DE102018126103A1 - Suction cleaning device with an influence sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction cleaning device (1) with a nozzle (3) having a suction mouth (2), a blower (4) and a flow channel (5) providing a flow connection between the suction mouth (2) and the blower (4), the Flow channel (5) at least one influence sensor (6) for the detection of electrically charged particles flowing through the flow channel (5) and an evaluation and control device (7) for controlling and / or for issuing a suggestion regarding an operating parameter to be changed and / or Has device parameters of the suction cleaning device (1) as a function of a detection signal of the influence sensor (6). In order to be able to set optimum operating parameters and / or device parameters of the suction cleaning device (1) as a function of a sucked-up particle type, it is proposed that the evaluation and control device (7) be set up, a particle type defined by a characteristic fineness of the particles, that of the flow channel (5) to determine flowing electrically charged particles by comparing the detection signal detected by the influence sensor (6) with stored reference signals of different particle types and drawing a conclusion on the particle type if the detection signal matches one of the reference signals.

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a suction cleaning device with a nozzle having a suction mouth, a blower and a flow channel providing a flow connection between the suction mouth and the blower, wherein the flow channel has at least one influence sensor for detecting electrically charged particles flowing through the flow channel and an evaluation and control device Control and / or output of a suggestion with respect to an operating parameter and / or device parameter of the suction cleaning device depending on a detection signal of the influence sensor.

State of the art

Suction cleaning devices of the aforementioned type are known in the prior art. These can be, for example, vacuum cleaners or cleaning devices with at least one suction cleaning function, for example combined suction-wiping devices. The suction cleaning devices can be designed as devices hand-guided by a user or alternatively as autonomously moving cleaning devices, in particular cleaning robots.

The known suction cleaning devices have a flow channel which on the one hand has a flow connection to the blower and on the other hand opens into the suction mouth. When the blower is operating, a surface to be cleaned is subjected to negative pressure via the suction mouth, so that dust and / or dirt on the surface can be conveyed through the flow channel in the direction of a suction chamber of the suction cleaning device.

In order to be able to adapt individual settings of the vacuum cleaning device to a current floor condition, in particular contamination situation, it is further known in the prior art, for example, to arrange a sensor within the flow channel, which measures a concentration and / or amount of the sucked-in particles. The patent specification DE 10 2008 026 884 B4 For example, discloses a cleaning device, in the flow channel of which a sensor is provided for generating a measurement signal which is dependent on the concentration and / or the quantity of the sucked-in particles, the sensor being arranged between a suction opening and a suction chamber and an evaluation device for generating at least one of the Concentration and / or the amount of the sucked-in particle-dependent control signal is provided. The sensor is, for example, a ring sensor which surrounds a plane of the suction channel and measures an influencing effect of electrically charged particles of the suction air flow which flow through the annular sensor. The electrically charged particles generate an electric field, which in turn causes a redistribution of charge on an electrode of the sensor due to influence. The amount of charge affected corresponds to the amount of charge enclosed by the electrode in a ring.

Summary of the invention

Starting from the aforementioned prior art, it is the object of the invention to develop a suction cleaning device in such a way that the best possible cleaning effect of the suction cleaning device can be generated, in particular with regard to the lowest possible energy expenditure in order to achieve the cleaning result.

To achieve the aforementioned object, it is proposed that the evaluation and control device be set up to determine a particle type, defined by a characteristic fineness of the particles, of the electrically charged particles flowing through the flow channel, by comparing the detection signal detected by the influence sensor with stored reference signals of different particle types and if the detection signal matches one of the reference signals, a conclusion is drawn about the type of particle.

According to the invention, the suction cleaning device is now equipped by the evaluation and control device such that a type of particle of the particles flowing through the flow channel can be determined. The fineness of the particles allows them to be assigned to a specific type of particle, for example coarse or fine material. The characteristic fineness of the particles is determined in particular by their size. Common house dust is, for example, part of the particle type fine dust, while coarse material contains, for example, carpet fibers, plant parts, pebbles, insects, crumbs and the like. The influence sensor provides information on the particle type in order to optimize an adaptation of the suction cleaning device for a particle type that is actually sucked up. In this way, in particular in the case of battery-operated suction cleaning devices, an unnecessarily high energy consumption can be avoided, which would minimize the operating time with an available charge state of the accumulator too much. The influence sensor can, for example, be embedded in the material of the flow channel, or be arranged on the inner wall or outer wall of the flow channel. The influence sensor generates a detection signal which is dependent on the type of particle and which is also stored in a local memory of the suction cleaning device or also in an external memory Reference signals can be compared. In the latter case, the suction cleaning device advantageously has a communication interface via which the suction cleaning device can communicate wirelessly with the memory, for example a Bluetooth interface, WLAN interface or the like. The influence sensor can be designed as a closed or not closed ring sensor and at least partially surround a plane of the flow channel in the circumferential direction. The influence sensor measures an influence effect of the electrically charged particles flowing through the plane by means of an electrically conductive detection area of the influence sensor. The electrically charged particles generate an electric field, which in turn causes a redistribution of charge on an electrode of the detection area by influence. The amount of charge affected corresponds to the amount of charge enclosed by the electrode in a ring, which in turn is dependent on the type of particle. To determine the particle type, the detection signal is compared with the stored reference signals, a particle type being determined if a characteristic detection signal is recognized. The evaluation is carried out by means of the evaluation and control device of the suction cleaning device, it also being possible for calculations to take place on an external terminal or a server with which the evaluation and control device of the suction cleaning device is in communication connection. The evaluation and control device can either be set up to automatically directly control an operating parameter and / or device parameter of the suction cleaning device, or alternatively, if necessary initially, to output a suggestion to a user of the suction cleaning device which makes an advantageous change to an operating parameter and / or device parameter of the suction cleaning device concerns. In the latter case, the suggestion can be shown, for example, on a display of the suction cleaning device or also on an external terminal connected to the suction cleaning device. For example, the user can acknowledge the suggestion and then initiate control of the parameter by the evaluation and control device. Alternatively, the user could then manually set the operating parameters and / or device parameters of the suction cleaning device.

It is proposed that the operating parameter and / or device parameter changed as a function of the determined type of particle of the particles flowing through the flow channel is a parameter influencing the energy consumption of the suction cleaning device. In this embodiment, knowledge of the type of particle currently being sucked up by the suction cleaning device is advantageously used to reduce the energy consumption of the suction cleaning device, so that in particular a battery-operated suction cleaning device can achieve a longer operating time per battery charge.

In particular, it is proposed that the operating parameters and / or the device parameters include a suction power of the fan, a speed of travel and / or direction of travel of the suction cleaning device via a surface to be cleaned, a travel route, a position and / or a speed of a cleaning element acting mechanically on a surface to be cleaned , an adjustment of a flow guide element of the nozzle, a fill level of a suction chamber and / or a degree of occupancy of a particle filter. By varying the suction power of the blower, the energy consumption of the suction cleaning device can advantageously be reduced. If the evaluation and control device determines, for example, that the sucked-in particles are to be classified as fine particles, the suction power of the blower can be adjusted accordingly in order to avoid an unnecessarily high suction power, which considerably increases the energy consumption of the suction cleaning device. In addition, and / or alternatively, a speed of movement and or direction of movement of the suction cleaning device can be adapted in order to be able to optimally suck up particles of a certain particle type. For example, a slower travel speed is recommended for picking up coarse goods than for picking up fine goods. Furthermore, a locomotion route can also be adapted, in particular if the detected particle type is not an evenly distributed fine material, but rather coarse material which, for example, is present locally in the area of a dining table. Furthermore, depending on the type of particle detected, a position and / or a rotational speed of a cleaning element that acts mechanically on a surface to be cleaned can also be recommended. The cleaning element can be, for example, a rotating cleaning roller, a vibrating cleaning element or the like, which serves to detach dust and / or dirt particles from a surface to be cleaned, for example carpet. Depending on the type of contamination, ie type of particle, it may be advantageous to set a more or less high speed of the cleaning element. In addition, the change in the operating parameter and / or device parameter can also include an adjustment of a flow guide element of the nozzle of the suction cleaning device, for example the position and / or the distance of a sealing lip or a bristle element of the nozzle relative to the surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, flow-conducting lamellae can also be positioned within the Suction nozzle can be adjusted. Taking into account a particle type that has been picked up, the user can furthermore be given a recommendation to empty or clean a suction chamber of the suction cleaning device or a particle filter, so that more efficient cleaning by the suction cleaning device is possible with advantageously reduced energy expenditure. This applies in particular to the work of a vacuum cleaning device, which is set up to determine, taking into account the still available charging capacity of the accumulator, whether a planned cleaning trip can still be carried out completely or whether, for example, an intermediate charge of an accumulator or emptying of the suction chamber is necessary.

It is further proposed that the suction cleaning device has at least one further sensor in addition to the influence sensor, which is a speed sensor, acceleration sensor, position sensor, pressure sensor, volume flow sensor, temperature sensor, moisture degree sensor or obstacle sensor. In combination with a speed sensor and / or acceleration sensor, the information about the type of particle can be linked to the duration of action of a suction air flow on a specific partial area of a surface to be cleaned. This allows an optimal adjustment of the device parameters and / or operating parameters to the particle type and a movement characteristic applied by the user of the suction cleaning device, which in turn can increase the efficiency of the device in relation to the energy consumed. The acceleration sensor can be set up to detect, for example, a movement of the suction cleaning device, a currently performed floor cleaning or floor cleaning, a movement speed and / or direction of movement of the suction cleaning device. A position sensor, for example a gyro sensor, can detect a tilting of the suction cleaning device and / or a lifting of the suction cleaning device from a surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, a pressure sensor can be provided, which can detect a quantity of dust within the suction cleaning device. It would also be possible to determine the amount of dust using the influence sensor itself. The influence sensor can thus also be designed to determine not only a type of particle, but also a quantity of dust or a speed of dust within the flow channel, in the latter case two influence sensors placed one behind the other in the direction of flow of the particles are necessary. A proposed volume flow sensor can be set up to detect the volume flow of the particles within the flow channel. The volume flow sensor can be, for example, a differential pressure sensor, hot wire or vane anemometer. A temperature sensor and / or moisture degree sensor within the flow channel can be used to detect temperature and humidity within the flow channel in order also to make corresponding settings of the device parameters and / or operating parameters of the suction cleaning device in this regard. In addition, an obstacle sensor for the suction cleaning device is proposed, which can serve as a wall distance sensor, for example. In this case, the obstacle sensor detects, for example, the passage of the suction cleaning device past a room wall, which usually results in a reduced speed of movement of the suction cleaning device. In combination with the knowledge of the type of particle that was obtained by means of the influence sensor, the detection signal of the obstacle sensor can, however, advantageously be used for setting an increased suction power, in order, for example, to be able to optimally remove coarse material from cracks, corners and / or edges of a room. However, if the influence sensor detects the type of particle as fine dust, such an increase in suction power is not necessary.

In this sense, it is proposed in particular that the evaluation and control device be set up to combine the detection signal of the influence sensor with one or more detection signals from one or more further sensors and to evaluate it with respect to an operating parameter and / or device parameter to be changed. A special embodiment provides for combining a detection signal from the influence sensor with detection signals from, for example, two pressure sensors of the suction cleaning device. The influence sensor is used to determine the type of particles soaked up, while the pressure sensors determine, for example by means of a differential pressure measurement, a pressure drop across the suction material chamber of the suction cleaning device. A combination of the detection signals of the influence sensor and the pressure sensors advantageously provides information about the possibility of further filling of the suction material chamber with particles of a certain particle type, which would not be possible using either only the influence sensor or only the pressure sensors. The suction chamber of the suction cleaning device has a loading limit, which is dependent on a particle type of the absorbed particles. This loading limit defines when the suction chamber is considered to be full. Based on the knowledge of the particle type obtained by means of the influence sensor, in combination with a filling level of the suction chamber determined by pressure measurement, a statement can be made as to whether the suction chamber can actually no longer hold any particles, or whether, for example, particles of a particular one are still there Particle type added can be. The evaluation and control device of the suction cleaning device is thus set up to combine a detection signal of the influence sensor and a detection signal of one or more pressure sensors in such a way that a filling level of the suction material chamber which is dependent on the type of particle still to be picked up can be determined. This means that the evaluation and control device is set up to first determine on the basis of the detection signals of the influence sensor and the pressure sensor which type of particle, in particular coarse material or fine dust, mainly determines the occupancy of the suction material chamber, and depending on whether another is to be determined Depending on the particle type, particles can still be taken up. If, for example, the suction material chamber has taken up a large amount of fine dust, a differential pressure measurement above the suction material chamber results in a relatively high pressure drop, although a degree of filling of the suction material chamber is still relatively low. In this case, it is still possible to take coarse material particles into the suction material chamber. In contrast, if until now mainly coarse material has been taken up by the suction material chamber and such a pressure drop across the suction material chamber is measured, the degree of filling of the suction material chamber can be very large and preclude further filling of the suction material chamber with coarse material particles. A combination of the sensors described, namely preferably the influence sensor and the pressure sensor, can thus achieve a detection result that would not be possible with only one of these sensors. A user of the suction cleaning device can thus be given, for example, a qualified recommendation for action with regard to a necessary or advisable emptying of the suction material chamber or an indication of what type of particles can still be sucked into the suction material chamber.

In addition to the examples described above with regard to different additional sensor types, it can also be provided that the suction cleaning device has an acceleration sensor in addition to the influence sensor and the evaluation and control device is set up to combine the detection signal of the influence sensor with the detection signal of the acceleration sensor and as a function of the combined one The evaluation result automatically adjusts an optimal energy-saving cleaning performance of the suction cleaning device and / or suggests it to a user for manual adjustment. The acceleration sensor is set up to detect the speed at which the suction cleaning device either moves autonomously over a point on the surface to be cleaned or is moved manually by a user. This indicates the duration of action of a suction air flow on a defined partial area of the floor area. In combination with the information about the particle type, the cleaning performance of the suction cleaning device can advantageously be automatically adapted and / or suggested to a user. The cleaning performance can in particular include a specific suction power setting for the suction cleaning device, but can also include instructions for cleaning a suction material chamber, a particle filter or the like.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the suction cleaning device has an accumulator for supplying energy to the suction cleaning device, the control and evaluation device also being set up to combine the detection signal of the influence sensor and possibly the detection signal of one or more further sensors with information about a charge state of the accumulator and to evaluate with respect to an operating parameter and / or device parameter to be changed. Taking into account an instantly recorded particle type, in combination with the knowledge of how much charging capacity of the battery is still available for the further operation of the suction cleaning device, information and / or recommendations can be output to the user of the suction cleaning device, for example on a display of the suction cleaning device. This recommendation may include emptying a suction chamber, in particular changing a removable filter bag, cleaning a particle filter or the like, in order to allow the particular particle type to be sucked up longer or more efficiently. The main focus here can be on completing planned cleaning work without having to move the suction cleaning device to a base station prematurely in order to charge the battery. The latter applies in particular to the operation of an autonomously operating vacuum cleaning device, the evaluation and control device of which can determine on the basis of sensor data whether an area intended for cleaning still has the performance required for optimal cleaning, taking into account a particle type to be vacuumed up and a residual charging capacity of the battery can be completely cleaned, or whether an intermediate charge of the accumulator or emptying of the suction chamber and / or cleaning of the particle filter and / or replacement of a filter bag is required.

In addition to the previously described suction cleaning device, the invention also proposes a method for operating a suction cleaning device, in particular a previously described suction cleaning device, wherein electrically charged particles flowing through a flow channel of the suction cleaning device are detected by means of an influence sensor, and an evaluation and control device changing Operating parameters and / or device parameters of the suction cleaning device and / or output of a suggestion regarding an operating parameter and / or device parameters of the suction cleaning device to be changed depending on a detection signal of the influence sensor, the evaluation and control device controlling a particle type defined by a characteristic fineness of the particles electrically charged particles flowing through the flow channel are determined by comparing the detection signal detected by the influence sensor with stored reference signals of different particle types and drawing a conclusion on the particle type if the detection signal matches one of the reference signals.

The method according to the invention can thus have those features and advantages which have already been described with reference to the suction cleaning device. The method includes the application of a suitable algorithm by the evaluation and control device based on the detection signal of the influence sensor and sensor information of one or more other sensor types. The evaluation and control device then calculates recommendations on, for example, a certain advantageous suction power of the blower, a speed of movement of the suction cleaning device, an advantageous movement route and / or a required maintenance of the suction cleaning device, in particular the emptying of the suction chamber, and can either device and / or operating parameters automatically or display it visually or acoustically to a user. In addition to the influence sensor, which detects the type of particle, but may also be able to detect a quantity of particles, particle speed or other particle parameters, additional sensors such as pressure sensors, acceleration sensors, position sensors and / or obstacle sensors can be used. The pressure sensor can in particular detect a filling level of the suction material chamber. The acceleration sensor detects, for example, the locomotion of the suction cleaning device during floor cleaning or floor cleaning. The sensors can be optical sensors, electrical sensors, magnetic sensors or the like. The device and / or operating parameters set as a function of the evaluation result can include, for example, a motor output of a motor driving the fan, a condition of a floor nozzle, for example a brush output and / or rotational speed of a cleaning element, a position of flow guiding elements, in particular sealing lips, a distance from one surface to be cleaned and the like. Furthermore, a device parameter can also be a suction chamber to be emptied or a filter bag of the suction cleaning device to be changed.

Furthermore, it is possible to link the information about the particle type with information from a map of the environment, which contains degrees of pollution related to certain particle types and thus allows a more systematic cleaning of areas in the environment depending on a type of pollution.

In particular, it is proposed that, in addition to the type of particle, an acceleration of the suction cleaning device is determined and the evaluation and control device combines the detection signal of the influence sensor with the determined acceleration and, depending on the combined evaluation result, automatically adjusts an optimally energy-saving cleaning performance of the suction cleaning device and / or to a user for manual adjustment. According to this embodiment, the cleaning performance is optimized for the detected particle type and a current speed of the suction cleaning device over the surface to be cleaned. If necessary, the speed of travel of the suction cleaning device itself can also be adjusted in order to increase the cleaning performance. For example, the user can also be given a recommendation regarding a certain suction level and / or the speed of movement by comparing the current speed of movement, the type of particle and, for example, also the amount of particles sucked in.

Furthermore, it is proposed that, in addition to the type of particle, for example a pressure drop is determined via a suction chamber of the suction cleaning device and the evaluation and control device combines the detection signal of the influence sensor with the determined pressure drop in order to make a recommendation based on the combined evaluation result about a device parameter to be changed output to the user. This recommendation can in particular include emptying the suction chamber or changing a filter bag inserted in the suction chamber and / or cleaning the particle filter. According to this embodiment, the determined pressure drop is combined with information about a currently sucked-up particle type, since only a combination of the information about the particle type and pressure drop allows a determination of a current fill level of the suction material chamber. A certain pressure drop caused by fine dust taken up in the suction material chamber may be identical to a pressure drop caused by coarse material taken up, but this leads to different quantitative degrees of filling of the suction material chamber. Provided that mainly fine dust is taken up in the suction chamber, shows although the differential pressure measurement likewise has a relatively high pressure drop, the actual degree of filling in the suction material chamber can still be so low that further coarse material particles can be absorbed into the suction material chamber. If, however, the suction material chamber mainly contains coarse material with the same high pressure drop, the suction material chamber is filled to a relatively large extent and further absorption of coarse material into the suction material chamber can be excluded. As an alternative to a differential pressure measurement, an absolute pressure, for example in the flow channel in front of the suction material chamber, can also be evaluated. Depending on the particle type determined, the user can then be offered different recommendations for action. For example, the user can receive the recommendation to empty the suction material chamber, or the user can contain an indication that the suction material chamber can still hold a certain amount of a certain type of particle.

Figure list

• 1 ein erfindungsgemäßes Saugreinigungsgerät,
• 2 ein Vorsatzgerät des Saugreinigungsgerätes mit einem in einem Strömungskanal angeordneten Influenzsensor zur Detektion einer Partikelart.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

• 1 an inventive suction cleaning device,
• 2nd an attachment device of the suction cleaning device with an influence sensor arranged in a flow channel for the detection of a particle type.

Description of the embodiments

1 shows a suction cleaning device 1 , which here as a hand-held device with a basic device 16 and an associated attachment 15 in the form of a nozzle 3rd is trained. The nozzle 3rd is over a connection area 21 separable on the base unit 16 arranged. The basic device 16 has a stem 18th on which is designed telescopic, so that a user of the suction cleaning device 1 the length of the stem 18th can adapt to his height. On the stem 18th is also a handle 19th arranged on which the user the suction cleaning device 1 can lead during a normal work operation, ie slide over a surface to be cleaned. During operation, the user guides the vacuum cleaning device 1 usually in opposite directions of movement over a surface to be cleaned. He pushes the suction cleaning device 1 alternately away from you or pulls it towards you. On the handle 19th here is a switch, for example 20th arranged, which the switching on and off of an electric motor 22 serves a blower 4th of the suction cleaning device 1 drives. Although the vacuum cleaner 1 here in the form of a hand-held device, the invention can also be used in suction cleaning devices 1 in the form of self-propelled devices, in particular autonomous vacuum robots.

The nozzle 3rd has a flow channel 5 on which is a flow connection to the blower 4th of the basic device 16 provides. The flow channel 5 flows into a suction mouth 2nd , over which the surface to be cleaned is subjected to negative pressure. The suction mouth 2nd is also a cleaning element 8th assigned, namely here, for example, a bristle roller rotating about an essentially horizontal axis of rotation, which has a plurality of bristle elements 23 (please refer 2nd ) having. Furthermore, the attachment has 15 about wheels 17th , with the help of the suction cleaning device 1 can roll on a surface to be cleaned.

The basic device 16 also has a suction chamber 9 with a particle filter 10th in the form of an exchangeable filter bag. In the flow path is in front of and behind the suction chamber 9 one pressure sensor each 12th . Together are the pressure sensors 12th suitable, a pressure drop across the suction chamber 9 to detect which of the filling level of the suction chamber 9 depends. For supplying power to the electrical consumers of the vacuum cleaning device 1 , for example the electric motor 22 , shows the base unit 16 an accumulator 14 on. The front attachment 15 also has an accumulator 14 which, for example, the energy supply of an electric motor, not shown, for rotating the cleaning element 8th serves.

2nd shows a more detailed representation of the front attachment 15 . Within the flow channel 5 is an annular influence sensor 6 arranged. The influence sensor 6 is a control and evaluation device 7 assigned, which is set up, the measurement data of the influence sensor 6 to process and evaluate. The influence sensor 6 is designed for the detection of electrically charged particles, which are in a through the flow channel 5 flowing suction air flow. When working from the suction cleaning device 1 Suction material sucked up usually has electrically charged particles in the influenza sensor 6 cause a shift in electrical charges that can be measured. The evaluation and control device 7 determined from the detection signal of the influence sensor 6 a type of particle passing through the flow channel 5 flowing particles by the evaluation and control device 7 compares the detection signal with defined reference signals of different particle types. The influence sensor 6 is here, for example, ring-shaped, with the influence sensor 6 forms an unclosed ring. The influence sensor 6 extends essentially in the circumferential direction of an inner wall of the flow channel 5 so that through the flow channel 5 flowing particles at the same time through the from the influenza sensor 6 flow over the spanned plane. The electrically charged particles of the suction air flow are due to the influence of the influence on an electrically conductive detection area of the influence sensor 6 detected. Of course, it is also possible that the influence sensor 6 has a different shape, for example a closed ring area, a more plate-like configuration or the like.

In addition to the influence sensor 6 has the attachment 15 via two further sensors 11 , 13 , of which the sensor 11 is an acceleration sensor and the sensors 13 are designed as obstacle sensors which, for example, by means of ultrasound an obstacle in the vicinity of the suction cleaning device 1 can detect.

Both the influence sensor 6 , as well as the other sensors 11 , 12th , 13 have a communication link to the evaluation and control device 7 so that the detection signals from the evaluation and control device 7 can be further processed and evaluated in order to operate the suction cleaning device 1 to be able to optimally adjust for a current cleaning task. The evaluation and control device 7 can operating parameters and / or device parameters of the suction cleaning device 1 directly control, or a suggestion regarding an operating parameter and / or device parameter to be set advantageously to a user of the suction cleaning device 1 to transfer. For this purpose, the suction cleaning device 1 for example, have a screen, not shown here, for example a touchscreen. The evaluation and control device 7 can advantageously evaluate the detection signals in such a way that a specific cleaning task can be carried out with a minimal energy consumption, which the accumulators 14 of the basic device 16 and the front attachment 15 burdened as little as possible. For this purpose - as will be explained below - depending on one using the influence sensor 6 detected particle type and a detected pressure within the flow channel 5 and / or a detected speed of movement of the suction cleaning device 1 and / or knowledge that in the immediate vicinity of the vacuum cleaning device 1 there is an obstacle, an advantageous setting of an operating parameter and / or device parameter of the suction cleaning device 1 controlled or suggested to the user.

In this context, an operating parameter can be a speed of movement of the suction cleaning device 1 be a direction of travel of the suction cleaning device 1 , a travel route within the area, or the like. A suction power of the fan, for example, can be used as device parameters 4th , a position and / or a speed of the cleaning element 8th , a requirement to empty the suction chamber 9 and / or an adjustment of one or more flow guide elements of the nozzle 3rd be controlled or proposed. Although this is in addition to the influence sensor 6 existing sensors 11 , 12th , 13 Detect pressure, speed and obstacles, other or additional sensors on the suction cleaning device 1 be provided, for example position sensors, volume flow sensors, temperature sensors, humidity degree sensors and others.

The invention now works so that the evaluation and control device 7 first the particle type in the flow channel 5 recorded particles determined by the detection signal of the influence sensor 6 with in a data memory (not shown) of the vacuum cleaning device 1 contained reference signals is compared, which are characteristic of different types of particles, namely here for example fine dust and coarse material. If there is a match of the detection signal of the influence sensor 6 is determined with a stored reference signal, or at least there is a great similarity, it is concluded that the particle type associated with the reference signal is present, ie currently particles of this particle type in the flow channel 5 of the suction cleaning device 1 be sucked up. The additional sensors 11 , 12th , 13 provide information about the current operating conditions and environmental conditions of the vacuum cleaning device 1 which are necessary for the operation of the suction cleaning device 1 are essential and, among other things, the cleaning performance and the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaning device 1 influence. This includes the current pressure within the flow channel 5 , a speed at which the suction cleaning device 1 currently moved over the area to be cleaned, and knowledge of obstacles in the immediate vicinity of the vacuum cleaning device 1 . For optimal device parameters and / or operating parameters of the suction cleaning device for these conditions and the detected particle type 1 The evaluation and control device processes to be able to adjust 7 the detection signals in combination with each other.

To the user of the suction cleaning device 1 according to a possible version, a recommendation for action regarding a necessary or advisable replacement of the particle filter 10th or with regard to one still in the suction chamber 9 To be able to give recordable particle type, the two sensors detect 12th in front of and behind the suction chamber 9 one print each, from which the Evaluation and control device 7 a pressure difference calculated from a fill level of the suction chamber 9 or the particle filter 10th is dependent. Since the determined pressure drop depends on that in the suction chamber 9 or the particle filter 10th the existing particle type is connected to a different fill level, the evaluation and control device combines 7 the calculated pressure drop with the information about the type in the suction chamber 9 or the particle filter 10th contained suction particles. This allows you to determine how full the suction chamber 9 or the particle filter 10th is actual, and whether there is still a free volume to accommodate a certain type of particle, such as fine or coarse material. With a defined pressure drop and the ascertained particle type of fine material, the evaluation and control device can 7 For example, determine that the level of filling within the suction chamber 9 or the particle filter 10th is still so low that further fine dust and / or coarse material can be picked up. If the influence sensor 6 on the other hand, detects that primarily coarse material enters the suction chamber 9 or the particle filter 10th was sucked in, and the pressure drop across the suction chamber 9 the evaluation and control device can exceed a certain threshold value, ie is relatively high 7 determine that another filling of the suction chamber 9 or the particle filter 10th with coarse particles is no longer possible.

According to another embodiment, the evaluation and control device 7 be set up, an optimal setting of the suction power of the suction cleaning device 1 vary according to the currently detected parameters to the accumulators 14 of the basic device 16 and attachment 15 to protect against an unnecessarily high power consumption for a current cleaning company. According to this configuration, the influence sensor determines 6 as previously shown, again a type of particle in the suction cleaning device 1 absorbed particles. In addition, the upstream of the suction chamber 9 placed sensor 12th a pressure within the flow channel 5 measure and to the evaluation and control device 7 to transfer. The evaluation and control device 7 then determines whether the in front of the suction chamber 9 prevailing vacuum is suitable, the sucked particles into the suction chamber 9 to transport. In addition to the type of particles, the influence sensor 6 also detect a particle concentration, so that the evaluation and control device 7 if necessary, a control command to the electric motor 22 of the blower 4th can send, which includes a necessary increase in performance to be able to optimally suck up a relatively large amount of particles within the suction air flow from a surface to be cleaned.

Furthermore, an embodiment can provide that a detection signal of the acceleration sensor 11 with a detection signal from the influence sensor 6 is combined. From the detection signal of the acceleration sensor 11 determines the evaluation and control device 7 a speed of movement of the suction cleaning device 1 over a surface to be cleaned, which also has a duration of action of the suction air flow of the blower 4th indicates a specific section of the surface to be cleaned. This makes it possible to increase the suction power of the blower 4th optimal to the particle type and the movement characteristics of the vacuum cleaning device specified by the user 1 adjust, which in turn improves the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner 1 elevated. In combination with the obstacle sensors 13 can also (despite the reduced speed of movement of the vacuum cleaning device near the wall or corners of the room 1 ) to a necessary increase in performance of the blower 4th driving electric motor 22 be closed, for example to better remove coarse dirt from cracks, corners and / or edges of a room. Unless the influence sensor 6 However, if only the particulate matter type is detected there, such an increase in output can be omitted, so that the accumulator 14 is not unnecessarily discharged.

Taking into account a currently recorded particle type, in combination with the information about a residual charge state of the battery 14 furthermore a recommendation for the further cleaning operation of the suction cleaning device 1 are displayed. This recommendation can also include, for example, the suction chamber 9 to empty the particulate filter 10th to change or similar, so that a longer or more efficient cleaning is possible until the end of the planned cleaning activity.

In particular also in relation to autonomously moving vacuum cleaning devices 1 it can be advantageous that it is determined by means of the sensor data whether a planned cleaning activity taking into account the state of charge of the battery 14 can still be carried out completely, or whether an intermediate charge of the accumulator 14 and / or emptying the suction chamber 9 is required.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the evaluation and control device 7 even after the suction cleaning device has passed over a surface area 1 further driving over or slower driving over this area area is recommended, if particles were previously detected on this area. Furthermore, a recommendation of an operating parameter can also be made by the detection signal of a gyro position sensor be expanded. This makes it possible to take into account whether cleaning the floor or cleaning the floor using the vacuum cleaning device 1 is carried out. The information determined can be stored in a location-specific manner on a map of the area and also from other cleaning devices, in particular self-propelled suction cleaning devices 1 use to adapt an optimal cleaning behavior for a subsequent cleaning.

Reference list

1

Suction cleaning device

2nd

Suction mouth

3rd

jet

4th

fan

5

Flow channel

6

Influence sensor

7

Evaluation and control device

8th

Cleaning element

9

Suction chamber

10th

Particle filter

11

sensor

12th

sensor

13

sensor

14

accumulator

15

Front attachment

16

Base unit

17th

wheel

18th

stalk

19th

Handle

20th

switch

21

Connection area

22

Electric motor

23

Bristle element

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102008026884 B4 [0004]

Claims (10)

Suction cleaning device (1) with a nozzle (3) having a suction mouth (2), a blower (4) and a flow channel (5) providing a flow connection between the suction mouth (2) and the blower (4), the flow channel (5) at least one influence sensor (6) for the detection of electrically charged particles flowing through the flow channel (5) and an evaluation and control device (7) for controlling and / or outputting a suggestion with regard to an operating parameter and / or device parameter of the suction cleaning device (1) as a function of it of a detection signal of the influence sensor (6), characterized in that the evaluation and control device (7) is set up to determine a particle type defined by a characteristic fineness of the particles of the electrically charged particles flowing through the flow channel (5), by the detection signal detected by the influence sensor (6) with stored reference signals un different particle types is compared and, if the detection signal matches one of the reference signals, a conclusion is drawn about the particle type. Suction cleaning device (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the particle type is fine dust and / or coarse material. Suction cleaning device (1) after Claim 1 or 2nd , characterized in that the operating parameter and / or device parameter is a parameter influencing the energy consumption of the suction cleaning device (1). Suction cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating parameters and / or device parameters include a suction power of the blower (4), a locomotion speed and / or direction of travel of the vacuum cleaning device (1) over a surface to be cleaned, a locomotion route, a position and / or a rotational speed of a cleaning element (8) acting mechanically on a surface to be cleaned, an adjustment of a flow guiding element of the nozzle (3), a fill level of a suction material chamber (9) and / or an occupancy level of a particle filter (10). Suction cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one further sensor (11, 12, 13) selected from the group: speed sensor, acceleration sensor, position sensor, pressure sensor, volume flow sensor, temperature sensor, humidity degree sensor, obstacle sensor. Suction cleaning device (1) after Claim 5 , characterized in that the evaluation and control device (7) is set up to combine the detection signal of the influence sensor (6) with one or more detection signals of one or more further sensors (11, 12, 13) and with regard to an operating parameter and / or or evaluate device parameters. Suction cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction cleaning device (1) has an acceleration sensor in addition to the influence sensor (6) and the evaluation and control device (7) is set up to detect the signal from the influence sensor (6) with the Combine the detection signal of the acceleration sensor and, depending on the combined evaluation result, automatically adapt an optimally energy-saving cleaning performance of the suction cleaning device (1) and / or suggest it to a user for manual adaptation. Suction cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an accumulator (14) for supplying energy to the suction cleaning device (1), wherein the control and evaluation device (7) is also set up, the detection signal of the influence sensor (6) and optionally the detection signal to combine one or more further sensors (11, 12, 13) with information about a state of charge of the accumulator (14) and to evaluate them with regard to an operating parameter and / or device parameter to be changed. Method for operating a suction cleaning device (1), in particular for operating a suction cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein electrically charged particles flowing through a flow channel (5) of the suction cleaning device (1) are detected by means of an influence sensor (6), and wherein an evaluation and control device (7) an operating parameter and / or device parameter of the suction cleaning device (1) to be changed and / or an output of a suggestion regarding an operating parameter and / or device parameter of the suction cleaning device (1) to be changed as a function of a detection signal of the influence sensor (6) controls, characterized in that the evaluation and control device (7) determines a particle type, defined by a characteristic fineness of the particles, of the electrically charged particles flowing through the flow channel (5), by also using the detection signal detected by the influence sensor (6) stored reference signals of different particle types is compared and if the detection signal matches one of the Reference signals a conclusion is drawn on the particle type. Procedure according to Claim 9 , characterized in that additionally an acceleration of the suction cleaning device (1) is determined and the evaluation and control device (7) combines the detection signal of the influence sensor (6) with the determined acceleration and, depending on the combined evaluation result, an optimally energy-saving cleaning performance of the suction cleaning device ( 1) automatically adjusts and / or suggests a user for manual adjustment.

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