EP2194831B1 - Cleaning tool and cleaning device having such a cleaning tool - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cleaning tool for a cleaning device having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Moreover, the invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface, in particular a bottom surface, with at least one such cleaning tool.

Cleaning tools of surface cleaning devices, in particular floor cleaning devices, wear during their operation. When reaching a certain degree of wear they must be replaced, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the surface to be cleaned and / or the achievable cleaning result is insufficient. The wear of the cleaning tool is usually controlled by the user by inspecting the cleaning tool mounted on the cleaning tool. However, this is in many cases associated with difficulties, since the cleaning tool is often mounted in a housing of the cleaning device and therefore can not be readily viewed by the user from the outside. Thus, for example, in floor cleaning appliances, especially in scrubber driers, the cleaning tool, which is in the form of a disc or roller brush, surrounded by housing and sealing elements.

Out US 5,922,968 A is a cleaning device in the form of a sweeper known with a sweeping brush held on movable holding parts. The sweeping brush is subject to wear during its operation. The pressure exerted by the sweeping brush on the ground is monitored by means of a pressure sensor, which may be designed, for example, as a strain gauge or as a piezoelectric sensor. To measure the brush wear, a potentiometer is used, which is arranged between the movable holding parts of the sweeping brush.

Object of the present invention is to develop a cleaning tool and a corresponding cleaning device of the type mentioned in such a way that wear of the cleaning tool can be easily detected.

This object is achieved by a cleaning tool having the features of patent claim 1.

The cleaning tool is equipped with a sensor device which has a sensor element which has a specific physical characteristic. This parameter changes depending on the degree of wear of the cleaning tool. In this case, a physical characteristic of the sensor element is understood to be a specific physical property, for example a mechanical, optical, thermal, magnetic or electrical characteristic of the sensor element, which changes with the wear of the cleaning tool. The characteristic change can be detected with the aid of a detector device and displayed visually and / or acoustically on a display device. The coupling of the detector device with the sensor device of the cleaning tool can be wired or even carried out wirelessly, that is, the characteristic change of the sensor element can be detected by the detector device via a wired or wireless transmission channel.

According to the invention, the sensor element comprises an electrical conductor loop which can be interrupted upon reaching a predetermined degree of wear of the cleaning tool. As long as the conductor loop is not interrupted, a current can flow through the conductor loop. This current flow is interrupted as soon as the predetermined degree of wear of the cleaning tool is reached. The current flow can be detected contactless or contact-related by an associated detector device. The interruption of the current flow can be evaluated by the detector device as reaching the predetermined degree of wear.

The equipment of the cleaning tool with a sensor element thus provides a simple way to detect the wear of the cleaning tool, without requiring the cleaning tool must be inspected by the user.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has a coil to which the sensor element is connected. The coil can be short-circuited, for example via the sensor element, that is, the sensor element can connect the two coil ends together. If, due to the wear of the cleaning tool, the ohmic resistance, the inductance or the capacitance of the sensor element changes, so does the corresponding parameter of the overall system consisting of the coil and the sensor element also change. The coil allows inductive coupling of the sensor element with an associated detector device the cleaning device, wherein the detector device may also include a coil which interacts inductively with the coil of the sensor device.

It is advantageous here if the cleaning tool is rotatable about an axis of rotation and the coil of the sensor device surrounds a preferably cylindrical section of a main body of the cleaning tool aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation in the circumferential direction. In such an embodiment, the integrated in the cleaning tool spool rotates during operation of the cleaning tool. The detector device of the cleaning device may comprise a corresponding coil, which is fixed to the device. The coil of the sensor device, which rotates together with the main body of the cleaning tool, can then induce an electrical voltage in the coil of the detector device, which voltage can be evaluated by evaluation electronics of the detector device. If the electrical parameter of the sensor element connected to the coil changes, the characteristic change has an influence on the voltage induced in the coil of the detector device so that the characteristic change can be detected in a simple manner by the evaluation electronics of the detector device, without a galvanic coupling between the sensor device of the cleaning tool and the detector device of the cleaning device is required.

However, the provision of a detector device in the cleaning device is not absolutely necessary. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning tool comprises a detector device associated with the detector device, which is connectable to a display device and which detects the change in the physical characteristic of the sensor element. In such a configuration, therefore, the cleaning tool not only has the sensor device but additionally also the detector device coupled to the sensor device. For example, the detector device can be designed in the form of an evaluation electronics, which is installed in the cleaning tool.

It is advantageous here if the cleaning tool also includes the display device and / or an energy source. The display device can be embodied in particular in the form of an optical and / or acoustic signal device, for example in the form of a warning light, which is connected to the detector device and can be easily recognized by the user. It can be provided, in particular, that the indicator light is aligned coaxially to a rotational axis of the cleaning tool and arranged behind a transparent cover of the cleaning device. The illumination of the indicator light can give the user the indication that a maximum degree of wear of the cleaning tool is reached and this must therefore be replaced.

As an energy source built into the cleaning tool, an electric battery is preferably used, in particular a so-called button cell. The life of the battery can be selected to be considerably greater than the life of the cleaning tool, so as to ensure that the battery provides sufficient energy when a maximum degree of wear of the cleaning tool is achieved and visually and / or visually inform the user by means of the display device incorporated into the cleaning tool should be displayed acoustically.

It can also be provided that the sensor device has electrical contact elements for connecting the sensor device to an external detector device, which detects the change in the physical parameter of the sensor element. As electrical contact elements are preferably sliding contacts are used, through which an electrical connection between the sensor device of the cleaning tool and the associated external detector device is ensured during operation of the cleaning tool. Thus, for example, be provided that the cleaning tool is rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein the rotary drive via a rotatably connected to the cleaning tool drive pin takes place, which is connected via transmission elements, for example via a belt drive, with a motor of the cleaning device. The drive pin may be made at least partially of an electrically conductive material and thus form a first electrical conductor. In addition, the drive pin can be penetrated by a second electrical conductor which is insulated from the drive pin. An electrical connection between the sensor device installed in the cleaning tool and the external detector device can be established via the two electrical conductors.

The sensor device preferably has electrical coupling elements for wireless coupling of the sensor device to an external detector device, which detects the physical parameter of the sensor element. For this example, optical, inductive or capacitive coupling elements may be used or coupling elements that are sensitive to an alternating electromagnetic field, such as antennas. Via the electrical coupling elements, a wireless transmission channel between the sensor device of the cleaning tool and the external detector device can be established. In particular, this gives the possibility of establishing a radio link between the two devices.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the cleaning tool according to the invention, the sensor device has at least one electrical storage element, for example a writable and readable write / read memory. This makes it possible to store tool-specific data or even a computer program in the sensor device. For example, an identification number of the cleaning tool can be stored in the sensor device, wherein the identification number uniquely characterizes the cleaning tool. This identification number can be read out and evaluated by the detector device which is assigned to the sensor device.

It is favorable if the sensor device is programmable.

The sensor device may comprise, for example, a microelectronic circuit which is electrically connected to the sensor element.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor device has a transponder, that is to say a radio communication element which receives and answers incoming signals. By means of the transponder, a wireless transmission channel between the sensor device of the cleaning tool and an external detector device be achieved. The transponder has a data memory in the form of a read / write memory and may additionally include a control logic. It can be in electrical connection with a transmitting and receiving antenna. Preferably, the transponder has an antenna coil. By inductive coupling with an associated reading device, the transponder can be supplied with energy and its data memory can be read out. However, it can also be provided that the transponder is equipped with its own power source. Such combinations of a transponder and a reader are generally known by the term RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.

It is particularly advantageous if the sensor element has an electrical conductor loop, which is connected in the antenna of the transponder and which can be interrupted upon reaching a predetermined degree of wear of the cleaning tool. If the cleaning tool has reached the predetermined degree of wear, the electrical conductor loop is interrupted. This has the consequence that the data transmission between the transponder and an associated reading device is at least impaired or even completely interrupted. The impairment or interruption of the data transmission can be detected by the associated detector device, which has the reader interacting with the transponder. It can then be displayed on a display device connected to the detector device that the cleaning tool has reached its predetermined degree of wear. Since a lack of data transmission between the reader and the transponder is present even if no cleaning tool was installed in the cleaning device, the user can also be displayed due to the lack of data transmission that accidentally no cleaning tool has been installed in the cleaning device and its operation is therefore not possible.

Alternatively it can be provided that the transponder has an electrical circuit to which the sensor element and the antenna are connected, wherein by means of the electrical circuit, the change in the physical characteristic of the sensor element can be detected and a corresponding signal can be output to the antenna. The sensor element may for example be designed as a conductor loop, which is interrupted in the presence of a predetermined degree of wear of the cleaning tool. The interruption of the conductor loop is detected by the electrical circuit of the transponder and reported via the antenna to the associated reader. In such an embodiment, the antenna is not affected by the sensor element, regardless of the degree of wear of the cleaning tool, a radio connection between the reader and the transponder is ensured by means of the antenna. The transponder can thus be queried at any time by the reader, data can be exchanged, such as identification numbers, and independently of this, the change in the physical characteristic of the sensor element can be reported to the reader.

The arrangement of the transponder on or in the cleaning tool can be done in various ways. It is favorable if, after installation of the cleaning tool in the cleaning device, the smallest possible distance between the antenna of the transponder and the antenna of the associated reading device of the detector device is present. For example, it may be provided that the cleaning tool is rotatable about an axis of rotation and a Basic body has arranged with an annular, coaxial with the axis of rotation aligned area and the antenna of the transponder in this area. In the assembled state of the cleaning tool, the annular region of the basic body can dip into an associated receiving ring of the cleaning device, and the antenna of the reading device of the detector device cooperating with the transponder can be integrated in the receiving ring. This allows a very small distance between the antennas and consequently a good signal transmission can be achieved without the cleaning effect of the cleaning tool is impaired. It can also be provided that the annular region of a support plate of the cleaning device is opposite in the assembled state of the cleaning tool. On the support plate, the antenna of the reader can be arranged so that a good signal transmission between the transponder and the reader can be achieved.

For the location of the sensor element on or in the cleaning tool so far no details have been made. In an advantageous embodiment it is provided that the cleaning tool is rotatable about an axis of rotation and has a coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation base body from which the sensor element projects radially or axially relative to the axis of rotation.

It is favorable for the mounting of the sensor element, if this can be latched or clamped to the base body. The sensor element can be mounted, for example, on a holder, which can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle of the base body and latched thereto.

The sensor element is preferably made flexible, that is, it is deformable, in particular, it may be formed bendable.

In order to protect the sensor element during operation of the cleaning tool from severe mechanical damage, it is advantageous if in the direction of rotation of the cleaning tool in front of and behind the sensor element cleaning elements of the cleaning tool are arranged. The cleaning tool can be configured, for example, in the form of a disk or roller brush with a base body, from which protrude a plurality of cleaning bristles. The cleaning bristles form cleaning elements, between which the sensor element is arranged and on which the sensor element can be supported upon rotation of the disc or roller brush.

To improve the support and contactor function in the direction of rotation of the cleaning tool in front of and behind the sensor element a denser bristles be provided, i. a higher density of cleaning bristles.

In an advantageous embodiment, the sensor element is arranged on a foil board. In this case, a film board is understood to be a flexible electrical circuit board, that is to say a thin, flexible film which can be bent.

In an advantageous embodiment, a transponder electrically connected to the sensor element is arranged on the foil board, that is to say the foil board carries both the sensor element and the transponder.

Preferably, the foil plate is held on a carrier which is axially insertable into a base body of the cleaning tool. The carrier can form a sleeve on which the foil plate can be fixed, in particular wound up. The carrier may be configured, for example, annular and with respect to the axis of rotation of the body in the axial direction with this connectable. Preferably, the carrier has a support element against which the sensor element rests.

As already explained, the cleaning tool can be configured as a rotatably mounted roller brush with a cylindrical base body, from which a plurality of cleaning bristles project outwards, wherein the sensor element is arranged between the cleaning bristles.

Alternatively, the cleaning tool can be designed as a rotatably mounted disc brush with a plate-like base body, projecting from the underside of a plurality of cleaning bristles, wherein the sensor element is arranged between the cleaning bristles.

As mentioned above, the invention also relates to a cleaning device for cleaning a surface, in particular a floor surface, with a cleaning tool that is subject to wear during its operation. The cleaning device has at least one cleaning tool of the type described above and a detector device which is coupled to detect the change in the physical characteristic of the sensor element with the sensor device, and the cleaning device also has a display device which is connected to the detector device and to the one Wear of the cleaning tool can be visually and / or acoustically displayed.

The cleaning device allows a user to easily detect a wear of the cleaning tool. For this purpose, the cleaning tool, as described above, equipped with a sensor element which has a depending on the wear of the cleaning tool changing physical characteristic. The characteristic change can be detected by the detector device of the cleaning device, which is for this purpose contactless or contact-coupled with the sensor device of the cleaning tool. At a display device, the user can be displayed in the presence of a characteristic change, the achievement of a certain degree of wear of the cleaning tool.

The detector device preferably has evaluation electronics integrated into a control device of the cleaning device and is connected via contactless or contact-type contact elements to the sensor device integrated in the cleaning tool. In particular, it can be provided that the detector device is connected to the sensor device via electrical lines.

The detector device preferably comprises electrical coupling elements for the wireless coupling of the detector device to the sensor device of the cleaning tool. For this purpose, it is possible, for example, to use optical, inductive or capacitive coupling elements or also coupling elements that are sensitive to an electromagnetic alternating field, in particular transmitter and / or receiver of radio signals, for example an antenna.

In an advantageous embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, the detector device comprises a coil which surrounds an annular portion of a base body of the cleaning tool in the circumferential direction. The coil allows inductive coupling of the detector device with the sensor device of the cleaning tool.

It can also be provided that the detector device has a reading device for reading out a transponder of the cleaning tool. For this purpose, the reading device comprises an antenna, preferably an antenna coil, by means of which a bidirectional contactless transmission channel can be established between the reading device and the transponder. In particular, a data memory of the transponder can be read or written by means of the reading device.

The antenna of the reading device is preferably arranged in the shortest possible distance from the antenna of the transponder of the cleaning tool. For example, it may be provided that the reading device antenna is arranged on or in a housing of the cleaning device accommodating the cleaning tool, in particular on or in a cover wall of the housing covering the cleaning tool.

It is particularly favorable when the antenna of the reading device is arranged on or in a ring which surrounds a cylindrical edge section of a main body of the cleaning tool in the circumferential direction. The edge section of the Base body is preferably arranged co-linear with the ring of the cleaning device, in particular it can be provided that the edge portion of the base body dips into the ring. The antenna of the transponder of the cleaning device can be positioned on or in the edge section, and the associated antenna of the reading device can be arranged on or in the ring surrounding the edge section.

In an advantageous embodiment, the cleaning tool is rotatably mounted on a bearing of the cleaning device and the antenna of the reader is positioned on or in a ring surrounding the bearing in the circumferential direction. This allows a particularly short distance between the antenna of the reader and the antenna of the transponder and thus a particularly interference-insensitive signal transmission.

It is particularly advantageous if the ring surrounding the bearing of the cleaning device is configured as a thread deflector. Such Fadenabweiser prevent winding around a drive shaft or a bearing axis of the cleaning tool threads, cords or other elongated objects, thereby affecting the rotation of the cleaning tool. Thread deflectors are used, for example, in scrubber driers and sweepers whose cleaning tools are designed as roller brushes. The roller brushes have a cylindrical base body, whose end-side end portions are each surrounded by an annular Fadenabweiser in the mounted state. The distance between the thread deflector and the base body is very small, for example, it can be a maximum of 10 mm, in particular about 5 to about 10 mm. One of the edge sections of the basic body can receive a transponder of the sensor device and the Fadenabweiser surrounding this edge portion can record the associated reader, so that signals can be exchanged between the reader and the transponder in a simple way by radio. Due to the small distance between the transponder and the reader small antennas can be used and still a good signal transmission can be achieved. The sensor element, preferably in the form of a conductor loop, can be connected to the transponder. If the conductor loop is interrupted when a predetermined degree of wear is reached, this can result, for example, in an impairment or even complete interruption of the signal transmission between the reading device and the transponder and can be detected by the detector device, and then an optical or acoustic signal can be generated on the display device the user indicates the achievement of the predetermined degree of wear of the cleaning tool. Alternatively, when the signal transmission is maintained, the interruption of the conductor loop from the transponder can be reported to the detector device via the reading device, which then generates a corresponding signal on the display device.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Teildarstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Reinigungsgerätes mit einem Reinigungswerkzeug;

Figur 2:

eine schematische Teildarstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Reinigungsgerätes mit einem Reinigungswerkzeug;

Figur 3:

eine schematische Teildarstellung einer dritten Ausführungsform eines Reinigungsgerätes mit einem Reinigungswerkzeug;

Figur 4:

eine schematische Teildarstellung einer vierten Ausführungsform eines Reinigungsgerätes mit einem Reinigungswerkzeug;

Figur 5:

eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Anschlussmöglichkeit eines Sensorelements an einen Transponder;

Figur 6:

eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Anschlussmöglichkeit eines Sensorelementes an einen Transponder;

Figur 7:

eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Variante der Montage eines Sensorelementes an einem Grundkörper eines Reinigungswerkzeuges;

Figur 8:

eine zweite Variante der Montage eines Sensorelementes am Grundkörper eines Reinigungswerkzeuges;

Figur 9:

eine dritte Variante der Montage eines Sensorelementes am Grundkörper eines Reinigungswerkzeuges;

Figur 10:

eine vierte Variante der Montage eines Sensorelementes am Grundkörper eines Reinigungswerkzeuges;

Figuren 11A, 11B und 11C:

eine fünfte Variante der Montage eines Sensorelementes am Grundkörper eines Reinigungswerkzeuges;

Figur 12:

eine schematische Teildarstellung einer fünften Ausführungsform eines Reinigungsgerätes mit einem Reinigungswerkzeug;

Figur 13:

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Grundkörpers des Reinigungswerkzeuges aus Figur 10 mit einem Sensorelement;

Figur 14:

eine schematische Teildarstellung einer sechsten Ausführungsform eines Reinigungsgerätes mit einem Reinigungswerkzeug.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a schematic partial view of a first embodiment of a cleaning device with a cleaning tool;

FIG. 2:

a schematic partial view of a second embodiment of a cleaning device with a cleaning tool;

FIG. 3:

a schematic partial view of a third embodiment of a cleaning device with a cleaning tool;

FIG. 4:

a schematic partial view of a fourth embodiment of a cleaning device with a cleaning tool;

FIG. 5:

a schematic representation of a first connection possibility of a sensor element to a transponder;

FIG. 6:

a schematic representation of a second connection possibility of a sensor element to a transponder;

FIG. 7:

a schematic representation of a first variant of the mounting of a sensor element on a base body of a cleaning tool;

FIG. 8:

a second variant of the mounting of a sensor element on the main body of a cleaning tool;

FIG. 9:

a third variant of the mounting of a sensor element on the main body of a cleaning tool;

FIG. 10:

a fourth variant of the mounting of a sensor element on the main body of a cleaning tool;

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C:

a fifth variant of the mounting of a sensor element on the main body of a cleaning tool;

FIG. 12:

a schematic partial view of a fifth embodiment of a cleaning device with a cleaning tool;

FIG. 13:

a perspective view of a main body of the cleaning tool FIG. 10 with a sensor element;

FIG. 14:

a schematic partial view of a sixth embodiment of a cleaning device with a cleaning tool.

In FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a scrubber 10 is shown with a cleaning tool according to the invention in the form of a roller brush 12. The roller brush 12 is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis 15 in a customary manner in a partially shown, underside open housing 14 and comprises a cylindrical base body 17, from which a plurality of cleaning bristles 18 protrude radially outward. The roller brush 12 can be rotated about the rotation axis 15 in rotation. For this purpose, a drive shaft 20 dips axially into the base body 17, designed as a hollow cylinder, which is rotatably mounted in a bearing sleeve 24 by means of a first ball bearing 21 and a second ball bearing 22 and is connected non-rotatably to the base body 17 in the usual way. At its free end facing away from the main body 17, the drive shaft 20 rotatably carries a pulley 25, in the usual manner via a drive belt, not shown in the drawing is coupled with a drive motor of the scrubber 10 also not shown in the drawing to achieve a better overview. With the help of the drive motor, the roller brush 12 can be rotated about the pulley 25 and the drive shaft 20 about the rotation axis 15 in rotation.

The drive shaft 20 has a coaxial with the axis of rotation 15 extending through hole 27 and is made of an electrically conductive material, preferably made of a metal. The through hole 27 is penetrated by a metal rod 29 which is held by means of a first insulating sleeve 31 and a second insulating sleeve 32 at a distance from the drive shaft 20 and thus insulated from this. The metal rod 29 protrudes in the axial direction via the drive shaft 20 both with its first end facing away from the roller brush 12 and with its second end immersed in the base body 17 of the roller brush 12. At its first end, the metal rod 29 carries a first contact ring 34 and at its second end the metal rod 29 carries a second contact ring 35.

The main body 17 defines a cavity 37. Starting from the cavity 37, the base body 17 has a radially aligned passage 38, which is penetrated by a sensor element 40. The latter comprises a foil plate 41, on which a U-shaped conductor loop 42 is arranged. The conductor loop has a first leg 43 and a second leg 44, which are connected to one another in the region between the cleaning bristles 18 outside of the main body 17 via a web 47. To the first leg 43, a first sliding contact 48 is connected, which contacts the outside of the drive shaft 20 within the main body 17, and to the second leg 44, a second sliding contact 49 is connected, which contacts the front side of the second contact ring 35. About the sliding contacts 48 and 49 is thus the conductor loop 42 with the drive shaft 20 and the metal rod 29 in electrical connection.

For electrical control, the scrubber 10 has a control device 50, to which a display device in the form of a display 52 is connected. In the control device 50, a transmitter 55 of a detector device 54 is integrated, which is connected via a first connecting line 56 and a third sliding contact 58 with the pulley 25, which in turn is in electrical connection with the drive shaft 20. In addition, the transmitter 55 is connected via a second connecting line 59 and a fourth sliding contact 60 with the first contact ring 34 which is electrically connected to the metal rod 29 in connection. The evaluation electronics 55 is thus connected via the first connecting line 56, the third sliding contact 58, the pulley 25, the drive shaft 20 and the first sliding contact 48 with the first leg 43 of the conductor loop 42, and via the second connecting line 59, the fourth sliding contact 60, the first contact ring 34, the metal rod 29, the second contact ring 35 and the second sliding contact 49 is the evaluation electronics 55 with the second leg 44 of the conductor loop 42 in electrical connection.

The sensor element 40 with the conductor loop 42, in combination with the two sliding contacts 48 and 49, forms a sensor device 62 integrated into the base body 17 of the roller brush 12, which is thus galvanically connected to the detector device 55 via the above-mentioned lines.

During operation of the scrubber 10, the cleaning bristles 18 of the roller brush 12 gradually wear, that is, they are increasingly shorter. This has the consequence that with prolonged operation of the roller brush 12, the cleaning bristles 18 with their free end practically the same distance to the outer side 46 of the body 17 as the outwardly projecting end of the film board 41. This causes the film board 41 in further operation the same way as the cleaning bristles 18 contacted the surface to be cleaned. In this case, the foil plate 41 is mechanically impaired and after a short time the conductor loop is interrupted in the region of the web 47. The interruption of the conductor loop 42 is detected by the transmitter 55 due to the now missing connection between the first connection line 56 and the second connection line 49 via the conductor loop 42. Then, a signal is transmitted to the display 52, so that the user on the display 52 reaching the predetermined by the radial positioning of the film plate 41 in the passage 38 degree of wear of the roller brush 12 is displayed. Before the operation of the scrubber 10, therefore, the user does not need to check the roller brush 12 to see if the cleaning bristles 18 are worn so far that damage to the floor surface to be cleaned or at least an insufficient cleaning result, but rather the user Reaching the predetermined degree of wear on the display 52 is displayed. Should the scrubber 10 be mistakenly put into operation without the roller brush 12 is mounted in the housing 14, this would also be displayed to the user on the display 52, since in this case there is no electrical connection between the two connecting lines 56 and 59.

A second embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a scrubber-drier 65 with a cleaning tool according to the invention in the form of a roller brush 67 is shown in FIG FIG. 2 shown schematically. The roller brush 67 is rotatably mounted in a housing 69 which is open at the bottom about a rotation axis 70. The rotary drive of the roller brush 67 is carried out in the same manner as in the FIG. 1 illustrated roller brush 12 by means of a drive shaft. In FIG. 2 the drive shaft is not shown, but rather shows the FIG. 2 This end face is rotatably mounted on a bearing sleeve 75 of the housing 69 by means of a ball bearing 72, which surrounds a bearing journal 73 of the main body 74 of the roller brush 67. From the main body 74 of the roller brush 67 stand in the same manner as from the main body 17 of the above-described roller brush 12 a plurality of cleaning bristles 77 radially outward, and between the cleaning bristles 77 is a sensor element 40 is formed identical to the sensor element 80 arranged with a foil plate 81, the a conductor loop 82 carries. Within the cavity 84, which is defined by the hollow cylindrical body 74 of the roller brush 67, is in the in FIG. 2 illustrated embodiment, not only a sensor device 85 is arranged with the sensor element 80, but also a detector device 86 with an evaluation 87 and an energy source in the form of a battery 89. The roller brush 67 also has a display device in the form of a warning light 90, which at the free end of Trunnion 73 is arranged and can be observed by the user through a sight glass 91 therethrough. The indicator light 90 is connected on the one hand to the battery 89 and on the other hand to the transmitter 87. The transmitter is connected to the first leg 94 and the second leg 93 of the conductor loop 82 in electrical connection and is connected to the battery 89.

If the cleaning bristles 77 worn so far that their free end does not protrude further from the outside 95 of the body 74 as the free edge of the film board 81, so in the further operation of the scrubber 65 not only the cleaning bristles 77 but in addition, the film board 81st mechanically impaired until the conductor loop 82 is interrupted. The interruption of the conductor loop 82 is detected by the detector device 86, which then activates the control lamp designed, for example, in the form of an incandescent lamp or a light-emitting electrode, so that it emits an optical signal which can be recognized by the user. The user thus receives the signal that the predetermined by the radial position of the sensor element 80 degree of wear of the roller brush 67 is reached and this must be replaced.

In FIG. 3 a third embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a scrubber 100 is shown with a erfindungemäßen cleaning tool in the form of a roller brush 102. The scrubber 100 and the roller brush 102 are substantially the same design as the above with reference to FIG. 1 shown scrubber 10 or roller brush 12. Identical components are therefore in FIG. 3 with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 and with respect to these components, reference is made to the foregoing explanations to avoid repetition.

In contrast to the scrubber-drier 10, in the scrubber-drier 100, the detector device 54 is connected via inductive coupling elements to the sensor device 103 installed in the roller brush 102. For this purpose, the scrubber 100 has a first coil 105 which surrounds a ring-shaped coil carrier 107, projecting like a collar from a housing wall 106, in the direction of contact. The bobbin 107 is aligned coaxially with the bearing sleeve 24 and a cylindrical edge portion 109 of the base body 17 of the roller brush 102 dives into the annular bobbin 107. At its dipping area, the edge portion 109 carries a second coil 110 whose ends are connected via connecting lines 111 and 112 to the conductor loop 42 of the sensor element 40 of the roller brush 102.

The second coil 110 forms a component of the sensor device 103 installed in the roller brush 102, which sensor element comprises the sensor element 40 in addition to the second coil 110. Via the conductor loop 42 of the sensor element 40, the second coil 110 is short-circuited.

During operation of the scrubber 100, the roller brush 102 rotates about its axis of rotation 15, and the second coil 110 performs a corresponding rotational movement within the first coil 105. The rotational movement of the second coil 110 has the consequence that in the first coil 105, an electrical voltage is induced, which can be detected by the detector device 55.

If, after a corresponding wear of the cleaning bristles 18 of the roller brush 102, the conductor loop 42 of the sensor element 40 of the roller brush 102 is interrupted, as described above with reference to FIG figure 1 has been explained in detail, this results in a change in the voltage induced in the first coil 105 voltage. This voltage change is also detected by the detector device 55, which then sends a signal to the display 52, so that this indicates to the user the information that reaches the predetermined by the radial position of the sensor element 40 in the base body 17 of the roller brush 102 degree of wear of the roller brush 102 is. Subsequently, the user can exchange the roller brush 102.

Upon reaching a predetermined degree of wear, as explained above, the conductor loop 42 is interrupted. This changes abruptly the ohmic resistance of the conductor loop 42 and thus a physical characteristic of the sensor element 40. This characteristic change is, as explained above, via the electrical contact elements in the form of the first coil 105 and the second coil 110 inductively detected by the detector device 54 and then displayed on the display 52 to the user.

In FIG. 4 a fourth embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a scrubber 120 is shown with a cleaning tool according to the invention in the form of a roller brush 122. The scrubber 120 and the roller brush 122 are substantially identical to those described above with reference to FIG. 1 explained scrubber 10 or roller brush 12. For identical components are therefore in FIG. 4 the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 and with respect to these components, reference is made to the foregoing explanations to avoid repetition.

The roller brush 122 has a sensor device 123 with a sensor element 40, which, as already explained in detail, has a conductor loop 42. In addition, the sensor device 123 comprises a transponder 125 FIG. 5 is clear, the transponder 125 includes an antenna coil 126, a read / write memory 127 and a control logic 128. Read / write memory 127 and control logic 128 are part of a microelectronic circuit 129, as well as the antenna coil 126 and the conductor loop 42 of the sensor element 40th is arranged on a common foil plate 131. The conductor loop 42 is connected in series with the antenna coil 126. If the conductor loop 42 is interrupted when a predetermined degree of wear of the roller brush 122 has been reached, as explained above, the transmission and reception properties of the antenna coil 126 change with it.

In a corresponding manner, as has been explained above, the sensor device 123 integrated into the roller brush 122 is also assigned an external detector device 133. This includes an integrated into the control device 50 of scrubber 120 evaluation 34 and a reader 135 with an antenna coil 136 which interacts with the antenna coil 126 of the transponder 125 of the sensor device 123 via the exchange of radio signals contactless. The reading device 135 is arranged on a ceiling wall 137 of the roller brush 122 accommodating the housing 14. With the help of the reading device 135, the read / write memory 127 of the transponder 125 can be read out without contact. In the read / write memory 127 tool-specific data can be stored to identify the roller brush 122nd

If the conductor loop 42 of the sensor element 40 is interrupted when a degree of wear of the roller brush 122 determined by the radial arrangement of the sensor element 40 in the base body 17 of the roller brush 122 is reached, then the transmission and reception properties of the antenna coil 126 abruptly change, so that radio signals are possibly worse Quality between the reader 135 and the transponder 125 can be transmitted. In particular, it can be provided that, when the conductor loop 142 is interrupted, the reading device 135 can no longer recognize the transponder 125 at all, since it no longer receives a response signal from the transponder 125. The impaired or even completely interrupted signal transmission between the reading device 135 and the transponder 125 is detected by the evaluation electronics 134 of the detector device 133. Thereupon, the display 52 connected to the control device 50 of the scrubber 120 visually indicates to the user the achievement of the predetermined degree of wear. Similarly, the absence of a roller brush 122 is also indicated in the event that the scrubber 120 has been erroneously put into operation without the roller brush 122 being previously mounted in the housing 14.

In FIG. 6 an alternative interconnection of the transponder 125 is shown schematically. In contrast to the interconnection according to FIG. 5 is in FIG. 6 the conductor loop 42 is not connected in series with the antenna coil 126 but connected to separate inputs 130, 138 of the control logic 128. If the conductor loop 42 is interrupted when a predetermined degree of wear is reached, this is detected by the control logic 128 and reported to the reading device 135 by means of the antenna coil 126. Even with interrupted conductor loop 42 can in the in FIG. 6 shown interconnection of the read / write memory 127 are read out by the reader 135, because the signal transmission between reader 135 and transponder 125 is not affected by the interruption of the conductor loop 42.

For arranging and fixing the sensor element 40 or also with reference to FIG. 2 explained sensor element 80 have been made no further details. In FIG. 7 schematically a first arrangement and mounting option on a main body 140 is shown schematically. The main body 140 may be made of a plastic material, for example, on which cleaning bristles 18 and 77 are set to project radially outwards in a later production step, which is not shown in the drawing.

The main body 140 has a recess 141 extending over a partial region of its circumference and also a partial region of its axial extension, which is covered by a cover 142. Before the cover 142 is inserted accurately into the recess 141, a foil plate 143 is fixed to the underside of the lid 142, which has a stamped, strip-shaped board region 144 which is folded radially outward. The stamped-out board area 144 protrudes with a free end portion 145 on the outside 146 of the lid 142 and the remaining portion of the board area 144 extends between the lid 142 and the edge of the recess 141. Die punched board area 144 then forms the above-described sensor element 40 or 80 and carries the conductor loop 42 and 82, whereas within the base body 140 on the remaining foil plate 143 further electrical components of a sensor device can be arranged, in particular the above with reference to FIG. 4 explained transponder 125.

A second advantageous possibility of arranging and mounting a radially outwardly projecting sensor element on a base body of a roller brush is in FIG. 8 shown. In this case, a base body 150 is used with a slot-shaped recess 151 extending over a partial region of its longitudinal extent, which extends from an axial end 152 of the base body 150 and extends over a partial region of the entire length of the base body 150. In the recess 151, starting from the axial end 152, a stamped-out blank area 153 of a foil plate 154 is inserted. With a free end of the punched-out board area 152 projects radially outwardly beyond the outer side of the base body 150, whereas the remaining area of the foil plate 154 rests on the inside on the hollow cylindrical base body 150. The punched-out board area 152 accommodates the above-explained conductor loop 42 or 82, and the remaining area of the foil board 154 accommodates further electrical components of the sensor device within the base body 150; in particular, it can carry a transponder 125.

A third possibility of arranging and mounting a sensor element in the main body of a roller brush in the FIG. 9 shown. In this case, a two-part main body 160 is used with a first basic body part 161 and a second basic body part 162, which can be inserted into one another in the axial direction. Both basic body parts 161 and 162 are hollow. The first body part 161 similarly has the same design as described above with reference to FIG FIG. 6 already at the base body 150 has been explained, extending over a portion of its length extending slot-shaped recess 163 which extends from the second base body portion 162 facing the end 164 of the first body portion 161. Inserted into the slot-shaped recess 163 is a stamped-out board area 165 of a film board 166 otherwise disposed within the base body 160, so that the free end of the punched-out board area 165 projects radially outwardly beyond the outside of the first base body section 161. Again, punched out board area 165 may receive a conductor loop that will break when a predetermined degree of wear of the corresponding roller brush is reached, and the remaining area of foil board 166 may receive, for example, a transponder that may be contacted by an associated reader as long as the conductor loop is not interrupted is. The two main body parts 161 and 162 can be inserted into each other after inserting the foil plate 166 in the first base body part 161, and then in a further manufacturing step, a plurality of cleaning bristles on the outer sides of the two basic body parts 161 and 162 are set to form a roller brush for a scrubber.

Another arrangement and mounting possibility of a sensor element in the main body of a roller brush is in FIG. 10 illustrated by the example of a base body 170, which is designed in the form of a hollow cylinder. An annular carrier 171 can be inserted into the main body 170 on the front side, wherein the carrier 171 can be pressed with the main body 170. The carrier 171 comprises a ring member 172, to which an inner sleeve 173 is integrally formed, which is insertable into the base body 170. On the inner sleeve 173, an outer sleeve 174 is pressed, after previously on the inner sleeve 173 a film board 175 was wound up. A stamped-out board portion 176 of the film board 175 is guided by a passage slot of the outer sleeve 174 not shown in the drawing in the manner of a flag to the outside and held by trunnions 177 on a plate-like web 178 which is integrally formed on the ring member 172. When inserting the carrier 171 into the base body 170, the web 178 can be inserted into a slot 179 of the base body 170, wherein then an end portion of the punched-out board area 176 projects radially outward from the base body 170. The web 178 supports the punched-out board area 176, which is clamped in a defined manner after insertion of the carrier into the base body 170 between one side of the slot 179 and the web 178, ie the position of the fixation of the board area 176 is uniquely predetermined by the web 178. The stamped-out board area 176 can carry a conductor loop in a corresponding manner, as already described, which is preferably electrically connected to a transponder arranged on the remaining area of the foil board 175, in particular with its antenna coil, as already explained above. The carrier 171 can be used in combination with the stamped-out board area 176 and the remaining area of the film board 175 for bodies of different thicknesses. For this purpose, it is only necessary to form the corresponding end face, with which the support 171 is to be pressed, in a complementary manner to the support 171 of the base body. This provides in a simple way the ability to equip roller brushes with different diameters with a sensor device whose physical characteristic, such as the ohmic resistance of a conductor loop, undergoes an abrupt change upon reaching a predetermined degree of wear of the roller brush, said characteristic change can be detected by an associated detector device preferably contactless.

In the Figures 11A, 11B and 11C schematically another arrangement and mounting possibility of a sensor element in the main body of a roller brush on the example of a base 180 is shown. This one is in the FIGS. 11A to 11C only partially illustrated. It is clear that it is in the form of a hollow cylinder and has a diametrically extending, stepped recess 181 with a first recess portion 182, which merges via a step 183 in a second recess portion 184, wherein the second recess portion 184 is considerably smaller than the first Recess portion 182. The first recess portion 182 extends through a cylinder wall 185 of the base body 180 and extends diametrically approximately to the center of the opposite cylinder wall 186. In the cylinder wall 186, the step 183 and the second recess portion 184 extend.

In the radial direction, a holder 188 can be inserted into the recess 181, which carries on its front side 189 a foil plate 190 with a foil strip 191 projecting forward from the front side 189. The holder 188 is made of an elastically deformable material, in particular of a plastic material and has on opposite outer sides in each case a latching wing 192 or 193. On the rear side 194 facing away from the front side 189, the holder 188 carries a lid 195. If the holder 188 is inserted into the recess 181 with the foil plate 190, the foil strip 191 reaches through the second recess section 184 and protrudes with its free end over the outside of the main body 180 radially outward, and at the same time engage the elastic locking wings 192 and 193, the cylinder wall 185 and the lid 195 closes the first recess portion 182. The foil plate 190 is thus reliably fixed inside the hollow cylindrical body 180, wherein the outwardly projecting film strip 191, such as already described above, can carry a conductor loop, which is interrupted upon reaching a predetermined degree of wear of the corresponding roller brush. The remaining area of the foil plate 190 arranged within the basic body 180 can in turn carry a transponder, which is electrically connected to the conductor loop.

In many cases, the storage areas known roller brushes are surrounded by a so-called Fadenabweiser that should prevent wrap around the drive shaft and the bearings of the roller brush threads or cords that can affect the rotation of the roller brush result. A corresponding embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention in the form of a scrubber-drier 200 with a cleaning tool in the form of a roller brush 202 is shown in FIG FIG. 12 shown schematically. The scrubber-drier 200 is designed substantially identical to the above with reference to the FIGS. 1 . 3 and 4 explained Scrubber 10, 100 and 120. For identical components are therefore in FIG. 10 the same reference numerals as in the FIGS. 1 . 3 and 4 and with respect to these components, reference is made to the foregoing explanations to avoid repetition.

The scrubber-drier 200 has an annular Fadenabweiser 203, which has a cylindrical edge portion 204 of a base 205 of the Roller brush 202 circumferentially surrounds. In the Fadenabweiser 103, a reader 207 a detector device 208 is integrated, which in addition to the reader 207 has a transmitter 209, which is integrated into the control device 50 of the scrubber 200.

The reader 207 is associated with a transponder 211, which is injected into a sleeve 212 of plastic surrounding the cylindrical edge portion 204 of the base body 205 and is in electrical connection with a sensor element 213 projecting axially from the sleeve 212. The sensor element 213 is designed as a foil board, which, as already explained several times, carries a conductor loop.

The arrangement of the transponder 211 in the cylindrical edge portion 204 arranged sleeve 212, which is surrounded by the annular Fadenabweiser 203 which receives the associated reader 207, has the advantage that between the reader 207 and the transponder 211, a very small distance can be achieved , In particular, a distance of less than 10 mm. This ensures a particularly good signal transmission between the reader 207 and the transponder 212.

In FIG. 13 schematically, the main body 205 of the roller brush 202 is shown with pressed onto the cylindrical edge portion 204 sleeve 212 from which protrudes the foil plate with the sensor element 213 in the axial direction.

The inventive design of a cleaning tool with a sensor device for detecting the degree of wear of the cleaning tool is not limited to roller brushes, as described in detail above. In FIG. 14 is a sixth embodiment of a cleaning device with a cleaning tool illustrated schematically in a partial view, wherein the cleaning tool is configured in the form of a disc brush 220. The disk brush 220 is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis 226 on a carrier plate 222 of a cleaning device 224 shown only in part. It comprises a base body in the form of an annular disc 228, which on the underside, that is, facing away from the carrier plate 222, carries a multiplicity of cleaning bristles 230. The annular disc 28 has a central passage opening 232, which is penetrated by a driver 234 which is rotationally fixed to a drive shaft 236 is held. The drive shaft can be rotated in the usual way by a known per se and therefore not shown in the drawing motor of the cleaning device 224 in rotation.

The annular disc 228 carries a sensor device 238 with a transponder 239 and a sensor element 240, which is designed according to the above-described embodiments as a conductor loop and is arranged together with the transponder 239 on a flexible film board. The sensor element 240 passes through a passage 241 of the annular disc 228 and protrudes with its free end on the underside of the annular disc 228. The free end region of the sensor element 240 is arranged between the cleaning bristles 230. The transponder 239 is arranged on the cleaning bristles 230 facing away from the upper side of the annular disc 228.

The carrier plate 222 carries on its underside, facing the transponder 239, an antenna 243 of an upper side arranged on the support plate 222 Reader 244. The reader 244 is connected to an evaluation of the cleaning device 224 according to the above-described embodiments. By means of the reader 244, a read / write memory of the transponder 239 can be read.

If after a corresponding wear of the cleaning bristles 230, the conductor loop of the sensor element 240 of the disk brush 220 interrupted, as already explained above, this is detected by the reader 244, and then on a display device of the cleaning device 224 reaching the predetermined degree of wear of the disk brush 220th be displayed optically or acoustically.

All the above embodiments have in common that the respective cleaning device has a cleaning tool with a sensor element which abruptly changes a physical characteristic, for example an electrical characteristic, in particular an ohmic resistance, for a given degree of wear of the cleaning tool, and this characteristic change can be detected by an associated detector device become. This gives the possibility of displaying to the user the achievement of a maximum degree of wear on a display, without the user having to inspect the cleaning tool himself. The risk that damaged by an excessively worn cleaning tool a floor surface or at least an insufficient cleaning result is achieved, thereby considerably reduced.

Claims (22)

1. Cleaning tool for a cleaning device, in particular, for cleaning a surface, the cleaning tool (12; 67; 102; 122; 202; 220) being subject to wear during operation and comprising a sensor device (62; 85; 123; 238) with a sensor element (40; 80; 240) which has a physical characteristic variable which changes as a function of the degree of wear of the cleaning tool (12; 67; 102; 122; 202; 220), characterized in that the sensor element (40; 80) comprises an electrical conductor loop (42) which can be interrupted when a predefined degree of wear of the cleaning tool (12; 67; 102; 122; 202; 220) is reached.
2. Cleaning tool according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device comprises a coil (110) to which the sensor element (40) is connected.
3. Cleaning tool according to Claim 2, characterized in that the cleaning tool (102) is rotatable about a rotation axis (15), and in that the coil (110) surrounds, in the circumferential direction, a cylindrical portion (109), which is aligned coaxially with the rotation axis (15), of a base body (17) of the cleaning tool (102).
4. Cleaning tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning tool (65) has a detector device (86) which is associated with the sensor device (85) and which can be connected to an indicator device (90) and which detects the change in the physical characteristic variable of the sensor element (80).
5. Cleaning tool according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sensor device has electrical coupling elements (110; 125) for wireless coupling of the sensor device to an external detector device (54) which detects the change in the physical characteristic variable of the sensor element (40).
6. Cleaning tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (123) has an electrical memory element (127).
7. Cleaning tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (123) has a transponder (125; 239).
8. Cleaning tool according to Claim 7, characterized in that the cleaning tool (202) is rotatable about a rotation axis (15) and has a base body (205) with an annular region (204) which is aligned coaxially with the rotation axis (15) and on which the transponder (211) is disposed.
9. Cleaning tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning tool (12; 67; 102; 122; 202; 220) is rotatable about a rotation axis (15; 226) and has a base body (17; 74; 140; 205; 228) which is aligned coaxially with the rotation axis (15; 226) and from which the sensor element (40; 80; 240) projects radially or axially in relation to the rotation axis (15; 226).
10. Cleaning tool according to Claim 9, characterized in that the sensor element (40; 80) can be latched or clamped to the base body (180).
11. Cleaning tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor element (40; 80) is of flexible form.
12. Cleaning tool according to Claim 11, characterized in that the cleaning tool (12; 67; 102; 122; 202; 220) is rotatably mounted, cleaning elements (18; 77; 230) of the cleaning tool (12; 67; 102; 122; 202; 220) being disposed ahead of and behind the sensor element (40; 80; 240) in the direction of rotation of the cleaning tool (12; 67; 102; 122; 202; 220).
13. Cleaning tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor element (40; 80; 240) is disposed on a foil printed circuit (41; 81; 131; 143; 154; 166; 177; 190).
14. Cleaning tool according to Claim 13, characterized in that a transponder (125), which is electrically connected to the sensor element, is disposed on the foil printed circuit (131).
15. Cleaning tool according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the foil printed circuit (177) is mounted on a carrier (172; 212) which can be axially inserted into a base body (170; 205) of the cleaning tool (202; 220).
16. Cleaning tool according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning tool is formed as a rotatably mounted roller brush (12; 67; 102; 122; 202) with a cylindrical base body (17; 74; 205) from which a large number of cleaning bristles (18; 77) project outward, the sensor element (40; 80) being disposed between the cleaning bristles (18; 77).
17. Cleaning tool according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the cleaning tool is formed as a rotatably mounted disk brush (220) with a plate-like base body (228), from the lower face of which a large number of cleaning bristles (230) project, the sensor element (240) being disposed between the cleaning bristles (230).
18. Cleaning device for cleaning a surface, in particular, a floor surface, having at least one cleaning tool according to one of the preceding claims and having a detector device (55; 86; 133; 208) which is coupled to the sensor device (62; 85; 123) for the purpose of sensing the change in the physical characteristic variable of the sensor element (40; 80), and having an indicator device (52) which is connected to the detector device (55; 86; 133; 208).
19. Cleaning device according to Claim 18, characterized in that the detector device (54) has an evaluation electronics system (55) which is integrated in a control device (50) of the cleaning device (10; 100) and can be connected to the sensor device (62) via electrical lines (56, 59).
20. Cleaning device according to Claim 18, characterized in that the detector device has electrical coupling elements (105; 135; 207) for wireless coupling of the detector device to the sensor device (123).
21. Cleaning device according to Claim 20, characterized in that the detector device is coupled to the sensor device by way of a coil (105), the coil (105) surrounding, in the circumferential direction, a cylindrical portion (109) of a base body (17) of the cleaning tool (102).
22. Cleaning device according to Claim 20, characterized in that the detector device (133; 208) comprises a read device (135; 207) for reading a transponder (125; 211) of the cleaning tool (122, 102, 220).

Images