DE102010000607A1 - Household vacuum cleaner for use as base station for automatically movable vacuum cleaner or sweeping unit, is provided with location independent energy supply, and has appropriate motor- or blower unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The household vacuum cleaner (1) is provided with a location independent energy supply, and has an appropriate motor- or blower unit (6). A dust collection chamber is equipped with the household vacuum cleaner. The household vacuum cleaner is provided with an interface for a suction hose (14) and for an attachment. A docking site (41) is accessible for the vacuum cleaner or sweeping unit (16) in the course of an automatic operation in a predetermined position of a base station (15) for the energy supply and preferably dust cleanout of the vacuum cleaner or sweeping unit.

Description

The invention relates to a usable as a base station for a self-acting suction and / or sweeping household vacuum cleaners.

Automatically movable suction and / or sweeping devices find particular use in the household sector, so on, in particular for autonomous cleaning According to suction and / or brushing the floor. For this purpose, such devices have electrically operated suction-blower units and / or electric motor-driven brushes. The absorbed and / or brushed dirt is collected in a device-internal container. It is also known to provide such a device with electronics, so in particular for detecting obstacles, more preferably also for the creation of a movement and behavioral strategy, and also preferably for the detection and evaluation of call and / or control signals for the device , The power supply is in this case more preferably over in the device and accordingly entrained by this accumulator. For charging the same, in addition, if necessary, also for the disposal of the dirt collected in the device-internal container, it is further known to assign the suction and / or sweeping device a preferably stationary base station. In this regard, it is further known to connect such a base station to the household network.

In view of the above-described prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in further improving a base station of the type in question, in particular with regard to further use.

• – zum Verfahren ausgebildet ist,
• – mit einer ortsunabhängigen Energieversorgung versehen ist,
• – eine eigene Motor-/Gebläse-Einheit aufweist,
• – einen Schmutzsammelraum aufweist,
• – mit einer Anschlussstelle für einen Saugschlauch und/oder Vorsatzgerät versehen ist
• – und eine, in einer vorgegebenen Stellung der Basisstation, für das Saug- und/oder Kehrgerät im Zuge eines selbsttätigen Verfahrens zugänglichen Andockstelle, zur Energieversorgung und vorzugsweise Staubentleerung des Saug- und/oder Kehrgerätes.

This problem is solved initially and essentially by the subject matter of claim 1, being turned off on a usable as a base station for a self-acting suction and / or sweeping household vacuum cleaner, wherein the base station

• - is designed to process
• - is provided with a location-independent power supply,
• - has its own motor / fan unit,
• - has a dirt collecting space,
• - Provided with a connection point for a suction hose and / or attachment
• - And one, in a predetermined position of the base station, for the suction and / or sweeping device in the course of an automatic method accessible docking point, for energy supply and preferably dust emptying of the suction and / or sweeping device.

As a result of the proposed solution, a base station for so-called cleaning robots or a household vacuum cleaner suitable for further use as a hand-held cleaning appliance is advantageously provided with expanded utility. The base station can be used in a conventional manner as a household vacuum cleaner, for example. For areas that are not accessible from the self-moving suction and / or sweeping device. In this regard, as a household vacuum cleaner usual stielgeführt vacuum cleaner proposed, for example. An electric vacuum cleaner according to EP 0 893 962 B1 , Preferably come on the floor movable household vacuum cleaner in the form of towed in this context used, so on, for example, a household vacuum cleaner according to DE 44 39 416 A1 , Whose vacuum cleaner housing is supported on non-driven rollers on the floor, wherein more preferably provided in the vacuum cleaner motor / fan unit via a connected suction hose is fluidly connected to a serving for soil or oversoil suction nozzle. In particular, by train on the suction hose of the vacuum cleaner is moved across the floor. For this purpose, further the vacuum cleaner, according to the base station thus formed provided with a location-independent power supply, this example. In the form of vacuum cleaner or in the base station arranged accumulators, more preferably in the form of one, the free mobility of the vacuum cleaner or the base station in a sufficiently large area of effect permitting electrical connection cable for connecting the vacuum cleaner or the base station to the household network. Electro-connecting cables with lengths of 5 m-20 m, more preferably 10 m, are preferably used here. According to the usual embodiment of household vacuum cleaners, a dirt collecting space is formed in the vacuum cleaner or in the base station created thereby. This may be a so-called cyclone separator. Preference is given here to the arrangement of a dust filter bag for filtering out dirt and dust particles from the constructed on the vacuum cleaner side motor / fan unit suction air flow. The power supply of the household vacuum cleaner as well as preferably the vacuum cleaner-side motor / fan unit can be used in an advantageous manner for supplying energy to the accumulator-operated suction and / or sweeping device, more preferably also for emptying the intended in the suction and / or sweeper accumulator. This, a base station quasi-defining supply and / or disposal options are preferably used in only one predetermined position of the household vacuum cleaner, beyond only activated in this position. In this predetermined position of the household vacuum cleaner this offers a docking point for the suction and / or sweeping device, which is approached by the autonomously movable device according to the automatic process. The default Position of the base station or the household vacuum cleaner is preferably a relative to the usual orientation of the base station for use as a household vacuum cleaner changed orientation, so further preferably a position of the Haushaltsstaubsaugers, in which this example. A not available in the Haushaltsstaubsauger operation by the robot page offers in the area which the docking point for the suction and / or sweeping device is formed. Also, a predetermined position of the household vacuum cleaner for offering as a base station by a predetermined relative orientation of the household vacuum cleaner in the room is possible. In one embodiment, the docking point of the household vacuum cleaner is a coupling section in the region of the vacuum cleaner-side suction line to the suction mouth or to an attachment, for example a coupling of a suction hose connected to the household vacuum cleaner, via which coupling a suction nozzle or an attachment is connected for use as a household vacuum cleaner. In this context, it is known to provide the suction hose for electrical supply of any attachments with corresponding electrical cables, which also have electrical coupling means in the region of the suction coupling. Accordingly, a dust discharge and the energy supply of a suction and / or sweeping device can be reached via such a Luftströmungs- and possibly electrical interface.

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 or with features of further claims. But they can also be in an assignment to only individual features of claim 1 or the respective further claim or each independently of importance.

Thus, it is provided in a further preferred embodiment that the base station having a suction device for the suction and / or sweeping device in addition to a suction mouth or an attachment of the base station leading to the suction, separately extending suction line. Accordingly, two flow paths within the base station to be acted upon by the same motor / blower unit within the base station or within the household vacuum cleaner are preferably provided within the base station, namely a flow path which leads to the use of the base station as a household vacuum cleaner for a vacuum cleaner-side suction mouth or an attachment Flow path for use of the household vacuum cleaner as a base station, with corresponding flow connection to a dust discharge line of the suction and / or sweeping device. This separately extending suction opens in a preferred embodiment in the accessible for the suction and / or sweeper in the course of an automatic method docking point, in which more preferably at the same time also according to corresponding electrical interfaces, a power supply of the device-side batteries can be done.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the base station switches according to a change in their position in space with respect to a vertical between a base station functionality and a vacuum cleaner functionality. For this purpose, in a further preferred embodiment, sensor means, for example in the form of inclination sensors, and / or mechanical means, for example. In the form of sliding relocatable buttons, provided in the household vacuum cleaner, which detect the corresponding position of the vacuum cleaner in space, especially the position to Base station function performs. In the course of switching the functionality is also preferably a switching of the flow paths within the household vacuum cleaner, so that in the vacuum cleaner function of the suction is preferably enabled via a suction hose to the suction mouth or attachment, while this is locked in the base station function and whereas the suction line is released to the docking point. It is also preferable to activate or activate the electrical interface in the area of the docking station exclusively in the detected base station function.

Alternatively or in combination with this, the base station between the base station functionality and the vacuum cleaner functionality is preferably switchable by the suction and / or sweeping device, for example, according to disengagement of a vacuum cleaner side, mechanically acting button by the suction and / or in the docking position or sweeping device, further, for example, also according to an emanating from the suction and / or sweeping signal transmission. Thus, in a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the suction and / or sweeping device emits a light or radio signal which is received and evaluated by the household vacuum cleaner, according to which evaluation a corresponding switching takes place.

In this context, it is further preferred that the base station for the guidance of the suction and / or sweeping device emits an optical and / or acoustic signal and / or reflects an optical and / or acoustic signal emitted by the suction and / or sweeping device. In this regard, the German patent applications with the file number DE 10 2009 059 212 . DE 10 2009 059 214 . DE 10 2009 059 215 and DE 10 2009 059 216 directed. From these, a method for targeting an automatically movable device, in particular suction and / or sweeping device is known, so on, for example, for the guidance of such a device to a base station. The content of these patent applications is hereby incorporated in full Also included for the purpose of disclosing features of these patent applications in claims of the present invention.

Advantageously, the base station further comprises means for data communication between the base station and the suction and / or sweeping device. So it is further preferred that the automatically movable device and the household vacuum cleaner or the base station formed by this can exchange information via contacts in the docking or optical signal links, eg. Such that the automatically movable device the household vacuum cleaner or the base station via a high-frequency current signal, which is modulated on the actual charge current in the docking position and can be separated from this by electrical filters, informing that the self-moving device should be sucked out and / or that the batteries should be fully charged. In a further preferred embodiment, this information technology coupling is constructed via the mechanical and / or electrical coupling in the region of the docking point.

The household vacuum cleaner or the base station and the automatically movable device are preferably provided with facilities that allow the automatically movable device anfährt the household vacuum cleaner and thereby builds a connection of the Saugkanalsysteme the two coupling partners. This coupling makes it possible in a preferred manner that the household vacuum cleaner with its fan and dust retention filter can absorb the dirt accumulated in the automatically movable device, so that the user no longer has to empty the collecting container manually in the automatically movable device. The coupling of the suction channels of the two coupling partners (household vacuum cleaner and automatically movable device) is preferably produced by the self-movable device einschiebt a nozzle in a matching recording of the household vacuum cleaner in the docking area by the self-propelled device drove close to the household vacuum cleaner , In an advantageous embodiment, the coupling point is sealed with a sealing element (soft components such as. An O-ring) against leakage. A reversal of the arrangement is possible, so that here the nozzle on the household vacuum cleaner and the corresponding receptacle are formed on the automatically movable device. Preferably, the Saugkanalsystem in the household vacuum cleaner between the vacuum cleaner side motor / fan unit and the vacuum cleaner side connection of a preferably provided suction hose on another suction channel from the mechanical coupling point to the dust collector dirt collecting space. In the normal operation of the household vacuum cleaner, this further suction channel is without function. Only in a state in which the automatically movable device is coupled to the household vacuum cleaner sucks the latter - possibly after appropriate signaling request by the automatically movable device - the device. In a preferred embodiment, the household vacuum cleaner is designed so that it is possible to switch between these two states of the suction channel system in order to only have to flow through the required subsystem. Here, the switching preferably takes place via flaps or valves in the intake duct system of the switchable to a base station household vacuum cleaner.

Next, the household vacuum cleaner or the base station and the self-cleaning device are provided with facilities that allow the household vacuum cleaner transfers electrical energy to the self-moving device. This is preferably done for the purpose of charging the device-side accumulators. Energy (here electricity) is transferred from the household vacuum cleaner or from the base station to the device via the electrical contacts. The latter stores the energy in the device's internal accumulator system. The activation of this electrical or energetic coupling is preferably carried out parallel to the mechanical coupling by starting the device to the household vacuum cleaner. In this case, further preferably contacting electrical contacts are used, wherein more preferably the contacts are formed in the sense of a plug connection. Alternatively, a non-contact transmission, for example. Inductive transmission, possible. The electrical energy is preferably transmitted as DC voltage or AC voltage in different frequency bands. Thus, energy from the household vacuum cleaner or base station can be transmitted to the device in the form of DC voltage, more preferably simultaneously a unidirectional or bidirectional communication between the coupling partners via AC voltage in different frequency ranges is possible. The energy transfer is preferably only established when a so-called. Handshake was performed between the coupling partners and / or the automatically movable device gives a corresponding signal. The communication is in this case more preferably protected with low currents (a few mA). As a result of this configuration, electric shocks due to inadvertent contact of the electrical contacts in the decoupled position are avoided by the user.

Next, the household vacuum cleaner or the base station and the automatically movable device are provided with facilities that allow an exchange of information between the two coupling partners. For example, the device may tell the household vacuum cleaner that the device-internal dirt container must be sucked out or that the charging cycle of the accumulators is completed. This interface can, for. B. by optical signals (light signals), radio signals, acoustic signals (preferably ultrasound) or electrical signals are constructed.

In addition, a sensor technology coupling is preferably provided. The preparation of the various couplings is based on the fact that the cleaning device anfährt the household vacuum cleaner or the base station so close that a physical connection of the two coupling partners is made, for example. By inserting a suction tube into a corresponding receptacle in the case of mechanical coupling. In the further provided sensor technology coupling of household vacuum cleaner or the base station and the cleaning device are provided with devices that interact with each other (in one direction or bidirectional) and support the cleaning device at the exact start of the coupling position, z. B. by an optical beam is provided in the household vacuum cleaner or in the base station. This interface is preferably constructed by optical signals (light signals), radio signals, acoustic signals (preferably ultrasound), which interface is preferably activated exclusively in the base station function.

The switching between the vacuum cleaner functionality and the base station functionality is preferably carried out mechanically, wherein the suction channel for the extraction of the automatically movable device in the base station function via a flap or a valve is closed. Thus, in this regard, it is further preferred that the use of the household vacuum cleaner as a base station of the household vacuum cleaner is placed on a vacuum cleaner function in the approximately vertically oriented side or rear surface, thereby a mechanical disengaging element, for example. Slider, is acted upon to switch between the two Saugkanalsystemen, more preferably for activation or for providing the other electrical and / or optical interfaces.

It is further provided in this regard in a development that the household vacuum cleaner with an electronic tilt switch and electric actuators (electric motor, solenoids) is provided. The tilt switch detects changes in the position of the Haushaltsstaubsaugers, according to corresponding signals of the tilt switch of the actuators or the Saugkanalsystem change accordingly. Furthermore, such a signal preferably also causes activation or provision of the further electrical or optical interfaces.

Analogous to the switching of the suction channel of the household vacuum cleaner and a suitably trained Saugkanalsystem the automatically movable device can be switched between conventional suction and coupling operation. Since the cleaning device is preferably intended to operate without any user intervention, automatic switching over electrical actuators is preferred in this regard, which automatic switching, for example, according to mechanical engagement in the coupling position and / or according to a signal transmission in the coupling position is achieved.

When using light-optical means, a light source in the form of an LED or laser diode is preferably used. The light used here is preferably visible, for example red light with a wavelength of 650 nm, more preferably infrared in the range of 700-980 nm, more preferably 900-980 nm. As the optical receiver, a photosensitive electrical component is preferably used, for example a Photodiode, a PSD element, a phototransistor, a photoresistor, a CMOS element or CCD element, wherein PSD elements and CMOS / CCD elements are linearly extended, while the other elements listed rather punctiform act. Preferably, in this respect, an element is used which fits from its reception area (wavelength) to the light source.

The optical elements (light sources and / or receivers) can optionally be assigned further optical elements, so further preferably for shaping a transmission beam and transmitting cone or for forming a receiving cone. In this regard, optical elements can be lenses (converging lenses, diverging lenses, also embodied as Fresnel lenses, aspherical or spherical), in addition also diaphragms (circular, slot-shaped or arbitrarily shaped, designed as separate parts or integrated in the housing of the household vacuum cleaner or cleaning device), prisms, Mirrors (plane, concave, convex, freeform), optical fibers, free-form elements or even optical filters (preferably color filters or narrow-band interference filters, which are matched to the wavelength of the light used).

Both in the light source and in the photosensitive element are understood by optical elements and protective or cover discs in the optical path, which serve the mechanical protection of the optical device.

Preferably, optical filters are provided in the light source and / or the light-sensitive element which are as permeable as possible to the intended optical wavelength, but are as permeable to others as possible. optical Filters may be provided as separate elements or integrated with other optical elements (eg, lens coloring or coating, protective windows, etc.). Also possible in this regard are dyeings, coatings or steams.

The light signal is preferably modulated (sinusoidal, rectangular, triangular or arbitrary) in a defined frequency. The light-sensitive element is associated with an amplifier, which is further associated with a filter which is tuned to this frequency and modulation form. As a signal, therefore, the amplifier outputs only the light signal received from the target and no ambient or stray light. Through this first modulation, a second modulation (frequency or amplitude) can be applied to transmit information.

The invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which only illustrates several embodiments, explained in more detail. It shows:

1 in a perspective view of a household vacuum cleaner in a base station function with an automatically movable suction and / or sweeping device in a coupling position to the household vacuum cleaner;

2 the household vacuum cleaner in a schematic vertical sectional view regarding the vacuum cleaner function;

3 one of the 2 corresponding representation, but concerning the base station function;

4 the household vacuum cleaner in the base station function according to 3 as well as the automatically movable device in a schematic vertical sectional view, an intermediate position in the course of starting the device to the base station regarding;

5 the automatically movable device in a schematic vertical sectional view relating to a second embodiment;

6 the coupling position of the cleaning device according to 5 to the base station offering household vacuum cleaner;

7 the household vacuum cleaner in the base station function and a spent in docking automatically movable cleaning device, each in a schematic vertical section illustration, a third embodiment concerning.

Illustrated and described first with reference to the 1 to 3 a household vacuum cleaner 1 in the form of a ground mobile towing device, as this is also known as "Vorwerk Tiger".

The household vacuum cleaner 1 initially has an all-sided substantially closed housing 2 on. This is supported by freely rotatable and partially pivotable about a vertical axis rollers 3 in normal operating position on the floor 4 from. The rollers 3 are in the area of one in the vacuum cleaner operation at least approximately parallel to the floor 4 aligned housing bottom 5 arranged.

In the case 2 is a motor / fan unit 6 added. To power this unit 6 points the vacuum cleaner 1 an outgoing electric cable 7 on, to connect the vacuum cleaner 1 to the household network.

The motor / fan unit 6 has in usual form on a suction and a discharge side. Ausblasseitig leads a blow-out 8th to a housing cover side provided exhaust grille 9 ,

Intake side is to the motor / blower unit 6 a suction channel 10 connected, which in one, in the housing 2 formed dirt collection room 11 empties. In the latter is a filter bag shown schematically in the illustrations 12 hung, which filter bag 12 having an air-permeable wall.

In the filter bag 12 opens on the ceiling on the housing 2 outwardly extended suction connection piece 13 which in turn is connected in a flow-tight manner to a suction hose leading to an attachment nozzle or the like, which is not shown 14 ,

In vacuum cleaner operation, the motor / fan unit sucks 6 For example, via a front nozzle, continue on the suction hose 14 and the suction connection 13 through the filter bag 12 through, being inside the filter bag 12 Dirt and dust particles are filtered out. With circulation of the motor / blower unit 6 is the over the suction hose 14 sucked air through the exhaust grille 9 blown outward freely.

The household vacuum cleaner 1 is still as a base station 15 for a self-acting suction and / or sweeping device 16 usable, in particular for energy supply, more preferably also for emptying the vacuum and / or sweeping device 16 ,

For this purpose, the household vacuum cleaner 1 another flow path, so on a suction line 17 , which at one end in the case back 5 flows freely to the outside and at the other end ceiling side of the dirt collecting room 11 the entry side of the filter bag 12 assigned.

In addition, the vacuum cleaner points 1 a control electronics 18 on. On the one hand, on the one hand, a light source arranged in the housing bottom for free radiation to the outside 19 driven. This is preferably an LED. Next are the control electronics 18 two housing bottom side provided electrical contacts 20 connected. Electrocontacts 20 and light source 19 are in the immediate vicinity of the outlet of the suction line 17 positioned, further according to the above-described arrangement, the mouth of the suction line 17 , the light source 19 and the electrical contacts 20 in the vacuum cleaner function according to 2 down towards the floor 4 point.

To use the vacuum cleaner 1 as a base station 15 this is changed in terms of its location in space, further in particular in the usual direction of travel r of the household vacuum cleaner 1 oppositely directed back surface 21 posed. After that, the housing bottom extends 5 essentially in a vertical plane, hence the mouth of the suction line continues 17 as well as the light source 19 as well as the electrical contacts 20 arranged substantially aligned in the horizontal direction.

In the area of the back surface 21 is in a preferred embodiment, a spring-loaded slide to the outside 22 intended. This protrudes over the outer surface of the back surface 21 in addition, such that, by turning off the vacuum cleaner 1 on the back surface 21 a sliding shift of the slider 22 contrary to the force acting on this spring force according to the weight of the vacuum cleaner 1 is triggered. Putting up the household vacuum cleaner 1 in the substantially vertically oriented base station function is correspondingly via the slider 22 detected. Alternatively, in the household vacuum cleaner 1 also be provided an electronic tilt sensor.

Depending on the position of the slider 22 or the measurement result of a possibly provided inclination sensor is either the mouth region of the suction connection 13 in the filter bag 12 or the mouth area of the suction line 17 in the filter bag 12 enabled while the other port area is locked. For this purpose, each mouth side of the suction connection 13 or the suction line 17 inside the filter bag 12 swing-out flaps 23 . 24 intended. The control of the same is shown only schematically in the figures, preferably via a mechanical sliding / rotating mechanism, further example. Via Bowden cables, or in the case of electronic detection of the slide position or in the case of an electronic tilt sensor according to electrical control of the flaps 23 . 24 acting actuators, for example. Magnetically controllable actuators.

Is in the usual vacuum cleaner position according to 2 the flap 24 the suction line 17 according to the outwardly displaced position of the slide 22 closed and according to the flap 23 of the suction connection piece 13 open, these positions are reversed in the operation of the vacuum cleaner 1 as a base station 15 according to the slider displacement, so hereafter corresponding to that to a tillage nozzle or the like via the suction hose 14 leading suction connection 13 fluidly through the flap 23 is locked while commissioning the motor / blower unit 6 Suction air according to the opened flap 24 over the through the case back 5 freely outgoing suction line 17 is sucked, which suction air according to a conventional vacuum cleaner operation through the filter bag 12 is sucked to filter out dirt and dust particles.

The in the illustrations a circular floor plan having suction and / or sweeping device 16 is by means of electrically driven Verfahrräder 25 free on the floor 4 movable, with a corresponding method of the device 16 done automatically in the manner of a robot. The wheels 25 enforce a floor here 26 a device housing 27 ,

The device 16 is formed in the illustrated embodiments as a suction device, including one in the ground 26 in the form of a suction mouth 28 opening suction line 29 is provided. This suction line 29 leads to a dust collection room 30 of the device 16 , The necessary Saugluftströmung is provided by a in the device 16 provided motor / fan unit 31 , in the flow direction behind the dust collection room 30 is arranged. The dust and dirt freed suction air is through a discharge grille 32 blown outward freely.

The electrical supply of the motor / fan unit 31 and the electric drive for the Verfahrräder 25 , as well as one in the device 16 provided control electronics 33 via one in the device 16 provided accumulator 34 ,

The control electronics 33 preferably has a microcontroller and a non-volatile memory, for controlling and regulating the device 16 , especially regarding his Movement and behavior strategy. In addition, preferably also takes place via the control / electronic control 33 a monitoring of the accumulator state of charge.

Thus the device-side dust collection room 30 does not have to be emptied by the user by hand, is the device 16 with a drainage pipe 35 Mistake. This leads into the dust collection room at one end 30 and extends below the housing cover of the device 16 essentially in a horizontal extent up to the encircling housing wall 36 , this in the form of a conically tapered to the free end connecting piece 37 permeating freely to the outside.

As further from the representations in the 5 and 6 to recognize is in one embodiment of the connecting piece 37 forming section of the discharge line 35 in the axial direction of the connecting piece 37 sliding displaceable, which sliding displacement can be achieved against the force of a spring, not shown. The spring presses the connection piece 37 towards the over the housing wall 36 protruding position. Depending on the sliding position of the connecting piece 37 becomes one in the area of the mouths of the suction line 29 and the drainage pipe 35 in the dust collection room 30 pivotable closure cap 38 operated, so on - as in the previously described household vacuum cleaner 1 - According to a mechanically acting sliding / rotating mechanism or an electrically activated actuator. So is in the fully outwardly displaced position of the connection piece 37 the cap 38 held in a position in which this the emptying pipe 35 in their mouth area to the dust collection room 30 towards closes and at the same time the mouth of the suction line 29 releases. According to a sliding shift of the connecting piece 37 inward towards the inside of the case is the cap 38 pivoted so that hereafter the bottom suction port 28 leading suction line 29 is locked and the drainage pipe 35 free in the dust collection room 30 empties.

The drainage pipe 35 , In particular, the freely projecting outwardly connecting piece 37 is arranged in height so that its longitudinal axis in the base station operating position of the vacuum cleaner 1 according to 3 in one, the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner suction line 17 lying horizontal plane.

Also vertical to the floor 4 equally spaced to the vacuum cleaner side electrical contacts 20 (with respect to the base station position) are below the spud penetration area in the housing wall 36 Electrical mating contacts 39 provided, as well as the electrical contacts 20 of the vacuum cleaner 1 to be exposed to the outside.

Above the connection piece 37 is an outward exposed, in the housing wall 36 recessed recessed light receiver 40 provided, which preferably extends in the same horizontal plane as the light source 19 of the vacuum cleaner 1 in the base station position.

The mouth of the vacuum cleaner side suction line 17 as well as the electrical contacts 20 Form a vacuum cleaner side or base station side docking point 41 off, for energy supply and preferred dust discharge of the suction and / or sweeping device 16 ,

For emptying the dust collection room 30 and / or for charging the accumulator 34 moves the suction and / or sweeping device 16 automatically to the as a base station 15 serving vacuum cleaner 1 , wherein on the optical signal path between the vacuum cleaner side light source 19 and device-side light receiver 40 an exact introduction of the device 16 to the docking station 41 For example, in the form of a light guide beam is achieved.

The coupling of the device 16 to the base station 15 builds on several levels of effects. So first on a mechanical coupling by the connecting piece 37 of the device 16 in the freely opening to the outside suction line 17 of the vacuum cleaner 1 intervenes. Advantageously, this coupling point is sealed with a sealing element.

In one embodiment of the device 16 according to the 5 and 6 becomes in the course of the mechanical coupling in the suction line 17 supporting connecting pieces 37 of the device 16 towards the rear towards the inside of the unit 16 shifted, with appropriate pivotal displacement of the device-side cap 38 in the, the suction line 29 shut-off position (cf. 6 ).

Another level of effects is the electrical or energetic coupling, in which on the vacuum cleaner side electrical contacts 20 and the device-side electrical mating contacts 39 Energy from the vacuum cleaner 1 or from the base station 15 to the device 16 is transferred, for further storage in the device-side accumulator 34 , A charge state control is preferably carried out via the device-side control electronics 33 , alternatively via the electronics 18 the base station 15 ,

Next also takes place an information technology coupling for information exchange between the base station 15 and the device 16 , for example, to the message of the device 16 to the base station 15 whether the dust collection room 30 According to a previously performed level measurement must be sucked and / or whether the accumulator 34 must be charged. Serve for this purpose, the above-described light source 19 and the light receiver 40 , more preferably, both the base station 15 as well as the device 16 in each case at least one light source 19 and a light receiver 40 so as to allow bidirectional communication between the coupling partners.

In addition, over the electrical contacts 20 and electrical mating contacts 39 , alternatively via the above-described optical path, an information technology coupling achieved. This allows the device 16 the vacuum cleaner 1 or the base station 15 via a high-frequency current signal which is modulated on the actual charging current and can be separated from this by electric filters, can tell that this is the dust collection room 30 of the device 16 empty and / or the accumulator 34 should load. Also, a so-called. Handshake is feasible on this information technology coupling, for example, to avoid electric shock, the application of high voltage to the vacuum cleaner side electrical contacts 20 only allowed if a corresponding signal via the sweeping device 16 to the vacuum cleaner 1 he follows. The relevant communication is preferably secured with low currents of a few mA, for example. 20 to 100 mA.

In 7 is an alternative embodiment, in particular with regard to the data communication between suction and / or sweeping device 16 and household vacuum cleaner 1 or base station 15 shown.

The device 16 here has a distance measuring system rotating about a vertical axis x 42 on. Such a distance measuring system 42 is from the DE 10 2008 014 912 A1 known. 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 vacuum cleaner 1 has at least that of the distance measuring system 42 horizontally covered area of the case bottom 5 a sensor surface-like surface area 43 , which is for the rotating distance measuring system 42 is particularly accessible. This accessibility is preferably in a particular form of the form, in particular the surface structure, further example. By in the scanning direction of the about the vertical axis x rotating distance measuring system 42 repeating structures. A corresponding method and a corresponding device is known from the German patent application with the file number DE 10 2009 003 748 known. The content thereof is hereby incorporated in full in the disclosure of the present invention, also for the purpose of including features of this utility model application in claims of the present invention. Alternatively, the accessibility is in a particularly good to be detected surface, compared to the rest of the vacuum cleaner 1 , in particular with respect to the remaining housing bottom 5 and the rest of the environment is noticeable.

Also, this accessibility can exist in an active sensing system, each time through the measuring beam of the distance measuring system 42 a signal over an information technology coupling between the device 16 and the vacuum cleaner 1 triggers. This information technology coupling can be given in this case particularly favorable by an optical transmission link or a radio link. The device 16 detects the angular position of the rotating distance measuring system 42 in which a signal from the vacuum cleaner 1 is detected, whereupon the device 16 so the relative direction to the vacuum cleaner 1 can detect, similar to a Peilboje.

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 optional sibling version independent inventive development of the prior art, in particular to make on the basis of these claims divisional applications.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

household vacuum cleaners

2

casing

3

caster

4

floor

5

caseback

6

Motor / fan unit

7

connecting cable

8th

blow-out

9

exhaust grille

10

intake port

11

Dirt collection chamber

12

filter bag

13

Sauganschlussstutzen

14

suction

15

base station

16

Suction and / or sweeping device

17

suction

18

Control / regulation electronics

19

light source

20

Electrocontacts

21

rear surface

22

pusher

23

flap

24

flap

25

Verfahrrad

26

ground

27

device housing

28

suction mouth

29

suction

30

Dust collection chamber

31

Motor / fan unit

32

exhaust grille

33

Control / regulation electronics

34

accumulator

35

drain line

36

housing

37

spigot

38

flap

39

Electric counter-contact

40

light receiver

41

docking

42

Distance measuring system

43

surface area

r

traversing

x

vertical axis

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

• EP 0893962 B1 [0005]
• DE 4439416 A1 [0005]
• DE 102009059212 [0010]
• DE 102009059214 [0010]
• DE 102009059215 [0010]
• DE 102009059216 [0010]
• DE 102008014912 A1 [0063]
• DE 102009003748 [0064]

Claims (6)

As a base station ( 15 ) for a self-acting suction and / or sweeping device ( 16 ) usable household vacuum cleaner ( 1 ), whereby the base station ( 15 ) - is designed to process, - is provided with a location-independent power supply, - own motor / blower unit ( 6 ), - a dirt collecting space ( 11 ), - with a connection point for a suction hose ( 14 ) and / or a header is provided - and one, in a predetermined position of the base station ( 15 ), for the suction and / or sweeping device ( 16 ) in the course of an automatic procedure accessible docking station ( 41 ), for energy supply and preferably dust emptying of the suction and / or sweeping device ( 16 ). Household vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the base station ( 15 ) when forming a suction device for the suction and / or sweeping device ( 16 ) in addition to a suction mouth or an attachment of the base station ( 15 ) leading to the suction, separately extending suction ( 17 ) having. Household vacuum cleaner according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the base station ( 15 ) switches according to a change in their position in space with respect to a vertical between a base station functionality and a vacuum cleaner functionality. Household vacuum cleaner according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the base station ( 15 ) between the base station functionality and the vacuum cleaner functionality by the suction and / or sweeping device ( 16 ) is switchable. Household vacuum cleaner according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the base station ( 15 ) for the guidance of the suction and / or sweeping device ( 16 ) emits an optical and / or acoustic signal and / or one of the suction and / or sweeping device ( 16 ) emitted optical and / or acoustic signal reflected. Household vacuum cleaner according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the base station ( 15 ) Has means for data communication between the base station ( 15 ) and the suction and / or sweeping device ( 16 ).

Images