EP4201282A2 - Surface cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a surface cleaning device (210) with a housing (212) in which a suction unit (306) is arranged, and with a suction nozzle (216) which is flow-connected to the suction unit (306) for sucking off a liquid-air mixture, and with a separating device (258) for separating liquid from the suctioned liquid-air mixture, and with a liquid tank (218) for receiving the separated liquid, the liquid tank (218) being detachably held on the housing (212) and being able to be emptied via a tank emptying opening (322). is. In order to be able to empty the liquid tank (218) in a simple manner without the risk of liquid escaping from the liquid tank (218) during subsequent operation of the surface cleaning device (210), the tank emptying opening (322) is surrounded by a closing wall (254) of the housing (212) and freely accessible by detaching the liquid tank (218) from the housing (212), the closing wall (254) having a closing element (278), and the liquid tank (218) having a tank housing (310) and a Filling device (316) having the tank emptying opening (322).

Description

The invention relates to a surface cleaning device with a housing in which a suction unit is arranged to form a suction flow, and with a suction nozzle, which is in flow connection with the suction unit, for sucking off a liquid-air mixture, and with a separating device for separating liquid from the sucked-off liquid air mixture, and with a liquid tank for receiving the separated liquid, wherein the liquid tank is detachably held on the housing and can be emptied via a tank emptying opening.

A surface, for example a floor surface, a tiled wall surface, a table surface or, for example, a glass surface, in particular a window pane, can be cleaned with the aid of such a surface cleaning device.

The surface cleaning device can be guided along the surface to be cleaned and has a housing in which a suction unit is arranged to form a suction flow. The suction unit is flow-connected to a suction nozzle, so that a mixture of liquid and air can be sucked off, for example, from the surface to be cleaned or from a cleaning element of the surface cleaning device that contacts the surface. For example, a cleaning roller, a cleaning pad or a cleaning textile can be used as the cleaning element. With the help of a separating device, liquid can be separated from the extracted liquid-air mixture. The air sucked off can flow to the suction unit and be discharged from it to the environment via at least one exhaust air opening, whereas the separated liquid can be collected in a liquid tank. The liquid tank can be separated from the housing and emptied via a tank drain opening.

A surface cleaning device of the type mentioned above is from WO 2017/108090 A1 known. In this surface cleaning device, the liquid tank has a tank housing and a filling device and can be removed from the housing, and the filling device must be removed from the tank housing in order to empty the liquid tank. This makes it difficult to handle the surface cleaning device when emptying the liquid tank.

From the WO 2015/007327 A1 a surface cleaning device is known in which the liquid tank has a tank emptying opening on a wall section facing away from the housing, which opening can be closed by a plug. To empty the liquid tank, the user must remove the plug from the tank drain opening, and after emptying the liquid tank, the user must ensure that he closes the tank drain opening again with the plug, otherwise there is a risk of liquid leaking out while using the surface cleaning device escapes from the liquid tank.

The object of the present invention is therefore to further develop a surface cleaning device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that it can be emptied easily without the risk of liquid escaping from the liquid tank during subsequent operation of the surface cleaning device.

This object is achieved in a surface cleaning device of the generic type according to the invention in that the tank emptying opening can be closed tightly by a closing wall of the housing and is freely accessible by detaching the liquid tank from the housing.

The invention incorporates the idea that emptying the liquid tank can be simplified for the user by the fact that the liquid tank can be emptied via a tank emptying opening a closing wall of the housing is sealed as soon as the liquid tank is connected to the housing. If the liquid tank is separated from the housing, the tank emptying opening is no longer closed by the closing wall of the housing, but the tank emptying opening is freely accessible and open, so that the tank can be emptied via the tank emptying opening. After emptying, the user can reconnect the liquid tank to the housing, and this then results in the tank emptying opening being tightly closed again. The emptying of the liquid tank is thus very easy for the user without the risk that liquid can escape from the liquid tank during subsequent operation of the surface cleaning device after the liquid tank has been emptied.

The tank emptying opening can advantageously be placed in a sealing manner against the closing wall with the interposition of a sealing device. The sealing device can be held on the liquid tank or on the closing wall.

The sealing device is preferably designed as a molded seal which is materially connected to the closing wall or to the liquid tank.

It is advantageous if the liquid tank together with the separating device forms a liquid collection device which can be detachably connected to the housing, the separating device having a cover which covers a tank opening of the liquid tank and which has the tank emptying opening. In such an embodiment of the invention, the liquid tank in combination with the separating device forms a structural unit that can be detached from the housing in its entirety in the form of a liquid collection device that is set up to separate and collect liquid from the liquid-air mixture sucked off. The liquid is separated from the extracted liquid-air mixture using the separating device, and the separated liquid is collected in the liquid tank. The liquid tank has a tank opening that is covered by a cover of the separating device. The cover points the tank emptying opening. To empty the liquid tank, it can be detached from the housing together with the separating device, which then means that the tank emptying opening arranged on the cover is freely accessible, so that the liquid tank can be emptied via the tank emptying opening without an additional closing element, for example a plug that needs to be removed. After the liquid tank has been emptied, it can be reconnected to the housing together with the separating device. The consequence of this is that the tank emptying opening is tightly sealed by the closing wall of the housing.

It is favorable if the liquid collection device can be latched to the housing in a detachable manner.

It is advantageous if the separating device has a separating unit which is held on the cover and which dips into the liquid tank, it being possible for liquid to be separated from the sucked-off liquid/air mixture by means of the separating unit. In such an embodiment of the invention, liquid is separated inside the liquid tank. For this purpose, a separating unit that dips into the liquid tank is held on the cover that covers the tank opening. The suction flow caused by the suction unit penetrates the separator unit and the liquid tank.

The tank emptying opening is advantageously arranged offset to the separator unit.

The separating unit preferably has an inlet channel for the extracted liquid/air mixture, at least one flow deflection element for deflecting the liquid/air mixture and an air outlet channel for delivering the extracted air to the suction unit, with an inlet opening opening into the inlet channel and one opening into the air outlet channel on the cover inflowing air outlet opening are arranged, wherein the inlet opening is in flow connection with the suction nozzle via a suction line, and wherein the air outlet opening is in flow connection with the suction unit via an air outlet line. In such an embodiment of the invention, the cover of the separating device has an inlet opening and an air outlet opening in addition to the tank emptying opening. The inlet opening is flow-connected to the suction nozzle via a suction line, and the inlet channel that dips into the liquid tank is connected to the inlet opening. The air outlet opening is in flow communication with the suction unit via an air outlet line. Inside the liquid tank, the air outlet opening is in front of the air outlet channel. The aspirated liquid-air mixture can thus be sucked into the inlet channel starting from the suction nozzle via the suction line and the inlet opening. Relative to the suction flow, downstream of the inlet channel, the separating unit has at least one flow deflection element, with the aid of which the liquid/air mixture is deflected. The consequence of this is that liquid separates on the flow deflection element and collects in the liquid tank. The air can then reach the suction unit via the air outlet duct, the air outlet opening and the air outlet line and be discharged from it to the environment via at least one exhaust air opening.

The separating unit preferably has an inner tube and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube in the circumferential direction, forming an annular space, with the inlet duct and the air outlet duct being arranged in the inner tube and the annular space being arranged downstream of the at least one flow deflection element and forming a vortex chamber. The separation of liquid from the liquid-air mixture sucked off takes place in several stages in such an embodiment. The liquid/air mixture reaches the at least one flow deflection element via the inlet channel, at which, as already mentioned above, liquid is separated. Downstream of the flow deflection element, liquid droplets that may still be carried along by the air can be separated in an annular space that forms a turbulence chamber, so that the air is swirled and liquid droplets are reliably separated from the air. The air can then be extracted via the air outlet duct. Since the air outlet channel is arranged together with the inlet channel in the inner tube of the separating unit, which is surrounded by the outer tube forming the annular space, the separating unit has a very compact design.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the annular space surrounding the inner pipe has an annular space inlet arranged downstream of the at least one flow deflection element and at least one annular space outlet which opens into the outlet channel.

It is advantageous if the at least one annular space outlet opens into the outlet channel in the radial direction in relation to the longitudinal axis of the outlet channel. This supports the formation of vortices within the annulus.

The annular space preferably has two annular space outlets which are offset from one another in the circumferential direction.

In particular, it can be provided that two annular space outlets are diametrically opposite one another.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the annular space inlet opens into the annular space in the axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the outlet channel.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a flow deflection element is arranged at the end of the inlet channel facing away from the cover. In such an embodiment of the invention, the sucked-off liquid-air mixture meets a flow deflection element at the end of the inlet channel facing away from the cover, at which the liquid-air mixture is deflected so that liquid is separated.

The flow deflection element arranged at the end of the inlet channel facing away from the cover is preferably designed as a hollow body which forms a hollow body inlet line aligned with the inlet channel and at least one hollow body outlet line aligned at an angle to the hollow body inlet line. The suction flow caused by the suction unit flows through the hollow body inlet line and the at least one hollow body outlet line, being deflected to separate liquid.

The hollow body favorably has two hollow body outlet lines facing away from one another.

It is advantageous if the at least one hollow body outlet line is aligned perpendicular to the hollow body inlet line. In such an embodiment, the suction flow is deflected by 90° at the transition from the hollow body inlet line to the hollow body outlet line, so that a particularly effective separation of liquid from the liquid-air mixture sucked off results.

As already mentioned, the separating unit held on the cover preferably has an outer tube and an inner tube. In this case, it is advantageous if the outer tube is longer than the inner tube, with the at least one hollow body outlet line reaching through the outer tube in an end section which projects beyond the inner tube. The outer tube held on the cover thus extends beyond the at least one hollow body outlet line in the direction facing away from the cover. On its front side facing away from the cover, the outer tube can have an opening through which the suction flow can get into the outer tube. In the area between the at least one hollow body outlet line and the front opening of the outer tube, the suction flow can undergo a further deflection, which supports the separation of liquid.

A further improved separation effect is achieved in an advantageous embodiment of the invention in that the flow cross section of the outer tube decreases as the axial distance from the end of the inner tube increases.

In order to prevent liquid from entering the outer tube via the front opening when the surface cleaning device is moving along the surface to be cleaned, in particular in the event of an abrupt change in speed or direction, in an advantageous embodiment of the invention there is an opening on the cover A protective hood is arranged at the opposite end of the outer tube. The protective hood forms a surge protection that prevents liquid from entering the outer tube.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the closing wall of the housing, which tightly closes the tank emptying opening of the liquid tank when it is connected to the housing, has a closing element for closing the tank emptying opening. The closing element is suitably adapted to the shape of the tank emptying opening. By adapting the closing element to the shape of the tank emptying opening, it can be ensured in a structurally simple manner that the closing wall can close the tank emptying opening tightly.

The closing element can advantageously be connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the tank emptying opening. In such a configuration, the closing element forms a form fit and/or a force fit with the tank emptying opening when the liquid tank is connected to the housing.

The closing element preferably forms a plug which can be inserted into the tank emptying opening when the liquid tank is connected to the housing. The plug thus protrudes into the tank emptying opening and closes it when the liquid tank is connected to the housing. Will he When the liquid tank is detached from the housing, the plug releases the tank emptying opening, so that the liquid tank can be easily emptied via the tank emptying opening.

It is advantageous if the closing element has a closing body on which an elastically deformable sealing element is arranged.

It is of particular advantage if the closing body is connected in one piece to the closing wall, so that the closing wall, including the closing body, forms a one-piece plastic molded part. The elastically deformable sealing element is arranged on the closing body.

It is of particular advantage if the sealing element is integrally connected to the closing body. The sealing element can be glued to the closing body, for example.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sealing element, together with the closing body, forms an injection molded part with two components. In this case, the closing body can form a hard component of the injection-molded part and the sealing element can form a soft component of the injection-molded part. In particular, the sealing element can consist of a rubber-elastic material.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the liquid tank has a tank housing and a filling device, the tank housing having a tank connection and the filling device being able to be connected to the tank connection in a liquid-tight manner, and the filling device having a filling channel and a ventilation channel which dip into the tank housing and wherein the filling device has the tank emptying opening, via which the liquid tank can be emptied after it has been detached from the housing. Liquid that has been separated from the sucked-off liquid-air mixture can reach the tank housing of the liquid tank via the filling channel, with air located in the tank housing at the same time can be released via the ventilation channel. After detaching the liquid tank from the housing, the tank housing can be emptied via the tank emptying opening of the filling device without it being necessary to separate the filling device from the tank housing.

The filling channel and the venting channel dip into the tank housing, so that their end regions facing away from the tank connection can assume a distance from the tank connection. In contrast to this, the tank emptying opening can be designed in the form of a tank emptying channel which practically only extends in the area of the tank connection without protruding noticeably into the tank housing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the filling device has a connecting piece which can be plugged into the tank connection and which has the tank emptying opening. The connecting piece can advantageously be inserted into the tank connection and has a sealing ring on its outside which can be placed in a liquid-tight manner on the inside of the tank connection.

It is advantageous if the filling device can be connected in a liquid-tight manner to the closing wall of the housing. The liquid-tight connection between the housing and the filling device ensures that liquid separated from the extracted liquid-air mixture can enter the tank housing via the filling channel of the filling device without the risk of the liquid accidentally escaping to the outside.

The filling device preferably has a collar and the closing wall has a pipe socket, the pipe socket being able to be plugged into the collar with the interposition of a sealing element.

It can be provided, for example, that the pipe socket of the closing wall dips into the collar of the filling device when the liquid tank connected to the housing. If the liquid tank is detached from the housing, the collar of the filling device releases the pipe socket of the closing wall.

The sealing element, which can be positioned between the collar of the filling device and the pipe socket of the closing wall, is favorably connected to the pipe socket of the closing wall in a materially bonded manner.

For example, it can be provided that the sealing element is glued to the collar.

It is particularly advantageous if the closing wall including the pipe socket together with the sealing element arranged on the pipe socket form an injection molded part with two components, with the sealing element forming a soft component and the closing wall including the collar forming a hard component of the injection molded part.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing of the surface cleaning device has an inner housing and an outer housing, the inner housing accommodating the separating device and the suction unit and the outer housing surrounding the inner housing, and the inner housing having the closing wall. The provision of an inner housing and an outer housing makes it possible to optimize the external shape of the surface cleaning device in order to give the surface cleaning device a high-quality appearance without impairing the technical function of the surface cleaning device. In order to achieve an optimal technical function of the surface cleaning device, the inner housing, which accommodates the separating device and at least also the suction unit, can have a shape adapted to the shape of the separating device and the suction unit, which satisfies the technical requirements and functions of the surface cleaning device, and the outer housing can largely independent of these technical requirements and functions can be optimized in such a way that the surface cleaning device has an attractive shape and can be easily moved by the user along a surface to be cleaned. The liquid tank is held on the housing in a detachably connectable manner and can be detached from the housing for emptying. In order to tightly close the tank emptying opening of the liquid tank, the inner housing has the closing wall which has already been explained above and which tightly closes the tank emptying opening when the liquid tank is connected to the housing.

The inner housing, together with the separating device positioned therein and the suction unit positioned therein, can form an assembly that can be manufactured and preassembled in large numbers at low cost. Depending on the requirements placed on the external shape of the surface cleaning device, different outer housings can then be used, which surround the inner housing.

It is advantageous if the inner housing has a first inner housing part and a second inner housing part, with the separating device being arranged in the first inner housing part and the suction unit being arranged in the second inner housing part, and with the two inner housing parts being able to be connected to one another, in particular detachably connected.

It can be provided, for example, that the two inner housing parts can be screwed or latched to one another.

In addition to the suction unit, an electrical control device and at least one rechargeable battery are arranged in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention in the second inner housing part. In such a configuration, the inner housing, together with the separating device, the suction unit, the control device and the at least one rechargeable battery, forms an assembly that meets all the technical requirements and functions of the surface cleaning device and, when the surface cleaning device is installed, ensures that these are met Requirements and functions can be tested, for example for leaks.

It is favorable if the first inner housing part has the closing wall which tightly closes the tank emptying opening of the liquid tank when it is connected to the housing.

The closing wall preferably forms a bottom wall of the first inner housing part.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first inner housing part has a hood that can be connected to the bottom wall in a liquid-tight manner and, together with the bottom wall, defines a separation chamber in which the separation device is arranged.

The separating device can have a baffle plate, for example. The aspirated liquid-air mixture can impinge on the baffle plate, with liquid being separated from the liquid-air mixture, which can then be fed to the liquid tank, whereas the air can be discharged to the environment by means of the suction unit.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outer housing has a first outer housing part and a second outer housing part, which together form an outer housing jacket that surrounds the inner housing in the circumferential direction.

It is particularly favorable if the outer housing has a third outer housing part which covers an underside of the inner housing facing away from the suction nozzle. The third outer housing part can, for example, form a standing surface for the surface cleaning device, so that the surface cleaning device can be set up on a floor space in an upright position.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device has a handle that can be gripped by the user in order to guide the surface cleaning device along the surface to be cleaned.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the surface cleaning device forms a portable window cleaning device. For this purpose, the suction nozzle can have at least one squeegee lip and the window cleaning device can be moved along the surface to be cleaned, in particular along a window pane, in the manner of a manual window squeegee.

Figur 1:

eine Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Flächenreinigungsgeräts mit einer Saugdüse und einer Flüssigkeitssammelvorrichtung, die an einem Gehäuse lösbar gehalten sind;

Figur 2:

eine Schnittansicht des Flächenreinigungsgeräts längs der Linie 2-2 in Figur 1;

Figur 3:

eine Seitenansicht des Flächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 1, wobei die Flüssigkeitssammelvorrichtung vom Gehäuse entfernt wurde;

Figur 4:

eine Seitenansicht der Flüssigkeitssammelvorrichtung;

Figur 5:

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Flüssigkeitssammelvorrichtung nach Art einer Explosionszeichnung;

Figur 6:

eine Seitenansicht einer Abscheideeinrichtung der Flüssigkeitssammelvorrichtung;

Figur 7:

eine Schnittansicht der Abscheideeinrichtung längs der Linie 7-7 in Figur 6;

Figur 8:

eine Schnittansicht der Abscheideeinrichtung längs der Linie 8-8 in Figur 7;

Figur 9:

eine Schnittansicht der Abscheideeinrichtung längs der Linie 9-9 in Figur 6;

Figur 10:

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Flächenreinigungsgeräts mit einer Saugdüse und einem Flüssigkeitstank, die an einem Gehäuse lösbar gehalten sind;

Figur 11:

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Flächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 10, wobei die Saugdüse und der Flüssigkeitstank vom Gehäuse getrennt sind;

Figur 12:

eine Schnittansicht des Flächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 10, wobei der Flüssigkeitstank mit dem Gehäuse verbunden ist;

Figur 13:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung von Detail X aus Figur 12;

Figur 14:

eine Schnittansicht des Flächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 10, wobei der Flüssigkeitstank vom Gehäuse gelöst wird;

Figur 15:

eine vergrößerte Darstellung von Detail Y aus Figur 15;

Figur 16:

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Flüssigkeitstanks des Flächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 10;

Figur 17:

eine erste perspektivische Darstellung einer Befüllungseinrichtung des Flüssigkeitstanks aus Figur 16;

Figur 18:

eine zweite perspektivische Darstellung der Befüllungseinrichtung des Flüssigkeitstanks aus Figur 16;

Figur 19:

eine perspektivische Darstellung nach Art einer Explosionszeichnung des Gehäuses des Flächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 10 mit einem Innengehäuse und einem dreiteiligen Außengehäuse;

Figur 20:

eine perspektivische Darstellung nach Art einer Explosionszeichnung des Innengehäuses des Flächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 10;

Figur 21:

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Schließwand des Innengehäuses des Flächenreinigungsgeräts aus Figur 10.

The following description of two advantageous embodiments of the invention is used in connection with the drawing for more detailed explanation. Show it:

Figure 1:

a side view of a first embodiment of a surface cleaning device with a suction nozzle and a liquid collecting device, which are detachably held on a housing;

Figure 2:

Fig. 12 is a sectional view of the surface cleaning device taken along line 2-2 in figure 1 ;

Figure 3:

a side view of the surface cleaning device figure 1 , wherein the fluid collection device has been removed from the housing;

Figure 4:

a side view of the liquid collection device;

Figure 5:

a perspective view of the liquid collection device in the manner of an exploded view;

Figure 6:

a side view of a separator of the liquid collection device;

Figure 7:

a sectional view of the separator along the line 7-7 in figure 6 ;

Figure 8:

a sectional view of the separator along the line 8-8 in figure 7 ;

Figure 9:

a sectional view of the separator along the line 9-9 in figure 6 ;

Figure 10:

a perspective view of a second embodiment of a surface cleaning device with a suction nozzle and a liquid tank which are detachably held on a housing;

Figure 11:

a perspective view of the surface cleaning device figure 10 , wherein the suction nozzle and the liquid tank are separated from the housing;

Figure 12:

a sectional view of the surface cleaning device figure 10 , wherein the liquid tank is connected to the housing;

Figure 13:

an enlarged view of detail X figure 12 ;

Figure 14:

a sectional view of the surface cleaning device figure 10 , wherein the liquid tank is detached from the housing;

Figure 15:

an enlarged view of Detail Y figure 15 ;

Figure 16:

a perspective view of the liquid tank of the surface cleaning device figure 10 ;

Figure 17:

a first perspective view of a filling device of the liquid tank figure 16 ;

Figure 18:

a second perspective view of the filling device of the liquid tank figure 16 ;

Figure 19:

a perspective representation in the manner of an exploded drawing of the housing of the surface cleaning device figure 10 with an inner housing and a three-part outer housing;

Figure 20:

a perspective representation in the manner of an exploded drawing of the inner housing of the surface cleaning device figure 10 ;

Figure 21:

a perspective view of a closing wall of the inner housing of the surface cleaning device figure 10 .

In the Figures 1 to 9 a first advantageous embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention is shown schematically, which is assigned the reference numeral 10 overall. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the surface cleaning device 10 is designed as a hand-held hard surface cleaning device with which liquid can be sucked off a hard surface, for example a window pane or a table top or, for example, a tiled wall or a shower stall.

The surface cleaning device 10 has a housing 12 on which a suction nozzle 14 and a liquid collecting device 16 are detachably held. The housing 12 forms a handle 18 which can be gripped by the user with one hand in order to guide the surface cleaning device 10 along a surface to be cleaned. In the drawing, the surface cleaning device 10 is shown in an upright position, in which a longitudinal axis 20 of the surface cleaning device 10 is aligned vertically and the suction nozzle 14 is arranged above the housing 12 . The surface cleaning device 10 can be used by the user not only in the upright position but in any orientation, for example the surface cleaning device 10 can be operated lying down, ie with a horizontally aligned longitudinal axis 20, or for example in an overhead position. This makes it easier for the user to guide the surface cleaning device 10 along, for example, a window pane or a table surface.

A suction unit 22 is arranged in the housing 12 below the handle 18 and has a suction turbine 24 and an electric motor 26 which drives the suction turbine 24 . A rechargeable battery 28 and control electronics 30 are arranged in the housing 12 adjacent to the electric motor 26 . To switch the electric motor 26 on and off, a manually operable switching element 32 is positioned on the end of the handle 18 facing away from the suction unit 22 .

The suction nozzle 14 is detachably held on the housing 12 and has a first stripping lip 34 and a second stripping lip 36 which are positioned at a suction opening 38 . A suction line 40 connects to the suction opening 38 .

The liquid collection device 16 is also detachably held on the housing 12 . It comprises a liquid tank 42 and a separating device 44. The liquid tank 42 and the separating device 44 together form an assembly which can be separated from the housing 12 in its entirety.

The liquid tank 42 has a tank opening 46 which is designed in the manner of a socket. The separating device 44 has a cover 48 which covers the tank opening 46 and includes a molded seal 50 which dips into the tank opening 46 and closes it tightly.

A separating unit 52 which dips into the liquid tank 42 is held on the cover 48 . The separating unit 52 has an inner tube 54 and an outer tube 56 surrounding the inner tube 54 in the circumferential direction. The inner tube 54 is divided into an inlet duct 60 and an air outlet duct 62 by an angled partition 58 . The inlet channel 60 and the air outlet channel 62 are parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 of the surface cleaning device 10, i.e. the longitudinal axis 67 of the air outlet channel runs parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 of the surface cleaning device 10. The inlet channel 60 is in flow communication with the suction line 40 via an inlet opening 64 of the cover 48, and the air outlet channel 62 is connected to an air outlet line 68 via an air outlet opening 66 in flow connection, which passes through the handle 18 and extends to the suction unit 22.

A T-shaped flow deflection element 70 in the form of a hollow body is arranged on the downstream end of the inlet channel 60, which is remote from the inlet opening 64 .

The outer tube 56 is designed in two parts and comprises a first outer tube section 78 and a second outer tube section 80 adjoining this. The second outer tube section 80 connects to the end of the first outer tube section 78 facing away from the cover 48 and projects beyond the inner tube 54 in relation to the longitudinal axis 20 of the surface cleaning device 10, so that the outer tube 56 has a greater overall length than the inner tube 54 .

The flow cross section of the second outer pipe section 80 decreases as the distance from the first outer pipe section 78 increases. This is made out in particular figure 8 clearly.

The free end of the second outer tube section 80 facing away from the first outer tube section 78 forms an opening 84 which is partially covered by a protective hood 86 . The protective hood 86, this is made in particular the figures 6 and 7 clearly, has a base 88 which is arranged at a distance from the opening 84 and partially covers the opening 84, and a jacket 90 which is connected in one piece to the base 88 and extends in the circumferential direction over an angular range of at least 180°, whereby it covers the opening 84 of the second outer tube section 80 on the side facing the housing 12 completely surrounds. The protective hood 86 is held on the second outer tube section 80 .

The annular space 82 surrounding the inner tube 54 in the circumferential direction extends from the cover 48 to the free end of the first outer tube section 78 and, at its end facing away from the cover 48, forms an annular space inlet 92 that extends over the circumference of the inner tube 54. The air outlet duct 62 is at its the end facing away from the cover 48 is closed at the front, but it is in fluid communication with the annular space 82 via two opposite annular space outlets 94, 96. This is made out in particular figure 9 clearly.

In addition to the inlet opening 64 and the air outlet opening 66 , the cover 48 has a tank emptying opening 98 which is offset from the separating unit 52 and is covered by a closing wall 100 of the housing 12 when the liquid collection device 16 is in the assembled state. A sealing device 102 is arranged on the closing wall 100 . This is made out in particular figure 3 clearly. In the installed state, in which the liquid collecting device 16 is held on the housing 12, the inlet opening 64, the air outlet opening 66 and the tank emptying opening 98 lie against the sealing device 102 in a liquid-tight and flow-tight manner.

As already mentioned, the liquid collection device 16 is detachably connected to the housing 12 . For this purpose, the liquid tank 42 forms a supporting wall 104 which rests on a holding wall 106 of the housing 12 which is designed in steps. The retaining wall 106 is arranged at the level of the suction unit 22 and extends to a bottom wall 108 of the housing 12.

The cover 48 has a retaining clip 110 which is essentially C-shaped in plan view and has a first elastically deformable leg 112 and a second elastically deformable leg 114. A latching hook 116 or 118 is held on the free ends of the legs 112, 114 122 of the housing 12 engages in the assembled state of the liquid collection device 16 from behind a complementary designed latching projection 120 or 122 . The latching hooks 116, 118, in combination with the latching projections 120, 122, form a latching connection which can be released by the user by pressing the two legs 112, 114 together in order to release the liquid collection device 16 from the housing 12. The tank emptying opening 98, which is covered by the closing wall 100 in the installed state, is then freely accessible, so that the liquid tank 42 can be emptied.

The surface cleaning device 10 can be started by the user by actuating the switching element 32 . Under the action of the suction unit 22, a suction flow is formed which extends from the suction opening 38 via the suction line 40, the inlet opening 64 and the inlet channel 60 through the flow deflection element 70 into the liquid tank 42. From the liquid tank 42, the suction flow runs via the front opening 84 through the second outer tube section 80 into the annular space 82 and runs from this via the two annular space outlets 94, 96 into the air outlet channel 62 and from there via the air outlet opening 66 and the air outlet line 68 to the suction unit 22 The air can be discharged to the environment via an exhaust air opening 124 of the housing 12 . The exhaust air opening 124 is covered by the liquid tank 42 when the liquid collection device 16 is in the assembled state, although an air gap is formed between the housing 12 and the liquid tank 42 through which the exhaust air can be discharged.

By means of the surface cleaning device 10, liquid can be sucked off from a surface to be cleaned, for example from a window pane or a table surface. The surface cleaning device 10 can be guided along the surface to be cleaned by the user, using the pull-off lips 34, 36 liquid can be drawn off and supplied to the suction opening 38. In the area of the suction opening 38 the liquid is taken up by the suction flow of the suction unit 22 so that a mixture of liquid and air is fed to the separating device 44 via the suction line 40 . The aspirated liquid-air mixture flows through the inlet channel 60 and the hollow body inlet line 72 adjoining the inlet channel 60 and is then deflected by 90° and discharged into the liquid tank 42 via the two hollow body outlet lines 74 , 76 . A large part of the liquid hits the wall of the liquid tank 42 and separates on it, whereas the air enters the second outer tube section 80 via the end opening 84 and flows from it essentially in the axial direction via the annular space inlet 92 into the annular space 82. An air turbulence forms within the annular space 82 since the air can only get into the air outlet channel 62 via the two annular space outlets 94 , 96 in the radial direction and from there can then flow via the air outlet line 68 to the suction unit 22 . The deflection of the aspirated liquid-air mixture by means of the flow deflection element 70 already leads to a considerable separation of liquid. Further separation takes place when the fluid flows around the second outer pipe section 80 and when it enters the second outer pipe section 80 via the front opening 84. Within the annular space 82, which forms a turbulence chamber in which the air is swirled, even the last droplets of liquid are removed from the extracted air .

The separation of liquid takes place independently of the alignment of the surface cleaning device 10. In particular, the separation of liquid also takes place when the surface cleaning device 10 assumes a lying position or a position upside down. Liquid residues that separate out within the annular space 82 when the surface cleaning device 10 is operated overhead can be temporarily stored in the area of the annular space 82 that extends between the annular space outlets 94 , 96 and the cover 48 during overhead operation. It therefore also exists at When operating overhead, there is practically no risk that liquid can get into the air outlet channel 62 and via this to the suction unit 22.

During operation of the surface cleaning device 10, the separated liquid collects in the liquid tank 42. If this is to be emptied, all that is required is to release the locking connection between the liquid collection device 10 and the housing 12 by pressing the two legs 112, 114 together and to loosen the liquid collection device 16 from the housing 12 be removed. The liquid tank 42 can then easily be emptied via the tank emptying opening 98 without it being necessary to detach a separate tank closure element, for example a plug, from the liquid tank 42 .

The surface cleaning device 10 according to the invention is thus distinguished by reliable, position-independent separation without the risk of liquid being discharged into the environment via the exhaust air opening 124 . In addition, the surface cleaning device 10 according to the invention is characterized by simple handling, with the liquid tank 42 being able to be emptied in a simple manner.

In the Figures 10 to 21 a second advantageous embodiment of a surface cleaning device according to the invention is shown schematically, which is assigned the reference number 210 overall. In this exemplary embodiment, the surface cleaning device 210 is also designed as a hand-held hard surface cleaning device, with which liquid can be sucked off a hard surface, for example a window pane or a table surface or, for example, also from a tiled wall or a shower stall.

The surface cleaning device 210 can be moved along the hard surface by the user in the manner of a manual window squeegee. The surface cleaning device 210 forms in particular a portable window cleaning device.

The surface cleaning device 210 has a housing 212, which forms a base 214 on the underside, so that the surface cleaning device 210 can be in an upright position, as is particularly the case in FIGS figures 10 , 11 , 12 and 14 is shown, can be parked on a footprint.

In addition to the housing 212, the surface cleaning device 210 has a suction nozzle 216 and a liquid tank 218, which can be detachably connected to the housing 212.

At its free end facing away from the housing 212 , the suction nozzle 216 has a first flexible pull-off lip 220 and a second flexible pull-off lip 221 which are held at a suction opening 222 . The suction opening 222 is followed by a suction line 224 which extends through a suction nozzle housing 226 and protrudes from the suction nozzle housing 226 with its end section 228 facing away from the stripping lips 220, 221.

As in particular from the figures 12 , 14 and 19 As can be seen, the housing 212 has an outer housing 230 and an inner housing 232 . The outer housing 230 is formed by a first outer housing part 234 , a second outer housing part 236 and a third outer housing part 238 . In combination with the second outer housing part 236, the first outer housing part 234 forms an outer housing jacket 240 which completely surrounds the inner housing 232 in the circumferential direction. The third outer housing part 238 forms an outer housing base 242 which forms the standing surface 214 and covers the underside of the inner housing 232 .

The first outer housing part 234 forms a gripping opening 244, and together with the second outer housing part 236, the first outer housing part 234 forms a handle 246, which the user can grip with one hand, whereby he can reach through the gripping opening 244 with his fingers.

The inner housing 232 has a first inner housing part 248 and a second inner housing part 250 which are detachably connected to one another. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first inner housing part 248 is screwed to the second inner housing part 250 .

The first inner housing part 248 is formed by a hood 252 and a closing wall 254 . This is made out in particular figure 20 clearly. The hood 252 and the closing wall 254 surround a separating chamber 256 in which a separating device 258 is arranged. The separating device 258 is formed by a baffle plate 260 in the exemplary embodiment shown.

The closing wall 254 forms a bottom wall 262 of the first inner housing part 248, which is essentially plate-shaped. In addition to the bottom wall 262, the closing wall 254 forms an air outlet channel 264 that protrudes into the separation chamber 256 and carries the baffle plate 260 at its end protruding into the separation chamber 256, which can be latched to the air outlet channel 264 in the exemplary embodiment shown. Between the baffle plate 260 and the air outlet duct 264 there is an air inlet opening 270 covered by the baffle plate 260 and through which suction air can flow from the separation chamber 256 into the air outlet duct 264 .

The closing wall 254 also forms a liquid outlet channel 272 in the form of a pipe socket 273 which protrudes into a tank receptacle 274 which is delimited by the first outer housing part 234 and the third outer housing part 238 . A first sealing element 276 is formed on the pipe socket 273 and surrounds the pipe socket 273 in the circumferential direction.

In addition to the pipe socket 273 , the closing wall 254 has a closing element 278 which forms a plug 280 and has a closing body 282 which is connected in one piece to the pipe socket 273 and is completely surrounded by a second sealing element 284 . The second sealing element 284 is integrally connected to the first sealing element 276 and forms together with the closing body 282, the pipe socket 273 and the rest Area of closing wall 274 is an injection molded part made of two components, with closing wall 254 including pipe socket 273 and closing body 282 forming a hard component of the injection molded part and with the two sealing elements 276, 284 together forming a soft component of the injection molded part.

The second inner housing part 250 has an inner housing trough 288 and an inner housing cover 290, which accommodate two rechargeable batteries 292, 294 and an electrical control device 296 and an electric motor 298 between them. The electric motor 298 can be inserted into an opening 300 in the inner housing trough 288 which is aligned with the air outlet duct 264 of the first inner housing part 248 . A turbine space 302 accommodating a suction turbine 304 adjoins the opening 300 in the direction of the air outlet duct 264 . The suction turbine 304 can be rotated by the electric motor 298 and, in combination with the electric motor 298, forms a suction unit 306 of the surface cleaning device 210. Starting from the suction opening 222, a suction flow can be achieved with the aid of the suction unit 306, under the effect of which a mixture of liquid and air can be sucked off from a hard surface to be cleaned. The sucked-off mixture reaches the separation chamber 256 via the suction line 224 and strikes the baffle plate 260, with liquid being separated from the liquid-air mixture sucked off. The extracted air can then reach the suction turbine 304 via the air outlet duct 264 and be discharged to the environment via the exhaust air openings, which are not shown in the drawing.

The separated liquid can reach the liquid tank 218 from the separation chamber 256 via the liquid outlet channel 272 .

As in particular from the figures 12 , 14 , 16 , 17 and 18 As becomes clear, the liquid tank 218 has a tank housing 310 which forms a hollow body for receiving the separated liquid and which has a tank connection 312 which forms a filler neck 314 . In addition to In the tank housing 310 , the liquid tank 218 has a filling device 316 which protrudes into the tank housing 310 and has a filling channel 318 , a ventilation channel 320 and a tank emptying opening 322 . The filling channel 318 and the venting channel 320 extend approximately to the middle of the tank housing 310 and have end sections 324, 326 facing away from one another, via which the filling channel 318 and the venting channel 320 open into the tank housing 310.

Tank emptying opening 322 is offset from filling channel 318 and venting channel 320 at the level of filler neck 314 and is configured as a tank emptying channel 328 which, like filling channel 318 and venting channel 320, extends through a connecting piece 330 of filling device 318. The connecting piece 330 closes the filler neck 314 and is surrounded by a sealing ring 332 which lies against the inside of the filler neck 314 in a liquid-tight manner.

A collar 334 of the filling device 316 adjoins outside the tank housing 310 in the direction of the pipe socket 273 of the closing wall 254 .

The liquid tank 218 can be inserted into the tank receptacle 274 . The pipe socket 273 dips into the collar 234 of the filling device 216 with the interposition of the first sealing element 276, the inside of the collar 334 lying against the first sealing element 276 in a liquid-tight manner. At the same time, when the liquid tank 218 is inserted into the tank receptacle 274, the closing element 278 of the closing wall 254 plunges into the tank emptying opening 322, so that the tank emptying opening 322 is closed in a liquid-tight manner. This is in particular from the figures 12 and 13 clearly.

During operation of the surface cleaning device 210 , a mixture of liquid and air may be drawn into the separation chamber 256 via the suction line 224 . This has already been pointed out. The means of the flapper 216 separated liquid can then reach the filling channel 318 via the liquid outlet channel 272 in the form of the pipe socket 273 and be discharged from it to the tank housing 310 . At the same time, air can escape from the tank housing 310 via the ventilation channel 320 and can then be sucked out of the separation chamber 256 under the action of the suction unit 306 .

If the liquid tank 218 is to be emptied, the user can remove it from the tank receptacle 274 . In this case, the closing element 278 releases the tank emptying opening 322 . This is in particular from the figures 14 and 15 clearly. The liquid tank 218 separated from the housing 212 can then be emptied via the tank emptying opening 322 without it being necessary to separate the filling device 316 from the tank housing 310 for this purpose. The emptied liquid tank 218 can then be reinserted into the tank receptacle 274, the tank emptying opening 322 being closed again in a liquid-tight manner by the closing element 278 and the pipe socket 273 being connected in a liquid-tight manner to the collar 334 of the filling device 316.

The surface cleaning device 210 according to the invention is thus also characterized, among other things, by simple handling, with the liquid tank 218 being able to be emptied in a simple manner.

1. 1. Flächenreinigungsgerät mit einem Gehäuse (12; 212), in dem ein Saugaggregat (22; 306) zur Ausbildung einer Saugströmung angeordnet ist, und mit einer mit dem Saugaggregat (22; 306) in Strömungsverbindung stehenden Saugdüse (14; 216) zum Absaugen eines Flüssigkeits-Luftgemisches, und mit einer Abscheideeinrichtung (44; 258) zum Abscheiden von Flüssigkeit aus dem abgesaugten Flüssigkeits-Luftgemisch, und mit einem Flüssigkeitstank (42; 218) zur Aufnahme der abgeschiedenen Flüssigkeit, wobei der Flüssigkeitstank (42; 218) am Gehäuse (12; 212) lösbar gehalten und über eine Tankentleerungsöffnung (98; 322) entleerbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Tankentleerungsöffnung (98; 322) von einer Schließwand (100; 254) des Gehäuses (12; 212) dicht verschließbar und durch Lösen des Flüssigkeitstanks (42; 218) vom Gehäuse (12; 212) frei zugänglich ist.
2. 2. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Tankentleerungsöffnung (98; 322) unter Zwischenlage einer Dichtungseinrichtung (102; 284) an die Schließwand (100; 254) dichtend anlegbar ist.
3. 3. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Flüssigkeitstank (42) in Kombination mit der Abscheideeinrichtung (44) eine Flüssigkeitssammelvorrichtung (16) ausbildet, die mit dem Gehäuse (12) lösbar verbindbar ist, wobei die Abscheideeinrichtung (44) eine Abdeckung (48) aufweist, die eine Tanköffnung (46) des Flüssigkeitstanks (42) abdeckt und die die Tankentleerungsöffnung (98) aufweist.
4. 4. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Flüssigkeitssammelvorrichtung (16) mit dem Gehäuse (12) lösbar verrastbar ist.
5. 5. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Abscheideeinrichtung (44) eine an der Abdeckung (48) gehaltene Abscheideeinheit (52) aufweist, die in den Flüssigkeitstank (42) eintaucht, wobei mittels der Abscheideeinheit (52) Flüssigkeit aus dem abgesaugten Flüssigkeits-Luftgemisch abscheidbar ist.
6. 6. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Tankentleerungsöffnung (98) versetzt zur Abscheideeinheit (52) angeordnet ist.
7. 7. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Abscheideeinheit (52) einen Einlasskanal (60) für das abgesaugte Flüssigkeits-Luftgemisch, mindestens ein Strömungsumlenkelement (70) und einen Luftauslasskanal (62) zum Abgeben der abgesaugten Luft an das Saugaggregat (22) aufweist, wobei die Abdeckung (48) eine in den Einlasskanal (60) einmündende Einlassöffnung (64) und eine in den Luftauslasskanal (62) einmündende Luftauslassöffnung (66) aufweist, wobei die Einlassöffnung (60) über eine Saugleitung (40) mit der Saugdüse (14) in Strömungsverbindung steht, und wobei die Luftauslassöffnung (66) über eine Luftauslassleitung (68) mit dem Saugaggregat (22) in Strömungsverbindung steht.
8. 8. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Abscheideeinheit (52) ein Innenrohr (54) und ein das Innenrohr (54) unter Ausbildung eines Ringraumes (82) in Umfangsrichtung umgebendes Außenrohr (56) aufweist, wobei der Einlasskanal (60) und der Luftlauslasskanal (62) im Innenrohr (54) angeordnet sind und der Ringraum (82) bezogen auf die Saugströmung des Saugaggregates stromabwärts des mindestens einen Strömungsumlenkelements (70) angeordnet ist und eine Wirbelkammer ausbildet.
9. 9. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Ringraum (82) einen stromabwärts des mindestens einen Strömungsumlenkelements (70) angeordneten Ringraumeinlass (92) und mindestens einen Ringraumauslass (94, 96) aufweist, wobei der mindestens eine Ringraumauslass (94, 96) in den Luftauslasskanal einmündet.
10. 10. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der mindestens eine Ringraumauslass (94, 96) bezogen auf die Längsachse (67) des Luftauslasskanals (62) in radialer Richtung in den Luftauslasskanal (62) einmündet.
11. 11. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Ringraum (82) zwei in Umfangsrichtung versetzt zueinander angeordnete Ringraumauslässe (94, 96) aufweist.
12. 12. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Ringraumeinlass (92) bezogen auf die Längsachse (67) des Luftauslasskanals (62) in axialer Richtung in den Ringraum (82) einmündet.
13. 13. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 7 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass an dem der Abdeckung (48) abgewandten Ende des Einlasskanals (60) ein Strömungsumlenkelement (70) angeordnet ist.
14. 14. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Strömungsumlenkelement (70) als Hohlkörper ausgestaltet ist, der eine fluchtend zum Einlasskanal (60) angeordnete Hohlkörpereinlassleitung (72) und mindestens eine im Winkel zur Hohlkörpereinlassleitung (72) ausgerichtete Hohlkörperauslassleitung (74, 76) ausbildet.
15. 15. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Hohlkörper zwei einander abgewandte Hohlkörperauslassleitungen (74, 76) ausbildet.
16. 16. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 14 oder 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mindestens eine Hohlkörperauslassleitung (74, 76) senkrecht zur Hohlkörpereinlassleitung (72) ausgerichtet ist.
17. 17. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 14, 15 oder 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Außenrohr (56) länger ist als das Innenrohr (54), wobei die mindestens eine Hohlkörperauslassleitung (74, 76) das Außenrohr (56) in einem das Innenrohr (54) überragenden Endabschnitt (80) durchgreift.
18. 18. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich der Strömungsquerschnitt des Außenrohrs (56) mit zunehmendem axialen Abstand vom Ende des Innenrohrs (54) verringert.
19. 19. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass an dem der Abdeckung (48) abgewandten Ende des Außenrohrs (56) eine Schutzhaube (86) angeordnet ist.
20. 20. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schließwand (254) ein Schließglied (278) aufweist zum Verschließen der Tankentleerungsöffnung (322).
21. 21. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Schließglied (278) mit der Tankentleerungsöffnung (322) formschlüssig und/oder kraftschlüssig verbindbar ist.
22. 22. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 20 oder 21, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Schließglied (278) einen Stopfen (280) ausbildet, der beim Verbinden des Flüssigkeitstanks (218) mit dem Gehäuse (212) in die Tankentleerungsöffnung (322) einsetzbar ist.
23. 23. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 20, 21 oder 22, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Schließglied (278) einen Schließkörper (282) aufweist, an dem ein elastisch verformbares Dichtelement (284) angeordnet ist.
24. 24. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 23, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Dichtelement (284) mit dem Schließkörper (282) stoffschlüssig verbunden ist.
25. 25. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 20 bis 24, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Flüssigkeitstank (218) ein Tankgehäuse (310) und eine Befüllungseinrichtung (316) aufweist, wobei das Tankgehäuse (310) einen Tankanschluss (312) aufweist und die Befüllungseinrichtung (316) mit dem Tankanschluss (312) flüssigkeitsdicht verbindbar ist, und wobei die Befüllungseinrichtung (316) einen Einfüllkanal (318) und einen Entlüftungskanal (320) aufweist, die in das Tankgehäuse (310) eintauchen, und wobei die Befüllungseinrichtung (316) die Tankentleerungsöffnung (322) aufweist.
26. 26. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 25, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Befüllungseinrichtung (316) ein Verbindungsstück (330) aufweist, das mit dem Tankanschluss (312) steckbar verbindbar ist und das die Tankentleerungsöffnung (322) aufweist.
27. 27. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 25 oder 26, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Befüllungseinrichtung (316) mit der Schließwand (278) des Gehäuses (212) flüssigkeitsdicht verbindbar ist.
28. 28. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 27, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Befüllungseinrichtung (316) einen Kragen (334) aufweist und die Schließwand (278) einen Rohrstutzen (273) aufweist, der mit dem Kragen (334) unter Zwischenlage eines Dichtelements (276) steckbar verbindbar ist.
29. 29. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 28, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Dichtelement (276) mit dem Rohrstutzen (273) stoffschlüssig verbunden ist.
30. 30. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 20 bis 29, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gehäuse (212) ein Innengehäuse (232) und ein Außengehäuse (230) aufweist, wobei das Innengehäuse (232) die Abscheideeinrichtung (258) und das Saugaggregat (303) aufnimmt und das Außengehäuse (230) das Innengehäuse (232) umgibt, und wobei das Innengehäuse (232) die Schließwand (254) aufweist.
31. 31. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 30, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Innengehäuse (232) ein erstes Innengehäuseteil (248) aufweist, in dem die Abscheideeinrichtung (258) angeordnet ist, und ein zweites Innengehäuseteil (250), in dem das Saugaggregat (306) angeordnet ist und das mit dem ersten Innengehäuseteil (248) verbindbar ist.
32. 32. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 31, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass im zweiten Innengehäuseteil (250) eine elektrische Steuereinrichtung (296) und mindestens eine wiederaufladbare Batterie (292, 294) angeordnet sind.
33. 33. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 31 oder 32, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Innengehäuseteil (248) die Schließwand (254) aufweist.
34. 34. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 33, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schließwand (254) eine Bodenwand (262) des ersten Innengehäuseteils (248) ausbildet.
35. 35. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach Anspruch 34, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Innengehäuseteil (248) eine Haube (252) aufweist, die mit der Bodenwand (262) flüssigkeitsdicht verbindbar ist und gemeinsam mit der Bodenwand (262) eine Abscheidekammer (256) definiert, in der die Abscheideeinrichtung (258) angeordnet ist.
36. 36. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach einem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Flächenreinigungsgerät (10; 210) einen Handgriff (18; 246) aufweist, der vom Benutzer ergriffen werden kann.
37. 37. Flächenreinigungsgerät nach einem der voranstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Flächenreinigungsgerät (10; 210) als tragbares Fensterputzgerät ausgestaltet ist.

The invention also relates to the following particular embodiments of the invention:

1. 1. Surface cleaning device with a housing (12; 212) in which a suction unit (22; 306) is arranged to form a suction flow, and with a suction nozzle (14; 216) in flow communication with the suction unit (22; 306) for suction a liquid-air mixture, and with a separating device (44; 258) for separating liquid from the suctioned liquid-air mixture, and with a liquid tank (42; 218) for receiving the separated liquid Liquid, wherein the liquid tank (42; 218) is detachably held on the housing (12; 212) and can be emptied via a tank emptying opening (98; 322), characterized in that the tank emptying opening (98; 322) is separated from a closing wall (100; 254) of the housing (12; 212) and is freely accessible by detaching the liquid tank (42; 218) from the housing (12; 212).
2. 2. Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tank emptying opening (98; 322) can be sealingly applied to the closing wall (100; 254) with the interposition of a sealing device (102; 284).
3. 3. Surface cleaning device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the liquid tank (42) in combination with the separating device (44) forms a liquid collecting device (16) which can be detachably connected to the housing (12), the separating device (44) has a cover (48) which covers a tank opening (46) of the liquid tank (42) and which has the tank emptying opening (98).
4. 4. surface cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that the liquid collecting device (16) with the housing (12) is releasably latched.
5. 5. Surface cleaning device according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the separating device (44) has a separating unit (52) which is held on the cover (48) and which dips into the liquid tank (42), liquid being removed by means of the separating unit (52). can be separated from the extracted liquid-air mixture.
6. 6. Surface cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that the tank emptying opening (98) is arranged offset to the separating unit (52).
7. 7. Surface cleaning device according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the separating unit (52) has an inlet channel (60) for the extracted liquid-air mixture, at least one flow deflection element (70) and an air outlet channel (62) for delivering the extracted air to the suction unit (22), wherein the cover (48) has an inlet opening (64) opening into the inlet duct (60) and an air outlet opening (66) opening into the air outlet duct (62), the inlet opening (60) being connected via a suction line (40) is in flow connection with the suction nozzle (14), and wherein the air outlet opening (66) is in flow connection with the suction unit (22) via an air outlet line (68).
8. 8. Surface cleaning device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the separating unit (52) has an inner tube (54) and an outer tube (56) surrounding the inner tube (54) in the circumferential direction, forming an annular space (82), the inlet channel (60) and the air outlet duct (62) is arranged in the inner tube (54) and the annular space (82) is arranged downstream of the at least one flow deflection element (70) in relation to the suction flow of the suction unit and forms a turbulence chamber.
9. 9. Surface cleaning device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the annular space (82) has an annular space inlet (92) arranged downstream of the at least one flow deflection element (70) and at least one annular space outlet (94, 96), the at least one annular space outlet (94, 96 ) opens into the air outlet duct.
10. 10. Surface cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one annular space outlet (94, 96) opens out into the air outlet channel (62) in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (67) of the air outlet channel (62).
11. 11. Surface cleaning device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the annular space (82) has two annular space outlets (94, 96) which are offset relative to one another in the circumferential direction.
12. 12. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the annular space inlet (92) relative to the longitudinal axis (67) of the air outlet channel (62) in the axial direction opens into the annular space (82).
13. 13. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that at the cover (48) facing away from the end of the inlet channel (60) a flow deflection element (70) is arranged.
14. 14. Surface cleaning device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the flow deflection element (70) is designed as a hollow body which has a hollow body inlet line (72) arranged flush with the inlet channel (60) and at least one hollow body outlet line (74, 76) aligned at an angle to the hollow body inlet line (72). ) trains.
15. 15. Surface cleaning device according to claim 14, characterized in that the hollow body forms two hollow body outlet lines (74, 76) facing away from one another.
16. 16. Surface cleaning device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the at least one hollow body outlet line (74, 76) is aligned perpendicularly to the hollow body inlet line (72).
17. 17. Surface cleaning device according to claim 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that the outer tube (56) is longer than the inner tube (54), the at least one hollow body outlet line (74, 76) being the outer tube (56) in an end section (80) projecting beyond the inner tube (54).
18. 18. Surface cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized in that the flow cross section of the outer tube (56) decreases with increasing axial distance from the end of the inner tube (54).
19. 19. Surface cleaning device according to one of claims 8 to 18, characterized in that at the cover (48) facing away from the end of the outer tube (56) a protective hood (86) is arranged.
20. 20. Surface cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closing wall (254) has a closing member (278) for closing the tank emptying opening (322).
21. 21. Surface cleaning device according to claim 20, characterized in that the closing element (278) can be connected in a positive and/or non-positive manner to the tank emptying opening (322).
22. 22. Surface cleaning device according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the closing element (278) forms a plug (280) which can be inserted into the tank emptying opening (322) when the liquid tank (218) is connected to the housing (212).
23. 23. Surface cleaning device according to claim 20, 21 or 22, characterized in that the closing member (278) has a closing body (282) on which an elastically deformable sealing element (284) is arranged.
24. 24. Surface cleaning device according to claim 23, characterized in that the sealing element (284) is integrally connected to the closing body (282).
25. 25. Surface cleaning device according to one of Claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the liquid tank (218) has a tank housing (310) and a filling device (316), the tank housing (310) having a tank connection (312) and the filling device (316 ) can be connected in a liquid-tight manner to the tank connection (312), and wherein the filling device (316) has a filling channel (318) and a ventilation channel (320) which dip into the tank housing (310), and wherein the filling device (316) has the tank emptying opening ( 322).
26. 26. Surface cleaning device according to claim 25, characterized in that the filling device (316) has a connecting piece (330) which can be plugged into the tank connection (312) and which has the tank emptying opening (322).
27. 27. Surface cleaning device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the filling device (316) can be connected in a liquid-tight manner to the closing wall (278) of the housing (212).
28. 28. Surface cleaning device according to claim 27, characterized in that the filling device (316) has a collar (334) and the closing wall (278) has a pipe socket (273) which can be plugged into the collar (334) with the interposition of a sealing element (276). is connectable.
29. 29. Surface cleaning device according to claim 28, characterized in that the sealing element (276) is integrally connected to the pipe socket (273).
30. 30. Surface cleaning device according to one of Claims 20 to 29, characterized in that the housing (212) has an inner housing (232) and an outer housing (230), the inner housing (232) containing the separating device (258) and the suction unit (303) picks up and the outer housing (230) surrounds the inner housing (232), and the inner housing (232) has the closing wall (254).
31. 31. Surface cleaning device according to claim 30, characterized in that the inner housing (232) has a first inner housing part (248) in which the separating device (258) is arranged, and a second inner housing part (250) in which the suction unit (306) is arranged and which can be connected to the first inner housing part (248).
32. 32. Surface cleaning device according to claim 31, characterized in that an electrical control device (296) and at least one rechargeable battery (292, 294) are arranged in the second inner housing part (250).
33. 33. Surface cleaning device according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the first inner housing part (248) has the closing wall (254).
34. 34. Surface cleaning device according to claim 33, characterized in that the closing wall (254) forms a bottom wall (262) of the first inner housing part (248).
35. 35. Surface cleaning device according to claim 34, characterized in that the first inner housing part (248) has a hood (252) which can be connected in a liquid-tight manner to the bottom wall (262) and together with the bottom wall (262) defines a separation chamber (256), in which the separating device (258) is arranged.
36. 36. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10; 210) has a handle (18; 246) which can be gripped by the user.
37. 37. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (10; 210) is designed as a portable window cleaning device.

Claims (18)

Surface cleaning device with a housing (212) in which a suction unit (306) is arranged to form a suction flow, and with a suction nozzle (216) which is in flow connection with the suction unit (306) for sucking off a mixture of liquid and air, and with a separating device ( 258) for separating liquid from the aspirated liquid-air mixture, and with a liquid tank (218) for receiving the separated liquid, the liquid tank (218) being detachably held on the housing (212) and being able to be emptied via a tank emptying opening (322), wherein the tank emptying opening (322) can be tightly closed by a closing wall (254) of the housing (212) and is freely accessible by detaching the liquid tank (218) from the housing (212), and the closing wall (254) has a closing element (278) for closing the tank emptying opening (322), characterized in that the liquid tank (218) has a tank housing (310) and a filling device (316), the tank housing (310) having a tank connection (312) and the filling device (316) having the tank connection ( 312) can be connected in a liquid-tight manner, and wherein the filling device (316) has a filling channel (318) and a ventilation channel (320) which dip into the tank housing (310), and wherein the filling device (316) has the tank emptying opening (322). Surface cleaning device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the tank emptying opening (322) can be placed in a sealing manner against the closing wall (254) with the interposition of a sealing device (284). Surface cleaning device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closing element (278) can be connected to the tank emptying opening (322) in a positive and/or non-positive manner. Surface cleaning device according to Claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the closing element (278) forms a plug (280) which can be inserted into the tank emptying opening (322) when the liquid tank (218) is connected to the housing (212). Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closing member (278) has a closing body (282) on which an elastically deformable sealing element (284) is arranged. Surface cleaning device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the sealing element (284) is materially connected to the closing body (282). Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device (316) has a connecting piece (330) which can be plugged into the tank connection (312) and which has the tank emptying opening (322). Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device (316) can be connected in a liquid-tight manner to the closing wall (278) of the housing (212). Surface cleaning device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the filling device (316) has a collar (334) and the closing wall (278) has a pipe socket (273) which can be plugged into the collar (334) with the interposition of a sealing element (276). . Surface cleaning device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the sealing element (276) is materially connected to the pipe socket (273). Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (212) has an inner housing (232) and an outer housing (230), the inner housing (232) accommodating the separating device (258) and the suction unit (303) and the outer housing (230) surrounding the inner housing (232), and wherein the inner housing (232) has the closing wall (254). Surface cleaning device according to Claim 11, characterized in that the inner housing (232) has a first inner housing part (248), in which the separating device (258) is arranged, and a second inner housing part (250), in which the suction unit (306) is arranged and which can be connected to the first inner housing part (248). Surface cleaning device according to Claim 12, characterized in that an electrical control device (296) and at least one rechargeable battery (292, 294) are arranged in the second inner housing part (250). Surface cleaning device according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first inner housing part (248) has the closing wall (254). Surface cleaning device according to Claim 14, characterized in that the closing wall (254) forms a bottom wall (262) of the first inner housing part (248). Surface cleaning device according to Claim 15, characterized in that the first inner housing part (248) has a hood (252) which can be connected in a liquid-tight manner to the bottom wall (262) and together with the bottom wall (262) defines a separation chamber (256) in which the Separation device (258) is arranged. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (210) has a handle (246) which can be gripped by the user. Surface cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface cleaning device (210) is designed as a portable window cleaning device.

Images