DE10231384A1 - Method for operating a floor cleaning system and floor cleaning system for applying the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning system (10) comprising a central suction station (14) with which an automotive and self-controlling suction appliance (12) is associated. Dirt from a floor surface to be cleaned is collected by means of said suction appliance (12) and is transferred to a dirt collecting container (50) pertaining to the suction appliance. Said suction station (14) comprises a suction unit (56) and the dirt in the dirt collecting container (50) is sucked out by means of the suction unit (56). The aim of the invention is to improve said method such that the noise generation of the floor cleaning system can be reduced. To this end, the suction unit (56) can be selectively operated, with maximum suction power or with reduced suction power. The invention also relates to a floor cleaning system for carrying out said method.

Description

The invention relates to a method to operate a floor cleaning system with a central suction station, assigned to a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device is, by means of the suction device dirt from one to be cleaned floor area picks up and transferred to a dirt collector of the suction device, and wherein the suction station has a suction unit and one dirt collection sucked off by means of the suction unit.

The invention also relates to a floor cleaning system to apply the method.

Floor cleaning systems with one central suction unit, which is a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device assigned, allow the Cleaning a floor surface, without this Operator is required to move the suction device along the floor area. The suction device is designed to be self-propelled and self-controlling and can be operated by floor area Pick up dirt that is transferred to a dirt collection container carried by the suction device. Is the dirt collector full, so the suction device controls automatic the central suction station at which the dirt collector empties becomes. This includes the suction station is a suction unit for suctioning the dirt collecting container. After done Suction can be the suction device resume its suction operation and along the floor surface to be cleaned drive.

The suction of the dirt collecting container is with some noise connected.

Object of the present invention is to provide a method of the type mentioned at the beginning, with the help of which the noise development of the Floor cleaning system can be reduced.

This task is done in a process of the generic type according to the invention solved, that he the suction unit either with maximum suction power or with operates reduced suction power. According to the invention, the noise level of the floor cleaning device be reduced by the fact that Suction unit is operated with reduced suction power. A Such reduced-power mode of operation is in particular at nightly Use of the floor cleaning system is an advantage. Will the floor cleaning system used in times when the noise level is as special disturbing is perceived, the user can reduce the operating mode Select suction power of the suction unit. This enables one considerable noise reduction, for example a noise reduction at least 5 dB (A) compared to the noise level of the suction unit at maximum suction power.

The suction unit is preferably operated for one predetermined period of time with reduced suction power and then again with maximum suction power. This will ensure that the dirt collector is on Expiration of a predetermined period of time with the maximum Suction power of the suction unit forming suction flow is applied is so that he no later than completely emptied after the specified period of time and practically no residual dirt remains in the dirt collecting container. A Such a procedure is particularly advantageous if during the Reduced output mode of operation of the suction aggregate coarse-grained dirt particles in the dirt collector accumulate.

For example, it can be provided be that one the suction unit for a maximum of about eight hours with reduced Suction power and then operates again with maximum suction power.

The dirt collecting container is preferably sucked up Expiry of for the operating mode with reduced suction power at least for a predetermined period of time once with the maximum suction power of the suction unit. To the suction of the dirt collecting container with maximum performance subsequently to be switched back to the reduced power mode. It has already shown that a single suction process with maximum suction power is sufficient is too coarse-grained Dirt particles completely from the dirt collector to remove.

The mobile suction device can usually be switched on and off independently of the central suction station. If the floor cleaning system is in its reduced-power mode of operation and the mobile suction device is switched off in this state, the case may occur that the user simultaneously enters the command for the mode of operation with reduced suction power when the suction device is switched on again. So there is a risk that the operation with reduced suction power extends over a very long period of time and an impermissibly large amount of coarse-grained dirt particles accumulate in the dirt container. In order to counteract this danger, it is advantageous to measure the time between two aspirations of the dirt collecting container during operation with reduced suction power and to compare it with a maximum permissible time and, if the maximum permissible time is exceeded, to switch to operation with maximum suction power. If the suction device is suctioned off with reduced suction power of the suction unit and switched off in this state, and it is switched on again at a later time, the same If the reduced-power operation of the suction unit is selected again in time, if a predetermined maximum value is exceeded, the period between the last suction of the dirt collecting container and the current suction is switched to the maximum suction power mode, regardless of the mode of operation selected by the user, in order to completely empty the dirt collecting container , The mode of operation with maximum suction power can be limited in time, in particular it can be provided that in this case the dirt collecting container is suctioned off only once with maximum suction power and that one then goes back into the mode of operation selected by the user with power-reduced suction power.

It can also be provided that during the Operating mode with reduced suction power a command to restart suppressed this mode of operation. This prevents the Users for the maximum period of time provided for in the reduced-power mode of operation by extending it The operating mode starts again before the suction station switches off automatically the reduced-power mode of operation into the mode of operation with maximum suction power passed is.

The operating mode with reduced Suction power can take place, for example, in such a way that the suction station is operated at a maximum of 50% of the electrical power that the Has suction station at maximum suction power. For example be provided that the Extraction station with maximum suction power an electrical output of Records 600 W while the power consumption of the suction station with reduced suction power only Is 250 W.

As mentioned at the beginning, this concerns Invention also a floor cleaning system for applying the above Process. The floor cleaning system includes a central suction station, assigned to a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device is, the suction device has a dirt collector as well as a suction turbine for collecting dirt from a to be cleaned Floor area and to transfer the Dirt in the dirt collector, and being the suction station has a suction unit for suctioning the dirt collecting container.

To the floor cleaning system like this design that it an operation with less noise allows is proposed according to the invention that this Suction unit optionally with maximum suction power or with reduced Suction power is operable.

For example, that the Suction station an activation element which can be actuated by the user, for example, a selector switch or pushbutton element Activation of the operating mode with reduced suction power.

In order to avoid that in dirt collection Residual dirt accumulates in a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning system according to the invention provided that the suction unit for one predetermined period of time can be operated with reduced suction power and after the predetermined period of time in an operating mode passes with maximum suction power. A Such a configuration of the floor cleaning system has the advantage that the Users do not do it on their own Has to ensure that the dirt collection from time to time with maximum suction power of the suction unit is, rather, the suction unit goes after a predetermined Time period, for example after about eight hours, regardless of a corresponding control command of the user in the operating mode with maximum suction power over. Would like that User again the reduced-power mode of operation of the suction unit choose, so it can be provided that he for this, the activation element must be operated again.

In a preferred embodiment The floor cleaning system provides that the suction station is an activation element to activate the mode of operation with reduced suction power, wherein the given period of time for the mode of operation with reduced suction power is not repeated activity the activation element can be extended is. This prevents actuation of the activation element during the reduced output mode of operation of the suction station to an extension this mode of operation leads. The reduced output mode of operation can instead only be used during the Operating mode with maximum suction power are started, d. H. the activation element is only at maximum suction power of the suction unit effective.

It can be provided that the activation element a timer to record the duration of the operating mode with reduced Suction power is assigned, the timer during Operation with reduced suction power not by pressing the Activation element can be influenced is. Such a configuration ensures that the user the timer with which the duration of the operating mode with reduced Suction power recorded not by actuation reset the activation element can, in this way, reduce the suction unit permanently To operate suction power. While the mode of operation with reduced suction power is consequently one Activation signal from the activation element of a controller the suction station is provided suppressed. Such an activation signal is rather in such an embodiment of the floor cleaning system only during the operating mode with maximum suction power of the suction unit effective.

In many cases it is sufficient if after operating with reduced suction tion of the dirt collection container is suctioned off at least once with maximum suction power. For this purpose, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the suction unit can only be operated again with reduced suction power after operation with reduced suction power after at least one suction of the dirt collecting container with maximum suction power. For example, it can be provided that the suction station comprises a test device, with the aid of which it can be checked whether, after a predetermined period of time for operation with reduced suction power, the dirt collecting container has been suctioned off at maximum once with maximum suction power. A renewed transition to the operating mode with reduced suction power is only released by the test device if a suction with maximum suction power has previously been carried out.

As already mentioned, it is cheap to have one the period between two. Suction of the dirt collecting container measures and with a maximum allowable Compares time to, if necessary, in operation with maximum To pass suction power. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the suction station automatically moves into the Operating mode with maximum suction power passes over, provided the period between two suctionings of the dirt collecting container exceeds a predetermined maximum value. For example, it can be provided that the suction station is a timer has that time span between two suction of the dirt collector, the timer a test equipment assigned, which is the measured time period with a predetermined compares the maximum time and if the maximum specified is exceeded Time span the reduced power operation of the suction unit completed. The timing element starts with one Suction of the dirt collection container started and with the beginning of the subsequent suction from the test equipment read out so that the determined value are compared with a predetermined maximum value can.

The suction power of the suction unit is in a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning system according to the invention can be reduced by at least about 50% of the maximum suction power. Thereby can be a significant noise reduction the suction station can be achieved.

The following description of a preferred embodiment the invention serves in conjunction with the drawing for a more detailed explanation. Show it:

1 : A schematic side view of a floor cleaning system according to the invention with a mobile suction device docked to a central suction station;

2 : a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the floor cleaning system according to 1 and

3 : a flow chart for the operation of the floor cleaning system.

In the 1 and 2 is schematically a whole with the reference symbol 10 Floor cleaning system according to the invention shown, which is a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device 12 as well as a central suction station 14 includes.

The mobile suction device 12 includes a housing 16 with a ceiling wall 18 and a bottom wall 20 that have a suction channel between them 22 define. On the ceiling wall 18 is an in 2 to achieve a better clarity cover, not shown 24 placed. The housing 16 forms a chassis of the mobile suction device 12 out. On the case 16 are in a known manner and therefore not shown in detail in the drawing two drive wheels 26 rotatably mounted, each of which is associated with a known electric drive motor (not shown). The drive motors are controlled by means of a known and therefore in 2 only schematically shown electronic control 28 , which is connected to the drive motors via control lines, not shown in the drawing.

The bottom wall 20 points in a front, the suction station 14 facing area a suction inlet 30 on that of sweeping brushes 32 one above the suction inlet 30 rotatable brush roller 34 is penetrated. The brush roller 34 is by means of an electric motor 36 drivable, the one above the brush roller 34 on the ceiling wall 18 sits on and known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing means with the brush roller 34 is coupled.

In his the charging station 14 the rear-facing area supports the housing 16 a suction turbine 40 by an electric drive motor 42 can be driven in rotation and via an intake manifold 44 with the suction channel 22 is in flow connection.

The energy supply for the electrical consumers of the mobile suction device 12 is done by means of a rechargeable battery 46 by the ceiling wall 18 worn and in 2 is shown.

Inside the suction channel 22 is oblique to the longitudinal extent of the suction channel 22 a dirt filter 48 arranged, and the area of the suction channel 22 between the dirt filter 48 and the suction inlet 30 forms a dirt collector 50 whose level is from a level sensor 52 is monitored with the controller 28 is in electrical connection.

The dirt filter 48 has a frame 49 on which a filter cloth 51 kept unsupported is, the filter fabric even in the unloaded state a curvature with respect to the frame 49 formed. The filter fabric is based on that in the suction channel 22 prevailing air flow. A reversal of the air flow causes a reversal of the direction of the curvature of the filter fabric 51 and thus a structurally easy to achieve and effective filter cleaning.

To clean a floor surface, the suction turbine 40 generates a suction flow, with the help of dirt from the floor surface to be cleaned through the suction inlet 30 through into the dirt collector 50 can be transferred. The brush roller removes dirt from the floor surface 34 supported. The suction device 12 automatically moves along the floor surface to be cleaned until it is clear from the control 28 monitored battery charge status 46 approaches a minimum value or from the level sensor 52 it is recognized that the dirt collecting container 50 is full. The suction device controls if at least one of these two conditions is met 12 automatically the suction station 14 on the battery 46 charged and at the same time the dirt collector 50 can be emptied.

The suction station 14 has a housing 54 on that an electric motor driven suction unit 56 as well as a dirt container 58 surrounds that of the suction unit 56 can be subjected to a negative pressure.

On the housing 54 the suction station 14 is an outrigger 60 held to the side of a control room 61 surrounds and at its the housing 24 opposite end of an end wall 62 has a cover 64 as well as a support plate 66 with the housing 54 connected is.

In the vertical direction below the support plate 66 and spaced from this is on the case 54 a ramp 74 molded onto the one suction opening 76 having. The latter is via a suction channel 78 with the dirt container 58 connected.

The area between the boom 60 and the ramp 74 defines a docking point 80 for the suction device 12 and is going towards the case 54 the suction station 14 through a retaining wall 81 limited to the two electrical contact elements 82 . 84 are held. The suction station comprises a charger known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing, which can be connected to a mains voltage and via supply lines (not shown in the drawing) with the electrical contact elements 80 and 84 connected is.

The electrical contact elements 82 and 84 the suction station 14 are assigned to the outside of the lid 24 of the suction device 12 two in 1 schematically illustrated electrical contact pins 86 . 88 kept the connecting lines, not shown in the drawing, with the rechargeable battery 46 stay in contact. Via the electrical contact elements 82 . 84 and the associated contact pins 86 or 88 can electrical energy from the suction station 14 on the suction device 12 are transferred to charge the battery 46 ,

When docking to the suction station 14 takes the suction device 12 such a position on the ramp 74 on; that the suction inlet 30 with the suction opening 76 flees. Thereupon one in the control room 61 arranged electronic control 90 the suction station 14 that the flow of a charging current over the contact elements 82 . 84 recognizes the suction unit 56 activated so that under training one in 2 through the arrows 92 symbolized suction flow of the dirt collection container 50 via the suction inlet 30 and the suction channel 78 vacuumed and dirt in the dirt container 58 can be transferred. At the same time, the battery 76 of the suction device 12 recharged.

Operation of the suction unit 56 is with a noise of the suction station 40 connected. To minimize this noise, the user can by pressing one on the cover 64 of the boom 60 arranged electrical probe element 94 an operation of the suction unit 56 Activate with reduced suction power. From the controller 90 that a test facility 91 includes and with an electronic timer 96 coupled, it is checked whether the requirements for suction with reduced suction power are met, or whether the button is actuated 94 first suction of the dirt collection container 50 with maximum suction power of the suction unit 56 to be carried out. The control system leads to this 90 the following process steps, which are described in 3 are explained in more detail: After the in 3 with the symbol 100 illustrated docking of the suction device 12 to the suction station 14 and the associated flow of a charging current over the contact elements 82 and 84 is from the testing facility 91 first in the process step 102 checked whether the user by pressing the button 94 entered the command to activate the reduced suction mode. If this is not the case, the process step 103 the dirt collector 50 with maximum suction power of the suction unit 56 aspirated. Here, the suction unit 56 for example, be activated for about 20 to 40 seconds. This period of time is sufficient to remove the dirt container 50 to empty completely.

Results in the test in the procedural step 102 that the user by pressing the button 94 the command to start the reduced-power operation of the suction unit 56 has entered, so in a subsequent process step 104 from the controller 90 the timer 56 queried that the time since the last docking of the control unit 12 measures. From the testing facility 91 then the recorded time period with egg compared to a predetermined maximum value, which can be, for example, two hours. Results in the test in the procedural step 103 that a longer time than the maximum permissible time has elapsed since the last docking process, the mode of operation with reduced suction power in the process step 104 ends and there is a suction of the dirt collecting container 50 according to process step 103 , ie with maximum suction power.

Results in the test in the procedural step 103 that since the last docking of the suction device 12 a shorter period of time has elapsed than the maximum predetermined period of time, then in the process step 106 the dirt collector 50 with reduced suction power of the suction unit 56 aspirated. The suction unit is preferably active for 20 seconds to 40 seconds.

In a subsequent process step 108 is from the testing facility 91 another value of the timer 96 queried, namely the length of time that has passed since the start of the reduced-power mode of operation. If this check reveals that the operating mode with reduced suction power has been in existence for more than eight hours, the next step in the process step is 110 the operating mode ends with reduced suction power. If, instead, the test reveals that the maximum predetermined period of time, for example eight hours, has not yet been exceeded, the mode of operation with reduced suction power is maintained.

The suction of the dirt collecting container 50 while recharging the battery 56 is then finished, and in process step 112 can the suction device 12 then resume normal suction operation, moving along the surface to be cleaned.

From the foregoing it is clear that the suction power of the suction station 14 by pressing the button 94 can be reduced for a predetermined period of time of eight hours in the present example. This will ensure that the floor cleaning system 10 for example, when cleaning a floor surface at night, has only a low level of noise. However, to ensure that the dirt collector 50 in any case, once at the latest after eight hours with maximum suction power, the operating time is recorded with reduced suction power. When the maximum operating time of eight hours is reached, the suction station goes off 14 automatically into an operating mode with maximum suction power, but only by pressing the pushbutton again 94 again the. Operating mode with reduced suction power can be activated.

As an alternative to the procedural step 103 , in which a check of the time period since the last docking process is carried out, it can also be provided that in process step 103 it is checked whether at least one suction of the dirt collecting container has been used since the last mode of operation with reduced suction power 50 with maximum suction power of the suction unit 56 was carried out. This ensures that a user can not easily restart the operating mode with reduced suction power after the operating mode with reduced suction power, but that the dirt collecting container at least once 50 is sucked off with full suction power, so that even coarse-grained dirt particles from the dirt collecting container 50 reliably in the dirt container 58 be transferred.

Claims (13)

Method for operating a floor cleaning system with a central suction station, to which a self-driving and self-controlling suction device is assigned, wherein dirt is taken up from a floor surface to be cleaned by the suction device and transferred to a dirt collecting container of the suction device, and wherein the suction station has a suction unit and the dirt collecting container by means of the suction unit, characterized in that the suction unit is operated either with maximum suction power or with reduced suction power. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the Suction unit for a predetermined period of time with reduced suction power and then again operates with maximum suction power. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the Suction unit for a maximum of about eight hours with reduced suction power and subsequently operates again with maximum suction power. A method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the dirt collection after the expiry of the mode of operation with reduced suction power predetermined time period at least once with the maximum suction power of the suction unit sucks. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that one while the operating mode with reduced suction power the time between measures two suctionings of the dirt collecting container and with a maximum permissible period compares, and that when exceeded the maximum allowable Time period changes into the mode of operation with maximum suction power. Method according to one of the preceding An sayings, characterized in that one suppresses a command to restart this mode of operation during operation with reduced suction power. Floor cleaning system for applying the method according to one of the preceding claims with a central suction station, which is assigned a self-driving and self-controlling suction device, the suction device having a dirt collecting container and a suction turbine for taking up dirt from a floor surface to be cleaned and for transferring the dirt into the dirt collecting container and wherein the suction station has a suction unit for suctioning the dirt collecting container, characterized in that the suction unit ( 56 ) can be operated either with maximum suction power or with reduced suction power. Floor cleaning system according to claim 7, characterized in that the suction unit ( 56 ) can be operated for a predetermined period of time with reduced suction power and, after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, changes to an operating mode with maximum suction power. Floor cleaning system according to claim 8, characterized in that the suction station ( 14 ) an activation element ( 94 ) for activation of the operating mode with reduced suction power, the predetermined time period for the operating mode with reduced suction power not being achieved by repeated actuation of the activation element ( 94 ) is renewable. Floor cleaning system according to claim 9, characterized in that the activation element ( 94 ) a timer ( 96 ) is assigned to record the duration of the operating mode with reduced suction power, the timing element ( 96 ) during operation with reduced suction power not by actuating the activation element ( 94 ) can be influenced. Floor cleaning system according to claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the suction unit ( 56 ) after successful operation with reduced suction power only after performing at least one extraction of the dirt collecting container ( 50 ) with maximum suction power can be operated again with reduced suction power. Floor cleaning system according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the suction station ( 14 ) automatically in an operating mode with maximum suction power of the suction unit ( 56 ) passes if the time between two suctionings of the dirt collecting container ( 50 ) exceeds a predetermined maximum value. Floor cleaning system according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the suction power of the suction unit ( 56 ) by at least about 50% of the maximum suction power of the suction unit ( 56 ) is reducible.