at least one outlet opening 401 through which fluid can be delivered onto the surface S to be cleaned. In all embodiments, the fluid F is not delivered directly from the outlet opening onto the surface S, but can also be delivered indirectly via the tool device. For example, by first applying the fluid to the movable tool and from there to the surface S. The arrangement of the fluid dispenser 400 and its outlet opening 401 shown in Fig. 3 is therefore to be understood as purely exemplary. The outlet opening 401 is arranged upstream of the movable tool 301 and the fluid receptacle 500 with respect to the direction of movement B, which can specifically be a direction of advance R. In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the fluid is delivered through the tool device, for example through a rotation axis of the at least one disk tool.

[0275] Further according to Fig. 3, the fluid receptacle 500 has a suction bar 501 arranged and / or fastened to the base part 200. The suction bar 501 rests on the surface S during wet cleaning. In the embodiment shown, the suction bar 501 is movable relative to the tool device 300 in a manner not shown in detail and can thereby be lifted from the surface S, in particular in a vertical direction Z. By lifting the suction bar 501, the surface S can initially be pre-scrubbed without absorbing fluid. After pre-scrubbing has taken place, the suction bar 501 can be placed against the surface S and the previously applied fluid can be absorbed together with dirt loosened from the surface S.

[0276] In the embodiment shown, the suction strip 501 has a first sealing lip 502, a second sealing lip 503 and a suction channel 504 formed between the first sealing lip 502 and the second sealing lip 503. The first sealing lip 502 can also be referred to as the rear sealing lip with reference to the direction of movement B shown in Fig. 3. The second sealing lip 503 can also be referred to as the front sealing lip. The two sealing lips 502, 503 lie tightly against the surface S during wet cleaning. The front sealing lip 503 has recesses (not shown in detail), which each open into the suction channel 504 and are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the suction strip 501 (see also Figs. 4, 5). As a result, fluid accumulated in front of the first sealing lip 503 can pass through the recesses into the suction channel 504 and from there via the fluid path 600 first into the fluid tank 900 and from there back to the fluid discharge 400.

[0277] The fluid path 600 is schematically illustrated in Fig. 3 and comprises a first fluid path section 601 and a second fluid path section 602. The first fluid path section 601 can also be referred to as the intake path. The second fluid path section 602 can also be referred to as the discharge path. The fluid path 600 extends from the fluid receptacle 500, in particular its suction channel 504, via the fluid tank 900 to the fluid discharge 400, in particular to the at least one outlet opening 401. In this case, the first fluid path section 601 connects the fluid receptacle 500 to the fluid tank 900. The second fluid path section 602 connects the fluid tank 900 to the fluid discharge 400. The fluid path 600 and its individual sections can fundamentally be designed as a hose line and / or pipeline.Alternatively or additionally, the fluid path 600 can be formed at least in sections by cross sections or cavities of further components or devices of the surface cleaning device 1, for example by cross sections or cavities of the guide part 100, the base part 200 and / or the tool device 300.

[0278] Further according to Fig. 3, the fluid tank 900 is attached to the guide part 100 and is removable in a manner not shown in detail. The fluid tank 900 has a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, and a tank outlet 903. The tank inlet 902 is connected to the fluid receptacle 500, specifically to its fluid channel 504, by means of the first fluid path section 601. The tank outlet 903 is connected to the fluid discharge 400, specifically to the at least one outlet opening 401, by means of the second fluid path section 602. The tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903 are fluidly connected to one another via the tank volume 901. The fluid path 600 extends between the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903 through the tank volume 901. In other words, the tank volume 901 forms another section of the fluid path.

[0279] To convey the fluid F along the fluid line path 600 and thus also through the fluid tank 900, the conveying device in the present case has a pumping device 701 and a suction device 750. In the embodiment shown, the pumping device 701 is arranged downstream of the tank outlet 903 in the fluid line path 600. By means of the pumping device 701, fluid located in the tank volume 901 can be pumped through the tank outlet 903 and from there via the fluid path 600, in particular the second fluid path section 602, through the outlet opening 401 and thus discharged onto the surface S.

[0280] The suction device 750 serves to generate a negative pressure within the tank volume 901. For this purpose, the suction device 750 sucks air out of the tank volume 901, wherein the sucked air is released into the environment via exhaust air openings not shown in detail. The negative pressure thus generated in the tank volume 901 causes the fluid intake 500 to absorb previously released fluid, ambient air, and any dirt and to release it into the tank volume 901 via the fluid path 600, specifically the first fluid path section 601. The suction device 750 is arranged above a liquid level P of the fluid in the tank 900. The pump device 701 is arranged below the liquid level P in the present case.

[0281] Further, according to Fig. 3, the separation device 1300 is arranged in the tank volume 901. The energy supply device 1600 has an energy storage device 1601 in the form of a rechargeable battery. In the embodiment shown, the energy storage device 1601 is attached to the guide part 100 and is removable in a manner not shown in detail.

[0282] Further features of the surface cleaning device 1 according to Fig. 3 are shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 shows a schematic plan view of the tool device 300, the fluid discharge 400 and the fluid intake 500, wherein the fluid path 600 and the conveying device 700 are shown in a simplified manner.

[0283] As already explained with reference to Fig. 3, the tool device 300 in the present case has two tools, which are specifically designed as plate tools 305', 305". The two plate tools 305', 305" are also referred to as the first plate tool 305' and the second plate tool 305" in relation to Fig. 4. The two plate tools 305', 305" are arranged next to one another with respect to a transverse direction Y of the surface S to be cleaned and thus also with respect to a transverse axis of the surface cleaning device 1.

[0284] In the embodiment shown, the working width of the tool device 300, extending orthogonally to the direction of movement B shown, specifically the direction of advance V, is approximately 35 cm. In this case, the working width corresponds to the outer distance between the two disk tools 305', 305". In embodiments not shown in the figures, the working width is between 15 cm and 100 cm.

[0285] The first disc tool 305' is rotationally driven about a first axis of rotation D'. The second disc tool 305" is rotationally driven about a second axis of rotation D". In this case, the first disc tool 305' is driven clockwise. The second disc tool 305" is driven counterclockwise. The two axes of rotation D', D" are inclined towards each other by a few degrees, starting from an exactly vertical orientation that extends parallel to the vertical axis Z. This slight inclination or oblique position of the two axes of rotation D', D" creates an unequal surface pressure in the circumferential direction of the disc tools 305', 305" in contact with the surface S. The surface pressure increases in the radial direction, starting from the respective axis of rotation D', D" towards the center of the tool device 300 and thus along the transverse axis of the surface cleaning device 1.Due to the uneven surface pressure, the respective drive movement generates uneven frictional forces and thus the aforementioned propulsion, i.e. a propulsion force V along a propulsion direction R. To generate the propulsion, a local application of force to the disc tools 305', 305" can be provided instead of or in addition to the described inclined position of the rotation axes D', D". In this case, the disc tools 305', 305" are each subjected to an axial force A directed rearward onto the disc tools 305', 305" parallel to the vertical axis Z. The respectively acting axial force A in turn generates an unevenly distributed surface pressure and thus, during operation of the tool device 300, unevenly distributed frictional forces which result in the propulsion force V. To apply the respective axial force A, the surface cleaning device 1 can have a pretensioning device or the like.

[0286] As further shown in Fig. 4, two outlet openings 401 are provided. The arrangement of the two outlet openings 401 with respect to the plate tools 305', 305" is to be understood as exemplary. The outlet openings 401 can in principle also be arranged on the plate tools 305', 305" or below the plate tools 305', 305". In this case, the fluid path extends at least partially through a cross-section of the plate tools 305', 305", for example through the axes of rotation D', D".

[0287] Further with reference to Fig. 4, it is shown that the suction bar 501 is curved longitudinally in sections around the tool device 300, in particular around the plate tools 305', 305", with respect to the XY plane and thus parallel to the surface S to be cleaned. With respect to the advancing direction R, the suction bar 501 is arranged behind the two outlet openings 401 and the two plate tools 305', 305".

[0288] Fig. 5 shows that the fluid path 600 of the surface cleaning device 1 can have alternative or additional devices. Instead of or in addition to the fluid tank, a fluid reservoir 800 can be present. Furthermore, the fluid path 600 can have a blocking device 1100, a separating device 1200, a detection device 1400, and / or a disinfection device 1500.

[0289] 6 to 11 show a further embodiment of a surface cleaning device 1 according to the invention, which is designed as a scrubber-drier T. The design and function of the surface cleaning device 1 according to FIGS. 6 to 11 is fundamentally identical to the design and function of the surface cleaning device 1 according to FIGS. 3 to 5. To avoid repetition, therefore, differences and further details of the design and function are explained below. Otherwise, reference is made to the disclosure relating to the surface cleaning device according to FIGS. 3 to 6 and also to the disclosure relating to the surface cleaning devices according to FIGS. 1 and 2. In the surface cleaning device 1 according to FIGS. 6 to 11, the first fluid path section 601 is designed as a hose line, which can also be referred to as a receiving hose 6013. The receiving hose 6013 is elongated between a first hose end 6011 and a second hose end 6012.The first hose end 6011 is attached to the suction bar 501 and fluidly connected to its suction channel 504. The second hose end 6012 is attached and fluidly connected to the tank inlet 902 in a manner described in more detail below.

[0290] The receiving hose 6013 is freely accessible and, in particular, is not routed through the cross-sections of other components or devices of the surface cleaning device 1, nor is it concealed by panels or shielded in any other way. This allows the receiving hose 6013 to be removed easily and quickly for cleaning by loosening the fastenings of the first hose end 6011 and the second hose end

[0291] 6012 can be solved.

[0292] The second fluid path section 602 (see Fig. 7, 8) leads from the tank outlet 903, which is not shown in detail in Figs. 6 to 11, to the fluid discharge 400.

[0293] The fluid discharge 400 is in the present case at least partially integrated into the base part 200 and has outlet openings 401 arranged in the region of the tool device 300, which are not shown in detail in Figs. 6 to 9.

[0294] The second fluid path section 602 comprises a plurality of hose sections 6021, 6022, 6023, 6024, which are connected to one another by hose connectors (without reference numerals). The hose sections 6021, 6022, 6023, 6024 can also be referred to as the first hose section 6021, the second hose section 6022, the third hose section 6023, and the fourth hose section 6024. In a similar manner to the receiving hose

[0295] 6013, the hose sections 6021, 6022, 6023, 6024 are exposed and therefore easily accessible and removable for cleaning.

[0296] The pumping device 701 is a hose pump 702, which can also be referred to as a peristaltic pump. The hose pump 702 acts on the second fluid path section 602 and is configured for the external mechanical deformation of a section of the second fluid path section 602. The fluid is pumped through the second fluid path section 602 as a result of said elastic deformation. Specifically, the hose pump 702 is arranged between the first hose line section 6021 and the fourth hose line section 6024.A further hose section, not shown in detail, connecting these two hose sections 6021, 6024, lies within a housing 7021 of the peristaltic pump 702 and, for the purpose of conveying the fluid, is deformed by a movable pump element (not shown) of the peristaltic pump 702, which in this case is a pump rotor mounted for rotation in the housing 7021. Specifically, it is squeezed along a point that moves with the movement of the pump rotor. The housing 7021 is closed in this case with an openable cover 7022. Said hose section can be removed from the housing 7021 without the need for tools after opening the cover 7022.

[0297] In the embodiment according to Figs. 6 to 11, the guide part 100 has a first housing device 104 and a second housing device 105. The two housing devices 104, 105 are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 101 of the guide part 100. The housing device 104 is spaced further from the base part 200 along the longitudinal axis 101 than the second housing device 105, so that the housing devices 104, 105 can also be referred to as the upper or proximal housing device 104 and the lower or distal housing device 105. The two housing devices 104, 105 serve to receive and / or attach further components and / or devices of the surface cleaning device 1. In particular, the fluid tank 900 is received between the two housing devices 104, 105.

[0298] In Fig. 9 it is shown that the upper housing device 104 in the embodiment shown has a first housing section 1041 and a second housing section 1042.

[0299] The first housing section 1041 in the present case serves to accommodate the suction device 750. In the embodiment shown, the suction device 750 is designed as a suction turbine 751 and is accommodated in the first housing section 1041. The suction device 750, in particular the suction turbine 751, is not visible in detail in Figs. 6 to 11 and is concealed by the first housing section 1041. The first housing section 1041 in the present case has an intake opening 1043 and a plurality of exhaust air openings 1044. When the fluid tank 900 is attached, which is hidden in Fig. 9, the intake opening 1043 is fluidly connected to its tank volume 901. As a result, air can be sucked out of the tank volume 901 by means of the suction turbine 751 and a negative pressure can be generated. The air extracted from the tank volume 901 by means of the suction turbine 751 is released into the environment via the exhaust air openings 1044.The second housing section 1042 serves to fasten the receiving hose 6013 and connects it in a fluid-conducting manner to the tank volume 901. For this purpose, the second housing section 1042 has a passage 1045, which opens at one end into the tank inlet 902 and at the other end into the second hose end 6012 (see Fig. 10).

[0300] The lower housing device 105 also serves to secure the energy storage device 1601 and the pump device 701. The energy storage device 1601 and the fluid tank 900 are arranged and supported on a proximally oriented upper side of the second housing device 105. The pump device 701 is attached to an opposite and thus distally oriented lower side of the lower housing device 105.

[0301] In the present case, the surface cleaning device 1 has a control device 1900, which is configured to control individual functions of the surface cleaning device 1, for example, for switching the power supply on and off by means of the power supply device 1600, for controlling a drive speed of the tool device 300, for controlling a conveying rate of the conveying device 700, for example, for preferably continuously adjusting the said increase and decrease rates, or the like. In the present case, the control device has a plurality of manually operable control elements 1901, which can be designed, for example, as switches, buttons, rotary knobs, or the like. In the embodiment shown, the control device 1900 is accommodated in the upper housing device 104.

[0302] In the embodiment according to Figs. 6 to 11, the fluid tank 900 has a specific design with a tank shell 904, a first tank cap 907 and a second tank cap 908.

[0303] The tank shell 904 is a hollow cylinder 905, specifically a tube 906. The tank shell 904, specifically the hollow cylinder 905 or the tube 906, is open at its axially opposite ends and is openably closed by means of the tank lids 907, 908. The tank shell 904 can, in principle, have any desired hollow cross-section, with the hollow-cylindrical and specifically tubular design shown being preferred. The tank shell 904 encloses the tank volume 901. In other words, the tank shell 904 forms the tank volume 901.

[0304] The first tank cap 907 and the second tank cap 908 function here as front-end closures of the tank shell 904 and can also be referred to as the upper or proximal tank cap 907 and the lower or distal tank cap 908. The tank caps 907, 908 are releasably connected to opposite ends of the tank shell 904. However, a permanent joint between the tank caps and the tank shell is also conceivable and possible.

[0305] The upper tank cap 907 is received and / or removably attached to the upper housing assembly 104. The lower tank cap 908 is received and / or removably attached to the lower housing assembly 105.

[0306] The tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903 can, in principle, each be arranged on the tank shell or on one of the tank caps. In the embodiment shown, the latter is the case. Specifically, the tank inlet 902 is formed on the upper tank cap 907 (see Figs. 10, 11).

[0307] In the embodiment shown, the upper tank cap 907 has a first cap section 9071 and a second cap section 9072. The tank inlet 902 is arranged on the first cap section 9071 and opens into an annular inlet channel 9021, which is provided with fluid guide elements 9022 arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the inlet channel 9021. At its end facing away from the tank inlet 902, the inlet channel 9021 opens into the tank volume 901.

[0308] The first cover section 9071 also has an opening 9073 extending axially into the tank volume 901, which opens into the tank volume 901 when the upper tank cover 907 is mounted, and is aligned coaxially with the intake opening 1043 of the upper housing device 104 when the fluid tank 900 is mounted, and is fluidly connected to it. To generate the negative pressure, the air in the tank volume 901 is sucked out through the opening 9073 via the intake opening 1043 by means of the suction device 750. The annular design of the inlet channel 9021 counteracts atomization of the absorbed fluid (aerosol formation), more precisely: the liquid portions of the absorbed fluid, thereby preventing impairment of the suction device 750 designed to suck in air.

[0309] The tank outlet 903 is formed on the lower tank cap 908 in a manner not shown in detail here. The tank outlet 908 opens into a passage (not shown in detail) of the lower housing device 105 and from there into the second fluid path section 602, specifically the fourth hose section 6024 (see Fig. 8). The connecting device 1800 in turn forms a cardanic connection 1801 with a first joint axis 1802 and a second joint axis 1803 (see Fig. 7). In the present case, the first joint axis 1802 is oriented orthogonal to the propulsion direction R. The second joint axis 1803 is oriented parallel to the propulsion direction R and thus orthogonal to the first joint axis 1802. The first (distal) joint axis 1802 is located closer to the base part 200 along the longitudinal axis 101 than the second (proximal) joint axis 1803.

[0310] In a plan view looking along the Z-axis, an intersection point of the first joint axis 1802 and the second joint axis 1803 lies within a contour of the base part 200 projected onto the surface S to be cleaned, including the tool device 300 and the suction bar 501. In particular, the intersection point does not lie behind the said contour.

[0311] It is understood that the cardanic connection 1801 can in principle also be formed by a joint without physical joint axes, an elastic section or the like.

[0312] Through the cardanic connection 1801, a rotation of the guide part 100 about the longitudinal axis 101 causes a rotation of the base part 200 about a vertical axis 201 of the base part 200, without the base part 200 lifting off or tilting from the surface S. During wet cleaning, the vertical axis 201 of the base part 201 is parallel to the Z-axis and thus orthogonal to the surface S. The base part 200 is consequently rotated in an XY plane parallel to the surface S to be cleaned and / or resting on the surface S. The rotation of the base part 200 serves to control the direction of movement B and thus in this case specifically the direction of propulsion R. The cardanic connection 1801 allows the said controllability with different orientations of the longitudinal axis 101 with respect to the vertical axis 201, that is to say with differently inclined guide part 100. The guide part 100 is in relation to the plane of the drawing in Fig.3 is pivotable forwards and backwards about the first joint axis 1802 and out of the plane of the drawing as well as into it about the second joint axis 1803. In other words, the guide part 100 in the embodiment shown is pivotable in all directions.

[0313] Figs. 12 to 16 show, by way of example, the maneuverability of the base part 200 via a manual movement of the guide part 100 with simultaneous propulsion by means of the tool device 300. The explanations according to Figs. 12 to 16 apply equally to the surface cleaning devices according to Figs. 2 to 5 and 6 to 11. Furthermore, the explanations also apply to the surface cleaning devices shown in Figs. 55, 56 and 78, 79. Fig. 12 shows a situation in which the base part 200 moves in a straight line along the propulsion direction R over the surface S to be cleaned. The guide part 100 is inclined obliquely backward relative to the Z-axis and with respect to the direction of advance R, so that a user (not shown in Figs. 12 to 16) can grasp the handle 1021 in an upright posture and walk behind the surface cleaning device 1.Without rotation of the guide part 100, there is no change in the direction of movement B, here the direction of advance R, of the base part 200. If the propulsion force V is sufficiently strong, the user does not need to exert any force to move the base part 200 - at least to move it in the direction of advance R. If the propulsion force V merely serves to support a manual movement, additional manual force in the longitudinal direction of the guide part 100 is required to move the base part 200 in the direction of advance R. To change the direction of movement, the user can rotate the guide part 100 about the longitudinal axis 101. In this case, this is done by the user applying a torque to the handle 1021.

[0314] Such a situation is shown as an example in Fig. 13. There, the guide part 100 has been rotated counterclockwise with respect to a viewing direction along the guide part 100 toward the base part 200. This rotation of the guide part 100 causes the base part 200 to rotate counterclockwise around the vertical axis 201 on the surface S to be cleaned, so that the propulsion direction R is steered to the left with respect to said viewing direction.

[0315] Starting from the situation shown in Fig. 13, the user can rotate the base part 200 further to further change the direction of movement by further rotating the guide part 100 counterclockwise. As shown in Fig. 14, the base part 200 can be rotated by at least 180° in this way, starting from the orientation shown in Fig. 12, so that the direction of movement initially pointing away from the user, in this case the propulsion direction R, now points toward the user.

[0316] The maneuverability of the base part 200, which is illustrated by way of example in Figs. 12 to 14, is also present when the guide part 100 is inclined laterally from the vertical (see Fig. 15).

[0317] The maneuverability of the base part 200 achieved by the cardanic connection 1801 allows particularly simple and efficient wet cleaning of floor surfaces S', in particular along walls, as shown by way of example in Fig. 16. The surface cleaning device 1 can be guided easily and ergonomically along the wall (without reference symbol) by a corresponding inclination of the guide part 100 and due to the propulsion (propulsion force V along the propulsion direction R).

[0318] In order to enable the most complete absorption of the fluid discharged by the fluid dispenser 400 by the fluid receptacle 500, it is desirable that the fluid receptacle 500, in this case the suction bar 501, is always arranged behind the tool device 300 with respect to the direction of movement of the base part 200. In other words, it is desirable for the fluid receptacle 500 to always track the fluid dispenser 400 and / or the tool device 300, which would not be ensured, for example, if the base part 200 were simply pulled backward or displaced sideways. The cardanic connection 1801, in combination with the propulsion of the tool device 300, allows for particularly simple tracking of the fluid receptacle 500.

[0319] Fig. 17 shows an embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention with a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, a tank outlet 903, and a locking device 1100. The fluid tank 900 is intended for use on one of the surface cleaning devices according to Figs. 1 to 16.

[0320] The blocking device 1100 is shown generically as a functional block in Fig. 17 and is configured to selectively interrupt the fluid return through the tank volume 901. For this purpose, the blocking device can be transferred between a blocking state (Fig. 18) and a release state (Fig. 19). In the release state, there is no interruption of the fluid return, and the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903 are / remain fluidically connected to one another. In the blocking state, the blocking device 1100 effects a reversible subdivision of the tank volume 901 into a fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and a fluid reception tank volume 9012. In the blocking state, the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903 are fluidically separated from one another by the blocking device 1100. The blocking device 1100 can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose.

[0321] In the specific embodiment shown in Figs. 18 and 19, further features of the blocking device 1100 are shown. Specifically, the blocking device 1100 includes a fluid control element 1101 configured to selectively close and open a passage 1102. In the blocked state (Fig. 18), the opening 1102 is closed by means of the fluid control element 1101. In the released state (Fig. 19), the opening 1102 is open, and the fluid receiving tank volume 9012 and the fluid dispensing tank volume 9011 are fluidly connected to one another via the opening 1102. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 18 and 19, the blocking device 1100, specifically its fluid control element 1101, is arranged in the tank volume 901. For this purpose, the fluid control element 1101 is presently fixed to an inner wall 913 of a tank shell 904 of the fluid tank 900.

[0322] In the embodiment shown, the fluid control element 1101 is arranged such that the tank volume 901 is divided into approximately equal-sized sub-volumes. Consequently, the fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and the fluid receiving tank volume 9012 are equal in size.

[0323] In the embodiment shown, the fluid control element 1101 can be manually transferred between the release state and the blocking state in a manner not shown in detail and has an actuating element (not shown) for this purpose.

[0324] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the fluid control element 1101 is configured for automatic and / or self-acting transition between the locked state and the released state. For example, automatic and / or self-acting transition can occur depending on the sensor signal 1402 of the sensor device 1401 (see Fig. 2).

[0325] Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention, comprising a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, a tank outlet 903, and a separator 1300. The separator 1300 is shown in Fig. 20 as a generic functional block and is configured to separate contaminants from fluid flowing through the tank volume 901 between the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903. The separator 1300 can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. The separator 1300 can, in principle, be arranged upstream, downstream, or within the tank volume 901.

[0326] Fig. 21 shows an embodiment in which the separation device 1300 has a filter device 1301. Alternatively or in addition to the filter device 1301, the separation device 1300 has a centrifuging device 1350.

[0327] The filter device 1301 is configured to filter out dirt from the returned fluid. The centrifuging device 1350 serves to separate dirt using centrifugal forces. For this purpose, the centrifuging device 1350 is configured to generate centrifugal forces or accelerations within the fluid. In other words, the centrifuging device 1350 creates a fluid vortex.

[0328] Figures 22 and 23 show an embodiment with a specifically designed filter device 1301. In the embodiment shown, the filter device 1301 comprises a first filter unit 1302 and a second filter unit 1303. In further embodiments, the filter device comprises only one filter unit or more than the two filter units shown here.

[0329] In the present case, the first filter unit 1302 is arranged in the region of the tank inlet 902, and the second filter unit 1303 is arranged in the region of the tank outlet 903. Specifically, the first filter unit 1302 is arranged upstream of the tank inlet 902 outside the tank volume 901. In the present case, the first filter unit 1302 is releasably attached, in a manner not shown in detail, to an outer wall 914 of a tank shell 904 of the fluid tank 900. Alternatively, the first filter unit 1302 can also be arranged on a tank cap of the fluid tank, for example, on the upper tank cap 907 of the fluid tank shown in Figs. 6 to 11. The filter unit can in particular also be arranged within the tank volume or on the tank cap and within the tank volume.

[0330] The second filter unit 1303 is presently arranged in the tank volume 901. Specifically, the second filter unit 1303 is attached to a lower tank cap 908 of the fluid tank 900. The tank cap 908 serves as a front-end closure of the tank volume 901 and, for this purpose, is detachably joined to an open end of the tank shell 904. In the present case, a plug connection (not shown in detail) is provided between the tank shell 904 and the (lower) tank cap 908. Attaching it to the tank cap 908 allows for easy removal of the second filter unit 1303 for cleaning, repair, and / or replacement.

[0331] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 22 and 23, the two filter units 1302, 1303 are each designed as sieve filters 1304. A mesh size of the sieve filters 1304, not shown in detail in the figures, is between 0.06 mm and 0.7 mm, preferably between 0.09 mm and 0.3 mm, more preferably between 0.125 mm and 0.25 mm. It is understood that the first filter unit 1302 and the second filter unit 1303 can have different mesh sizes, for example, to achieve coarse and fine filtration. The mesh size of sieve filters is often also specified in a unit of mesh (US). With regard to this dimension, the mesh size of the sieve filters 1304 is in this case between mesh (US) 230 and mesh (US) 25, preferably between mesh (US) 170 and mesh (US) 50, more preferably between mesh (US) 120 and mesh (US) 60. In Fig.24 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention with a filter device 1301, which in turn has a first filter unit 1302 and a second filter unit 1303.

[0332] The first filter unit 1302 is arranged within the tank volume 901 and thus, with respect to the flow direction of the fluid through the tank 900, between the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903. In this case, the first filter device 1305 is arranged above an exemplary liquid level P of the fluid located in the tank volume 901. The first filter unit 1302 is attached to an inner wall 913 of a tank shell 904 of the fluid tank 900 by means of a fastening element 1307.

[0333] The second filter unit 1303 is arranged in the region of the tank outlet 903 in the tank volume 901, similar to the embodiment according to Figs. 22 and 23. The second filter unit 1303 is located below the liquid level P. The liquid level P shown in Fig. 24 is to be understood as exemplary and can of course also be higher or lower than shown.

[0334] In the present case, the first filter unit 1302 is a coarse filter 1305 and the second filter unit 1303 is a fine filter 1306. The coarse filter 1305 is designed to filter out coarse dirt. Finer dirt remaining after the coarse filtering is filtered out with the fine filter 1306. When the fluid tank 900 is used, i.e., during wet cleaning with one of the surface cleaning devices 1 shown in the preceding Figures 1 to 16, the contaminated fluid enters the tank volume 901 through the tank inlet 902, passes the coarse filter 1305, and coarse dirt is filtered out of the contaminated fluid. After the coarse filtering, the fluid forms the liquid level P, which in this case lies below the coarse filter 1305. Upon discharge from the tank volume 901, the fluid passes the fine filter 306, and finer dirt is filtered out.

[0335] In the embodiment shown, the coarse filter 1305 and the fine filter 1306 are each designed as sieve filters, wherein a mesh size of the coarse filter is larger than a mesh size of the fine filter.

[0336] Fig. 25 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention with a filter device 1301. For cleaning the filter device 1301, the fluid tank 900 also has a filter cleaning device 1320. Specifically, in the embodiment shown, the filter cleaning device 1320 is configured to clean a filter unit 1302 of the filter device 1301, wherein the filter unit 1302 is arranged within the tank volume 901 in the region of the tank outlet 903. The filter cleaning device 1320 can have any design suitable for the present purpose and can be operated manually and / or automatically for cleaning. The filter cleaning can take place continuously, at predetermined regular intervals, and / or selectively as selected by the user.The filter cleaning device 1320 prevents an excessive accumulation of filtered dirt on or in the filter device 1301 and thus an impairment of the function of the filter device 1301.

[0337] Fig. 26 shows a further embodiment with a specifically designed filter cleaning device 1320, which in this case has a movable cleaning element 1321 and a movement mechanism 1322 for generating the movement of the cleaning element 1321. The movable cleaning element 1321 acts directly or indirectly on the filter device 1301, in this case on its filter unit 1302, for the purpose of filter cleaning. In different embodiments, the movable cleaning element 1321 is movable in different ways, for example, translationally, rotationally, and / or pivotally. The movement mechanism 1322 can be configured to transmit a manual drive force, a motor drive force, and / or a drive force caused by the fluid.

[0338] Fig. 27 shows an embodiment with a manually operable cleaning device 1320'. The filter cleaning device 1320' has a translationally movable filter cleaning element 132T and a movement mechanism 1322' for translationally moving the filter cleaning element 132T. The movement mechanism 1322' has a movement transmission element 1323', which in this case is a pull-push rod with a handle element 1324' arranged at one end. The movement transmission element 1323' is guided translationally by means of a guide device 1325'. To clean the filter device 1301, in this case specifically the filter unit 1302, the user can manually grip the handle element 1324' and move the movement transmission element 1323' and thus also the filter cleaning element 132T arranged at the other end up and down along the filter unit 1302. This up and down movement allows the filter unit 1302 to be freed from accumulated dirt.

[0339] In Fig. 27, the movement mechanism 1322' is shown outside the tank volume 901. Of course, an arrangement of the movement mechanism 1322', in particular the movement transmission element 1323', in the tank volume 901 is also conceivable and possible. Fig. 28 shows a further embodiment with a filter cleaning device 1320", which has a filter cleaning element 1321" and a movement mechanism 1322". The filter cleaning element 1321" is rotatably movable. The movement mechanism 1322" is drivable by fluid forces. In particular, the movement mechanism 1322" is configured here to be driven by fluid flowing in through the tank inlet 902. The filter cleaning device 1320" can therefore be operated without any separate action by the user.

[0340] In the present case, the movement mechanism 1322" has a movement transmission element 1323" in the form of a shaft, which is rotatably mounted by means of a guide device 1325". The movement mechanism 1322" also has a drive element 1324" in the form of an impeller, which is arranged at one end of the movement transmission element 1323". The filter cleaning element 1321" is arranged at the other end of the movement transmission element 1323".

[0341] The drive element 1324" is set in rotation by incoming fluid. This rotation is transmitted via the motion transmission element 1323" to the filter cleaning element 1321". The rotational movement allows the filter device 1301, specifically the filter unit 1302, to be freed of accumulated dirt.

[0342] In Fig. 28, the movement mechanism 1322" is arranged entirely within the tank volume 901. In embodiments not shown in the figures, the movement mechanism, similar to the embodiment according to Fig. 27, is arranged at least partially or in sections outside the tank volume.

[0343] The filter cleaning elements 132T, 132I" are each designed as a scraping element 1326', 1326". The two scraping elements 1326', 1326" are configured to scrape a surface 1308 of the filter device 1301, specifically the filter unit 1302. By scraping the surface 1308, accumulated dirt can be removed. If the filter unit 1302 is designed as a sieve filter, the said scraping will free its meshes of dirt.

[0344] Further embodiments of the filter device 1301 will be explained in more detail at the appropriate point in the disclosure with reference to Figs. 60 to 72. Fig. 29 shows an embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention with a specifically designed centrifuging device 1350. The fluid tank 900 is shown in Fig. 29 in a simplified cross-section along a section line Q'-Q' according to Fig. 21.

[0345] The centrifuging device 1350 has a fluid guide element 1351 configured to rotate the flowing fluid. The rotation of the fluid generates a centrifugal acceleration directed radially outward relative to the plane of the drawing in Fig. 29 and the tank outlet 903 shown there as an example. The centrifugal acceleration causes dirt contained in the fluid to be moved radially outward.

[0346] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 29, the fluid guide element 1351 is arranged in the region of the tank inlet 902 and is designed in the form of a fixed inlet nozzle 1352. The inlet nozzle 1352 is directed approximately tangentially against an inner wall 913 of a tank shell 904 enclosing the tank volume 901.

[0347] Fig. 30 shows a further embodiment with a centrifuging device 1350. To generate the said centrifugal acceleration, the centrifuging device 1350 again has a fluid guide element 1351. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 29, the fluid guide element 1351 of the embodiment according to Fig. 30 is movable and specifically designed as an impeller 1353. The impeller 1353 is rotatably mounted in the tank volume 901 by means of a pivot bearing 1354. To centrifuge the liquid, the impeller 1353 is driven by a drive 1355, which is shown generically as a functional block in Fig. 30 and is operatively connected to the impeller 1353 in a manner not shown in detail.

[0348] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 30, the tank inlet 902 opens approximately radially into the tank volume 901. It is understood that, similar to Fig. 29, a tangential opening of the tank inlet can also be provided, through which the rotation of the impeller 1353 can be supported or driven without the drive 1355. The centrifuging device 1350 according to Fig. 30 can, in principle, be arranged at any location in the tank volume 901 between the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903. The arrangement shown in Fig. 30 at the level of the tank inlet 902 is to be understood as exemplary.

[0349] Fig. 31 shows an embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention with a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902 and a tank outlet 903, as well as a disinfection device 1500. The disinfection device 1500 is configured to disinfect the tank volume 901, can in principle have any design suitable for this purpose, and is shown in Fig. 31 as a generic functional block. The disinfection device 1500 can be arranged upstream, downstream, and / or within the tank volume 901. Furthermore, the disinfection device 1500 can be arranged on an outer side of the tank shell 904 or an inner side of the tank shell 904 with respect to a tank shell 904 of the fluid tank 900 forming the tank volume 901. Furthermore, integration of the disinfection device 1500 into the tank shell 904 is conceivable and possible.

[0350] Fig. 32 shows a further embodiment with a disinfection device 1500, which has a UV light source 1501 that is configured to emit UV light 1502. The UV light 1502 can render germs harmless and thus counteract the formation of odors and rot. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 32, the UV light source 1501 is arranged outside the tank volume 901 on an outer side of the tank shell 904 facing away from the tank volume 901. The UV light 1502 is emitted from the outside to the inside through the tank shell 904 into the tank volume 901. For this purpose, the tank shell 904 is translucent to the UV light 1502 in the embodiment shown, at least in the area of ​​the UV light source 1501. In this case, the UV light 1502 is radiated directly from the UV light source 1501 into the tank volume 901.In an embodiment not shown in the figure, a reflector, light guide or the like is provided for indirectly radiating the UV light.

[0351] 33 and 34 show a further embodiment with a disinfection device having a UV light source 150T. In contrast to the UV light source 1501 of the embodiment according to Fig. 32, the UV light source 150T is arranged within the tank volume 901. For the purpose of simplified removal from the tank volume 901, the UV light source 150T is attached to a tank lid 908 of the fluid tank 900. The tank lid 908 serves in this case to close the front end of the tank volume 901 and is detachably joined, for example plugged together, to an open front end of the tank shell 904 in a manner not shown in detail. As shown in Fig. 34, the UV light source 150T can be removed together with the tank lid 908. This makes it particularly easy to clean, repair, or replace the UV light source 150T.

[0352] 35 and 36 show an embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention with a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, a tank outlet 903, a tank shell 904, and a connecting portion 909. The connecting portion 909 serves for a mechanical and / or fluid-conducting connection of the fluid tank 900 to a suction device 750 of the surface cleaning devices 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 16.

[0353] In the embodiment shown, the connecting portion 909 is arranged at a proximal end 910 of the tank shell 904. The tank shell 904 is arranged between the proximal end

[0354] 910 and a distal end 911. In the present case, the tank inlet 902 is arranged in the region of the proximal end 910. The tank outlet 903 is arranged in the region of the distal end

[0355] 911 ordered.

[0356] The suction device 750 is designed here as a suction turbine 751. A complementary connecting section 752 is assigned to the suction turbine 751. The complementary connecting section 752 serves for the mechanical and / or fluid-conducting connection to the connecting section 909 of the tank shell 904. It is understood that the connecting section of the fluid tank can also be arranged or formed on a tank cap. Therefore, forming the connecting section directly on the tank shell is not provided for in all embodiments.

[0357] In this case, the suction turbine 751 is also assigned an intake filter 753. The intake filter 753 prevents the suction turbine 751 from sucking liquid and dirt out of the tank volume. The intake filter can be part of the filter device of the fluid tank.

[0358] The connecting section 909 and the complementary connecting section 752 are configured here to form a detachable plug connection. Furthermore, it is conceivable and possible to form a snap-in, clamp-in, and / or screw connection.

[0359] Fig. 37 shows an embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention with a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, a tank outlet 903, and a separating device 1200. The separating device 1200 is configured to subdivide the tank volume 901 into a fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and a fluid receiving tank volume 9012 in variable proportions. The separating device 1200 can, in principle, have any design suitable for this purpose and is illustrated in Fig. 37 as a generic functional block. The separating device can be arranged partially and / or in sections inside and / or outside the tank volume 901.

[0360] The separating device 1200 is at least partially or sectionally movable relative to the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903. By means of a relative movement of the separating device 1200, the fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and the fluid receiving tank volume 9012 are changed with respect to their respective proportions of the total available tank volume 901. Specifically, the fluid discharge tank volume 9011 decreases while the fluid receiving tank volume 9012 increases, and / or vice versa.

[0361] The fluid-tight separation between the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903 formed by the separating device 1200 can be selectively removed in preferred embodiments, similar to the case with the blocking device 1100. Conversely, the blocking device 1100 can be movable within the tank volume 901 in order to be able to change the proportions of the fluid discharge tank volume and the fluid receiving tank volume in the total available tank volume.

[0362] The movement of the separating device 1200 for changing the proportions of the fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and the fluid receiving tank volume 9012 in the total available tank volume 901 can be driven manually, by a motor and / or automatically.

[0363] Figs. 38, 39, and 40 show an embodiment with a specifically designed separating device having a separating element 1201. The separating element 1201 rests relatively movably and fluid-tight against an inner wall 913 of the fluid tank 900. A relative movement of the separating element 1201 along the inner wall 913 causes the proportions of the fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and the fluid receiving tank volume 9012 to be changed in the total available tank volume 901.

[0364] Fig. 38 shows a first situation in which the separating element 1201 assumes a first position. In this first position, a first liquid level P1 is present in the fluid dispensing tank volume 9011. The fluid receiving tank volume 9012 is empty, i.e., it has no liquid level.

[0365] As fluid flows out of the fluid dispensing tank volume 9011, the first liquid level P1 is reduced to a second liquid level P2 (Fig. 39). As fluid flows out through the tank outlet 903 and / or flows in through the tank inlet 902, the separating element 1201 is displaced from its first position (Fig. 38) into a second position (Fig. 39). In this second position of the separating element 1201, there is a reduced fluid dispensing tank volume 901T and an enlarged fluid receiving tank volume 9012'. In the enlarged fluid receiving tank volume 9012', inflowing fluid has formed a third liquid level P3. In Fig. 40, a third situation is shown in which the separating element 1201 assumes a third position, wherein a further reduced fluid discharge tank volume 9011" and a further increased fluid receiving tank volume 9012" are present.The further reduced fluid discharge tank volume 9011" is completely emptied in the third situation shown, i.e., it has no liquid level. In the further enlarged fluid receiving tank volume 9012", the inflowing fluid has formed a fourth liquid level P4.

[0366] Assuming that a (theoretically) complete recirculation of released and absorbed fluid takes place over the duration of the wet cleaning, the liquid volume of the first liquid level P1 corresponds to a liquid volume of the fourth liquid level P4.

[0367] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 38, 39, and 40, the separating element 1201 is relatively movable in translation. Specifically, the separating element 1201 is relatively movable along a longitudinal axis 912 of the fluid tank.

[0368] In the present case, the separating element 1201 is translationally movable between said first position and the third position over a distance which corresponds to 70% of a total axial length of the tank volume 901 and / or an axial distance between the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903.

[0369] Fig. 41 shows further details of the separating element 1201. Specifically, the separating element 1201 comprises a base body 1202 and, in this case, two sealing elements 1203, 1204, which are specifically designed as sealing rings. In the embodiment shown, the base body 1202 of the separating element 1201 is plate-shaped or disc-shaped. In other words, the base body is flat with respect to the longitudinal axis 912. The two sealing elements 1203, 1204 are spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis 912 and arranged on an unspecified outer contour of the base body 1202. The two sealing elements 1203, 1204 serve to provide a fluid-tight seal and guide the separating element on the inner wall 913 of the fluid tank 900. The axial distance between the two sealing elements 1203, 1204 prevents tilting of the separating element 1201 with respect to the longitudinal axis 912 and achieves improved movement guidance.

[0370] To further improve the movement guidance of the separating element 1201, some embodiments include a guide rod extending parallel to the longitudinal axis 912, on which guide rod the separating element 1201 is guided for sliding movement along the longitudinal axis 912. The guide rod is preferably arranged centrally in the tank volume 901. For centering purposes, a type of centering plate may be provided, which is fastened to a lower end of the guide rod and is slidably supported against the inside of the tank shell. In such an embodiment, the separating element 1201 has a central bore through which the guide rod extends. The bore is sealed in a fluid-tight and sliding manner against the guide rod by means of a sealing element, preferably in the form of a shaft seal.

[0371] In some designs with a guide rod and centering plate, the guide rod has a handle at its end facing away from the centering plate, which is located on the outside of the fluid tank and is manually accessible. If the separating element 1201 assumes the third (lower) position (see Fig. 40), it can be manually returned to the first (upper) position (see Fig. 38) by manually pulling the handle.

[0372] In Figs. 42, 43, 44, further embodiments with movable separating elements 120T, 1201", 120T" for proportionally variable separation of the tank volume 901 are shown.

[0373] In contrast to the separating element 1201 of the embodiment according to Figs. 38 to 40, the separating element 120T is not axially movable, but rather translationally movable transversely to the longitudinal extent of the fluid tank.

[0374] The separating element 1201" of the embodiment according to Fig. 43 is pivotable about a pivot axis not designated in more detail.

[0375] The separating element 120T" of the embodiment according to Fig. 44 itself functions as a type of container and is floating on a liquid level P located in the tank volume 901. If the liquid level P drops, the position of the separating element 120V" changes and the volume available to accommodate fluid flowing into the tank increases.

[0376] Fig. 45 shows a separating device 1200 for a fluid tank according to the invention, wherein the separating device 1200 has a movable separating element 1201 and a locking device 1100. The basic function and possible design of the movable separating element 1201 are as disclosed in relation to Figs. 38 to 44. The locking device 1100 of the separating device 1200 serves to selectively cancel the separating function of the separating device 1200. For this purpose, the separating device 1100 can be transferred between a connected state and a separated state.

[0377] In the separation state, the fluid-tight separation between the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903 and the associated proportional division of the tank volume 901 into the fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and the fluid receiving tank volume 9012 is / remains maintained.

[0378] In the release state, this separation / division is removed, and the tank inlet 902 is fluidly connected to the tank outlet. In this way, the combination of movable separating device 1200 and blocking device 1100 shown in Fig. 45 allows for selective cancellation of the fluid recirculation and a change in the proportions of the fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and the fluid receiving tank volume 9012 to the total available tank volume 901.

[0379] Fig. 46 shows a specific embodiment in which the blocking device 1100 is integrated into the movable separating element 1201. Specifically, the blocking device 1100 includes a fluid control element 1101, by means of which a passage (not shown in detail) of the separating element 1201 can be selectively opened and released.

[0380] By opening the passage, it is also possible to prevent the separating element 1201 from becoming accidentally stuck in the third (lower) position shown in Fig. 40 (fluid dispensing tank volume 9011" completely emptied) as a result of a negative pressure then acting in the fluid dispensing tank volume 9011". Such a sticking can make it difficult or practically impossible to return the separating element 1201 to the first (upper) position (see Fig. 38). It is understood that this function can alternatively be performed by a fluid control element that is not assigned to the blocking device(s).

[0381] Fig. 47 shows a further specific embodiment of a separating device 1200. The separating device 1200 again has a movable separating element 1201. Furthermore, the separating device 1200 according to Fig. 47 has a blocking device 1100, specifically with a fluid control element 1101, a separating device 1300, specifically with a filter device 1301 and / or a centrifuging device 1350, a detection device 1400, specifically with a sensor device 1401, and / or a disinfection device 1500, specifically with a UV light source 1501. The blocking device 1100, the separating device 1300, the detection device 1400, and the disinfection device 1500 can be present alternatively or in any combination.Preferably, the respective devices 1100, 1300, 1400, 1500 are arranged or formed on the movable separating element 1201 and are thus movable together with the separating element 1201 upon movement. Regarding possible further features of the blocking device 1100, the separating device 1300, the detection device 1400, and the disinfection device 1500, reference is made to what has already been disclosed regarding these devices. Further specific features of the separating device 1200, in particular of the separating element 1201, emerge in combination with the aforementioned disclosure.

[0382] Figs. 48, 49, and 50 show a further embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention, comprising a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, and a tank outlet 903, as well as a separating device with a separating element 1210. The separating element 1210, in turn, serves to change the portions of the total available tank volume 901 available for dispensing and receiving fluid.

[0383] Specifically, the separating element 1210 is elastically deformable and fluid-tightly attached to a tank shell 904 of the fluid tank. The elastically deformable separating element 1210 creates a fluid-tight separation between the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903.

[0384] 48, 49, and 50 show the elastically deformable separating element 1210 in different deformation states. In a first deformation state (Fig. 48), the tank volume 901 is divided by the separating element 1210 into a fluid discharge tank volume 9011 and a fluid receiving tank volume 9012. In a second deformation state (Fig. 49), the separating element 1210 is elastically deflected to the left with respect to the plane of the drawing in Figs. 48 to 50, resulting in a reduced fluid discharge tank volume 901T and an enlarged fluid receiving tank volume 9012'. In a third deformation state (Fig. 50), the separating element 1210 is elastically deflected even further, resulting in a further reduced fluid discharge tank volume 9011" and a further enlarged fluid receiving tank volume 9012".

[0385] In the embodiment shown, the elastic deformation of the separating element 1210 is caused by an outflow of fluid from the tank outlet 903 and / or an inflow of fluid through the tank inlet 902. In the specific embodiment according to Figs. 48 to 50, the elastically deformable separating element 1210 is a sealing membrane 1211.

[0386] It is understood that the functions of the blocking device 1100, the separation device 1300, the detection device 1400 and / or the disinfection device 1500 explained with reference to Fig. 47 can also be integrated into the elastically deformable separating element 1210.

[0387] 51 and 52 show a further embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention with a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, and a tank outlet 903. The fluid tank 900 according to FIGS. 51 and 52 has a specifically designed tank shell 904. Specifically, the tank shell 904 is a hollow cylinder 905. The hollow cylinder 905 can, in principle, have any desired cross-sectional shape, for example, a square, convex-concave, round, or oval cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape can be variable along the tank shell. In the specific embodiment according to FIGS. 51 and 52, the hollow cylinder 905 has a circular cross-sectional shape and is therefore a tube 906, more precisely: a circular tube.

[0388] The tank shell 904 is here axially extended between a proximal end 910 and a distal end 911 along a longitudinal axis 912. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 51 and 52, the tank shell 904 is closed at the proximal end 910 and at the distal end 911. However, the tank shell can also be open at at least one of the ends 910, 911 and can be closed by means of a tank cap. A preferred design of the tank shell 904 is axially open on both sides and can be closed by means of tank caps. The hollow cylinder 905, in particular the tube 906, is therefore preferably axially open on both sides.

[0389] According to Fig. 51, the tank inlet 902 and the tank outlet 903 are formed and / or arranged directly on the tank shell 904. However, if the fluid tank has tank caps attached to the front end of the tank shell, the tank inlet and / or the tank outlet can also be formed on one of the tank caps.

[0390] The fluid tank 900 shown in Figs. 51 and 52 has a total available tank volume 901 of 1.5 liters. In further embodiments not shown in the figures, the tank volume is a maximum of 10 liters and a minimum of 0.5 liters. According to Fig. 52, the tank shell 904 is made of a translucent material T, which is specifically a plastic K.

[0391] The tank shell 904 can generally be designed in one or more parts. A multi-part design, as shown in Figs. 53 and 54, is preferred.

[0392] According to Fig. 53, the fluid tank 900, specifically the tank shell 904, is assembled from a plurality of parts 9041, 9042, 9043, 9044. The plurality of parts 9041 to 9044 are hollow cylinder sections, specifically pipe sections. The plurality of parts 9041 to 9044 are joined together in different ways in different configurations, for example, by plugging, snapping, clamping, screwing, or some other connection. The joints between the plurality of parts 9041 to 9044 can be non-detachable or detachable.

[0393] In the embodiment shown in Figs. 53 and 54, a plug connection is formed between immediately adjacent parts, so that in the present case a total of three plug connections 914, 915, 916 are present. The plug connections 914, 915, 916 are detachable and therefore allow easy disassembly and reassembly of the fluid tank 900. As a result, any internal components of the fluid tank present in the tank volume 910, such as one of the previously mentioned devices (blocking device 1100, separating device 1200, separating device 1300, detection device 1400, disinfection device 1500), can be easily removed. This also results in easier cleaning. Furthermore, the total available tank volume can be increased by increasing the number of parts used or decreased by removing one or more parts. This results in the fluid tank 900 according to Fig.53 and 54 available tank volumes from the sum of the partial volumes 9013 to 9016 of the several parts 9041 to 9044.

[0394] It is understood that the features of the fluid tanks according to Figs. 17 to 54 and of the fluid tanks according to Figs. 68, 69 and 72 to 74 can be combined with one another as desired to form further embodiments according to the invention. For example, the features explained with reference to Figs. 51 to 54 can be readily transferred to the fluid tanks explained with reference to Figs. 17 to 50 and vice versa. Furthermore, it is understood that the individually explained devices of the fluid tanks according to Figs. 17 to 50, i.e. the blocking device 1100, the separating device 1200, the separating device 1300, the detection device 1400 and the disinfection device 1500, can of course also be present in any desired combination on one and the same fluid tank. It is further pointed out that the elongated shape of the fluid tanks shown in Figs. 17 to 54 is to be understood as exemplary.The elongated shape shown offers particular advantages when the fluid tank is to be attached to the guide part of the surface cleaning device in question or when the fluid tank is to be carried on the carrying device. If the fluid tank is also conceivable to be attached to the base part of the surface cleaning device, a shape different from that shown in the figures will generally be advantageous, for example, a less elongated, squat, and / or flat shape.

[0395] Fig. 55 shows a schematic side view of a surface cleaning device 1a not according to the invention. The surface cleaning device 1a not according to the invention has an elongated guide part 100a, a base part 200a, a tool device 300a, a fluid dispenser 400a, and a fluid receptacle 500a. Furthermore, the surface cleaning device 1a not according to the invention has separate, fluidically unconnected tanks for holding fresh water and dirty water, namely a fresh water tank 80 and a dirty water tank 90. ​​The fresh water tank 80 and the dirty water tank 90 are each attached to the elongated guide part 100.

[0396] The fresh water tank 80 has a tank outlet 81, which is fluidly connected to the fluid discharge 400a via a fluid path not further designated. For the purpose of conveying fresh water, a pumping device 701 is arranged in said fluid path.

[0397] The dirty water tank 90 has a tank inlet 91, which is connected to the fluid receptacle 500a via a further, unspecified, separate fluid path. The dirty water tank 90 also has an opening 92, which is fluidly connected to a suction device 750. To collect dirty water, the suction device 750 sucks air from the interior of the dirty water tank 90 through the opening 92. The resulting negative pressure causes dirty water to be sucked from the fluid receptacle 500a via the fluid path through the tank inlet 91 into the dirty water tank 90.

[0398] The cleaning result and the cleaning speed are limited by the available fresh water quantity in the fresh water tank 80 and the maximum amount of dirty water that can be absorbed in the dirty water tank 90. ​​Fig. 56 shows a conversion of the surface cleaning device 1a not according to the invention into a surface cleaning device 1a' according to the invention with a fluid circuit. For the purpose of conversion, the fresh water tank 80 and the dirty water tank 90 are removed from the guide part 100a. Existing fluid-conducting connections of the fresh water tank 80 and the dirty water tank 90 with the said separate fluid paths are severed. Alternatively, it is conceivable and possible that only one of the two separate tanks 80, 90 is removed. After this, a fluid tank 900' according to the invention with a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, and a tank outlet 903 is attached to the guide part 100a. The tank inlet 902 is fluidly connected to the fluid intake 500a.The tank outlet 903 is fluidly connected to the fluid discharge 400a. An opening (without reference symbol) of the fluid tank 900' is fluidly connected to the suction device 750.

[0399] The conversion described above can in principle also be carried out using an adapter device 4000, as shown in Figs. 75 to 79 and 82 to 84.

[0400] The functional blocks shown in the tank volume 901 (without reference symbols) illustrate that the fluid tank 900' can have one or more of the devices explained with reference to Figs. 17 to 54, in particular a blocking device 1100, a separating device 1200, a separating device 1300, a detection device 1400 and / or a disinfection device 1500. In addition, an additive device 1450 can be present.

[0401] In Fig. 57 an arrangement is shown which comprises an embodiment of a fluid tank 900 according to the invention, an additional tank 950, a fluid control element 960 and a pump device 701.

[0402] The fluid tank 900 has a tank volume 901, a tank inlet 902, and a tank outlet 903. The tank inlet 902 is configured for fluid-conducting connection to a fluid receptacle of one of the surface cleaning devices according to Figs. 1 to 16. The tank outlet 903 is fluid-conductingly connected to the fluid control element 960.

[0403] The auxiliary tank 950 has an auxiliary tank volume 951 and is fluidly connected to the fluid control element 960. The fluid control element 960 serves to control the fluid discharge from the fluid tank 900 and the auxiliary tank 950 and can be controlled between different states for this purpose.

[0404] In a first state of the fluid control element 960, the tank outlet 903 is fluidly connected to the pumping device 701, so that fluid located in the tank volume 901 can be pumped out of the fluid tank 900 via the tank outlet 903 for delivery to a surface to be cleaned. In the first state of the fluid control element 960, the additional tank volume is closed in the direction of the pumping device 701; no fluid is delivered from the additional tank 950.

[0405] In the second state of the fluid control element 960, the additional tank volume 951 is fluidly connected to the pumping device 701, so that fluid can be dispensed from the additional tank 950 onto the surface to be cleaned. In the second state, the tank outlet 903 is not connected to the pumping device 701, so that no fluid can be dispensed from the fluid tank 900.

[0406] In a third state of the fluid control element 960, the tank volume 901 and the additional tank volume 951 are fluidly connected to the pump device 701, so that a combined discharge of fluid from the fluid tank 900 and from the additional tank 950 can take place.

[0407] In the embodiment shown, the fluid control element 960 is continuously controllable between the aforementioned states. This allows for a continuous mixing of fluid from the tank volume 901 with fluid from the additional tank volume 951.

[0408] The arrangement according to Fig. 57 is intended for use on one of the surface cleaning devices according to Figs. 1 to 16.

[0409] The 950 auxiliary tank allows for the continuous addition of fresh water or an additive, for example. This allows for even better cleaning results.

[0410] Fig. 58 shows an embodiment of a surface cleaning system 10 according to the invention. Fig. 58 shows the surface cleaning system 10 in a simplified block diagram. The surface cleaning system 10 comprises an embodiment of a surface cleaning device 1 according to the invention, for example, one of the surface cleaning devices according to Figs. 1 to 16.

[0411] In the embodiment shown, the surface cleaning device 1 comprises a tool device 300, a fluid dispenser 400, a fluid receptacle 500, a fluid path 600, and a conveying device 700. For the function and basic design of these components of the surface cleaning device 1, reference is made to the preceding disclosure. In the present case, the surface cleaning device 1 also comprises a fluid reservoir 800, which is specifically designed as a fluid tank 900.

[0412] The surface cleaning device 1 is a scrubber-drier T and is designed for wet scrubbing a surface S to be cleaned. The surface S to be cleaned is a floor surface S', for example, a floor surface in a building.

[0413] Due to the specific design of the surface cleaning device 1 as a scrubber-drier T, the surface cleaning system 10 can also be referred to as a scrubber-drier system 10'.

[0414] The surface cleaning system 10 further comprises a base station 2000, which is configured to receive the surface cleaning device 1 and has a fluid device 2100. In the embodiment shown, the base station 2000 also has an optional holding device 2200 and an optional movement device 2300.

[0415] The fluid device 2100 is configured for emptying, filling, and / or flushing the fluid path 600, specifically the fluid tank 900, of the surface cleaning device 1. The emptying, filling, and / or flushing preferably occurs automatically without direct user intervention. In this case, the emptying, filling, and / or flushing occurs via a fluid connection device 2100. The fluid connection device 2100 is configured for automatic fluid-conducting connection to the fluid path 600. This connection can be established via the fluid discharge 400, the fluid intake 500, an opening configured for this purpose in the fluid tank 900, and / or another connection point of the fluid path 600.

[0416] In the embodiment shown, the fluid device 2100 also has a tank device 2120, which can be fluidly connected to the surface cleaning device 1 by means of the fluid connection device 2110. In the present case, the tank device 2120 has a dirty water tank 2121, a fresh water tank 2122, and a rinse water tank 2123. The dirty water tank 2121 serves to collect and subsequently dispose of dirty water from the fluid path 600, specifically the fluid tank 900, of the surface cleaning device 1. The fresh water tank 2122 serves to fill the fluid path 600, specifically the fluid tank 900, with fresh water. The rinse water tank 2123 serves to rinse the fluid path 600, specifically the fluid tank 900, with rinse water or another rinsing liquid.

[0417] The holding device 2200 is configured for releasable mechanical coupling to a section of the surface cleaning device 1 provided for this purpose. In embodiments with a guide part and / or base part, the holding device 2200 is preferably configured for mechanical coupling to the guide part and / or base part. The holding device 2200 serves to releasably mount the surface cleaning device 1 on the base station 2000. The holding device 2200 also counteracts an unintentional release of the fluid-conducting connection between the fluid connection device 2110 and the fluid path 600, in particular the fluid tank 900, of the surface cleaning device 1.

[0418] The movement device 2300 enables manual or motor-driven movement of the base station 2000. In a particularly simple embodiment, the movement device 2300 has transport rollers, drive wheels, or the like. The movement device 2300 allows easy repositioning of the base station 2000 on or relative to the surface to be cleaned. In particular, the user can carry the base station 2000 while using the surface cleaning device 1 or reposition it from time to time. The surface cleaning device 1 can be moved together with the base station 2000 while being picked up on the base station 2000 and / or held by the holding device 2200.In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the movement device is configured to autonomously track the base station, so that the base station follows the surface cleaning device at a distance during use of the same.

[0419] Fig. 59 shows an embodiment of a method 3000 according to the invention for wet cleaning a surface using a surface cleaning device, which is preferably a surface cleaning device 1 according to Figs. 1 to 16. Fig. 59 shows the method 3000 in a simplified block diagram.

[0420] Method 3000 includes steps 3100, 3200, 3300, and 3400. In step 3100, fluid is dispensed onto the surface to be cleaned. The dispensing occurs via a fluid dispenser of the surface cleaning device.

[0421] In step 3200, the previously dispensed fluid is collected from the surface by means of a fluid collection device of the surface cleaning device.

[0422] In step 3300, the previously collected fluid is conveyed by means of a conveying device of the surface cleaning device. The fluid is conveyed along a fluid path of the surface cleaning device, which connects the fluid intake for returning the collected fluid to the fluid discharge.

[0423] In step 3400, the returned fluid is delivered to the surface by means of the fluid delivery.

[0424] Embodiments of the method according to the invention result directly and clearly from the preceding disclosure of Figs. 1 to 58. For example, embodiments of the method according to the invention can comprise at least one of the following steps:

[0425] Separating dirt from the absorbed fluid by means of a separation device of the surface cleaning device, in particular by means of a filter device and / or a centrifuging device; Disinfecting a section of a fluid path of the surface cleaning device, in particular a fluid tank, by means of a disinfection device of the surface cleaning device, in particular by emitting UV light using a UV light source; Detecting a degree of contamination of the absorbed fluid by means of a detection device of the surface cleaning device, in particular a sensor device; Blocking the fluid return by means of a blocking device of the surface cleaning device; Manually guiding the surface cleaning device over the surface to be cleaned, in particular by means of a guide part of the surface cleaning device;Controlling a direction of movement of the surface cleaning device, wherein for the purpose of control, a / the guide part is rotated about its longitudinal axis in order to rotate a base part of the surface cleaning device about its vertical axis and resting on the surface to be cleaned; Generating propulsion to support or effect the movement of the surface cleaning device, wherein the propulsion is generated by means of a tool device and / or a propulsion device of the surface cleaning device. It is understood that the above list of further optional method steps is not exhaustive. Further optional method steps and further details of the optional method steps already mentioned by way of example follow from the description of the surface cleaning devices according to the invention, the fluid tanks according to the invention, the surface cleaning system according to the invention, and the disclosure of the respective embodiments.

[0426] In Fig. 60, an embodiment of a filter device 1301 according to the invention is shown.

[0427] The filter device 1301 is particularly suitable for the surface cleaning devices according to the disclosure and / or as a component of the fluid tanks according to the disclosure. The filter device 1301 according to Fig. 60 can be used, for example, instead of or in addition to the separation devices, specifically filter devices, disclosed with reference to Figs. 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 11, and 20 to 28.

[0428] The filter device 1301 comprises at least one filter unit 1302, an optional support structure 1310, an optional filter cleaning device 1320, and an optional additive ZM. Consequently, the support structure 1310, the filter cleaning device 1320, and the additive ZM are not present in all embodiments of the filter device 1301.

[0429] The at least one filter unit 1302 is configured to be arranged in the fluid path 600 of the respective surface cleaning device and / or fluid tank and to filter the liquid F flowing along the fluid path 600.

[0430] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 60, the filter device 1301 has only a single filter unit 1302. In further embodiments, several similar or different filter units are provided (see, for example, Figs. 22 to 24). For the sake of brevity, reference is made below only to the filter unit 1302. What has been said regarding the filter unit 1302 also applies mutatis mutandis to any further filter units.

[0431] The filter unit 1302 serves to reduce the degree of contamination of the liquid used for wet cleaning and is configured to filter out dirt particles, small parts, lint, hair, or the like from the liquid. In one embodiment, the filter unit 1302 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 1302 can be configured to be used over the entire service life of the respective surface cleaning device and / or fluid tank.

[0432] According to Fig. 61, the filter unit 1302 comprises a rigid filter medium 1309, a flexible filter medium 1309' and / or a loose filter medium 1309". The said filter media 1309, 1309', 1309" can be present individually or in combination and can be designed into different filter designs.

[0433] Fig. 61 schematically shows exemplary different filter designs 13021 to 13028, each as a simplified functional block. These filter designs are a sieve filter 13021, a pore filter 13022, a filter candle 13023, a paper filter 13024, a fabric filter 13025, a fleece filter 13026, a packed bed filter 13027, and a wire mesh filter 13028.

[0434] In this case, the filter unit 1302 comprises at least one of the aforementioned filter designs 13021 to 13028. Combined filter designs are also conceivable and possible. In one embodiment, the filter device 1301 comprises several filter units, each of which has a different filter design.

[0435] The at least one filter unit 1302 can be made of metal, plastic, paper, and / or ceramic. Of course, combinations of the aforementioned materials are also conceivable and possible.

[0436] An opening width of the at least one filter unit 1302, in particular of the filter media 1309, 1309', 1309" and / or the filter designs 13021 to 13028, 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.

[0437] The support structure 1310 shown in Fig. 60 as a schematic functional block functions as a carrier, holder, and / or support for the filter unit 1302. The filter unit 1302 is held on the support structure 1310. The optional support structure 1310 is particularly advantageous when the filter unit 1302 has a dimensionally flexible filter medium 1309' and / or a loose filter medium 1309". The support structure 1310 can also serve to fasten and / or attach the filter unit 1302 at a location provided for this purpose on the fluid path 600 and / or fluid tank 900. The filter unit 1302 can be detachably or non-detachably connected to the support structure 1310.

[0438] If the support structure is permanently connected to the filter unit, they can together form a consumable item that needs to be replaced.

[0439] The optional filter cleaning device 1320 shown in Fig. 60 as a schematic functional block serves to clean the at least one filter unit 1302. The optional filter cleaning device 1320 can be used, for example, instead of or in addition to the filter cleaning devices explained with reference to Figs. 25 to 28.

[0440] The filter cleaning device 1320 allows the cleaning of at least one filter unit 1302 before, during, and / or after operation of the surface cleaning device. Cleaning the filter unit 1320 removes dirt. This counteracts clogging of the filter unit 1302. Depending on the design of the filter cleaning device, even the accumulation of dirt can be prevented.

[0441] As already explained with reference to Figs. 25 to 28, the filter cleaning device 1320 can generally be configured for manual and / or automatic cleaning of the filter unit 1302. The cleaning itself can be carried out in different ways, for example by stripping the filter unit 1302, by causing the filter unit 1302 to vibrate, and / or by backwashing the filter unit 1302.

[0442] In the exemplary embodiment of the filter cleaning device 1320 shown in Fig. 62, it has a stripping device 1330, a vibration device 1370, and / or a backwash device 1390. The stripping device 1330, the vibration device 1370, and the backwash device 1390 can be present individually or in combination.

[0443] The wiping device 1330 is configured to wipe a surface of the at least one filter unit 1302. Specific embodiments of the filter cleaning device as a wiping device have already been explained with reference to Figs. 27 and 28. In addition, further specific features of the wiping device 1330 are explained below with reference to the embodiment according to Fig. 69. The vibration device 1370, shown schematically as a functional block in Fig. 62, is configured to cause the at least one filter unit 1302 to oscillate. The vibrations generated by the vibration device 1370 shake off dirt accumulated on or in the filter unit 1302. For this purpose, the vibration device 1370 can act directly or indirectly on the filter unit 1302 and / or the optional support structure 1310.

[0444] The oscillations in question can be generated as vibrations, sound, and especially ultrasound. A specific embodiment of a vibration device is explained below with reference to Fig. 72.

[0445] 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.

[0446] The backwashing device 1390, shown schematically as a functional block in Fig. 62, is configured for backwashing the filter unit 1302. The backwashing device 1390 can, in principle, have any design suitable for the present purpose. By backwashing, dirt accumulated on and / or in the filter unit 1302 can be flushed out of the same. The backwashing occurs counter to a usual conveying direction of the liquid along the fluid path 600 and can occur before, during, and / or after operation of the surface cleaning device. For the purpose of backwashing, the backwashing device 1390 can have a separate conveying device. Alternatively or additionally, a / the conveying device of the respective surface cleaning device can be used (see, for example, conveying device 700, Figs. 1 to 11).

[0447] The optional additive ZM, shown schematically as a functional block in Fig. 60, is designed to be released into the liquid flowing along the fluid path 600 and can also be referred to as an additional substance, additive, and / or additive. The additive ZM exerts an effect that, in the broadest sense, supports improved surface cleaning and / or improved function of the respective surface cleaning device and / or the filter device 1301.

[0448] Fig. 63 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 that are partially solid, partially liquid, and / or partially gaseous are also conceivable and possible.

[0449] 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.

[0450] It is understood that the filter device 1301 may comprise several similar or different additives.

[0451] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 64, the additive ZM is soluble in an additive body ZMK. The additive body ZMK is assigned to the filter unit 1302 in the broadest sense. For example, the additive body ZMK can be received, fastened, held, or otherwise attached to the filter unit 1302 at a location provided for this purpose. The additive ZM bound in the additive body ZMK is dissolved out of the additive body ZMK by the liquid flowing along the fluid path 600 and released into the liquid. The additive body can dissolve partially or completely over time.

[0452] 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. 63.

[0453] In the embodiment shown schematically in Fig. 65, the additive ZM is soluble in the filter unit 1302. During operation of the filter device, the additive ZM is dissolved out of the filter unit 1302 under the influence of the liquid flowing through the filter unit 1302 and released into the liquid.

[0454] In one embodiment, the additive ZM is applied as a coating or layer on and / or into the filter unit 1302. Alternatively or additionally, the filter unit 1302 can be impregnated, saturated, or otherwise provided with the additive ZM.

[0455] Fig. 66 shows an exemplary embodiment of a kit for forming a filter unit 1301, wherein the kit, in the specific embodiment shown here, comprises several different filter units 1302, 1302', 1302", 1302'" and several different additive bodies ZMK, ZMK', ZMK", ZMK"'. The kit can also be referred to as a set or assembly and is used together with a surface cleaning device and / or fluid tank, in particular with one of the surface cleaning devices according to Figs. 1 to 11 and / or fluid tanks according to Figs. 17 to 54.

[0456] Depending on the cleaning task, a user can select a suitable filter unit and a suitable additive body of the kit and attach them to a designated location of the fluid path 600 and / or fluid tank 900 of the respective surface cleaning device.

[0457] The different filter units 1302, 1302", 1302", 1302'" may differ in their opening width and / or filter design. The different additive bodies ZMK, ZMK", ZMK", ZMK"' may differ in the type of additive used, its effect, and / or dosage.

[0458] In one embodiment not shown in the figures, the kit comprises only one filter unit and only one additive body. In another embodiment not shown, the kit comprises several similar filter units. Alternatively or additionally, the kit may comprise several similar additive bodies.

[0459] Fig. 67 schematically shows a specific embodiment of an additive device 1450. In the embodiment shown, the additive device 1450 has an additive container 1451 and a dispensing device 1425.

[0460] The additive device 1450 comprises at least one additive ZM, which, in the embodiment shown, is accommodated in the additive container 1451. 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 1301 also applies mutatis mutandis to the additive ZM of the additive device 1450.

[0461] The additive container 1451 serves to store the additive ZM. Depending on whether the additive ZM is liquid, solid, and / or gaseous, the additive container 1451 has adapted properties.

[0462] In the embodiment shown, the additive device 1450 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.

[0463] In principle, the additive container 1451 can be attached and / or attachable to various parts and / or components of the respective surface cleaning device. In one embodiment, the additive container 1451 is attached or attachable to a fluid tank of the surface cleaning device. In a further embodiment, the additive container 1451 is attached and / or attachable to a guide part of the surface cleaning device. Attachment to a base part of the surface cleaning device is also conceivable and possible. In surface cleaning systems with a surface cleaning device and a robot device, the additive device, including the additive container, can also be attached and / or attachable to the robot device.

[0464] The dispensing device 1452 shown in Fig. 67 as a schematic functional block is configured to dispense the additive ZM from the additive container 1451 into the fluid path 600. Alternatively or additionally, the additive ZM can be dispensed directly onto the surface to be cleaned by means of the dispensing device 1452.

[0465] In one embodiment, the dispensing device 1452 is configured for manual operation by a user. In another embodiment, the dispensing device 1452 provides for automatic and / or self-actuating dispensing of the additive ZM.

[0466] In preferred embodiments, the dispensing device 1452 is configured for metered dispensing of the additive ZM.

[0467] 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.

[0468] Fig. 68 shows a further embodiment of a fluid tank 900. The fluid tank 900 has a tank inlet and a tank outlet (neither shown in Fig. 68), 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 fluid tank 900 is openably closed with a lower tank lid 908 and detachably supported on a lower housing device 105. The lower housing device 105 can, for example, be a component of a guide part 100 of the surface cleaning devices according to Figs. 2 to 11 (see, for example, Figs. 6, 7, 8). For the basic structure and basic function of the fluid tank 900, reference is made to what has already been disclosed with reference to the fluid tanks according to Figs. 17 to 54. The features of the fluid tanks according to Figs. 17 to 54 can be combined with the features of the fluid tank 900 according to Fig. 68 to form further feature combinations.

[0469] The fluid tank 900 has a filter device 1301, which is hidden in Fig. 68 and shown in detail in the sectional view according to Fig. 69.

[0470] In the embodiment shown, the filter device 1301 according to Fig. 69 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 1301 shown in Fig. 69 can also be arranged away from the fluid tank 900 at a designated and suitable location in the fluid path of the respective surface cleaning device or surface cleaning system (see Figs. 75 to 78).

[0471] The filter device 1301 is presently held on the lower tank lid 908. After removing the fluid tank 900 from the lower housing device 105, the lower tank lid 908 can be released and the filter device 1301 held thereon can be removed from the tank volume 901. In this regard, reference is also made to the disclosure with reference to Figs. 22 and 23.

[0472] In the embodiment according to Fig. 69, the filter device 1301 has a filter unit 1302, a support structure 1310 and a filter cleaning device designed as a stripping device 1330.

[0473] The filter unit 1302 is a wire mesh filter 13028. The opening width of the wire mesh filter 13028 is between 10 μm and 20 μm. The wire mesh filter 13028 has a cylindrical shape. The wire mesh filter 13028 is aligned coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the tank shell 904.

[0474] The filter unit 1302, specifically the wire mesh filter 13028, is held in this case on the support structure 1310. The support structure 1310 is pot-shaped and thus also has a circular-cylindrical shape. A radially outer side of the support structure 1310 abuts a radially inner side of the wire mesh filter 13028. As a result, the wire mesh filter 13028 is supported inwardly in the radial direction by the support structure 1310. This support is particularly advantageous when the wire mesh filter 13028 does not have sufficient inherent rigidity and therefore has and / or is a flexible filter medium 1309'.

[0475] The support structure 1301 has a plurality of through-openings extending continuously in the radial direction (in Fig. 69 without reference numerals), through which the liquid to be filtered can pass from the outside via the inside of the wire mesh filter 13028 to the interior of the filter element 1302 and from there through the tank outlet 903.

[0476] The stripping device 1330 has several stripping elements 1331 and a movement mechanism 1332.

[0477] In the longitudinal section of Fig. 69, two of the aforementioned plurality of stripping elements 1331 are shown. The stripping elements 1331 are each in contact with an outer side 1308 of the wire mesh filter 13028 and are movable relative thereto. In the embodiment shown, a rotational movement of the stripping elements 1331 is provided by means of the movement mechanism 1332.

[0478] In the embodiment shown, the movement mechanism 1332 comprises a drive motor 1333, a drive shaft 1334, a drive pinion 1335, an output gear 1336, an output element 1337 and a bearing element 1338.

[0479] In the present case, the drive motor 1333 is mounted on the lower housing unit 105 and is detachably connected to the drive shaft 1334 in a torque-transmitting manner. When the fluid tank 900 is removed from the lower housing unit 105, the connection between the drive shaft 1334 and the drive motor 1333 is released. For the purpose of detachably connecting the drive motor 1333 and the drive shaft 1334, a lower end of the drive shaft 1334 engages with a complementary driver element of the drive motor 1333. The lower end of the drive shaft 1334 protrudes from the tank volume 901 through the tank lid 908 in a manner not shown in detail. To prevent fluid from escaping from the tank volume 901, the passage of the drive shaft 1334 through the tank lid 908 is fluid-tightly sealed with a sealing element not shown in detail.

[0480] The drive shaft 1334 extends longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid tank 900 and thus also to the filter unit 1302. In the embodiment shown, an upper end of the drive shaft 1334 protrudes beyond an upper end of the filter unit 1302. The drive pinion 1335 is torque-tightly connected to the upper end of the drive shaft 1334. The drive pinion 1335 engages the output gear 1336.

[0481] In the embodiment shown, the output toothing 1336 is an internal toothing and is formed on the output element 1337.

[0482] The output element 1337 is mounted on the support structure 1310 for rotation relative to the latter. For this purpose, the bearing element 1338 is provided and, in this case, is formed integrally with the output element 1337. The bearing element 1338 engages in a bearing seat 13102 of the support structure 1310, releasably engaging it in the axial direction and slidingly movable in the circumferential direction, provided for this purpose. In this case, the output element 1337 is coaxially rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the fluid tank 900 and thus also of the filter unit 1302. The plurality of stripping elements 1331 are each operatively connected to the output element 1337 in a force- and motion-transmitting manner. This operative connection is detachable, so that the stripping elements 1331 can be easily removed and replaced if necessary.

[0483] To clean the filter unit 1302, more precisely: to strip the wire mesh filter 13028, the drive motor 1333 drives the output element 1337 via the drive shaft 1334 and, with it, the stripping elements 1331. The stripping elements 1331 thereby move along the surface 1308, thereby stripping off dirt accumulated on the surface 1308.

[0484] In the embodiment shown, the rotary drive movement of the drive motor 1333 is reduced via the gearing formed between the drive pinion 1335 and the output gearing 1336. In other words, the drive pinion 1335 and the output gearing 1336 form a reduction stage.

[0485] In one embodiment, continuous filter cleaning is provided. During such continuous filter cleaning, the drive motor 1333 drives the scraper elements 1331 throughout the entire duration of the wet cleaning. The drive motor 1333 is started when the respective surface cleaning device is switched on and switched off together with the surface cleaning device.

[0486] In a further embodiment, controllable filter cleaning is provided. This control can be achieved by a user of the surface cleaning device selectively switching the drive motor 1333 on and off. Alternatively or additionally, the drive motor 1333 can be controlled depending on the degree of contamination G of the liquid. This control can also include a speed control of the drive motor, in particular a stepless one. The degree of contamination G can be detected, for example, by means of the detection device 1400 explained with reference to Fig. 2. The control of the drive motor 1333 can then be controlled depending on the degree of contamination G by means of a / the control device 1900 (see Fig. 6).

[0487] Figs. 70 and 71 show exemplary filter units 1302. The filter units 1302 according to Figs. 70 and 71 have a fundamentally similar design and function to the filter unit of the filter device according to Fig. 69. Thus, the filter units 1302 according to Figs. 70 and 71 each have a flexible filter medium 1309' in the form of a wire mesh filter 13028.

[0488] The filter unit 1302 according to Fig. 70 has a support structure 1310, which radially abuts an inner side of the wire mesh filter 13028 and is provided with a plurality of through-openings 13101. The through-openings 13101 extend radially between an inner side and an outer side of the support structure 1310 and, in this case, each have a square cross-section. The support structure 1310 thus has a grid-like structure. At its upper end, the support structure 1310 has a bearing seat 13102 (see Fig. 69).

[0489] The filter element 1302 according to Fig. 71 has a differently designed support structure 1310'. The support structure 1310' is largely identical to the support structure 1310 of the filter device 1301 shown in Fig. 69. In contrast to the support structure 1310 according to Fig. 70, the support structure 1310' according to Fig. 71 has a plurality of circular through-openings 1310'. The circular through-openings 1310' have a smaller opening width than the respective opening widths of the square through-openings 13101. Due to the different design, the support structure 1310' has a comparatively greater inherent rigidity in the radial direction than the support structure 1310 according to Fig. 70.

[0490] Fig. 72 shows a further embodiment of a filter device 1301. In accordance with the embodiment according to Fig. 69, the filter device 1301 is also arranged in a tank volume 901 of a fluid tank 900. With regard to possible alternatives for the arrangement of the filter device 1301, what has already been said with reference to Fig. 69 applies mutatis mutandis.

[0491] The filter device 1301 according to Fig. 72 differs from the filter device 1301 according to Fig. 69 essentially in the manner of filter cleaning. In the embodiment according to Fig. 72, a vibration device 1370 is provided instead of a scraper device.

[0492] The vibration device 1370 has a vibration motor 1371. The vibration motor 1371 is accommodated in a motor mount 13103 of the support structure 1310" designed for this purpose. The vibrations generated by the vibration motor 1371 are transmitted directly to the support structure 1310" through the mount in the motor mount 13103 and from there to the filter unit 1302.

[0493] To enable sufficient vibrational mobility of the support structure 1310" and thus of the filter unit 1302, the support structure 1310" is held on an inner side of the lower tank cap 908 via an elastic holding element 1372. In other words: the support structure 1310" together with the filter unit 1302 is elastically mounted by means of the holding element 1372.

[0494] With regard to the remaining design of the filter unit 1302, what has already been said regarding the filter units 1302 according to Figs. 69 to 71 applies mutatis mutandis. Here, the filter unit 1302 also has a flexible filter medium 1309' and / or a wire mesh filter 13028.

[0495] The vibration motor 1371 is supplied with electrical energy via a connecting cable 1373. In this case, the connecting cable 1373 runs on a radial inner side of the support structure 1310. At its end facing away from the vibration motor 1371, the connecting cable 1373 is connected ...

Claims

Patent claims 1. Surface cleaning device (1) for wet cleaning a surface (S, S'), comprising a guide part (100) which extends longitudinally between a proximal end (102) and a distal end (103) and is designed for manually guiding the surface cleaning device (1) over the surface (S, S'), a base part (200) which is connected to the distal end (103) of the guide part (100), a tool device (300) which is arranged on the base part (200) and is designed to act on the surface (S, S'), a fluid dispenser (400) which is designed to dispense fluid (F) onto the surface (S, S'), a fluid receptacle (500) which is designed to receive fluid (F) dispensed onto the surface (S, S') by means of the fluid dispenser (400) from the surface (S, S'), a fluid path (600) which connects the fluid receptacle (500) for returning fluid (F) taken up by means of the fluid intake (500) to the fluid discharge (400), a conveying device (700),which is designed to convey fluid (F) along the fluid path (600), whereby fluid picked up from the surface (S, S') by means of the fluid intake (500) can be delivered to the surface (S, S') by means of the fluid discharge (400).

2. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid path (600) comprises a fluid reservoir (800) with a reservoir volume (801), a reservoir inlet (802) which is fluidly connected to the fluid receptacle (500), and a reservoir outlet (803) which is fluidly connected to the fluid discharge (400), wherein the reservoir inlet (802) and the reservoir outlet (803) are fluidly connected to one another via the reservoir volume (801).

3. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the fluid reservoir (800) is attached to the guide part (100) and / or to the base part (200), in particular removably.

4. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the fluid reservoir (800) is a component of a carrying device (1000), wherein the carrying device (1000) is designed to be carried on the body of a user.

5. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the reservoir volume (801) is a maximum of 10 liters, preferably a maximum of 8 liters, preferably a maximum of 6 liters, preferably a maximum of 5 liters, preferably a maximum of 4 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters, preferably a maximum of 2 liters, particularly preferably between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters.

6. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fluid reservoir (800) is made at least in sections, preferably completely, from a transparent material (T), in particular plastic (K).

7. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the fluid reservoir (800) has a fluid tank (900), in particular consists of a fluid tank (900).

8. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the fluid tank (900), in particular its tank volume (901) and / or a tank shell (904) of the fluid tank (900) forming the tank volume (901), is designed in the form of an elongated hollow cylinder (905), in particular a tube (906), and / or is made of plastic (K).

9. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the fluid tank (900), in particular its tank volume (901) and / or a tank shell (904) forming the tank volume (901), several parts (9041, 9042, 9043, 9044), in particular Hollow cylinder sections and / or pipe sections, which are joined, in particular plugged together, in a fluid-tight manner along a longitudinal axis (912) of the fluid tank (900).

10. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of parts (9041, 9042, 9043, 9044) are detachably joined together, in particular plugged together.

11. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid path (600) has a blocking device (1100) which can be transferred, in particular switched, between a release state and a blocking state, wherein in the release state the fluid path (600) between the fluid intake (500) and the fluid discharge (400) is released, and wherein in the blocking state the fluid path (600) between the fluid intake (500) and the fluid discharge (400) is blocked by means of the blocking device (1100) in order to interrupt the return of fluid (F).

12. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 11, in combination with one of claims 2 to 10, wherein in the blocking state the reservoir volume (801) is interrupted by Return of fluid (F) by means of the blocking device (1100) is divided into a fluid discharge reservoir volume (8011) which has the reservoir inlet (802) and is separated from the reservoir outlet (803), and a fluid receiving reservoir volume (8012) which has the reservoir inlet (802) and is separated from the reservoir outlet (803).

13. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 12, wherein the blocking device (1100) is integrated into the reservoir volume (801), in particular a tank volume (901) of the fluid tank (900).

14. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the blocking device (11) has a fluid control element (1101), in particular a switching valve.

15. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid path (600) has a separation device (1300) which is designed to separate dirt from fluid (F) flowing along the fluid path (600).

16. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 15, wherein the separation device (1300) has or is at least one filter device (1301).

17. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 16, wherein the filter device (1301) has at least one sieve filter (1304) whose mesh size is between 0.06 mm and 0.7 mm, preferably between 0.09 mm and 0.3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.125 mm and 0.25 mm.

18. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the separation device (1300) comprises or is a centrifuging device (1350) which is designed to centrifuge fluid (F) flowing along the fluid path (600).

19. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 18, wherein the centrifuging device (1350) has a fluid guiding element (1351, 1352, 1353) which is designed to set the flowing fluid in rotation.

20. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 19, wherein the fluid guide element (1353) is rotationally movable.

21. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 20 in combination with one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the separation device (1300) is arranged upstream and / or downstream of the fluid reservoir (800) and / or is arranged between the reservoir inlet (802) and the reservoir outlet (803), in particular in the reservoir volume (801).

22. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 21, wherein the separation device (1300) is integrated into the fluid reservoir (800), in particular the fluid tank (900).

23. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid path (600) has a detection device (1400) which is designed to detect a degree of contamination (G) of fluid (F) flowing along the fluid path (600), in particular by a user.

24. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 23, wherein the detection device (1400) comprises a sensor device (1401) which is configured to detect the degree of soiling (G) and to output a sensor signal (1402) which represents the degree of soiling (G).

25. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid path (600) has a disinfection device (1500) which is designed to disinfect at least a portion of the fluid path (600) and / or fluid (F) flowing along the fluid path (600).

26. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 25, wherein the disinfection device (1500) comprises a UV light source (1501, 1501').

27. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the disinfection device (1500) forms or comprises a portion of the fluid path (600) which is made of an antibacterial material.

28. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 25 to 27 in combination with one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the disinfection device (1500) is arranged upstream and / or downstream of the fluid reservoir (800) and / or is arranged between the reservoir inlet (802) and the reservoir outlet (803), in particular in the reservoir volume (801).

29. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 28, wherein the disinfection device (1500) is integrated into the fluid reservoir (800), in particular the fluid tank (900).

30. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying device (700) has a pumping device (701) and / or a suction device (750).

31. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 30, wherein a conveying rate of the conveying device (700), in particular of the pumping device (701) and / or the suction device (750), can be adjusted by a user.

32. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 31 in combination with one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the pumping device (701) is arranged downstream of the reservoir outlet (803) and is configured to pump fluid (F) via the reservoir outlet (803) from the reservoir volume (801) through the fluid discharge (400), and / or wherein the suction device (750) is configured to generate a negative pressure within the fluid reservoir (800) in order to suck fluid (F) from the fluid receptacle (500) via the reservoir inlet (802) into the reservoir volume (801).

33. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the pumping device (701) comprises or is a hose pump (702) which, in order to pump the fluid (F), causes an external mechanical deformation of an elastic hose section (6021, 6024) of the fluid path (600).

34. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 33, wherein the elastic hose section (6021, 6024) can be removed, in particular without tools, from a housing (7021) of the hose pump (702) and / or separated from the hose pump (702).

35. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the suction device (750) has or is a suction turbine (751) which is designed to suck in air, in particular wherein the suction turbine (751) is preceded by a suction filter (753) which is designed to separate liquid and / or particles from the conveyed fluid (F).

36. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool device (300) has at least one tool (301) which is adapted to be used by means of at least one drive (302), in particular the tool device (300), for Execution of a tool movement, in particular oscillating, translatory, rotary and / or eccentric, to act on the surface (S, S').

37. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 36, wherein the at least one tool (301) is a scrubbing tool (303) for wet scrubbing the surface (S, S'), and wherein the surface cleaning device (1) is a scrubber-drier (1').

38. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the tool device (300) has at least one roller tool (304) which is rotationally driven about a horizontal axis of rotation.

39. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the tool device (300) has at least one disk tool (305, 305', 305") which is rotationally driven about a vertical axis of rotation (D', D").

40. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 39, wherein the tool device (300) has two disk tools (305', 305"), which are each driven in rotation about an axis of rotation (D', D") and in opposite directions to one another.

41. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 40, wherein the two disk tools (305', 305") generate a propulsion force (V) along a propulsion direction (R), wherein the propulsion force (V) supports or causes a movement of the surface cleaning device (1) during the wet cleaning of the surface (S, S').

42. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 41, wherein the axes of rotation (D', D") of the disk tools (305', 305") are slightly inclined to generate the propulsion force (V).

43. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 41 or 42, wherein, in order to generate the propulsive force (V), the disk tools (305', 305") are each subjected to an axial force (A) which is unevenly distributed and / or locally concentrated in the circumferential direction of the respective disk tool (305', 305").

44. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid dispenser (400) has at least one outlet opening (401), in particular arranged on the base part (200), through which fluid (F) exits for delivery onto the surface (S, S') and / or exits the fluid path (600).

45. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 44, wherein the at least one outlet opening (401) is arranged in the region of the tool device (300), in particular a tool (301) of the tool device (300).

46. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 44 or 45, wherein the at least one outlet opening (401) is directed towards a peripheral surface and / or an end face of a tool (301) of the tool device (300).

47. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 44 to 46, wherein a section of the fluid path (600) arranged upstream of the at least one outlet opening (401) is longitudinally extended through a cross section of a tool (301) of the tool device (300).

48. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the at least one outlet opening is arranged in relation to a direction of movement (B), in particular a / the direction of advance (V), of the base part (200) during wet cleaning of the surface (S, S') in front of the fluid receptacle (500), in particular a suction bar (501) of the fluid receptacle (500).

49. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the fluid dispenser (400) has a section (602), in particular a hose section (6021, 6022, 6023, 6024), of the fluid path (600), wherein the section (602), in particular a hose section (6021, 6022, 6023, 6024), is releasably fastened at its opposite ends, in particular without tools, and is exposed between the ends, in particular continuously.

50. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid path (600) between the fluid intake (500) and the fluid discharge (400) and / or between the fluid intake (500) and a / the fluid reservoir (800) and / or between a / the fluid reservoir (800) and the fluid discharge (400) is designed at least predominantly, preferably substantially completely, more preferably completely, as a hose line (6013, 6021, 6022, 6023, 6024) which can be removed, in particular without tools.

51. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid receptacle (500) has a suction bar (501) arranged and / or fastened to the base part (200), which rests on the surface (S, S') during wet cleaning.

52. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 51, wherein the suction bar (501) is movable relative to the tool device (300) and can be lifted off the surface (S, S').

53. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 51 or 52, wherein the suction bar (501) is curved longitudinally in a plane oriented parallel to the surface (S, S') and at least in sections around the tool device (300), in particular at least one tool (301) of the tool device (300).

54. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 53, wherein the suction bar (501) is arranged behind the fluid dispenser (400), in particular at least one outlet opening (401) of the fluid dispenser (400), with respect to a / the direction of movement (B), in particular a / the direction of advance (V), of the base part (200) during wet cleaning of the surface (S, S').

55. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the suction strip (501) has at least one first sealing lip (502) resting on the surface (S, S').

56. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 55, wherein the suction strip (501) has a second sealing lip (503) resting on the surface (S, S') and a suction channel (504) formed between the first sealing lip (502) and the second sealing lip (503), in particular wherein the second sealing lip (503) has recesses which each open into the suction channel (504).

57. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power supply device (1600) which is designed to supply at least the conveying device (700) and / or the tool device (300) with electrical operating energy.

58. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 57, wherein the energy supply device (1600) has at least one energy storage device (1601), in particular a rechargeable battery.

59. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the energy supply device (1600), in particular the at least one energy storage device (1601), is attached to the guide part (100) and / or to the base part (200), in particular removably.

60. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 57 to 59, wherein the energy supply device (1600), in particular the at least one energy storage device (1601), is a component of a / the carrying device (1000), wherein the carrying device (1000) is designed to be carried on the body of a user.

61. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a propulsion device (1700) which is designed to generate a propulsion force (V) along a propulsion direction (R), wherein the propulsion force (V) supports or causes a movement of the surface cleaning device (1) during the wet cleaning of the surface (S, S').

62. Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a connecting device (1800), by means of which the guide part (100), in particular the distal end (103) of the guide part (100), and the base part (200) are connected to one another so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein a / the direction of movement (B) of the base part (200) during the wet cleaning of the surface (S, S') is controllable by means of a movement of the guide part (100) relative to the base part (200).

63. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 62, wherein the connecting device (1800) forms a cardanic connection (1801) between the guide part (100), in particular the distal end (103) of the guide part, and the base part (200), whereby by means of a rotation of the guide part (100) about its longitudinal axis (101), the base part (200) can be rotated about its vertical axis (201) and in a rotation plane parallel to the surface (S, S') while resting on the surface (S, S') in order to control the direction of movement (B) of the base part (200), wherein the cardanic connection (1801) allows said controllability of the direction of movement (B) of the base part (200) with different orientations of the longitudinal axis (101) of the guide part (100) with respect to the vertical axis (201) of the base part (200).

64. Surface cleaning device (1) according to claim 63, wherein by means of a rotation of the guide part (100) the base part (200) can be rotated by at least 10°, preferably by at least 30°, further preferably by at least 45°, further preferably by at least 60°, further preferably by at least 90°, further preferably by at least 120°, further preferably by at least 150°, further preferably by at least 180°, further preferably by at least 210°, further preferably by at least 240°, further preferably by at least 270°, further preferably by at least 300°, further preferably by at least 330°, further preferably by at least 360°.

65. A fluid tank (900) for a surface cleaning device (1) for wet cleaning a surface (S, S'), the surface cleaning device (1) comprising a fluid dispenser (400) configured to dispense fluid (F) onto the surface (S, S'), and a fluid receptacle (500) configured to receive fluid (F) dispensed onto the surface (S, S') by means of the fluid dispenser (400), from the surface (S, S'), wherein the fluid tank (900) comprises: a tank volume (901), a tank outlet (903) configured for fluid-conducting connection to the fluid dispenser (400) of the surface cleaning device (1), and a tank inlet (902) configured for fluid-conducting connection to the fluid receptacle (500) of the surface cleaning device (1), wherein the tank inlet (902) and the tank outlet (903) are connected via the tank volume (901) are connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner, whereby the fluid tank (900) enables a return of fluid from the surface (S,S') absorbed fluid (F) to the fluid discharge (400) of the surface cleaning device (1).

66. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 65, wherein the fluid tank (900) is designed for, in particular removable, attachment to an elongated guide part (100) of the surface cleaning device (1) and / or on a base part (200) of the Surface cleaning device (1), in particular wherein the guide part (100) extends longitudinally between a proximal end (102) and a distal end (103) and is designed for manually guiding the surface cleaning device (1) over the surface (S, S') to be treated, and wherein the base part (200) is connected to the distal end (103) of the guide part (100).

67. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 65 or 66, wherein the fluid tank (900) is designed to be carried on the body of a user and / or to be attached to a carrying device (1000), wherein the carrying device (1000) is designed to be carried on the body of the user.

68. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 67, wherein the tank volume (901) is a maximum of 10 liters, preferably a maximum of 8 liters, preferably a maximum of 6 liters, preferably a maximum of 5 liters, preferably a maximum of 4 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters, preferably a maximum of 2 liters, particularly preferably between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters.

69. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 68, wherein the fluid tank (900), in particular its tank volume (901) and / or a tank shell (904) forming the tank volume (901), is designed in the form of an elongated hollow cylinder (905), in particular a tube (906), and / or is made of plastic (K).

70. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 69, wherein the fluid tank (900), in particular its tank volume (901) and / or a tank shell (904) forming the tank volume (901), has a plurality of parts (9041, 9042, 9043, 9044), in particular hollow cylinder sections and / or pipe sections, which are joined together, in particular plugged together, in a fluid-tight manner along a longitudinal axis (912) of the fluid tank (900).

71. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 70, wherein the plurality of parts (9041, 9042, 9043, 9044) are detachably joined together, in particular plugged together.

72. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 71, wherein the fluid tank (900), in particular a tank shell (904) forming the tank volume (901), is made at least in sections, preferably completely, from a transparent material (T), in particular plastic (K).

73. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 72, further comprising a blocking device (1100) which can be transferred, in particular switched, between a release state and a blocking state, wherein in the release state the fluid-conducting connection between the tank inlet (902) and the tank outlet (903) is released, and wherein in the blocking state the tank volume (901) is divided by means of the blocking device (1100) into a fluid discharge tank volume (9011), which has the tank outlet (903) and is separated from the tank inlet (902), and a fluid receiving tank volume (9012), which has the tank inlet (902) and is separated from the tank outlet (903).

74. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 73, wherein the blocking device (1100) comprises at least one fluid control element (1101), in particular a switching valve.

75. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 74, further comprising a separation device (1300) which is arranged to separate dirt from fluid (F) flowing between the tank inlet (902) and the tank outlet (903).

76. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 75, wherein the separation device (1300) comprises or is at least one filter device (1301).

77. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 76, wherein the filter device (1301) is arranged, in particular directly, downstream of the tank inlet (902) in the tank volume (901).

78. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 76 or 77, wherein the filter device (1301) is arranged, in particular directly, upstream of the tank outlet (903) in the tank volume (901).

79. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 76 to 78, wherein the filter device (1300) has a coarse filter (1305) for filtering coarse dirt and a fine filter (1306) for filtering fine dirt, in particular wherein the coarse filter (1305) and the fine filter (1306) are arranged in series.

80. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 76 to 79, wherein the filter device (1301) is removable from the tank volume (901) through a closable opening of the fluid tank (900) and / or is fastened to a tank lid (907, 908) of the fluid tank (900).

81. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 76 to 80, wherein the filter device (1301) has at least one sieve filter (1304) whose mesh size is between 0.06 mm and 0.7 mm, preferably between 0.09 mm and 0.3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.125 mm and 0.25 mm.

82. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 76 to 81, further comprising a filter cleaning device (1320, 1320", 1320") which is arranged to clean the filter device (1301).

83. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 82, wherein the filter cleaning device (1320, 1320", 1320") has a cleaning element (1321, 132T, 1321") that is movable relative to the filter device (1301), in particular rotationally and / or translationally, and a movement mechanism (1322, 1322", 1322") for moving the cleaning element (1321, 132T, 1321").

84. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 83, wherein the movement mechanism (1322, 1322') is configured to be manually driven by a user.

85. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 83 or 84, wherein the movement mechanism (1322, 1322") is configured for automatic drive by means of flowing fluid (F).

86. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 83 to 85, wherein the cleaning element (1321, 132T, 1321") has a scraping element (1326', 1326") which is designed to scrape a surface (1308) of the filter device (1301).

87. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 75 to 86, wherein the separation device (1300) comprises or is a centrifuging device (1350) which is arranged to centrifuge fluid (F) flowing between the tank inlet (902) and the tank outlet (903).

88. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 87, wherein the centrifuging device (1350) has a fluid guide element (1351, 1352, 1353) which is designed to set the flowing fluid (F) in rotation, in particular wherein the fluid guide element (1351, 1352, 1353) is integrated in a tank lid (907, 908) of the fluid tank (900).

89. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 88, wherein the fluid guide element (1353) is rotationally movable with respect to the tank inlet (902) and / or the tank outlet (903).

90. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 89, further comprising a disinfection device (1500) which is designed to disinfect the tank volume (901) and / or fluid (F) located in the tank volume (901), in particular wherein the disinfection device (1500) is arranged between the tank inlet (902) and the tank outlet (903).

91. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 90, wherein the disinfection device (1500) comprises a UV light source (1501, 150T).

92. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 91, wherein the UV light source (150T) is arranged in the tank volume (901) and / or on a tank lid (907, 908) of the fluid tank (900).

93. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 91 or 92, wherein the UV light source (1501) is arranged outside the tank volume (901), in particular wherein by means of the UV light source (1501) emitted UV light (1502) through a UV-transparent section of the fluid tank (900) is directed into the tank volume (901) or, in particular by means of a light guide and / or reflector, is guided into the tank volume (901).

94. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 93, wherein the fluid tank (900) and / or the tank volume (901) is closed or closable, whereby the fluid tank (900) can be subjected to a negative pressure in order to suck fluid (F) through the tank inlet (902) into the fluid tank (900).

95. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 94, further comprising a connecting section (909) which is designed for mechanical and / or fluid-conducting connection to a suction device (750), in particular a suction turbine (751), of the surface cleaning device (1), wherein the fluid tank (900) and / or the tank volume (901) is closed or closable, whereby a negative pressure for sucking fluid (F) through the tank inlet (902) into the fluid tank (900) can be generated by means of the suction device (750), in particular the suction turbine (751).

96. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 95, wherein the connecting section (909) is arranged at a proximal end (910) of the fluid tank (900) and / or when used as intended, in particular when wet cleaning the surface (S, S') by means of the surface cleaning device (1), above a tank volume in the fluid tank (901) located liquid level (P).

97. A fluid tank (900) for a surface cleaning device (1) for wet cleaning a surface (S, S'), the surface cleaning device (1) comprising a fluid dispenser (400) configured to dispense fluid (F) onto the surface (S, S'), and a fluid receptacle (500) configured to receive fluid (F) dispensed onto the surface (S, S') by means of the fluid dispenser (400), from the surface (S, S'), wherein the fluid tank (900) comprises: a tank volume (901), a tank outlet (903) configured for fluid-conducting connection to the fluid dispenser (400) of the surface cleaning device (1), a tank inlet (902) configured for fluid-conducting connection to the fluid receptacle (500) of the surface cleaning device (1), and a separating device (1200) by means of which the tank inlet (902) and the tank outlet (903) are separated in a fluid-tight manner and the tank volume (901) is divided to form a fluid discharge tank volume (9011) and a fluid receiving tank volume (9012), wherein the fluid dispensing tank volume (9011) has the tank outlet (903) and is separated from the tank inlet (902), wherein the fluid receiving tank volume (9012) has the tank inlet (902) and is separated from the tank outlet (903), and wherein the separating device (1200) is movable relative to the tank inlet (902) and / or the tank outlet (903) such that the fluid receiving tank volume (9012) increases upon movement of the separating device (1200) and the fluid dispensing tank volume (9011), in particular equally, decreases and / or vice versa.

98. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 97, wherein the separating device (1200) is configured such that an outflow of fluid (F) from the fluid discharge tank volume (9011) and / or an inflow of fluid (F) into the fluid receiving tank volume (9012) causes the movement of the separating device (1200).

99. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 97 or 98, wherein the separating device (1200) has a separating element (1201) which bears relatively movably and fluid-tight against an inner wall (913) of the fluid tank (900), wherein a relative movement of the separating element (1201) is accompanied by a change in the fluid discharge tank volume (9011) and the fluid receiving tank volume (9012).

100. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 99, wherein the separating element (1201) is relatively movable in translation.

101. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 99 or 100, wherein the separating element (1201) is relatively movable along a longitudinal axis (912) of the fluid tank (900), in particular wherein the separating element (1201) is relatively movable over a movement distance which is at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, of a total length of the fluid tank (900), in particular of the tank volume (901).

102. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 99 to 101, wherein the separating element (1201) has a disc-shaped and / or plate-shaped base body (1202).

103. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 99 to 102, wherein the separating element (1201) has at least one sealing element on its outer contour facing the inner wall (913) (1203, 1204), preferably two axially spaced sealing elements (1203, 1204).

104. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 97 to 98, wherein the separating device (1200) has an elastically deformable separating element (1210), in particular a sealing membrane (1211), which is fastened in a fluid-tight manner to an inner wall (913) of the fluid tank (900), wherein an elastic deformation of the separating element (1210) is accompanied by a change in the fluid discharge tank volume (9011) and the fluid receiving tank volume (9012).

105. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 97 to 104, wherein the tank volume is fixed.

106. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 97 to 105, wherein the tank volume (901) is a maximum of 10 liters, preferably a maximum of 8 liters, preferably a maximum of 6 liters, preferably a maximum of 5 liters, preferably a maximum of 4 liters, preferably a maximum of 3 liters, preferably a maximum of 2 liters, particularly preferably between 0.5 liters and 2.0 liters.

107. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 97 to 106, wherein the separating device (1200) is transferable between a connected state and a separated state, wherein in the connected state the fluid-tight separation between the tank inlet (902) and the tank outlet (903) is eliminated, and wherein in the separated state the fluid-tight separation is formed between the tank inlet (902) and the tank outlet (903).

108. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 107, wherein the separating device (1200), in particular the separating element (1201, 1210), has at least one fluid control element (1101), in particular a switching valve.

109. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 107 or 108, wherein the separating device (1200), in particular the separating element (1201, 1210), has a separating device (1300) which is designed to separate dirt from fluid flowing from the fluid receiving tank volume (9012) into the fluid discharge tank volume (9011) and / or wherein the separating device (1200), in particular the separating element (1201, 1210), has a disinfecting device (1500) which is designed to disinfect the fluid receiving tank volume (9012), the fluid discharge tank volume (9011) and / or fluid flowing between the tank inlet (902) and the tank outlet (903).

110. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 97 to 109, wherein the fluid tank (900) is designed for, in particular detachable, attachment to an elongated guide part (100) of the surface cleaning device (1) and / or a base part (200) of the surface cleaning device (1), in particular wherein the guide part (100) is elongated between a proximal end (102) and a distal end (103) and is designed for manually guiding the surface cleaning device (1) over the surface (S, S'), and wherein the base part (200) is connected to the distal end (103) of the guide part (100).

111. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 97 to 110, wherein the fluid tank (900) is designed to be carried on the body of a user and / or to be attached to a carrying device (1000), wherein the carrying device (1000) is designed to be carried on the body of the user.

112. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 97 to 111, wherein the fluid tank (900), in particular its tank volume (901) and / or a tank shell (904) forming the tank volume (901), is designed in the form of an elongated hollow cylinder (905), in particular a tube (106), and / or is made of plastic (K).

113. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 97 to 112, wherein the fluid tank (900), in particular its tank volume (901) and / or a tank shell (904) forming the tank volume (901), has a plurality of parts (9041, 9042, 9043, 9044), in particular hollow cylinder sections and / or pipe sections, which are joined together, in particular plugged together, in a fluid-tight manner along a longitudinal axis (912) of the fluid tank (900).

114. Fluid tank (900) according to claim 113, wherein the plurality of parts (9041, 9042, 9043, 9044) are detachably joined together, in particular plugged together.

115. Fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 97 to 114, wherein the fluid tank (900), in particular a tank shell (904) forming the tank volume (901), is made at least in sections, preferably completely, from a transparent material (T), in particular plastic (K).

116. Surface cleaning system (10) with a base station (2000) and a Surface cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 64 and / or a surface cleaning device (1) with a fluid tank (900) according to one of claims 65 to 115, wherein the base station (2000) is designed to receive the surface cleaning device (1) and has a fluid device (2100) which is designed to empty, fill and / or rinse the fluid path (600) and / or the fluid tank (900) of the surface cleaning device (1).

117. Surface cleaning system (10) according to claim 116, wherein the fluid device (2100) comprises a fluid connection device (2110) which is configured for fluid-conducting connection to the fluid path (600), the fluid intake (500), the fluid discharge (400) and / or the fluid tank (900) of the surface cleaning device (1).

118. Surface cleaning system (10) according to claim 116 or 117, wherein the fluid device (2100) comprises a tank device (2120) with a dirty water tank (2121), a fresh water tank (2122) and / or a rinse water tank (2123).

119. Surface cleaning system (10) according to one of claims 116 to 118, wherein the base station (2000) has a holding device (2200) which is designed for releasable mechanical coupling to the surface cleaning device (1), in particular the guide part (100) and / or the base part (200) of the surface cleaning device (1), and by means of which the surface cleaning device (1), in particular during a movement of the base station (2000), is held on the base station (2000).

120. Surface cleaning system (10) according to one of claims 116 to 119, wherein the base station (2000) has a movement device (2300) which enables a manually or motor-driven movement of the base station (2000).

121. Method (3000) for wet cleaning a surface (S, S') by means of a surface cleaning device (1), comprising the steps: Dispensing (3100) fluid (F) onto the surface (S, S') by means of a fluid dispenser (400) of the surface cleaning device (1); Collecting (3200) the discharged fluid (F) by means of a fluid receptacle (500) of the surface cleaning device (1); Conveying (3300) the absorbed fluid (F) by means of a conveying device (700) of the surface cleaning device (1), wherein the fluid (F) is conveyed along a fluid path (600) of the surface cleaning device (1), which connects the fluid intake (500) to the return of the absorbed fluid (F) to the fluid discharge (400) with the fluid discharge (400) fluid-conductingly connected; Dispensing (3400) the returned fluid (F) onto the surface (S, S') by means of the fluid discharge (400).

122. Adapter device (4000) for converting a surface cleaning device (1 b) without liquid recirculation into a surface cleaning device (1 b') with liquid recirculation, the adapter device (4000) having at least one adapter fluid inlet (4200), one adapter fluid outlet (4300) and one adapter fluid path (4400) which fluidically connects the adapter fluid outlet (4300) to the adapter fluid inlet (4200), wherein the adapter fluid inlet (4200) is configured for fluidically connecting to a fluid receptacle (500) of the surface cleaning device (1 b), and wherein the adapter fluid outlet (4300) is configured for fluidically connecting to a fluid discharge (400) of the surface cleaning device (1 b).

123. Adapter device (4000) according to claim 122, wherein the adapter device (4000) is designed in the form of an adapter tank, in particular wherein the adapter tank is designed for attachment to the surface cleaning device (1b) instead of a fresh water tank and / or a dirty water tank.

124. Adapter device (4000) according to claim 122 or 123, wherein the adapter fluid inlet (4200) is arranged for fluid-conducting connection to a tank outlet (903) of a fluid tank (900), preferably according to one of claims 65 to 96 and / or according to one of claims 97 to 114.

125. Adapter device (4000) according to one of claims 122 to 124, further comprising a fastening section (4100) which is designed for releasable fastening to the surface cleaning device (1 b) to be converted.

126. Adapter device (4000) according to one of claims 122 to 125, further comprising a base body (4500), wherein the fastening section (4100), the at least one adapter fluid inlet (4200), the adapter fluid outlet (4300) and / or the adapter fluid path (4400) are arranged and / or formed on the base body (4500).

127. Adapter device (4000) according to claim 126, wherein the base body (4500) has an upper side (4501) and a lower side (4502) which are axially opposite, wherein the at least one adapter fluid inlet (4200) is arranged on the top side (4501) and the adapter fluid outlet (4300) is arranged on the bottom side (4502).

128. Adapter device (4000) according to claim 126 or 127, wherein the at least one adapter fluid inlet (4200) and the adapter fluid outlet (4300) are arranged offset from one another with respect to a longitudinal axis (4001) of the adapter device (4000) aligned orthogonally to the axial direction, in particular wherein the adapter fluid inlet (4200) is offset to the front and the adapter fluid outlet (4300) is offset to the rear.

129. Adapter device (4000) according to one of claims 125 to 128, wherein the fastening section (4100) is designed for releasable, positive fastening to a guide part (100) of the surface cleaning device (1b).

130. Adapter device (4000) according to claim 129, wherein the fastening section (4100) has a receiving recess (4101) which extends axially from the upper side (4501) to the lower side (4502) of the base body (4500) and is shaped complementarily to a cross section of the guide part (100), and a plug-in slot (4102) which opens radially into the receiving recess (4101), whereby the adapter device (4000) can be plugged radially onto the guide part (100).

131. Adapter device (4000) according to one of claims 122 to 130, wherein the at least one adapter fluid inlet (4100) has a self-closing fluid connector (4201) which is designed for plug-in connection with a complementary fluid connector (9031) of the fluid tank (900), and / or wherein the adapter fluid outlet (4300) has a self-closing fluid connector (4301) which is designed for plug-in connection with a complementary fluid connector (6025) of the surface cleaning device (1b).

132. Adapter device (4000) according to one of claims 122 to 131, further comprising a further adapter fluid inlet (4600) which is adapted for fluid-conducting connection with a Tank outlet (953) of an additional tank (950) is arranged, and a fluid control element (4700) which is movable between a first position (S1) and a second position (S2), wherein in the first position (S1) the adapter fluid inlet (4200) is fluidically connected to the adapter fluid outlet (4300) and the further adapter fluid inlet (4600) is separated from the adapter fluid outlet (4300), and wherein in the second position (S2) the further adapter fluid inlet (4600) is fluidly connected to the adapter fluid outlet (4300) and the adapter fluid inlet (4200) is separated from the adapter fluid outlet (4300).

133. Adapter device (4000) according to claim 132, wherein the fluid control element (4700) allows a multi-stage, preferably stepless, adjustment between the first position (S1) and the second position (S2), whereby liquid from the additional tank (950) can be mixed into the liquid return in several stages, preferably steplessly.

134. Adapter device (4000) according to one of claims 122 to 133, further comprising a pumping device (701 ') which is arranged to pump liquid along the Adapter fluid path (4400), and / or a filter device (1301') which is configured to filter liquid flowing along the adapter fluid path (4400), and / or a drive unit (1333') which is configured to drive a filter cleaning device (1320, 1320', 1320") of the fluid tank (900), and / or an energy store (1601') which is configured to supply electrical energy to at least one device of the adapter device (4000), a device of the fluid tank (900) and / or a device of the surface cleaning device (1b'), and / or a detection device (1400') which is configured to detect a degree of contamination of the liquid and / or the filter device (1301, 130T), and / or a disinfection device (1500') which is configured to disinfect liquid flowing along the adapter fluid path (4400) flowing liquid.

135. Kit comprising an adapter device (4000) according to any one of claims 122 to 134 and further comprising a fluid tank (900) according to any one of claims 65 to 96 and / or according to any one of claims 97 to 114 and / or further comprising a surface cleaning device (1b), wherein the surface cleaning device (1b) has no liquid return.

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