CN120225105A

CN120225105A - Liquid tank for cleaning machine and cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: CN120225105A
Application number: CN202480005158.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 尤斯廷·亨利; 拉尔夫·雅伊泽
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2023-03-09
Filing date: 2024-02-21
Publication date: 2025-06-27
Also published as: EP4676294A1; DE102023105865A1; WO2024184072A1

Abstract

A liquid tank for a cleaning machine (10) is proposed, comprising: a housing (124) having a storage space (130); a cover device (146) positioned on the housing (124) and closing the storage space (130), wherein the cover device (146) is openable; and a sealing device (156) which is located on the housing (124) and/or the cover device (146) and ensures a fluid-tight seal between the cover device (146) and the housing (124) when the cover device (146) is closed, wherein the cover device (146) is hingedly connected to the housing (124) and can be swung around a cover swivel axis (150), wherein the cover device (146) is swivelable about a cover swivel axis (150) and is swivelable about a cover swivel axis (150). A movable handle (202) is arranged on the cover device (146), which has a basic position (208) when the cover device (146) is closed, and an action device (220) is connected to the handle (202), and a support device (166) for the action device (220) is arranged on the housing (124), wherein when the cover device (146) is in the closed position (154) and the handle (202) moves out of the basic position (208), the action device (220) is supported on the support device (166) and causes the cover device (146) to pivot out of the closed position (154) about the cover pivot axis (150).

Description

Liquid tank for cleaning machine and cleaning machine

Technical Field

The invention relates to a liquid tank for a cleaning machine, comprising a housing having a receiving space, a cover device which is positioned on the housing and closes the receiving space, wherein the cover device is openable, and a sealing device which is positioned on the housing and/or the cover device and ensures a fluid-tight closure between the cover device and the housing when the cover device is closed.

The invention also relates to a cleaning machine comprising at least one cleaning tool.

Background

DE 20 2011 111 145 U1 discloses a device for surface cleaning with a scrubbing system.

DE 103 24 A1 discloses a floor cleaning machine which is movable on the floor and has at least two dirt collection containers.

WO 2020/207557 A1 discloses a surface cleaning machine comprising a cleaning head with at least one cleaning roller unit driven for rotational movement, and tank means for a dirty fluid. Which is arranged as a detection device for knowing the level of the tank device of the contaminated fluid.

EP 3,759 A1 discloses an autonomous floor cleaner with a handle.

DE 10 2005 030 982 A1 discloses a gas-tight and fluid-tight closure for a container.

DE 10 2006 061 202 A1 discloses a floor nozzle for hard floors.

US 2008/0190969 A1 discloses a precision cap for closing a liquid container.

CN 2003-34706 discloses a container closure.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a liquid tank of the aforementioned type which can be used in a simple manner by an operator.

In the case of the aforementioned liquid container, the object is achieved according to the invention in that the lid device is pivotably articulated to the housing about a lid pivot axis, a movable handle is arranged on the lid device, which handle has a basic position when the lid device is closed, and the actuating device is connected to the handle, and a support device for the actuating device is arranged on the housing, wherein when the lid device is in the closed position and the handle is moved out of the basic position, the actuating device is supported on the support device and the lid device is caused to pivot out of the closed position about the lid pivot axis.

In principle, the problem arises that, when the cover device is opened, an impact occurs on the liquid tank, which can lead to the liquid (loaded with dirt) sloshing out.

In the solution according to the invention, starting from a closed lid device, a controlled opening is achieved by means of a movable handle, so that the impact during opening and thus also the sloshing out of the liquid is largely avoided.

The friction of the sealing device can be overcome in particular in a controlled manner during the opening process by means of the handle and by means of the acting device, which is supported on the support device of the housing, and thus the impact process can be avoided.

The liquid tank according to the invention can be used in different types of cleaning machines.

Advantageously, the support device comprises at least one upright having a contact surface for the application device, wherein in particular the contact surface forms a guide rail for the handle and/or a sliding surface for the application device. By means of the upright a base is provided by which the acting means can be supported on the housing. This results in a simple design, since the contact surface is guided somewhat closer to the cover means by the at least one upright.

It is then advantageous to specify at least one of the following:

at least one upright is located on the bottom of the housing, wherein it is positioned relative to the bottom when the cover means is closed;

-at least one upright extends in height from the bottom of the housing;

-a plurality of spaced apart posts, in particular exactly two posts are provided.

A structure of simple design is thereby obtained with ease of handling. These uprights can, for example, additionally be used for other purposes, for example as brackets for, in particular, suspension fastening to the cleaning machine.

When a plurality of spaced-apart uprights is provided, a controlled opening is obtained in a simple manner, wherein a larger accommodation volume can be obtained.

Advantageously, at least one recess is arranged on the cover device for a support device on the housing. Whereby the support means on the housing can be acted upon by the acting means on the cover means so that a relative movement between the cover means and the housing is obtained by pivoting of the handle. The recess can be designed to be through-going or, for example, blind-hole.

Then, at least one of the following is preferably specified:

at least when the cover means is closed, at least one upright of the support means, in particular exactly one upright, is positioned in the respective recess;

-providing sealing means which ensure a fluid-tight closure between the support means and the cover means at the at least one recess when the cover means is closed;

-arranging sealing means on at least one recess and/or at least one upright of the support means;

the action means act on the support means at the at least one recess.

A design-simplified structure is thereby obtained, wherein a support of the acting means on the housing can be achieved during opening. By means of the sealing device, a fluid-tight closure of the cover device on the housing is obtained in the closed position of the cover device.

In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the acting means comprise at least one cam acting on the support means. By means of a corresponding contour of the at least one cam, the kinematics of the opening process can be regulated in a defined manner for the movement of the cover device relative to the housing. At least one cam is a control cam for controlled opening of the cover device starting from the closed position of the cover device in order to avoid, in particular, the risk of shaking out of the liquid by abrupt opening.

It is furthermore advantageous to specify at least one of the following:

-a plurality of spaced cams are provided;

One, in particular exactly one, cam is assigned to one, in particular exactly one, column of the support device and can be supported thereon.

Thereby forming a structure of simple design.

It is furthermore advantageous to specify at least one of the following:

Starting from the basic position of the handle and the closed position of the cover device, the acting device is supported on the supporting device when the handle is moved to a defined pivot angle of the cover device about the pivot axis of the cover;

after exceeding the defined pivoting angle, the acting means are spaced apart from the support means and no longer act on them.

The acting means are supported on the support means only for a defined opening process. When a defined pivoting angle is reached and subsequently exceeded, the actuating device no longer functions. A structure of simple design is thus obtained.

It is particularly advantageous if the sealing device is arranged on the cover device and moves together when the pivoting handle, which causes the cover device, moves. The opening process of the cover device can thereby be performed in a controlled manner. In particular, the friction of the sealing device can be overcome and thus the risk of shaking out of the liquid by a sudden opening can also be avoided.

It is correspondingly advantageous if the actuating device is configured to be matched to the support device in such a way that the friction of the sealing device is overcome when the cover device is opened by a movement of the handle. The force-locking connection of the cover device to the housing can thereby be released when the cover device is closed, wherein the risk of liquid in the liquid tank shaking out is minimized.

In a structurally simple embodiment, the handle is pivotally connected to the cover device about a handle pivot axis. Thereby a simple grip for the operator is obtained.

For example, a stop is arranged on the cover device, which forms a pivot angle limiter of the handle, which is remote from the cover device. Starting from the basic position of the handle, which can be defined as zero pivot angle, the maximum pivot angle can be set.

Provision is made for at least one of the following to be present:

-the handle swing axis is spaced apart from the cover swing axis;

-the handle swing axis is parallel to the cover swing axis;

The handle pivot axis is oriented transversely to the direction of height extension of the support device.

Thereby obtaining simple operability.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one of the following is present:

the handle is designed as a pulling device for the operator to pull the cover device;

the handle together with the actuation means are designed as levers.

Controlled opening can be achieved by means of a handle. Furthermore, the cover device can be completely opened by the handle. The handle is on the one hand an operating element for the operator and on the other hand it preferably forms a lever for controlled opening of the cover device together with the actuation means.

Advantageously, the handle is designed as a bow handle, in particular with at least one of the following:

the handle comprises a first yoke element, a second yoke element spaced apart from the first yoke element, and a third yoke element connected to the first yoke element and to the second yoke element, wherein the handle is mounted on the cover device in a movable manner by means of the first yoke element and the second yoke element;

The first cam of the acting means is located on the first yoke element and the second cam of the acting means is located on the second yoke element;

The yoke of the yoke handle encloses the locking button of the liquid tank.

Thereby obtaining simple operability. When the bow of the bow-type handle encloses the locking button of the liquid tank, a space-saving construction is obtained.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the handle is positioned at a fixing area for fixing the liquid tank on the cleaning machine. Thereby a space-saving construction is obtained.

It is particularly advantageous if the handle is assigned a spring device which applies a spring force to the handle, wherein the spring force is directed to bring the handle into the basic position. Thus, the operator must apply force in order to move the handle away from its home position. Once the operator releases the handle, the handle returns to the home position. When bringing the cover means back to the closed position, for example from the open position of the cover means, the cooperation of the acting means with the supporting means does not hinder the closing if the operator does not intervene on the handle.

In one embodiment, the housing has a first end and an opposite second end, wherein a direction of spacing between the first end and the second end is perpendicular to the lid pivot axis. A cover pivot bearing for pivoting the cover device about the cover pivot axis is located in the region of the first end, and the handle is located closer to the second end than the cover pivot bearing. Hereby it is achieved that the cover device can be opened relatively far and in particular completely. In particular, the cover swing bearing is a hinge bearing.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to specify at least one of the following:

When the liquid tank is fixed on the cleaning machine, the second end of the liquid tank is located on or closer to the outer contour of the cleaning machine than the first end;

the housing is configured straight at the first end.

A structure of simple design is thus obtained. An optimized space utilization is obtained and a larger accommodation volume can be provided.

Advantageously, the maximum pivot angle of the cover device relative to the housing, proceeding from the closed cover device, is at least 90 °, preferably at least 120 °, preferably at least 150 ° and preferably at least 175 °, and preferably about 180 °. Thereby, the liquid tank can be emptied and cleaned in a simple manner.

Advantageously, at least one of the following is specified:

the sealing device between the housing and the cover device is arranged circumferentially on the cover device and/or the housing;

-the sealing means comprises a radial seal;

In the closed position of the cover device, the cover device is fixed to the housing by means of a force fit, wherein in particular the sealing device contributes to the force fit.

In this way, in a simple design, a fluid-tight seal of the liquid tank between the housing and the cover device is achieved when the cover device is closed.

In one embodiment, inlet means for introducing liquid into the receiving space are arranged on the cover means. Thereby a larger receiving volume can be provided.

It can be provided here that at least one channel is arranged on the cover device, which channel has an inlet for the liquid and an outlet for the liquid, wherein the outlet opens into the receiving space. Thereby a larger receiving volume can be provided.

Advantageously, the outlet has a port normal which is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the bottom of the housing when the cover is closed. A larger accommodation volume can thus be achieved.

For the same reason, it is advantageous if the at least one channel is oriented at an acute angle to the lid pivot axis with respect to the longitudinal direction, wherein in particular the acute angle is in the range between 30 ° and 60 °. Reference is made to PCT/EP2023/052810.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sensor device is arranged on the cover device. This allows the housing to be kept out of the way of the sensor device or the like to some extent. The sensor device is in particular a liquid level sensor device for detecting the liquid level in the receiving volume during operation of the liquid tank. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor device may also be or comprise, for example, a sensor which detects the degree of contamination of the liquid in the liquid tank.

The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageous if the liquid tank has a flat construction, for example when used in floor cleaning robots. In particular, the ratio of the housing height to the housing width (perpendicular to the height) is less than or equal to one, and in particular less than or equal to 0.5.

The liquid tank is preferably designed as a unit which can be removed as a whole from the cleaning machine and can then be emptied and cleaned separately from the cleaning machine accordingly.

In one embodiment, the liquid tank is designed as a dirty fluid tank. For containing a dirty fluid containing a liquid.

According to the invention, a cleaning machine of the aforementioned type is provided, which comprises at least one liquid tank according to the invention.

In one embodiment, the cleaner has a cleaning head, such as a floor cleaning head, on which at least one cleaning tool is arranged, wherein at least one liquid tank is removably positioned on the cleaning head. The corresponding cleaning machine is, for example, a floor cleaning robot or a hand guided floor wiping device.

In particular, cleaning machines are designed as surface cleaning machines, in particular floor cleaning machines, for cleaning surfaces, for example floor surfaces.

The cleaning machine according to the invention can be designed as a hand-held and/or hand-guided cleaning machine or as a self-travelling and self-steering cleaning machine (robot).

In particular, the cleaning machine is designed as a wet cleaning machine, wherein at least one liquid tank is used for containing a liquid-containing dirty fluid. A wetting device is provided by means of which at least one cleaning tool and/or the surface to be cleaned can be supplied with cleaning liquid. The cleaning machine then supplies liquid which is then correspondingly (dirt-containing) accommodated in a liquid tank.

In one embodiment, the cleaning machine has at least one driven roller as the cleaning tool. The driven roller has, for example, a textile material covering, so that the dirty fluid can be collected accordingly.

According to the invention, the liquid tank according to the invention is applied to a floor cleaning machine, which is self-travelling and self-steering or which is manually guided and/or hand-held.

Drawings

The following description of the preferred embodiments is provided in connection with the accompanying drawings to further illustrate the invention. In the figure:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the cleaning machine of the present invention in the form of a self-steering and self-traveling floor cleaning robot;

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the cleaning machine according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the cleaning machine according to FIG. 1, wherein the liquid tank according to one embodiment of the liquid tank of the invention has been removed from the cleaning machine;

Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the liquid tank according to fig. 3 in the closed position of the cover device in the plane 4 according to fig. 3;

Fig. 5 shows a sectional view in plane 5 according to fig. 3;

fig. 6 shows a sectional view in plane 5 according to fig. 3 during controlled opening of the cover device, wherein the handle is pivoted and the cover device is pivoted relative to the housing;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the liquid tank when the lid assembly is opened using a pivoting handle;

fig. 8 shows a further view of the liquid tank according to fig. 3 with the lid arrangement partially open;

fig. 9 shows a view of the liquid tank according to fig. 3 when the lid arrangement is fully open;

FIG. 10 shows a partial region of the liquid tank according to FIG. 3 in the region of the handle when the handle is pivoted, and

Fig. 11 shows a view similar to fig. 7, in which, starting from the fully open position according to fig. 9, the cover device is pivoted back into the closed position and the handle is not pivoted.

Detailed Description

One embodiment of the cleaning apparatus of the present invention is a self-propelled and self-steering floor cleaning apparatus (fig. 1-3). The floor cleaning apparatus 10 includes a cleaning head (floor cleaning head) 12 that includes a self-propelled and self-steering travel body 14. In the cleaning mode, the floor cleaning apparatus 10 is placed with its traveling body 14 on the floor 16 to be cleaned.

A travel drive device (not shown in the figure) is disposed on the travel body 14. The travel drive drives the wheels 18. In one embodiment, a first wheel 18a and a second wheel 18b are provided.

The wheel 18 is driven in a rotating manner about a wheel axis 19 by the travel drive.

Also arranged on the running body 14 is a support roller 20, which has a rotational axis 21. The support roller 20 is pivotable about a (steering) axis 22 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 21.

In one embodiment, the support roller 20 is a passive steering roller that is not driven (and in particular is not driven in rotation about the axis of rotation 21 and in a swinging motion about the axis 22).

The change of direction of the floor cleaning device 10 at the floor cleaning head 12 is achieved by a control device, which is arranged on the traveling body 14, respectively actuating the wheels 18a and 18b, wherein, in particular for the change of direction, they can be rotated at different speeds.

In principle, it can also be provided that the support roller 20 is an active steering roller for directional control of the floor system 10.

The floor cleaning apparatus 10 has a main travel direction 24. The main travel direction 24 is the travel direction of the floor cleaning device 10 when the rotational axis 21 of the support roller 20 is oriented parallel to the wheel axis 19.

The floor cleaning head 12 has a seating plane 26 on the traveling body 14. The seating plane 26 is predetermined by the wheels 18 and the support rollers 20. The cleaning roller 28 is located on the placement plane 26.

A navigation device 30 is disposed on the traveling body 14. The navigation device 30 is a sensor device and comprises at least one sensor element. The navigation device 30 is connected to the control device in a signal-driven manner for controlling the driving operation of the floor cleaning appliance 10. The navigation device comprises, for example, one or more optical sensors, one or more radar sensors, one or more IR sensors and/or one or more ultrasound sensors.

The traveling body 14 has a front end 32 and a rear end 34 with respect to the main traveling direction 24. In the region of the rear end 34, a tank combination 36 consisting of a dirty fluid tank 38 (which is designed as a liquid tank suitable for containing a dirty fluid containing liquid) and a clean liquid tank 40 is arranged removably on the drive body 14. This will be further elucidated below.

A dirty fluid is understood here to mean a substantially flowable fluid. It may consist of dirt particles or may be a mixture of dirt particles with a liquid, in particular water, possibly a surface-active cleaning additive.

The traveling body 14 has a lower side 42 and an upper side 44 opposite the lower side. The wheels 18 and the support rollers 20 are arranged on the underside 42. The navigation device 30 is arranged at least in a partial area on the upper side 44.

Between the lower side 42 and the upper side 44, the traveling body 14 has a wall 46.

On the wall 46, a buffer body 48 (bumper) is arranged in the region of the front end 32, with which the collision of the floor cleaning device 10 with an obstacle can be detected tactilely. The damping body 48 is or comprises one or more tactile sensor elements, which are signally connected to the control device.

A center 50 (fig. 1) is assigned to the floor cleaning head 12. Center 50 is the geometric center of gravity of floor cleaning head 12 (including tanks 38, 40). The center 50 can be assigned a height direction (axial direction) 52 perpendicular to the installation plane 26 and a circumferential direction accordingly. The damping body 48 extends in the circumferential direction on the wall 46, in particular over an angular range of at least 120 ° and preferably at least 150 °.

On the lower side 42, edge-hanging sensors 54 are arranged on the vehicle body, which are connected in a signal-driven manner to the control device. These hanging edge sensors 54 are used to prevent the floor cleaning device 10 from falling, for example, when reaching stairs, by identifying "hanging edges" accordingly.

The floor cleaning device 10 has in particular a rechargeable battery arrangement, which is arranged on the traveling body 14. For example, a corresponding battery compartment 56 is provided, which is accessible from the underside 42 and is closed off by a cover 58.

Further elements may be arranged on the driving body, such as sensors 60 for carpet recognition, wiFi modules, etc.

A charging contact 62 is also arranged on the traveling body in order to be able to charge the battery device at a charging station.

In the illustrated embodiment, the charging contacts 62 are disposed on the underside 42.

In a top view of the upper side 44 in height direction 52 from above, the floor cleaning head 12 has a circular outer contour 64. The spacing from the center 50 to the upper edge of the wall 46 in a radial direction perpendicular to the height direction 52 is at least approximately equal (corresponding to the radius of a circle).

In principle, it is also possible for the outer contour 64 to have an approximately circular shape, wherein the distance between the outer contour and the center 50 deviates from the corresponding average value by at most 15%.

The traveling body 14 (in a floor cleaning head 12 without the canister combination 36) has the shape of a circular section with a first chord 66 as an outer contour. The first chord 66 is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the main travel direction 24.

In one embodiment, it is oriented at least approximately parallel to the wheel axis 19.

With respect to the front end 32, the first chord 66 is located on the other side of the center 50. Located at the rear end 34. Center 50 is located between first chord 66 and forward end 32.

In a top view of the top side 44 in the height direction 52, the tank assembly 36 likewise has the shape of a second circular section with a second chord 68 as an outer contour.

The first circular section of the outer contour 64 of the main traveling body 14 and the second circular section of the outer contour of the tank combination 36 complement each other to the circular outer contour of the floor cleaning head 12.

The second chord 68 is parallel to and directly adjacent to the first chord 66 when the tank assembly 36 is located on the travel body 14.

A receiving groove 70 for the cleaning roller 28 is arranged or formed on the driving body 14. The receiving groove 70 is located on the travel body 14 in the region of the rear end 34. The receiving groove 70 has a longitudinal extension 72 transverse and in particular perpendicular to the main travel direction 24. The longitudinal extension 72 is also at least approximately parallel to the wheel axis 19.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal extension 72 is parallel to the first chord 66.

The receiving groove opens out to the underside 42 of the main drive body 14, which is the underside (which faces the mounting plane 26), so that the cleaning roller 28 held in the receiving groove 70 can act on the floor surface 16 to be cleaned.

Toward the upper side 44 and further away from the lower side 42, the receiving groove 70 is closed by a cover wall.

Between the cover wall 74 and the underside 42, the running body has a wall 76, which delimits the receiving groove 70 towards the interior of the running body 14. The travel drive device, the control device, and the like are disposed in the interior space of the travel body 14, for example.

The receiving groove 70 is opened toward the rear end 34 through the opening 80.

The travel body 14 has a first lateral side 82 and an opposite lateral side 84. The lateral sides 82, 84 relate to the main travel direction 24.

In a top view of the bottom body 12 (fig. 1) from above in the height direction 52, the second lateral side 84 follows the front end 32 in a clockwise direction, and then on the traveling body 14 the rear end 34 and subsequently the first lateral side 82 follows the second lateral side.

On the traveling body 14, the side wall 86 is located on the first lateral side 82. The side wall 86 delimits the receiving slot 70 towards the first lateral side 82. The side wall 86 here has an extension transverse to the first chord 66.

The side wall 86 follows the circular outer contour 64.

The receiving slot 70 has an opening 88 on the second lateral side 84 opposite the side wall 86.

A drive motor 90 for the scrub roller 28 is located on the sidewall 86.

The drive motor 90 is supplied with electrical energy by means of a battery arrangement in the battery compartment 56.

In principle, it is also possible for the drive motor 90 to be located, for example, behind the wall 76. A torque transmitting device is disposed on the side wall 86.

Drive motor 90 is associated with a drive shaft 92 which is rotatable about a rotational axis 94.

The drive shaft 92 extends into the receiving slot 70. Which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the cleaning roller 28 during operation of the floor cleaning appliance 10. The cleaning roller 28 is driven in rotational movement by a drive shaft 92 about an axis of rotation that coincides with the axis of rotation 94.

In the embodiment shown, the drive shaft 92 is directly connected to the drive motor 90, that is to say it is the output shaft of the drive motor 90 or is connected coaxially to such an output shaft.

The drive shaft 92 is rotatably supported. In the embodiment shown, it is supported directly on the drive motor 90. Which constitutes a first rotational bearing 96 for rotatably supporting the scrub roller 28 when rotated about the rotational axis 94.

The axis of rotation 94 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the main travel direction 24.

The axis of rotation 94 is parallel to the seating plane 26.

The axis of rotation is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the height direction 52 (which is a normal axis perpendicular to the seating plane 26).

Furthermore, the rotation axis 94 is in particular parallel to the wheel axis 19. In addition, it is in particular parallel to the first chord 66.

The longitudinal extension 72 of the receiving groove 70 is parallel to the rotation axis 94.

The floor cleaning apparatus 10 includes a cartridge 98. The cassette 98 is used to hold the scrub roller 28 in the receiving slot 70 during operation of the floor cleaning device 10, and to hold the scrub roller 28 during placement on the traveling body 14 and removal from the traveling body 14.

The cartridge is understood here to be a self-rigid or stable structure which is to some extent a receiving container for the cleaning roller 28 (but here does not have to be closed) and can be operated as a separate unit.

The cassette 98 includes a cover 100. When the cassette 98 is placed, the cover 100 serves to close the opening 88 of the receiving bay 70. When the cassette 98 is placed at the travel body 14, the cover 100 is opposed to the side wall 86.

The cover 100 is matched in its geometric course to the outer contour 64 of the main vehicle body 14 and is in particular formed in a correspondingly curved manner in order to follow a circular contour.

In order to fix the cover 100 to the traveling body 14 and thereby lock the cassette 98 with the traveling body 14, a locking device 102 is provided. It comprises, for example, an unlocking button 104 which is arranged on the driving body 14 and acts on the pawl. In one embodiment, a mating element of the pawl is arranged on the cover 100, wherein the mating element has an opening into which the pawl can be inserted. By actuating the unlocking button 104, it is ensured that in particular the spring-loaded pawl is disengaged from the counter element and the cover 100 is released from the corresponding locking with the main vehicle body 14.

A second rotational bearing 108 for rotation of the scrub roller 28 about the rotation axis 94 is located on the cover.

In one embodiment, the second rotational bearing 108 is designed as a ball bearing.

The cleaning roller 28 can be fixed in a rotationally fixed manner on a second rotary bearing 108.

When the cassette 98 is fixed to the traveling body 14 as prescribed, the cleaning roller 28 is rotatably supported on the first and second rotary bearings 96 and 108. The cleaning roller 28 is correspondingly supported on its opposite end face. The scrub roller 28 is held between the first and second rotational bearings 96 and 108 on both sides. The cleaning roller 28 is held in the receiving groove 70 in a somewhat suspended manner between the first rotary bearing 96 and the second rotary bearing 108 and is supported in this case in the respective end regions thereof. It is thus possible to use a cleaning roller 28 having a greater length (in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation 94) or it can also be subjected to a greater torsional moment. The rocking of the cleaning roller 28 is prevented.

One embodiment of the cassette 98 is described in the unpublished international patent application PCT/EP2023/052810, 2 nd month 6 nd year 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The cleaning roller 28 includes a carrier 110 on which a cleaning medium 112 is disposed. The carrier 110 is an annular cylinder with an opening at least at the end of the end side. It is also possible that there is a through opening.

The cleaning medium 112 is a cover fixed on the carrier 110. For the use of the cleaning machine 10 as a wet wiping device, the cleaning medium 112 is in particular a textile cover, for example a microfiber cover, which is located on the carrier 110. It is also possible that the cleaning medium 112 is formed of bristles, especially when the floor cleaning device 10 is designed or used as a sweeping device. For example, it is also possible for the cleaning medium 112 to comprise not only bristles but also textile cover areas.

Floor cleaning device 110 includes a wetting apparatus 114. Cleaning liquid may be applied to the scrub roller 28 and/or the surface 16 to be cleaned by the wetting device 114. Cleaning liquids, in particular fresh water, to which cleaning agents, in particular surface-active cleaning agents, can be added. The cleaning liquid tank 40 is part of the wetting apparatus 114 and contains the cleaning liquid.

In one embodiment, the dispensing means of the wetting apparatus 114 is arranged on the cassette 98 for cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 40. The dispensing device includes one or more dispensing channels. Through which cleaning liquid can be fed to the cleaning roller 28 under the force of gravity or by a pump.

In this respect, reference is made to PCT/EP2023/052810 and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The scraping element is retained on the cassette 98. The scraping element is in particular removable from the cassette 98. The scraping elements are used to scrape off the dirty fluid from the cleaning roller 28 (from the cover of the cleaning roller 28) and direct the dirty fluid to the dirty fluid tank 38 by corresponding guide means. In this respect, reference is made to PCT/EP2023/052810 and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

One embodiment of the scraping element is one-piece. It comprises a main body. A channel means is integrated in the body. In one embodiment, the channel means comprises a channel having an input port and an output port. With the scraping elements positioned on the cassette 98 as specified and the cassette 98 held on the travel body 14, the input port is assigned to the cleaning roller 28 and the output port is assigned to the inlet of the dirty fluid tank 38.

The scraping element is in particular movably held in the cassette 98.

In one embodiment, a cleaning device 120 for coarse dirt is arranged on the cassette 98. Which is used to provide the cleaning roller 28 with, or to some extent load, coarse dirt particles.

For an embodiment of such a cleaning device 120 reference is made to PCT/EP2023/052810.

In the tank combination 36, the clean liquid tank 40 is positioned above the dirty fluid tank 38, that is, the dirty fluid tank 38 is closer to the seating plane 26 than the clean liquid tank 40.

A housing is formed in the traveling body 14. The cleaning solution tank 40 has a tongue designed for penetration into the receptacle. The sliding guide is arranged on the running body 14 at the receptacle and corresponding mating elements are arranged on the tongue. A locking device is also provided, by means of which the tongue in the receptacle can be locked with the running body. In this connection, reference is made to PCT/EP2023/052810.

The cleaning solution tank 40 has an upper side 122. The upper side 122 is aligned with the upper side of the floor cleaning head 12 when the cleaning solution tank 40 is positioned on the floor cleaning head 12, i.e., connected to the traveling body 14. The cleaning solution tank 40 has an interface for providing cleaning solution that mates with an interface on the cartridge 98.

The dirty fluid tank 38 is one embodiment of a liquid tank in accordance with the present invention. Which includes (fig. 3-11) a housing 124. The housing 124 has a (housing) bottom 126 on which a wall 128 is arranged. A receiving space 130 for a dirty fluid is formed between the wall 128 and the bottom 126, and here, in particular, a liquid-containing dirty fluid.

The liquid tank 38 has a first end 132 and a second end 134 opposite the first end. The liquid tank 38 is removably positioned on the traveling body 14. The first end 132 is located at the second chord 68. The second end 134 is located outside of the floor cleaning head 12 when the liquid tank 38 is mounted to the travel body 14 as intended.

At the first end 132, the liquid tank 28 has a straight extension. The wall portion 136 of the wall 128 at the first end 132 has a generally straight extension. The extension is perpendicular to the drawing plane, for example in fig. 4.

In one embodiment, when the liquid tank 38 is positioned on the floor cleaning head 12, a radiused region 138 is located on the wall portion 136 facing the cleaning roller 28, which radiused region matches the cylindrical shape of the cleaning roller 28.

The wall 128 has a second wall portion 140 connected to the first wall portion 136 on both sides. The second wall portion 140 follows the outer contour of the floor cleaning head 12 or, when the dirty fluid tank 38 is located on the floor cleaning head 12, determines the outer contour of the floor cleaning head 12 on the dirty fluid tank 38.

The second wall portion 140 has a circular arc shape (with respect to its outer envelope) when the floor cleaning device 10 is circular in plan view, or a correspondingly matching shape, for example when the floor cleaning head 12 is elliptical in plan view.

The wall 128 extends from the base 126 in the height direction 142 (fig. 4) and is in particular connected in one piece therewith.

In one embodiment, the roller 144 is located on the underside at the bottom 126. The rollers 144 are located on the mounting plane 126 and serve to (additionally) support the floor cleaning head 12 in the region of the tank assembly 36 when the liquid tank 38 is secured to the floor cleaning head 12.

The liquid tank 38 includes a cover device 146. The cover device 146 is arranged at a distance from the bottom 126 in the height direction 142 and closes the receiving space 130 upward. Here, the cover device 146 is openable (see, for example, fig. 9).

In principle, the cover device 146 can be designed in multiple parts, with a plurality of individual covers. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover device 146 includes a single cover.

The cover assembly 146 is pivotally hinged to the housing 124 by a cover pivot bearing 148. The pivot axis 150 of the cover pivot bearing 148 is transverse and in particular perpendicular to the height direction 142. The pivot axis 150 is at least approximately parallel to an inner side 152 (fig. 5) of the base 126.

The pivot axis 150 is at least approximately parallel to the first wall portion 136.

The cover swing bearing 148 is located on the first wall portion 136 and thus on the first end 132 of the housing 124.

The cover pivot bearing 148 is located in the upper region of the first wall portion 136 with respect to the height direction 142.

In one embodiment, the cover swing bearing 148 is designed as a hinge bearing. This makes it possible to open the cover device 146 such that the housing 124 together with the receiving space 130 is completely open upwards with respect to the height direction 142 (see fig. 9).

The cover device 146 is matched to the housing 124 in its shape. In the closed position 154 of the cover device 146 (see fig. 3 to 5), the receiving space 130 is sealed off fluid-tightly outside the inlet device for the dirty fluid, in particular in the height direction 142 by the cover device 146.

In order to provide a fluid-tight seal, a sealing device 156 is arranged between the housing 124 and the cover device 146, in particular between the wall 128 of the housing 124 and the cover device 146.

In one embodiment, the sealing device 156 is fixedly disposed on the cover device 146. Which is designed as a one-piece or multi-piece circumferential sealing device 156, which is correspondingly circumferentially, in particular hermetically, circumferentially on the cover device 146, corresponding to the shape of the wall 128.

The sealing means 156 is designed as a radial seal or comprises at least one radial component 158. The radial part 158 rests against the inner side of the wall 128 in the closed position 154 of the cover device 146, i.e. is located in the receiving space 130.

The closed position 154 is defined, for example, by a stop 160 (see fig. 5) being formed on the housing 124. The stop 160 may be formed, for example, on the wall 128 or, as will be explained later, on the support means. Stop 160 limits the swingable ability of cover device 146 toward bottom 126.

The closed position 154 is defined, in particular, in that the cover device 146 is oriented at least approximately parallel to the base 126 with respect to the envelope surface.

In the closed position 154, the radial component 158 of the sealing device 156 applies a force, or reaction force, to the wall 128. The closed position 154 is thereby held in a force-locking manner with respect to the opening of the cover device 146 by the sealing device 156. To open the cover device 146 from the closed position 154, a corresponding force must be applied.

The first and second posts 162, 164 are fixed to the housing 124 at a distance from each other and are fixed to the base 126 (see, for example, fig. 8). The first and second posts 162, 164 are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the direction of the yaw axis 150. They are in particular oriented parallel.

The first and second posts 162, 164 each extend from the bottom 126 in the height direction 142.

They are formed in particular in one piece on the housing 124.

Support means 166 are formed by these uprights 162, 164, which will be further elucidated below.

In one embodiment, brackets 168 are disposed on the first and second posts 162, 164, respectively, by which the liquid tank 38 may be suspended from the cleaning solution tank 40 in the tank assembly 36. In this connection, reference is made to PCT/EP2023/052810.

In this embodiment, the uprights 162, 164 are multi-functional, in particular they form a support means 166 and have a bracket 168 accordingly.

In addition to the posts 162, 164, the housing 124 is designed to be insert-free in one embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment (see, e.g., fig. 9), the bottom 126 has a protrusion 170. The projection 170 forms a receptacle for the roller 144.

Furthermore, a projection 172 is provided on the second wall portion 140 and the bottom 126, which in particular serves as a handle shell for easy removal of the liquid tank 38 from the driving body 14.

The cover device 146 has a first recess 174 therethrough and a second recess 176 therethrough. They are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the swing axis 150. A first recess 174 is assigned to the first upright 162, and a second recess 176 is assigned to the second upright 164.

In an alternative embodiment, the recesses 174, 176 are not through-going, but are, for example, blind-hole-like.

In the closed position 154 of the cover device 146, the first post 162 extends through a first recess 174 therethrough, and the second post 166 extends through a second recess 176 therethrough (see fig. 3). The upper regions of the respective upright are thereby accessible from the upper side of the liquid tank 38 in order to correspondingly obtain the supporting function of the supporting means 166 outside the receiving space 130, and in the embodiment shown additionally also the holding in the cleaning liquid tank 40 of the tank combination 36 can be realized.

Sealing devices 178 (see fig. 9) are assigned to the through recesses 174, 176, respectively. The sealing device 178 can be arranged circumferentially on the respective upright 162 or 164, or additionally or alternatively circumferentially on the respective through recess 174, 176. In the illustrated embodiment, respective sealing means 178 are arranged on the cover means 146 at respective through recesses 174 and 176.

The sealing means 178 (and 156) ensure a fluid-tight closure of the housing 124 on the cover means 146 when the cover means 146 is closed.

The housing 124 has a mid-plane 180 (see fig. 9). The mid-plane 180 is perpendicular to the pivot axis 150 and divides (conceptually) the housing 124 into two regions. In particular, it is provided that the intermediate plane 180 is located between the first upright 162 and the second upright 164. Here, the posts 162, 164 are adjacent to the midplane 180 and, in particular, closer to the midplane 180 than the outer end 182 of the housing 124. The outer end 182 here corresponds in particular to the region where the first wall portion 138 and the second wall portion 140 meet one another.

In one embodiment, the sensor device 184 is disposed on the cover device 146. The sensor device 184 is used in particular for level sensing of dirty fluid (dirty fluid containing liquid) in the liquid tank 38. Which may be capacitive or the like, for example.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible that the sensor device 184 also analyzes the dirty fluid in the receiving space 130, for example, in order to know the degree of contamination of the surface to be cleaned.

The liquid tank 38 has an inlet device 186 for introducing the dirty fluid into the receiving space 130 (in the closed position 154 of the cover device 146 and when the liquid tank 38 is fixed to the driving body 14).

In one embodiment, the inlet device 186 is disposed on the cover device 146.

In one embodiment, the inlet device 186 includes a channel 188 positioned at the inside of the cover device 146. Here, the channel 188 is located on the region of the cover device 146 between the through-going first recess 174 and the through-going second recess 176. The channel 188 has an inlet 190 and an outlet 192. The channel 188 extends in a longitudinal direction 194 between the inlet 190 and the outlet 192. In the passage 188, the dirty fluid introduced through the inlet 190 may flow and then enter the accommodating space 130 from the outlet 192.

Here, when the liquid tank is located on the traveling body 14, the inlet 190 is fluidly coupled to the traveling body 14 so as to be able to accommodate the dirty fluid accordingly.

The outlet 192 has a port normal 196 that is oriented generally perpendicular to the bottom 126 (parallel to the height direction 142) when the cover device 146 is closed.

For the design and function of the channel 188, reference is made to PCT/EP2023/052810.

A fastening device 198 is arranged on the cover device 146, by means of which the liquid tank 38 can be connected to the floor cleaning head 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid tank 38 can be secured to the cleaning solution tank 40, which in turn can be secured to the traveling body 14, by a securing device 198.

In this embodiment, the liquid tank 38 is removable from the cleaning liquid tank 40, and the tank combination 36 including the liquid tank 38 and the cleaning liquid tank 40 is removable from the traveling body 14 as a combination.

In principle, however, it is also possible to fix the liquid tank 38 directly to the main vehicle body 14 by means of a corresponding fixing device 198.

The fastening means 198 is positioned on the outside of the cover means 146, which faces away from the receiving space 130 when the cover means 146 is closed.

In one embodiment, the securing device 198 includes a locking key 200 that includes a corresponding detent. A corresponding fixation (when held by the bracket 168) can be established by the lock key 200 and then released by operator intervention.

The locking button 200 is positioned on the cover device 146 in the region between the through recesses 174 and 176.

The handle 202 is movably located on the cover device 146. In one embodiment, the handle 202 is pivotally hinged to the cover device 146 about a pivot axis 206 at a handle pivot bearing 204 (see, e.g., fig. 5).

In one embodiment, the pivot axis 206 is parallel to the pivot axis 150 of the cover pivot bearing 148.

Swing axis 206 is spaced apart from swing axis 150.

In one embodiment, the handle swing bearing 204 is closer to the second end 134 of the housing 124 (in the closed position 154 of the cover device 146) than the first end 132.

The handle 202 has a basic position 208 (fig. 3-5) in which the handle rests against the cover device 146.

The basic position 208 of the handle 202 is the position in which the handle 202 is in the closed position of the cover device 146 and the liquid tank 38 is fixed to the travel body 14 as desired.

A spring device 210 (see fig. 10) is assigned to the handle 202, which applies a spring force to the handle 202. The spring device 210 is designed such that the spring force is directed to bring the handle 202 into the basic position 208. In order to pivot the handle 202 out of the basic position 208, the spring force of the spring means 210 must be overcome, in particular.

In one embodiment, the spring means 210 comprises one or more torsion springs.

In one embodiment, the handle 202 is designed as a yoke handle with a yoke 212. Yoke 212 includes a first yoke member 214 pivotally hinged to cover assembly 146 about pivot axis 206 by handle pivot bearing 204.

Yoke 212 further includes a second yoke element 216 spaced apart from and oriented parallel to first yoke element 214 in a direction parallel to swing axis 206. The second bracket element 216 is likewise articulated to the cover device 146 about the pivot axis 206 by means of the handle pivot bearing 204, and is here, like the first bracket element 214, articulated to the cover device 146 outside the receiving space 130 (in the closed position 154), that is to say to the upper side of the cover device 146.

The first yoke element 214 and the second yoke element 216 are connected to one another by a third yoke element 218. The third yoke member 218 forms a bridge between the first yoke member 214 and the second yoke member 216. Which is oriented, for example, parallel to the swing axis 206.

The locking key 200 is arranged between the first yoke element 214 and the second yoke element 216.

In one embodiment, the yoke 212 is designed such that the third yoke element 218 is located in the region of the second end 134 (with respect to the closed position 154), i.e., it is closer to the second end 134 than the handle pivot bearing 204.

The actuating device 220 is arranged on the handle 202, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the handle 202 and can be pivoted therewith about the pivot axis 206. The acting means 220 cooperate with and are guided over the support means 166.

The posts 162, 164 have contact surfaces 222 for the actuation means 220. The acting means 220 is guided in a sliding manner on this contact surface 222, or the contact surface 222 forms a guide for the acting means 220 and thus also for the handle 202.

In one embodiment, the action means 220 comprises at least one cam. In the illustrated embodiment, a first cam 224 is disposed on the first yoke element 214 (see fig. 5), and correspondingly, a second cam 226 is disposed on the second yoke element 216.

The first cam 224 is located in the first recess 174 therethrough and the second cam 226 is located in the second recess 176 therethrough.

The first cam 224 acts on the first post 162 and the second cam 226 acts on the second post 164. The cams 224, 226 are arranged and designed here with the corresponding contact surfaces 222 on the uprights 162, 164 in such a way that they act synchronously.

The handle 202 is designed as a pull handle and is used to open the lid assembly 146.

The handle 202 acts on the support 166 of the housing 124 with the acting means 220. In this case, the cover device 146 can be opened easily from the closed position 154 by pivoting the handle 202, and in this case, in particular, excessive shaking of the liquid in the receiving space 130 is avoided.

Here, the liquid tank 38 operates as follows:

In a cleaning operation using wet cleaning, a liquid-containing dirty fluid is introduced into the accommodating space 130. The introduction may be blower-free, with the aid of the scraping element 116 scraping off the dirty fluid from the cleaning roller 28 and introducing it directly into the liquid tank 38. Alternatively, this introduction may be achieved by suction flow, or it may be supported by a blower.

After the cleaning process has ended, the liquid tank 38 must be emptied and, if necessary, cleaned.

For this purpose, it is removed from the floor cleaning head 14.

This corresponding state is shown in fig. 3. The cover device 146 is in the closed position 154 and the handle 202 is in its base position 208.

Corresponding cross-sectional views of the liquid tank 38 are also shown in fig. 4 and 5.

The operator then swings the handle 202 away from the cover device 146 about the swing axis 206. Thereby, the acting means 220 acts on the support means 166. Cams 224, 226 slide over respective contact surfaces 22 of posts 162, 164 (see fig. 5, 6). Thus, the cover device 146 is definitely pivoted and opened about the pivot axis 150. The opening process by pivoting the handle 202 away from the cover device 146 is defined herein and is smoothly open. The friction of the sealing device 178 is overcome, and the force-locking force of the cover device 146, which is fixed in the closed position 154, is definitely overcome.

The handle 202 together with the actuating device 220 forms a lever for a defined pivoting lift of the cover device 146 on the housing 124.

Abrupt opening is thereby avoided, which may lead to sloshing of liquid in the liquid tank 38.

By the solution according to the invention, a defined opening process of the cover device 146 from the closed position 154 is achieved.

In particular, the handle 202 with its configuration as a bow 212 is designed as a pull handle. The operator can pull it and further open the cover device 146 by swinging about the swing axis 150 after the initial opening process.

When a defined pivoting angle is reached, the actuating device 220 is lifted from the support device 166, and the cams 224, 226 do not contact the corresponding contact surfaces 222 of the uprights 162, 164. See fig. 8.

The cover device 146 may be further opened. In particular, it is provided here that the opening angle, starting from the closed position 154 (which is defined as the zero-angle position), is at least 90 °, preferably at least 140 °, preferably at least 180 °, and for example exactly 180 °.

A corresponding example is shown in fig. 9. There, the cover device 146 is fully opened. Hereby a simple emptying of the liquid tank 38 can be achieved and it can be cleaned in a simple manner, for example under a tap.

When the operator releases the handle 202, it returns to the home position 208 (see fig. 10) due to the action of the spring means 210.

When the cover device 146 is pivoted back, that is to say when the liquid tank 38 should be closed, the action device 220 does not hinder the closing process, since, accordingly, up to the closed position 154, the action device 220 does not slide on the respective contact surface 222. They are no longer functional to a certain extent when pivoted back.

As described above, in principle, in the closed position 154, the contact of the actuating device 220 with the contact surface 222 can form a stop (toward the bottom 126) for the defined closed position 154.

The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageous in that the liquid tank 38 has a relatively small height, for example 20cm or less, in the height direction 142. The risk of sloshing out of dirt-containing liquid occurs particularly when opening.

In the solution according to the invention, the cover device 146 is pivotably hinged to the housing 124 by a cover pivot bearing 148. In this case, the articulation is in principle releasable or non-releasable. In principle, the cover device 146 may remain permanently hinged to the housing 124.

By the solution according to the invention, a controlled opening of the liquid tank 38 is achieved. In this case, the risk of impacts which could lead to liquid shaking out of the (open) receiving space 130 when the cover device 146 is opened is avoided as much as possible. It is particularly advantageous if the liquid tank 38 is flat, its dimension in the height direction 142 being relatively small.

A simple and "clean" operation is achieved for the operator with respect to emptying the liquid tank 38.

An embodiment of the liquid tank 38 according to the invention has been described above in connection with a cleaning robot. The corresponding liquid tank can also be used for other cleaning machines, such as manually guided and/or hand-held cleaning machines, as well as other types of cleaning machines. The introduction of the dirty fluid (liquid-containing) into the receiving space of the liquid tank can be effected without a blower or supported by a suction flow or a blower.

The liquid tank according to the invention is advantageously used in connection with wet cleaning equipment, such as wet scrubbing equipment. In principle, however, it is also possible for the liquid to be introduced and not from the device itself, but to be supplied externally to some extent.

List of reference numerals

10 Floor cleaning apparatus

12 Floor cleaning head

14 Running body

16 Floor to be cleaned

18 Wheels

18A wheel

18B wheel

19 Wheel axis

20 Support roller

21 Axis of rotation

22 Axis

24 Main direction of travel

26 Plane of placement

28 Cleaning roller

30 Navigation device

32 Front end part

34 Rear end portion

36 Tank combination

38 Dirty fluid tank

40 Cleaning solution tank

42 Underside of

44 Upper side

46 Wall

48 Buffer body

50 Center

52 Height direction

54-Suspended-edge sensor

56 Battery compartment

58 Cover

60 Sensor

62 Charging contact

64 Outer contour

66 First chord

68 Second chord

70 Accommodating groove

72 Longitudinal extension direction

76 Wall

80 Openings of

82 First lateral side

84 Second lateral side

86 Side wall

88 Opening

90-Drive motor

92 Drive shaft

94 Axis of rotation

96 First rotary bearing

98 Box

100 Cover

102 Locking device

104 Unlocking key

108 Second rotating bearing

110 Carrier

112 Cleaning media

114 Wetting device

116 Scraping element

118 Inlet

120 Cleaning device

122 Upper side

124 Shell

126 Bottom

128 Wall

130 Accommodation space

132 First end portion

134 Second end portion

136 First wall portion

138 Rounded area

140 Second wall portion

142 Height direction

144 Roller

146 Cover device

148-Cover swing bearing

150 Swing axis

152 Inside of

154 Closed position

156 Sealing device

158 Radial component

160 Stop block

162 First upright

164 Second upright post

166 Support device

168 Support

170 Bulge

172 Bulge

174 Through a first recess

176 Through second recess

178 Sealing device

180 Median plane

182 Outer end

184 Sensor device

186 Inlet device

188 Channel

190 Inlet

192 Outlet

194 Longitudinal direction

196 Through opening normal

198 Fixing device

200 Locking key

202 Handle

204 Handle swing bearing

206 Swing axis

208 Basic position

210 Spring device

212 Bow rack

214 First bow member

216 Second bow member

218 Third bow member

220 Action device

222 Contact surface

224 First cam

226 Second cam

Claims

1. Liquid tank for a cleaning machine (10), comprising a housing (124) having a receiving space (130), a cover device (146) which is positioned on the housing (124) and closes the receiving space (130), wherein the cover device (146) is openable, and a sealing device (156) which is located on the housing (124) and/or the cover device (146) and ensures a fluid-tight closure between the cover device (146) and the housing (124) when the cover device (146) is closed, characterized in that the cover device (146) is pivotably articulated with the housing (124) about a cover pivot axis (150), a movable handle (202) is arranged on the cover device (146), which has a basic position (208) when the cover device (146) is closed, and an actuating device (220) is connected to the handle (202), and a support device (166) for the actuating device (220) is arranged on the housing (124), wherein the cover device (146) is in the basic position (208) is moved out of the closed position (154), the actuating device (220) is supported on the support device (166) and urges the cover device (146) to swing out of the closed position (154) about the cover swing axis (150).

2. The liquid tank according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means (166) comprise at least one upright (162, 164) having a contact surface (222) for the action means (220), wherein in particular the contact surface (222) forms a guide rail for the handle (202) and/or a sliding surface for the action means (220).

3. The liquid tank of claim 2, characterized by at least one of the following:

-said at least one upright (162, 164) is located on the bottom (126) of said housing (124), wherein it is positioned opposite said bottom (126) when the cover means (146) is closed;

-the at least one upright (162, 164) extends away from the bottom (126) of the housing (124) in a height direction (142);

-providing a plurality of spaced apart uprights (162, 164), in particular exactly two uprights (162, 164).

4. The liquid tank according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one recess (174, 176) for the support means (166) on the housing (124) is arranged on the cover means (146).

5. The liquid tank for a cleaning machine according to claim 4, characterized by at least one of:

-at least when the cover means (146) is closed, at least one upright (162, 164) of the support means (166), in particular exactly one upright (162; 164), is positioned in a respective recess (174; 176);

-providing sealing means (178) ensuring a fluid-tight closure between the support means (166) and the cover means (146) at the at least one recess (174; 176) when the cover means (146) is closed;

-arranging sealing means (178) on said at least one upright (162; 164) and/or at least one recess (174; 176) of said support means (166);

-said acting means (220) acting on said support means (166) at said at least one recess (174; 176).

6. A liquid tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acting means (220) comprise at least one cam (224, 226) acting on the support means (166).

7. The liquid tank of claim 6, characterized by at least one of the following:

-provided with a plurality of spaced cams (224, 226);

The cams, in particular exactly one cam (224; 226), are assigned to the columns (162; 164), in particular exactly one column (162; 164), of the support device (166) and can be supported thereon.

8. A liquid tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following:

-starting from a basic position (208) of the handle (202) and a closed position (154) of the cover device (146), the acting means (220) is supported on the support means (166) when the handle (202) is moved to a determined pivot angle of the cover device (146) about the cover pivot axis (150);

-after exceeding the determined swing angle, the acting means (220) are spaced apart from the support means (166) and no longer act on it.

9. The liquid tank according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealing means (156) are arranged on the cover means (146) and move together upon a movement of the handle (202) which causes the cover means (146) to pivot.

10. The liquid tank according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the acting means (220) are configured to be matched to the supporting means (166) such that the friction of the sealing means (156) is overcome when the lid means (146) is opened by a movement of the handle (202).

11. The liquid tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (202) is hinged to the cover device (146) in a pivotable movement about at least one pivot axis (206).

12. A liquid tank according to claim 11, characterized in that a stop is arranged on the cover device (146), which stop forms a pivot angle limiter of the handle (202) away from the cover device (146).

13. The liquid tank according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by at least one of the following:

-the handle swing axis (206) is spaced apart from the cover swing axis (150);

-the handle swing axis (206) is parallel to the cover swing axis (150);

-the handle swing axis (206) is oriented transversely to the height extension direction (142) of the support means (166).

14. A liquid tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following:

-the handle (202) is configured as a pulling device for an operator to pull the cover device (146);

-the handle (202) together with the acting means (220) is configured as a lever.

15. The liquid tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (202) is configured as an arching handle (212), in particular having at least one of the following:

-the handle (202) comprises a first yoke element (214), a second yoke element (216) spaced apart from the first yoke element (214), and a third yoke element (218) connected to the first yoke element (214) and to the second yoke element (216), wherein the handle (202) is movably supported on the cover device (146) by the first yoke element (214) and the second yoke element (216);

-a first cam (224) of the acting means (220) is located on the first yoke element (214) and a second cam (226) of the acting means (220) is located on the second yoke element (216);

-a yoke (212) of a yoke handle surrounding a locking key (200) of the liquid tank.

16. The liquid tank according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (202) is positioned at a fixing area for fixing the liquid tank on the cleaning machine.

17. The liquid tank according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (202) is assigned a spring means (210) which applies a spring force to the handle (202), wherein the spring force is directed to bring the handle (202) into the basic position (208).

18. The liquid tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (124) has a first end (132) and an opposite second end (134), wherein a distance direction between the first end (132) and the second end (134) is perpendicular to the lid pivot axis (150), a pivotable lid pivot bearing (148) for the lid device (146) about the lid pivot axis (150) is located in the region of the first end (132), and the handle (202) is located closer to the second end (134) than the lid pivot bearing (148).

19. The liquid tank of claim 18, characterized by at least one of the following:

-when the liquid tank is fixed on the cleaning machine, the second end (134) of the liquid tank is located on or closer to the outer contour of the cleaning machine than the first end (132);

-the housing (124) is configured straight at the first end (132).

20. The liquid tank according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maximum swivel angle of the cover means (146) relative to the housing (124) from the closed cover means (146) is at least 90 °, preferably at least 120 °, preferably at least 150 ° and preferably at least 175 °, and preferably about 180 °.

21. A liquid tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one of the following:

-said sealing means (156) between the housing (124) and the cover means (146) being circumferentially arranged on said cover means (146) and/or on said housing (124);

-the sealing means (156) comprises a radial seal;

-in the closed position (154) of the cover device (146), the cover device (146) is fixed to the housing (124) by means of a force fit, wherein in particular the sealing device (156) contributes to the force fit.

22. A liquid tank according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that inlet means (186) for introducing liquid into the accommodation space (130) are arranged on the cover means (146).

23. A liquid tank according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one channel (188) is arranged on the cover device (146), which channel has an inlet (190) for liquid and an outlet (192) for liquid, wherein the outlet opens into the accommodation space (130).

24. The liquid tank according to claim 23, characterized in that the outlet (192) has a port normal oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the bottom (126) of the housing (124) when the lid is closed.

25. The liquid tank according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the at least one channel (188) is oriented at an acute angle to the lid swing axis (150) with respect to a longitudinal direction (194), wherein in particular the acute angle is in the range between 30 ° and 60 °.

26. The liquid tank according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor device (184) is arranged on the cover device (146).

27. The liquid tank according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (124) has a height which is at most as large as the width of the housing (124) perpendicular to the height, and in particular, which is at most 50% of the width.

28. A liquid tank according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by having a construction as a unit (38) removable from the cleaning machine.

29. A liquid tank according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by having a construction as a dirty fluid tank (38).

30. A cleaning machine comprising at least one cleaning tool (28) and at least one liquid tank according to any of the preceding claims.

31. The cleaning machine according to claim 30, characterized by a cleaning head (12) on which the at least one cleaning tool (28) is arranged, wherein at least one liquid tank (38) is removably positioned on the cleaning head (12).

32. A cleaning machine according to claim 30 or 31, characterized by having a construction as a surface cleaning machine and in particular a floor cleaning machine.

33. A cleaning machine as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 32, characterised by having a construction which is either (i) a hand-held and/or hand-guided cleaning machine or (ii) a self-travelling and self-steering cleaning machine.

34. A cleaning machine according to any one of claims 30-33, characterized by having a construction as a wet cleaning machine, wherein at least one liquid tank (38) is used for containing a liquid-containing dirty fluid.

35. A cleaning machine according to any one of claims 30-34, characterized by a wetting device (114) by means of which cleaning liquid can be applied to the at least one cleaning tool (28) and/or the surface (16) to be cleaned.

36. A cleaning machine according to any one of claims 30 to 35, characterized by at least one driven roller (28) as cleaning means.

37. Use of a liquid tank according to any one of claims 1 to 29 on a floor cleaning machine that is (i) self-travelling and self-steering or (ii) manually guided and/or hand-held.