DE102012109938A1 - Automatic movable floor dust collection apparatus used for household application, has sensor system that monitors movement of rotor shaft and fan wheel during dust exhaustion operation in the dust collection container - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (1) has electric drive, fan wheel (9) which is driven over rotor shaft (8), and dust collection container (10). An optical and acoustic signal is generated to denote that the dust collection container is to be emptied. The movement of rotor shaft and fan wheel is monitored by a sensor system during the dust exhaustion operation in the dust collection container. The sensor system is activated by an electric motor (7) which is deactivated after the completion of exhaustion operation. An independent claim is included for method for operating automatic movable floor dust collection apparatus.

Description

The invention relates first of all to an automatically movable ground dust collecting device with an electric drive which has a fan wheel which can be driven via a rotor shaft and a dust collecting container, wherein the device generates a visual and / or acoustic message that the dust collecting container is to be emptied Furthermore, the dust collector is emptied for emptying.

Floor dust collectors of the type in question are known. Especially in the form of suction and / or sweeping robots for household use. These devices preferably have an electrically driven brush or brush roller and / or an electric fan motor to generate a suction air flow. Preferably, the device moves automatically over the ground to be cleaned, wherein dust and / or dirt particles, which are dissolved and absorbed via the rotating brush roller and / or via the suction air flow, are deposited and collected in a dust collecting container provided in the device. Here, it is also known to detect the degree of filling of such a dust collection container and, depending on a determined fill level value, alert the user to an impending emptying of the dust collection container. For this purpose, optical and / or acoustic signals are preferably used. For emptying the dust collector this can be removed from the device in a known embodiment. The dust collector can then be emptied by dumping. The presence of the dust collection container in the device is preferably detected, for example, by electrical contact. If this, in particular after a removal of the dust container from the device again according to insertion of the dust collection container is actuated, the optical and / or acoustic display is reset. In addition, solutions are known in which the remaining dust in the device container using a conventional, electric motor-operated vacuum cleaner, especially household vacuum cleaner is emptied. For this purpose, the vacuum cleaner is preferably connected in a flow-tight manner to a correspondingly designed suction nozzle of the dust collecting container. Further known embodiments provide in this regard a base station for the Aufsammelgerät, which base station (possibly in addition to a rechargeable battery charging of the device) is designed for sucking the device-side dust collector, more preferably this own a blower motor for generating the discharge suction flow having. It is with respect to the Aussaugens the device-side dust collector, for example, on the DE 10 2009 034 955 A1 directed. The content of this patent application is hereby incorporated in full into the disclosure of the present invention, also for the purpose of including features of this patent application in claims of the present invention.

With reference to the above-described prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in further improving a ground dust collecting device of the type in question.

A possible solution of the problem is given according to a first idea of the invention in a ground dust collecting device, which is geared to that the device is set up so that in the operating state of Aussaugens the dust collector, a movement of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel can be monitored. The movement of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel is used in a preferred embodiment to detect the required suction of the dust collection container. A rotational movement of the rotor shaft or of the fan wheel, in particular a movement of the rotor shaft or of the fan wheel that is not brought about in the course of the usual cleaning process of the device, is recognized as a suction process for the dust collection container.

A further possible solution of the problem is given according to a further inventive concept in a ground dust collecting device, which is geared to that on the rotor shaft or the fan a sensor is provided for monitoring a rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel, and that the sensor even when not under operating voltage electric motor, in particular for driving the fan wheel, can be activated. The preferably provided sensor is in one embodiment, for example, a light sensor, for detecting a rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel. In a further preferred embodiment, in particular in a rotation detection of the rotor shaft or the fan when the electric motor is switched off or deactivated, a generator operation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel is preferably detected according to automatic, that is independent of the electric motor rotation. The detection of a rotor shaft / fan wheel rotation can be concluded via a preferably downstream electronics or evaluation on the operating condition. Thus, for example, the proper suction operation of the device can be monitored, this correspondingly when the electric motor drives the fan wheel. If, on the other hand, the electric motor is deactivated, a rotation of the rotor shaft or of the fan wheel, detected via the sensor provided, leaves one Close external drive, so on, for example, a drive according to an acting on the fan air flow. Also, in this case, in a preferred embodiment, the direction of rotation of the rotor shaft and / or the fan wheel is detected and used for the evaluation.

The features of the above-described independent claims 1 and 2 are both in each case substantially, as well as in any combination with each other, further features of independent claim 1 or 2 with the features of the further independent claim or with only individual features of the further independent claim combined are.

Further features of the invention are explained below, also in the description of the figures, often in their preferred association with the subject matter of claim 1 and / or claim 2 or with features of further claims. But they can also be in an assignment to only individual features of claim 1 and / or claim 2 or the respective further claim or each independently of importance.

Thus, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the movement of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel, more preferably via the sensor, with respect to a rotation over a predetermined minimum angle of rotation takes place, alternatively or in combination with respect to the rotational speed.

In a preferred embodiment, the dust collection container has a suction access opening separately accessible from the suction. In this case, the suction opening is preferably the opening through which dust and / or dirt particles are thrown off or deposited into the dust collecting container during operation of the device. For emptying the dust collection container according to a separate access is provided, which is closed in a further preferred embodiment in the usual cleaning operation of the device. During the suction process, however, the suction access is open, while preferably the suction is closed. For the purpose of emptying the dust collecting container, preferably a base station equipped with a suction fan or a vacuum cleaner is connected to the suction access, more preferably a domestic vacuum cleaner. By commissioning the same, an air flow is generated within the dust collection container, to clear the container. The air is preferably sucked in the direction of flow viewed rearward of the fan wheel, in particular by serving in the usual operation of the ground dust collecting device serving as a blowout for the suction device opening. In an alternative embodiment, the preferred domestic vacuum cleaner is connected to the intake opening of the dust collection container for the removal of the dust-air from the dust collection container.

According to the applied Saugluftströmung for emptying the dust collector, in particular the fan, in addition to the fan and the rotor shaft preferably rotated counter to the prevailing in the suction operation of the Aufsammelgerätes rotational direction. This rotation of the fan wheel or the rotor shaft is preferably detected by the sensor, so in particular the case adjusting itself regenerative operation, which is detected by the engine electronics.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, a reverse rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel over a predetermined minimum rotation angle and / or a predetermined minimum speed as suction or emptying process due to suction is detected.

In this context, it proves to be advantageous if, according to a detection of a rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel at standstill of the device, a suction of the dust collection container is considered to be and the message that a suction is carried out is canceled. The sensor or electronics for detecting the reverse rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel leads to a corresponding deletion of the optical and / or acoustic signal to request the container emptying. Only this, in the usual suction operation of the device is not adjusting backward rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel can be close to a drainage-suction of the dust collector.

In a further refinement, the sensor system for detecting a rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel is only activated when a connected vacuum cleaner or a connection duct / hose leading to a vacuum cleaner is detected in the region of the suction access of the dust collection container. For this purpose, a corresponding switch or button can be provided.

The invention further relates to a method for operating a self-propelled ground dust collecting device, comprising an electric drive having a, via a rotor shaft driven fan wheel, and a dust collection container, wherein the device generates a visual and / or acoustic message that the dust collector to is empty, wherein a further extraction of the dust collection container is performed when the electric motor is deactivated.

Methods of the type in question are known. Reference is made in this regard to the literature mentioned above.

In view of the known prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in a method of the type in question to further improve.

A possible solution to the problem is given according to a first idea of the invention in a method in which it is geared to that is also monitored during an extraction of the dust collection container, whether a rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan takes place. According to this embodiment, an improved method is given. The suction process is preferably detected, according to detection of rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel with deactivated, the rotor shaft or the fan in the usual suction operation of the device driving electric motor. The rotation of the rotor shaft or of the fan wheel is achieved when the electric motor is deactivated according to the air flow applied during the suction. Preferably, in this case, a rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel in the opposite direction with respect to the direction of rotation in the suction operation of the Aufsammelgerätes is given. Accordingly, the electric motor runs in the case of Aussaugens the dust collector in the generator mode, which is detected in a preferred embodiment by the connected engine electronics as such. The detection of the shaft or Lüfterraddrehung quasi in reverse is registered as currently taking place suction.

Further features of the invention are explained below, also in the description of the figures, often in their preferred association with the subject matter of claim 5 or with features of further claims. But they can also be in an assignment to only individual features of claim 5 or the respective further claim or each independently of importance.

Thus, it is further preferred that, according to a detection of the rotation of the rotor shaft or the impeller at standstill of the device, a suction of the dust collection container is considered to be and the message that an extraction is carried out is canceled.

The sensor or electronics for detecting the reverse rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel leads to a corresponding deletion of the optical and / or acoustic signal to request the container emptying. Only this, in the usual suction operation of the device is not adjusting backward rotation of the rotor shaft or the fan wheel can be close to a drainage-suction of the dust collector.

With regard to additional or alternative features in connection with the proposed method, the same applies to their demanding assignment as above with respect to the subject features.

The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which, however, are merely exemplary embodiments. A part that is explained only with reference to one of the embodiments and is not replaced in another embodiment due to the special feature there (not) replaced by another part, is thus described for this further embodiment as possible anyway existing part. On the drawing shows:

1 in a partially sectioned side view of a ground dust collecting device in the independent traversing and cleaning operation thereof;

2 the collecting device according to 1 with a vacuum cleaner connected to the device for emptying the appliance-side dust collecting container, concerning the suction-emptying situation;

3 a, the Aussaug-emptying situation concerning representation, but alternatively when connecting the Aufsammelgeräts to a suitable for sucking out the dust collector base station.

Shown and described is first with reference to 1 a self-moving ground dust collector 1 , preferably in the form of a suction and sweeping device. This has a chassis, which underside, the floor to be cared for 2 facing, electric motor driven Verfahrräder 3 and preferably a protruding beyond the lower edge of the chassis floor, also driven by an electric motor brush 4 wearing. The chassis is preferably covered by a device hood 5 , where the device 1 more preferably has a circular floor plan. Regarding the design of the device 1 as a cleaning device, for example, on the DE 10242257 A1 directed.

Next points the device 1 preferably in addition to the brush 4 a suction mouth 6 on. In the area of the suction mouth 6 this is a transverse to the usual direction of travel r of the cleaning device 1 rotatable brush 4 arranged. In an alternative embodiment alone a suction mouth is provided for the sole Saugabreinigung the soil 2 , To apply one through the suction mouth 6 guided Saugluftströmung is in the cleaning device 1 arranged an electric motor driven suction fan motor, consisting essentially of an electric motor 7 and a rotationally fixed with a rotor shaft 8th connected fan wheel 9 ,

The electrical supply of the individual electrical components of the device 1 , In particular, for the electric motor of the Verfahrräder 3 , for the electric drive of the brush 4 and more preferably for the electric motor 7 of the fan wheel 9 and beyond that for the further provided electronics in the device 1 to control it via one or more, not shown, in the Aufsammelgerät 1 arranged, rechargeable accumulators.

The means of Sauggebläsemotors in the cleaning operation of the Aufsammelgerätes 1 as shown in 1 Induced Saugluftströmung transported via the suction port 6 optionally with mechanical support of the rotating brush 4 , from the ground 2 Removed dirt in a dust collector 10 of the Aufsammelgerätes 1 , This dust collector 10 initially has an intake opening 11 on, through which the dirt in the dust collector 10 is registered. In the area of one of the suction opening 11 facing away from the rear wall of the dust collector 10 is an air outlet opening 12 provided, which is preferably spanned by a filter, for the deposition of preferably transported by the Saugluftströmung dirt.

In the flow direction (with reference to the usual suction operation according to 1 ) behind the air outlet 12 of the dust collector 10 is a suction channel section 13 shaped, in which for generating the suction air flow of the electric motor 7 with the fan wheel 9 is arranged. The suction channel section 13 opens into a housing-side exhaust opening 14 , to discharge the sucked air into the environment.

The dust collector 10 is also equipped with an externally accessible suction access 15 Mistake. This serves to empty the dust collector 10 according to sucking the same.

Both the Aussaugzugang 15 as well as the suction opening 11 the dust collector 10 are in a preferred embodiment, in particular in the uninfluenced state of the device 1 ie when the device is not activated 1 as well as not performed suction, flap-closed. This is the opening of Aussaugzugangs 15 by a pivotable, preferably spring-loaded in the closed position flap 16 closable. The suction opening 11 is in the same way by a flap 17 covered.

The flap is preferred 17 the suction opening 11 in the usual floor cleaning operation according to the built-up air flow automatically shifted against the spring force of the return spring in the open position.

For emptying the dust collector 10 is according to a first embodiment (see 2 ) in the Aussaugzugang 15 a corresponding connection section 18 a usual household vacuum cleaner 19 connected. The connection section 18 displaced in the illustrated embodiment, preferably the flap 16 in an open position.

In this at least prepared Aussaugstellung the dust collector 10 is the electric motor 7 for driving the fan wheel 9 disabled. The suction air flow to clear the dust collector 10 rather gets through the in the vacuum cleaner 19 achieved and activated fan motor achieved, in comparison to the usual Saugluftströmung the floor cleaning operation of the device 1 the flow direction inside the device 1 is reversed.

Accordingly, via the blow-out 14 Air sucked from the environment and through the dust collector 10 while emptying the same and corresponding removal of the dirt and dust particles in the, preferably in the vacuum cleaner 19 sucked dust filter bag.

Following the deactivation of the device-side electric motor 7 is the fan 9 together with the rotor shaft 8th freely rotating, is accordingly set in the course of the suction process by the prevailing Saugluftströmung in rotation. This rotation is opposite to the usual rotation of the fan wheel 9 in the usual floor cleaning suction mode of the device 1 ,

One the electric motor 7 preferably controlling electronics in the device 1 detects this backward rotation of the fan 9 or the generator operation generated thereby; recorded this as an indication that the dust collector 10 is sucked out at this moment.

An optionally previously generated optical and / or acoustic message that the dust collector 10 is to be emptied according to reaching the maximum absorption capacity, is canceled after detection of Lüfterrad- or rotor shaft rotation in the generator mode and appropriate evaluation on the electronics.

3 shows an alternative embodiment in which the Aufsammelgerät 1 in particular for emptying the dust collector 10 , In addition, where appropriate, also for charging the device-side accumulators, a base station 20 has visited.

This base station 20 is electrically powered. In the base station 20 is preferably a blower motor 21 provided, which fluidly behind a dirt container 22 (optionally a dust filter bag) is arranged.

A connecting piece 23 is in the parking position of the Aufsammelgerätes 1 according to 3 aligned so that this one with its free end against one in the housing of the device 1 provided transfer opening 24 sealing occurs. The transfer opening 24 is part of a suction channel 25 , which in the Aussaugzugang 15 of the dust collector 10 empties.

With activation of the blower motor 21 in the base station 20 becomes equivalent to the previously described embodiment, air through the exhaust port 14 while towing the fan wheel 9 through the dust collector 10 sucked, and the dirt and dust collected through the suction channel 25 and the connecting piece 23 the base station 20 in the station-side dirt container 22 transported.

Also in this embodiment, the fan is 9 with deactivated electric motor 7 operated in the reverse direction, this alone on the Saugluftströmung. Accordingly, this rotation is preferably detected via the engine electronics and evaluated as performing the Aussaugvorganges.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application. The subclaims characterize in their optionally sibling version independent inventive developments of the prior art, in particular to make on the basis of these claims divisional applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

collecting device

2

ground

3

Verfahrrad

4

brush

5

device hood

6

Saugmundöffnung

7

electric motor

8th

rotor shaft

9

fan

10

dust collection

11

Intake vent

12

Air outlet opening

13

suction channel

14

exhaust vent

15

Aussaugzugang

16

flap

17

flap

18

connecting section

19

vacuum cleaner

20

base station

21

blower motor

22

dirt container

23

spigot

24

transmission aperture

25

Aussaugkanal

r

traversing

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009034955 A1 [0002]
• DE 10242257 A1 [0026]

Claims (6)

Automatically movable floor dust collecting device ( 1 ), with an electric drive which, via a rotor shaft ( 8th ) driven fan wheel ( 9 ), and a dust collection container ( 10 ), whereby the device ( 1 ) generates an optical and / or acoustic message that the dust collecting container ( 10 ) is to be emptied, wherein further the dust collection container ( 10 ) is sucked for emptying, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) is set up so that in the operating state of the Aussaugens the dust collection container ( 10 ) a movement of the rotor shaft ( 8th ) or the fan wheel ( 9 ) is monitorable. Ground dust collecting device according to the features of the preamble of claim 1 or claim 1, characterized in that on the rotor shaft ( 8th ) or the fan wheel ( 9 ) a sensor is provided for monitoring a rotation of the rotor shaft ( 8th ) or the fan wheel ( 9 ), and that the sensors even when not under operating voltage electric motor ( 7 ) is activated. Ground dust collecting device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the dust collecting container ( 10 ) one of the suction opening ( 11 ) separately accessible suction access ( 15 ) having. Ground dust collecting device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, according to a detection of a rotation of the rotor shaft ( 8th ) or the fan wheel ( 9 ) at standstill of the device ( 1 ) an extraction of the dust collection container ( 10 ) is deemed to be done and the message that an extraction is to be carried out is canceled. Method for operating a self-moving ground dust collecting device ( 1 ), with an electric drive which, via a rotor shaft ( 8th ) driven fan wheel ( 9 ), and a dust collection container ( 10 ), whereby the device ( 1 ) generates an optical and / or acoustic message that the dust collecting container ( 10 ), wherein further a suction of the dust collection container ( 10 ) is performed when the electric motor ( 7 ) is deactivated, characterized in that during an extraction of the dust collection container ( 10 ) is simultaneously monitored whether a rotation of the rotor shaft ( 8th ) or the fan wheel ( 9 ) he follows. Method according to claim 5 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that, according to a detection of the rotation of the rotor shaft ( 8th ) or the fan wheel ( 9 ) at standstill of the device ( 1 ) an extraction of the dust collection container ( 10 ) is deemed to be done and the message that an extraction is to be carried out is canceled.

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