Cleaning system consisting of a base device and at least one accessory device

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system consisting of a base device (1) and at least one accessory device (2) which is detachably connected to the base device (1), wherein the base device (1) has detection means (3) for detecting the type of the accessory device (2) currently connected to the base device (1), a base memory (4) and control means (5) for controlling the operating tasks of the base device (1) and / or the accessory device (2) depending on the type of the connected accessory device (2). In order to advantageously improve the cleaning system, according to the provision, the accessory device (2) has a configuration memory (6) in which configuration data for configuring the base device (1) and / or the accessory device (2) for operating the cleaning system are stored, wherein the control means (5) of the base device (1) are designed in such a way that the configuration data stored in the configuration memory (6) of the accessory device (2) are centrally stored in the base memory (4) and wherein the control means (5) are designed in such a way that the configuration data stored in the base memory (4) are accessed for the operation of the cleaning system and the base device (1) and / or the accessory device (2) are set up depending on the configuration data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising a base device and at least one accessory device detachably connected to the base device, wherein the base device has a detection device, a base storage device and a control device, the detection device being used to detect the type of the accessory device currently connected to the base device, and the control device being used to control the operation of the base device and / or the accessory device according to the type of the connected accessory device. Background Technology

[0002] Basic equipment, such as cleaning equipment, together with accessory equipment, is well known in the prior art. This accessory equipment may be, for example, a carpet brush or hard floor accessory for a vacuum cleaner, or a wet cleaning accessory for a wet cleaning device.

[0003] To connect accessory devices to a base device, the base device has a connector area where the accessory device is locked, plugged in, or otherwise connected. In the case of a vacuum cleaner, for example, a suction channel section is constructed in the connector area, which is connected to a corresponding filter system of the accessory device, thereby allowing suction airflow from the surface to be cleaned through the filter chambers of the accessory device and the base device to the fan.

[0004] The basic device can be configured, for example, as a handheld vacuum cleaner, or as a unit that is separated from and moves independently of accessory devices by a hose.

[0005] Basic equipment known in the prior art typically has a selection device that allows the user to select an operating mode, such as different power levels of the basic equipment's fan and / or different settings of accessory equipment. For example, accessory equipment can be optimized for specific floor types in terms of brush elements and / or sealing elements, thereby enabling, for example, preferential cleaning of carpeted or hard floors.

[0006] Furthermore, it is known that information about the type of accessory devices is transmitted to the base device to modify the operating parameters of the base device. For example, document DE 20309075U1 discloses transmitting information about the type of accessory devices to the base device, thereby enabling the setting of the pumping power of the base device according to the corresponding accessory device. The microcontroller of the base device receives the information about the type of accessory devices, evaluates the information, and thereby controls the operating parameters of the base device.

[0007] The drawback here is that the evaluation involves configuration relationships stored in the underlying equipment, which associate specific types of accessory devices with specific operating parameters to be adjusted. Consequently, unknown accessory devices cannot be controlled.

[0008] In view of this, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to realize the interaction between the accessory device and the basic device, which is still unknown to the basic device. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the aforementioned technical problems, an accessory device is provided with a configuration memory storing configuration data for configuring the base device and / or accessory device for the operation of the cleaning system. The control device of the base device is configured to centrally store the configuration data stored in the accessory device's configuration memory in the base device, and the control device is configured to invoke the configuration data stored in the base device for the operation of the cleaning system, and adjust the settings of the base device and / or accessory device according to the configuration data.

[0010] According to the present invention, the configuration data required for the operation of the cleaning system is currently stored directly in the configuration memory of the accessory device and can be transferred to the base storage device of the base device in the same form. The configuration data may relate only to the base device, only to the accessory device, or both. With this invention, it is unnecessary to make software changes to the control device of the base device when using a new accessory device; instead, only configuration changes or supplements are needed to the configuration data stored in the base storage device. The new accessory thus includes the configuration data already in its inherent configuration memory, which can be read by the control device of the base device within the scope of the learning process. Subsequently, the configuration data read or received by the control device is stored in the inherent base storage device of the base device. The control device of the base device invokes the configuration data to control the operation of the corresponding accessory device. This may also include: configuration data being transferred back from the base device used for control to the accessory device. Within the scope of the base storage device of the base device, this does not necessarily mean a single storage device. Rather, the base storage device may consist of multiple separate sub-storage devices that store information volatilely or non-volatilely. In general, this invention enables the basic equipment of a cleaning system to be used in conjunction with auxiliary equipment that was not yet on the market or under development at the time of the basic equipment's manufacture. If the manufacturer of the basic equipment develops other auxiliary equipment after the basic equipment's release, its configuration data is stored in the auxiliary equipment's inherent configuration memory and transferred to the basic equipment upon initial connection with that auxiliary equipment. Through the subsequent centralized (or central) storage of configuration data in the basic equipment's basic storage device, knowledge about the cleaning system's behavior is centrally provided to each storage location, so that at the time of system startup, i.e., when the basic equipment and its connected auxiliary equipment start up, the required configuration data can be distributed to all participants in the cleaning system. Changes or additions to the configuration data are made in the central storage location of the basic equipment and are also provided to the auxiliary equipment.

[0011] According to regulations, the configuration data includes configuration parameters not only for the basic device but also for the accessory device. Therefore, the accessory device stores the configuration parameters that should be set on both the basic device and the accessory device. It is no longer necessary to separately configure the basic device and the accessory device. Instead, the configuration data can be a data group consisting of multiple signals, each containing configuration parameters for both the basic device and the accessory device. The control device of the basic device can read and evaluate this signal data group and then divide it into corresponding portions for the basic device and the accessory device. Alternatively, when another device should not be controlled by this configuration data, the configuration data can also contain configuration parameters only for the basic device or only for the accessory device. However, if the configuration data contains configuration parameters for both the basic device and the accessory device, the portion of the configuration data relevant to the accessory device is extracted and transmitted to the accessory device, particularly via wireless communication through the adapter interface between the basic device and the accessory device.

[0012] It can be specified that the accessory device has an accessory control unit configured to identify accessory elements connected to the accessory device, determine the type of the accessory device, and transmit configuration data corresponding to the type of the accessory device to the control unit of the base device or provide it in the configuration memory. According to this design, the accessory device is constructed to include different accessory elements configured for different processing operations. For example, the accessory device can be a so-called electronic brush, capable of accommodating different electromechanically driven brush head elements. For example, the electronic brush can be used in a normal suction cleaning process, where the brush roller, as an accessory element, is driven to rotate, while simultaneously, the fan of the base device operates, and suction air passes beside the brush roller, is drawn into the accessory device, and subsequently into the base device. For a second processing operation, the accessory device can be constructed as a dedicated or special carpet cleaning device, having accessory elements for adding carpet cleaner to the carpet surface. In the processing operation "carpet cleaning," the fan of the base device remains off, so that the carpet cleaner mixed into the carpet is not directly re-sucked away, but remains in the carpet surface and can function therein. After the carpet cleaner has been added to the accessory element, the user can turn off the base unit and replace the previously used accessory element with a regular brush roller, which is then used again during the normal suction process to remove the carpet cleaner from the carpet. The accessory device's inherent accessory control is configured to identify the accessory element currently connected to it. In the above case, the accessory control is thus configured to identify whether a brush roller used for the suction process or a specialized carpet cleaning brush used for adding carpet cleaner to the carpet was used. To clearly identify the accessory element via the accessory control, the accessory element can have a specific code. This code, for example, is an optical code, which is arranged on the surface of the accessory element and can be read by the corresponding reading device of the accessory control. As an alternative to optical coding, other codes, such as shape codes, electromagnetic codes, etc., can also be considered. The corresponding configuration data for the accessory device is stored in the accessory device's configuration memory for the corresponding code. Here, the configuration data can be transmitted from the accessory control to the base unit's control device, or it can be read by the base unit's control device.

[0013] Furthermore, it is suggested that the configuration data include configuration parameters selected from the following group: fan suction power, drive motor power, rotational speed of the rotary surface treatment element, oscillation frequency of the oscillating surface treatment element, position of the fluid guiding element, flow cross-section of the flow channel, and release rate of the liquid coating device. The configuration data can, in principle, have any type of physical parameters that can be controlled by the control device of the base equipment or the accessory control device of the accessory equipment. Particularly belonging to this category is the power of the drive motor, which drives specific components of the cleaning system, such as fans, traveling devices, rotary or oscillating treatment devices, mechanical servo mechanisms, such as pumps, valves, etc. The above configuration parameters are particularly relevant to surface treatment equipment, such as vacuum cleaners or wet wiping devices. This type of identification typically operates in one or more different modes, including different fan power or different rotational speeds or oscillation frequencies of the treatment element. Furthermore, the position of the fluid guiding element, such as the sealing element, on the suction port can also be changed. Additionally, the flow cross-section of the flow channel can be narrowed or widened. In particular, the operating mode of wet cleaning equipment can include a specific release rate of the liquid coating device, which is suitable for, for example, applying water or cleaning additives to the surface to be cleaned or surface treatment elements.

[0014] Preferably, the accessory device has a one-to-one identification code, wherein the detection device of the base device is configured to detect the identification code and transmit it to the control device of the base device, and wherein the control device is configured to store configuration data together with the detected identification code in the base storage device and / or retrieve the configuration data stored in the base storage device for the detected identification code. During the connection between the accessory device and the base device, the control device of the base device identifies the accessory device based on the identification code. If the accessory device is the first accessory device to be connected to the base device, a learning process is first implemented. Here, the identification code and configuration data are read from the accessory device and stored in the base storage device. The identification code corresponds to only one accessory device, as opposed to the base device's control device authenticating the accessory device using a one-to-one identification code. However, alternatively, accessory devices of a certain type and identical construction may also have a common identification code. This identification code can be integrated as an integration component into an information data group, which also contains one or more configuration data sets for the base device and / or the accessory device. The identification code is used, on the one hand, to identify the accessory device on the base device, and on the other hand, to match the configuration data associated with the corresponding accessory device in the base storage device. Configuration data, along with an identification code, is stored in a basic storage device. This configuration data can be retrieved later by the basic storage device when the identification code is known. When a specific accessory device reconnects to the basic device, the control device of the basic device searches for at least one configuration data item stored with the identification code in the already stored configuration data. A detection device of the basic device is used to detect the type of the accessory device or to detect the identification of a specific accessory device. This detection device can be configured, for example, as an optical detection device suitable for reading the optical code of the accessory device, such as a barcode, QR code, or other known optical code form. Alternatively, the detection device can be a receiver in a particularly simple case, capable of receiving electromagnetic signals from the corresponding transmitter of the accessory device. The accessory device and the basic device can, in particular, have compatible wireless communication interfaces, such as WLAN modules, Bluetooth modules, or Beehive modules, with corresponding transmitters and receivers. Alternatively, the communication interface can also be constructed in a wired connection, for example, as a device-side interface of a bus system. Subsequently, data communication between the basic device and the accessory device can be performed for the identification or reading process.

[0015] According to regulations, the basic storage device has multiple configuration tables, which have a priority order for configuring the cleaning system. The control device is configured to first search for configuration data in the configuration table with the highest priority, and if no configuration data is entered there, search for configuration data in one or more configuration tables with relatively lower priority in a descending order of priority. Configuration data read by accessory devices is stored in one or more configuration tables according to a predetermined order by the manufacturer. The control device of the basic device accesses the configuration tables to operate the corresponding accessory devices and the basic device. The configuration tables have different hierarchical levels, which are ranked by priority and read in descending priority order. The highest-priority configuration table (which has entries for accessory devices) thus provides the configuration data required for control. When the highest-priority configuration table does not contain an entry for an accessory device, the search continues in subsequent, lower-priority configuration tables.

[0016] The configuration tables can be selected from the following group in descending order of priority: a temporary table containing volatile configuration data read from the configuration memory of the accessory device via a control device, which is deleted when the base device is shut down; a personal table containing configuration data specified by the user; an update table containing non-volatile configuration data read from the configuration memory of the accessory device via a control device, which is retained when the base device is shut down; and a preset table, which is already stored in the base device storage when the base device is shipped from the manufacturer. Multiple configuration tables can thus be divided in descending order of priority into a temporary table for storing only temporary configuration data, a personal table for user-personalized configurations, an update table for continuously providing configuration data for new accessory devices, and / or a preset table for manufacturer-specific configurations. In the shipped state of the base device, only a preset table with one or more entries is provided. This preset table contains at least one configuration data for the base device in a standalone state, i.e., for operation of the base device without any accessory devices. Furthermore, the preset table also stores one or more configuration data for known combinations of the base device and one or more accessory devices at the time of manufacturing of the base device. This configuration data is used as so-called "default data" and is not easily lost. The configuration data is either a pre-set configuration for the base device operating independently, i.e., without connected accessory devices, or a configuration data for a specific combination of the base device and accessory devices known in the shipment state of the base device. In contrast, temporary tables, for example, have entries that are only temporarily stored for a specific process. This configuration data is preferably stored in volatile memory and is only used for specific, pre-defined situations, such as for applications using accessory devices that are used relatively infrequently compared to other applications, and therefore is only temporarily stored in storage. This configuration data is deleted each time the base device is shut down. However, since this configuration data is also stored at least volatilely in a temporary table, the user can always use the associated application. Furthermore, it is suggested that individual tables can be modified by the user of the base device. For example, the user can add, modify, and / or delete entries in the individual table. With the help of an application built into the external terminal device, the user can also preferably view the configuration data stored in this configuration table, where it can be specified that the contents of the individual table are visually highlighted to the user. Other specified update tables contain updatable configuration data. This configuration data is stored non-discardable, meaning it remains in storage even after the base device is shut down and restarted. The update table is empty when the base device is shipped from the manufacturer. It is first populated when the user connects the first accessory device to the base device. Subsequently, configuration data read by the accessory device is transferred to the update table. This occurs within the scope of the accessory device's learning process on the base device. However, users can also update or modify the configuration data stored therein.

[0017] Each configuration data of the basic storage device can have configuration data for the same accessory device, for the basic device, and / or for a specified combination of the basic device and accessory devices. Subsequently, the use of the stored configuration data is accomplished through the control device of the basic device, taking into account the priority order specified by the configuration table.

[0018] Furthermore, the control device is configured to identify the target storage location for storing the configuration data based on the priority encoding of the configuration data, and to perform a corresponding match with the configuration table determined by the priority encoding. The configuration memory of the accessory device may, for example, have multiple configuration data categorized into different configuration tables. The accessory device may, for example, be used for different applications. The cleaning nozzle may, for example, perform dry cleaning on one hand and wet cleaning on the other, wherein the user performs dry cleaning most of the time and wet cleaning less frequently. In this case, for example, the configuration data for wet cleaning may be stored as a temporary setting in the basic storage device. For this purpose, the configuration data is stored in a temporary table containing only volatile configuration data, which is deleted when the basic device is turned off. Conversely, the configuration data for the cleaning nozzle for dry cleaning applications is stored in an update table, which stores the data non-volatilely, i.e., permanently, regardless of whether the basic device is turned off. To ensure that the control device of the basic device can correctly match the configuration data read from the configuration memory of the accessory device, the corresponding configuration data has a priority encoding that specifies a matching relationship with a particular configuration table. Furthermore, accessory devices can be configured for different types of dry cleaning, such as for normal suction cleaning and for special carpet cleaning where carpet cleaner is added to the carpet surface. In this design, the accessory device is connected to specific accessory elements for the corresponding processing operation. In this case, the accessory device's configuration memory contains configuration data for normal suction cleaning and configuration data for special carpet cleaning. According to another design, the inherent accessory control device can identify which type of accessory element is currently applied in the accessory device and transmit the corresponding configuration data to the base device, providing this configuration data for retrieval in the accessory device. The base device's control device reads or receives the configuration data and, as previously described, matches it according to a priority code in a specific configuration table, which is specific to the corresponding priority code.

[0019] Furthermore, it is stipulated that the basic equipment has a communication interface, through which the user, using an application installed on an external terminal device, accesses the basic storage device to supplement and / or delete and / or modify the configuration data of the basic equipment. The user's external terminal device can be, for example, a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer, or alternatively, a fixed computing device, such as a local standalone computer. The communication interface is preferably constructed as a wireless communication interface and uses wireless technologies such as WLAN, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. However, as an alternative, data transmission can also be achieved via a wired connection in principle. The external terminal device preferably has a display on which the application provides a graphical surface for the user. In particular, a configuration table with corresponding content is also shown here. The user can modify, supplement, and / or delete data here. User modifications are typically made in a personal table, which is personalized by the user with configuration data for a specific accessory device. However, it may also be stipulated that the user can access temporary tables and / or update tables. Conversely, the preset settings table should be configured so that users cannot access it, because the preset settings table contains the cleaning system's pre-set settings stored by the manufacturer at the time of shipment, and the control device can access its configuration data when necessary, especially in case of failure.

[0020] If the configuration table contains unreliable and therefore unusable configuration data, the configuration data is interpreted as invalid by the control unit of the base device or the accessory control unit of the accessory device when implementation fails. Therefore, the control unit searches for other configuration data in the same configuration table or in other configuration tables with lower priority. If the configuration table, especially the aforementioned temporary table and / or personal table and / or update table, does not have executable configuration data, the control unit of the base device accesses at least the configuration data contained in the preset table. When new configuration data from the accessory device or configuration data transmitted by the user to the control unit of the base device finally matches the configuration table, the control unit may first check the reliability and executableness of the configuration data. If the configuration data is valid, the configuration data is stored in the configuration table and, for example, loaded into the working memory of the base device, so that the job can begin processing from that moment. If the configuration data is invalid, the configuration data is discarded and, if necessary, replaced with other configuration data contained in the configuration table.

[0021] Preferably, the basic storage device of the basic device, in the manufacturer-shipped state, contains only configuration data for operation when the basic device is not connected to any accessory devices. Alternatively, it can be specified that the basic storage device, in the manufacturer-shipped state, contains only configuration data for operation of the basic device without connected accessory devices, and configuration data for at least one known combination of the basic device and a specific accessory device. Thus, the basic device is configured by the manufacturer in the shipped state to contain only configuration data for combinations of actually known basic devices and accessory devices, or only configuration data for operation of the basic device alone. At the time of shipment of the basic device, all other configuration data required for the operation of subsequently expanded accessory devices are not yet present in the basic storage device, but are provided for the first time in its configuration memory along with the newly expanded accessory devices. Thus, the accessory device itself brings the configuration data required by the basic device for ideal operation of the accessory device.

[0022] Finally, it is stipulated that the control device of the base device is configured such that configuration data read from the configuration memory of the accessory device is transmitted to the accessory device's inherent accessory control device for configuring the accessory device. The accessory control device is configured such that the accessory device is then automatically adjusted and set according to the configuration data received from the base device. The accessory device's control device first reads all configuration data stored in the accessory device's configuration memory and then divides it into configuration data for the base device itself and configuration data for the accessory device. The configuration data used to control the accessory device is then transmitted to the accessory device's inherent accessory control device, which then automatically takes corresponding adjustment settings for the accessory device. This means that the relevant portion of the configuration data for the accessory device is returned to the accessory device. The accessory device then checks the availability and integrity of the received configuration data. If the configuration data can be executed by the accessory device, it can be deemed executable. However, if the configuration data is unavailable, it is interpreted as invalid by the accessory device relative to the base device's control device. In response to this type of information from the accessory device, the base device's control device then, if necessary, searches for valid configuration data again in the configuration table of the base device's storage. If no valid configuration data is found, especially if configuration data still exists in the configuration table, a system error to clean the system is issued. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments. In the accompanying drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A cleaning system according to the invention is shown, comprising a base device and accessory devices detachably connected to the base device.

[0025] Figure 2 This illustrates the transfer of configuration data from accessory devices and external terminal devices to the base device. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 A feasible embodiment of the system according to the invention, consisting of a base device 1 and an accessory device 2 detachably connected to the base device 1, is shown. The base device 1 has a connection interface 11, at which the accessory device 2 can be detachably arranged. Furthermore, other accessory devices 2, not shown here, may also belong to the cleaning system. The accessory devices 2 may be constructed identically or differently.

[0027] Here, the base device 1 is exemplarily constructed as a household vacuum cleaner. The base device 1 has a dust collection chamber 17 and a fan 18 in a typical type and manner, which are in fluid communication with each other via an airflow channel 19. The airflow channel 19 leads into a connection interface 11, where it connects to a compatible airflow channel 20 of the accessory device 2. Furthermore, the base device 1 has a handle 14 with a handle 15. The handle 14 is preferably designed to be telescopic, so that the user of the base device 1 can advantageously adjust the length of the handle 14 according to their height. The user guides the base device 1 on the surface to be cleaned via the handle 15, wherein continuous back-and-forth movement of the base device 1 is typically performed on the surface to be cleaned. The handle 15 has an input device 16 with multiple input keys, allowing the user to transmit input to the control device 5 of the base device 1. The input can be, for example, an operating specification for the processing operation of the base device 1, such as a specific operating mode with a specific power level of the fan 18, from which the user can select, for example, three different power levels. Furthermore, the base device 1 has a communication interface 7 for wireless communication with the compatible communication interface 10 of the accessory device 2. The communication interface 7 of the base device 1 also serves as a detection device 3, which the base device 1 can use to detect the type of the accessory device 2 currently connected to the base device 1. The compatible communication interfaces 7 and 10 of the base device 1 and accessory device 2 are, in this example, designed as wireless communication interfaces 7 and 10, such as WLAN modules, Bluetooth modules, ZigBee modules, or similar modules. Alternatively, wired communication between the base device 1 and accessory device 2 is also possible, for example, through an compatible interface of the device's internal bus system. In addition, the base device 1 also has a base storage device 4 for storing configuration data of the base device 1 and / or accessory device 2. This is explained in more detail below. Users of the cleaning system can access the base storage device 4 via an external terminal device 8, which is, in this example, a mobile phone. An application is installed on the external terminal device 8 to enable data communication with the basic device 1, so that the user can read, supplement, modify or delete the configuration data stored in the basic storage device 4.

[0028] In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the accessory device 2 has a suction nozzle 12 and a surface treatment element 21 for treating the surface to be cleaned. The surface treatment element 21 is, for example, a cleaning roller that rotates about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation; this cleaning roller may preferably have cleaning bristles to enhance its effect on the surface to be cleaned. Wheels 13 arranged on the accessory device 2 allow the base device 1, together with the accessory device 2, to be guided across the surface to be cleaned, particularly without friction. Here, the accessory device 2 has, for example, an inherent accessory control device 9 that checks the operating specifications transmitted by the control device 5 of the base device 1 and converts them into inherent control commands. Alternatively, the control device 5 of the base device 1 may transmit already executable control commands to the accessory control device 9 of the accessory device, so that the accessory control device 9 only needs to re-convert the control commands, for example, by adjusting the corresponding configuration parameters of the accessory device 2. The control device 9 of the accessory device 2 may also transmit configuration data to the base device 1. Furthermore, the accessory device 2 also has a configuration memory 6 containing configuration data for configuring the base device 1 and / or for configuring the accessory device 2.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown in detail, the basic storage device 4 of the basic equipment 1 has a large number of configuration tables 22, which can store configuration data for the basic equipment 1 of the cleaning system and for one or more auxiliary devices 2. Configuration tables 22 include, for example, temporary tables 23, individual tables 24, update tables 25, and preset tables 26. The configuration tables 22 have different priority orders, such that the control device 5 of the basic equipment 1 first searches for configuration data in the temporary table 23 to perform a processing operation; subsequently, if the temporary table 23 does not contain configuration data for the basic equipment 1 or auxiliary devices 2, it searches in the individual table 24; then, if necessary, it searches in the update table 25; and then, if necessary, it searches in the preset table 26. The preset table 26 is a unique configuration table composed of multiple configuration tables 22 that already contain configuration data for the basic equipment 1 at the time of shipment of the basic equipment 1. Furthermore, the preset table 26 can store configuration data for known combinations of the basic equipment 1 and auxiliary devices 2 at the time of shipment by the manufacturer of the basic equipment 1. According to the implementation described herein, users cannot access the configuration data in the preset table 26, for example, via external terminal device 8, or at least cannot supplement, modify, or delete it. However, when necessary, external terminal device 8 has only read access to the preset table 26. The configuration data is permanently stored in the preset table 26, meaning it remains available even after the infrastructure device 1 is shut down and restarted.

[0030] Configuration data is stored in an update table 25, which has a higher priority than the preset table 26. The control device 5 of the base device 1 reads this configuration data from the configuration memory 6 for the accessory device 2 connected to the base device 1, or receives it from the accessory control device 9. Here, the configuration data stored in the configuration memory 6 of the accessory device 2 relates to at least the currently connected accessory device 2, which has been identified relative to the control device 5 of the base device 1 by an identification code, in this case, for example, referred to as "XYZ". Furthermore, the configuration data for the accessory device 2 includes, for example, configuration parameters for the rotational speed of the surface treatment element 21, and configuration parameters for the position of the fluid guiding element located in the airflow channel 20 of the accessory device 2. The configuration data stored in the configuration memory 6 of the accessory device 2 may include configuration data for both the base device 1 and the accessory device 2. Here, the configuration memory 6 of the accessory device 2 contains, for example, configuration data only for the accessory device 2.

[0031] The user-defined configuration data, personalized by the user and transmitted to the basic storage device 4 of the basic device 1 via the external terminal device 8, is stored in the personal table 24. In this embodiment, the user defines a different rotational speed for the surface treatment element 21 for the accessory device 2 with ID "XYZ" than the configuration number in the update table 25. Since the personal table 24 has higher priority than the update table 25, i.e., higher priority for controlling the accessory device 2, the user can thus reject the configuration data included in the update table 25.

[0032] Temporary table 23 is empty in the embodiment shown here. However, according to different embodiments of the invention, the temporary table may also contain configuration data for applications of the cleaning system used less frequently. For example, accessory device 2 may be designed for different cleaning operations, such as for normal suction cleaning on one hand, and for special carpet cleaning, which is used less frequently, on the other hand, where the cleaning agent is added to the carpet fibers. In carpet cleaning, it is stipulated that the fan 18 of the base device 1 remains closed during the process of applying and adding the cleaning agent to the carpet fibers, so as not to directly suck the cleaning agent away again, but to achieve the action time. Since the configuration data for special carpet cleaning is only used less frequently, this configuration data is stored in temporary table 23 only when necessary. When the user turns off the base device 1, the configuration data is then deleted from temporary table 23. By deleting configuration data that is only temporarily stored, the free storage space of the base storage device 4 can be optimized.

[0033] In order for the control device 5 of the base device 1 to know which configuration data is stored in which configuration table, the configuration memory 6 of the accessory device 2 contains matching information for each stored configuration data, which specifies the target storage location for the corresponding configuration data. This matching information is thus also used as a priority code for the application of the stored configuration data, since the match with a specific configuration table 22 determines which configuration data is retrieved and used by the control device 5 of the base device 1. Furthermore, the configuration memory 6 of the accessory device 2 preferably contains only configuration data corresponding to the current configuration of the accessory device 2. In the above-described case of the accessory device 2 (the device can be used for normal suction cleaning applications and specialized carpet cleaning applications), the accessory control device 9 of the accessory device 2 first determines which accessory element is used in the accessory device 2. The accessory element can be, for example, a general brush roller or a specialized brush for adding cleaning agent to carpet surfaces. The accessory control device 9 first determines which accessory element is currently connected to the accessory device 2 based on the accessory element's individual code, and then stores the corresponding configuration data in the configuration memory 6. Furthermore, instead of storing configuration data for different operating modes independently in configuration table 22, the user can select the configuration data, for example, via input device 16.

[0034] In the embodiment shown here, the invention is carried out in such a way that the manufacturer of the cleaning system first pre-configures the base device 1, such that the preset setting table 26 has one or more configuration data. This configuration data is used only for the base device 1 in its standalone state, i.e., without the accessory device 2 connected to the base device 1. The configuration data in the preset setting table 26 here specifies the power for the fan 18. The fan power should be defined as a "medium" fan power. The definition of the parameter range "medium" is, for example, also stored in the base storage device 4 of the base device 1. Alternatively, it is also possible to store specific entries for configuration parameters in the preset setting table 26 or another configuration table 22.

[0035] When the user connects the acquired basic device 1 to the accessory device 2, the detection device 3 of the basic device 1 recognizes that the accessory device 2 is connected to the connection interface 11. Through the compatible communication interfaces 7 and 10 of the basic device 1 and the accessory device 2, the control device 5 of the basic device 1 then queries the configuration memory 6 of the accessory device 2 for configuration data for the accessory device 2. This can be done within the scope of the information request from the control device 5 of the basic device 1 to the accessory device 2, thereby the accessory device 2 transmits the data contained in its configuration memory 6 to the control device 5 of the basic device 1. The data stored in the configuration memory 6 also includes the identification code "XYZ" of the accessory device 2 and related configuration data. However, if the identification code is obtained, the control device 5 of the basic device 1 may also first check whether the configuration table 22 of the basic storage device 4 already contains configuration data for the accessory device 2 with that identification code. When this is the case, the configuration data for the accessory device 2 is preferably obtained from the existing configuration table 22.

[0036] Alternatively, the control device 5 of the base device 1 can be specified to read the configuration data stored in the configuration memory 6 of the accessory device 2 and add it to the configuration table 22. This method is used when the control device 5 determines that the accessory device 2 is still unknown, i.e., there is no configuration data for the accessory device 2 with the identification code "XYZ" yet stored in the configuration table 22. In this case, a reading process is first performed, where the configuration data of the accessory device 2 is transferred from the configuration memory 6 of the accessory device 2 to the base storage device 4 of the base device 1. Here, a priority code is matched for each piece of configuration data if necessary, specifying which configuration table in the large number of configuration tables 22 should store the corresponding configuration data. The configuration data stored in the configuration memory 6 can be configuration data for the base device 1 itself, or configuration data for the accessory device 2. The control device 5 of the base device 1 first acquires all the configuration data and divides it into configuration data for the base device 1 and configuration data for the accessory device 2. Furthermore, each configuration data is stored in a specific configuration table 22, that is, either in the update table 25 or in the temporary table 23. According to this embodiment, the temporary table 23 only stores configuration data for the application of the accessory device 2 used occasionally. This does not exist here. Therefore, the configuration data of the accessory device 2 is entered into the update table 25.

[0037] According to the embodiment described herein, the user of the cleaning system first accesses the configuration data stored in the configuration table 22 via their external terminal device 8 and makes modifications or additions. For example, the user can store preferred configuration data in a personal table 24, which is used when applying the accessory device 2. This configuration data could be, for example, the rotational speed of the surface treatment element 21, which differs from the manufacturer's specifications previously stored in the update table 25. Given the higher priority of the personal table 24 over the update table 25, the user-specified configuration is used when operating the accessory device 2. Furthermore, the control device 5 of the base device 1 can check the reliability of the configuration data received by the configuration memory 6 of the accessory device 2, i.e., for controlling the availability of the base device 1. If the control device 5 determines that the configuration data is unavailable, the configuration data is not stored in the configuration table 22. If the configuration data is valid, the configuration data is entered into the configuration table 22 and, if necessary, loaded into the working memory of the base device 1 so that it can be used in the processing.

[0038] The configuration data relevant to accessory device 2 is transmitted to the computing device of accessory device 2. The computing device then checks whether the configuration data is usable for accessory device 2. If the data is valid, the configuration is confirmed and surface processing can begin. If the configuration data is invalid, the computing device of accessory device 2 interprets it as invalid and sends the corresponding information to the control device 5 of base device 1. The control device 5 then searches again for configuration data for accessory device 2 in other configuration tables 22, which are requested in a prescribed priority order. Here, the requests are made in the order of temporary table 23, personal table 24, update table 25, and preset table 26. If valid configuration data cannot be extracted from all configuration tables 22 in total, a system error is defined and the user is notified, for example, via an external terminal device. Subsequently, the user can transmit their own configuration data to the control device 5 of base device 1 or enter it into the personal table 24.

[0039] List of reference numerals

[0040] 1. Basic equipment

[0041] 2. Accessory Equipment

[0042] 3. Detection device

[0043] 4. Basic storage devices

[0044] 5. Control Device

[0045] 6. Configuration Memory

[0046] 7 Communication Interfaces

[0047] 8 External terminal devices

[0048] 9. Accessory Control Device

[0049] 10 communication interfaces

[0050] ll connection interface

[0051] 12 suction nozzles

[0052] 13 wheels

[0053] 14-handle rod

[0054] 15 hands

[0055] 16-input device

[0056] 17 dust collection chambers

[0057] 18 fans

[0058] 19 air flow channels

[0059] 20 airflow channels

[0060] 2L Surface Treatment Components

[0061] 22 Configuration Table

[0062] 23 Temporary Table

[0063] 24 people list

[0064] 25 Update Table

[0065] 26. Preset Table.

Claims

1. A cleaning system comprising a base device (1) and at least one accessory device (2) detachably connected to the base device (1), wherein, The base equipment (1) has a detection device (3) for detecting the type of the accessory device (2) currently connected to the base equipment (1), a base storage device (4), and a control device (5) for controlling the operation of the base equipment (1) and / or the accessory device (2) according to the type of the connected accessory device (2). The accessory device (2) is characterized in that the accessory device (2) has a configuration memory (6) in which configuration data for configuring the base equipment (1) and / or the accessory device (2) to operate the cleaning system is stored. The control device (5) of the base equipment (1) is configured such that the configuration data stored in the configuration memory (6) of the accessory device (2) is centrally stored in the base storage device (4). The control device (5) is configured to access the configuration data stored in the base storage device (4) for the operation of the cleaning system and to adjust the settings of the base equipment (1) and / or the accessory device (2) according to the configuration data.

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration data includes configuration parameters for both the basic device (1) and the accessory device (2).

3. The cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The accessory device (2) has an accessory control device (9) configured to identify accessory elements connected to the accessory device (2), determine the type of the accessory device (2), and transmit configuration data corresponding to the type of the accessory device (2) to the control device (5) of the base device (1) or provide it in the configuration memory (6).

4. The cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The configuration data includes configuration parameters selected from the following group: fan suction power, drive motor power, rotational speed of rotary surface treatment element, oscillation frequency of oscillating surface treatment element, position of fluid guiding element, flow cross-section of flow channel, and release rate of liquid coating device.

5. The cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The accessory device (2) has a one-to-one identification code, wherein the detection device (3) of the base device (1) is configured to detect the identification code and transmit it to the control device (5) of the base device (1), wherein the control device (5) is configured to store the configuration data together with the detected identification code in the base storage device (4) and / or call the configuration data stored in the base storage device (4) for the detected identification code.

6. The cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basic storage device (4) has multiple configuration tables (22) with a priority order for the configuration of the cleaning system. The control device (5) is configured to first search for configuration data in the configuration table (22) with the highest priority, and if no configuration data is entered therein, search for configuration data in one or more configuration tables (22) with relatively lower priority in a degraded priority order.

7. The cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The configuration table (22) is selected from the following group in descending order of priority: temporary table (23), which has volatile stored configuration data read from the configuration memory (6) of the accessory device (2) by the control device (5), which is deleted when the base device (1) is turned off; personal table (24), which has configuration data specified by the user; update table (25), which has non-volatile stored configuration data read from the configuration memory (6) of the accessory device (2) by the control device (5), which is retained when the base device (1) is turned off; and preset table (26), which has been stored in the base storage device (4) when the base device is shipped by the manufacturer.

8. The cleaning system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The control device (5) is configured to identify the destination storage location for storing the configuration data according to the priority encoding of the configuration data, and to perform a corresponding match with the configuration table (22) determined by the priority encoding.

9. The cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basic device (1) has a communication interface (7), through which the user accesses the basic storage device (4) via an application installed in an external terminal device (8) to supplement and / or delete and / or modify the configuration data of the basic device (1).

10. The cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The basic storage device (4) of the basic device (1) has only configuration data for the operation of the basic device (1) without the accessory device (2) connected, in the manufacturer-shipped state of the basic device (1), or the basic storage device (4) of the basic device (1) has only configuration data for the operation of the basic device (1) without the accessory device (2) connected, and configuration data for at least one known combination of the basic device (1) and the specific accessory device (2).

11. The cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control device (5) of the basic device (1) is configured to transmit configuration data read from the configuration memory (6) of the accessory device (2) to the inherent accessory control device (9) of the accessory device (2) in order to configure the accessory device (2), wherein the accessory control device (9) is configured to subsequently adjust and set the accessory device (2) automatically according to the configuration data received from the basic device (1).

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