DE102016109015A1 - Household appliance and method for monitoring a household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

Household appliance (2, 2.1, 2.2), in particular a household cleaning appliance (2, 2.1), comprising at least one consumption module (12, 12.1, 12.2), at least one sensor module (14, 14.1, 14.2) arranged for determining at least one state parameter of the consumption module ( 12, 12.1, 12.2) and at least one evaluation module (16, 16.1, 16.2) arranged to determine, depending on the particular state parameter of the consumption module (12, 12.1, 12.2) and at least one repair criterion, whether a repair of the consumption module (12, 12.1 , 12.2) is required, wherein the household appliance (2, 2.1, 2.2) further at least one interface module (18, 18.1, 18.2) arranged for transmitting, if a repair of the consumption module (12, 12.1, 12.2) is required by a repair information message at least one remotely located communication device (40, 44, 48).

Description

The invention relates to a household appliance, in particular a household cleaning appliance, comprising at least one consumption module, at least one sensor module configured for determining at least one state parameter of the consumption module and at least one evaluation module configured to determine, depending on the particular state parameter of the consumption module and at least one repair criterion, if Repair of the consumption module is required. Moreover, the invention relates to a system comprising a household appliance, a method for monitoring a household appliance and a computer program.

Household appliances usually include one or more consumption or wear modules. For proper operation of the household appliance, it is necessary to repair it regularly.

For example, a household appliance in the form of a vacuum cleaner as a consumption module include a filter bag or a filter bag for receiving sucked dirt particles. If the degree of contamination of the filter bag exceeds a certain degree of contamination threshold, then the filter bag should be replaced by a new filter bag or a replacement filter bag for further proper operation as a maintenance measure.

From the prior art, it is known to monitor the condition of the filter bag by at least one sensor module. The at least one, in particular measured, state parameter of the filter bag detected by the sensor module can be evaluated by an evaluation module, for example by carrying out a comparison operation with a predetermined state parameter limit value. If the instantaneous state parameter lies in an impermissible range, for example above the predetermined state parameter limit value, then this can be indicated to the user of the vacuum cleaner via an indication of the vacuum cleaner. For example, it is known to use as an indicator one or more LED (s) (light-emitting diode).

In practice, the problem arises that the user of the vacuum cleaner recognizes due to the display on the vacuum cleaner during operation of the vacuum cleaner that a filter bag change is required. Frequently, however, the change is not carried out immediately. One reason for this may be that the user does not have a replacement filter bag in stock. This usually means that the vacuum cleaner is initially operated unchanged, ie with a "full" filter bag. In particular, there is a risk that the user will only be reminded at the next activation of the vacuum cleaner that the replacement of the filter bag is required, but the user has not yet purchased a new replacement filter bag.

However, the operation of a vacuum cleaner with a "full" filter bag has the technical disadvantage that the cleaning result deteriorates and / or increases the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner. In particular, the load on the various components of the suction device of the vacuum cleaner increases. In addition to an increased energy consumption, this generally reduces the life of the vacuum cleaner, especially the more heavily loaded components. At least similar problems also occur with other household appliances and / or other consumption or wear modules.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a domestic appliance which, in a user-friendly manner, reduces the risk of a higher load on components of a household appliance due to a consumable module to be repaired.

The object is achieved according to a first aspect of the invention by a household appliance, in particular a household cleaning appliance according to claim 1. The household appliance comprises at least one consumption module. The household appliance comprises at least one sensor module configured to determine at least one state parameter of the consumption module. The household appliance comprises at least one evaluation module configured to determine, depending on the specific state of the consumption module and of at least one repair criterion, whether a repair of the consumption module is required. The home appliance further comprises at least one interface module configured to transmit, when a repair of the consumption module is required, from a repair information message to at least one remotely located communication device.

In contrast to the prior art, the household appliance according to the invention has an interface module for forwarding a repair information message to an external communication device, this communication device can initiate measures for repair and inform, for example, the user of the household appliance regardless of an instantaneous operation of the household appliance on the need for maintenance. Forwarding to an external device increases usability. A timely Repair of the consumption module can be effected. A consumption module can be repaired sooner, so that the service life can be increased and the energy consumption can be reduced.

Preferably, the household appliance is a household cleaning appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner. It can be a self-sufficient vacuum cleaner. Exemplary other household appliances are kitchen appliances, air filters or tools. The household appliance comprises one or more consumption modules. A consumption module is characterized in that a functionality of the consumption module or a state of the consumption module automatically decreases over the lifetime of the household appliance. Reason can be, for example, wear or the achievement of a critical level.

To restore the full functionality or the initial state of the consumption module, a repair of the consumption module is required. In the present case, a repair is in particular a measure by which a consumption module with full functionality can be made available again. The repair measure may be an exchange of the consumption module by a replacement consumption module, a cleaning of the consumption module or a replenishment of a consumption module. For example, a worn and / or full consumption module can be replaced.

Exemplary consumption modules are filter modules, such as filter bags, air filter modules and / or motor protection filters. At least one sensor module is provided for monitoring the state of the at least one consumption module. The sensor module determines at least one state parameter that is characteristic of the consumption module, in particular its functionality. For example, in a filter module, the filter performance can be monitored.

The sensor module can determine (at least in the intended use) regularly, at certain times or (almost) continuously at least one (instantaneous) state parameter. In order to determine whether a repair is required on the basis of the determined state parameter (value), an evaluation module evaluates the (current) state parameter and a particular predetermined maintenance criterion. If the evaluation shows that a repair is required, the evaluation module provides this repair information to an interface module.

The interface module is configured to generate a repair information message from the repair information and transmit it to at least one predetermined remotely located communication device, such as a user's terminal. In the present case, a remote communication device is an external communication device, that is to say a communication device that is not integrated in the household appliance. The communication device may display the repair information to the user to initiate a repair. For example, the communication device may have a reminder function to remind the user one or more times until repaired.

Preferably, the sensor module can further detect a completed repair of the consumption module and make this information available to the interface module. Then, the interface module can transmit a corresponding information message to the at least one communication device. The communication device can then deactivate at least the reminder function and / or display corresponding information.

It is understood that two or more consumption modules can be provided, which can be monitored by the sensor module, for example by appropriately equipped sensors.

According to a first embodiment of the domestic appliance according to the invention, the evaluation module can be set up to compare the specific state parameter with at least one predetermined state parameter limit value (as a repair criterion). The at least one state parameter limit value in this case is the at least one repair criterion. In particular, the state parameter limit value can be a parameter value in which a (still) sufficient functionality of the consumption module is given until it is reached. The state parameter limit may have been determined for each consumption module in previous tests. The currently detected value of the state parameter can be compared with this state parameter limit. Upon detection of exceeding the state parameter limit value by the state parameter value, it is particularly necessary to repair the consumption module. Exceeding is understood in particular to mean that the particular state parameter value is in an impermissible parameter range. In other words, the state parameter limit defines the boundary between an allowable and an invalid range. In one case, a maximum operating time duration of the consumption module can be set as the state parameter limit value. Furthermore, for example, at a Filter module, a pollution degree limit, be given. In the case of a filter bag, in particular a maximum filling level limit value can be predetermined.

It is self-evident that further limit values can be predetermined in order, for example, to first transmit an indication when exceeding a further predetermined limit value that repair will be necessary soon or soon (eg within the next x operating hours).

In order to further monitor whether a repair, such as an exchange, of a consumption module has been carried out, the consumption module may include an encoding element with a particularly unique consumption module identifier. Preferably, each consumption module may have a unique consumption module identifier, such as a serial number or the like. The sensor module may be further configured to identify the consumption module by detecting the consumption module identifier. In particular, the sensor module can detect the consumption module identifier by optical and / or electromagnetic scanning or reading. In addition to monitoring whether a required final stoppage has been carried out, this can be used to monitor whether a correct consumption module is being used by the household appliance.

In addition, the evaluation module (new) can preferably be initialized upon detection of an exchange of a consumption module by the detection of a changed consumption module identifier of the consumption module used. Thus, a timer for measuring the operating time of the consumption module can be reset. As already described, a corresponding information can also be transmitted to the communication device.

Preferably, the coding element can be selected from the group comprising RFID transponders, barcodes and mechanical bit patterns. It is understood that a consumption module may include two or more coding elements to be compatible with different sensors of sensor modules.

According to a further embodiment of the household appliance, the sensor module can also be set up to determine at least one operating parameter of the household appliance. Exemplary operating parameters are operating time, operating mode and on and off times. Also, the current suction power can be detected and transmitted, for example, to a terminal of the user. By preferably determining all of these parameters, a usage profile of the household appliance can be created from these parameter values, for example by a communication device.

Alternatively or additionally, the consumption module can be accessible via a cover of the household appliance. Thus, the cover may be closed in the intended use of the household appliance and opened, for example, for a repair of the consumption module. The sensor module may be further configured to determine the state of the lid (eg, open state or closed state). This supports the monitoring of whether the consumption module has been repaired.

The sensor module may have one or more sensors for determining, for example measuring, one or more, preferably different, parameters. It is understood that the sensors may be separate elements.

Exemplary sensors are contact sensors, optical sensors, RFID read sensors, timers, pressure sensors, etc.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the interface module may further be adapted to transmit the state of the lid and / or the operating parameter of the household appliance and / or the consumption module identifier to the communication device. Preferably, all the aforementioned data can be transmitted to the external communication device, in particular for a further (remote) evaluation. For example, the communication device may be configured to create a (historical) usage profile of the household appliance and to display this via a display module. Also, an evaluation, such as the usage profile, can be forwarded from a first communication device, such as a server, to another communication device, such as a terminal. Furthermore, evaluation profiles can be created on the frequency of household appliance use, dust pickup, consumption of consumption modules (order history), current state of the consumption module (eg current fill level of the filter bag) and recommended renewal of (further) consumption modules (motor protection filter, etc.) become.

Preferably, the interface module may be configured to transmit data via at least one wireless channel. Alternatively or additionally, the interface module may be provided for transmitting data via at least one wired channel. A wired channel may in particular be implemented in a household appliance which may be coupled to a base station. The base station can Have coupling elements which correspond to an interface element of the household appliance to produce the wired channel. For example, the base station can also be set up to charge a battery of the household appliance. Preferably, in the case of a coupling with the base station, the parameter values determined during the previous operation of the household appliance and temporarily stored according to an embodiment can be automatically transmitted to the communication device in the form of the base station. The base station can be set up to forward the received data at least partially to at least one further communication device, such as a server or a terminal.

The interface module may in particular comprise at least one interface element, wherein the interface element may be selected from the group comprising WLAN element, Bluetooth element, RFID element, infrared element, mobile radio element, in particular GSM element, and LAN element. It is understood that two or more of the interface elements described above may be provided to transmit data over different channels to one or more (different) communication devices. It is further understood here that further devices may be interposed in the communication, such as routers, repeaters, etc.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a system. The system comprises at least one household appliance described above. The system includes at least one communication device configured to receive a repair information message from an interface module of the home appliance.

In particular, the at least one first communication device may be one of the communication devices described above. According to one embodiment of the system, the communication device may be a remotely located server. Alternatively or additionally, the communication device may be a base station of the household appliance. Alternatively or additionally, the communication device may be a terminal, in particular a mobile terminal. Exemplary mobile devices are tablet computers, notebooks and mobile phones. A terminal may in particular be assigned to a user of the at least one household appliance.

According to a preferred embodiment, the communication device may comprise at least one action module configured to perform at least one predetermined action in response to at least one predeterminable action condition. The predetermined action may include creating a repair notification and / or presenting the repair notification or a repair information message and / or effecting a provision of at least one replacement power module. The action module can check whether at least one predetermined action condition exists and, depending on this, execute one or a plurality of the aforementioned actions. In particular, an action condition may be receipt of a repair information message. For example, it can be provided that a server automatically generates a repair notification upon receipt of a repair information message and transmits it preferably to at least one predetermined communication device, such as a user assigned to the user of the household appliance. Alternatively or additionally, an action condition may be the receipt of a repair information message or the repair notification. An action module of a communication device, such as an application installed on a mobile terminal, may, for example, upon receipt of a repair information message and / or repair notification, display the repair information via at least one display module. For example, a corresponding text can be displayed on a display of the mobile terminal. Also, an acoustic or other visual representation can be made.

Furthermore, in the case of the condition (receipt of a repair information message and / or repair notification), an application may be automatically started by the action module. For example, the application may provide at least one repair option, such as ordering a suitable replacement power module. Furthermore, the provision of a replacement power module, e.g. For example, ordering the appropriate replacement power module may be initiated by the action module. Possibly. In addition, at least one user confirmation may be required.

Moreover, according to another embodiment, the system may comprise at least a first communication device in the form of a central server. The system may include at least one subsystem having at least one home appliance, and preferably at least one other communication device. A plurality of subsystems may be provided and monitored and controlled by the central server. For example, a subsystem may be associated with a user and may include one or more (different) home appliances. Furthermore, at least one more Communication device, such as a user-assigned terminal and / or a base station, be provided. The at least one household appliance can communicate via its interface module with the server and preferably with the terminal and / or the base station. In addition, the server may be configured to communicate with the at least one other communication device.

Preferably, the central server may include at least one database. The database may be configured to store at least one updateable record, the record comprising data relating to the at least one home appliance. The data record may be, for example, a subsystem identifier of the subsystem, one or more identifiers (eg serial number and / or communication address) of the household appliance (s), an identifier (eg serial number and / or communication address) of a terminal of the subsystem Identification (eg serial number and / or communication address) of a possibly base station of the subsystem, operating parameter data of the household appliance, a stock of exchange consumption modules, consumption module identifiers of the stored exchange consumption modules, a consumption module identifier of the currently used consumption module of the household appliance, one or more action conditions, User data, such as address data, payment data, etc., be. The at least one record can be on receipt of data z. B. be updated and / or supplemented by the interface module of the at least one household appliance. For example, received operating data can be supplemented to update the (historical) usage profile. Also, the inventory and / or the consumption module identifiers can be updated, for example, due to a replacement of a consumption module. Accordingly, the data record can in particular include the aforementioned parameter values.

Alternatively or additionally, the further communication device may comprise at least one further database, wherein the further database may be configured to store at least one updateable data record, wherein the data record comprises data relating to the at least one household appliance. For example, the data set may at least partially include the above data. Additionally, the record may include an identifier (eg, serial number and / or communication address) of the central server.

As an action condition, a inventory inventory threshold may be set for the inventory of the at least one replacement power module. If the stock reserve threshold is reached, then an action module may effect as a predetermined action the provision of at least one further replacement consumption module. Preferably, an automatic order can be initiated by the at least one replacement consumption module. For example, a corresponding message can be transmitted to another server. Due to the stored user data, for example, an automatic delivery to the user can be effected. In particular, an automatic provision can ensure that only replacement consumption modules are provided which are actually suitable for the household appliance. Furthermore, the delivery may be monitored (tracked) by a communication device.

• – Bestimmen von mindestens einem Zustandsparameters von mindestens einem Verbrauchsmodul des Haushaltsgeräts,
• – Bestimmen, in Abhängigkeit des bestimmten Zustandsparameters des Verbrauchsmoduls und einem Instandsetzungskriterium, ob eine Instandsetzung des Verbrauchsmoduls erforderlich ist, und
• – Ausführen von mindestens einer vorbestimmten Aktion durch eine entfernt von dem Haushaltsgerät angeordnete Kommunikationsvorrichtung, wenn eine Instandsetzung des Verbrauchsmoduls erforderlich ist,
• – wobei die vorbestimmte Aktion umfasst:
• – Erstellen einer Instandsetzungsbenachrichtigung, und/oder
• – Darstellen der Instandsetzungsbenachrichtigung oder einer Instandsetzungsinformationsnachricht, und/oder
• – Bewirken einer Bereitstellung von mindestens einem Austauschverbrauchsmodul.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for monitoring a home appliance. The method comprises:

• Determining at least one state parameter of at least one consumption module of the household appliance,
• Determining, depending on the determined state parameter of the consumption module and a repair criterion, whether a repair of the consumption module is required, and
• Performing at least one predetermined action by a communication device remote from the household appliance when repair of the consumption module is required,
• - wherein the predetermined action comprises:
• - Create a repair notification, and / or
• Representing the repair notification or a repair information message, and / or
• - effecting a deployment of at least one replacement power module.

The inventive method can be carried out in particular with the system described above. Determining whether a repair is required can be performed by an evaluation module. The evaluation module may be in the household appliance and / or z. B. be integrated in a communication device.

• – Empfangen von einer Instandsetzungsinformationsnachricht und/oder einer Instandsetzungsbenachrichtigung, und
• – Ausführen von mindestens einer vorbestimmten Aktion durch eine entfernt von dem Haushaltsgerät angeordnete Kommunikationsvorrichtung, wenn die Instandsetzungsinformationsnachricht und/oder die Instandsetzungsbenachrichtigung empfangen wird,
• – wobei die vorbestimmte Aktion umfasst:
• – Darstellen der Instandsetzungsbenachrichtigung oder der Instandsetzungsinformationsnachricht, und/oder
• – Bewirken einer Bereitstellung von mindestens einem Austauschverbrauchsmodul.

Yet another aspect of the invention is another method for monitoring a home appliance. The method comprises:

• Receiving a repair information message and / or a repair notification, and
• - Performing at least one predetermined action by a remote from the household appliance arranged communication device when the Repair information message and / or the repair notification is received,
• - wherein the predetermined action comprises:
• Representing the repair notification or the repair information message, and / or
• - effecting a deployment of at least one replacement power module.

The method can be executed, in particular, by a correspondingly designed communication device, in particular a mobile terminal.

A module, such as a sensor module, evaluation module, action module, etc., can be realized at least partially by hardware elements and / or software elements. Basically, data can be transferred directly or initially collected and cached, then z. B. at certain times together.

The features of the methods, systems, computer programs and devices are freely combinable. In particular features of the description and / or the dependent claims, even in complete or partial circumvention of features of the independent claims, in isolation or freely combined with each other independently be inventive.

There are now a variety of ways to design and further develop the household appliance according to the invention, the system according to the invention, the method according to the invention and the computer program according to the invention. For this purpose, reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to the independent patent claims, and, on the other hand, to the description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing shows:

1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a household appliance according to the present invention,

2 a schematic view of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention,

3 a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention,

4 a schematic flow diagram of another embodiment of a method according to the present invention, and

5 a schematic flow diagram of another embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, like reference numerals will be used for like elements.

The 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a household appliance in the form of a vacuum cleaner 2 according to the present invention. The vacuum cleaner 2 can wirelessly, z. B. with an accumulator, and / or can be operated with a cable.

The vacuum cleaner 2 is for cleaning a surface, for. B. a floor 30 , set up. The vacuum cleaner 2 includes a main body 6 and one with the main body 6 connected accessories 4 , Accessories 4 is in the present example in the form of a passive accessory 4 educated. A passive accessory 4 does not include electrically operated consumers. It is understood that an active accessory can also be connected. The illustrated accessories 4 includes a passive work item 28 in the form of a bristle strip 28 and has wheels 26 ,

The main body 6 includes a suction device 10 with an internal working element in the form of a suction fan. The suction fan is driven by an electric motor. Furthermore, the suction device comprises 10 a filter bag holder 8th for a consumption module in the form of a filter bag 12 ,

In addition, in the present embodiment, the main body 6 over a pole 32 with a handle 36 connected so that a user standing up the vacuum cleaner 2 can operate. The pole 32 is in particular a telescopic pole 32 , Via a main switch 34 a user can use the vacuum cleaner 2 activate. When activating the vacuum cleaner 2 In particular, the electric motor is supplied with electrical voltage to drive the suction fan.

As further from the 1 it can be seen, includes the vacuum cleaner 2 a sensor module 14 , The sensor module 14 may include one or more sensors. These can be distributed, for example. The sensor module 14 is at least adapted to the (instantaneous) state of the filter bag 12 to determine. For example, the sensor module 14 have at least one instantaneous value of at least one conditional parameter of the filter bag, via one or more pressure sensors (s) 12 to determine. The at least one sensor can perform pressure measurements in the air duct. For example, a back pressure measurement or a differential pressure measurement is performed by the at least one sensor.

The state parameter may be, in particular, the degree of filter contamination of the filter bag 12 act. This can be derived, for example, from the pressure measurements. In other words, this may be the (instantaneous) weight or the (instantaneous) level of the filter bag 12 be recorded. It is understood that an instantaneous value of a conditional parameter of the filter bag 12 can also be determined with other sensors.

The sensor module 14 In addition, it may be arranged to detect opening (and closing) of at least one lid, such as a vacuum cleaner door. In particular, at least one sensor can be provided, which is set up to detect the state of the lid (closed state or open state). The filter bag 12 may be accessible through an open lid to, for example, a repair of the filter bag 12 as an exchange of the filter bag 12 to perform.

Furthermore, the sensor module 14 be furnished, a filter bag used 12 to identify. The filter bag 12 in the present case has an encoding element 13 with a (unique) consumption module identifier. Due to the consumption module identifier, z. As a serial number, a filter bag 12 be clearly identified.

Exemplary coding elements 13 are RFID (radio-frequency identification) transponder with a memory element in which a readable consumption module identifier is stored, a bar code or a mechanical bit pattern. In particular, a (unique) mechanical bit pattern which has specially coded elevations and depressions (2 ⁿ combinations) is preferred. The sensor module 14 may in this case have at least one scanning sensor to scan the bit pattern.

In addition, the sensor module 14 be set up, further operating state parameters of the vacuum cleaner 2 capture. By way of example, the operating time (eg operating time and / or switch-on and switch-off time) of the vacuum cleaner 2 that detects at least one operation mode (economy mode, etc.) used during operation, the instantaneous suction power of the home appliance, and the like. From these data, in particular, a profile of use of the vacuum cleaner 2 to be created.

At least the instantaneous value of the condition parameter of the filter bag 12 can be an evaluation module 16 from the sensor module 14 to provide. The evaluation module 16 is established, depending on the condition parameter of the filter bag 12 and at least one maintenance criterion to determine if a repair of the filter bag 12 is required. For example, a limit value for the state parameter can be specified as the maintenance criterion. For example, the state parameter limit may have been determined as part of testing and may indicate when the filter bag 12 has reached the state "full". The evaluation module 16 For example, a comparison can be made between the predetermined state parameter limit value (eg, a fill level limit value and / or a pressure limit value) and the instantaneous value of the state parameter (eg, specific fill level and / or measured pressure) of the filter bag 12 carry out. The comparison then uses the evaluation module 16 Determined if the condition of the filter bag 12 still within a permissible range or no longer within a permissible range.

At least at the detection, that a repair of the filter bag 12 is required, the evaluation module 16 a corresponding repair information to the interface module 18 provide. Furthermore, the sensor module 14 the interface module 18 at least partially provide the above collected data, such as at least one operating parameter value, the state of a lid and / or the consumption module identifier.

The interface module 18 is at least adapted to a repair information message via a wired and / or wireless channel 52 . 60 to a remotely located communication device 40 . 44 . 48 (see. 2 ) transferred to. Furthermore, the interface module 18 be set up to transmit at least part of the further data mentioned above.

Furthermore, the illustrated vacuum cleaner 2 a first ad element 20 (eg, an LED) configured to display an active connection to a communications network 44 . 46 , For example, an active internet connection can be displayed. The vacuum cleaner 2 also has a WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) switch 22 to include at least one WPS-enabled router. Finally, the vacuum cleaner 2 via an optional further ad element 24 (eg touch screen).

In other variants of the invention can be provided that the evaluation module is implemented in an external communication device or an external device.

The above embodiments can be correspondingly applied to other types of household appliances, such as other household cleaning appliances, kitchen appliances, air filtering devices, tools.

The 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a system 38 according to the present invention. The system 38 in this case comprises a subsystem 58 and a central communication device 44 in the form of a central server 44 , A subsystem 58 may be associated with a user and arranged, for example, in a household of the user.

The subsystem 58 in the present case comprises two household appliances 2.1 . 2.2 in the form of a vacuum cleaner 2.1 and an air filter 2.2 , Each of the household appliances 2.1 . 2.2 includes at least one consumption module according to the above 12.1 . 12.2 (eg filter bag 12.1 and air filter module 12.2 ), a sensor module 14.1 . 14.2 , an evaluation module 16.1 . 16.2 and an interface module 18.1 . 18.2 ,

Further, two communication devices 40 . 48 in the form of a vacuum cleaner base station 40 and a mobile terminal 48 intended.

To communicate with the server 44 are two communication networks 42 . 46 shown. The communication network 46 is in this case a mobile network 46 , For example via implemented GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) elements and over the channels 56 can the server 44 , the mobile device 48 and / or the air filter 2.2 communicate with each other.

The further communication network 42 is a landline 42 , Via interface elements, such as WLAN elements or LAN elements (and not shown routers or the like), the base station 40 , the mobile device 48 and the server 44 communicate with each other.

Furthermore, the interface module 18.1 a LAN element to include in a coupling with the base station 40 over a LAN channel 52 to be able to transmit at least one repair information message. In addition, the interface module includes 18.1 in the present case, at least one near-field communication element, such as an RFID element or a Bluetooth element, via a corresponding channel 60 to communicate with the mobile device. The further interface module can be a corresponding interface element for communication via a near-field communication channel 60 exhibit.

The mobile device 48 For example, a smartphone, in this case has a display module 50 in the form of a touchscreen 50 and one on the mobile device 48 installed application 49 which will be explained in more detail below.

Furthermore, the server includes 44 a database 66 in particular for each of the server 44 monitored subsystem 58 Save records. A record can always be a household appliance 2.1 . 2.2 or preferably the respective subsystem 58 be assigned and at least data concerning the at least one household appliance 2.1 . 2.2 include. For unique assignment can for each subsystem 58 a subsystem identifier are assigned and the respective data records are stored together with the subsystem identifier.

3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a first embodiment of a method according to the present invention. The process is a registration process, for example, a new vacuum cleaner 2.1 in a system 38 to register.

In a first step 301 a user can use a vacuum cleaner 2.1 purchase. The newly acquired vacuum cleaner 2.1 can in step 302 in the system 38 be registered. This can for example be done by the user with his mobile device 48 with the central server 44 communicates and in particular via one of the server 44 provided portal application registry information to the server 44 transfers. This can be done at least partially automatically by the interface module 18.1 at least some of the registration information, such as a vacuum cleaner identifier, to the server 44 transfers. Furthermore, customer data such as method of payment, delivery address, etc. can be deposited. At re-registration, a (unique) subsystem identifier may be from the server 44 be forgiven. The data can be in a record in the database 66 get saved.

If it is in step 302 to register a new home appliance 2.1 . 2.2 for an already registered subsystem 58 part of the above steps may be omitted.

In a next initialization step 303 the user may have one or more action conditions for the home appliance 2.1 pretend. By way of example, it can be specified that the creation and transmission of a repair notification to one or more terminal (s) 48 the user should be sent when the vacuum cleaner 2.1 a maintenance information message to the server 44 (eg by means of the base station 40 ) has transmitted. It can also be determined if and which other functions of the server 44 takes over. For example, it can be specified that the inventory of Replacement Consumption Modules for a Consumption Module 12.1 of the household appliance 2.1 from the server 44 is controlled. In particular, the stock of filter bags 12.1 from the server 44 be monitored and controlled. Thus, as an action condition, it can be specified that the server falls below a predeterminable stock limit value 44 automatically (or after confirmation by the user) causes a certain number of replacement filter bags to be ordered and delivered to the user. Subsequently, the stock of inventories in the database 66 of the server 44 be updated accordingly.

• – Bestimmte Funktionen des Staubsaugers 2.1 können aktiviert/deaktiviert werden (z. B. Bestimmen und Übertragen von bestimmten Betriebsparameter zur Erstellung eines Nutzungsprofils)
• – Zentrale Erfassung des Vorratsbestands eines Verbrauchsmoduls (ohne Bestellfunktion)

Furthermore, for example, the following can be initialized:

• - Certain functions of the vacuum cleaner 2.1 can be activated / deactivated (eg determination and transmission of certain operating parameters to create a usage profile)
• - Central recording of the stock of a consumption module (without order function)

Corresponding data can be found in the database 66 get saved. After initialization can the vacuum cleaner 2.1 then be used, with a remote monitoring of the filter bag 12.1 and in particular of other consumption modules by the server 44 he follows.

The 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of another embodiment of a method according to the present invention.

The present method starts in step 401 with opening the lid of the vacuum cleaner 2.1 and the removal of the current filter bag 12.1 , This is done by the sensor module 14.1 detected and preferably to the server 44 be transmitted.

In a next step 402 Check if there is a new filter bag 12.1 was inserted. For this purpose, the sensor module 14.1 in particular an encoding element 13 of the new filter bag 12.1 read out and the read consumption module identifier to the server 44 transfer. The server 44 can then evaluate whether a new filter bag has been inserted. In addition, the lid state can be taken into account. The one in the database 66 Stored stock of replacement filter bags can be updated accordingly.

In the next step 403 can the server 44 check whether a predetermined action needs to be performed due to the updated inventory. If the stock level falls below a predefined stock reserve threshold, for example, a corresponding message can be sent to the mobile terminal as a predetermined action 48 and / or automatic ordering and delivery of replacement filter bags to the deposited user address from the server 44 be effected (step 408 ). In step 409 then the inventory can be updated again. In addition, the delivery can be monitored by the server.

Further, in step 405 during normal operation of the household appliance 2.1 at least the degree of contamination parameter (eg in the form of a filling level parameter) of the filter bag 12.1 certainly. Other parameters, such as operating parameters, etc., can be determined during normal operation.

In step 406 can the evaluation module 16.1 compare the particular pollution degree parameter, in particular by comparison with a given pollution level limit. Upon detection of an exceedance of the contamination level limit, repair information is generated and this information is generated by the interface module 18.1 to the server 44 and / or to the mobile terminal 48 transfer.

Upon receipt of the repair information message or a repair notification from the Sever 44 For example, the mobile device 48 in step 407 to display a corresponding repair information. For example, on the ad module 50 a text message representing an instruction to repair the filter bag 12.1 of the vacuum cleaner 2 (and possibly instructions for carrying out the repair). The user can then replace the filter bag for repair 12.1 and, for example, in step 401 open the lid.

It is understood that at least part of the functionality of the server 44 and / or mobile terminal can be adopted in other variants of the invention by one or more other communication devices. Furthermore, it is understood that at least a part of the steps can be carried out at least partially in parallel.

Finally shows 5 a schematic flow diagram of another embodiment of a method according to the present invention. The method can in particular by a on the mobile terminal 48 installed application 49 be executed.

In a first step 501 may be a repair information message and / or a repair notification from the mobile terminal 48 be received. When the repair information message and / or the repair notification has been received, the mobile terminal performs 48 in the next step 502 at least one predetermined action (depending on a predefinable action condition) off. For example, the mobile terminal 48 or the application 49 cause that information to appear on the ad module 50 is shown. Alternatively or additionally, an acoustic alarm message can be generated. Further, the application may be started and provide, for example, instructions for implementation, ordering of a required replacement power module, and the like.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2, 2.1

vacuum cleaner

2.2

air filter

4

equipment

6

body

8th

Filter bag receptacle

10

suction device

12, 12.1, 12.2

consumption module

13

coding element

14, 14.1, 14.2

sensor module

16, 16.1, 16.2

evaluation module

18, 18.1, 18.2

Interface Module

20

first display element

22

WPS switch

24

further display element

26

castors

28

bristle strips

30

ground

32

telescopic rod

34

main switch

36

handle

38

system

40

base station

42

first communication network

44

server

46

another communication network

48

mobile terminal

49

application

50

display module

52, 54, 56, 60

communication channel

58

subsystem

66

Database

Claims (13)

Household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ), in particular a household cleaning device ( 2 . 2.1 ), comprising: - at least one consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), - at least one sensor module ( 14 . 14.1 . 14.2 ) arranged to determine at least one state parameter of the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), and - at least one evaluation module ( 16 . 16.1 . 16.2 ) arranged to determine, depending on the determined state parameter of the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) and at least one repair criterion, whether a repair of the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), characterized in that - the household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) at least one interface module ( 18 . 18.1 . 18.2 ) configured for transmission when a repair of the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) from a repair information message to at least one remotely located communication device ( 40 . 44 . 48 ). Household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the evaluation module ( 16 . 16.1 . 16.2 ) is set up for comparing the determined state parameter with a predetermined state parameter limit value, - in the case of a detection of an exceeding of the state parameter limit value by the state parameter, a repair of the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) is required. Household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) an encoding element ( 13 ) comprising a consumption module identifier, and - the sensor module ( 14 . 14.1 . 14.2 ) for identifying the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) is established by detecting the consumption module identifier. Household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the sensor module ( 14 . 14.1 . 14.2 ) for determining at least one operating parameter of the household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ), and / or - the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) via a lid of the household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ), and - the sensor module ( 14 . 14.1 . 14.2 ) is further configured to determine the state of the lid. Household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the interface module ( 18 . 18.1 . 18.2 ) further for transmitting the state of the lid and / or the operating parameter of the household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) and / or the consumption module identifier to the communication device ( 40 . 44 . 48 ) is set up. Household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interface module ( 18 . 18.1 . 18.2 ) comprises at least one interface element, wherein the Interface element is selected from the group comprising: - WLAN element, - Bluetooth element, - RFID element, - Infrared element, - Mobile element, in particular GSM element, and - LAN element. System ( 38 ), comprising: - at least one household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, and - at least one communication device ( 40 . 44 . 48 ) adapted to receive a repair information message from an interface module ( 18 . 18.1 . 18.2 ) of the household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ). System ( 38 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the communication device ( 40 . 44 . 48 ) comprises at least one action module configured to perform at least one predetermined action in response to at least one predefinable action condition, the predetermined action comprising: - creating a repair notification, and / or - presenting the repair notification or a repair information message, and / or - causing a Provision of at least one replacement consumption module. System ( 38 ) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that - the system ( 38 ) at least one first communication device ( 44 ) in the form of a central server ( 44 ), and - the system ( 38 ) at least one subsystem ( 58 ) with at least one household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) and at least one further communication device ( 40 . 48 ), the central server ( 44 ) for communication with the household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) and / or the further communication device ( 40 . 48 ) is set up. System ( 38 ) according to one of the preceding claims 7 to 9, characterized in that - the central server ( 44 ) at least one database ( 66 ), the database ( 66 ) is arranged to store at least one updateable data record, - the data record relating to the at least one household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ), and / or - the further communication device ( 40 . 48 ) comprises at least one further database, wherein the further database is arranged to store at least one updateable data record, the data record relating to the at least one household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ). Method for monitoring a household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ), comprising: determining at least one state parameter of at least one consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) of the household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ), - determining, depending on the determined state parameter of the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) and a repair criterion, whether a repair of the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ), and - carrying out at least one predetermined action by at least one remote from the domestic appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) arranged communication device ( 40 . 44 . 48 ), if a repair of the consumption module ( 12 . 12.1 . 12.2 ) - the predetermined action comprising: - creating a repair notification, and / or - presenting the repair notification or a repair information message, and / or - effecting a provision of at least one replacement power module. Method for monitoring a household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ), comprising: - receiving a repair information message and / or a repair notification, and - performing at least one predetermined action by a remote from the household appliance ( 2 . 2.1 . 2.2 ) arranged communication device ( 48 ) when the repair information message and / or the repair notification is received, wherein the predetermined action comprises: - presenting the repair notification or the repair information message, and / or - effecting a provision of at least one replacement power module. Computer program with instructions executable on a processor such that a communication device ( 48 ) is operated according to the method of claim 12.

Images