DE102020115167A1 - Method for cleaning an interior of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for cleaning an interior of a vehicle by means of a cleaning robot (R), in which at least one seat system (1a-c) of the vehicle is adjusted by means of a drive (21) of the vehicle, the cleaning robot (R) depending on the adjustment of the seat system (1a-c) is moved, the cleaning robot (R) being moved as a function of the adjustment of the seat system (1a-c) in such a way that the cleaning robot (R) after the adjustment and / or during the adjustment of the Seat system (1a-c) is moved to at least a partial area (10) of the seat system (1a-c), whereupon at least the partial area (10) of the seat system (1a-c) is cleaned by means of the cleaning robot (R).

Description

The invention relates to a method for cleaning an interior of a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

Since the interior of a vehicle is soiled by frequent use by at least one user, it is necessary to clean this interior at regular intervals. As part of a thorough cleaning, for example in a car wash, such cleaning of the interior is usually carried out with a hand-held vacuum cleaner. Cleaning robots, in particular robots for vacuuming, are already known from the field of household appliances. Such robot vacuum cleaners for use in the household are of course not intended for specific use in the interior of a vehicle. Such a cleaning robot, which is particularly suitable for cleaning an interior of a vehicle, is already from DE 10 2018 124 731 A1 known. According to this document, a robotic cleaning device is described which is designed to clean a floor of a vehicle. Since the interior of a vehicle not only consists of the floor of the vehicle, but also has other components, some of which are more difficult to access than the floor, the robotic cleaning device according to the prior art described is not sufficiently suitable for cleaning the interior of a motor vehicle as much as possible easy and thorough way to clean. The disadvantage of the aforementioned prior art is that the interior of a motor vehicle cannot be cleaned completely and thoroughly.

The invention is based on the object of cleaning the interior of a vehicle in a particularly simple and comprehensive manner.

The object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

The invention provides a method for cleaning an interior of a vehicle. The vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle. In the method, the interior is cleaned by means of a cleaning robot, also referred to simply as a robot, in particular automatically, that is to say without the intervention of a person. In the method, in particular while cleaning the interior and thus while the robot is in the interior and / or, in particular automatically, is moving, at least one seat system of the vehicle arranged in the interior is adjusted by means of an, in particular electric, drive of the vehicle. The adjustment of the seat system can be, for example, an adjustment brought about by a person or else an automatic adjustment without the intervention of a person. Adjusting the seat system means that at least part of the seat system in the interior is moved relative to at least one further component of the vehicle which is arranged in the interior and which is different from the seat system. It is conceivable that the seat system is moved as a whole. For example, the seat system is rotated as a whole about an axis of rotation that runs in particular in the vertical direction of the vehicle and / or is moved in a translatory manner. The seat system can, for example, be moved in a translatory manner in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or in the transverse direction of the vehicle, that is to say displaced. It is also conceivable that the part of the seat system and / or the seat system as a whole is moved in the vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the component, whereby, for example, the height of the seat system or the part is adjusted.

The part of the seating system can be a seating element on which a person can sit with their buttocks. It is also conceivable that the part is a backrest against which the person can lean their back. By adjusting the seat system, in particular the part, is to be understood, for example, that the backrest and / or the seat element are adjusted relative to the structural element and / or relative to one another. In particular, the backrest can be moved relative to the seat element and relative to the component, while there is no relative movement between the seat element and the component. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the seat element is moved relative to the backrest and relative to the component, while there is no relative movement between the backrest and the component. The seating system is, for example, a single seat which provides exactly one seat for one person. Alternatively, the seating system can be a bench, in particular a rear bench, which provides several seats for the respective people.

Furthermore, the method provides that the cleaning robot, in particular automatically, is moved in the interior and relative to the seat system as a function of the adjustment of the seat system, in particular while the cleaning robot, also referred to simply as a robot, cleans at least one area of the interior. The robot has, for example, at least one, in particular electrically or electrically operable, drive device by means of which the robot is driven and thereby moved in the interior. With regard to the external dimensions of the cleaning robot, it is advantageous if this is designed to be particularly compact, so that it can also approach and clean areas that are difficult to access as easily as possible. Cleaning is to be understood in particular as meaning that the robot wipes dirt from one point and / or sucks up dirt.

The robot is moved, for example, as a function of the adjustment of the seat system, that an electronic computing device, in particular of the vehicle, provides an, in particular electrical, control signal, in particular wirelessly, as a function of the adjustment of the seat system. The robot receives the control signal, in particular wirelessly, whereby, for example, the drive device of the robot is operated as a function of the received control signal, so that the robot is driven by means of the drive device as a function of the control signal and is thereby moved in the interior, in particular relative to the seating system.

In order to be able to clean the interior particularly simply and comprehensively, it is provided according to the invention that the cleaning robot is moved, in particular automatically, as a function of the adjustment of the seat system, so that the cleaning robot after the adjustment and / or during the adjustment of the seat system, in particular automatically, is moved to at least a partial area of the seat system, whereupon at least the partial area of the seat system is cleaned by means of the robot, in particular automatically. The features that the robot is moved to the partial area of the seating system is to be understood in particular that the robot moves independently, that is to say exclusively by means of its drive device and thus without external help, to the partial area of the seating system. For example, the robot drives to move in the interior and in the process on the sub-area. According to the invention, it is thus provided, for example, to adjust the seating system in such a way, i.e. to move it into such a position, that the cleaning robot automatically accesses the sub-area from a floor that delimits the interior in the vertical direction of the vehicle, that is, without the intervention of a person and thus can drive onto the seating system and / or move in another way, so that the robot can then not only clean the floor, but also the seating system.

The adjustment of the seat system and the movement of the robot dependent on the adjustment of the seat system can also include the following: The seat system is initially in such a position that the seat system initially blocks an area of the interior so that the robot cannot move into this area . By adjusting the seat system, the seat system releases this area, whereupon the robot is moved into this area and cleans the area.

The invention is based in particular on the following considerations and findings: In contrast to a purely two-dimensional expansion, the interior of a vehicle is provided with many obstacles. Even the floor in the interior, also referred to as the vehicle floor, is not simply flat or even, but has floor mats, for example. The vehicle interior is usually very rugged and can have several levels, which are formed, for example, by a footwell, the seating system, backrest surfaces, a center console, armrests, a luggage compartment, a cockpit and a parcel shelf. All of these levels tend to get dirty and are usually not independent for cleaning robots, that is, they cannot be reached automatically. According to the invention, however, it is now provided to adjust the seat system in such a way and, depending on it, to move the robot so that the robot can drive onto the seat system or move, for example from the floor or footwell. From the seating system, the robot can, for example, reach at least one other of the levels. For example, the robot can move from the seating system to the parcel shelf and thus on its level and clean the parcel shelf.

The method according to the invention can be or comprise a travel, operating or movement strategy according to which the, for example, autarkic cleaning robot, in particular autarkic, is moved. The travel strategy can enable the robot to systematically reach and clean levels or areas such as the footwell, the seating system, in particular with their backrest surfaces, the center console, the armrests, the luggage compartment, the cockpit and the parcel shelf, with at least some of these areas in Vehicle vertical direction can be arranged at different heights. For example, the partial area of the seat system is arranged higher in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the footwell or the floor, whereby the robot moves upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle because it moves from the footwell to the partial area as a result of the adjustment of the seat system, in particular automatically.

The travel strategy enables the robot to move systematically in the interior space and thus through the interior space, that is to say to wander through the interior space. In other words, the robot is operated as a function of the travel strategy and is thereby moved, so that the robot is moved according to the travel strategy in the interior space and from area to area of the interior space, in particular one after the other.

The robot contains information about the interior on a data carrier, for example. In other words, information or data that characterize the interior, in particular a topography of the interior and / or a spatial condition of the interior, are stored in an electronic control device for operating, in particular regulating or controlling, the robot. The control device can be part of the vehicle or the robot. In particular, the control device can be the aforementioned electronic computing device. Expressed again in other words, the data characterize an interior landscape of the interior of a specific vehicle type. This means that the robot can be used for every type of vehicle or in several suitable vehicles without excessive adjustments. For example, the robot has a wireless interface, also referred to as a wireless interface, via which the robot can be or is connected to the vehicle, in particular to the electronic computing device and thus to the electronics of the vehicle. The robot can, for example, exchange information or signals with the vehicle via the interface and in particular receive the aforementioned control signal. The vehicle and the robot communicate with each other via the interface and support each other during transfer, i.e. when the robot moves through the different levels for a cleaning process to clean the interior. For example, the robot, in particular its electronic control device, which, for example, can control and thus control or regulate the drive device of the robot, transmits its current position in the interior to the electronic computing device and thus the vehicle. The electronic computing device receives the current position and adjusts the seat system as a function of the current position by means of the drive, for example in such a way that the seat system is moved by the drive and thereby releases the footwell initially blocked by the seat system.

The computing device then sends, for example, the control signal to the control device, which receives the control signal. The activation signal informs the robot, for example, that the footwell is or will now be released. Depending on the control signal, the control device controls the drive device of the robot, whereby the robot moves into the released footwell and cleans it. This can easily be transferred to other areas of the interior.

The seating system is a vehicle interior which, through its adjustment, enables the robot to reach the different areas or levels of the interior space, and thus to move into these areas or levels, in particular automatically. This enables the robot to reach and clean all relevant contact points at which a person in the interior can come into contact with the vehicle.

The travel strategy provides, for example, that the robot starts cleaning in the driver's or front passenger's footwell, in particular the front footwell, with the seat system being raised in the vertical direction of the vehicle and / or backward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle so that the robot cleans the entire footwell. The robot then moves, for example over a calf support of the seat system and in particular through one or as a result of a corresponding adjustment of the calf support to the seat system and, for example, to a transfer to a seat surface of the seat system, for example designed as a rear seat, so that the seat surface for example a rear seat. The robot can then clean the seat. The robot can then move the backrest of the seat system and in particular as a result of an adjustment of the backrest, in particular an inclination of the backrest, from the seat system to the rear shelf arranged for example in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the seat system and clean it. From the seat surface or from a further seat surface of the seat system arranged, for example, in the transverse direction of the vehicle next to the seat surface and designed, for example, as a further rear seat surface, the robot, for example, via a forwardly inclined seat back, also referred to as the seat back, of a further front seat system in the vehicle longitudinal direction, in particular via a back part the backrest of the front seat system, move upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, or the robot can, in particular starting from the first or further rear seat surface, pass through a through-loading area and thereby drive into the luggage compartment located behind the rear seat in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, during this process the seating system moves from the rear to the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the cleaning robot can thus reach the cockpit. On the way back, the center console can be cleaned by the robot, for example by tilting the seat back of the front seat system, which is designed, for example, as a front seat. Skilful programming of the individual steps enables the cleaning process, also known as the cleaning process, to be optimized. The cleaning robot can be parked and charged in the luggage compartment or transferred to another next vehicle. Various special equipment and / or the cleaning robot, especially its robot, are helpful Drive device is equipped with a kind of climbing aid.

Charging the robot is to be understood as meaning that the robot has, for example, its own energy store for storing electrical energy, with which the drive device can be supplied and thereby operated. During charging, electrical energy, which is provided, for example, by an energy source, in particular the vehicle, is stored in the energy store of the robot.

The cleaning robot can, for example, clean this footwell particularly thoroughly in the area of the footwell when the seating system has moved either all the way forward or all the way back. In order to clean the front footwell for the driver or front passenger, it is advantageous for the seat system to be moved all the way back in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or all the way up in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In order to clean the rear footwell for a rear passenger, it is advantageous if for this purpose the seat system is moved all the way forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or all the way up in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In other words, an adjustment of the seat element, for example, enables particularly extensive cleaning. Moving the seating system in the interior also creates a further advantage, which is described below. It is usually not possible for the cleaning robot to completely clean the interior of the vehicle in the state that a user has left after everyday use, since areas of the interior are blocked by the seating system, in particular with regard to a movement of the robot in these areas. In such an everyday state, the backrest is, for example, approximately perpendicular to the vehicle floor. It is not possible for the cleaning robot to go up on the vertical backrest. For this reason, it is provided according to the invention that those parts of the seating system which, due to their everyday position, cannot be driven on by the cleaning robot, are moved in such a way that they are accessible to the cleaning robot or can be driven on by the robot. With regard to the backrest, this means, for example, that the backrest is either folded forward or backward in the vehicle longitudinal direction by an in particular predetermined or predeterminable angle, i.e. inclined and, for example, pivoted about a pivot axis extending in particular in the vehicle transverse direction, in particular relative to the component. This makes it possible for the cleaning robot to drive down the backrests and thus to clean them and to move from one of the levels to or into another of the levels. This principle can also be transferred to other components of the seat system and to other components arranged in the interior of the vehicle and, for example, provided in addition to the seat system, which can be moved or folded down. In particular, the part of the seat system can be or comprise at least one arm support or armrest and / or at least one leg support, in particular calf support, whereby a particularly good and extensive cleaning of the interior can be achieved.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the cleaning robot moves independently to the sub-area to be cleaned. This means that the cleaning robot reaches the sub-area to be cleaned with its own drive power, that is to say exclusively with its own drive device. For example, with regard to the backrest folded down or at an angle to the vertical direction of the vehicle, this means that the cleaning robot can overcome or master an incline in the backrest on its own, so that it can travel and / or reach the partial area to be cleaned, in particular completely.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the electronic computing device of the vehicle receives at least one signal provided by the cleaning robot. The signal is transmitted and, in particular, received in a wireless manner. The seating system is controlled and thereby adjusted by means of the electronic computing device. For example, the computing device controls the drive of the seat system, as a result of which the seat system is adjusted. As a result, the sub-area to be cleaned can be reached particularly easily by the cleaning robot. For example, the signal characterizes the, in particular current, position of the robot in the interior.

In a further particularly advantageous embodiment, the cleaning robot receives a signal, in particular an electrical signal, which is provided by the vehicle, in particular by the electronic computing device of the vehicle, and is also referred to as a vehicle signal. The cleaning robot receives the vehicle signal in particular wirelessly. Depending on the vehicle signal, the cleaning robot moves to the sub-area to be cleaned. The interior can be cleaned particularly comprehensively on the basis of the signals, since the seating system can be adjusted as required or in accordance with the situation, in particular as a function of the respective positions of the robot in the interior. The vehicle signal is, for example, the aforementioned control signal.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the energy store of the cleaning robot, which is designed to store electrical energy, is charged with electrical energy in a wireless manner, for example inductively, after cleaning, in particular in the interior of the vehicle.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cleaning robot moves into a receiving space formed by a center console of the vehicle after cleaning. The cleaning robot is protected in this room and can be stored until the next cleaning process. It is also provided that the robot in the receiving space is charged wirelessly, in particular inductively, with electrical energy. For example, an, in particular inductive, charging device is arranged at least partially in the receiving space, by means of which the cleaning robot located in the receiving space is charged, in particular wirelessly. In other words, the cleaning robot can not only be stowed in the receiving space, but can also be charged so that it is at least sufficiently charged for the next cleaning process.

Finally, it has been shown to be advantageous for realizing a particularly extensive cleaning of the interior if the cleaning robot moves, in particular independently or automatically, from the seating system to the rear shelf of the vehicle and then at least partially cleans the rear shelf. As a result, the interior can be cleaned particularly well and extensively. The above-mentioned, preferably rear-side luggage compartment is at least partially delimited at the top in the vertical direction of the vehicle by the rear shelf, which is arranged, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the seat system.

• 1 eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines Reinigungsroboters zum Durchführen eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens;
• 2 eine schematische Draufsicht eines Innenraums eines Fahrzeugs, dessen Innenraum mittels des Verfahrens gereinigt wird; und
• 3a-i jeweils eine schematische Seitenansicht des Innenraums während des Verfahrens.

Details of the invention emerge below on the basis of the description of the figures and the drawings. Here shows:

• 1 a schematic perspective view of a cleaning robot for performing a method according to the invention;
• 2 a schematic plan view of an interior of a vehicle, the interior of which is cleaned by means of the method; and
• 3a-i each a schematic side view of the interior during the process.

1 shows a cleaning robot in a schematic perspective view R. . The following is a method for cleaning an interior 22nd ( 2 ) described a preferably designed as a motor vehicle, in particular as a passenger vehicle, the interior of which by means of the cleaning robot R. is cleaned. In the present case, the vehicle comprises a self-supporting body 23 trained structure, which the interior 22nd limited.

The interior 22nd is on the underside, i.e. in the vertical direction of the vehicle, down through a floor 5 limited. This floor 5 is usually by means of a cladding to the interior 22nd disguised so that in the interior 22nd occupants holding the vehicle do not have a direct view of a body floor of the body 23 to have. The floor 5 extends, for example, at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, in a first plane that is spanned by the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle transverse direction. The floor thus comprises, for example, the body floor and the above-mentioned cladding, by means of which the body floor, also referred to as the main floor or shell floor, upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle and thus towards the interior 22nd is disguised.

In the interior 22nd components of the vehicle are arranged. The first of these components are the seating system 1a-c . The seating system 1a is the driver's seat designed as a single seat, which provides exactly one seat for a person also referred to as an occupant or seat occupant. The seating system 1b is the passenger seat designed as a single seat, which provides exactly one seat for a person also referred to as an occupant or seat occupant. The seating system 1c is a bench designed as a back seat, which provides several, that is to say at least or exactly two or at least or exactly three seats for respective people, also referred to as occupants or seat occupants. The seating system 1c is in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the seating system 1a, b arranged in a rear area.

The respective seating system 1a-c comprises, in particular per seat, a seat element 24 and a backrest 4th . It is conceivable that the respective backrest 4th of the respective individual seat about a respective pivot axis relative to the respective seat element 24 of the respective individual seat is pivotable and thus adjustable in its inclination. Alternatively or additionally, the respective backrest 4th the bench individually or can use the backrests 4th the bench together about a respective pivot axis relative to the respective seat element 24 the bench can be pivoted and thereby be adjustable in its inclination. The respective pivot axis preferably runs in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The respective seat element 24 has a seat 3 on, with the respective occupant with his buttocks on the respective seat 3 and thus on the respective seat element 24 sit and his back against the respective backrest 4th can lean. The respective seat element 24 of the respective individual seat is, for example, at least partially upwards from the floor in the vertical direction of the vehicle 5 spaced so that in the vertical direction of the vehicle between the respective seat element 24 the respective seating system 1a , b and the ground 5 a space is arranged. In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of the respective seat element 24 is a respective footwell 6th arranged, in which the respective seat occupant can place his feet while he is on the respective seat element 24 and thus sits on the respective seat.

For example, in the transverse direction of the vehicle, it borders on the outside of the respective footwell 6th a respective side door and / or a respective door sill, in particular the body 23 , to The respective footwell 6th is a respective part of the interior 22nd .

A second one in the interior 22nd arranged component is a center console 2 in the transverse direction of the vehicle between the seating systems 1a , b is arranged. This center console 2 usually includes control elements or at least one compartment as storage space. The center console 2 is often attached at a height so that the driver or front passenger can at least partially rest an arm on it in a natural position.

In addition, an instrument panel, also referred to as a dashboard, is located in front of the individual seats in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 9 arranged, which is also referred to as a cockpit or is part of a so-called cockpit. The instrument panel 9 for example, a third one is the one in the interior 22nd arranged components of the vehicle.

In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle behind the seating system 1c is a rear trunk, also known as a luggage compartment 11th arranged, which is part of the interior 22nd can be. The trunk 11th serves the occupants as stowage space for items of luggage, for example, and is forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction, in particular directly, through the backrests 4th the seating system 1c limited. A fourth one in the interior 22nd arranged component can be a rear shelf, in particular provided depending on the vehicle model 12th be which in the vehicle vertical direction on top of the trunk 11th is arranged and can be used as a shelf for objects, such as hats. This hat rack 12th is designed essentially horizontally. Also is in the parcel shelf 12th often a recess is made in order to prevent the deposited objects from slipping off while driving. The trunk 11th is at least partially through the rear shelf in the vertical direction of the vehicle 12th limited.

A rear area of the interior 22nd is also referred to as the rear area, in which the seating system 1c and that of the seating system 1c assigned footwells 6th , in which the seat occupants of the seating system 1c can position their feet are arranged. Vehicle concepts are conceivable in which individual seats such as the seating system, for example, are also in the rear area 1a , b are arranged. In conventional vehicle construction, the design is that in the rear of the interior 22nd arranged seating 1c as a continuous bench, however, it is much more common, which is why the method is described in the present case using such a bench.

The seating systems 1a-c include, for example, a seat frame that is connected to the body 23 connected is. A respective upholstery is arranged on the respective seat frame, which is carried by the respective seat frame. The upholstery is covered with a respective seat cover, through which, for example, the respective seat surface 3 is formed. The seat 3 essentially serves to support the respective buttocks and thighs of the respective occupant. The respective seat system has to support the respective head of the respective seat occupant 1a-c also a headrest 8th which one with the respective backrest 4th connected is.

Because the respective backrest 4th relative to the respective seat element 24 and thus relative to the respective seat 3 can be pivoted, a respective seat position can be adjusted as required by the respective seat occupant. In particular, the backrests 4th the front seating 1a and 1b regarding the respective seat 3 both in the vehicle longitudinal direction forwards and thus in the direction of the dashboard and in the vehicle longitudinal direction backwards and thus in the direction of the rear seat system 1c be tilted or folded. The rear seating 1c or their backrests 4th can or can be tiltable and thus adjustable or not adjustable. For example, the backrests 4th the rear seats 1c individually or together, and thus as a whole, can be folded down at least forwards into an at least substantially horizontal position, around the trunk 11th to be able to expand. It is also conceivable to also use the rear seat system 1c similar to the front seats 1a and 1b to adapt to personal preferences of the occupant and thus an angle between the seat 3 and the backrests 4th the seating system 1c to adjust or set as required.

The respective seating system 1a-c , especially the seating 1c , a calf support can be used to support the legs, in particular the calves, of the respective seat occupant 10 exhibit. This Calf pad 10 is usually in the front area of a seating system 1a-c arranged and / or can be pivotable about an axis, in particular relative to the respective seat element 24 . The calf pad 10 can between a stowed position in which it does not hinder or disturb the occupant, and at least one use position, in particular relative to the seat element 24 be pivotable. In particular, depending on a seated position of the occupant, the calf support can be pivoted from its stowed position into the use position. The calf pad 10 for example, in its use position usually borders at least essentially directly on the seat surface 3 on.

The cleaning robot R. has a housing 25th on which in 1 is shown transparently. The cleaning robot R. also has an engine 14th on, by means of which the cleaning robot can be driven so that the cleaning robot R. by means of the as drive of the cleaning robot R. trained motor 14th can move independently, i.e. without external force. The motor 14th is in the case 25th arranged. Furthermore, the cleaning robot R. wheels 13th on, at least indirectly rotatable on the housing 13th are stored. One by the engine 14th The torque provided is transmitted directly or indirectly to the wheels 13th transferred, making the wheels 13th driven and thereby relative to the housing 13th be rotated. Is, for example, the cleaning robot, also simply referred to as a robot R. on its wheels after being supported on a ground, while the wheels 13th by means of the engine 14th are driven, the robot is thereby moved along the ground, thus driven.

The motor 14th is preferably designed as an electrified drive or as an electric motor, which can be operated by means of electrical energy or electrical current. The robot therefore preferably has its own, for example as a battery 15th trained energy storage, by means of which the motor 14th during its operation with in the battery 15th stored electrical energy is supplied. The battery 15th is preferably in the housing 25th arranged. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is provided that this battery 15th reversibly detachable from the housing 25th held and thus non-destructive from the housing 25th is removable, allowing for battery charging 15th just the battery 15th out of the case 25th can be removed and moved, which represents a particularly high level of comfort for a user.

For cleaning, the cleaning robot includes R. in addition, a fan 16 , by means of which dirt can be picked up from the substrate, in particular sucked up and, for example, into the housing 25th is suckable. The blower 16 and / or the housing 25th has at least one entrance through which to clean the interior 22nd the dirt in the case 25th by means of the fan 16 can be sucked in. The entrance is arranged, for example, at a short distance from the ground. In order to pick up dirt from the ground, the blower is used 16 a negative pressure or vacuum is generated, so that a suction effect in the direction of the fan 16 arises. The cleaning robot moves R. During cleaning over dirt, it is drawn into the fan by the suction effect created at the entrance 16 or in the housing 25th sucked in.

As a supplement to the fan 16 is also on the underside of the cleaning robot R. or on the housing 25th a brush 18th arranged. The brush 18th extends at least substantially over the entire width of the cleaning robot R. . In addition, the brush is 18th around an axis of rotation 19th rotatably at least indirectly on the housing 25th stored. Also is the brush 18th at least indirectly by means of the motor 14th drivable and thus around the axis of rotation 19th relative to the housing 25th rotatable. This causes the brush to rotate 18th around its axis of rotation 19th around. The rotational movement can either be in or against the direction of travel of the cleaning robot R. respectively. The brush 18th is partially in the housing 25th arranged and protrudes a piece from the housing 25th out. This takes the brush 18th When it is driven, the dirt picks up and preferably conveys it into the housing 25th and thus supports the fan 16 when the dirt is sucked into the housing 25th . However, it has proven to be particularly useful in terms of particularly thorough cleaning, the rotational movement of the brush 18th in the direction of travel of the cleaning robot R. to adjust. This means in particular that the brush is 18th rotates in the same direction of rotation as the wheels 13th Rotate the robot when moving, especially when moving forward. This results in the brush 18th multiple functions. On the one hand is the brush 18th designed to convey dirt from the ground in the direction of the entrance. This is achieved by having the brush 18th in the forward direction of travel of the cleaning robot R. is arranged in front of the entrance. On the other hand, even larger pieces of dirt are through the brush 18th removable from the substrate. Besides, it's the brush 18th possible, to a certain extent, to penetrate surfaces with a rough or uneven surface structure of the subsurface.

The robot also has a dust container 17th on what is in the housing 25th is arranged. In the dust container 17th becomes the by means of the blower 16 and by means of the brush 18th added dirt, so that the dirt in the dust container 17th is collected. In a special one This dust container is advantageous embodiment 17th reversibly detachable from the housing 25th held and out of the case 25th removable.

The following is the procedure for cleaning the interior 22nd by means of the robot R. explained in more detail. The method can be or comprise a travel strategy according to which the, for example, self-sufficient cleaning robot R. , in particular self-sufficient or automatically, in the interior 22nd is moved to thereby the interior 22nd to clean, that is to say, for example, to carry out at least one cleaning process in which the interior 22nd by means of the robot R. is cleaned. In particular, the robot R according to the travel strategy - as will be explained in more detail below - is successively in and through different areas of the interior 22nd moved through to thereby the areas and thus the interior 22nd to clean.

In the procedure for cleaning the interior 22nd by means of the cleaning robot R. - as will be explained in more detail below - the seating systems 1a-c of the vehicle by means of a respective drive 21 of the vehicle, in particular the respective seating system 1a-c adjusted. In addition, the cleaning robot R. depending on the adjustment of the seating system 1a-c in the interior 22nd moved and through the interior 22nd moved through, that is, in and through the different areas of the interior 22nd emotional. To do the interior 22nd and especially the seating 1a-c The cleaning robot will be able to clean particularly thoroughly R. depending on the adjustment of the seating system 1a-c so moved that the cleaning robot R. after adjustment and / or during adjustment of the respective seat system 1a-c on at least a partial area of at least one of the seating systems 1a-c is moved, whereupon the at least one partial area by means of the cleaning robot R. is cleaned.

Based on 3a it can be seen that a first of the areas of the interior 22nd the front, left footwell 6th of the driver and the space between the floor 5 and the seating 1a and possibly also the left rear footwell for the left rear seat occupant of the seating system 1c includes. This means that the process begins in this first area in which the robot R. is moved or by which the robot R. is moved through, whereby initially the first area of the interior 22nd by means of the robot R. is cleaned. For example, the robot cleans R. first the left front footwell 6th of the driver. So that the robot R. , especially subsequently, in and through the space between the floor 5 and the seating 1a can drive and, especially afterwards, drive into the left rear footwell, the seating system 1a by means of the electric drive, for example 21 the seating system 1a adjusted in such a way that the seating system 1a by means of the drive 21 in the vertical direction of the vehicle upwards relative to the ground 5 moved and thus from the ground 5 is moved away. During and / or after this adjustment of the seat system 1a becomes the robot R. into and / or through the space between the seating system 1a and the ground 5 moved so that this gap between the floor 5 and the seating 1a is cleaned. Then the robot drives R. in the left rear footwell 6th and cleans it.

In 3a Dashed lines illustrate an initial position of the seating system 1a which are initially in the starting position. Solid lines illustrate a target position of the seating system 1a by adjusting the seating system as described above 1a by means of the drive 21 is moved or adjusted from the starting position to the target position and is raised in the process. The seating system is thereby 1a adjusted automatically, i.e. without manual intervention or intervention by a person.

Out 3b it can be seen that, for example, a second of the areas is the left rear seat of the seating system 1c assigned, left rear calf support 10 the seating system 1c and the seating elements 24 or the seats 3 the seating element 24 the seating system 1c includes. After the robot has cleaned the first area, the robot moves - as in 3b by an arrow 26th is illustrated - on and along the, for example, inclined, left rear calf support 10 and cleans them in the process. This is done, for example, before and possibly during the robot R. on the left rear calf support 10 drives - the left rear calf support 10 by means of the drive 21 adjusted and thus relative to the body 23 moved, in particular in such a way that the left rear calf support is moved into such a position in which the robot R. on the left rear calf support 10 drive and then along the left rear calf support 10 can drive. The left rear calf pad 10 is thus a first sub-area of the seating system 1c , the cleaning robot R. depending on the adjustment of the seating system 1c and depending on the adjustment or movement of the left rear calf support 10 is moved in such a way that the cleaning robot R. after adjusting and / or while adjusting the left rear calf support 10 and thus the seating system 1c on the left rear calf support 10 is moved, whereupon the left rear calf support 10 (first the part of the seating area 1c ) by means of the cleaning robot R. is cleaned. From the left rear calf pad 10 the robot drives or moves R. on the left back Seat 3 the seating system 1c and cleans the left rear seat. From the left rear seat 3 the robot drives R. on the right rear seat 3 the seating system 1c and cleans the right rear seat 3 . Thus, the second area is created by means of the robot R. cleaned, especially after cleaning the first area.

Out 3c is recognizable, and there is by an arrow 27 illustrates that the robot R. from the right rear seat 3 on and along the right rear backrest 4th the seating system 1c drives while the right rear backrest 4th , especially its front, cleans. A third of the areas thus comprises the right rear backrest 4th , especially the front of the seat 1c , with the robot R. - especially after he has cleaned the second area - the third area of the interior 22nd cleans.

Out 3d you can see that the third area is also the rear shelf 12th and the left rear backrest 4th the seating system 1c includes. By arrows 28 and 29 you can see that the robot is from the right rear backrest 4th on the parcel shelf 12th and along the parcel shelf 12th drives and cleans the parcel shelf, in particular vacuums or vacuums. From the parcel shelf 12th the robot moves onto and then along the left rear backrest 4th , especially the front of the seat 1c so that the left rear backrest 4th , in particular their front side, by means of the robot R. is cleaned. This will clean the third area. In particular, the robot drives R. the right rear backrest 4th , especially its front, up and the left rear backrest 4th , especially their front, down.

Out 3e can be seen that the robot R. from the left rear backrest 4th for example, back on the rear seat on the left 3 and from there to the right rear seat 3 moves. A fourth of the areas can be the right front seat back 4th the seating system 1b include, in particular a rear side of the right front backrest 4th . By an arrow 30th is illustrated that the robot from the right rear seat 3 on the right front backrest 4th , especially on its back, moves and then moves along the back and thereby the right front backrest 4th drives up. The rear and thus the fourth area are cleaned. For example, the seating system 1b before and / or while the robot R. drives along the rear, by means of the drive 21 raised and / or the right front backrest 4th will be before and / or during the robot R. drives along the rear by means of the drive 21 , adjusted, in particular in such a way that the right front backrest 4th relative to the right front seat element 24 is tilted or folded forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Thus, for example, is the right front backrest 4th a second part of the seating area 1b , wherein the second partial area is adjusted and, for example, is inclined forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and wherein the cleaning robot R. depending on the adjustment of the second sub-area and thus the seating system 1b is moved in such a way that the cleaning robot R. after the adjustment and / or during the adjustment of the second sub-area and thus the seat system 1b on the second section (right front backrest 4th ) the seating system 1b is moved, whereupon the second sub-area by means of the cleaning robot R. is cleaned.

It can also be provided that the seating system 1b such by means of the drive 21 is adjusted that the seating system 1b in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the rear relative to the body 23 is moved so that the robot from the right rear seat 3 on the right front backrest 4th , especially on the rear side, can drive.

Out 3f it can be seen that, for example, a fifth of the areas of the interior 22nd the instrument panel 9 includes. For example - after the robot has moved to the back of the front right backrest - the seating system is set 1b with the one on the back of the right front backrest 4th located robot R. in the vehicle longitudinal direction forward relative to the body 23 moved so then the robot R. from the back of the right front backrest 4th on the instrument panel 9 can drive. Then the robot drives R. along the instrument panel 9 and cleans it so that the fifth area is cleaned. This is by an arrow 31 illustrated.

Out 3g it can be seen that a sixth of the areas of the interior 22nd the center console 2 includes. After the robot R. the instrument panel 9 has cleaned, the robot drives R. from the instrument panel 9 back on the back of the right front backrest 4th the seating system 1b . While the robot R. again on the back of the right front backrest 4th is located - like out 3g is illustrated by the dashed and solid lines shown there - the right front backrest 4th by means of the drive 21 further inclined forward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and on the right front seat element 24 the seating system 1b moved and / or the seating system 1b is by means of the drive 21 a piece in the vehicle longitudinal direction backwards relative to the body 23 moved so then the robot R. from the back of the right front backrest 4th on the center console 2 can drive.

Out 3h it can be seen that a seventh of the areas of the interior 22nd for example the front right footwell 6th for the front passenger and the seating system 1b , especially their right front calf pad 10 , the right front seat element 24 the seating system 1b and the right front backrest 4th , especially the front of the seat 1b includes. For example, the robot moves from the center console 2 at least indirectly in the right front footwell 6th , for example via the right front seat element 24 and the right front calf pad 10 the seating system 1b , and from the right front footwell 6th the robot drives R. on and along the right front calf pad 10 and from there to the right front seat element 24 , then along the right front seat element 24 and from there onto and along the front right front of the front right backrest 4th the seating system 1b so that the right front calf support 10 , the right front seat element 24 , especially its seat 3 , and the right front backrest 4th , in particular their front side, by means of the robot R. getting cleaned. Thus the seventh area is cleaned. To and along the right front calf pad 10 and onto and along the front of the right front seat back 4th To be able to drive, for example, the right front calf support 10 and / or the right front backrest 4th and thus the seating system 1b by means of the drive 21 adjusted, in particular relative to each other and / or relative to the body 23 moved, for example, in such a way that the right front backrest 4th in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the rear and thereby from the right front seat element 24 is pivoted away and / which the right front calf support 10 is tilted accordingly so that the robot is on the right front calf support 10 and drive along this and thus in particular the right front calf support 10 can go up. This is through arrows 33 illustrated.

An eighth of the areas of the interior 22nd includes, for example, the front left footwell 6th for the driver and the seating system 1a , especially their front left calf support 10 , the left front seat element 24 the seating system 1a and the left front backrest 4th , especially the front of the seat 1a . The eighth area, like the seventh area, is cleaned by means of the robot. For example, after cleaning the seventh area, the robot moves the front right backrest 4th down and onto the right front seat element 24 , from there onto and along the right front calf support 10 so that the robot places the right front calf support 10 goes down and into the right front footwell 6th and from there to the front left footwell 6th drives, or the robot drives, for example after cleaning the seventh area of the right front seat element 24 on the center console 2 and from there at least indirectly into the left front footwell 6th , for example on the left front seat element 24 and the left front calf support 10 the seating system 1a , and from the front left footwell 6th the robot moves onto and along the front left calf support 10 and from there to the left front seat element 24 , then along the left front seat element 24 and from there onto and along the right front backrest 4th , especially the front of the seat 1b so that the left front calf support 10 , the left front seat element 24 , especially its seat 3 , and the left front backrest 4th , in particular their front side, can be cleaned by means of the robot. Thus the eighth area is cleaned. It can be seen that the respective calf support and / or the respective seat element 24 and / or the respective backrest 4th a respective sub-area of the respective seating system 1a-c can be, whereby the respective sub-area and thus the respective seating system 1a-c by means of the drive 21 relative to the body 23 can be moved and thereby adjusted, the cleaning robot R. depending on the adjustment of the respective seating system 1a-c is or can be moved in such a way that the cleaning robot ( R. after adjustment and / or during adjustment of the respective seat system 1a-c is moved to the respective sub-area, whereupon the respective sub-area of the respective seating system 1a-c by means of the cleaning robot R. is cleaned.

Finally it's over 3i recognizable that a ninth of the areas of the interior 22nd at least the trunk 11th may include. For example from the parcel shelf 12th , especially after cleaning the third area and / or before cleaning the fourth area, the robot moves to the right rear backrest 4th , especially the front of the seat 1c , with the robot at least a piece of the right rear backrest 4th , especially its front, descends. The right rear backrest 4th is by means of the drive 21 before and / or during the robot R. the front of the right rear backrest 4th down towards the right rear seat element 24 moves in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle inclined or swiveled backwards. In addition, the left rear backrest is used 4th by means of the drive 21 , in particular maximally, inclined forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and thus onto the left rear seat element 24 moved towards. From the front of the right rear backrest 4th the robot moves to the left rear backrest 4th , especially on the back. About one in the trunk 11th opening and preferably open through-loading of the seating system 1c the robot drives R. from the back of the left rear backrest 4th in the trunk 11th so the trunk 11th and thus the ninth area can be cleaned. This is through arrows 34 illustrated. It goes without saying that the terms “left” and “right” can also be interchanged so that “right” can be read instead of “left” and “left” instead of “right”. In other words, “left” is to be understood as a first side and “right” is to be understood as a second side, next to the side in the transverse direction of the vehicle the first page is arranged. After cleaning the ninth area, the robot drives, for example, especially over the right rear seat element 24 who have favourited the right rear calf pad 10 and the right rear footwell 6th , to which us particularly in and / or under the center console 2 , that means in one in and / or under the center console 2 arranged recording room. There is the battery 15th wirelessly, i.e. inductively charged, for example.

It can be seen that the wheels 13th and the engine 14th Parts of a drive device of the robot R. which moves by means of the drive device and thus independently, i.e. without the assistance of a person, to the respective sub-area.

To now the respective, especially electric drive 21 for adjusting the respective sub-area of the respective seating system 1a-c control is, for example, an electronic computing device 20th intended. The computing device 20th is preferably a component of the vehicle and is designed to send an in particular electrical first signal to the respective drive 21 to submit. The respective drive 21 receives the first signal and is thereby operated as a function of the signal, whereby by means of the respective drive 21 the respective sub-area of the respective seating system 1a-c is adjusted.

The cleaning robot R. is designed to send a signal S. , in particular wirelessly, to be provided and to the computing device 20th to send. The computing device 20th receives the signal provided by the robot S. , preferably wireless, and controls the respective drive 21 depending on the signal S. so that the respective seating system 1a-c by means of the electronic computing device 20th depending on the received signal S. , especially about the respective drive 21 the respective seating system 1a-c , is controlled and thereby adjusted. It characterizes the signal S. for example, current positions of the robot in the interior 22nd so that the seating 1a-c depending on the respective positions of the robot in the interior 22nd adjusted.

It is also provided that the cleaning robot R. as a result of the adjustment of the respective seating system 1a-c one from the vehicle, in particular from its computing device 20th , preferably wirelessly provided signal S2 receives wirelessly and depends on the received signal S. moved to the respective sub-area. By signal S2 will the robot R. for example communicated that the respective seating system 1a-c was adjusted in such a way that it is the robot R. it is now possible to move independently to the respective sub-area.

List of reference symbols

1a-c

Seating system

2

Center console

3

Seat

4th

backrest

5

floor

6th

Footwell

7th

upholstery

8th

headrest

9

dashboard

10

Calf pad

11th

Trunk

12th

Hat rack

13th

wheel

14th

engine

15th

battery

16

Fan

17th

Dust container

18th

brush

19th

axis

20th

Computing device

21

electric drive

22nd

inner space

23

body

24

Seating element

25th

casing

26th

arrow

27

arrow

28

arrow

29

arrow

30th

arrow

31

arrow

32

arrow

33

arrow

34

arrow

R.

Cleaning robot

S.

signal

S2

signal

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102018124731 A1 [0002]

Claims (7)

Method for cleaning an interior of a vehicle by means of a cleaning robot (R), in which at least one seat system (1a-c) of the vehicle is adjusted by means of a drive (21) of the vehicle, the cleaning robot (R) depending on the adjustment of the seat system (1a-c) is moved, characterized in that the cleaning robot (R) is moved depending on the adjustment of the seat system (1a-c) in such a way that the cleaning robot (R) after the adjustment and / or during the adjustment of the seat system (1a-c) is moved to at least a partial area (10) of the seating system (1a-c), whereupon at least the partial area (10) of the seating system (1a-c) is cleaned by means of the cleaning robot (R). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the cleaning robot (R) moves independently to the sub-area (10). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that an electronic computing device (20) of the vehicle receives at least one signal (S) provided by the cleaning robot (R), in particular wirelessly, the seating system (1a-c) by means of the electronic computing device (20) depending on the received signal (S) is controlled and thereby adjusted. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning robot (R) receives a signal (S2) provided by the vehicle as a result of the adjustment of the seat system (1s-c) and, depending on the received signal (S2), switches to the Partial area (10) moved. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an energy store (15) of the cleaning robot (R) designed to store electrical energy is charged with electrical energy after cleaning. Procedure according to Claim 5 , characterized in that the cleaning robot (R) after cleaning moves into a receiving space formed by a center console (2) of the vehicle and is charged in the receiving space without wires. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning robot (R), in particular independently and / or from the seating system (1a-c), moves onto a rear shelf (12) of the vehicle and then the rear shelf (12) at least partially cleans.

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