Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor apparatus for a self-propelled floor cleaning appliance for detecting a down step, having a transmission unit and a reception unit for infrared radiation and having evaluation electronics for evaluating the intensity of the radiation received. To develop the sensor apparatus in such a manner that a down step or a steep downslope of the floor surface can be determined more reliably, while the sensor apparatus can be produced at low cost, according to the invention it is proposed that the sensor apparatus has the reception unit and a first and a second transmission unit, the second transmission unit being disposed at a distance from a connecting straight line running through the reception unit and the first transmission unit. The invention also proposes a floor cleaning appliance having a sensor apparatus of this type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor treatment system with a self-propelled and self-steering floor treatment unit, which comprises an electrically driven floor treatment assembly and also a rechargeable power supply unit, and with a central charging station for recharging the power supply unit, the floor treatment unit being capable of being electrically connected to the charging station by means of respective electrical connecting elements disposed on the charging station and the floor treatment unit. In order to develop the floor treatment system in such a way that improved electrical coupling of the respective connecting elements is made possible, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one of the respective connecting elements is spring-mounted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor treatment system with a self-propelled and self-steering floor treatment unit, which comprises an electrically driven floor treatment assembly and also a rechargeable power supply unit and an electrical control system, and with a central charging station for recharging the power supply unit, the charging station having a transmitting device for emitting an infrared target radiation, and it being possible for the target radiation to be sensed in a directionally dependent manner by a receiving device of the floor treatment unit for the automatic alignment and positioning of the floor treatment unit at the charging station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor apparatus for a self-propelled floor cleaning appliance for detecting a down step, having a transmission unit and a reception unit for infrared radiation and having evaluation electronics for evaluating the intensity of the radiation received. To develop the sensor apparatus in such a manner that a down step or a steep downslope of the floor surface can be determined more reliably, while the sensor apparatus can be produced at low cost, according to the invention it is proposed that the sensor apparatus has the reception unit and a first and a second transmission unit, the second transmission unit being disposed at a distance from a connecting straight line running through the reception unit and the first transmission unit. The invention also proposes a floor cleaning appliance having a sensor apparatus of this type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor treatment system with a self-propelled and self-steering floor treatment unit, which comprises an electrically driven floor treatment assembly and also a rechargeable power supply unit, and with a central charging station for recharging the power supply unit, the floor treatment unit being capable of being electrically connected to the charging station by means of electrical connecting elements that are associated with one another and are disposed on the charging station and the floor treatment unit. In order to develop the floor treatment system in such a way that improved electrical coupling of the connecting elements that are associated with one another is made possible, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one of the connecting elements that are associated with one another is mounted in a sprung manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor treatment system with a self-propelled and self-steering floor treatment unit, which comprises an electrically driven floor treatment assembly and also a rechargeable power supply unit and an electrical control system, and with a central charging station for recharging the power supply unit, the charging station having a transmitting device for emitting an infrared target radiation, and it being possible for the target radiation to be sensed in a directionally dependent manner by a receiving device of the floor treatment unit for the automatic alignment and positioning of the floor treatment unit at the charging station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning system having a central suction station with which there is associated a self-propelled and self-steering suction appliance, dirt being picked up from a floor surface that is to be cleaned by means of the suction appliance and being transferred into a dirt collection vessel of the suction appliance, and the suction station having a suction unit, and the dirt collection vessel being sucked out by means of the suction unit. To refine the method in such a manner that the levels of noise produced by the floor cleaning system can be reduced, it is proposed, according to the invention, that the suction unit is optionally operated with a maximum suction power or a reduced suction power. The invention also proposes a floor cleaning system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor cleaning appliance comprising a suction turbine with a turbine wheel rotatingly drivable about a turbine axis, and a substantially horizontally aligned suction channel via which the suction turbine is in flow communication with a suction opening facing the floor surface to be cleaned, with the suction channel forming a container for collecting dirt and accommodating a dirt filter. In order to design the floor cleaning appliance with as low an overall height as possible, while achieving as strong a suction flow as possible in the area of the suction opening, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that the suction turbine be mounted on the suction channel with its turbine axis aligned at an incline to the vertical.