GB2616040A

GB2616040A - Cleaning device with maintenance indicator

Info

Publication number: GB2616040A
Application number: GB2202601.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Waters Richard
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Current assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date: 2022-02-25
Filing date: 2022-02-25
Publication date: 2023-08-30
Also published as: GB202202601D0

Abstract

A cleaning device 10 comprises a controller 200 providing a processor 202 and a data storage device 204, a user display device 46 and an operating component; the controller 200 being configured to: determine data associated with a condition of the operating component, in response to the determination, access a maintenance code (54, fig 6) associated with the operating component from the data storage device and cause the user display device to display the maintenance code. A counter or timer may be provided to determine when the device need maintenance such as a service or cleaning a filter. The maintenance code may be a barcode or QR code which can be read using a smartphone.

Description

CLEANING DEVICE WITH MAINTENANCE INDICATOR

FIELD

The present invention relates to a cleaning device, and in particular to a cleaning device providing a maintenance indicator for informing a user about a condition of the device.

BACKGROUND

Cleaning devices such as suction cleaners, floor-scrubbing devices and carpet washers, typically include one or more storage tanks or reservoirs, for storing a cleaning fluid and/or for storing recovered dirty fluid or dirt. A dirt storage tank, or dirty fluid recovery tank, may need to be detached and emptied during or after use, or once the tank is at or near to reaching its capacity. Tanks holding water to be dispensed onto the surface being cleaned, and tanks holding detergent for mixing with the water, require filling from time to time, as the cleaner is used or between uses.

Driven agitators for scrubbing a floor surface, or agitating dirt from a carpet, may accumulate debris and fibres, and eventually require disconnection and/or cleaning in order to continue to operate the device.

Suction cleaner devices typically provide one or more filters, disposed before and/or after the motor generating the air flow through the device. These filters require occasional cleaning and/or replacing as dirt becomes lodged on and eventually engrained into the filter material.

Typically, when using such devices, the onus is placed on the user to check whether one or more of the above maintenance actions is required before, during and/or after use of the device, and to carry out the necessary steps associated with the action. These maintenance actions may include topping up fluid tanks, emptying dirt or dirty fluid from a recovery tank, cleaning an agitator, or cleaning or changing a filter, for example.

Since different cleaner models provide these components to different designs, in different locations on the cleaning device, and with differing release mechanisms for example, it may not be straightforward for a user to determine that a maintenance action is required at the appropriate time or to carry out the action.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a cleaning device as claimed in Claim 1 or in Claim 6. The present invention also provides preferred embodiments as claimed in the dependent claims.

Embodiments of the described technology provide the advantages that a user is made aware of the need to carry out a maintenance action, based on a condition of the cleaning device. In some embodiments of the described technology, a user is provided with a simple mechanism for obtaining information associated with the required maintenance action. Further, in some embodiments of the described technology, a user is provided with a mechanism for obtaining a replacement component and/or contacting a remote support resource in order to address the maintenance issue.

The device as described provides a means of extending the life of a cleaning device, and enhancing the efficiency of the device. This is achieved by ensuring that a user is informed of the need to carry out regular maintenance steps on the device. In this way, the longevity of the device is improved, and its performance maintained at a high level at which inefficiencies experienced due to clogged filters or agitators, or insufficient cleaning detergent being provided, for example, are reduced or avoided. By ensuring a device is operating efficiently, the device will consume less energy overall as a result to achieve the same level of cleaning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, preferable embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGURE 1 is an isometric view of a cleaning device embodying the present disclosure; FIGURE 2 is a side view of a body of the cleaning device of FIGURE 1; FIGURE 3 is an isometric side view of the body of the cleaning device of FIGURES 1 and 2; FIGURE 4 is a cross-section view of a separation device of embodiments of the described technology; FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of a portion of the body of the cleaning device of FIGURES 1,2 and 3; FIGURE 6 is a diagram view of a user display of embodiments of the described technology; FIGURE 7 is a flow diagram of exemplary steps of a method of providing action steps to a user, according to embodiments of the described technology; FIGURE 8 is a diagram of a cleaning device and an associated controller, and of a user device, according to embodiments of the described technology; and FIGURE 9 is a diagram of a user display of a user device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring to the figures, these show a cleaning device 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. In embodiments of the technology, and as described herein, the cleaning device 10 is a surface cleaning device, and may particularly be a floor cleaning device, for example. In the described example, the cleaning device 10 is a suction cleaner. In other embodiments, the cleaning device may be a carpet washing device or a floor scrubbing device.

The cleaning device 10 is shown in Figure 1 in a first configuration that is commonly referred to as a stick-vac cleaner. In embodiments of the technology, and as shown in that Figure, the cleaning device 10 includes a surface cleaning tool 12 (a floor head in this example), a body 14 supporting one or more operating components of the device (which may include at least a suction source 18 and a dirt separation device 20, for example), and an elongate member 16 fluidly connecting the surface cleaning tool 12 to the body 14. The elongate member 16 is commonly referred to, and will be referred to here, as a wand 16.

The surface cleaning tool 12 provides a suction inlet. In embodiments of the technology, the surface cleaning tool 12 comprises one or more driven agitators, such as a brush bar providing bristles or the like for agitating a floor surface, a soft roller for sweeping a hard floor, or one or more scrubbing devices for scrubbing a carpet or the like. In such embodiments the surface cleaning tool 12 provides a motor for driving the agitator(s). Power may be provided to the surface cleaning tool 12 via an electrical connection in the wand 16, linking the surface cleaning tool 12 to the body 14, and to a power source associated with the body 14. In embodiments of the technology, the surface cleaning tool 12 provides one or more wheels or rollers for moving the surface cleaning tool 12 along a surface to be cleaned.

The wand 16 is preferably rigid and forms a passage through which air and entrained dirt is drawn during use, to the body 14.

The body 14, in this example, is operable as a handheld surface cleaning device without the wand 16 connected, in a second configuration as shown in Figures 2 and 3. A cleaning device having this configuration is commonly known as a hand vac or handheld cleaner. In this state the body 14 can be used with or without the surface cleaning tool 12 connected to it.

The body 14 provides (or is connectable to) a user graspable handle 40, so that in use the cleaning device 10 can be held and manipulated by a user during a cleaning operation.

The body 14 supports a suction source 18 including a motor for rotating a fan about an axis, to create a flow of air on a suction path through the cleaning device 10, between a suction inlet through which air and entrained dirt is drawn into the cleaning device 10, and an exhaust outlet 48 downstream of the motor.

The body 14 supports a dirt separation device 20 providing a chamber formed between first and second opposite ends 20a, 20b, connected by a wall 24 extending between them. The dirt separation device 20 lies on the suction path between the suction inlet and the suction source 18. The dirt separation device 20 provides a separator, indicated generally at 28, within the chamber, for separating dirt from dirt-laden air and a dirt collection chamber 30 for receiving separated dirt.

In embodiments of the technology, and as shown in Figure 4, the separator 28 is a cyclonic separator. An example cyclonic separator is illustrated, having a first stage separator 26 providing a perforated screen through which air is drawn to a second stage, coarse dirt being unable to pass through the screen, and the dirt moving to the dirt collection chamber 30 under the swirling motion of air. Relatively clean air passes from the first stage separator 26 downstream to a second stage indicated generally at 32, in which air and fine dirt entrained in the air flow swirls around a chamber (a frustoconical chamber in the example illustrated). Fine dirt is separated from the swirling air, passing to a second dirt collection chamber 36, and the air being drawn from the chamber through an outlet 34 and to a pre-motor filter 38. Air passes through the pre-motor filter 38, leaving fine dirt particles on a surface of the pre-motor filter 38, the air being drawn further downstream to the suction source 18.

In other embodiments of the technology (not shown), the separator comprises a filter bag received in the space defined by the dirt separation device 20 and the dirt collection chamber may be formed by an internal space defined by the bag.

With reference to Figure 5, downstream of the dirt separation device 20, the suction source 18 draws the air flow leaving the pre-motor filter 38, through the motor. The air flow is then exhausted from the cleaning device 10 via an exhaust outlet 48 formed in a housing of the body 14.

In embodiments of the technology, air passing through the motor passes through a post-motor filter downstream of the motor, the internal position of which is indicated at 50 in Figure 5. The position of the post-motor filter is such that it is disposed adjacent exhaust outlets 48. In this way, air passing from the motor has at least some of the remaining fine dirt particles removed by the post-motor filter, prior to leaving the cleaning device 10. Those separated fine dirt particles remain on a surface of the post-motor filter.

In embodiments of the technology, the dirt separation device 20 is disconnectable from the body 14 for emptying the dirt from the chamber, for example. In other embodiments the dirt separation device 20 is not disconnectable, and dirt is emptied from the dirt collection chamber(s) 30, 36, or the bag removed, by opening (e.g., pivoting or disconnecting) a lid formed at one or other, or both, of the ends 20a, 20b of the dirt separation device 20.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, showing the body 14 without the wand 16 attached to it, the body 14 supports a passage member 22, which fluidly connects to the dirt separation device 20 In this configuration, an inlet of the passage member 22 provides the suction inlet to the cleaning device 10. During use, dirt-laden air flows through the passage member 22, into the dirt separation device 20.

In embodiments of the technology, the passage member 22 is selectively connectable to the wand 16 and/or the surface cleaning tool 12. If the surface cleaning tool 12 is either connected directly to the body 14 (i.e. to the passage member 22), or connected via the wand 16, then in that configuration the surface cleaning tool 12 provides the suction inlet to the cleaning device 10.

In embodiments of the technology, the suction source 18 is positioned forward of the user graspable handle 40. In examples, and as shown in Figures 2 and 3 there is a space for receiving a portion of a user's hand (such as the fingers) which extends between the user graspable handle 40 and the suction source 18.

The body 14 further supports a power source. In embodiments and as described here, the cleaning device 10 is cordless, and is battery-powered. In the embodiments illustrated in the Figures, a battery 42 (i.e. a rechargeable battery pack) is provided. The battery 42 may be disconnectable, to be charged in a separate charging dock, or alternatively may be charged in situ on the cleaning device 10. In other embodiments (not shown), the cleaning device is a mains-powered device, providing a cable, or a connection point for a cable, to be connected to a mains socket to power the device during use.

Figure 5 of the drawings shows a portion of the body 14 in more detail. The body 14 provides one or more user controls 44 to allow a user to interact with the cleaning device 10, to change an operating mode of the device. The user control(s) may include a button, or a switch, or a dial, or a touchscreen interface, for example. The cleaning device 10 may be operable in one or more modes, defining one or more of the speed of rotation of the suction motor, the speed of rotation of a motor in the surface cleaning tool 12 associated with driving one or more agitators within the tool, or turning either or both motors on and off. The operating mode of the device may be displayed to the user via one or more visual indicators 52. The visual indicator(s) 52 may comprise an LED or other light and may become lit or change colour depending on the current operating mode of the cleaning device 10. One or more of the visual indicators 52 may indicate a level of charge of the battery 42.

With reference to Figure 8 of the drawings, the body 14 includes a controller 200 having an associated processor 202 and data storage device 204. The controller 200 is operable to store one or more of: device settings, device usage statistics, and maintenance information.

Device settings may include the on/off settings of one or both of the suction motor and agitator motor, and/or the rotational speed settings of the motors. Device usage statistics comprise data associated with a condition of one or more operating components of the cleaning device 10. For example, the data may include either an aggregate elapsed time (in the case of a timer being used) or number of discrete uses On the case of a counter being used), in relation to one or more operating components or to the cleaning device 10 itself The usage statistics may be used to determine when a component needs replacing, emptying, or cleaning, for example.

The controller 200 may be operable to reset a counter or a timer on receipt of an input from the user (via the user controls 44 for example) indicative of that component being cleaned, emptied, or replaced (i.e. the required maintenance action having been taken by the user).

For example, the controller 200 may be operable to record usage statistics relating to one or more of the following operating components: the suction motor (i.e., the motor of the suction source 18), the agitator motor, the pre-motor filter 38, the post-motor filter, the dirt collection container(s) 30, 36, the dirt separation device 20. It should be understood that in embodiments relating to cleaning devices other than suction cleaners, other component statistics may be recorded, including but not limited to one or more of the following operating components: a dirty fluid recovery tank (of a carpet washer, for example), a cleaning solution (i.e., water) tank, a detergent tank.

The controller 200 may be operable to record a discrete number of uses of the device. In other words, the controller may store and update, for each of one or more of the components above, a counter representing distinct cleaning operations during which the device is powered on and/or the component is in use. Optionally, the controller 200 may increment the counter only when a cleaning operation lasts longer than a minimum threshold time -of 30 seconds, for example -to avoid counting operations resulting from the device being switched on accidentally by a user, or the device being paused for a short period during use.

In addition to or instead of incrementing a counter, the controller 200 may use a timer to record the time elapsed during use, rather than a discrete number of uses.

In this way, by measuring the usage of the cleaning device 10 and/or its individual operating components, information about the usage can be used to estimate the likely condition of the components. In this way, maintenance alerts can be generated and maintenance information displayed to a user, providing information about which operating component needs attention and how to service the component.

The controller 200 is operatively linked to a user display device 46, for displaying information to a user. In embodiments of the technology the user display device 46 provides a screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). In embodiments, the user display device 46 may provide a touch screen, and be configured to receive an input from a user via the touch screen. References to user input are intended to encompass inputs using the user controls 44 or via the touchscreen, in the event that the user display device 46 provides that functionality.

In embodiments of the technology, the controller 200 is operable to display stored information to a user, via the user display device 46. A user may select, using the user controls 44, to view information about the usage statistics relating to one or more components of the cleaning device 10 as outlined above. In embodiments, the controller 200 is configured to reset to zero the or each timer or counter associated with a component, on receipt of a user input, as described above.

The cleaning device 10 is configured such that, in use, the controller 200 records device usage statistics as described above. For one or more of the timers or counters associated with a component of the cleaning device 10, the controller 200 stores an associated threshold value at or above which the component should be cleaned, replaced, or otherwise serviced. In response to determining that a counter or timer has reached or exceeded such a threshold, the controller 200 is configured to display via the user display device 46 maintenance information which may include a maintenance message 56 and a maintenance code 54. The maintenance information may be associated specifically with the component for which the threshold has been reached, and/or the specific threshold reached, or may be a general message not associated with that component. So, in that case, a different maintenance message 56 and maintenance code 54 may be displayed according to the specific threshold reached, for the same operating component.

For example, in the case of a filter, the controller 200 may store a threshold value of 10 cleaning operations, and when the counter associated with the filter reaches 10 uses, the threshold has been reached. An associated maintenance message 56 and maintenance code 54 is subsequently displayed.

In embodiments of the technology, rather than resetting the counter or timer on receipt of a user input indicating that the component has been serviced, instead the controller 200 stores a record of current value of the counter or timer at the point of the user input, as a record denoting the last time the component was cleaned. In this way the controller 200 may subsequently subtract that value from the current counter or timer value, to determine the elapsed usage since the component was last serviced, and use that value to determine whether the threshold associated with the counter or timer has been reached.

For example, consider that a tank of cleaning fluid should be refilled after 5 uses, and has an associated threshold set of '5'. The user indicates via user input that the tank has been refilled, when the current counter is set to '18'. At that point, a record is made of the last tank refill being made on counter value 18. Subsequently, each time the device is used, when the current value of the counter is compared to the threshold of 5, 18 is subtracted from the value to determine the number of cleaning operations since the tank was last filled. So, when the counter reaches 23, the controller 200 determines that 23-18=5, and so the threshold has been reached. At that stage, if

S

the user subsequently fills the tank and provides that information via user input, the controller 200 updates the stored record from 18 to 23, denoting the value of the counter at the latest tank refill.

In an alternative embodiment, the controller 200 records the value at which the operating component will next require maintenance. In the above example, rather than updating the stored record from 18 to 23 to denote the counter value at the latest maintenance action, the controller 200 instead records a value of 28 to denote the counter value at which the next maintenance action will be due. In this way, the controller 200 subsequently compares the stored value to the current value to determine whether maintenance is required.

In embodiments of the technology, multiple thresholds may be associated with a single operating component, each threshold being associated with a different condition of the operating component. In the case of a filter, for example, a first threshold of 10 uses may indicate the point at which the filter should be cleaned by the user. At a threshold of 100 uses, the filter may need replacing rather than cleaning. In this manner, the controller 200 may store multiple different threshold values for the same component, and store and display different maintenance information for each threshold -including a maintenance message 56 and maintenance code 54 -to be displayed to the user via the user display device 46 when the corresponding threshold has been reached. In such embodiments, a separate counter or timer may be associated with each different threshold.

Alternatively, as explained above, rather than resetting a counter or timer, the controller stores the count or time at which the operating component was last serviced, or next requires servicing, and the controller 200 simply calculates how many actions or how much time has passed since the latest maintenance when evaluating whether a threshold has been met.

With reference to Figure 6 of the drawings, a user display device 46 is illustrated providing maintenance information, including a message 56, which may include an identification of the component requiring attention and/or of the maintenance action required. So, if for example a threshold for usage of a pre-motor filter 38 is set at 20 minutes of usage, and the timer associated with the pre-motor filter 38 reaches 20 minutes, the controller 200 determines that maintenance information identifying the pre-motor filter 38 should be displayed on the user display device 46. In this case the maintenance message 56 may comprise "Clean pre-motor filter", for example.

The controller 200 is also configured to display a maintenance code 54. The maintenance code 54 provides a readable code associated with the component and/or the status of the component requiring a maintenance action. The maintenance code 54 is readable by a user device 300 such as a smaitphone, for example, to allow a user to scan the maintenance code with a camera 302 of the user device 300 in order to access information about the component and/or the status of the component independently from the cleaning device 10. Typically, the code denotes the address of a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), to allow the user device 300 to access the information on a website, accessed via that URL. In embodiments of the technology, and as illustrated in Figure 6, the maintenance code 54 comprises a quick response (QR) code. In other embodiments, the maintenance code 54 comprises a barcode.

Figure 7 outlines the steps involved in using the maintenance codes 54, as follows. In general terms, first, a determination of a condition of the cleaner is made (step 100), in which the controller 200 determines that a component is due to be cleaned, replaced, or otherwise serviced. A corresponding maintenance message 56 with maintenance code 54 is displayed (step 102) via the user display device 46. A user subsequently scans the maintenance code 54 (step 104) using a user device 300, and its associated camera 302, as described in more detail below. In response to scanning the maintenance code 54, the user device 300 determines a URL to be accessed (step 106) and subsequently displays information (step 108) to the user via a display interface 304 of the user device 300.

In more detail, and with reference to Figures 8 and 9, the user device 300 provides a camera 302 for scanning the maintenance code 54 displayed on the user display device 46. The user device 300 further provides a display interface 304 for displaying information to a user, such as a screen of a smartphone. The user device 300 further provides a processor device 306, and provides a web browsing interface for accessing the internet URL address.

Using an application associated with decoding the maintenance code 54, such as a QR-reader app (as is well known in the art) or an application configured to decode barcodes, for example, information associated with the required maintenance action or component may be accessed via the internet, using the decoded URL.

Continuing the above example, the controller 200, having determined that the pre-motor filter 38 is due to be cleaned, displays the maintenance message 56 and an associated maintenance code 54 comprising a QR code. A user may see the message and decide to access and clean the pre-motor filter 38. If the user knows how to locate and access the pre-motor filter 38, then that is a simple matter for the user to do so, and subsequently confirm via user input to the cleaning device 10, that the filter has been cleaned. This step resets the counter, or timer, associated with the pre-motor filter 38 (or causes the controller to record the value of the counter or timer to denote the last time it was serviced, or next service due, as described above).

If the user does not know how to locate and access the pre-motor filter 38, the user may scan the QR code using a user device 300 such as a smartphone with a QR-reading functionality. The QR code denotes a URL of a webpage which, when accessed, displays information via a display interface 304 of the user device 300. The display interface 304 may be provided by the screen of the smartphone, for example. As illustrated in Figure 9, the information displayed includes one or more of: a condition message 308 identifying or describing the component (e.g., the pre-motor filter), one or more action steps 310 to be taken by the user to locate and/or remove the component from the cleaning device 10, and to clean the filer 38, and one or more further support steps 312 to be considered or taken by the user.

The action steps 310 in the above example may include a description of how to remove the dirt separation device 20 from the body 14 of the cleaning device 10, and/or how to open a lid associated with the dirt separation device 20 to provide access to the pre-motor filter 38. They may include a description of how to remove the pre-motor filter 38, and how to clean it once removed.

They may further include details of how to replace the filter, and any other disassembled components, to restore the cleaning device 10 to its original construction ready for use.

The information displayed to the user via the display interface 304 may include one or more images and/or videos, demonstrating aspects of the action steps 310, to assist the user.

The further support steps 312 may include information required to access an online service to order a replacement component or to send a message to customer support personnel.

While the above example is illustrated with reference to the pre-motor filter 38, it should be understood that other maintenance messages 56 and maintenance codes 54 are displayed for other components. The maintenance message 56 and maintenance code 54 for each may differ, and consequently link to different URLs, each providing different information.

In embodiments of the described technology, rather than storing a parameter associated with the or each operating component of the cleaning device 10, one or more of the operating components may have an associated sensor for determining a condition of the component. For example, a dirt collection chamber, dirty fluid recovery tank, detergent tank or cleaning fluid storage tank may have an associated sensor to determine when the capacity of the tank has almost been reached On the context of a dirt collection chamber or recovery tank) or has almost been emptied (in the case of a detergent or cleaning fluid tank). A motor may have a load-sensor associated with it to determine potential issues with the motor being obstructed; for example, in the case of a driven agitator being blocked from rotating by debris.

While the usage statistics may be recorded or monitored, or sensor signal received in relation to the agitator motor, the maintenance message 56 and maintenance code 54 may relate to the agitator itself. For example, the user may be directed to clean or unblock the agitator, by cutting threads wrapped around a core of the agitator, for example.

In such cases, in addition to storing usage statistics and data, the controller may also (or instead) receive a signal from a sensor, indicating that a component requires a maintenance action. In this way the controller 200 causes a maintenance message 56 and maintenance code 54 to be displayed on the user display device 46 in the same manner as previously described. This can be used in place of monitoring the usage, or may be used in addition to monitoring the usage.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The invention may also broadly consist in the parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features referred to or indicated in the specification individually or collectively in any and all combinations of two or more said parts, elements, steps, examples and/or features. In particular, one or more features in any of the embodiments described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other embodiment(s) described herein.

Protection may be sought for any features disclosed in any one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

REPRESENTATIVE FEATURES

Representative features are set out in the following clauses, which stand alone or may be combined, in any combination, with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

1. A cleaning device comprising: a controller providing a processor and a data storage device, a user display device; and an operating component: the controller being configured to: determine data associated with a condition of the operating component, in response to the determination, access a maintenance code associated with the operating component from the data storage device, and cause the user display device to display the maintenance code.

2. A cleaning device according to Clause 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: store a usage parameter associated with the operating component using the data storage device, and update the usage parameter according to the usage of the respective operating component, wherein determining data associated with a condition of the operating component includes comparing the stored usage parameter to a threshold value.

3. A cleaning device according to Clause 2, wherein the usage parameter associated with the operating component comprises a counter that is incremented for each cleaning operation in which the operating component or cleaning device is used.

4. A cleaning device according to Clause 2, wherein the usage parameter associated with the operating component comprises a timer that is incremented with the duration of time during which the operating component or cleaning device is used.

5. A cleaning device according to Clause 3 or Clause 4, where in the usage parameter is reset in response to a user input.

6. A cleaning device comprising: a controller providing a processor and a data storage device, a user display device; and an operating component having an associated sensor for determining a condition of the operating component; the controller being configured to: receive a signal from the sensor, in response to receiving the signal, access a maintenance code associated with the operating component from the data storage device, and cause the user display device to display the maintenance code.

7. A cleaning device according to any preceding Clause, comprising multiple operating 30 components.

8. A cleaning device according to Clause 7, wherein the controller stores a different maintenance code associated with each respective operating component.

9. A cleaning device according to any preceding Clause, wherein the controller stores multiple maintenance codes associated with the or each operating component, the multiple maintenance codes representing different conditions of the operating component.

10. A cleaning device according to any preceding Clause, in which the cleaning device is a suction cleaner.

11. A cleaning device according to Clause 10, in which the cleaning device provides a body housing operating components including a separator device and a source of suction downstream of the separator device, and a pre-motor filter disposed on a flow path between the separator device and suction source.

12. A cleaning device according to Clause 10 or Clause 11, further comprising a surface cleaning tool providing a suction inlet, and a wand detachably connecting the surface cleaning tool to the body.

13. A cleaning device according to any preceding Clause, further providing a battery.

14. A cleaning device according to any preceding Clause, in which the cleaning device is a carpet washing device.

15. A cleaning device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, in which the cleaning device is a hard floor scrubbing device.

16. A cleaning device according to any preceding Clause, in which the or each operating component is one of the following: a suction motor, an agitator, an agitator drive motor, a separator device, a pre-motor filter, a post-motor filter, a dirt collection container, a dirty fluid recovery tank, a cleaning solution tank, a detergent tank.

17. A cleaning device according to any preceding Clause, in which the or each maintenance code comprises a QR code.

18. A cleaning device according to any preceding Clause, in which the maintenance code provides an image for scanning using a camera of a user device, the maintenance code comprising an encoded URL which, when accessed on the user device, provides data associated with the operating component.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cleaning device comprising: a controller providing a processor and a data storage device, a user display device; and an operating component; the controller being configured to: determine data associated with a condition of the operating component, in response to the determination, access a maintenance code associated with the operating component from the data storage device, and cause the user display device to display the maintenance code.
2. A cleaning device according to Claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: store a usage parameter associated with the operating component using the data storage device, and update the usage parameter according to the usage of the respective operating component, wherein determining data associated with a condition of the operating component includes comparing the stored usage parameter to a threshold value.
3. A cleaning device according to Claim 2, wherein the usage parameter associated with the operating component comprises a counter that is incremented for each cleaning operation in which the operating component or cleaning device is used.
4. A cleaning device according to Claim 2, wherein the usage parameter associated with the operating component comprises a timer that is incremented with the duration of time during which the operating component or cleaning device is used.
5. A cleaning device according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, where in the usage parameter is reset in response to a user input.
6 A cleaning device comprising: a controller providing a processor and a data storage device, a user display device; and an operating component having an associated sensor for determining a condition of the operating component; the controller being configured to: receive a signal from the sensor, in response to receiving the signal, access a maintenance code associated with the operating component from the data storage device, and cause the user display device to display the maintenance code.
7. A cleaning device according to any preceding Claim, comprising multiple operating components.
8. A cleaning device according to Claim 7, wherein the controller stores a different maintenance code associated with each respective operating component.
9. A cleaning device according to any preceding Claim, wherein the controller stores multiple maintenance codes associated with the or each operating component, the multiple maintenance codes representing difference conditions of the operating component.
10. A cleaning device according to any preceding Claim, in which the cleaning device is a suction cleaner.
11. A cleaning device according to Claim 10, in which the cleaning device provides a body housing operating components including a separator device and a source of suction downstream of the separator device, and a pre-motor filter disposed on a flow path between the separator device and suction source.
12. A cleaning device according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, further comprising a surface cleaning tool providing a suction inlet, and a wand detachably connecting the surface cleaning tool to the 25 body.
13. A cleaning device according to any preceding Claim, further providing a battery.
14. A cleaning device according to any preceding Claim, in which the cleaning device is a carpet washing device.
15. A cleaning device according to any one of Claims Ito 13, in which the cleaning device is a hard floor scrubbing device.
16. A cleaning device according to any preceding Claim, in which the or each operating component is one of the following: a suction motor, an agitator, an agitator drive motor, a separator device, a pre-motor filter, a post-motor filter, a dirt collection container, a dirty fluid recovery tank, a cleaning solution tank, a detergent tank.
17. A cleaning device according to any preceding Claim, in which the or each maintenance code comprises a QR code.
18. A cleaning device according to any preceding Claim, in which the maintenance code provides an image for scanning using a camera of a user device, the maintenance code comprising an encoded URL which, when accessed on the user device, provides data associated with the operating component.