DE102008061439A1 - Automatically movable suction and sweep cleaning device operating method, involves connecting cleaning device with secondary device or commercial power supply for dust evacuation and/or charging of battery, and activating radiation unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves operating an automatically movable suction and reverse cleaning device (1) by a commercial power supply in an independent manner. The cleaning device is connected with a secondary device or the commercial power supply for dust evacuation and/or charging of a battery. A radiation unit is activated depending upon the connection of the cleaning device with the secondary device or the commercial power supply. The cleaning device has a dust locating chamber and sterilization of the dust locating chamber is executed by the radiation unit. An independent claim is also included for a suction and sweep cleaning device.

Description

The The invention first relates to a method of operation a suction and / or sweeping device, wherein the device has a dust receiving space and a sterilization of the dust receiving space is performed by means of an irradiation unit.

In connection with suction and / or sweeping equipment, so on, especially in such household appliances, the problem of bacterial contamination, in particular of the dust receiving space or the dust collecting the collected filter. In order to counteract this problem, it is known to associate an irradiation unit with the dust receiving space. Such a solution is out of the DE 198 60 020 C2 known. This relates to a conventional mains powered vacuum cleaner having an ultraviolet lamp associated with the dust receiving space. This irradiates the dust collected in the dust receiving space during the vacuuming operation.

in the With regard to the above-described prior art, a technical Problem of the invention seen therein, a method of in question standing still improve.

These The problem is first and foremost through the The subject matter of claim 1 is solved, with a focus on it is that device independent of a mains power supply is operable and for emptying and / or charging of accumulators connected to a second device or the mains power supply and that the irradiation unit depends on the connection is activated. According to this embodiment a method of the type in question is also related applicable with mains-independent devices during operation. Such devices are generally battery operated, which allows variable use of the device. To charge the accumulators, the device with a Secondary device, for example with a charger connected, which in turn is connected to the mains power supply. Alternatively, the device can also charge the batteries be connected directly to the mains power supply. In this Loading position is the suction and / or sweeping device preferably not operable. Next, by means of the second device at the same time or with a time delay for charging the accumulators an emptying of the dust receiving space can be achieved, in particular by sucking it out. The irradiation of the dust receiving space for the sterilization of the same is then advantageously carried out if the device is with the second device or immediately connected to the mains power supply. During the in particular battery-powered suction or sweeping operation of the device preferably no such irradiation takes place, although this is certainly true continue battery operated is possible. The accumulator (s) be in a preferred embodiment accordingly not by the Irradiation unit charged. Correspondingly longer can the mains-independent device for sucking or sweeping can be used. Next, according to the proposed This method, among other things, apply to self-acting movable floor cleaning devices, so-called suction or Sweeping robots that are accumulator-operated and after completion the cleaning process loaded by means of a second device and optionally sucked out. Also for off-grid operated hand tools for suction and sweeping of Areas, this method proves beneficial. Also the method can be used for automatically moving Wet cleaning devices for hard floors or the like., But also, for example, in usual, hand-held, mechanical sweepers, the corresponding no device-side power supply in the form of accumulators or the like. These sweepers are in this case for Extraction of the dust receiving space connected to the second device, over which then the power supply in the otherwise de-energized operated Sweeper provided irradiation unit is reached.

The Invention further relates to a method for operating a suction and / or sweeping device, wherein the device has a dust receiving space and an effect on the dust or on the dust receiving space for sterilization is performed.

such Methods are known as described above.

Around to further develop a method of the type in question in an advantageous manner, is provided that the dust or the dust receiving space for sterilization is heated. By the appropriately provided heating is reaches a drying of the dust or the dust receiving space, which prevents germ-supporting condensation. The sterilization is preferably carried out by means of high temperatures in the form of a pyrolysis.

The Features of claim 2 are both for themselves and in connection with the features of claim 1 essential. So Part of the invention is also a corresponding method, in which both an irradiation unit for sterilizing the dust receiving space as well as a heater for sterilizing the dust or the dust receiving space integrated in the device.

Further Features of the invention are below, also in the figure description, often in their preferred association with the subject-matter of the claim 1 and / or claim 2 or to features of further claims explained. But you can also do it in an assignment for only individual features of claim 1 and / or claim 2 or the respective further claim or each independently be significant.

So is provided in a development of the subject invention, that the sterilization in the area of a dust receiving space with the secondary device connecting transfer section under load performed in the course of dust discharge dust becomes. This sterilization takes place, for example, at the same time as the sterilization of the dust receiving space. Alternatively, as further preferred, the irradiation unit and / or the heating device for sterilizing the Dust-receiving space activated only after it has been sucked out become. This is an effective sterilization of the emptied dust receiving space reachable. Also the over the transfer section According to the dust flowing into the second device sterilized this process and optionally dried so that according to the final then in the second device Collected dust germ-free and dry. The irradiation and / or Heating of the emptied dust receiving space proves to be so of advantage that in this state the surface of the Room or filter only from a thin layer of dust covered, which can be sterilized so easily.

In terms of the dust receiving space may be reusable Dust container, for example plastic container act. Also other Staubabscheidesysteme, as usual Vacuum cleaner bags with or without flaps in one-way operation, as well as surface filters such as membrane filters, osmosis filters, Nonwovens or metal / plastic mesh, etc. form in the sense of existing Invention each have a dust receiving space by means of the proposed Procedure can be sterilized.

The Irradiation is in one embodiment by means of ultraviolet Radiation performed. Alternatively, funds are also available Emission of biocidal radiation, such as alpha radiation, beta radiation, gamma radiation or infrared radiation in this regard possible. In addition, the irradiation can also be done by means of ultrasound be performed.

In a further development is provided that for heating the dust, in particular of the dust collection room for drying the same, the accumulator waste heat used during charging.

In a development of the subject invention is the irradiation adjustable, so on, in particular over the duration of radiation. The possibility of a longer radiation duration is connected by the activation and the power supply of the device with the second device. This allows the Using small, low-power irradiation units, for example UV lamps. This is further made possible by the fact that mobile cleaning device, for example, to charge the batteries generally over a longer period, for example. About Night or for several days, in the second device remains.

Also can to ensure the permanent sterility of the Sterilization can be repeated cyclically, especially if the cleaning device over a longer Period is connected to the second device, so on, for example, about multiple days.

The Irradiation unit and / or the heating are after cancellation of the Connection to the second device switched off.

Also the invention relates to a suction and / or sweeping device, wherein the device has a dust receiving space and a Irradiation unit for sterilizing the dust receiving space.

One Cleaning device of the type in question is from the beginning literature known.

Around a cleaning device of the type in question handling technology and functionally reliable in an advantageous manner to further improve It is suggested that the device be independent suction and / or sweeping device operable by a mains power supply is formed, the for emptying and / or charging of Accumulators a second device or the mains power supply is assignable, wherein for activating the irradiation unit the Device with the second device or the mains power supply connected is.

Such devices are generally battery operated, allowing variable use of the device. To charge the batteries, the device is connected to a secondary device, for example, with a charger, which in turn is connected to the mains power supply. Alternatively, the device can also be connected directly to the mains power supply for charging the accumulators. In this loading position, the suction and / or sweeping device is preferably not operable. Further, by means of the second device at the same time or even with a time delay for charging the batteries emptying of the dust receiving space can be achieved, in particular by Off suck it. The irradiation of the dust receiving space for the sterilization of the same is advantageously carried out when the device is connected to the secondary device or directly to the mains power supply. During the particular battery-powered suction or sweeping operation of the device, the irradiation unit is preferably deactivated. Cleaning devices of the type in question are, for example. Automatically movable floor cleaning devices, so-called suction or sweeping robots and are loaded after completion of the cleaning process by means of a second device and optionally sucked, further, inter alia, also independently operated handheld devices for suction and Kehrbear processing of Areas, as well as automatically movable wet cleaning equipment for hard floors or the like., But also, for example, conventional, hand-held, mechanical sweepers that have no device-side power supply in the form of accumulators or the like. These sweepers are connected in this case for sucking the dust receiving space with the secondary device, via which then the power supply of the provided in the otherwise normally powered sweeper irradiation unit is reached.

The Invention further relates to a suction and / or sweeping cleaning device of the type in question, wherein the device has a dust receiving space and means for sterilizing the dust or on the Dust receiving chamber.

Around a cleaning device of the type in question in an advantageous To develop further, it is provided that for sterilization, a heater is provided. By this heating is a drying of the dust or the dust receiving space reached what the germ-supporting Condensation prevented. The sterilization takes place here preferably by means of high temperatures in the form of pyrolysis.

The Features of claim 14 are both for themselves and in connection with the features of claim 13 essential. So is part of the invention also a corresponding cleaning device, in which both an irradiation unit for sterilizing the dust receiving space as well as a heater for sterilizing the dust or the dust receiving space integrated in the device.

Further Features of the invention are below, also in the figure description, often in their preferred assignment to the subject of the entitlement to 14 and / or claim 15 or to features of further claims explained. But you can also do it in an assignment to only individual features of claim 14 and / or claim 15 or the respective further claim or each independently be significant.

So is provided in a development of the subject invention, that the irradiation unit and / or the heating one, the dust receiving space with the second device connecting transfer section assigned. The sterilization takes place, for example, at the same time with the sterilization of the dust receiving space. Alternatively, as well more preferably, the irradiation unit and / or the heating device for the sterilization of the dust receiving space only after suction be activated. So is an effective sterilization of the emptied Staubaufnahmeraumes achievable. Also the over the transfer section into the second device flowing dust is sterilized by this process and optionally dried, so that then the corresponding finally collected in the second device dust germ-free and dry. The irradiation and / or heating of the emptied Staubaufnahmeraumes proves to the advantage that in this Condition the surface of the room or filter only covered by a thin layer of dust that is so light can be sterilized.

In terms of the dust receiving space may be reusable Dust container, for example plastic container act. Also other Staubabscheidesysteme, as usual Vacuum cleaner bags with or without flaps in one-way operation, as well as surface filters such as membrane filters, osmosis filters, Nonwovens or metal / plastic mesh, etc. form in the sense of existing Invention each have a dust receiving space by means of the proposed Procedure can be sterilized.

The Irradiation is done in one embodiment by means of ultraviolet Radiation. Alternatively, means for emitting a biocidal Radiation, such as alpha radiation, beta radiation, gamma radiation or infrared radiation in this regard possible. In addition, the irradiation can also be done by means of ultrasound be performed.

In a preferred embodiment, the irradiation unit or the heater is activated at least during the Aussaugens. This ensures that the dust sucked in the course of the suction out through the transfer section is sterilized and, if necessary, dried, fed to the secondary device. This irradiation or heating of the flowing dust can take place at the same time as irradiation or heating of the dust receiving space of the cleaning appliance. Accordingly, the irradiation units or heaters are activated at the same time. Favor is in this regard that the irradiation or heating of the dust receiving space only after the successful extraction of the dust and Transferring the same is activated in the secondary device. In the dust collecting space which is substantially emptied thereafter, only residual dust is left, which essentially only covers the surface of the dust receiving space with a thin layer. This can be sterilized completely after activation of the irradiation unit and / or the heater.

Around an at least almost complete sterilization of the dust collecting space and / or the transfer section, At least one mirror may be provided which is in contact with the irradiation unit interacts. By means of such a mirror become shadow surfaces avoided, which further by a favorable positioning of the Irradiation unit can be supported.

The transfer section Can be used as an internally mirrored tube or as a UV transparent tube be formed by which tube in the course of the suction from the dust to be sterilized flows. This is from here inside (with mirrored tube) or from the outside (with UV-transparent tube) by means of, for example, UV light applied.

The When charging the accumulator resulting waste heat is used in a preferred development for drying the dust or the dust receiving space.

below the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which only one embodiment represents, closer explained. It shows:

1 a sweeping device of the type in question in perspective view;

2 the sweeping cleaning device in assignment position to a stationary second device;

3 a schematic vertical sectional view through the sweeping device in the assignment position according to 2 ;

four one of the 3 corresponding representation, the situation in the course of Aussaugens a Staubaufnahmeraumes of the device concerning;

5 a following presentation of the four after complete extraction of the dust receiving space.

Shown and described is first with reference to 1 a self-cleaning sweeping device 1 with a chassis 2 and one the chassis 2 covering cover 3 , The sweeping device 1 has a circular floor plan.

The device 1 is equipped with a travel drive. These are the underside of the chassis 2 electric motor driven traversing wheels four intended. The power supply of the drive via a recorded in the device accumulator 5 ,

Next points the device 1 a for sweeping the soil to be cleaned 7 the chassis floor 6 passing sweeping brush 8th on. Their axis of rotation 9 extends horizontally transversely to a usual direction of travel r of the device 1 ,

The sweeping brush 8th is via a separate electric motor 10 drivable, this further example, a belt drive, not shown. The power supply of this electric motor 10 also takes place via the integrated accumulator 5 ,

The in operation over the sweeping brush 8th picked up dust and dirt is contrary to the usual direction of travel r to the rear through a dust channel 11 in a dust collection room 12 discarded.

Combined to sweeping can with appropriate design, the device 1 also for suction treatment of the soil 7 serve.

With regard to the further embodiment, further in particular with regard to the operating characteristics of the device 1 will be on the DE 102 43 257 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.

The device 1 is after completion of the cleaning process or even during an interruption of this process a second device 13 in the form of a loading / unloading station can be fed. In a preferred embodiment, the device finds 1 this second station 13 automatically. In this second station 13 is first a device for charging the accumulator 5 in the connection position of device 1 and second station 13 intended. The electrical contact is preferably achieved automatically.

Next has the second station 13 via a suction device, not shown, for emptying the device-side dust collecting space 12 ,

The second station 13 is via an electrical connection 14 connected to a mains power supply.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second station 13 , In particular, the suction area a tubular extension 15 on. This is in the assignment position of the device 1 to the second device 13 introduced into a device-side transfer section 16 , This is also tube-like shape and flows one end in the dust collection room 13 and otherwise free towards the second device 13 , About the transfer section 16 and extension 15 is an extraction of the filled dust collection room 12 accessible by means of the second device side suction device.

As shown schematically in the 3 to 5 Both have the dust collection room shown 12 as well as the transfer section 16 each via an irradiation unit 17 . 18 which are executed in the illustrated embodiment as Ultravio lett lamp.

The irradiation unit 17 is on the ceiling side of the dust collection room 12 arranged such that their rays reach the entire interior and thus further all wall inner surfaces while avoiding shadow surfaces. The power supply of this irradiation unit 17 is external, including power supply lines 19 to the front of the device, on to the second device 13 contacted page are guided.

The irradiation unit 18 of the transfer section 16 also has such power lines 19 , Accordingly, there is an energization of the irradiation units 17 and 18 only by connecting the device 1 to the branch 13 , The power lines 19 are for this purpose to a wall-side exposed, only schematically illustrated in the drawings connector receptacle 20 led, in the assignment position a plug 21 of the second device 13 contacting intervenes.

The transfer section 16 is further, if not shown in detail, designed as an internally mirrored tube, so that the of the irradiation unit 18 emitted light for complete detection of the transfer section cavity distributed.

According to the proposed contacting of the irradiation units 17 and 18 is an activation of the same only with connection of the device 1 with the second device 13 reachable.

According to the present embodiment, after a start-up of the second device 13 and finally connecting to it to charge the accumulator 5 , while contacting the power lines 19 as well as simultaneous insertion of the extension 15 in the transfer section 16 initially activated the second device suction device. At the same time, the second device 13 the transfer section side irradiation unit 18 turned on so as to be in the course of the suction through the transfer section 16 Dusting effects of flowing dust (cf. four ). As a result of this configuration, the second device ultimately collects the dust 13 only sterilized dust supplied. Further, in this context, in the area of the transfer section 16 Also, a heater may be provided, which acts on the type of pyrolysis on the dust and this dries accordingly.

After the extraction of the dust collection room 12 becomes both the suction device and the irradiation unit 18 of the transfer section 16 off. This state can, for example by means of dust quantity measurement in the flow rate of the extension 15 be determined.

After that, how will continue in 5 shown, the irradiation unit 17 activated to over this the dust collection room 12 and to sterilize the fine dust that ultimately remains in it. Here, too, an additional heating for drying the fine dust and the collecting space can be provided accordingly.

The irradiation dose is adjustable over the radiation duration. Furthermore, the irradiation can also be repeated cyclically, in particular if the device has a longer parked position 1 on the second device 13 ,

To protect the radiation unit 17 against contamination, for example, during sweeping, if necessary, during the sweeping operation, these can be pivoted out of the dirt area or covered alternatively.

The proposed invention can not only continue in the proposed sweeping device 1 Be used, but also in self-propelled or traversed sweepers that are provided with a soil moisture cleaning, so on, for example, according to the DE 103 57 637 Further, for example, in battery-powered vacuum cleaners with guide stem, for example according to DE 89 07 942 or further also in an example stalk guided sweeper, further example, according to DE 4414 683 A1 ,

All disclosed features are essential to the invention (in itself). In the disclosure of the application is hereby also the disclosure content the associated / attached priority documents (Copy of the advance notice) fully included, too for the purpose, features of these documents in claims present Registration with.

1

Periodic cleaning device

2

chassis

3

cover

4

Verfahrräder

5

accumulator

6

chassis ground

7

ground

8th

sweeping brush

9

axis of rotation

10

electric motor

11

dust duct

12

Dust collection chamber

13

second unit

14

Electrical connection

15

extension

16

Transfer section #

17

irradiation unit

18

irradiation unit

19

power lines

20

plug receptacle

21

plug

r

traversing

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 19860020 C2 [0002]
• - DE 10243257 A1 [0044]
• - DE 10357637 [0059]
• - DE 8907942 [0059]
• - DE 4414683 A1 [0059]

Claims (27)

Method for operating a suction and / or sweeping device ( 1 ), whereby the device ( 1 ) a dust receiving space ( 12 ) and a sterilization of the dust receiving space ( 12 ) by means of an irradiation unit ( 17 ), characterized in that the device ( 1 ) is operable independently of a mains power supply and for emptying and / or recharging accumulators ( 5 ) with a second device ( 13 ) or the mains power supply is connected and that the irradiation unit ( 17 ) is activated depending on the connection made. Method for operating a suction and / or sweeping device ( 1 ), whereby the device ( 1 ) a dust receiving space ( 12 ) and an effect on the dust or on the dust receiving space ( 12 ) is performed for sterilization, characterized in that the dust or the dust receiving space ( 12 ) is heated for sterilization. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the sterilization in the region of a dust receiving space ( 12 ) with the second device ( 13 ) transfer section ( 16 ) is performed under the action of the dust flowing in the course of the dust discharge. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized that the irradiation is carried out by means of UV radiation becomes. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized that the irradiation is carried out by means of alpha radiation becomes. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized that the irradiation is carried out by means of beta radiation becomes. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized that the irradiation is carried out by means of gamma radiation becomes. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized that the irradiation is carried out by means of infrared radiation becomes. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized that the irradiation is carried out by means of ultrasound. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized that the irradiation is adjustable. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized that the adjustment of the irradiation over the irradiation period he follows. Method according to one or more of the preceding Claims or in particular according thereto, characterized that the irradiation is cyclical. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that for the sterilization of the dust or dust receiving space ( 12 ) the waste heat of the accumulator ( 5 ) is used in the charge. Suction and / or sweeping device ( 1 ), whereby the device ( 1 ) a dust receiving space ( 12 ) and an irradiation unit ( 17 ) for the sterilization of the dust receiving space ( 12 ), characterized in that the device ( 1 ) as independently operated from a mains power supply suction and / or sweeping cleaning device ( 1 ), which is designed for emptying and / or charging accumulators ( 5 ) a second device ( 13 ) or the mains power supply is assignable, wherein for activating the irradiation unit ( 17 ) the device ( 1 ) with the second device ( 13 ) or the mains power supply is connected. Suction and / or sweeping device ( 1 ), whereby the device ( 1 ) a dust receiving space ( 12 ) and means for sterilizing the dust or on the dust receiving space ( 12 ), characterized in that a heating is provided for the sterilization. Suction and / or sweeping device according to one or more of claims 14 to 15 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the irradiation unit ( 17 . 18 ) and / or the heating a the dust receiving space ( 12 ) with the second device ( 13 ) transfer section ( 16 ) assigned. Suction and / or sweeping device after one or more of claims 14 to 16 or in particular thereafter, characterized in that the irradiation by means of UV radiation is reached. Suction and / or sweeping device after egg nem or more of claims 14 to 17 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the irradiation is achieved by means of alpha radiation. Suction and / or sweeping device after one or more of claims 14 to 18 or in particular thereafter, characterized in that the irradiation by means of beta radiation is reached. Suction and / or sweeping device after one or more of claims 14 to 19 or in particular thereafter, characterized in that the irradiation by means of gamma radiation is reached. Suction and / or sweeping device after one or more of claims 14 to 20 or in particular thereafter, characterized in that the irradiation by means of infrared radiation is reached. Suction and / or sweeping device after one or more of claims 14 to 21 or in particular thereafter, characterized in that the irradiation by means of ultrasound is reached. Suction and / or sweeping device according to one or more of claims 14 to 22 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the irradiation unit ( 17 . 18 ) or the heater is activated at least during the Aussaugens. Suction and / or sweeping device according to one or more of claims 14 to 23 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that assigned to the dust collecting space ( 12 ) and / or the transfer section ( 16 ) at least one mirror is provided with the irradiation unit ( 17 . 18 ) cooperates. Suction and / or sweeping device according to one or more of claims 14 to 24 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the transfer section ( 16 ) is designed as a mirrored tube. Suction and / or sweeping device according to one or more of claims 14 to 25 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the transfer section ( 16 ) is a UV transparent tube. Suction and / or sweeping device according to one or more of claims 14 to 26 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that for heating the dust or the dust receiving space ( 12 ) the waste heat of the accumulator ( 5 ) is used while charging the same.