EP3482669B1 - Wet cleaning device for cleaning a surface - Google Patents

Wet cleaning device for cleaning a surface Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3482669B1
EP3482669B1 EP18204770.4A EP18204770A EP3482669B1 EP 3482669 B1 EP3482669 B1 EP 3482669B1 EP 18204770 A EP18204770 A EP 18204770A EP 3482669 B1 EP3482669 B1 EP 3482669B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wet cleaning
cleaning device
wet
displacement
electrical contacts
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP18204770.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3482669A1 (en
Inventor
Gerhard Isenberg
Roman Ortmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH
Original Assignee
Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH filed Critical Vorwerk and Co Interholding GmbH
Publication of EP3482669A1 publication Critical patent/EP3482669A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3482669B1 publication Critical patent/EP3482669B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4052—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface
    • A47L11/4055—Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface for lifting the tools to a non-working position
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4002—Installations of electric equipment
    • A47L11/4005—Arrangements of batteries or cells; Electric power supply arrangements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4011—Regulation of the cleaning machine by electric means; Control systems and remote control systems therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4063—Driving means; Transmission means therefor
    • A47L11/4066—Propulsion of the whole machine
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4091—Storing or parking devices, arrangements therefor; Means allowing transport of the machine when it is not being used
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/02—Docking stations; Docking operations
    • A47L2201/022—Recharging of batteries
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/04—Automatic control of the travelling movement; Automatic obstacle detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
    • A47L2201/06—Control of the cleaning action for autonomous devices; Automatic detection of the surface condition before, during or after cleaning

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a wet cleaning device with a cleaning element for mechanical wet cleaning of a surface to be cleaned and a part of the device supporting the wet cleaning device relative to the surface, wherein the wet cleaning device has a displacement device which is set up to automatically change a position depending on a state of movement and/or an error status of the wet cleaning device Displacement of the cleaning element relative to the device sub-area, or vice versa, so that the cleaning element can be displaced from a usage position lowered onto the surface into a spaced-apart position lifted off the surface.
  • the invention also relates to a set consisting of a wet cleaning device of the aforementioned type and a base station for charging a rechargeable battery of the wet cleaning device, the wet cleaning device being an automatically moving cleaning robot, the wet cleaning device and the base station having electrical contacts that correspond to one another.
  • wet cleaning devices of the aforementioned type are known in the prior art in a large number of different embodiments.
  • the wet cleaning devices can be, for example, wet cleaning devices whose cleaning element is a cleaning cloth that acts on a surface.
  • the cleaning element can be arranged, for example, on a roller rotating about an essentially horizontal or vertical axis of rotation or on a carrier plate oriented essentially parallel to the surface to be cleaned.
  • the wet cleaning device can be embodied as a wet cleaning device that can be guided by hand by a user, or also as an automatically moving wet cleaning device of the type of an autonomous cleaning robot.
  • the cleaning task performed by the wet cleaning device is a wet wipe cleaning, in particular with the application of a cleaning agent to the cleaning element or the surface to be cleaned.
  • polishing devices or similar devices can also be understood, which carry out mechanical processing of a surface with the supply of liquid.
  • a wet cleaning device discloses, for example, the WO 02/062194 A1 .
  • the disadvantage of the aforementioned wet cleaning devices is that the cleaning element is usually always in contact with the surface to be cleaned. If the cleaning is interrupted or even stopped, damage to the surface can occur due to the cleaning agent acting on the surface to be cleaned for too long. In particular, it is possible for a damp cleaning element to lie on the surface to be cleaned for a longer period of time, thereby causing the surface to swell. There is a particular risk of swelling if the surface is a wooden floor.
  • the displacement device be assigned a detection device which is set up to distinguish between a standstill of the wet cleaning device and a movement of the wet cleaning device, with the displacement device being set up to cause the cleaning element to be displaced into the distance position when a standstill is detected and/or that the detection device is set up to determine an amount of a current speed of movement of the wet cleaning device relative to the surface and to compare the amount with a threshold value stored in a memory, wherein the displacement device is set up to shift the cleaning element into the distance position if it falls below this of the threshold value.
  • the height of the cleaning element can be displaced, namely at least partially in a direction which is not oriented parallel to the surface of the surface. If, for example, the wet cleaning device stands motionless on the surface to be cleaned for a long time and/or has an error status, especially in the case of a mobile robot, is stuck or stops due to the battery being completely discharged, the cleaning element is automatically, in particular completely, removed from the surface picked up. This prevents damage to the surface, for example by a cleaning element that is damp and/or covered with a cleaning agent. For example, it can no longer happen that a floor covering on the surface swells due to a damp cleaning element.
  • the wet cleaning device can, for example, be one of the displacement devices have an associated control device, which generates a control command that actuates a mechanism for lifting the cleaning element from the surface.
  • the cleaning element can be displaced, for example, by pivoting or displacing the cleaning element relative to the device section or by pivoting or displacing the device section relative to the cleaning element. Which element, ie the cleaning element or the partial area of the device, is shifted from the shifting device to the other is irrelevant for the desired effect. The relative movement of the elements to one another is essential.
  • the cleaning element and/or the partial area of the device is preferably moved by motor using an electric motor or by the released restoring force of a spring element assigned to the displacement device or also pneumatically, for example by using an air flow from a blower device of the wet cleaning device.
  • the wet cleaning device has a detection device which is set up to distinguish a standstill of the wet cleaning device from a movement of the wet cleaning device, the displacement device being set up to cause a displacement of the cleaning element into the distance position when a standstill is detected.
  • there are at least two different states of movement of the wet cleaning device namely movement and non-movement. If the wet cleaning device moves at a speed of zero, ie is stationary, the displacement device causes the cleaning element to be lifted off the surface and/or prevents the cleaning element from being placed on the surface. If a non-zero speed of advance is detected, the cleaning element is not removed from the surface, rather the cleaning element can remain in contact with the surface or be lowered onto the surface. In particular, the cleaning element remains in its previous position of use, in which the cleaning element is lowered onto the surface to be cleaned.
  • the detection device can be set up to determine an amount of a current speed of movement of the wet cleaning device relative to the surface and to compare the amount with a threshold value stored in a memory, with the displacement device being set up to shift the cleaning element into the distance position if it falls below this value of the threshold value.
  • the threshold value has the value zero, so that all movement speeds determined that are greater or smaller than 0 m/s are evaluated as a movement of the wet cleaning device relative to the surface and thus no lifting of the cleaning element from the surface he follows.
  • the threshold value for preventing the cleaning element from acting on the surface for too long can also be defined as not equal to zero, so that movements with speeds that are not equal to 0 m/s are, however, so low that the resulting exposure time could lead to damage on a part of the surface, are also evaluated as a standstill and thus cause the cleaning element to lift off the surface.
  • a threshold can for example, at a rate of travel of 10 mm/s or less.
  • the detection device thus compares a measured current speed amount with the threshold value, whereupon a control device of the wet cleaning device assigned to the displacement device generates a control command for raising the cleaning element, or not.
  • the defined threshold value can be stored in a memory of the wet cleaning device, which can be accessed by the detection device.
  • several threshold values can also be defined, which can be used for comparison by the detection device depending on, for example, different types of cleaning elements, cleaning types, cleaning agents, floor types and/or moisture levels of the cleaning element.
  • the displacement device is assigned to a means of locomotion of the wet cleaning device, which contacts the surface in a normal position of use.
  • the means of transportation can in particular be a wheel of the wet cleaning device.
  • the wheel can be a drive wheel of the wet cleaning device or just a guide or support wheel, which rotates as the wet cleaning device moves over a surface to be cleaned.
  • the means of locomotion can also be designed in the manner of a skid.
  • the displacement device assigned to the means of locomotion can have a pivoting mechanism, a sliding mechanism or the like, in particular also an actuator, particularly preferably an electric motor or a spring element.
  • the displacement device can in particular be associated with a suspension for the means of locomotion, for example a wheel suspension.
  • the suspension can have a telescoping linkage, for example.
  • the displacement device can in particular have direct mechanical contact with the means of locomotion, the displacement device preferably being a displacement of one or more means of locomotion Caused beyond a lower housing contour of the wet cleaning device in the direction of the surface. As a result, the wet cleaning device is jacked up on the surface together with the cleaning element.
  • the displacement device can be assigned to a means of locomotion in any partial area of the wet cleaning device, provided that it is ensured that the cleaning element is lifted off the surface to be cleaned when the displacement device is actuated.
  • a previously proposed detection device for detecting a movement and/or speed of movement of the wet cleaning device can be assigned to a means of locomotion of the wet cleaning device.
  • the detection device can be, for example, a rotational speed measuring device or an odometry measuring device, which detects a rotation of a wheel of the wet cleaning device. If a distinction is only to be made between movement and non-movement, without determining an amount of speed, the wet cleaning device can alternatively also have an acceleration sensor, by means of which it can be detected whether the wet cleaning device is currently stationary or is moving relative to the environment.
  • the detection device be suitable for measuring a parameter which allows the current speed of movement of the wet cleaning device to be calculated. If the determined speed of movement falls below a defined threshold value, the displacement device can cause the cleaning element to be lifted off a surface.
  • the displacement device is assigned to a support element of the wet cleaning device, which does not contact the surface in a normal position of use of the wet cleaning device.
  • the support element can, for example, be designed as an elongated stand, similar to a bicycle stand, which, in contrast to a means of locomotion of the wet cleaning device, is not suitable for moving on the surface to be cleaned, but only allows support when the wet cleaning device is at a standstill. That
  • the support element can be pivoted, displaced or extended relative to the device section supported on the surface.
  • the support element can be pivoted about a pivot axis on the device section.
  • the displacement of the support element causes an increase in the ground clearance of the wet cleaning device and thus also an increase in the distance between the cleaning element and the surface to be cleaned.
  • the support element is arranged on a linear displacement device, for example mounted on a sliding link or rail.
  • the cleaning element be held displaceably on a fixed part of the wet cleaning device by means of a displacement device.
  • the wet cleaning device maintains its distance from the surface and its height on the surface. Only the cleaning element arranged inside and/or below the housing of the wet cleaning device is displaced relative to the housing and/or another fixed part of the device, such as a chassis.
  • This design can be particularly advantageous to prevent the wet cleaning device, for example, under getting stuck on a low obstacle such as a closet or a bed when the cleaning element is lifted off the surface.
  • a spring element can be assigned to the displacement device, the restoring force of which is directed in the direction of the distance position of the cleaning element lifted off the surface.
  • the spring element can be assigned, for example, to the means of transportation or the support element of the wet cleaning device, or also to a mechanism that displaces the cleaning element relative to the fixed part of the device.
  • the spacing of the cleaning element is supported by the restoring force of the spring element.
  • a spring-loaded suspension of a means of transportation, in particular a wheel suspension can have a restoring force that is higher than usual.
  • the restoring force of the spring element is preferably directed in a direction that points away from the surface to be cleaned, so that, for example, in the event of a malfunction in the power supply of the wet cleaning device, for example caused by a completely empty battery, the cleaning element can be displaced from comes away from the surface and there is no risk that the cleaning element will remain in contact with the surface unintentionally.
  • the preferred position of the cleaning element or the displacement device is therefore preferably the distance position away from the surface. Accordingly, lowering the cleaning element onto the surface must preferably be carried out actively.
  • the wet cleaning device has a moisture sensor that detects a degree of moisture in the cleaning element, with the displacement device being set up to additionally control the displacement of the cleaning element as a function of the detected degree of moisture.
  • the relocation of the cleaning element is thus made dependent on the detection result of a moisture sensor, which determines the degree of moisture in the cleaning element and only when, for example, the wet cleaning device is at a standstill or is moving at too low a speed of movement of the cleaning element from the Area caused away when the cleaning element actually has a moisture level that exceeds a critical moisture threshold.
  • a completely dry cleaning element can remain on the surface or be lowered onto it, even when the wet cleaning device is at a standstill.
  • the invention also proposes a set consisting of a wet cleaning device of the aforementioned type and a base station for charging an accumulator of the wet cleaning device, the wet cleaning device being an automatically moving cleaning robot, and the wet cleaning device and the base station having electrical contacts that correspond to one another.
  • the wet cleaning device and/or the base station have at least three electrical contacts, with a control device of the wet cleaning device and/or a control device of the base station being set up to charge the battery at least two of the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device or the base station Variable polarity reversal depending on a distance between the electrical contacts and the surface.
  • the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device and/or the electrical contacts the base station are arranged displaceably on the wet cleaning device and/or the base station, wherein a control device of the wet cleaning device and/or a control device of the base station is set up to relocate the electrical contacts for charging the accumulator depending on a distance between the electrical contacts and the surface.
  • the charging capacity of the accumulator of the wet cleaning device is ensured in that at least one additional, third charging contact is kept ready in a position on the wet cleaning device that is higher than two other electrical contacts.
  • the additional third charging contact can also be formed on the base station.
  • the positions, in particular heights, of the electrical contacts correspond to the known positions of the housing of the wet cleaning device during a lowered use position and during a spaced-apart position of the cleaning element lifted off the surface.
  • the control device is set up to switch the electrical contacts accordingly, namely to reverse the polarity relative to one another in such a way that the same polarity is on the same level and can therefore be connected to one another.
  • the electrical contacts can, for example also be assigned a detection device, which detects the polarity of the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device or the base station and reverses the polarity of the corresponding electrical contacts of the base station or the wet cleaning device accordingly.
  • both the base station and the wet cleaning device can each have only two electrical contacts in the usual way, but then at least the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device or the electrical contacts of the base station can be shifted in relation to their height position.
  • the electrical contacts of the base station can be adjusted to a changed height position of the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device.
  • FIG 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wet cleaning device 1 according to the invention.
  • the wet cleaning device 1 is designed here as an automatically moving wiping robot for cleaning a surface 3 .
  • the wet cleaning device has a housing forming a fixed part 9 of the device, a cleaning element 2 and several means of transportation 7 (of which in figure 1 only one is visible).
  • the cleaning element 2 is usually mounted directly or indirectly on a fixed part 9 of the device, such as the housing or a chassis, via a carrier or a holding device.
  • the cleaning element 2 can be a wiping cloth, in particular a microfiber cloth, which is detachably attached to a carrier plate.
  • the carrier plate can in turn be arranged on an oscillating plate which particularly preferably moves in circular oscillating movements over the surface 3 to be cleaned.
  • the cleaning element 2 could also be arranged on a rotating roller, which rotates about a preferably horizontal axis.
  • figure 1 shows a normal position of use of the cleaning element 2, in which the cleaning element 2 rests on the surface 3 in order to be able to clean it mechanically.
  • a cleaning liquid for example water, is usually used for cleaning.
  • the cleaning liquid can also contain an additional cleaning agent which contains a surfactant or the like which enhances the cleaning effect.
  • the cleaning liquid can either be applied directly to the surface 3 to be cleaned and/or to the cleaning element 2.
  • Moistening is preferably carried out by means of an automatic moistening device of the wet cleaning device 1.
  • the wet cleaning device 1 can move autonomously on the surface 3 by means of the means of locomotion 7.
  • the means of transportation 7 are preferably motor-driven wheels.
  • the term means of transport 7 should also include means that do not are actively driven, but serve to move the wet cleaning device 1. This includes, for example, support wheels, skids and the like.
  • the autonomous movement of the wet cleaning device 1 is supported here by a navigation and self-localization device of the wet cleaning device 1, which includes a detection device 6, which is designed here as a distance measuring device.
  • the detection device 6 measures distances to objects in the area surrounding the wet cleaning device 1 and can use this to create a map of the area, which the wet cleaning device 1 can use to orient itself during autonomous movement through rooms in order to avoid a collision with obstacles, to reach a specific destination and the like.
  • the Figures 2a and 2b first show a first embodiment in which the cleaning element 2 can be displaced relative to the fixed part 9 of the device and relative to the means of transportation 7 .
  • the means of transportation 7 are each a part of the device 4 , which always maintains contact with the surface 3 and supports the wet cleaning device 1 with respect to the surface 3 .
  • the wet cleaning device 1 has two locomotion means 7 designed as drive wheels and two pairs of support wheels, which only rotate passively when the wet cleaning device 1 moves.
  • the cleaning element 2 is by means of a displacement device 5 relative to the means of transportation 7 supported on the surface 3 and thus also displaceable relative to the surface 3, ie can be lifted off the surface 3 into a distance position or placed on the surface 3 for the position of use.
  • the displacement device 5 here has a sliding mechanism 18 driven by an electric motor 17 which can move the cleaning element 2 up and down relative to the surface 3 .
  • the sliding mechanism 18 is assigned a spring element 10, the restoring force of which acts in the direction of the distance position of the cleaning element 2 lifted from the surface 3, so that if the wet cleaning device 1 has an error status, for example due to a complete failure of the energy supply of the wet cleaning device 1, the cleaning element 2 will automatically move comes away from face 3.
  • the illustrated position of use of the cleaning element 2 thus requires an actively executed lowering by means of the displacement device 5.
  • the displacement device 5 also has a control device (not shown), which issues a control command for the electric motor 17, which in turn actuates the sliding mechanism 18.
  • the displacement device 5, namely its control device, is set up in such a way that the cleaning element 2 is displaced as a function of a state of movement and/or an error status of the wet cleaning device 1.
  • the state of movement is to be understood as meaning whether the wet cleaning device 1 is currently moving relative to the surface 3 or is standing still on it, and/or at what speed of movement the wet cleaning device 1 is moving over the surface 3 .
  • An error status can be, for example, a state of the wet cleaning device 1 stuck on or under an obstacle, a completely discharged accumulator, so that no more energy is available for the electric motor of the means of transport 7 and the like.
  • an error status also manifests itself as a "standstill" movement status.
  • an error status can be an error which does not relate to the movement of the wet cleaning device 1 but, for example, to the proper functioning of a cleaning drive which moves the cleaning element 2 over a surface 3 to be cleaned.
  • the wet cleaning device 1 In order to detect a state of movement and/or an error state of the wet cleaning device 1, the wet cleaning device 1 has the detection device 6, which obtains information about a possible standstill of the wet cleaning device 1 based on the detection of changing distances to obstacles during a movement of the wet cleaning device 1. Depending on the detected state of movement and/or error status, the displacement device 5 can then cause the cleaning element 2 to be displaced. Here, to move the cleaning element 2, it is sufficient simply to switch off the electric motor 17, so that the spring element 10, following the restoring force, actuates the sliding mechanism 18 and lifts the cleaning element 2.
  • the detection device 6 and/or the displacement device 5 is assigned an evaluation device which, for example, calculates a current speed of the locomotion device 1 from the distance measurement data recorded consecutively from the detection device 6 and compares the amount of the speed with a stored threshold value. If the calculated speed is lower than the threshold value or is even zero, the shifting device initiates this 5 lifting the cleaning element 2 from the surface 3. This is done here, for example, by switching off the electric motor 17.
  • the threshold value can be specified by the user or by the manufacturer. It is possible to define several threshold values, in particular depending on a type of floor of the surface 3, since a standstill of the locomotion device 1 with constant contact between the wet cleaning element 2 and the surface 3 will be less damaging to the surface 3 than, for example, standing still on a wooden floor .
  • the displacement of the cleaning element 2 can also be made dependent on the degree of moisture in the cleaning element 2 , since a completely dry cleaning element 2 will not cause any damage to the surface 3 even after a long standstill on the surface 3 .
  • a moisture sensor can be assigned to the cleaning element 2 for detecting the degree of moisture.
  • Figure 2b shows the wet cleaning device 1 with the cleaning element 2 displaced into a distance position.
  • the cleaning element 2 is completely lifted from the surface 3 and is no longer in contact with it.
  • the advantage of this embodiment is that the absolute height of the wet cleaning device 1 on the surface 3 does not change, only the cleaning element 2 is shifted relative to the wet cleaning device 1, namely, for example, the device fixed part 9 and the means of transport 7. Since the cleaning element 2 is overlaid here by the fixed part 9 of the device, it does not protrude beyond an upper device contour, which is given here by the detection device 6 , even in the distance position. This prevents the wet cleaning device 1 from getting stuck under obstacles when the cleaning element 2 is displaced relative to the surface 3 because the absolute height of the wet cleaning device 1 suddenly changes.
  • the Figures 3a and 3b show a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the displacement device 5, depending on a detected standstill of the wet cleaning device 1, a speed of movement that is too low compared to a threshold value, or a fault, causes a displacement of a partial device area 4 supporting the wet cleaning device 1 in relation to the surface 3, namely here the designed as support wheels means of locomotion 7 caused.
  • the detection of the state of locomotion and/or error status can be as previously in relation to the Figures 2a and 2b explained.
  • the displacement device 5 has a sliding mechanism 18 assigned to the support wheels, which is driven by an electric motor 17 and pushes the support wheels further out of the housing of the wet cleaning device 1 in relation to a lowermost contour of the fixed device part 9 of the wet cleaning device 1, so that the ground clearance the wet cleaning device 1 is increased.
  • the cleaning element 2 is removed from the surface 3, as is the means of transportation 7 designed as drive wheels.
  • FIGS. 4a and 4b show another embodiment, which is the embodiment according to the Figures 3a and 3b resembles.
  • a displacement device 5 is also assigned to the drive wheels here.
  • the Figures 5a and 5b show a wet cleaning device 1 with a device section 4 designed as a support element 8.
  • the support element 8 is mounted so that it can pivot about a pivot axis 19.
  • An electric motor 17 for pivoting the support element 8 is assigned to the pivot axis 19 .
  • the support element 8 is designed in the manner of an elongate stand which can be set up on the surface 3 .
  • a further pivoting occurs sloping jacking up of the wet cleaning device 1, in which the wet cleaning device 1 is tilted and is supported on the surface 3 via a friction element 20 opposite the support element 8.
  • the friction element 20 can, for example, be a rubber covering on the housing of the wet cleaning device 1, which ensures that the friction between the housing and surface 3 in the inclined position of the wet cleaning device is so great that it does not move on the surface 3.
  • the base station 11 can also be designed to carry out other service tasks, for example to store cleaning liquid and/or to apply cleaning liquid to the cleaning element 2.
  • the base station 11 has a total of three electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 for charging the accumulator of the wet cleaning device 1 on.
  • the electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 here alternately have positive and negative potential.
  • the wet cleaning device 1 is here by way of example similar to the embodiment according to FIG Figures 3a and 3b educated.
  • the wet cleaning device 1 has two electrical contacts 12, 13, which are connected to the accumulator via a charging circuit.
  • the charging circuit is designed to recognize which potential is present at the electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 of the base station 11.
  • a control device of the charging circuit is set up to switch the polarity of the electrical contacts 12, 13 of the wet cleaning device 1 depending on the detected polarity of the electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 of the base station 11 which are opposite one another at the same level.
  • the height of the electrical contacts 12, 13 of the wet cleaning device 1 depends on the displacement state of the cleaning element 2, since the height of the wet cleaning device 1 changes for the purpose of lifting the cleaning element 2 from the surface 3. As a result, the height position of the electrical contacts 12, 13 also changes, so that the opposite electrical contacts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 of the base station 11 and the wet cleaning device 1 no longer have the same potential at the same height. If the wet cleaning device 1 as in Figure 6b shown is jacked up and thus has a greater height on the surface 3, the electrical contacts 12, 13 of the wet cleaning device 1 are no longer opposite the electrical contacts 14, 15 of the base station, but rather the electrical contacts 15, 16.
  • the electrical contact 12 is located, for example with a positive potential to the electrical contact 15 of the base station 11 with a negative potential.
  • the electrical contact 13 of the wet cleaning device 1 with a negative potential is then opposite the electrical contact 16 of the base station 11 with a positive potential.
  • the control device switches the polarity of the electrical contacts 12, 13 of the wet cleaning device 1, so that the electrical contact 12 as in Figure 6b shown then has negative potential and the electrical contact 13 has positive potential.
  • the accumulator can then be charged via the charging circuit.
  • the wet cleaning device 1 is lowered relative to the surface 3, the potential of the electrical contacts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 is tested again.
  • the number of electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 of the base station 11 can also be more than three. Furthermore, it is also possible for the base station 11 to have only two electrical contacts 14, 15 and for the wet cleaning device 1 to have more than two electrical contacts 12, 13. Furthermore, both the base station 11 and the wet cleaning device 1 can each have more than two electrical contacts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. According to an alternative In one embodiment, the base station 11 can also have electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 that can be poled.
  • wet cleaning device 1 could also provide electrical contacts 12, 13 that are height-adjustable relative to the fixed part 9 of the device, which are shifted as a function of a changing height position of the electrical contacts 12, 13, so that these are always electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 face the base station 11 with the same potential.
  • the base station 11 could also have electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 that can be displaced in this way.

Landscapes

  • Control Of Position, Course, Altitude, Or Attitude Of Moving Bodies (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Electric Suction Cleaners (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)

Description

Gebiet der Technikfield of technology

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung mit einem Reinigungselement zur mechanischen Feuchtreinigung einer zu reinigenden Fläche und einem die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gegenüber der Fläche abstützenden Geräteteilbereich, wobei die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung eine Verlagerungseinrichtung aufweist, welche eingerichtet ist, in Abhängigkeit von einem Fortbewegungszustand und/oder einem Fehlerstatus der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung automatisch eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes relativ zu dem Geräteteilbereich, oder umgekehrt, zu veranlassen, so dass das Reinigungselement von einer auf die Fläche abgesenkten Gebrauchsstellung in eine von der Fläche abgehobene Distanzstellung verlagerbar ist.The invention relates to a wet cleaning device with a cleaning element for mechanical wet cleaning of a surface to be cleaned and a part of the device supporting the wet cleaning device relative to the surface, wherein the wet cleaning device has a displacement device which is set up to automatically change a position depending on a state of movement and/or an error status of the wet cleaning device Displacement of the cleaning element relative to the device sub-area, or vice versa, so that the cleaning element can be displaced from a usage position lowered onto the surface into a spaced-apart position lifted off the surface.

Des Weiteren betrifft die Erfindung ein Set aus einer Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung der vorgenannten Art und einer Basisstation zum Aufladen eines Akkumulators der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung, wobei die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung ein sich selbsttätig fortbewegender Reinigungsroboter ist, wobei die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und die Basisstation zueinander korrespondierende Elektrokontakte aufweisen.The invention also relates to a set consisting of a wet cleaning device of the aforementioned type and a base station for charging a rechargeable battery of the wet cleaning device, the wet cleaning device being an automatically moving cleaning robot, the wet cleaning device and the base station having electrical contacts that correspond to one another.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Feuchtreinigungseinrichtungen der vorgenannten Art sind im Stand der Technik in einer Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Ausführungsformen bekannt. Die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtungen können beispielsweise Feuchtreinigungsgeräte sein, deren Reinigungselement ein auf eine Fläche einwirkendes Reinigungstuch ist.Wet cleaning devices of the aforementioned type are known in the prior art in a large number of different embodiments. The wet cleaning devices can be, for example, wet cleaning devices whose cleaning element is a cleaning cloth that acts on a surface.

Das Reinigungselement kann beispielsweise auf einer um eine im Wesentlichen horizontale oder vertikale Rotationsachse rotierenden Walze oder einer im Wesentlichen parallel zu der zu reinigenden Fläche orientierten Trägerplatte angeordnet sein.The cleaning element can be arranged, for example, on a roller rotating about an essentially horizontal or vertical axis of rotation or on a carrier plate oriented essentially parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

Die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung kann als eine durch einen Nutzer handführbare Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung ausgebildet sein, oder auch als sich selbsttätig fortbewegende Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung nach der Art eines autonomen Reinigungsroboters. Die von der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung durchgeführte Reinigungsaufgabe ist eine Feuchtwischreinigung, insbesondere unter Auftragen eines Reinigungsmittels auf das Reinigungselement oder die zu reinigende Fläche. Im Sinne einer Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung können des Weiteren auch Poliereinrichtungen oder ähnliche Geräte verstanden werden, die eine mechanische Bearbeitung einer Fläche unter Flüssigkeitszufuhr ausführen.The wet cleaning device can be embodied as a wet cleaning device that can be guided by hand by a user, or also as an automatically moving wet cleaning device of the type of an autonomous cleaning robot. The cleaning task performed by the wet cleaning device is a wet wipe cleaning, in particular with the application of a cleaning agent to the cleaning element or the surface to be cleaned. In terms of a wet cleaning device, polishing devices or similar devices can also be understood, which carry out mechanical processing of a surface with the supply of liquid.

Eine Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gemäß Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 offenbart beispielsweise die WO 02/062194 A1 .A wet cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1 discloses, for example, the WO 02/062194 A1 .

Nachteilig bei den zuvor genannten Feuchtreinigungseinrichtungen ist, dass das Reinigungselement üblicherweise stets Kontakt zu der zu reinigenden Fläche bewahrt. Wenn die Reinigung unterbrochen oder auch beendet wird, kann es aufgrund eines zu langen Einwirkens des Reinigungsmittels auf die zu reinigende Fläche zu einer Beschädigung der Fläche kommen. Insbesondere ist es möglich, dass ein feuchtes Reinigungselement über eine längere Zeitspanne auf der zu reinigenden Fläche liegt und dabei ein Aufquellen der Fläche verursacht. Insbesondere besteht die Gefahr des Aufquellens, wenn es sich bei der Fläche um einen Holzboden handelt.The disadvantage of the aforementioned wet cleaning devices is that the cleaning element is usually always in contact with the surface to be cleaned. If the cleaning is interrupted or even stopped, damage to the surface can occur due to the cleaning agent acting on the surface to be cleaned for too long. In particular, it is possible for a damp cleaning element to lie on the surface to be cleaned for a longer period of time, thereby causing the surface to swell. There is a particular risk of swelling if the surface is a wooden floor.

Zusammenfassung der ErfindungSummary of the Invention

Ausgehend von dem vorgenannten Stand der Technik ist es Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung zu schaffen, bei welcher einBased on the aforementioned prior art, it is an object of the invention to provide a wet cleaning device in which a

Weiter auf Seite 3, oben, der ursprünglich eingereichten Anmeldungsunterlagen unbeabsichtigtes zu langes Einwirken des Reinigungselementes auf die Fläche verhindert ist. Continued on page 3, above, of the originally filed application documents unintentional excessive action of the cleaning element on the surface is prevented.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird vorgeschlagen, dass der Verlagerungseinrichtung eine Detektionseinrichtung zugeordnet ist, welche eingerichtet ist, einen Stillstand der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung von einer Fortbewegung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung zu unterscheiden, wobei die Verlagerungseinrichtung eingerichtet ist, bei einem erkannten Stillstand eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes in die Distanzstellung zu veranlassen und/oder dass die Detektionseinrichtung eingerichtet ist, einen Betrag einer aktuellen Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung relativ zu der Fläche zu ermitteln und den Betrag mit einem in einem Speicher gespeicherten Schwellwert zu vergleichen, wobei die Verlagerungseinrichtung eingerichtet ist, eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes in die Distanzstellung bei Unterschreiten des Schwellwertes zu veranlassen.In order to achieve this object, it is proposed that the displacement device be assigned a detection device which is set up to distinguish between a standstill of the wet cleaning device and a movement of the wet cleaning device, with the displacement device being set up to cause the cleaning element to be displaced into the distance position when a standstill is detected and/or that the detection device is set up to determine an amount of a current speed of movement of the wet cleaning device relative to the surface and to compare the amount with a threshold value stored in a memory, wherein the displacement device is set up to shift the cleaning element into the distance position if it falls below this of the threshold value.

Das Reinigungselement ist abhängig von dem Fortbewegungszustand und/oder einem Fehlerstatus der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung höhenverlagerbar, nämlich zumindest anteilig in eine Richtung, welche nicht parallel zu der Oberfläche der Fläche orientiert ist. Sofern die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung beispielsweise für längere Zeit unbewegt auf der zu reinigenden Fläche steht und/oder einen Fehlerstatus aufweist, insbesondere im Falle eines mobilen Roboters, festgefahren ist oder durch vollständiges Entladen des Akkumulators stehen bleibt, wird das Reinigungselement automatisch, insbesondere vollständig, von der Fläche abgehoben. Somit wird eine Beschädigung der Fläche durch beispielsweise ein feuchtes und/oder mit einem Reinigungsmittel belegtes Reinigungselement verhindert. Beispielsweise kann es nicht mehr vorkommen, dass ein Bodenbelag der Fläche aufgrund eines feuchten Reinigungselementes aufquillt. Die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung kann beispielsweise eine der Verlagerungseinrichtung zugeordnete Steuereinrichtung aufweisen, welche einen Steuerbefehl generiert, der eine Mechanik zum Abheben des Reinigungselementes von der Fläche betätigt. Die Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes kann dabei beispielsweise durch Verschwenken oder Verschieben des Reinigungselementes relativ zu dem Geräteteilbereich oder durch Verschwenken oder Verschieben des Geräteteilbereiches relativ zu dem Reinigungselement erfolgen. Welches Element, d.h. das Reinigungselement oder der Geräteteilbereich, von der Verlagerungseinrichtung zu dem jeweils anderen verlagert wird, ist für die gewünschte Wirkung unerheblich. Wesentlich ist die relative Bewegung der Elemente zueinander. Da der sich auf der Fläche abstützende Geräteteilbereich einen Kontaktbereich zu der Fläche definiert, bedeutet eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes relativ zu dem Geräteteilbereich - bei unverändertem Kontakt des Geräteteilbereiches zu der Fläche - gleichzeitig auch eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes relativ zu der Fläche. Die Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes und/oder des Geräteteilbereiches erfolgt vorzugsweise motorisch mittels eines Elektromotors oder durch die freigegebene Rückstellkraft eines der Verlagerungseinrichtung zugeordneten Federelementes oder auch pneumatisch, indem beispielsweise ein Luftstrom einer Gebläseeinrichtung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung genutzt wird.Depending on the state of movement and/or an error status of the wet cleaning device, the height of the cleaning element can be displaced, namely at least partially in a direction which is not oriented parallel to the surface of the surface. If, for example, the wet cleaning device stands motionless on the surface to be cleaned for a long time and/or has an error status, especially in the case of a mobile robot, is stuck or stops due to the battery being completely discharged, the cleaning element is automatically, in particular completely, removed from the surface picked up. This prevents damage to the surface, for example by a cleaning element that is damp and/or covered with a cleaning agent. For example, it can no longer happen that a floor covering on the surface swells due to a damp cleaning element. The wet cleaning device can, for example, be one of the displacement devices have an associated control device, which generates a control command that actuates a mechanism for lifting the cleaning element from the surface. The cleaning element can be displaced, for example, by pivoting or displacing the cleaning element relative to the device section or by pivoting or displacing the device section relative to the cleaning element. Which element, ie the cleaning element or the partial area of the device, is shifted from the shifting device to the other is irrelevant for the desired effect. The relative movement of the elements to one another is essential. Since the part of the device resting on the surface defines a contact area with the surface, a displacement of the cleaning element relative to the part of the device—while the contact of the partial area of the device to the surface remains unchanged—also means a displacement of the cleaning element relative to the surface. The cleaning element and/or the partial area of the device is preferably moved by motor using an electric motor or by the released restoring force of a spring element assigned to the displacement device or also pneumatically, for example by using an air flow from a blower device of the wet cleaning device.

Die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung weist eine Detektionseinrichtung auf, welche eingerichtet ist, einen Stillstand der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung von einer Fortbewegung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung zu unterscheiden, wobei die Verlagerungseinrichtung eingerichtet ist, bei einem erkannten Stillstand eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes in die Distanzstellung zu veranlassen. Gemäß dieser Ausgestaltung gibt es mindestens zwei verschiedene Fortbewegungszustände der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung, nämlich Fortbewegung und Nicht-Fortbewegung. Sofern die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung eine Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit von Null aufweist, d. h. stillsteht, veranlasst die Verlagerungseinrichtung ein Abheben des Reinigungselementes von der Fläche und/oder verhindert ein Aufsetzen des Reinigungselementes auf die Fläche. Sofern eine Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit ungleich Null detektiert wird, wird kein Entfernen des Reinigungselementes von der Fläche veranlasst, vielmehr kann das Reinigungselement in Kontakt mit der Fläche bleiben oder auf die Fläche abgesenkt werden. Insbesondere verbleibt das Reinigungselement in seiner bisherigen Gebrauchsstellung, in welcher das Reinigungselement auf die zu reinigende Fläche abgesenkt ist.The wet cleaning device has a detection device which is set up to distinguish a standstill of the wet cleaning device from a movement of the wet cleaning device, the displacement device being set up to cause a displacement of the cleaning element into the distance position when a standstill is detected. According to this embodiment, there are at least two different states of movement of the wet cleaning device, namely movement and non-movement. If the wet cleaning device moves at a speed of zero, ie is stationary, the displacement device causes the cleaning element to be lifted off the surface and/or prevents the cleaning element from being placed on the surface. If a non-zero speed of advance is detected, the cleaning element is not removed from the surface, rather the cleaning element can remain in contact with the surface or be lowered onto the surface. In particular, the cleaning element remains in its previous position of use, in which the cleaning element is lowered onto the surface to be cleaned.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann die Detektionseinrichtung eingerichtet sein, einen Betrag einer aktuellen Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung relativ zu der Fläche zu ermitteln und den Betrag mit einem in einem Speicher gespeicherten Schwellwert zu vergleichen, wobei die Verlagerungseinrichtung eingerichtet ist, eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes in die Distanzstellung bei Unterschreiten des Schwellwertes zu veranlassen. In einem besonders einfachen Fall weist der Schwellwert den Betrag Null auf, so dass alle ermittelten Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeiten, die größer oder kleiner als 0 m/s sind, als eine Fortbewegung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung relativ zu der Fläche gewertet werden und somit kein Anheben des Reinigungselementes von der Fläche erfolgt. Gemäß einer alternativen Ausführung kann der Schwellwert zum Verhindern eines zu langen Einwirkens des Reinigungselementes auf die Fläche auch ungleich Null definiert sein, so dass auch Fortbewegungen mit Geschwindigkeiten, die zwar ungleich 0 m/s betragen, aber so gering sind, dass die dadurch verursachte Einwirkdauer auf einen Teilbereich der Fläche zu Schäden führen könnte, ebenfalls als ein Stillstand gewertet werden und somit ein Abheben des Reinigungselementes von der Fläche nach sich ziehen. Beispielsweise existieren Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeiten der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung, bei welchen das Reinigungselement zu lange auf einer definierten Position verweilt, so dass diese Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeiten so behandelt werden müssen, als wenn es sich um einen Stillstand der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung handelt. Ein solcher Schwellwert kann beispielsweise bei einer Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit von 10 mm/s oder weniger liegen. Die Detektionseinrichtung vergleicht somit einen gemessenen aktuellen Geschwindigkeitsbetrag mit dem Schwellwert, woraufhin eine der Verlagerungseinrichtung zugeordnete Steuereinrichtung des Feuchtreinigungsgerätes einen Steuerbefehl zum Anheben des Reinigungselementes generiert, oder auch nicht. Der definierte Schwellwert kann in einem Speicher der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gespeichert sein, auf welchen die Detektionseinrichtung zugreifen kann. Des Weiteren können auch mehrere Schwellwerte definiert sein, welche von der Detektionseinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von beispielsweise unterschiedlichen Arten von Reinigungselementen, Reinigungsarten, Reinigungsmitteln, Bodenarten und/oder Feuchtegraden des Reinigungselementes zum Vergleich herangezogen werden können.Alternatively or additionally, the detection device can be set up to determine an amount of a current speed of movement of the wet cleaning device relative to the surface and to compare the amount with a threshold value stored in a memory, with the displacement device being set up to shift the cleaning element into the distance position if it falls below this value of the threshold value. In a particularly simple case, the threshold value has the value zero, so that all movement speeds determined that are greater or smaller than 0 m/s are evaluated as a movement of the wet cleaning device relative to the surface and thus no lifting of the cleaning element from the surface he follows. According to an alternative embodiment, the threshold value for preventing the cleaning element from acting on the surface for too long can also be defined as not equal to zero, so that movements with speeds that are not equal to 0 m/s are, however, so low that the resulting exposure time could lead to damage on a part of the surface, are also evaluated as a standstill and thus cause the cleaning element to lift off the surface. For example, there are speeds of movement of the wet cleaning device at which the cleaning element remains in a defined position for too long, so that these speeds of movement must be treated as if the wet cleaning device were at a standstill. Such a threshold can for example, at a rate of travel of 10 mm/s or less. The detection device thus compares a measured current speed amount with the threshold value, whereupon a control device of the wet cleaning device assigned to the displacement device generates a control command for raising the cleaning element, or not. The defined threshold value can be stored in a memory of the wet cleaning device, which can be accessed by the detection device. Furthermore, several threshold values can also be defined, which can be used for comparison by the detection device depending on, for example, different types of cleaning elements, cleaning types, cleaning agents, floor types and/or moisture levels of the cleaning element.

Es wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Verlagerungseinrichtung einem Fortbewegungsmittel der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung zugeordnet ist, welches die Fläche in einer üblichen Gebrauchsstellung kontaktiert. Das Fortbewegungsmittel kann insbesondere ein Rad der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung sein. Das Rad kann ein Antriebsrad der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung oder auch ein bloßes Führungs- oder Stützrad sein, welches bei einer Fortbewegung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung über eine zu reinigende Fläche mitrotiert. Alternativ kann das Fortbewegungsmittel auch nach der Art einer Gleitkufe ausgebildet sein. Die dem Fortbewegungsmittel zugeordnete Verlagerungseinrichtung kann eine Schwenkmechanik, eine Schiebemechanik oder ähnliches aufweisen, insbesondere auch einen Aktor, besonders bevorzugt einen Elektromotor oder ein Federelement. Die Verlagerungseinrichtung kann insbesondere einer Aufhängung für das Fortbewegungsmittel zugeordnet sein, beispielsweise einer Radaufhängung. Die Aufhängung kann beispielsweise ein teleskopierbares Gestänge aufweisen. Die Verlagerungseinrichtung kann insbesondere direkten mechanischen Kontakt zu dem Fortbewegungsmittel aufweisen, wobei die Verlagerungseinrichtung vorzugsweise eine Verlagerung eines oder mehrerer Fortbewegungsmittel über eine untere Gehäusekontur der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung hinaus in Richtung der Fläche bewirkt. Dadurch wird die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung mitsamt dem Reinigungselement auf der Fläche aufgebockt. Die Verlagerungseinrichtung kann einem Fortbewegungsmittel an beliebigen Teilbereichen der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung zugeordnet sein, sofern sichergestellt ist, dass es bei Betätigung der Verlagerungseinrichtung zu einem Abheben des Reinigungselementes von der zu reinigenden Fläche kommt.It is proposed that the displacement device is assigned to a means of locomotion of the wet cleaning device, which contacts the surface in a normal position of use. The means of transportation can in particular be a wheel of the wet cleaning device. The wheel can be a drive wheel of the wet cleaning device or just a guide or support wheel, which rotates as the wet cleaning device moves over a surface to be cleaned. Alternatively, the means of locomotion can also be designed in the manner of a skid. The displacement device assigned to the means of locomotion can have a pivoting mechanism, a sliding mechanism or the like, in particular also an actuator, particularly preferably an electric motor or a spring element. The displacement device can in particular be associated with a suspension for the means of locomotion, for example a wheel suspension. The suspension can have a telescoping linkage, for example. The displacement device can in particular have direct mechanical contact with the means of locomotion, the displacement device preferably being a displacement of one or more means of locomotion Caused beyond a lower housing contour of the wet cleaning device in the direction of the surface. As a result, the wet cleaning device is jacked up on the surface together with the cleaning element. The displacement device can be assigned to a means of locomotion in any partial area of the wet cleaning device, provided that it is ensured that the cleaning element is lifted off the surface to be cleaned when the displacement device is actuated.

Insbesondere kann einem Fortbewegungsmittel der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung eine zuvor vorgeschlagene Detektionseinrichtung zur Detektion einer Bewegung und/oder Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung zugeordnet sein. Die Detektionseinrichtung kann beispielsweise eine Drehzahlmesseinrichtung oder eine Odometriemesseinrichtung sein, welche eine Rotation eines Rades der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung detektiert. Sofern nur zwischen einer Fortbewegung und einer Nicht-Fortbewegung zu unterscheiden ist, ohne Ermittlung eines Betrages einer Geschwindigkeit, kann die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung alternativ auch einen Beschleunigungssensor aufweisen, mittels welchem detektiert werden kann, ob die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung aktuell stillsteht oder sich relativ zu der Umgebung bewegt. Sofern jedoch eine Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung mit einem gespeicherten Schwellwert verglichen werden soll und es somit auf den Betrag der Geschwindigkeit ankommt, empfiehlt es sich, dass die Detektionseinrichtung geeignet ist, einen Parameter zu messen, welcher eine Berechnung der aktuellen Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung erlaubt. Sofern die ermittelte Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit einen definierten Schwellwert unterschreitet, kann die Verlagerungseinrichtung ein Abheben des Reinigungselementes von einer Fläche veranlassen.In particular, a previously proposed detection device for detecting a movement and/or speed of movement of the wet cleaning device can be assigned to a means of locomotion of the wet cleaning device. The detection device can be, for example, a rotational speed measuring device or an odometry measuring device, which detects a rotation of a wheel of the wet cleaning device. If a distinction is only to be made between movement and non-movement, without determining an amount of speed, the wet cleaning device can alternatively also have an acceleration sensor, by means of which it can be detected whether the wet cleaning device is currently stationary or is moving relative to the environment. However, if a speed of movement of the wet cleaning device is to be compared with a stored threshold value and the absolute value of the speed is therefore important, it is recommended that the detection device be suitable for measuring a parameter which allows the current speed of movement of the wet cleaning device to be calculated. If the determined speed of movement falls below a defined threshold value, the displacement device can cause the cleaning element to be lifted off a surface.

Des Weiteren wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Verlagerungseinrichtung einem Stützelement der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung zugeordnet ist, welches die Fläche in einer üblichen Gebrauchsstellung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung nicht kontaktiert. Das Stützelement kann beispielsweise als länglicher Ständer, ähnlich einem Fahrradständer, ausgebildet sein, welcher im Gegensatz zu einem Fortbewegungsmittel der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung nicht zur Fortbewegung auf der zu reinigenden Fläche geeignet ist, sondern lediglich ein Abstützen bei Stillstand der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung ermöglicht. DasFurthermore, it is proposed that the displacement device is assigned to a support element of the wet cleaning device, which does not contact the surface in a normal position of use of the wet cleaning device. The support element can, for example, be designed as an elongated stand, similar to a bicycle stand, which, in contrast to a means of locomotion of the wet cleaning device, is not suitable for moving on the surface to be cleaned, but only allows support when the wet cleaning device is at a standstill. That

Stützelement kann relativ zu dem sich auf der Fläche abstützenden Geräteteilbereich verschwenkt, verschoben oder ausgefahren werden. Insbesondere kann das Stützelement um eine Schwenkachse schwenkbar an dem Geräteteilbereich gelagert sein. Die Verlagerung des Stützelementes bewirkt eine Vergrößerung der Bodenfreiheit der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und damit auch eine Vergrößerung des Abstandes zwischen dem Reinigungselement und der zu reinigenden Fläche. Des Weiteren kann es vorgesehen sein, dass das Stützelement an einer linearen Verlagerungseinrichtung angeordnet ist, beispielsweise an einer Schiebekulisse oder Schiene gelagert ist.The support element can be pivoted, displaced or extended relative to the device section supported on the surface. In particular, the support element can be pivoted about a pivot axis on the device section. The displacement of the support element causes an increase in the ground clearance of the wet cleaning device and thus also an increase in the distance between the cleaning element and the surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, it can be provided that the support element is arranged on a linear displacement device, for example mounted on a sliding link or rail.

Des Weiteren wird vorgeschlagen, dass das Reinigungselement mittels einer Verlagerungseinrichtung verlagerbar an einem Gerätefestteil der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gehaltert ist. Gemäß dieser Ausgestaltung behält die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung ihren Abstand zu der Fläche und ihre Höhe auf der Fläche bei. Lediglich das innerhalb und/oder unterhalb des Gehäuses der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung angeordnete Reinigungselement wird relativ zu dem Gehäuse und/oder einem anderen Gerätefestteil, wie beispielsweise einem Chassis, verlagert. Durch diese Ausführung kann besonders vorteilhaft verhindert werden, dass sich die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung beispielsweise unter einem niedrigen Hindernis wie einem Schrank oder einem Bett festfährt, wenn das Reinigungselement von der Fläche abgehoben wird.Furthermore, it is proposed that the cleaning element be held displaceably on a fixed part of the wet cleaning device by means of a displacement device. According to this configuration, the wet cleaning device maintains its distance from the surface and its height on the surface. Only the cleaning element arranged inside and/or below the housing of the wet cleaning device is displaced relative to the housing and/or another fixed part of the device, such as a chassis. This design can be particularly advantageous to prevent the wet cleaning device, for example, under getting stuck on a low obstacle such as a closet or a bed when the cleaning element is lifted off the surface.

Der Verlagerungseinrichtung kann ein Federelement zugeordnet sein, dessen Rückstellkraft in Richtung der von der Fläche abgehobenen Distanzstellung des Reinigungselementes gerichtet ist. Das Federelement kann beispielsweise dem Fortbewegungsmittel oder dem Stützelement der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung zugeordnet sein, oder auch einer das Reinigungselement relativ zu dem Gerätefestteil verlagernden Mechanik. Das Beabstanden des Reinigungselementes wird durch die Rückstellkraft des Federelementes unterstützt. Beispielsweise kann eine gefederte Aufhängung eines Fortbewegungsmittels, insbesondere eine Radaufhängung, eine gegenüber dem Üblichen erhöhte Rückstellkraft aufweisen. Wie vorgeschlagen ist die Rückstellkraft des Federelementes dabei vorzugsweise in eine Richtung gerichtet, welche von der zu reinigenden Fläche weg zeigt, so dass es zum Beispiel bei einer Fehlfunktion der Energieversorgung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung, beispielsweise verursacht durch einen vollständig entleerten Akkumulator, zu einer Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes von der Fläche weg kommt und nicht die Gefahr besteht, dass das Reinigungselement ungewollt in Kontakt mit der Fläche verbleibt. Aus Sicherheitsgründen ist die Vorzugsstellung des Reinigungselementes bzw. der Verlagerungseinrichtung somit bevorzugt die von der Fläche entfernte Distanzstellung. Ein Absenken des Reinigungselementes auf die Fläche muss dementsprechend bevorzugt aktiv ausgeführt werden.A spring element can be assigned to the displacement device, the restoring force of which is directed in the direction of the distance position of the cleaning element lifted off the surface. The spring element can be assigned, for example, to the means of transportation or the support element of the wet cleaning device, or also to a mechanism that displaces the cleaning element relative to the fixed part of the device. The spacing of the cleaning element is supported by the restoring force of the spring element. For example, a spring-loaded suspension of a means of transportation, in particular a wheel suspension, can have a restoring force that is higher than usual. As suggested, the restoring force of the spring element is preferably directed in a direction that points away from the surface to be cleaned, so that, for example, in the event of a malfunction in the power supply of the wet cleaning device, for example caused by a completely empty battery, the cleaning element can be displaced from comes away from the surface and there is no risk that the cleaning element will remain in contact with the surface unintentionally. For safety reasons, the preferred position of the cleaning element or the displacement device is therefore preferably the distance position away from the surface. Accordingly, lowering the cleaning element onto the surface must preferably be carried out actively.

Schließlich wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung einen einen Feuchtegrad des Reinigungselementes detektierenden Feuchtesensor aufweist, wobei die Verlagerungseinrichtung eingerichtet ist, die Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes zusätzlich in Abhängigkeit von dem detektierten Feuchtegrad zu steuern. Zusätzlich zu der Abhängigkeit der Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes von dem Fortbewegungszustand und/oder einem Fehlerstatus der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung wird die Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes somit von dem Detektionsergebnis eines Feuchtesensors abhängig gemacht, welcher den Feuchtegrad des Reinigungselementes ermittelt und nur dann bei beispielsweise Stillstand oder zu geringer Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes von der Fläche weg veranlasst, wenn das Reinigungselement tatsächlich einen Feuchtegrad aufweist, der einen kritischen Feuchteschwellwert überschreitet. Ein vollständig trockenes Reinigungselement kann auf der Fläche verbleiben bzw. auf diese abgesenkt werden, auch wenn sich die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung in einem Stillstand befindet.Finally, it is proposed that the wet cleaning device has a moisture sensor that detects a degree of moisture in the cleaning element, with the displacement device being set up to additionally control the displacement of the cleaning element as a function of the detected degree of moisture. In addition to the dependency of relocation of the cleaning element from the state of movement and/or an error status of the wet cleaning device, the relocation of the cleaning element is thus made dependent on the detection result of a moisture sensor, which determines the degree of moisture in the cleaning element and only when, for example, the wet cleaning device is at a standstill or is moving at too low a speed of movement of the cleaning element from the Area caused away when the cleaning element actually has a moisture level that exceeds a critical moisture threshold. A completely dry cleaning element can remain on the surface or be lowered onto it, even when the wet cleaning device is at a standstill.

Des Weiteren wird mit der Erfindung auch ein Set aus einer Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung der vorgenannten Art und einer Basisstation zum Aufladen eines Akkumulators der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung vorgeschlagen, wobei die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung ein sich selbsttätig fortbewegender Reinigungsroboter ist, und wobei die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und die Basisstation zueinander korrespondierende Elektrokontakte aufweisen.Furthermore, the invention also proposes a set consisting of a wet cleaning device of the aforementioned type and a base station for charging an accumulator of the wet cleaning device, the wet cleaning device being an automatically moving cleaning robot, and the wet cleaning device and the base station having electrical contacts that correspond to one another.

Gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und/oder die Basisstation mindestens drei Elektrokontakte aufweist, wobei eine Steuereinrichtung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und/oder eine Steuereinrichtung der Basisstation eingerichtet ist, für ein Aufladen des Akkumulators mindestens zwei der Elektrokontakte der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung oder der Basisstation in Abhängigkeit von einem Abstand der Elektrokontakte zu der Fläche variabel umzupolen.According to a first embodiment, it is proposed that the wet cleaning device and/or the base station have at least three electrical contacts, with a control device of the wet cleaning device and/or a control device of the base station being set up to charge the battery at least two of the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device or the base station Variable polarity reversal depending on a distance between the electrical contacts and the surface.

Gemäß einer zweiten möglichen Ausführungsform wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Elektrokontakte der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und/oder die Elektrokontakte der Basisstation verlagerbar an der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und/oder der Basisstation angeordnet sind, wobei eine Steuereinrichtung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und/oder eine Steuereinrichtung der Basisstation eingerichtet ist, die Elektrokontakte für ein Aufladen des Akkumulators in Abhängigkeit von einem Abstand der Elektrokontakte zu der Fläche zu verlagern.According to a second possible embodiment, it is proposed that the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device and/or the electrical contacts the base station are arranged displaceably on the wet cleaning device and/or the base station, wherein a control device of the wet cleaning device and/or a control device of the base station is set up to relocate the electrical contacts for charging the accumulator depending on a distance between the electrical contacts and the surface.

Beide zuvor beschriebenen Ausführungsformen mit in Abhängigkeit von dem Fortbewegungszustand bzw. einem Fehlerstatus der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung umpolbaren bzw. höhenverlagerbaren Elektrokontakten ermöglichen, dass die Herstellung einer elektrisch leitfähigen Verbindung zwischen den korrespondierenden Elektrokontakten der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und der Basisstation auch dann erfolgen kann, wenn sich die Höhe der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung und damit auch die absolute räumliche Position der Elektrokontakte durch eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes und/oder des sich auf der Fläche abstützenden Geräteteilbereiches verändert.Both of the above-described embodiments, with electrical contacts whose polarity can be reversed or whose height can be shifted depending on the state of movement or an error status of the wet cleaning device, make it possible for an electrically conductive connection to be established between the corresponding electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device and the base station even if the height of the wet cleaning device increases and thus also the absolute spatial position of the electrical contacts changed by a displacement of the cleaning element and/or the part of the device supported on the surface.

Gemäß der zuerst vorgeschlagenen Ausführungsform wird die Ladefähigkeit des Akkumulators der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung dadurch gewährleistet, dass mindestens ein zusätzlicher, dritter Ladekontakt in einer gegenüber zwei anderen Elektrokontakten erhöhter Position an der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung bereitgehalten wird. Alternativ kann der zusätzliche dritte Ladekontakt auch an der Basisstation ausgebildet sein. Die Positionen, insbesondere Höhen, der Elektrokontakte entsprechen dabei den bekannten Stellungen des Gehäuses der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung während einer abgesenkten Gebrauchsstellung und während einer von der Fläche abgehobenen Distanzstellung des Reinigungselementes. Die Steuereinrichtung ist dabei eingerichtet, die Elektrokontakte entsprechend so zu schalten, nämlich zueinander so umzupolen, dass gleiche Polungen auf derselben Höhenebene liegen und somit miteinander verbunden werden können. Den Elektrokontakten kann dabei beispielsweise auch eine Detektionseinrichtung zugeordnet sein, welche die Polarität der Elektrokontakte der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung bzw. der Basisstation erkennt und die dazu korrespondierenden Elektrokontakte der Basisstation bzw. der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung entsprechend umpolt.According to the first proposed embodiment, the charging capacity of the accumulator of the wet cleaning device is ensured in that at least one additional, third charging contact is kept ready in a position on the wet cleaning device that is higher than two other electrical contacts. Alternatively, the additional third charging contact can also be formed on the base station. The positions, in particular heights, of the electrical contacts correspond to the known positions of the housing of the wet cleaning device during a lowered use position and during a spaced-apart position of the cleaning element lifted off the surface. The control device is set up to switch the electrical contacts accordingly, namely to reverse the polarity relative to one another in such a way that the same polarity is on the same level and can therefore be connected to one another. The electrical contacts can, for example also be assigned a detection device, which detects the polarity of the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device or the base station and reverses the polarity of the corresponding electrical contacts of the base station or the wet cleaning device accordingly.

Gemäß der dazu alternativ vorgeschlagenen Ausführungsform können sowohl die Basisstation als auch die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung in üblicher Art und Weise nur jeweils zwei Elektrokontakte aufweisen, wobei dann jedoch zumindest die Elektrokontakte der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung oder die Elektrokontakte der Basisstation in Bezug auf ihre Höhenposition verlagerbar sind. Beispielsweise können die Elektrokontakte der Basisstation an eine veränderte Höhenposition der Elektrokontakte der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung angeglichen werden.According to the embodiment proposed as an alternative, both the base station and the wet cleaning device can each have only two electrical contacts in the usual way, but then at least the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device or the electrical contacts of the base station can be shifted in relation to their height position. For example, the electrical contacts of the base station can be adjusted to a changed height position of the electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine erfindungsgemäße Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung;
Fig. 2a
eine Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform mit einem Reinigungselement in einer Gebrauchsstellung;
Fig. 2b
die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gemäß Fig. 2a mit dem Reinigungselement in einer Distanzstellung;
Fig. 3a
eine Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit einem Reinigungselement in einer Gebrauchsstellung;
Fig. 3b
die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gemäß Fig. 3a mit dem Reinigungselement in einer Distanzstellung;
Fig. 4a
eine Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform mit einem Reinigungselement in einer Gebrauchsstellung;
Fig. 4b
die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gemäß Fig. 4a mit dem Reinigungselement in einer Distanzstellung;
Fig. 5a
eine Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform mit einem Reinigungselement in einer Gebrauchsstellung;
Fig. 5b
die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung gemäß Fig. 5a mit dem Reinigungselement in einer Distanzstellung;
Fig. 6a
ein Set aus einer Basisstation und einer Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung mit einer ersten Polungsrichtung von Elektrokontakten der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung;
Fig. 6b
das Set gemäß Fig. 6a mit einer zweiten Polungsrichtung der Elektrokontakte.
The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Show it:
1
a wet cleaning device according to the invention;
Figure 2a
a wet cleaning device according to a first embodiment with a cleaning element in a position of use;
Figure 2b
the wet cleaning device according to Figure 2a with the cleaning element in a distance position;
Figure 3a
a wet cleaning device according to a second embodiment with a cleaning element in a position of use;
Figure 3b
the wet cleaning device according to Figure 3a with the cleaning element in a distance position;
Figure 4a
a wet cleaning device according to a third embodiment with a cleaning element in a position of use;
Figure 4b
the wet cleaning device according to Figure 4a with the cleaning element in a distance position;
Figure 5a
a wet cleaning device according to a fourth embodiment with a cleaning element in a position of use;
Figure 5b
the wet cleaning device according to Figure 5a with the cleaning element in a distance position;
Figure 6a
a set of a base station and a wet cleaning device with a first polarity direction of electrical contacts of the wet cleaning device;
Figure 6b
the set according to Figure 6a with a second polarity direction of the electrical contacts.

Beschreibung der AusführungsformenDescription of the embodiments

Figur 1 zeigt eine beispielhafte Ausführung einer erfindungsgemäßen Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1. Die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 ist hier als sich selbsttätig fortbewegender Wischroboter zum Reinigen einer Fläche 3 ausgebildet. Die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung weist ein einen Gerätefestteil 9 bildendes Gehäuse auf, ein Reinigungselement 2 und mehrere Fortbewegungsmittel 7 (von welchen in Figur 1 nur eines zu sehen ist). Das Reinigungselement 2 ist üblicherweise über einen Träger bzw. eine Halteeinrichtung direkt oder indirekt an einem Gerätefestteil 9, wie dem Gehäuse oder einem Chassis, gelagert. Beispielsweise kann das Reinigungselement 2 ein Wischtuch sein, insbesondere ein Mikrofasertuch, welches lösbar an einer Trägerplatte befestigt ist. Die Trägerplatte kann wiederum an einer Schwingplatte angeordnet sein, welche sich besonders bevorzugt in kreisförmigen Schwingbewegungen über die zu reinigende Fläche 3 bewegt. Andere Ausführungsformen sind möglich. Beispielsweise könnte das Reinigungselement 2 auch auf einer rotierenden Walze angeordnet sein, welche um eine vorzugsweise horizontale Achse rotiert. In Figur 1 ist eine übliche Gebrauchsstellung des Reinigungselementes 2 gezeigt, bei welcher das Reinigungselement 2 auf der Fläche 3 aufliegt, um diese mechanisch reinigen zu können. Für die Reinigung wird üblicherweise eine Reinigungsflüssigkeit verwendet, beispielsweise Wasser. Die Reinigungsflüssigkeit kann jedoch auch ein zusätzliches Reinigungsmittel enthalten, welches ein die Reinigungswirkung verstärkendes Tensid oder ähnliches enthält. Die Reinigungsflüssigkeit kann entweder direkt auf die zu reinigende Fläche 3 gegeben werden und/oder auf das Reinigungselement 2. Die Befeuchtung erfolgt bevorzugt mittels einer automatischen Befeuchtungseinrichtung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1. Mittels der Fortbewegungsmittel 7 kann sich die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 autonom auf der Fläche 3 fortbewegen. Die Fortbewegungsmittel 7 sind vorzugsweise motorisch angetriebene Räder. Unter den Begriff Fortbewegungsmittel 7 sollen hier jedoch auch Mittel fallen, die zwar nicht aktiv angetrieben sind, jedoch der Fortbewegung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 dienen. Hierunter fallen beispielsweise Stützräder, Gleitkufen und dergleichen. Die autonome Fortbewegung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 wird hier durch eine Navigations- und Selbstlokalisierungseinrichtung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 unterstützt, zu welcher eine Detektionseinrichtung 6 gehört, die hier als Abstandsmesseinrichtung ausgebildet ist. Die Detektionseinrichtung 6 misst Abstände zu Objekten innerhalb der Umgebung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 und kann darauf basierend eine Umgebungskarte erstellen, anhand welcher sich die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 bei der autonomen Fortbewegung durch Räume orientieren kann, um eine Kollision mit Hindernissen zu vermeiden, ein bestimmtes Ziel zu erreichen und dergleichen. figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wet cleaning device 1 according to the invention. The wet cleaning device 1 is designed here as an automatically moving wiping robot for cleaning a surface 3 . The wet cleaning device has a housing forming a fixed part 9 of the device, a cleaning element 2 and several means of transportation 7 (of which in figure 1 only one is visible). The cleaning element 2 is usually mounted directly or indirectly on a fixed part 9 of the device, such as the housing or a chassis, via a carrier or a holding device. For example, the cleaning element 2 can be a wiping cloth, in particular a microfiber cloth, which is detachably attached to a carrier plate. The carrier plate can in turn be arranged on an oscillating plate which particularly preferably moves in circular oscillating movements over the surface 3 to be cleaned. Other embodiments are possible. For example, the cleaning element 2 could also be arranged on a rotating roller, which rotates about a preferably horizontal axis. In figure 1 shows a normal position of use of the cleaning element 2, in which the cleaning element 2 rests on the surface 3 in order to be able to clean it mechanically. A cleaning liquid, for example water, is usually used for cleaning. However, the cleaning liquid can also contain an additional cleaning agent which contains a surfactant or the like which enhances the cleaning effect. The cleaning liquid can either be applied directly to the surface 3 to be cleaned and/or to the cleaning element 2. Moistening is preferably carried out by means of an automatic moistening device of the wet cleaning device 1. The wet cleaning device 1 can move autonomously on the surface 3 by means of the means of locomotion 7. The means of transportation 7 are preferably motor-driven wheels. However, the term means of transport 7 should also include means that do not are actively driven, but serve to move the wet cleaning device 1. This includes, for example, support wheels, skids and the like. The autonomous movement of the wet cleaning device 1 is supported here by a navigation and self-localization device of the wet cleaning device 1, which includes a detection device 6, which is designed here as a distance measuring device. The detection device 6 measures distances to objects in the area surrounding the wet cleaning device 1 and can use this to create a map of the area, which the wet cleaning device 1 can use to orient itself during autonomous movement through rooms in order to avoid a collision with obstacles, to reach a specific destination and the like.

Obwohl sich die hier dargestellten Ausführungsformen auf sich autonom fortbewegende Feuchtreinigungseinrichtungen 1 beziehen, kann die Erfindung ebenso auch bei durch einen Nutzer handgeführten Feuchtreinigungseinrichtungen 1 Anwendung finden. Im Folgenden werden nun lediglich beispielhaft nur einige von einer Vielzahl weiterer möglicher Ausführungsformen der Erfindung beschrieben.Although the embodiments shown here relate to wet cleaning devices 1 that move autonomously, the invention can also be used in wet cleaning devices 1 that are manually guided by a user. In the following, only some of a large number of further possible embodiments of the invention are described purely by way of example.

Die Figuren 2a und 2b zeigen zunächst eine erste Ausführungsform, bei welcher das Reinigungselement 2 relativ zu dem Gerätefestteil 9 und relativ zu den Fortbewegungsmitteln 7 verlagerbar ist. Die Fortbewegungsmittel 7 sind jeweils ein Geräteteilbereich 4, welcher stets den Kontakt zu der Fläche 3 beibehält und die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 gegenüber der Fläche 3 abstützt. Hier weist die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 zwei als Antriebsräder ausgebildete Fortbewegungsmittel 7 und zwei Paare von Stützrädern auf, die lediglich passiv bei einer Fortbewegung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 mitrotieren. Das Reinigungselement 2 ist mittels einer Verlagerungseinrichtung 5 relativ zu den sich auf der Fläche 3 abstützenden Fortbewegungsmitteln 7 und damit auch relativ zu der Fläche 3 verlagerbar, d. h. von der Fläche 3 in eine Distanzstellung abhebbar oder für die Gebrauchsstellung auf die Fläche 3 aufsetzbar. Die Verlagerungseinrichtung 5 weist hier eine von einem Elektromotor 17 angetriebene Schiebemechanik 18 auf, welche das Reinigungselement 2 relativ zu der Fläche 3 hoch- und runterbewegen kann. Der Schiebemechanik 18 ist ein Federelement 10 zugeordnet, dessen Rückstellkraft in Richtung der von der Fläche 3 abgehobenen Distanzstellung des Reinigungselementes 2 wirkt, so dass es bei einem Fehlerstatus der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 aufgrund beispielsweise vollständigem Versagen der Energieversorgung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 automatisch zu einer Bewegung des Reinigungselementes 2 von der Fläche 3 weg kommt. Die in Figur 2a dargestellte Gebrauchsstellung des Reinigungselementes 2 erfordert somit ein aktiv ausgeführtes Absenken mittels der Verlagerungseinrichtung 5. Die Verlagerungseinrichtung 5 weist des Weiteren eine Steuereinrichtung (nicht dargestellt) auf, welche einen Steuerbefehl für den Elektromotor 17 erteilt, der wiederum die Schiebemechanik 18 betätigt. Die Verlagerungseinrichtung 5, nämlich deren Steuereinrichtung, ist nun so eingerichtet, dass die Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes 2 in Abhängigkeit von einem Fortbewegungszustand und/oder einem Fehlerstatus der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 erfolgt. Unter Fortbewegungszustand ist zu verstehen, ob sich die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 aktuell relativ zu der Fläche 3 fortbewegt oder auf dieser stillsteht, und/oder mit welcher Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit sich die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 über die Fläche 3 bewegt. In einem besonders einfachen Fall gibt es lediglich zwei Fortbewegungszustände, nämlich zum einen Bewegen, und zum anderen Nicht-Bewegen. Ein Fehlerstatus kann beispielsweise ein an oder unter einem Hindernis festgefahrener Zustand der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 sein, ein vollständig entladener Akkumulator, so dass keine Energie mehr für den Elektromotor der Fortbewegungsmittel 7 zur Verfügung steht und dergleichen. In vielen Fällen äußert sich ein Fehlerstatus gleichzeitig als Fortbewegungsstatus "Stillstand". Daneben kann ein Fehlerstatus jedoch ein Fehler sein, welcher nicht die Fortbewegung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 betrifft, sondern beispielsweise die ordnungsgemäße Funktion eines Reinigungsantriebs, welcher das Reinigungselement 2 über eine zu reinigende Fläche 3 bewegt. In den zuvor beschriebenen Fällen kann es vorteilhaft sein, das Reinigungselement 2 von der Fläche 3 zu entfernen, d.h. in die Distanzstellung zu verlagern, damit das insbesondere feuchte oder nasse Reinigungselement 2 nicht ungewünscht lange auf einem bestimmten Bereich der Fläche 3 ruht und dort eine Beschädigung der Fläche 3, beispielsweise ein Aufquellen eines Holzfußbodens, hervorrufen kann.the Figures 2a and 2b first show a first embodiment in which the cleaning element 2 can be displaced relative to the fixed part 9 of the device and relative to the means of transportation 7 . The means of transportation 7 are each a part of the device 4 , which always maintains contact with the surface 3 and supports the wet cleaning device 1 with respect to the surface 3 . Here, the wet cleaning device 1 has two locomotion means 7 designed as drive wheels and two pairs of support wheels, which only rotate passively when the wet cleaning device 1 moves. The cleaning element 2 is by means of a displacement device 5 relative to the means of transportation 7 supported on the surface 3 and thus also displaceable relative to the surface 3, ie can be lifted off the surface 3 into a distance position or placed on the surface 3 for the position of use. The displacement device 5 here has a sliding mechanism 18 driven by an electric motor 17 which can move the cleaning element 2 up and down relative to the surface 3 . The sliding mechanism 18 is assigned a spring element 10, the restoring force of which acts in the direction of the distance position of the cleaning element 2 lifted from the surface 3, so that if the wet cleaning device 1 has an error status, for example due to a complete failure of the energy supply of the wet cleaning device 1, the cleaning element 2 will automatically move comes away from face 3. In the Figure 2a The illustrated position of use of the cleaning element 2 thus requires an actively executed lowering by means of the displacement device 5. The displacement device 5 also has a control device (not shown), which issues a control command for the electric motor 17, which in turn actuates the sliding mechanism 18. The displacement device 5, namely its control device, is set up in such a way that the cleaning element 2 is displaced as a function of a state of movement and/or an error status of the wet cleaning device 1. The state of movement is to be understood as meaning whether the wet cleaning device 1 is currently moving relative to the surface 3 or is standing still on it, and/or at what speed of movement the wet cleaning device 1 is moving over the surface 3 . In a particularly simple case, there are only two states of locomotion, namely moving and non-moving. An error status can be, for example, a state of the wet cleaning device 1 stuck on or under an obstacle, a completely discharged accumulator, so that no more energy is available for the electric motor of the means of transport 7 and the like. In many cases, an error status also manifests itself as a "standstill" movement status. Besides However, an error status can be an error which does not relate to the movement of the wet cleaning device 1 but, for example, to the proper functioning of a cleaning drive which moves the cleaning element 2 over a surface 3 to be cleaned. In the cases described above, it can be advantageous to remove the cleaning element 2 from the surface 3, ie to move it to the distance position, so that the particularly damp or wet cleaning element 2 does not rest for an undesired length of time on a certain area of the surface 3 and cause damage there of the surface 3, for example swelling of a wooden floor.

Zur Detektion eines Fortbewegungszustandes und/oder Fehlerzustandes der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 verfügt die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 hier über die Detektionseinrichtung 6, welche anhand der Detektion sich während einer Fortbewegung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 ändernder Abstände zu Hindernissen eine Information über einen etwaigen Stillstand der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 erlangt. In Abhängigkeit von dem erkannten Fortbewegungszustand und/oder Fehlerstatus kann die Verlagerungseinrichtung 5 daraufhin eine Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes 2 veranlassen. Hier genügt zur Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes 2 ein bloßes Abschalten des Elektromotors 17, so dass das Federelement 10 der Rückstellkraft folgend die Schiebemechanik 18 betätigt und das Reinigungselement 2 anhebt.In order to detect a state of movement and/or an error state of the wet cleaning device 1, the wet cleaning device 1 has the detection device 6, which obtains information about a possible standstill of the wet cleaning device 1 based on the detection of changing distances to obstacles during a movement of the wet cleaning device 1. Depending on the detected state of movement and/or error status, the displacement device 5 can then cause the cleaning element 2 to be displaced. Here, to move the cleaning element 2, it is sufficient simply to switch off the electric motor 17, so that the spring element 10, following the restoring force, actuates the sliding mechanism 18 and lifts the cleaning element 2.

Der Detektionseinrichtung 6 und/oder der Verlagerungseinrichtung 5 ist eine Auswerteeinrichtung zugeordnet, welche beispielsweise eine aktuelle Geschwindigkeit der Fortbewegungseinrichtung 1 aus den zeitlich aufeinanderfolgend aufgenommenen Abstandmessdaten der Detektionseinrichtung 6 errechnet und den Betrag der Geschwindigkeit mit einem gespeicherten Schwellwert vergleicht. Sofern die errechnete Geschwindigkeit geringer ist als der Schwellwert, oder gar Null beträgt, veranlasst die Verlagerungseinrichtung 5 ein Anheben des Reinigungselementes 2 von der Fläche 3. Dies geschieht hier beispielsweise durch Abschalten des Elektromotors 17. Der Schwellwert kann durch den Nutzer oder herstellerseitig vorgegeben sein. Es ist möglich mehrere Schwellwerte festzulegen, insbesondere in Abhängigkeit von einer Bodenart der Fläche 3, da ein Stillstehen der Fortbewegungseinrichtung 1 mit stetem Kontakt zwischen dem feuchten Reinigungselement 2 und der Fläche 3 weniger schädlich für die Fläche 3 sein wird als beispielsweise ein Stillstehen auf einem Holzboden. Die Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes 2 kann des Weiteren auch zusätzlich von einem Feuchtegrad des Reinigungselementes 2 abhängig gemacht werden, da ein vollständig trockenes Reinigungselement 2 auch bei langem Stillstand auf der Fläche 3 keine Beeinträchtigung der Fläche 3 hervorrufen wird. Zur Detektion des Feuchtegrades kann dem Reinigungselement 2 ein Feuchtesensor zugeordnet sein.The detection device 6 and/or the displacement device 5 is assigned an evaluation device which, for example, calculates a current speed of the locomotion device 1 from the distance measurement data recorded consecutively from the detection device 6 and compares the amount of the speed with a stored threshold value. If the calculated speed is lower than the threshold value or is even zero, the shifting device initiates this 5 lifting the cleaning element 2 from the surface 3. This is done here, for example, by switching off the electric motor 17. The threshold value can be specified by the user or by the manufacturer. It is possible to define several threshold values, in particular depending on a type of floor of the surface 3, since a standstill of the locomotion device 1 with constant contact between the wet cleaning element 2 and the surface 3 will be less damaging to the surface 3 than, for example, standing still on a wooden floor . Furthermore, the displacement of the cleaning element 2 can also be made dependent on the degree of moisture in the cleaning element 2 , since a completely dry cleaning element 2 will not cause any damage to the surface 3 even after a long standstill on the surface 3 . A moisture sensor can be assigned to the cleaning element 2 for detecting the degree of moisture.

Figur 2b zeigt die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 mit in eine Distanzstellung verlagertem Reinigungselement 2. Das Reinigungselement 2 ist dabei vollständig von der Fläche 3 abgehoben und weist keinen Kontakt mehr zu dieser auf. Vorteilhaft bei dieser Ausführungsform ist, dass sich die absolute Höhe der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 auf der Fläche 3 nicht ändert, lediglich das Reinigungselement 2 wird relativ zu der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1, nämlich beispielsweise dem Gerätefestteil 9 und dem Fortbewegungsmitteln 7 verlagert. Da das Reinigungselement 2 hier von dem Gerätefestteil 9 überfangen ist, ragt es auch in der Distanzstellung nicht über eine obere Gerätekontur, die hier durch die Detektionseinrichtung 6 gegeben ist, hinaus. Somit ist verhindert, dass es bei einer Verlagerung des Reinigungselementes 2 relativ zu der Fläche 3 zu einem Festfahren der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 unter Hindernissen kommen kann, weil sich die absolute Höhe der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 plötzlich ändert. Figure 2b shows the wet cleaning device 1 with the cleaning element 2 displaced into a distance position. The cleaning element 2 is completely lifted from the surface 3 and is no longer in contact with it. The advantage of this embodiment is that the absolute height of the wet cleaning device 1 on the surface 3 does not change, only the cleaning element 2 is shifted relative to the wet cleaning device 1, namely, for example, the device fixed part 9 and the means of transport 7. Since the cleaning element 2 is overlaid here by the fixed part 9 of the device, it does not protrude beyond an upper device contour, which is given here by the detection device 6 , even in the distance position. This prevents the wet cleaning device 1 from getting stuck under obstacles when the cleaning element 2 is displaced relative to the surface 3 because the absolute height of the wet cleaning device 1 suddenly changes.

Die Figuren 3a und 3b zeigen eine zweite beispielhafte Ausführungsform der Erfindung, bei welcher die Verlagerungseinrichtung 5 in Abhängigkeit von einem detektierten Stillstand der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1, einer gegenüber einem Schwellwert zu geringen Fortbewegungsgeschwindigkeit oder einem Fehlerfall eine Verlagerung eines die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 gegenüber der Fläche 3 abstützenden Geräteteilbereiches 4, nämlich hier der als Stützräder ausgebildeten Fortbewegungsmittel 7 veranlasst. Die Detektion des Fortbewegungszustandes und/oder Fehlerstatus kann wie zuvor in Bezug auf die Figuren 2a und 2b erläutert erfolgen. Zum Zwecke der Verlagerung weist die Verlagerungseinrichtung 5 eine den Stützrädern zugeordnete Schiebemechanik 18 auf, welche von einem Elektromotor 17 angetrieben wird und die Stützräder bezogen auf eine unterste Kontur des Gerätefestteils 9 der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 weiter aus dem Gehäuse der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 herausschiebt, so dass die Bodenfreiheit der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 vergrößert wird. Durch das Aufbocken der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 wird das Reinigungselement 2 von der Fläche 3 entfernt, sowie die als Antriebsräder ausgebildeten Fortbewegungsmittel 7.the Figures 3a and 3b show a second exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the displacement device 5, depending on a detected standstill of the wet cleaning device 1, a speed of movement that is too low compared to a threshold value, or a fault, causes a displacement of a partial device area 4 supporting the wet cleaning device 1 in relation to the surface 3, namely here the designed as support wheels means of locomotion 7 caused. The detection of the state of locomotion and/or error status can be as previously in relation to the Figures 2a and 2b explained. For the purpose of relocation, the displacement device 5 has a sliding mechanism 18 assigned to the support wheels, which is driven by an electric motor 17 and pushes the support wheels further out of the housing of the wet cleaning device 1 in relation to a lowermost contour of the fixed device part 9 of the wet cleaning device 1, so that the ground clearance the wet cleaning device 1 is increased. By jacking up the wet cleaning device 1, the cleaning element 2 is removed from the surface 3, as is the means of transportation 7 designed as drive wheels.

Die Figuren 4a und 4b zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform, welche der Ausführungsform gemäß den Figuren 3a und 3b ähnelt. Allerdings ist hier auch den Antriebsrädern eine Verlagerungseinrichtung 5 zugeordnet.the Figures 4a and 4b show another embodiment, which is the embodiment according to the Figures 3a and 3b resembles. However, a displacement device 5 is also assigned to the drive wheels here.

Die Figuren 5a und 5b zeigen eine Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 mit einem als Stützelement 8 ausgebildeten Geräteteilbereich 4. Das Stützelement 8 ist um eine Schwenkachse 19 schwenkbeweglich gelagert. Der Schwenkachse 19 ist ein Elektromotor 17 zum Verschwenken des Stützelementes 8 zugeordnet. Das Stützelement 8 ist nach der Art eines länglichen Ständers ausgebildet, welcher auf die Fläche 3 aufgestellt werden kann. Sobald das Stützelement 8 die Fläche 3 erreicht, kommt es bei weitergeführtem Verschwenken zu einem schrägen Aufbocken der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1, bei welchem die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 schiefgestellt wird und sich über ein dem Stützelement 8 gegenüberliegendes Reibelement 20 auf der Fläche 3 abstützt. Das Reibelement 20 kann beispielsweise ein Gummibelag an dem Gehäuse der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 sein, welcher dafür sorgt, dass die Reibung zwischen Gehäuse und Fläche 3 in der Schrägstellung der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung so groß ist, dass sich dieses nicht auf der Fläche 3 verschiebt.the Figures 5a and 5b show a wet cleaning device 1 with a device section 4 designed as a support element 8. The support element 8 is mounted so that it can pivot about a pivot axis 19. An electric motor 17 for pivoting the support element 8 is assigned to the pivot axis 19 . The support element 8 is designed in the manner of an elongate stand which can be set up on the surface 3 . As soon as the support element 8 reaches the surface 3, a further pivoting occurs sloping jacking up of the wet cleaning device 1, in which the wet cleaning device 1 is tilted and is supported on the surface 3 via a friction element 20 opposite the support element 8. The friction element 20 can, for example, be a rubber covering on the housing of the wet cleaning device 1, which ensures that the friction between the housing and surface 3 in the inclined position of the wet cleaning device is so great that it does not move on the surface 3.

Die Figuren 6a und 6b zeigen schließlich eine besondere Ausführungsform einer Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1. Die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 ist als Set in Kombination mit einer Basisstation 11 gezeigt, welche dem Aufladen eines Akkumulators (nicht dargestellt) der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 dient. Des Weiteren kann die Basisstation 11 auch zur Ausführung anderer Serviceaufgaben ausgebildet sein, beispielsweise zur Bevorratung von Reinigungsflüssigkeit und/oder zum Aufbringen von Reinigungsflüssigkeit auf das Reinigungselement 2. Die Basisstation 11 weist insgesamt drei Elektrokontakte 14, 15, 16 zum Laden des Akkumulators der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 auf. Die Elektrokontakte 14, 15, 16 weisen hier abwechselnd positives und negatives Potential auf. Die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 ist hier beispielhaft ähnlich der Ausführungsform gemäß den Figuren 3a und 3b ausgebildet. Zusätzlich weist die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 zwei Elektrokontakte 12, 13 auf, welche über eine Ladeschaltung mit dem Akkumulator verbunden sind. Die Ladeschaltung ist ausgebildet, zu erkennen, welches Potential an den Elektrokontakten 14, 15, 16 der Basisstation 11 anliegt. Eine Steuereinrichtung der Ladeschaltung ist eingerichtet, die Polarität der Elektrokontakte 12, 13 der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 in Abhängigkeit von der erkannten Polarität der auf gleicher Höhe gegenüberliegenden Elektrokontakte 14, 15, 16 der Basisstation 11 umzuschalten.the Figures 6a and 6b Finally, FIGS. Furthermore, the base station 11 can also be designed to carry out other service tasks, for example to store cleaning liquid and/or to apply cleaning liquid to the cleaning element 2. The base station 11 has a total of three electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 for charging the accumulator of the wet cleaning device 1 on. The electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 here alternately have positive and negative potential. The wet cleaning device 1 is here by way of example similar to the embodiment according to FIG Figures 3a and 3b educated. In addition, the wet cleaning device 1 has two electrical contacts 12, 13, which are connected to the accumulator via a charging circuit. The charging circuit is designed to recognize which potential is present at the electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 of the base station 11. A control device of the charging circuit is set up to switch the polarity of the electrical contacts 12, 13 of the wet cleaning device 1 depending on the detected polarity of the electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 of the base station 11 which are opposite one another at the same level.

Wie in den Figuren 6a und 6b erkennbar, ist die Höhe der Elektrokontakte 12, 13 der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 von dem Verlagerungszustand des Reinigungselementes 2 abhängig, da sich die Höhe der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 zum Zwecke des Abhebens des Reinigungselementes 2 von der Fläche 3 ändert. Infolgedessen ändert sich auch die Höhenposition der Elektrokontakte 12, 13, so dass die in gleicher Höhe gegenüberliegenden Elektrokontakte 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 der Basisstation 11 und der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 nicht mehr gleiches Potential aufweisen. Wenn die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 wie in Figur 6b dargestellt aufgebockt ist und dadurch eine größere Höhe auf der Fläche 3 aufweist, liegen die Elektrokontakte 12, 13, der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 nun nicht mehr den Elektrokontakten 14, 15 der Basisstation gegenüber, sondern den Elektrokontakten 15, 16. Hier liegt dann beispielsweise der Elektrokontakt 12 mit positivem Potential dem Elektrokontakt 15 der Basisstation 11 mit negativem Potential gegenüber. Der Elektrokontakt 13 der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 mit negativem Potential liegt dann dem Elektrokontakt 16 der Basisstation 11 mit positivem Potential gegenüber. Um ein Aufladen des Akkumulators zu ermöglichen, schaltet die Steuereinrichtung die Polarität der Elektrokontakte 12, 13 der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 um, so dass der Elektrokontakt 12 wie in Figur 6b gezeigt anschließend negatives Potential aufweist und der Elektrokontakt 13 positives Potential aufweist. Sodann kann der Akkumulator über die Ladeschaltung geladen werden. Bei einem Absenken der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 gegenüber der Fläche 3 erfolgt die Potentialprüfung der Elektrokontakte 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 erneut. Je nach der Anzahl der möglichen Höhenzustände der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 kann die Anzahl der Elektrokontakte 14, 15, 16 der Basisstation 11 auch mehr als drei betragen. Des Weiteren ist es auch möglich, dass die Basisstation 11 nur zwei Elektrokontakte 14, 15 aufweist und dafür die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 mehr als zwei Elektrokontakte 12, 13. Des Weiteren können sowohl die Basisstation 11 als auch die Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 jeweils mehr als zwei Elektrokontakte 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 aufweisen. Gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform kann auch die Basisstation 11 umpolbare Elektrokontakte 14, 15, 16 aufweisen.As in the Figures 6a and 6b As can be seen, the height of the electrical contacts 12, 13 of the wet cleaning device 1 depends on the displacement state of the cleaning element 2, since the height of the wet cleaning device 1 changes for the purpose of lifting the cleaning element 2 from the surface 3. As a result, the height position of the electrical contacts 12, 13 also changes, so that the opposite electrical contacts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 of the base station 11 and the wet cleaning device 1 no longer have the same potential at the same height. If the wet cleaning device 1 as in Figure 6b shown is jacked up and thus has a greater height on the surface 3, the electrical contacts 12, 13 of the wet cleaning device 1 are no longer opposite the electrical contacts 14, 15 of the base station, but rather the electrical contacts 15, 16. This is where the electrical contact 12 is located, for example with a positive potential to the electrical contact 15 of the base station 11 with a negative potential. The electrical contact 13 of the wet cleaning device 1 with a negative potential is then opposite the electrical contact 16 of the base station 11 with a positive potential. In order to enable the accumulator to be charged, the control device switches the polarity of the electrical contacts 12, 13 of the wet cleaning device 1, so that the electrical contact 12 as in Figure 6b shown then has negative potential and the electrical contact 13 has positive potential. The accumulator can then be charged via the charging circuit. When the wet cleaning device 1 is lowered relative to the surface 3, the potential of the electrical contacts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 is tested again. Depending on the number of possible height states of the wet cleaning device 1, the number of electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 of the base station 11 can also be more than three. Furthermore, it is also possible for the base station 11 to have only two electrical contacts 14, 15 and for the wet cleaning device 1 to have more than two electrical contacts 12, 13. Furthermore, both the base station 11 and the wet cleaning device 1 can each have more than two electrical contacts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. According to an alternative In one embodiment, the base station 11 can also have electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 that can be poled.

Eine weitere, nicht dargestellte Ausführungsform der Feuchtreinigungseinrichtung 1 könnte des Weiteren relativ zu dem Gerätefestteil 9 höhenverlagerbare Elektrokontakte 12, 13 vorsehen, welche in Abhängigkeit von einer sich ändernden Höhenposition der Elektrokontakte 12, 13 verlagert werden, so dass diese stets Elektrokontakten 14, 15, 16 der Basisstation 11 mit gleichem Potential gegenüberliegen. Alternativ könnte auch die Basisstation 11 derart verlagerbare Elektrokontakte 14, 15, 16 aufweisen.Another embodiment of the wet cleaning device 1, which is not shown, could also provide electrical contacts 12, 13 that are height-adjustable relative to the fixed part 9 of the device, which are shifted as a function of a changing height position of the electrical contacts 12, 13, so that these are always electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 face the base station 11 with the same potential. Alternatively, the base station 11 could also have electrical contacts 14, 15, 16 that can be displaced in this way.

Liste der BezugszeichenList of References

11
Feuchtreinigungseinrichtungwet cleaning device
22
Reinigungselementcleaning element
33
FlächeSurface
44
Geräteteilbereichdevice section
55
Verlagerungseinrichtungrelocation facility
66
Detektionseinrichtungdetection device
77
Fortbewegungsmittelmeans of transportation
88th
Stützelementsupport element
99
Gerätefestteildevice fixed part
1010
Federelementspring element
1111
Basisstationbase station
1212
Elektrokontaktelectrical contact
1313
Elektrokontaktelectrical contact
1414
Elektrokontaktelectrical contact
1515
Elektrokontaktelectrical contact
1616
Elektrokontaktelectrical contact
1717
Elektromotorelectric motor
1818
Schiebemechaniksliding mechanism
1919
Schwenkachsepivot axis
2020
Reibelementfriction element

Claims (9)

  1. Wet cleaning device (1) with a cleaning element (2) for mechanical by wet cleaning of a surface (3) to be cleaned and an appliance part region (4) supporting the wet cleaning device (1) relative to the surface (3), wherein the wet cleaning device (1) has a displacement device (5) which is set up to automatically displace the cleaning element (2) relative to the appliance part region (4) depending on a movement state and/or a fault state of the wet cleaning device (1), or vice versa, so that the cleaning element (2) can be displaced from a position of use, in which it is lowered onto the surface (3), into a spaced-apart position, in which it is raised from the surface (3), characterized in that the displacement device (5) is assigned a detection device (6), which is set up to distinguish a standstill of the wet cleaning device (1) from a movement of the wet cleaning device (1), the displacement device (5) being set up to cause a displacement of the cleaning element (2) into the spaced-apart position in the event of a detected standstill, and/or in that the detection device (6) is set up to determine an amount of an actual speed of movement of the wet cleaning device (1) relative to the surface (3) and to compare the amount with a threshold value stored in a memory, the displacement device (5) being set up to cause the cleaning element (2) to be displaced into the distance position when the value falls below the threshold value.
  2. Wet cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the displacement device (5) is associated with a travelling means (7) of the wet cleaning device (1), which contacts the surface (3) in a usual position of use of the wet cleaning device (1).
  3. Wet cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displacement device (5) is associated with a support element (8) of the wet cleaning device (1) which does not contact the surface (3) in a normal position of use of the wet cleaning device (1).
  4. Wet cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning element (2) is mounted displaceable on a fixed part (9) of the apparatus of the wet cleaning device (1) by means of a displacement device (5).
  5. Wet cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring element (10) is associated with the displacement device (5), the restoring force of which is directed in the direction of the distance position of the cleaning element (2) raised from the surface (3).
  6. Wet cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a moisture sensor detecting a degree of moisture of the cleaning element (2) is associated with the displacement device (5), wherein the displacement device (5) is set up to additionally control the displacement of the cleaning element (2) as a function of the detected degree of moisture.
  7. A set comprising a wet cleaning device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a base station (11) for charging an accumulator of the wet cleaning device (1), wherein the wet cleaning device (1) is a self-propelling cleaning robot, and wherein the wet cleaning device (1) and the base station (11) have electrical contacts (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) corresponding to one another.
  8. Set according to claim 7, characterized in that the electrical contacts (12, 13) of the wet cleaning device (1) and/or the electrical contacts (14, 15) of the base station (11) are arranged displaceable on the wet cleaning device (1) and/or the base station (11), a control device of the wet cleaning device (1) and/or a control device of the base station (11) being set up to displace the electrical contacts (12, 13, 14, 15) for charging the accumulator as a function of a distance of the electrical contacts (12, 13, 14, 15) from the surface (3).
  9. Set according to claim 7, characterized in that the wet cleaning device (1) and/or the base station (11) has at least three electrical contacts (12, 13, 14, 15, 16), wherein a control device of the wet cleaning device (1) and/or a control device of the base station (11) is set up, for charging the accumulator, to reverse the polarity of at least two of the electrical contacts (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) of the wet cleaning device (1) or of the base station (11) in a variable manner as a function of a distance of the electrical contacts (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) from the surface (3).
EP18204770.4A 2017-11-10 2018-11-07 Wet cleaning device for cleaning a surface Active EP3482669B1 (en)

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JP2019088779A (en) 2019-06-13
DE102017126414A1 (en) 2019-05-16
CN109758050B (en) 2021-12-14
EP3482669A1 (en) 2019-05-15
US20190142237A1 (en) 2019-05-16
ES2928710T3 (en) 2022-11-22
CN109758050A (en) 2019-05-17
US10716446B2 (en) 2020-07-21

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