KR20230157893A - Method for operating a floor cleaning machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for operating a floor cleaning machine (1) is presented and described, wherein the floor cleaning machine (1) comprises a cleaning liquid container (17), a dirty liquid container (33) and a floor surface to be cleaned (7). Comprising a chassis (5) for moving the floor cleaning machine (1), the floor cleaning machine (1) comprising cleaning means (9) having cleaning elements (11) designed to engage with the floor surface (7) to be cleaned, This method,
- moving the floor cleaning machine (1) over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned,
- detecting, as the floor cleaning machine moves, the amount of cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid tank (17) to the cleaning means (11) within a first time interval;
- detecting, as the floor cleaning machine moves, the amount of dirty liquid removed from the dirty liquid suction means (47) into the dirty liquid container (33) within a second time interval;
- comparing the detected amount of cleaning liquid to a first threshold,
- comparing the detected amount of dirty liquid to a second threshold, and
- outputting a first error signal if the detected amount of cleaning liquid is greater than the first threshold and the detected amount of dirty liquid is less than the second threshold.

Description

{METHOD FOR OPERATING A FLOOR CLEANING MACHINE}

The present invention relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning machine, the floor cleaning machine comprising a cleaning-liquid container, a dirty-liquid container and a chassis for moving the floor cleaning machine over the floor surface to be cleaned. Moreover, the floor cleaning machine comprises cleaning means having cleaning elements designed to engage with the floor surface to be cleaned, and dirty-liquid suction means for removing dirty liquid from the dirty-liquid suction means into the dirty-liquid container. The dirty-liquid suction means is connected to the dirty-liquid container and is designed to suck dirty liquid from the floor surface to be cleaned. The invention further relates to a floor cleaning machine designed to carry out such method.

Such floor cleaning machines are known in the prior art. In the operation of such a machine, a cleaning liquid, for example fresh water from a cleaning-liquid container, is applied to the floor to be cleaned by the cleaning means, and the cleaning elements act in combination with the cleaning liquid to remove dirt from the floor surface. It combines with the floor surface to The previously applied cleaning liquid (which, due to the combination of the cleaning element and the floor surface, carries dirt with it and is therefore a dirty liquid) is sucked back in by the dirty-liquid suction means (e.g. designed as a suction foot) and delivered into the dirty-liquid container. .

These so-called scrubber-dryer machines can be implemented as manually operated or ride-on machines. Additionally, such machines could be implemented as so-called autonomous cleaning robots, so that no operator directly supervises the work.

However, the following problems may occur when operating these machines.

If the cleaning liquid is applied to the floor surface to be cleaned, but the dirty-liquid suction means does not operate reliably, the cleaning liquid accompanied by dirt, i.e. the dirty liquid, remains on the floor surface to be cleaned. On the one hand, this represents a safety hazard, since the risk of slipping on the floor surface increases. On the other hand, the desired cleaning results are not obtained.

Moreover, such floor cleaning machines often have suction-extraction means such as suction turbines driven by electric motors. This generates an air flow from the dirty-liquid suction means (which may for example be designed as a suction outlet) to the dirty-liquid container, and the dirty liquid is entrained in this air flow from the suction means and transferred into the dirty-liquid container. If the motor current of an electric motor drops while the voltage remains constant, there are generally two possible causes. Firstly, the connection between the dirty-liquid suction means and the dirty-liquid container may become clogged so that there is no more air flow from the dirty-liquid suction means to the dirty-liquid container, and as a result, the suction-extraction means releases less air. must be delivered, so the motor current is reduced. Therefore, an error exists.

However, alternatively, there may be so much liquid in the dirty-liquid suction means that ambient air is prevented from entering the suction means, which also prevents the generation of air flows. However, this is not a fault condition, which is interrupted when the liquid present in the suction means escapes into the dirty-liquid container due to negative pressure. However, the two cases described above cannot be distinguished through motor current measurement alone. In particular, it is impossible to determine whether there is an error based on this.

Therefore, proceeding from the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide such a floor cleaning machine and a method for operating a floor cleaning machine, in which errors can be reliably detected during operation.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved by a method for operating a floor cleaning machine, the floor cleaning machine comprising: a cleaning-liquid container, a dirty-liquid container and moving the floor cleaning machine over the floor surface to be cleaned. A floor cleaning machine comprising a chassis for cleaning, the floor cleaning machine comprising a cleaning means having cleaning elements designed to engage with the floor surface to be cleaned, the cleaning means being connected to a cleaning-liquid container for supplying the cleaning means with a cleaning liquid; designed to apply a cleaning liquid to a floor surface to be cleaned, the floor cleaning machine comprising dirty-liquid suction means for removing dirty liquid from the dirty-liquid suction means into a dirty-liquid container; The means is connected to a dirty-liquid container and designed to suck dirty liquid from the floor surface to be cleaned, the method comprising:

- moving the floor cleaning machine over the floor surface to be cleaned,

- detecting, as the floor cleaning machine moves, the amount of cleaning liquid being supplied to the cleaning means from the cleaning-liquid tank within a first time interval;

- detecting, as the floor cleaning machine moves, the amount of dirty liquid removed from the dirty-liquid suction means into the dirty-liquid container within a second time interval;

- comparing the detected amount of cleaning liquid to a first threshold,

- comparing the detected amount of dirty liquid to a second threshold, and

- outputting a first error signal if the detected amount of cleaning liquid is greater than the first threshold and the detected amount of dirty liquid is less than the second threshold.

In the case of the method according to the invention, on the one hand, it is detected during operation, i.e. while the machine is moving over the floor surface to be cleaned, whether cleaning liquid is being applied by the cleaning means to the floor surface to be cleaned. This is achieved by the amount of applied cleaning liquid being sensed at first time intervals by suitably designed means and compared to a threshold value. The threshold may be chosen to be very low or even zero. However, comparison with a non-zero threshold ensures that a low measured value of the means does not automatically result in the cleaning liquid being actually supplied to the floor surface via the cleaning means.

Additionally, additional means are used to detect the amount of dirty liquid removed from the dirty-liquid suction means and delivered into the dirty-liquid container during the second time interval.

In this case the first and second time intervals may coincide, i.e. the detection may be carried out simultaneously, or the cleaning liquid applied to the floor surface to be cleaned may be sucked out again by the dirty-liquid suction means only after a time delay. The second time interval lags behind the first time interval to take into account the fact that

The detected amount of dirty liquid aspirated is compared to a second threshold, which can likewise be selected to be very low or even zero. Here too, the threshold comparison ensures that the factors already described do not occur.

Finally, for the method according to the invention, on the one hand, the amount of dispensed cleaning liquid detected during the first time interval exceeds the threshold and on the other hand the amount of removed dirty liquid detected during the second time interval exceeds the threshold If it is below, an error signal is output. Accordingly, it is perceived that the dirty-liquid suction means does not operate reliably.

This is indicated to the user based on the error signal, or the error signal is used to switch off the driver of the floor cleaning machine (which may be present), through which the chassis is driven and the floor cleaning machine is moved over the floor surface to be cleaned.

The method according to the invention is advantageous, especially when used in conjunction with autonomous floor cleaning machines, since the user cannot immediately detect that dirty liquid remains on the floor surface to be cleaned, and so the user must actively stop the cleaning movement. can do. In contrast to the prior art, malfunctions of the dirty-liquid suction means are reliably and automatically detected during operation.

In a preferred embodiment, the floor cleaning machine comprises suction-extraction means for applying negative pressure to the dirty-liquid tank and comprising an electric drive motor, which in operation is supplied with a voltage of a predetermined magnitude, so that A supply current flows through the drive motor, the intensity of the supply current is sensed at a third time interval, the sensed intensity of the supply current is compared to a third threshold, and the sensed amount of dirty liquid is compared to a fourth threshold. , if the sensed intensity of the supply current is less than the third threshold and the sensed amount of dirty liquid is less than the fourth threshold, a second error signal is output.

In this preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in addition to the motor current of the suction-extraction means, it is detected whether dirty liquid is being delivered into the dirty-liquid container. If this is not the case for the dirty-liquid container, a second error signal is output. Because in this case, there is clearly a malfunction due to blockage in the cable between the dirty-liquid suction means and the dirty-liquid container.

However, in the case where the dirty liquid is still delivered to the dirty-liquid container when the motor current is too low, the conditions for the second error signal are not met, since there is obviously no malfunction, but the dirty liquid itself is a small air This allows only the flow to be delivered by the suction-extraction means or even no air flow, which also results in a reduction in the motor current.

Therefore, in the case of this preferred embodiment, not only the motor current of the suction-extraction means is used to detect malfunctions, but this is also done in combination with detection of the amount of dirty liquid delivered into the dirty-liquid container.

At this time, both the motor current of the suction-extraction means and the amount of dirty liquid delivered into the dirty-liquid container at regular time intervals are detected, and if both the amount of dirty liquid delivered and the motor current are below a predetermined threshold, an error occurs. It should be noted that outputting a signal is an independently inventive concept.

In particular, the floor cleaning machine has means designed to detect the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning means from the cleaning-liquid tank within a first time interval, and within a second time interval from the dirty-liquid suction means to the dirty-liquid tank. Includes means designed to detect the amount of dirty liquid being removed. Additionally, means may preferably be provided designed to detect the intensity of the supply current at third time intervals.

In another preferred embodiment, the cleaning-liquid container and the cleaning means are connected by a cleaning-liquid pipe for supplying cleaning liquid, the cleaning-liquid pipe having a device configured to detect the amount of cleaning liquid supplied at first time intervals. A flow sensor is provided as a means for this. The use of a flow sensor in the pipe is a reliable way to detect the amount of cleaning liquid in question.

As an alternative to or in addition to the flow sensor, the cleaning-liquid pipe may be provided with a cleaning-liquid pump designed to detect the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning means at first hourly intervals, so that the pump It serves as a means for detecting the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning means from the cleaning-liquid tank within a one-hour interval. In this case, there is no need to provide another sensor in addition to the pump. If another sensor is provided, a redundant system is provided that remains functional even if one of the two means for detecting flow fails.

In another preferred embodiment, first means are provided for detecting the level in the cleaning-liquid container, wherein the amount of cleaning-liquid supplied in a first time interval is determined by means of the first means to detect the level of the cleaning-liquid in the first time interval. It is detected by detecting changes in the level within the container. In this case, the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning means is determined by the change in the level in the cleaning-liquid container. This can be easily realized technically in terms of equipment. In particular, this means that the first means for detecting the level in the cleaning-liquid container comprises a float and detects a change in the position of the float at a first time interval, thereby reducing the level of the cleaning liquid supplied at the first time interval. This can be realized by detecting quantity.

A second means for detecting the level in the dirty-liquid container is provided and the amount of cleaning liquid supplied at a first time interval is adjusted by the second means to detect a change in the level in the dirty-liquid container at a second time interval. So it is more desirable to be detected. Accordingly, in the case of this preferred embodiment, the amount of dirty liquid removed into the dirty-liquid container is likewise determined by the change in level therein. In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the second means for detecting the level in the dirty-liquid container is designed as a pressure sensor.

Finally, in a further aspect of the invention, the above object is achieved with a floor cleaning machine designed to carry out the method described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, which show only preferred exemplary embodiments.
1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention, which is designed to implement one embodiment of the method according to the invention for operating such a machine.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the floor cleaning machine 1 has a chassis 1 including a plurality of wheels 3, and the floor cleaning machine 1 is positioned on the wheels above the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. can be moved by In this case, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, the floor cleaning machine 1 has a drive 8 (not shown in more detail), by means of which the rear wheels 3 of the chassis 5 are driven. driven, so that the floor cleaning machine (1) can move automatically over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned. Additionally, the floor cleaning machine 1 shown here is realized as a so-called robot, i.e. capable of moving autonomously, without user guidance, over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, automatically detecting obstacles and also acting accordingly. Decide on the route.

However, the present invention is not limited to such robots, but can also be applied to any type of floor cleaning machine 1, i.e. so-called ride-on machines or machines where the user walks behind the machine.

As further shown in Figure 1, the floor cleaning machine 1 has cleaning means 9, which cleaning means 9 comprises cleaning elements 11, here realized as rotationally driven brushes, in operation The cleaning element then engages with the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. The cleaning means 9 is also designed so that the cleaning elements 11 can be raised relative to the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, so that the cleaning elements 11 do not engage with the floor surface 7 to be cleaned.

As can also be seen in Figure 1, the cleaning means 9 has an outlet 13 which supplies a cleaning-liquid container 17 accommodated in the housing 19 of the floor cleaning machine 1. It is connected through a liquid pipe (15). The cleaning-liquid pipe 15 is provided with a flow sensor 21, which is capable of detecting the amount of cleaning liquid flowing through the cleaning-liquid pipe 15 and supplied to the cleaning means 9 at regular intervals. Create a means to do so.

Additionally, the cleaning-liquid pipe is provided with a pump 23 designed to deliver cleaning liquid from the cleaning-liquid container 17 to the outlet 13 and thus to the cleaning means 9 . In this case, the pump 23 may likewise be designed to detect the amount of cleaning liquid delivered from the cleaning-liquid container 17 to the outlet 13 at regular time intervals. This may be in addition to or an alternative to the flow sensor 21 . If both pump 23 and flow sensor 21 are capable of sensing the amount delivered per time interval, a redundant system is achieved.

Furthermore, or in addition to the flow sensor 21 and the pump 23, a first device is provided in the cleaning-liquid container 17, configured to detect the height of the level 25 of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning-liquid container 17. Means may be provided. The means comprises a guiding element (27), which guiding element extends in a substantially vertical direction in the cleaning-liquid container (17) when the floor cleaning machine (1) is positioned on a horizontal floor surface (7) to be cleaned. do. A float 29 , whose position can be detected, is guided on a guiding element 27 . Based on the change in the position of the floats 29 of these float means 27, 29 within a certain time interval, the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning means 9 during this time interval can also be determined.

Finally, as an alternative to, or in addition to, the flow sensor 21, the pump 23 or the float means 27, 29, a first pressure sensor 31 is provided in the base area of the cleaning-liquid tank 17. This sensor's signal is a measure of the gravitational pressure of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning-liquid container 17. Accordingly, the first pressure sensor 31 can determine or detect the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning means 9 at regular time intervals.

As can be seen in FIG. 1 , in the housing 19 the floor cleaning machine 1 also has a dirty-liquid container 33 , the upper region of which contains suction-extraction means driven by an electric motor 37 Connected to the inlet of 35 is, in a preferred embodiment, a so-called suction turbine, on which an electric motor 37 drives the fan wheel to rotate. The suction-extraction means are therefore designed to exert a negative pressure on the dirty-liquid container 33 relative to the environment of the floor cleaning machine 1 . Finally, the electric motor 37 is designed or provided with corresponding means so that a signal can be generated that is a measure of the current drawn by the electric motor 37 . Accordingly, a signal can be generated that represents the amount of motor current drawn by the electric motor 37 at regular time intervals.

Additionally, as can be seen in Figure 1, the dirty-liquid container 33 is provided with second and third pressure sensors 39, 41. The second pressure sensor 39 is designed to sense the gravitational pressure of the dirty liquid in the base area of the dirty-liquid container 33 and also generate a corresponding signal. The third pressure sensor detects the pressure above the level 43 of the dirty liquid in the dirty-liquid container 33 , since this pressure is lowered compared to the ambient pressure due to the suction-extraction means 35 . Thus, the level 43 in the dirty-liquid container 33 can be determined in a known way from the signals of the second and third pressure sensors 39, 41. Additionally, changes in the level 43 and the amount of dirty liquid supplied to the dirty-liquid container 33 at regular time intervals can be determined.

At this time, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the level 43 in the dirty-liquid container 33 and thus the amount of dirty liquid supplied at regular time intervals being determined by the pressure sensor. Here, for example Alternative solutions, such as the use of floats, can also be considered.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the upper region of the dirty-liquid container 33 is connected to the dirty-liquid suction means 47 via a dirty-liquid pipe 45, which in the exemplary embodiment shown herein is The suction means is realized by a so-called suction device. The suction foot has a front seal lip 49 (the overall seal lip has a slot extending away from the area on which it lies on the floor surface 7 to be cleaned) and a rear seal lip 51 (the slot is formed does not exist). The sealing lips (49, 51) and the suction port extend substantially across the width of the floor cleaning machine (1), and the area between the sealing lips (49, 51) allows the dirty-liquid to pass through the dirty-liquid pipe (45). It is connected to the vessel 33 and is therefore subjected to negative pressure when the suction-extraction means 35 are in operation. As a result of this negative pressure, the dirty liquid on the floor surface 7 to be cleaned is drawn into the dirty-liquid container 33.

If the dirty-liquid pipe 45 is clogged or the space between the sealing lips 49, 51 of the dirty-liquid suction means 47 is completely filled with dirty liquid and no ambient air enters this space, the suction-extraction means ( 35) only needs to deliver a small amount of air to maintain negative pressure within the dirty-liquid container 33. This means that in these situations the motor current of the electric motor 37 driving the suction-extraction means 35 is reduced compared to normal operation.

Finally, the floor cleaning machine 1 is connected through a line with an electric motor 37, float means 27, 29, a pump 23, a flow sensor 21, an actuator 7 and a pressure sensor 31, 39. ,. 41), so that each of the components described above can transmit its signals to the controller 53.

This signal connection is such that the flow sensor 21, the pump 23, the float means 27, 29 and the first pressure sensor 31 each move at a first time interval from the cleaning-liquid container 17 to the outlet 13 and Therefore, it is possible to transmit a signal that is a measure of the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning means 9 to the controller 53. Similarly, the second pressure sensor 39 and the third pressure sensor 41 likewise detect dirty liquid which is sucked in by the dirty-liquid suction means 47 and removed into the dirty-liquid container 33 at second time intervals. A signal that is a measure of the amount of liquid can be transmitted to the controller 53.

The exemplary embodiment of the floor cleaning machine 1 described above may be operated in the manner described below.

The floor cleaning machine 1 is moved by means of a chassis 5 and a drive 8 over the floor surface 7 to be cleaned, which in this case runs automatically, and the controller 53 also has sensors (not shown). determines the path that the floor cleaning machine 1 follows when cleaning the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. During this process, cleaning liquid is continuously supplied by means of a pump 23 from the cleaning-liquid container 17 via the cleaning-liquid pipe 15 to the area of the cleaning means 9 . As shown in Fig. 1, while the floor cleaning machine 1 moves further to the right, dirt is removed from the floor to be cleaned by the driven cleaning element 11, so that the cleaning liquid accompanying dirt and dirty liquid is removed. It enters the area of the dirt suction means 47. At the same time as the cleaning liquid is supplied, the suction-extraction means 35 to which the electric motor 37 is connected also operates, creating a negative pressure in the dirty-liquid container 33. If the dirty-liquid pipe (45) is not clogged or there is no other malfunction of the dirty-liquid suction means (47), its negative pressure causes pressure to flow into the area of the dirty-liquid suction means (47) and between the sealing lips (49, 51). The entering dirty liquid is extracted through the dirty-liquid pipe (45) by suction and removed into the dirty-liquid container (33).

While the floor cleaning machine 1 is moving over the floor surface 7 and while cleaning liquid is being applied and dirty liquid is being removed, the following steps are always carried out repeatedly.

During a first time interval, the amount of cleaning liquid applied to the floor surface 7 to be cleaned is sensed by the flow sensor 21 . As an alternative to the flow sensor 21 , this can also be done by means of a pump 23 , float means 27 , 29 or a first pressure sensor 31 in the manner already described. Detection of these quantities during the first time interval is made on the basis of signals respectively transmitted to the controller 53. In this case, the signals from the flow sensor 21, the pump 23, the float means 27, 29 and/or the first pressure sensor 31 can be integrated in the controller 53 over a first time interval, The integrated signal thus becomes a measure of the cleaning liquid applied to the floor surface 7 to be cleaned during the first time interval.

Similarly, during the second time interval, the amount of dirty liquid removed into the dirty-liquid container 33 during this second time interval is determined by the second and third pressure sensors 39, 41 and the signals generated therefrom. It is detected. Even in this case, the quantity can be determined by integrating each signal. In particular in this case, the signal of the third pressure sensor 41 is subtracted from the signal of the second pressure sensor 39 in order to take into account the influence of the negative pressure above the level 43 in the dirty-liquid container 33 .

The first time interval and the second time interval are preferably offset in time with respect to each other such that the second time interval starts somewhat later than the first time interval. However, it is also possible to have parallel time intervals. However, when using the first alternative, it is taken into account that, due to the movement of the floor cleaning machine 1, there must be a certain period of time between adding a certain amount of cleaning liquid and removing exactly that amount.

Finally, the signal of the motor current of the electric motor 37 of the suction-extraction means 35 is also detected during the second time interval, and this can likewise be done by integration of the current signal in the controller 53 .

If the signal representing the amount of applied cleaning liquid is greater than the first threshold, this indicates that cleaning liquid is actually being applied to the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. And, if the amount of dirty liquid removed during the second time interval is less than the second threshold, then even if cleaning liquid is being applied, a sufficient amount of dirty liquid is not removed. Accordingly, if the amount of cleaning liquid applied during the first time interval exceeds the first threshold and the amount of dirty liquid removed during the second time interval during inspection is below the second threshold, this indicates a malfunction and the controller outputs the first error signal. This malfunction may be due, for example, to the fact that the sealing lips 49, 51 of the dirty-liquid suction means 47, designed as a suction foot, are in a worn state and so that sufficient negative pressure is not created in the suction foot, or because the dirty-liquid suction means 47 is in a worn state. This may be caused by a crack or leak in the dirty-liquid pipe 45 between the suction means 47 and the dirty-liquid container 33. The error signal can be used, for example, to stop the actuator 8 so that the floor cleaning machine 1 stops. This prevents the cleaning liquid from being applied to a larger area of the floor surface to be cleaned without having to remove the dirty liquid again. Additionally, the first error signal can be used to turn off the pump 23.

It is also checked whether the amount of dirty liquid removed during the second time interval, or the signal generated based thereon, is below a third threshold. At the same time, if the motor current of the electric motor 37 or the signal based thereon is also below the fourth threshold, this means that the dirty-liquid pipe 45 or the dirty-liquid suction means 47 is blocked and so that the dirty liquid is discharged into the dirty-liquid container ( 33) Indicates that you cannot go inside. This is also a malfunction and in this case the controller 53 generates a second error signal, which can be used to stop the driver 8 and/or the pump 23 .

However, if the motor current signal is below the fourth threshold but at the same time the signal for the amount of dirty liquid removed during the second time interval is above the third threshold during the second time interval, this means that the dirty-liquid suction means 47 This indicates that it is completely filled with dirty liquid and therefore no air can pass through the dirty-liquid pipe (45). Therefore, in this case, the low motor current is not associated with a malfunction and no error signal is generated by the controller 53.

Thus, an exemplary embodiment of the operating method according to the invention for a floor cleaning machine 1 allows reliable detection of malfunctions in which dirty liquid remains on the floor surface 7 to be cleaned. Additionally, the parallel detection of the motor current and the amount of dirty liquid removed also allows the motor current signal of the electric motor 37 to be used for fault determination as well.

1 floor cleaning machine
3 wheels
5 chassis
7 Floor surface to be cleaned
8 Actuator
9 cleaning means
11 cleaning elements
exit 13
15 Cleaning - Liquid Pipe
17 Cleaning - Liquid Containers
19 housing
21 flow sensor
23 pump
25 Level of cleaning liquid
27 Guidance Elements
29 float
31 First pressure sensor
33 Dirty - liquid container
35 Suction-extraction means
37 electric motor
39 Second pressure sensor
41 Third pressure sensor
43 level of dirty liquid
45 dirty-liquid pipe
47 Dirty - liquid suction means
49 Front sealing lip
51 Rear sealing lip
53 controller

Claims (13)

A method for operating a floor cleaning machine (1), wherein the floor cleaning machine (1) comprises a cleaning-liquid container (17), a dirty-liquid container (33) and a floor cleaning machine (1) on a floor surface (7) to be cleaned. ), including a chassis (5) for moving the
The floor cleaning machine (1) comprises cleaning means (9) with cleaning elements (11) designed to engage with the floor surface (7) to be cleaned,
The cleaning means (11) is connected to a cleaning-liquid container (17) for supplying the cleaning means (11) with a cleaning liquid and is designed to apply the cleaning liquid to the floor surface (7) to be cleaned,
The floor cleaning machine (1) includes dirty-liquid suction means (47) for removing dirty liquid from the dirty-liquid suction means (47) to the dirty-liquid container (33). means connected to said dirty-liquid container and designed to suck dirty liquid from the floor surface (7) to be cleaned,
The above method is,
- moving the floor cleaning machine (1) over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned,
- detecting, as the floor cleaning machine moves, the amount of cleaning liquid being supplied to the cleaning means (11) from the cleaning-liquid tank (17) within a first time interval;
- detecting, as the floor cleaning machine moves, the amount of dirty liquid removed from the dirty-liquid suction means (47) into the dirty-liquid container (33) within a second time interval;
- comparing the detected amount of cleaning liquid to a first threshold,
- comparing the detected amount of dirty liquid to a second threshold, and
- outputting a first error signal if the detected amount of cleaning liquid is greater than a first threshold and if the detected amount of dirty liquid is less than a second threshold. According to claim 1,
The floor cleaning machine (1) comprises suction-extraction means (35) which apply negative pressure to the dirty-liquid tank (33) and comprise an electric drive motor (37), which in operation has a pre-loaded electric drive motor (37). A voltage of a given magnitude is supplied, so that the supply current flows through the drive motor 37,
The intensity of the supply current is sensed at a third time interval,
The sensed intensity of the supply current is compared to a third threshold,
the detected amount of dirty liquid is compared to a fourth threshold;
A second error signal is output if the sensed intensity of the supply current is less than a third threshold and the sensed amount of dirty liquid is less than a fourth threshold. The method of claim 1 or 2,
The floor cleaning machine (1) comprises means designed to detect the amount of cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning-liquid tank (17) to the cleaning means (11) within a first time interval,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the floor cleaning machine (1) comprises means designed to detect the amount of dirty liquid removed from the dirty-liquid suction means (47) into the dirty-liquid container (33) within a second time interval. According to claim 2 or 3,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the floor cleaning machine (1) comprises means designed to detect the intensity of the supply current at a third time interval. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The chassis (5) of the floor cleaning machine (1) comprises a drive (8) designed to drive the chassis to move the floor cleaning machine (1) over the floor surface (7) to be cleaned,
and the driver (8) is switched off in the presence of the first or second error signal. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the floor cleaning machine (1) is designed as an autonomous floor cleaning machine (1). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The cleaning-liquid container (17) and the cleaning means (9) are connected by a cleaning-liquid pipe (15) for supplying the cleaning liquid,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning-liquid pipe (15) is provided with a flow sensor (21) as a means for detecting the amount of cleaning liquid supplied in the first time interval. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The cleaning-liquid container (17) and the cleaning means (9) are connected by a cleaning-liquid pipe (15) for supplying the cleaning liquid,
The cleaning-liquid pipe 15 is provided with a cleaning-liquid pump 23 designed to detect the amount of cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning means 11 at the first time interval, so that the pump 23 serves as means for detecting the amount of cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning-liquid container (17) to the cleaning means (11) within a first time interval. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
First means (27, 29) are provided for detecting the level (25) in the cleaning-liquid container,
The method according to claim 1, wherein the amount of cleaning liquid supplied in a first time interval is detected by said first means by detecting a change in the level (25) in the cleaning-liquid container (17) in the first time interval. According to clause 9,
The first means (27, 29) for detecting the level (25) in the cleaning-liquid container (17) comprises a float (29) and detects a change in the position of the float at first time intervals. A method for detecting the amount of cleaning liquid supplied at a first time interval. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
second means are provided for detecting the level (43) in the dirty-liquid container (33),
The amount of cleaning liquid supplied in the first time interval is sensed by the second means by detecting a change in the level (43) in the dirty-liquid container at a second time interval. According to claim 11,
The second means for detecting the level (43) in the dirty-liquid container is designed as a pressure sensor (39, 41). A floor cleaning machine designed to carry out the method according to one or more of claims 1 to 12.