EP1519673B1 - Method for operating a floor cleaning system, and floor cleaning system associated with said method - Google Patents

Method for operating a floor cleaning system, and floor cleaning system associated with said method Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1519673B1
EP1519673B1 EP03762489A EP03762489A EP1519673B1 EP 1519673 B1 EP1519673 B1 EP 1519673B1 EP 03762489 A EP03762489 A EP 03762489A EP 03762489 A EP03762489 A EP 03762489A EP 1519673 B1 EP1519673 B1 EP 1519673B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
suction
power
reduced
maximum
suction power
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03762489A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1519673B8 (en
EP1519673A1 (en
Inventor
Joachim Keppler
Roger Skoumal
Gottfried Benzler
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Original Assignee
Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG filed Critical Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Publication of EP1519673A1 publication Critical patent/EP1519673A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1519673B1 publication Critical patent/EP1519673B1/en
Publication of EP1519673B8 publication Critical patent/EP1519673B8/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2868—Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
    • A47L9/2884—Details of arrangements of batteries or their installation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/38—Built-in suction cleaner installations, i.e. with fixed tube system to which, at different stations, hoses can be connected
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L7/00—Suction cleaners adapted for additional purposes; Tables with suction openings for cleaning purposes; Containers for cleaning articles by suction; Suction cleaners adapted to cleaning of brushes; Suction cleaners adapted to taking-up liquids
    • A47L7/0047—Furniture or stationary devices with suction openings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/0081—Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Means for sound or vibration damping
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/10—Filters; Dust separators; Dust removal; Automatic exchange of filters
    • A47L9/106—Dust removal
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2805—Parameters or conditions being sensed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2836—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means characterised by the parts which are controlled
    • A47L9/2842—Suction motors or blowers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2836—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means characterised by the parts which are controlled
    • A47L9/2852—Elements for displacement of the vacuum cleaner or the accessories therefor, e.g. wheels, casters or nozzles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2868—Arrangements for power supply of vacuum cleaners or the accessories thereof
    • A47L9/2873—Docking units or charging stations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning system with a central suction station, which is associated with a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device, wherein receives by means of the suction dirt from a floor surface to be cleaned and transferred to a dirt collecting the suction device, and wherein the suction has a suction unit and you sucks the dirt collector by means of the suction unit.
  • the invention relates to a floor cleaning system for the application of the method.
  • a floor cleaning system is e.g. from patent disclosure US 6076226.
  • Floor cleaning systems with a central suction unit which is associated with a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device, allow the cleaning of a floor surface without requiring an operator to move the suction device along the floor surface.
  • the suction device is designed to be self-propelled and self-regulating and can pick up dirt from the bottom surface, which is transferred into a dirt collecting container carried by the suction device. If the dirt collecting container is full, the suction device automatically controls the central suction station at which the dirt collecting container is emptied.
  • the extraction station comprises a suction unit for sucking off the dirt collecting container. After the extraction has taken place, the suction device can resume its suction operation and travel along the floor surface to be cleaned.
  • the suction of the dirt collector is associated with a certain noise.
  • Object of the present invention is to provide a method of the type mentioned, with the aid of the noise of the floor cleaning system can be reduced.
  • the noise of the floor cleaning device can be reduced by the fact that the suction unit is operated with reduced suction power.
  • Such a reduced-power mode of operation is particularly advantageous for nocturnal use of the floor cleaning system. If the floor cleaning system is used in times in which the noise is perceived as particularly disturbing, the user can choose the mode of operation with reduced suction power of the suction unit. This allows a significant reduction in noise, for example, a noise reduction by at least 5 dB (A) compared with the noise of the suction unit at maximum suction power.
  • the suction unit is operated for a predetermined period of time with reduced suction power and then again with maximum suction power.
  • Such a procedure is particularly favorable when coarse-grained dirt particles accumulate in the dirt collecting container during the performance-reduced operation of the suction unit.
  • the suction unit is operated for a maximum of approximately eight hours with reduced suction power and then again with maximum suction power.
  • the dirt collecting container is sucked off at the end of the period of time predetermined for the mode of operation with reduced suction power, at least once with maximum suction power of the suction unit. After vacuuming the dirt collector with maximum power can then be transferred back to the reduced-power mode. It has been shown that even a single suction with maximum suction power is sufficient to completely remove even coarse dirt particles from the dirt collector.
  • the mobile suction device can be switched on and off independently of the central suction station. If the floor cleaning system is in its reduced-power mode and in this state, the mobile suction device is turned off, it may be the case that the user at the same time again enters the command for operating at reduced suction when you turn on the suction device. Thus, there is a risk that the operation extends with reduced suction power over a very long period of time and in the dirt collector collect an unacceptably large amount of coarse-grained dirt particles.
  • the time interval between two suction units of the dirt collecting container is measured and compared with a maximum permissible period of time and when the maximum permissible period of time is exceeded, the maximum suction power is exceeded. If the suction device is sucked off with reduced suction power of the suction unit and switched off in this state and it is switched on again at the same time again the reduced-power operation of the suction is selected, so when exceeding a predetermined maximum value of the time interval between the last suction of the dirt collector and the current exhaust, regardless of the user-selected mode of operation has gone into the operation with maximum suction power to completely empty the dirt collector.
  • the mode of operation with maximum suction power can be limited in time, in particular it can be provided that in this case the dirt collecting is sucked off only once with maximum suction and that then goes back to the user-selected mode of operation with reduced power suction.
  • the operation with reduced suction power can for example be such that the suction is operated at a maximum of 50% of the electrical power that has the suction at maximum suction.
  • the suction station absorbs an electrical power of 600 W at maximum suction power, while the power consumption of the suction station is only 250 W with reduced suction power.
  • the present invention also relates to a floor cleaning system for applying the above method.
  • the floor cleaning system here comprises a central suction station, which is associated with a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device, wherein the suction device comprises a dirt collecting container and a suction turbine for receiving dirt from a floor surface to be cleaned and for transferring the dirt into the dirt collecting container, and wherein the suction station is a suction unit has for sucking the dirt collector.
  • the invention proposes that the suction unit can be operated either with maximum suction or with reduced suction power.
  • the suction station has an activation element which can be actuated by the user, for example a selector switch or a feeler element, for activating the mode of operation with reduced suction power.
  • an activation element which can be actuated by the user, for example a selector switch or a feeler element, for activating the mode of operation with reduced suction power.
  • the suction unit for a predetermined period of time with reduced suction power is operable and passes after the predetermined period of time in a mode of operation with maximum suction.
  • Such an embodiment of the floor cleaning system has the advantage that the user does not have to take care of himself that the dirt collector is sucked now and then with maximum suction of the suction, rather the suction unit goes after a predetermined period of time, for example after expiration of about eight hours, regardless of a corresponding control command of the user in the mode of maximum suction above. If the user again wants to select the reduced-performance mode of operation of the suction unit, then it can be provided that he must actuate the activation element again for this purpose.
  • the suction station comprises an activation element for activating the mode of operation with reduced suction power, wherein the predetermined time period for the mode of operation with reduced suction power can not be extended by multiple actuation of the activation element. This prevents an actuation of the activation element during the reduced-power operation of the suction leads to an extension of this mode of operation.
  • the reduced-power mode can instead only be started during operation with maximum suction power be, ie only at maximum suction power of the suction unit, the activation element is effective.
  • the activation element is associated with a timer for detecting the duration of the operation with reduced suction power, wherein the timer during operation with reduced suction power can not be influenced by actuation of the activation element.
  • a timer for detecting the duration of the operation with reduced suction power
  • the timer during operation with reduced suction power can not be influenced by actuation of the activation element.
  • the suction unit after operation with reduced suction power only after carrying out at least one suction of the dirt collector with maximum suction power again with reduced suction power is operable.
  • the extraction station comprises a test device, with the help of which it can be checked whether, after a predetermined period of time for the Operation with reduced suction power was sucked off at least once the dirt collecting tank with maximum suction power. From the testing device, a renewed transition to the mode of operation with reduced suction power is only released when previously a suction with maximum suction power was performed.
  • the suction station has a timer that measures the time between two suction of dirt collection container, wherein the timer is associated with a test device that compares the measured time with a predetermined maximum time and the power reduced when exceeding the maximum predetermined time Operation of Absaugaggregates finished.
  • the timer is in each case started with the beginning of a suction of the dirt collection and read out with the beginning of the subsequent suction of the tester, so that the determined value can be compared with a predetermined maximum value.
  • the suction power of the suction unit is in a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning system according to the invention by at least About 50% of the maximum suction power reducible. As a result, a significant noise reduction of the suction can be achieved.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show a floor cleaning system according to the invention which is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and which comprises a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device 12 and a central suction station 14.
  • the mobile suction device 12 includes a housing 16 having a top wall 18 and a bottom wall 20 defining a suction channel 22 therebetween. On the ceiling wall 18 a not shown in Figure 2 to achieve clarity, cover 24 is placed.
  • the housing 16 forms a chassis of the mobile suction device 12.
  • On the housing 16 are in in itself known and therefore not shown in detail in the drawing, two drive wheels 26 rotatably mounted, each associated with a known electric drive motor (not shown).
  • the control of the drive motors by means of a known per se and therefore only schematically shown in Figure 2 electronic control 28, which is connected to the drive motors via control lines not shown in the drawing.
  • the bottom wall 20 has in a front, the suction station 14 facing region on a suction inlet 30 which is penetrated by sweeping brushes 32 a rotatably mounted above the suction inlet 30 brush roller 34.
  • the brush roller 34 is rotatably driven by means of an electric motor 36, which is seated above the brush roller 34 on the top wall 18 and is coupled to the brush roller 34 via known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing gear means.
  • the housing 16 In its rear region facing away from the charging station 14, the housing 16 carries a suction turbine 40 which is rotationally drivable by an electric drive motor 42 and in fluid communication with the suction channel 22 via an intake manifold 44.
  • the power supply of the electrical consumers of the mobile suction device 12 by means of a rechargeable battery 46 which is supported by the top wall 18 and shown in Figure 2.
  • a dirt filter 48 is arranged obliquely to the longitudinal extent of the suction channel 22, and the region of the suction channel 22nd between the dirt filter 48 and the suction inlet 30 forms a dirt collector 50, the level of which is monitored by a level sensor 52 which is in electrical communication with the controller 28.
  • the dirt filter 48 has a frame 49, on which a filter fabric 51 is held cantilevered, wherein the filter fabric even in the unloaded state, a curvature relative to the frame 49 is formed.
  • the filter fabric depends in each case according to the prevailing in the suction channel 22 air flow. A reversal of the air flow causes a reversal of direction of the curvature of the filter fabric 51 and thus a structurally easily achievable and effective filter cleaning.
  • a suction flow is generated by the suction turbine 40, with the aid of which dirt from the surface to be cleaned can be transferred through the suction inlet 30 into the dirt collecting container 50.
  • the dirt receptacle from the bottom surface is supported by the brush roller 34.
  • the suction device 12 in this case automatically travels along the floor surface to be cleaned until the charge state of the battery 46 monitored by the controller 28 approaches a minimum value or it is detected by the filling level sensor 52 that the dirt collecting container 50 is full. If at least one of these two conditions is met, the suction device 12 automatically controls the suction station 14, at which the battery 46 can be charged and at the same time the dirt collecting container 50 can be emptied.
  • the suction station 14 has a housing 54 which has an electric motor-driven suction unit 56 and a dirt receptacle 58 surrounds, which can be acted upon by the suction unit 56 with a negative pressure.
  • a boom 60 is laterally held, which surrounds a control room 61 and at its end facing away from the housing 24 has an end wall 62 which is connected via a cover 64 and a support plate 66 to the housing 54.
  • a ramp 74 is integrally formed on the housing 54, which has a suction opening 76.
  • the latter is connected via a suction channel 78 with the dirt receptacle 58.
  • the area between the boom 60 and the ramp 74 defines a docking point 80 for the suction device 12 and is bounded towards the housing 54 of the suction station 14 by a support wall 81 on which two electrical contact elements 82, 84 are held.
  • the suction station comprises a per se known and therefore not shown in the drawing charger, which is connected to a mains voltage and connected via supply lines, not shown in the drawing with the electrical contact elements 80 and 84.
  • the suction device 12 When docking to the suction station 14, the suction device 12 assumes such a position on the ramp 74 that the suction inlet 30 is aligned with the suction opening 76. Subsequently, the suction unit 14, which detects the flow of a charging current via the contact elements 82, 84, the suction unit 56 is activated by an arranged in the control room 61 electronic control 90, so that forming a symbolized in Figure 2 by the arrows 92 suction flow of the dirt collecting 50th sucked through the suction inlet 30 and the suction channel 78 and dirt can be transferred into the dirt receptacle 58. At the same time, the battery 76 of the suction device 12 is recharged.
  • the operation of the suction unit 56 is connected to a noise of the suction station 40.
  • the user can activate operation of the suction unit 56 with reduced suction power by actuating an electrical sensing element 94 arranged on the cover 64 of the arm 60.
  • the controller 90 which includes a test device 91 and is coupled to an electronic timer 96, it is checked whether the conditions for extraction with reduced suction are present, or whether despite the operation of the probe element 94, first an extraction of the dirt collector 50 with maximum suction of the Absaugaggregates 56 is to be performed.
  • the controller 90 carries out the following method steps, which are explained in greater detail in FIG.
  • step 102 according to the symbol 100 illustrated in FIG Docking of the suction device 12 to the suction station 14 and the associated flow of a charging current through the contact elements 82 and 84 is first checked by the tester 91 in step 102, whether the user has entered the command to activate the reduced-power suction operation by pressing the probe element 94. If this is not the case, then in method step 105 the dirt collecting container 50 is sucked off with maximum suction power of the suction aggregate 56. In this case, the suction unit 56 can be activated, for example, for about 20 to 40 seconds. This time is sufficient to completely empty the dirt collector 50.
  • control unit 90 interrogates timer 56 in a subsequent method step 103, which time interval has elapsed since the last time Docking operation of the control unit 12 measures.
  • the test device 91 compares the detected period of time with a predetermined maximum value, which may be, for example, two hours. If the test in method step 103 shows that a longer time than the maximum permissible time has elapsed since the last docking operation, the mode of operation with reduced suction power is terminated in method step 104 and suction of dirt collector container 50 is carried out in accordance with method step 105, d. H. with maximum suction power, performed.
  • the dirt collecting container 50 is sucked off with reduced suction power of the suction unit 56.
  • the suction unit is preferably active for 20 seconds to 40 seconds.
  • the test device 91 interrogates a further value of the timer 96, namely the time that has elapsed since the start of the reduced-power operating mode. If this test shows that the mode of operation with reduced suction power has been present for more than eight hours, the method of operation with reduced suction power is then terminated in method step 110. If the test instead shows that the maximum period of time, for example eight hours, has not yet been exceeded, the mode of operation with reduced suction power is maintained.
  • the suction of the dirt collecting container 50 with simultaneous recharge of the battery 56 is then completed, and in step 112, the suction device 12 can then resume its normal suction operation, in which it moves along the surface to be cleaned.
  • the suction power of the suction station 14 can be reduced by operating the sensing element 94 for a predetermined period of time of eight hours in the present example. This ensures that the floor cleaning system 10, for example, at a nocturnal cleaning of a floor surface has only a low noise.
  • the operating time is detected with reduced suction power.
  • the suction station 14 Upon reaching the maximum operating time of eight hours, the suction station 14 automatically goes into a mode of operation with maximum suction, whereby only by re-actuation of the probe element 94 again the mode of operation with reduced suction power can be activated.
  • method step 103 in which a check of the period since the last docking operation is carried out, it can also be provided that in method step 103 it is checked whether, since the last mode of operation with reduced suction power, at least one suction of dirt collector 50 with maximum suction power of suction unit 56 was carried out. This ensures that a user after the operation with reduced suction power can not easily restart the operation with reduced suction, but that first at least once the dirt collector 50 is sucked with full suction, so that even coarse dirt from the dirt collector 50 reliably in the Dirt receptacle 58 are transferred.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Robotics (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
  • Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
  • Control Of Position, Course, Altitude, Or Attitude Of Moving Bodies (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning system (10) comprising a central suction station (14) with which an automotive and self-controlling suction appliance (12) is associated. Dirt from a floor surface to be cleaned is collected by means of said suction appliance (12) and is transferred to a dirt collecting container (50) pertaining to the suction appliance. Said suction station (14) comprises a suction unit (56) and the dirt in the dirt collecting container (50) is sucked out by means of the suction unit (56). The aim of the invention is to improve said method such that the noise generation of the floor cleaning system can be reduced. To this end, the suction unit (56) can be selectively operated, with maximum suction power or with reduced suction power. The invention also relates to a floor cleaning system for carrying out said method.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Bodenreinigungssystems mit einer zentralen Absaugstation, der ein selbstfahrendes und selbststeuerndes Sauggerät zugeordnet ist, wobei man mittels des Sauggerätes Schmutz von einer zu reinigenden Bodenfläche aufnimmt und In einen Schmutzsammelbehälter des Sauggerätes überführt, und wobei die Absaugstation ein Absaugaggregat aufweist und man den Schmutzsammelbehälter mittels des Absaugaggregates absaugt.The invention relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning system with a central suction station, which is associated with a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device, wherein receives by means of the suction dirt from a floor surface to be cleaned and transferred to a dirt collecting the suction device, and wherein the suction has a suction unit and you sucks the dirt collector by means of the suction unit.

Außerdem betrifft die Erfindung ein Bodenreinigungssystem zur Anwendung des Verfahrens. Ein derartiges Bodenreinigungssystem ist z.B. aus der Patentoffenbarung US 6076226 Bekannt.Moreover, the invention relates to a floor cleaning system for the application of the method. Such a floor cleaning system is e.g. from patent disclosure US 6076226.

Bodenreinigungssysteme mit einer zentralen Absaugeinheit, der ein selbstfahrendes und selbststeuerndes Sauggerät zugeordnet ist, ermöglichen die Reinigung einer Bodenfläche, ohne daß hierzu eine Bedienungsperson erforderlich ist zum Verfahren des Sauggerätes entlang der Bodenfläche. Das Sauggerät ist selbstfahrend und selbststeuernd ausgestaltet und kann von der Bodenfläche Schmutz aufnehmen, der in einen vom Sauggerät mitgeführten Schmutzsammelbehälter überführt wird. Ist der Schmutzsammelbehälter voll, so steuert das Sauggerät selbsttätig die zentrale Absaugstation an, an der der Schmutzsammelbehälter entleert wird. Hierzu umfaßt die Absaugstation ein Absaugaggregat zum Absaugen des Schmutzsammelbehälters. Nach erfolgter Absaugung kann das Sauggerät seinen Saugbetrieb wieder aufnehmen und an der zu reinigenden Bodenfläche entlang fahren.Floor cleaning systems with a central suction unit, which is associated with a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device, allow the cleaning of a floor surface without requiring an operator to move the suction device along the floor surface. The suction device is designed to be self-propelled and self-regulating and can pick up dirt from the bottom surface, which is transferred into a dirt collecting container carried by the suction device. If the dirt collecting container is full, the suction device automatically controls the central suction station at which the dirt collecting container is emptied. For this purpose, the extraction station comprises a suction unit for sucking off the dirt collecting container. After the extraction has taken place, the suction device can resume its suction operation and travel along the floor surface to be cleaned.

Das Absaugen des Schmutzsammelbehälters ist mit einer gewissen Geräuschentwicklung verbunden.The suction of the dirt collector is associated with a certain noise.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art bereitzustellen, mit dessen Hilfe die Geräuschentwicklung des Bodenreinigungssystems reduziert werden kann.Object of the present invention is to provide a method of the type mentioned, with the aid of the noise of the floor cleaning system can be reduced.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Verfahren der gattungsgemäßen Art erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß man das Absaugaggregat wahlweise mit maximaler Saugleistung oder mit reduzierter Saugleistung betreibt. Erfindungsgemäß kann die Geräuschentwicklung des Bodenreinigungsgerätes dadurch vermindert werden, daß das Absaugaggregat mit reduzierter Saugleistung betrieben wird. Eine derartige leistungsreduzierte Betriebsweise ist insbesondere bei nächtlichem Einsatz des Bodenreinigungssystemes von Vorteil. Wird das Bodenreinigungssystem in Zeiten eingesetzt, in denen die Geräuschentwicklung als besonders störend empfunden wird, so kann der Benutzer die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates wählen. Dies ermöglicht eine erhebliche Geräuschreduzierung, beispielsweise eine Geräuschreduzierung um mindestens 5 dB(A) verglichen mit der Geräuschentwicklung des Absaugaggregates bei maximaler Saugleistung.This object is achieved in a method of the generic type according to the invention that operates the suction unit either with maximum suction or reduced suction power. According to the invention, the noise of the floor cleaning device can be reduced by the fact that the suction unit is operated with reduced suction power. Such a reduced-power mode of operation is particularly advantageous for nocturnal use of the floor cleaning system. If the floor cleaning system is used in times in which the noise is perceived as particularly disturbing, the user can choose the mode of operation with reduced suction power of the suction unit. This allows a significant reduction in noise, for example, a noise reduction by at least 5 dB (A) compared with the noise of the suction unit at maximum suction power.

Vorzugsweise betreibt man das Absaugaggregat für eine vorgegebene Zeitspanne mit reduzierter Saugleistung und anschließend wieder mit maximaler Saugleistung. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, daß der Schmutzsammelbehälter nach Ablauf einer vorgegebenen Zeitspanne wieder mit dem sich bei maximaler Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates ausbildenden Saugstrom beaufschlagt wird, so daß er spätestens nach Ablauf der vorgegebenen Zeitspanne wieder vollständig entleert wird und praktisch kein Restschmutz im Schmutzsammelbehälter verbleibt. Eine derartige Vorgehensweise ist insbesondere dann günstig, wenn sich während der leistungsreduzierten Betriebsweise des Absaugaggregates grobkörnige Schmutzteilchen im Schmutzsammelbehälter ansammeln.Preferably, the suction unit is operated for a predetermined period of time with reduced suction power and then again with maximum suction power. This ensures that after a predetermined period of time the dirt collecting container is again charged with the suction flow which forms at maximum suction power of the suction unit, so that it returns again at the latest after the predetermined period has elapsed is completely emptied and practically no residual dirt remains in the dirt collector. Such a procedure is particularly favorable when coarse-grained dirt particles accumulate in the dirt collecting container during the performance-reduced operation of the suction unit.

Es kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, daß man das Absaugaggregat maximal etwa acht Stunden lang mit reduzierter Saugleistung und anschließend wieder mit maximaler Saugleistung betreibt.It may, for example, be provided that the suction unit is operated for a maximum of approximately eight hours with reduced suction power and then again with maximum suction power.

Vorzugsweise saugt man den Schmutzsammelbehälter nach Ablauf der für die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung vorgegebenen Zeitspanne zumindest einmal mit maximaler Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates ab. Nach dem Absaugen des Schmutzsammelbehälters mit maximaler Leistung kann anschließend wieder in die leistungsreduzierte Betriebsweise übergegangen werden. Es hat sich gezeigt, daß bereits ein einziger Absaugvorgang mit maximaler Saugleistung ausreichend ist, um auch grobkörnige Schmutzteilchen vollständig aus dem Schmutzsammelbehälter zu entfernen.Preferably, the dirt collecting container is sucked off at the end of the period of time predetermined for the mode of operation with reduced suction power, at least once with maximum suction power of the suction unit. After vacuuming the dirt collector with maximum power can then be transferred back to the reduced-power mode. It has been shown that even a single suction with maximum suction power is sufficient to completely remove even coarse dirt particles from the dirt collector.

Üblicherweise kann das mobile Sauggerät unabhängig von der zentralen Absaugstation ein- und ausgeschaltet werden. Befindet sich das Bodenreinigungssystem in seiner leistungsreduzierten Betriebsweise und wird in diesem Zustand das mobile Sauggerät ausgeschaltet, so kann der Fall auftreten, daß der Benutzer beim Wiedereinschalten des Sauggerätes gleichzeitig auch erneut den Befehl zur Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung eingibt. Damit besteht die Gefahr, daß sich die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung insgesamt über einen sehr langen Zeitraum erstreckt und sich im Schmutzsammelbehälter eine unzulässig große Menge an grobkörnigen Schmutzteilchen ansammeln. Um dieser Gefahr entgegenzuwirken, ist es von Vorteil, wenn man während des Betriebes mit reduzierter Saugleistung die Zeitspanne zwischen zwei Absaugungen des Schmutzsammelbehälters mißt und mit einer maximal zulässigen Zeitspanne vergleicht und bei Überschreiten der maximal zulässigen Zeitspanne in den Betrieb mit maximaler Saugleistung übergeht. Wird das Sauggerät mit reduzierter Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates abgesaugt und in diesem Zustand abgeschaltet und wird es zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt wieder eingeschaltet, wobei gleichzeitig erneut der leistungsreduzierte Betrieb des Absaugaggregates gewählt wird, so wird bei Überschreiten eines vorgegebenen Maximalwertes der Zeitspanne zwischen der letzten Absaugung des Schmutzsammelbehälters und der aktuellen Absaugung unabhängig von der vom Benutzer gewählten Betriebsweise in den Betrieb mit maximaler Saugleistung übergegangen, um den Schmutzsammelbehälter vollständig zu entleeren. Die Betriebsweise mit maximaler Saugleistung kann hierbei zeitlich beschränkt sein, insbesondere kann vorgesehen sein, daß in diesem Falle der Schmutzsammelbehälter nur einmal mit maximaler Saugleistung abgesaugt wird und daß man anschließend wieder in die vom Benutzer gewählte Betriebsweise mit leistungsreduzierter Saugleistung übergeht.Usually, the mobile suction device can be switched on and off independently of the central suction station. If the floor cleaning system is in its reduced-power mode and in this state, the mobile suction device is turned off, it may be the case that the user at the same time again enters the command for operating at reduced suction when you turn on the suction device. Thus, there is a risk that the operation extends with reduced suction power over a very long period of time and in the dirt collector collect an unacceptably large amount of coarse-grained dirt particles. To counteract this danger, it is advantageous if, during operation with reduced suction power, the time interval between two suction units of the dirt collecting container is measured and compared with a maximum permissible period of time and when the maximum permissible period of time is exceeded, the maximum suction power is exceeded. If the suction device is sucked off with reduced suction power of the suction unit and switched off in this state and it is switched on again at the same time again the reduced-power operation of the suction is selected, so when exceeding a predetermined maximum value of the time interval between the last suction of the dirt collector and the current exhaust, regardless of the user-selected mode of operation has gone into the operation with maximum suction power to completely empty the dirt collector. The mode of operation with maximum suction power can be limited in time, in particular it can be provided that in this case the dirt collecting is sucked off only once with maximum suction and that then goes back to the user-selected mode of operation with reduced power suction.

Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, daß man während der Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung einen Befehl zum Neustart dieser Betriebsweise unterdrückt. Dadurch verhindert man, daß der Benutzer die für die leistungsreduzierte Betriebsweise vorgesehene maximale Zeitspanne dadurch verlängert, daß er diese Betriebsweise erneut startet, noch bevor die Absaugstation selbsttätig aus der leistungsreduzierten Betriebsweise in die Betriebsweise mit maximaler Saugleistung übergegangen ist.It can also be provided that suppresses a command to restart this mode of operation with reduced suction power. This prevents the user from extending the maximum period of time provided for the reduced-power mode by restarting this mode of operation even before the extraction unit has automatically transferred from the reduced-power mode to the maximum-capacity mode of operation.

Die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung kann beispielsweise dergestalt erfolgen, daß die Absaugstation maximal mit 50% der elektrischen Leistung betrieben wird, die die Absaugstation bei maximaler Saugleistung aufweist. So kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, daß die Absaugstation bei maximaler Saugleistung eine elektrische Leistung von 600 W aufnimmt, während die Leistungsaufnahme der Absaugstation bei reduzierter Saugleistung lediglich 250 W beträgt.The operation with reduced suction power can for example be such that the suction is operated at a maximum of 50% of the electrical power that has the suction at maximum suction. For example, it may be provided that the suction station absorbs an electrical power of 600 W at maximum suction power, while the power consumption of the suction station is only 250 W with reduced suction power.

Wie eingangs erwähnt, betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung außerdem ein Bodenreinigungssystem zur Anwendung des voranstehend genannten Verfahrens. Das Bodenreinigungssystem umfaßt hierbei eine zentrale Absaugstation, der ein selbstfahrendes und selbststeuerndes Sauggerät zugeordnet ist, wobei das Sauggerät einen Schmutzsammelbehälter aufweist sowie eine Saugturbine zum Aufnehmen von Schmutz von einer zu reinigenden Bodenfläche und zum Überführen des Schmutzes in den Schmutzsammelbehälter, und wobei die Absaugstation ein Absaugaggregat aufweist zum Absaugen des Schmutzsammelbehälters.As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to a floor cleaning system for applying the above method. The floor cleaning system here comprises a central suction station, which is associated with a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device, wherein the suction device comprises a dirt collecting container and a suction turbine for receiving dirt from a floor surface to be cleaned and for transferring the dirt into the dirt collecting container, and wherein the suction station is a suction unit has for sucking the dirt collector.

Um das Bodenreinigungssystem derart auszugestalten, daß es einen Betrieb mit geringerer Geräuschentwicklung ermöglicht, wird erfindungsgemäß vorgeschlagen, daß das Absaugaggregat wahlweise mit maximaler Saugleistung oder mit reduzierter Saugleistung betreibbar ist.In order to design the floor cleaning system such that it allows operation with less noise, the invention proposes that the suction unit can be operated either with maximum suction or with reduced suction power.

Hierzu kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, daß die Absaugstation ein vom Benutzer betätigbares Aktivierungselement, beispielsweise einen Wahlschalter oder Tastelement, aufweist zur Aktivierung der Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung.For this purpose, it may be provided, for example, that the suction station has an activation element which can be actuated by the user, for example a selector switch or a feeler element, for activating the mode of operation with reduced suction power.

Um zu vermeiden, daß sich im Schmutzsammelbehälter Restschmutz ansammelt, ist bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungssystemes vorgesehen, daß das Absaugaggregat für eine vorgegebene Zeitspanne mit reduzierter Saugleistung betreibbar ist und nach Ablauf der vorgegebenen Zeitspanne in eine Betriebsweise mit maximaler Saugleistung übergeht. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung des Bodenreinigungssystems hat den Vorteil, daß der Benutzer nicht von sich aus dafür Sorge zu tragen hat, daß der Schmutzsammelbehälter ab und zu mit maximaler Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates abgesaugt wird, vielmehr geht das Absaugaggregat nach Ablauf einer vorgegebenen Zeitspanne, beispielsweise nach Ablauf von etwa acht Stunden, unabhängig von einem entsprechenden Steuerbefehl des Benutzers in die Betriebsweise mit maximaler Saugleistung über. Möchte der Benutzer erneut die leistungsreduzierte Betriebsweise des Absaugaggregates wählen, so kann vorgesehen sein, daß er hierzu das Aktivierungselement wieder betätigen muß.In order to avoid accumulating residual dirt in the dirt collecting container is provided in a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning system according to the invention that the suction unit for a predetermined period of time with reduced suction power is operable and passes after the predetermined period of time in a mode of operation with maximum suction. Such an embodiment of the floor cleaning system has the advantage that the user does not have to take care of himself that the dirt collector is sucked now and then with maximum suction of the suction, rather the suction unit goes after a predetermined period of time, for example after expiration of about eight hours, regardless of a corresponding control command of the user in the mode of maximum suction above. If the user again wants to select the reduced-performance mode of operation of the suction unit, then it can be provided that he must actuate the activation element again for this purpose.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des Bodenreinigungssystems ist vorgesehen, daß die Absaugstation ein Aktivierungselement zur Aktivierung der Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung umfaßt, wobei die vorgegebene Zeitspanne für die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung nicht durch mehrfache Betätigung des Aktivierungselementes verlängerbar ist. Dadurch wird verhindert, daß eine Betätigung des Aktivierungselementes während der leistungsreduzierten Betriebsweise der Absaugstation zu einer Verlängerung dieser Betriebsweise führt. Die leistungsreduzierte Betriebsweise kann statt dessen nur während der Betriebsweise mit maximaler Saugleistung gestartet werden, d. h. nur bei maximaler Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates ist das Aktivierungselement wirksam.In a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning system, it is provided that the suction station comprises an activation element for activating the mode of operation with reduced suction power, wherein the predetermined time period for the mode of operation with reduced suction power can not be extended by multiple actuation of the activation element. This prevents an actuation of the activation element during the reduced-power operation of the suction leads to an extension of this mode of operation. The reduced-power mode can instead only be started during operation with maximum suction power be, ie only at maximum suction power of the suction unit, the activation element is effective.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, daß dem Aktivierungselement ein Zeitglied zur Erfassung der Dauer der Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung zugeordnet ist, wobei das Zeitglied während des Betriebs mit reduzierter Saugleistung nicht durch Betätigung des Aktivierungselementes beeinflußbar ist. Eine derartige Ausgestaltung stellt sicher, daß der Benutzer das Zeitglied, mit dem die Zeitdauer der Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung erfaßt wird, nicht durch Betätigung des Aktivierungselementes zurücksetzen kann, um auf diese Weise das Absaugaggregat dauerhaft mit reduzierter Saugleistung zu betreiben. Während der Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung wird folglich ein Aktivierungssignal, das vom Aktivierungselement einer Steuerung der Absaugstation bereitgestellt wird, unterdrückt. Ein derartiges Aktivierungssignal ist vielmehr bei einer derartigen Ausführungsform des Bodenreinigungssystemes nur während der Betriebsweise mit maximaler Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates wirksam.It can be provided that the activation element is associated with a timer for detecting the duration of the operation with reduced suction power, wherein the timer during operation with reduced suction power can not be influenced by actuation of the activation element. Such a configuration ensures that the user can not reset the timer with which the duration of the operation with reduced suction power is detected by actuation of the activation element to operate in this way the suction unit permanently with reduced suction power. During the operation with reduced suction power, therefore, an activation signal, which is provided by the activation element of a controller of the suction, is suppressed. Such an activation signal is effective in such an embodiment of the floor cleaning system only during operation with maximum suction of the suction unit.

In vielen Fällen ist es ausreichend, wenn nach einer Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung der Schmutzsammelbehälter zumindest einmal mit maximaler Saugleistung abgesaugt wird. Hierzu ist bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform vorgesehen, daß das Absaugaggregat nach erfolgter Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung erst nach Durchführung zumindest einer Absaugung des Schmutzsammelbehälters mit maximaler Saugleistung wieder erneut mit reduzierter Saugleistung betreibbar ist. So kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, daß die Absaugstation eine Prüfeinrichtung umfaßt, mit deren Hilfe geprüft werden kann, ob nach Ablauf einer vorgegebenen Zeitspanne für den Betrieb mit reduzierter Saugleistung zumindest einmal der Schmutzsammelbehälter mit maximaler Saugleistung abgesaugt wurde. Von der Prüfeinrichtung wird ein erneuter Übergang in die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung erst dann freigegeben, wenn zuvor eine Absaugung mit maximaler Saugleistung durchgeführt wurde.In many cases, it is sufficient if, after a mode of operation with reduced suction power, the dirt collecting container is sucked off at least once with maximum suction power. For this purpose, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the suction unit after operation with reduced suction power only after carrying out at least one suction of the dirt collector with maximum suction power again with reduced suction power is operable. Thus, for example, be provided that the extraction station comprises a test device, with the help of which it can be checked whether, after a predetermined period of time for the Operation with reduced suction power was sucked off at least once the dirt collecting tank with maximum suction power. From the testing device, a renewed transition to the mode of operation with reduced suction power is only released when previously a suction with maximum suction power was performed.

Wie bereits erwähnt, ist es günstig, wenn man die Zeitspanne zwischen zwei Absaugungen des Schmutzsammelbehälters mißt und mit einer maximal zuläs-sigen Zeitspanne vergleicht, um gegebenenfalls in den Betrieb mit maximaler Saugleistung überzugehen. Hierzu ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Absaugstation selbsttätig in die Betriebsweise mit maximaler Saugleistung übergeht, sofern die Zeitspanne zwischen zwei Absaugungen des Schmutzsammelbehälters einen vorgegebenen Maximalwert überschreitet. So kann beispielsweise vorgesehen sein, daß die Absaugstation ein Zeitglied aufweist, daß die Zeitspanne zwischen zwei Absaugungen des Schmutzsammelbehälters mißt, wobei dem Zeitglied eine Prüfeinrichtung zugeordnet ist, die die gemessene Zeitspanne mit einer vorgegebenen maximalen Zeitspanne vergleicht und bei Überschreiten der maximal vorgegebenen Zeitspanne die leistungsreduzierte Betriebsweise des Absaugaggregates beendet. Das Zeitglied wird hierbei jeweils mit dem Beginn einer Absaugung des Schmutzsammelbehälters gestartet und mit dem Beginn der darauffolgenden Absaugung von der Prüfeinrichtung ausgelesen, so daß der ermittelte Wert mit einem vorgegebenen Maximalwert verglichen werden kann.As already mentioned, it is expedient to measure the time interval between two suction devices of the dirt collecting container and to compare it with a maximum permissible period of time, in order, if appropriate, to go into operation with maximum suction power. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the suction automatically goes into the mode of operation with maximum suction power, if the time span between two suction of the dirt collecting container exceeds a predetermined maximum value. Thus, for example, be provided that the suction station has a timer that measures the time between two suction of dirt collection container, wherein the timer is associated with a test device that compares the measured time with a predetermined maximum time and the power reduced when exceeding the maximum predetermined time Operation of Absaugaggregates finished. The timer is in each case started with the beginning of a suction of the dirt collection and read out with the beginning of the subsequent suction of the tester, so that the determined value can be compared with a predetermined maximum value.

Die Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates ist bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungssystemes um mindestens etwa 50% der maximalen Saugleistung reduzierbar. Dadurch kann eine erhebliche Geräuschreduktion der Absaugstation erzielt werden.The suction power of the suction unit is in a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning system according to the invention by at least About 50% of the maximum suction power reducible. As a result, a significant noise reduction of the suction can be achieved.

Die nachfolgende Beschreibung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung dient im Zusammenhang mit der Zeichnung der näheren Erläuterung. Es zeigen:

Figur 1:
eine schematische Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungssystems mit einem an eine zentrale Absaugstation angedockten mobilen Sauggerät;
Figur 2:
eine schematische Längsschnittansicht des Bodenreinigungssystems gemäß Figur 1 und
Figur 3:
ein Ablaufdiagramm zur Betriebsweise des Bodenreinigungssystemes.
The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:
FIG. 1:
a schematic side view of a floor cleaning system according to the invention with a docked to a central suction station mobile suction device;
FIG. 2:
a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the floor cleaning system according to Figure 1 and
FIG. 3:
a flow chart for the operation of the floor cleaning system.

In den Figuren 1 und 2 ist schematisch ein insgesamt mit dem Bezugszeichen 10 belegtes erfindungsgemäßes Bodenreinigungssystem dargestellt, das ein selbstfahrendes und selbststeuerndes Sauggerät 12 sowie eine zentrale Absaugstation 14 umfaßt.DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIGS. 1 and 2 schematically show a floor cleaning system according to the invention which is generally designated by the reference numeral 10 and which comprises a self-propelled and self-controlling suction device 12 and a central suction station 14.

Das mobile Sauggerät 12 umfaßt ein Gehäuse 16 mit einer Deckenwand 18 und einer Bodenwand 20, die zwischen sich einen Saugkanal 22 definieren. Auf die Deckenwand 18 ist ein in Figur 2 zur Erzielung einer besseren Übersichtlichkeit nicht dargestellter Deckel 24 aufgesetzt. Das Gehäuse 16 bildet ein Fahrwerk des mobilen Sauggerätes 12 aus. An dem Gehäuse 16 sind in an sich bekannter und deshalb in der Zeichnung nicht detailliert dargestellter Weise zwei Antriebsräder 26 drehbar gelagert, denen jeweils ein an sich bekannter elektrischer Antriebsmotor (nicht dargestellt) zugeordnet ist. Die Steuerung der Antriebsmotoren erfolgt mittels einer an sich bekannten und deshalb in Figur 2 lediglich schematisch dargestellten elektronischen Steuerung 28, die mit dem Antriebsmotoren über in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellte Steuerleitungen verbunden ist.The mobile suction device 12 includes a housing 16 having a top wall 18 and a bottom wall 20 defining a suction channel 22 therebetween. On the ceiling wall 18 a not shown in Figure 2 to achieve clarity, cover 24 is placed. The housing 16 forms a chassis of the mobile suction device 12. On the housing 16 are in in itself known and therefore not shown in detail in the drawing, two drive wheels 26 rotatably mounted, each associated with a known electric drive motor (not shown). The control of the drive motors by means of a known per se and therefore only schematically shown in Figure 2 electronic control 28, which is connected to the drive motors via control lines not shown in the drawing.

Die Bodenwand 20 weist in einem vorderen, der Absaugstation 14 zugewandten Bereich einen Saugeinlaß 30 auf, der von Kehrbürsten 32 einer oberhalb des Saugeinlasses 30 drehbar gelagerten Bürstenwalze 34 durchgriffen wird. Die Bürstenwalze 34 ist mittels eines Elektromotores 36 drehend antreibbar, der oberhalb der Bürstenwalze 34 auf der Deckenwand 18 aufsitzt und über an sich bekannte und deshalb in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellte Getriebemittel mit der Bürstenwalze 34 gekoppelt ist.The bottom wall 20 has in a front, the suction station 14 facing region on a suction inlet 30 which is penetrated by sweeping brushes 32 a rotatably mounted above the suction inlet 30 brush roller 34. The brush roller 34 is rotatably driven by means of an electric motor 36, which is seated above the brush roller 34 on the top wall 18 and is coupled to the brush roller 34 via known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing gear means.

In seinem der Ladestation 14 abgewandten rückwärtigen Bereich trägt das Gehäuse 16 eine Saugturbine 40, die von einem elektrischen Antriebsmotor 42 drehend antreibbar ist und über einen Ansaugstutzen 44 mit dem Saugkanal 22 in Strömungsverbindung steht.In its rear region facing away from the charging station 14, the housing 16 carries a suction turbine 40 which is rotationally drivable by an electric drive motor 42 and in fluid communication with the suction channel 22 via an intake manifold 44.

Die Energieversorgung der elektrischen Verbraucher des mobilen Sauggerätes 12 erfolgt mittels einer wiederaufladbaren Batterie 46, die von der Deckenwand 18 getragen und in Figur 2 dargestellt ist.The power supply of the electrical consumers of the mobile suction device 12 by means of a rechargeable battery 46 which is supported by the top wall 18 and shown in Figure 2.

Innerhalb des Saugkanales 22 ist schräg zur Längserstreckung des Saugkanales 22 ein Schmutzfilter 48 angeordnet, und der Bereich des Saugkanales 22 zwischen dem Schmutzfilter 48 und dem Saugeinlaß 30 bildet einen Schmutzsammelbehälter 50, dessen Füllstand von einem Füllstandssensor 52 überwacht wird, der mit der Steuerung 28 in elektrischer Verbindung steht.Within the suction channel 22, a dirt filter 48 is arranged obliquely to the longitudinal extent of the suction channel 22, and the region of the suction channel 22nd between the dirt filter 48 and the suction inlet 30 forms a dirt collector 50, the level of which is monitored by a level sensor 52 which is in electrical communication with the controller 28.

Der Schmutzfilter 48 weist einen Rahmen 49 auf, an dem ein Filtergewebe 51 freitragend gehalten ist, wobei das Filtergewebe selbst im unbelasteten Zustand eine Wölbung bezüglich des Rahmens 49 ausbildet. Das Filtergewebe richtet sich jeweils entsprechend der im Saugkanal 22 herrschenden Luftströmung aus. Eine Umkehr der Luftströmung bewirkt eine Richtungsumkehr der Wölbung des Filtergewebes 51 und damit eine konstruktiv einfach erzielbare und effektive Filterabreinigung.The dirt filter 48 has a frame 49, on which a filter fabric 51 is held cantilevered, wherein the filter fabric even in the unloaded state, a curvature relative to the frame 49 is formed. The filter fabric depends in each case according to the prevailing in the suction channel 22 air flow. A reversal of the air flow causes a reversal of direction of the curvature of the filter fabric 51 and thus a structurally easily achievable and effective filter cleaning.

Zur Reinigung einer Bodenfläche wird von der Saugturbine 40 eine Saugströmung erzeugt, mit deren Hilfe Schmutz von der zu reinigenden Bodenfläche durch den Saugeinlaß 30 hindurch in den Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 überführt werden kann. Die Schmutzaufnahme von der Bodenfläche wird durch die Bürstenwalze 34 unterstützt. Das Sauggerät 12 fährt hierbei selbsttätig solange an der zu reinigenden Bodenfläche entlang, bis sich der von der Steuerung 28 überwachte Ladezustand der Batterie 46 einem Minimalwert nähert oder vom Füllstandssensor 52 erkannt wird, daß der Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 voll ist. Ist mindestens eine dieser beiden Bedingungen erfüllt, so steuert das Sauggerät 12 selbsttätig die Absaugstation 14 an, an der die Batterie 46 aufgeladen und gleichzeitig der Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 entleert werden können.To clean a bottom surface, a suction flow is generated by the suction turbine 40, with the aid of which dirt from the surface to be cleaned can be transferred through the suction inlet 30 into the dirt collecting container 50. The dirt receptacle from the bottom surface is supported by the brush roller 34. The suction device 12 in this case automatically travels along the floor surface to be cleaned until the charge state of the battery 46 monitored by the controller 28 approaches a minimum value or it is detected by the filling level sensor 52 that the dirt collecting container 50 is full. If at least one of these two conditions is met, the suction device 12 automatically controls the suction station 14, at which the battery 46 can be charged and at the same time the dirt collecting container 50 can be emptied.

Die Absaugstation 14 weist ein Gehäuse 54 auf, das ein elektromotorisch angetriebenes Absaugaggregat 56 sowie einen Schmutzaufnahmebehälter 58 umgibt, der vom Absaugaggregat 56 mit einem Unterdruck beaufschlagt werden kann.The suction station 14 has a housing 54 which has an electric motor-driven suction unit 56 and a dirt receptacle 58 surrounds, which can be acted upon by the suction unit 56 with a negative pressure.

Am Gehäuse 54 der Absaugstation 14 ist ein Ausleger 60 seitlich gehalten, der einen Steuerungsraum 61 umgibt und an seinem dem Gehäuse 24 abgewandten Ende eine Stirnwand 62 aufweist, die über eine Abdeckung 64 sowie eine Tragplatte 66 mit dem Gehäuse 54 verbunden ist.On the housing 54 of the suction 14, a boom 60 is laterally held, which surrounds a control room 61 and at its end facing away from the housing 24 has an end wall 62 which is connected via a cover 64 and a support plate 66 to the housing 54.

In vertikaler Richtung unterhalb der Tragplatte 66 und im Abstand zu dieser ist an das Gehäuse 54 eine Rampe 74 angeformt, die eine Absaugöffnung 76 aufweist. Letztere ist über einen Absaugkanal 78 mit dem Schmutzaufnahmebehälter 58 verbunden.In the vertical direction below the support plate 66 and at a distance from this, a ramp 74 is integrally formed on the housing 54, which has a suction opening 76. The latter is connected via a suction channel 78 with the dirt receptacle 58.

Der Bereich zwischen dem Ausleger 60 und der Rampe 74 definiert eine Andockstelle 80 für das Sauggerät 12 und wird in Richtung des Gehäuses 54 der Absaugstation 14 durch eine Stützwand 81 begrenzt, an der zwei elektrische Kontaktelemente 82, 84 gehalten sind. Die Absaugstation umfaßt ein an sich bekanntes und deshalb in der Zeichnung nicht dargestelltes Ladegerät, das an eine Netzspannung anschließbar und über in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellte Versorgungsleitungen mit den elektrischen Kontaktelementen 80 und 84 verbunden ist.The area between the boom 60 and the ramp 74 defines a docking point 80 for the suction device 12 and is bounded towards the housing 54 of the suction station 14 by a support wall 81 on which two electrical contact elements 82, 84 are held. The suction station comprises a per se known and therefore not shown in the drawing charger, which is connected to a mains voltage and connected via supply lines, not shown in the drawing with the electrical contact elements 80 and 84.

Den elektrischen Kontaktelementen 82 und 84 der Absaugstation 14 zugeordnet sind an der Außenseite des Deckels 24 des Sauggerätes 12 zwei in Figur 1 schematisch dargestellte elektrische Kontaktstifte 86, 88 gehalten, die über in der Zeichnung nicht dargestellte Verbindungsleitungen mit der wiederaufladbaren Batterie 46 in Verbindung stehen. Über die elektrischen Kontaktelemente 82, 84 und die zugeordneten Kontaktstifte 86 bzw. 88 kann elektrische Energie von der Absaugstation 14 auf das Sauggerät 12 übertragen werden zum Aufladen der Batterie 46.Assigned to the electrical contact elements 82 and 84 of the suction 14 are on the outside of the lid 24 of the suction device 12 two schematically illustrated in Figure 1 electrical contact pins 86, 88 held, which are not shown in the drawing connecting lines with the rechargeable battery 46 in conjunction. About the electrical contact elements 82, 84 and the associated contact pins 86 and 88, electrical energy can be transferred from the suction station 14 to the suction device 12 for charging the battery 46.

Beim Andocken an die Absaugstation 14 nimmt das Sauggerät 12 eine derartige Position auf der Rampe 74 ein, daß der Saugeinlaß 30 mit der Absaugöffnung 76 fluchtet. Daraufhin wird von einer im Steuerungsraum 61 angeordneten elektronischen Steuerung 90 der Absaugstation 14, die das Fließen eines Ladestromes über die Kontaktelemente 82, 84 erkennt, das Absaugaggregat 56 aktiviert, so daß unter Ausbildung einer in Figur 2 durch die Pfeile 92 symbolisierten Absaugströmung der Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 über den Saugeinlaß 30 und den Absaugkanal 78 abgesaugt und Schmutz in den Schmutzaufnahmebehälter 58 überführt werden kann. Gleichzeitig wird die Batterie 76 des Sauggerätes 12 wieder aufgeladen.When docking to the suction station 14, the suction device 12 assumes such a position on the ramp 74 that the suction inlet 30 is aligned with the suction opening 76. Subsequently, the suction unit 14, which detects the flow of a charging current via the contact elements 82, 84, the suction unit 56 is activated by an arranged in the control room 61 electronic control 90, so that forming a symbolized in Figure 2 by the arrows 92 suction flow of the dirt collecting 50th sucked through the suction inlet 30 and the suction channel 78 and dirt can be transferred into the dirt receptacle 58. At the same time, the battery 76 of the suction device 12 is recharged.

Der Betrieb des Absaugaggregates 56 ist mit einer Geräuschentwicklung der Absaugstation 40 verbunden. Um diese Geräuschentwicklung zu minimieren, kann der Benutzer durch Betätigung eines an der Abdeckung 64 des Auslegers 60 angeordneten elektrischen Tastelementes 94 eine Betriebsweise des Absaugaggregates 56 mit reduzierter Saugleistung aktivieren. Von der Steuerung 90, die eine Prüfeinrichtung 91 umfaßt und mit einem elektronischen Zeitglied 96 gekoppelt ist, wird geprüft, ob die Voraussetzungen zur Absaugung mit reduzierter Saugleistung vorliegen, oder ob trotz der Betätigung des Tastelementes 94 zunächst eine Absaugung des Schmutzsammelbehälters 50 mit maximaler Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates 56 durchgeführt werden soll. Hierzu führt die Steuerung 90 die folgenden Verfahrensschritte aus, die in Figur 3 näher erläutert sind: Nach dem in Figur 3 mit dem Symbol 100 illustrierten Andocken des Sauggerätes 12 an die Absaugstation 14 und dem damit verbundenen Fließen eines Ladestromes über die Kontaktelemente 82 und 84 wird von der Prüfeinrichtung 91 zunächst im Verfahrensschritt 102 geprüft, ob der Benutzer durch Betätigung des Tastelementes 94 den Befehl zur Aktivierung des leistungsreduzierten Saugbetriebes eingegeben hat. Ist dies nicht der Fall, so wird im Verfahrensschritt 105 der Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 mit maximaler Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates 56 abgesaugt. Hierbei kann das Absaugaggregat 56 beispielsweise für etwa 20 bis 40 Sekunden aktiviert werden. Diese Zeitspanne ist ausreichend, um den Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 vollständig zu entleeren.The operation of the suction unit 56 is connected to a noise of the suction station 40. In order to minimize this noise, the user can activate operation of the suction unit 56 with reduced suction power by actuating an electrical sensing element 94 arranged on the cover 64 of the arm 60. From the controller 90, which includes a test device 91 and is coupled to an electronic timer 96, it is checked whether the conditions for extraction with reduced suction are present, or whether despite the operation of the probe element 94, first an extraction of the dirt collector 50 with maximum suction of the Absaugaggregates 56 is to be performed. For this purpose, the controller 90 carries out the following method steps, which are explained in greater detail in FIG. 3: according to the symbol 100 illustrated in FIG Docking of the suction device 12 to the suction station 14 and the associated flow of a charging current through the contact elements 82 and 84 is first checked by the tester 91 in step 102, whether the user has entered the command to activate the reduced-power suction operation by pressing the probe element 94. If this is not the case, then in method step 105 the dirt collecting container 50 is sucked off with maximum suction power of the suction aggregate 56. In this case, the suction unit 56 can be activated, for example, for about 20 to 40 seconds. This time is sufficient to completely empty the dirt collector 50.

Ergibt die Prüfung im Verfahrensschritt 102, daß der Benutzer durch Betätigung des Tastelementes 94 den Befehl zum Start der leistungsreduzierten Betriebsweise des Absaugaggregates 56 eingegeben hat, so wird in einem nachfolgenden Verfahrensschritt 103 von der Steuerung 90 das Zeitglied 56 abgefragt, das die Zeitspanne seit dem letzten Andockvorgang des Steuergerätes 12 mißt. Von der Prüfeinrichtung 91 wird dann im Verfahrensschritt 103 die erfaßte Zeitspanne mit einem vorgegebenen Maximalwert, der beispielsweise zwei Stunden betragen kann, verglichen. Ergibt die Prüfung im Verfahrensschritt 103, daß seit dem letzten Andockvorgang eine längere Zeit als die maximal zulässige Zeit verstrichen ist, so wird im Verfahrensschritt 104 die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung beendet und es wird eine Absaugung des Schmutzsammelbehälters 50 entsprechend Verfahrensschritt 105, d. h. mit maximaler Saugleistung, durchgeführt.If the test in method step 102 indicates that the user has entered the command to start the reduced-performance mode of operation of suction unit 56 by actuating probe element 94, control unit 90 interrogates timer 56 in a subsequent method step 103, which time interval has elapsed since the last time Docking operation of the control unit 12 measures. In step 103, the test device 91 then compares the detected period of time with a predetermined maximum value, which may be, for example, two hours. If the test in method step 103 shows that a longer time than the maximum permissible time has elapsed since the last docking operation, the mode of operation with reduced suction power is terminated in method step 104 and suction of dirt collector container 50 is carried out in accordance with method step 105, d. H. with maximum suction power, performed.

Ergibt die Prüfung im Verfahrensschritt 103, daß seit dem letzten Andockvorgang des Sauggerätes 12 eine kürzere Zeitspanne verstrichen ist, als die maximal vorgegebene Zeitspanne, so wird anschließend im Verfahrensschritt 106 der Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 mit reduzierter Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates 56 abgesaugt. Das Absaugaggregat ist hierbei vorzugsweise 20 Sekunden bis 40 Sekunden aktiv.If the test in method step 103 shows that a shorter time span has elapsed since the last docking operation of the suction device 12 than the maximum predetermined period of time, then in the method step 106, the dirt collecting container 50 is sucked off with reduced suction power of the suction unit 56. The suction unit is preferably active for 20 seconds to 40 seconds.

In einem daraufhin erfolgenden Verfahrensschritt 108 wird von der Prüfeinrichtung 91 ein weiterer Wert des Zeitgliedes 96 abgefragt, nämlich die Zeitspanne, die seit dem Start der leistungsreduzierten Betriebsweise verstrichen ist. Ergibt diese Prüfung, daß die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung seit mehr als acht Stunden vorliegt, so wird anschließend im Verfahrensschritt 110 die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung beendet. Ergibt die Prüfung stattdessen, daß die maximal vorgegebene Zeitspanne, beispielsweise acht Stunden, noch nicht überschritten sind, so wird die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung beibehalten.In a subsequent process step 108, the test device 91 interrogates a further value of the timer 96, namely the time that has elapsed since the start of the reduced-power operating mode. If this test shows that the mode of operation with reduced suction power has been present for more than eight hours, the method of operation with reduced suction power is then terminated in method step 110. If the test instead shows that the maximum period of time, for example eight hours, has not yet been exceeded, the mode of operation with reduced suction power is maintained.

Das Absaugen des Schmutzsammelbehälters 50 unter gleichzeitiger Wiederaufladung der Batterie 56 ist dann beendet, und im Verfahrensschritt 112 kann das Sauggerät 12 anschließend wieder seinen normalen Saugbetrieb aufnehmen, bei dem es an der zu reinigenden Fläche entlang fährt.The suction of the dirt collecting container 50 with simultaneous recharge of the battery 56 is then completed, and in step 112, the suction device 12 can then resume its normal suction operation, in which it moves along the surface to be cleaned.

Aus dem Voranstehenden wird deutlich, daß die Saugleistung der Absaugstation 14 durch Betätigung des Tastelementes 94 für eine vorgegebene Zeitspanne von im vorliegenden Beispiel acht Stunden vermindert werden kann. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, daß das Bodenreinigungssystem 10 beispielsweise bei einer nächtlichen Reinigung einer Bodenfläche nur eine geringe Geräuschentwicklung aufweist. Um jedoch sicherzustellen, daß der Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 in jedem Falle spätestens nach acht Stunden einmal mit maximaler Saugleistung abgesaugt wird, wird die Betriebsdauer mit reduzierter Saugleistung erfaßt. Bei Erreichen der maximalen Betriebsdauer von acht Stunden geht die Absaugstation 14 selbsttätig in eine Betriebsweise mit maximaler Saugleistung über, wobei erst durch erneute Betätigung des Tastelementes 94 wieder die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung aktiviert werden kann.It will be apparent from the foregoing that the suction power of the suction station 14 can be reduced by operating the sensing element 94 for a predetermined period of time of eight hours in the present example. This ensures that the floor cleaning system 10, for example, at a nocturnal cleaning of a floor surface has only a low noise. However, to ensure that the dirt collector 50 in each case at the latest after eight hours once with maximum Suction is sucked, the operating time is detected with reduced suction power. Upon reaching the maximum operating time of eight hours, the suction station 14 automatically goes into a mode of operation with maximum suction, whereby only by re-actuation of the probe element 94 again the mode of operation with reduced suction power can be activated.

Alternativ zum Verfahrensschritt 103, bei dem eine Prüfung der Zeitspanne seit dem letzten Andockvorgang durchgeführt wird, kann auch vorgesehen sein, daß im Verfahrensschritt 103 geprüft wird, ob seit der letzten Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung zumindest eine Absaugung des Schmutzsammelbehälters 50 mit maximaler Saugleistung des Absaugaggregates 56 durchgeführt wurde. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, daß ein Benutzer nach erfolgter Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung nicht ohne weiteres erneut die Betriebsweise mit reduzierter Saugleistung starten kann, sondern daß zunächst mindestens einmal der Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 mit voller Saugleistung abgesaugt wird, so daß selbst grobkörnige Schmutzteilchen vom Schmutzsammelbehälter 50 zuverlässig in den Schmutzaufnahmebehälter 58 überführt werden.Alternatively to method step 103, in which a check of the period since the last docking operation is carried out, it can also be provided that in method step 103 it is checked whether, since the last mode of operation with reduced suction power, at least one suction of dirt collector 50 with maximum suction power of suction unit 56 was carried out. This ensures that a user after the operation with reduced suction power can not easily restart the operation with reduced suction, but that first at least once the dirt collector 50 is sucked with full suction, so that even coarse dirt from the dirt collector 50 reliably in the Dirt receptacle 58 are transferred.

Claims (13)

  1. Method for operating a floor cleaning system (10) having a central suction station (14) with which there is associated a self-propelled and self-steering suction appliance (12), dirt being picked up from a floor surface that is to be cleaned by means of the suction appliance (12) and being transferred into a dirt collection vessel (50) of the suction appliance, and the suction station (14) having a suction unit (56), and the dirt collection vessel (50) being sucked out by means of the suction unit (56), characterized in that the suction unit (56) is selectively operated with a maximum suction power or a reduced suction power.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the suction unit (56) is operated with a reduced suction power for a predetermined period of time and is then operated with a maximum suction power again.
  3. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the suction unit (56) is operated with a reduced suction power for at most approximately eight hours and is then operated with a maximum suction power again.
  4. Method according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the dirt collection vessel (50) is sucked out with the maximum suction power of the suction unit (56) at least once after the period of time which is predetermined for the operating mode with reduced suction power has elapsed.
  5. Method according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that during the operating mode with reduced suction power, the period of time between two operations of sucking out the dirt collection vessel (50) is measured and compared with a maximum permissible period of time, and that the method is switched to the operating mode with maximum suction power if the maximum permissible period of time is exceeded.
  6. Method according to one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a command to restart the operating mode with reduced suction power is suppressed during this operating mode.
  7. Floor cleaning system (10) for use of the method according to one of the preceding Claims, having a central suction station(14), with which there is associated a self-propelled and self-steering suction appliance (12), the suction appliance (12) having a dirt collection vessel (50) and a suction turbine for picking up dirt from a floor surface that is to be cleaned and for transferring the dirt into the dirt collection vessel (50), and the suction station (14) having a suction unit (56) for sucking out the dirt collection vessel (50), characterized in that the suction unit (56) is selectively operable with a maximum suction power or a reduced suction power.
  8. Floor cleaning system according to Claim 7, characterized in that the suction unit (56) can be operated with a reduced suction power for a predetermined period of time and switches to an operating mode with a maximum suction power after the predetermined period of time has elapsed.
  9. Floor cleaning system according to Claim 8, characterized in that the suction station (14) comprises an activation element (94) for activating the operating mode with reduced suction power, the predetermined period of time for the operating mode with reduced suction power not being extendable by multiple actuation of the activation element (94).
  10. Floor cleaning system according to Claim 9, characterized in that a timing element (96) for recording the duration of the operating mode with reduced suction power is associated with the activation element (94), it not being possible for the timing element (96) to be influenced by actuation of the activation element (94) during the operating mode with reduced suction power.
  11. Floor cleaning system according to Claim 8, 9 or 10, characterized in that the suction unit (56), following the completion of the operating mode with reduced suction power, can only be operated with reduced suction power again after the dirt collection vessel (50) has been sucked out using maximum suction power at least once.
  12. Floor cleaning system according to one of Claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the suction station (14) automatically switches to an operating mode with maximum suction power of the suction unit (56) if the period of time between two operations of sucking out the dirt collection vessel (56) exceeds a predetermined maximum value.
  13. Floor cleaning system according to one of Claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the suction power of the suction unit (56) is reducible by at least approximately 50% of the maximum suction power of the suction unit (56).
EP03762489A 2002-07-08 2003-06-13 Method for operating a floor cleaning system, and floor cleaning system associated with said method Expired - Lifetime EP1519673B8 (en)

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DE10231384A DE10231384A1 (en) 2002-07-08 2002-07-08 Method for operating a floor cleaning system and floor cleaning system for applying the method
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PCT/EP2003/006222 WO2004004533A1 (en) 2002-07-08 2003-06-13 Method for operating a floor cleaning system, and floor cleaning system associated with said method

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ATE320746T1 (en) 2006-04-15
CN1665438A (en) 2005-09-07
DE50302753D1 (en) 2006-05-11
CN1305427C (en) 2007-03-21
EP1519673B8 (en) 2006-06-14
AU2003242697A1 (en) 2004-01-23
WO2004004533A1 (en) 2004-01-15
EP1519673A1 (en) 2005-04-06

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