Floor cleaning device and method for operating a floor cleaning device

Abstract

Floor cleaning device comprising two or more functional units (16) for cleaning operation, wherein one of the functional units (16) is a cleaning device (18, 26) with at least one cleaning tool (22, 22', 30, 30') for cleaning a floor surface (14) or comprises such a cleaning device (18, 26), an operating unit (60) for receiving operating instructions from an operator, an output unit (62) for issuing instructions, a storage unit (64) in which a set of operating parameters of the functional units (16) is stored, linked to a set of cleaning criteria for floor cleaning, a control unit (58) coupled to the functional units (16), the operating unit (60), the output unit (62) and the storage unit (64), wherein the control unit (58) is designed and programmed,in interaction with the operator via the control unit (60) and the output unit (62) to receive two or more cleaning criteria for floor cleaning and, depending on the set of cleaning criteria specified by the operator, to load a set of operating parameters linked to this set from the storage unit (64).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a floor cleaning device comprising two or more functional units for cleaning operation, wherein one of the functional units is a cleaning device with at least one cleaning tool for cleaning a floor surface or comprises such a cleaning device, an operating unit for receiving operating instructions from an operator and an output unit for issuing instructions.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning device, in particular of the type mentioned above.

[0003] Modern floor cleaning machines, such as scrubber-dryers, offer operators a wide range of settings to configure and adjust the machine for different cleaning tasks. For example, some scrubber-dryers are equipped with either a cleaning head with roller brushes or a disc brush. Different brushes or disc brushes can be selected depending on the floor type; some models offer more than a dozen cleaning tools.Considering the additional requirement that the scrubber-dryer can clean multiple floor types and that various operating parameters, such as the speed of the cleaning tool, its contact pressure, the dosage of cleaning fluid, or the scrubber-dryer's travel speed, can be adjusted by the operator, this results in several hundred possible configurations for the scrubber-dryer. This makes the scrubber-dryer highly versatile, and such machines have proven their worth in practice. Nevertheless, it is desirable to make it easier for the operator to handle such a floor cleaning device.

[0004] EP 1 593 334 B1 describes a floor cleaning device that requires a mechanical key for operation. A selector switch allows the user to set different operating positions of the floor cleaning device, each linked to a different cleaning program.

[0005] German patent DE 10 2009 033 944 A1 describes a floor cleaning device that requires access authorization stored on an authorization medium and is detected without physical contact. Depending on an operating profile linked to the access authorization, presets for the floor cleaning device can be configured, for example.

[0006] WO 2012 / 016847 A1 describes a floor cleaning device that can be operated by users with different access rights. Depending on the access right, which is linked to an authorization profile, the floor cleaning device can provide different functionalities.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a floor cleaning device and a method for its operation, wherein the floor cleaning device is more user-friendly.

[0008] This problem is solved by a floor cleaning device according to the invention, comprising two or more functional units for cleaning operation, wherein one of the functional units is a cleaning device with at least one cleaning tool for cleaning a floor surface or comprises such a cleaning device, an operating unit for receiving operating instructions from an operator, an output unit for issuing instructions, a storage unit in which a set of operating parameters of the functional units is stored, linked with a set of cleaning criteria for floor cleaning, a control unit which is coupled to the functional units, the operating unit, the output unit and the storage unit, wherein the control unit is designed and programmed,In interaction with the operator, the unit receives two or more cleaning criteria for floor cleaning via the control unit and the output unit, and, depending on the set of cleaning criteria specified by the operator, loads a set of operating parameters linked to this set from the storage unit.

[0009] In the floor cleaning system according to the invention, the floor cleaning device, controlled by the control unit, is designed to interact with the operator. In particular, a dialogue can be conducted with the operator, who enters commands via the control unit. Instructions for entering commands, prompts, and / or feedback from the control unit can be provided to the operator via the output unit. The operator can specify cleaning criteria for the upcoming cleaning task. Based on this, a set of cleaning criteria is created, which is linked to a set of operating parameters. The set of operating parameters can, for example, be predefined by a manufacturer and / or set by maintenance personnel or a supervisor.This allows for the most optimized use of the floor cleaning device, depending on the cleaning task, and provides support to the operator in this regard. Through interaction with the operator, particularly in interactive mode, the operator can be guided through the preparation of the floor cleaning device for the cleaning task and thus receive systematic instruction.

[0010] Preferably, the control unit is designed and programmed to initiate the interaction when the floor cleaning device is put into operation.

[0011] It may be stipulated that the floor cleaning device can only be operated after the interaction has been completed. This ensures that the floor cleaning device is optimized for the upcoming cleaning task.

[0012] It may be possible to operate the floor cleaning device without specifying all or only some of the cleaning criteria.

[0013] Advantageously, the control unit defines the set of operating parameters for the floor cleaning device and makes presets for the two or more functional units. Depending on the determined set of cleaning criteria, the floor cleaning device can thus be prepared for operation without the need for the operator to adjust the operating parameters.

[0014] In particular, it is stipulated that the floor to be cleaned is to be used as a cleaning criterion. In this context, "floor" can include at least one of the following: floor material, floor type, or floor condition.

[0015] In particular, it is stipulated that the floor to be cleaned must be specified by the operator as the first cleaning criterion.

[0016] It is advantageous if the use of a specific type of cleaning equipment is specified as a cleaning criterion. For example, the operator can indicate which cleaning equipment will be used, or should be used, to clean the designated floor.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, cleaning devices can in particular include a floor cleaning head with at least one cleaning tool in the form of a brush roller or a floor cleaning head with at least one cleaning tool in the form of a disc brush.

[0018] It is advantageous to include a cleaning criterion that specifies at least one cleaning tool. For example, the operator can choose which cleaning tool will or should be used.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, a cleaning tool in the form of a brush roller or a cleaning tool in the form of a disc brush can be specified.

[0020] It may be possible to configure the system so that the operator can only specify cleaning tools as a cleaning criterion that are compatible with a previously selected cleaning unit. For example, a brush roller can only be selected in combination with a brush roller floor cleaning head, and a disc brush only in conjunction with a disc brush floor cleaning head.

[0021] It is advantageous if the control unit is designed and programmed to suggest the appropriate cleaning device at the dispensing unit when the floor type is specified as the cleaning criterion. Through dialogue with the operator, the control unit can suggest the most suitable cleaning device for the selected floor type at the dispensing unit, depending on the cleaning criterion.

[0022] Similarly, it is advantageously provided that the control unit is designed and programmed to suggest the cleaning tool to be used at the output unit when the floor type and / or the cleaning equipment is specified as cleaning criteria. In this way, the operator can be offered the most suitable cleaning tool for the upcoming cleaning task.

[0023] The operator can, for example, accept the control unit's suggestion for the cleaning device and / or cleaning tool by entering input at the control unit. It may also be possible for the operator to deviate from the control unit's suggestion and select a cleaning device and / or cleaning tool that is not suggested.

[0024] It may be provided that the operator can request the control unit to suggest a different cleaning device and / or cleaning tool via the control unit. This can occur, for example, if the suggested cleaning device and / or cleaning tool is not available. The control unit can then preferably submit an alternative suggestion.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit may verify the operator's input, in particular the selection of a cleaning device and / or cleaning tool, for the upcoming cleaning operation, especially for cleaning a selected floor as the cleaning criterion. If damage to the floor is imminent due to the selection of an unsuitable cleaning device and / or cleaning tool, a warning message may be displayed on the output unit. The floor cleaning device may also be locked out of operation.

[0026] Preferably, one cleaning criterion is to specify a cleaning program that forms the basis for cleaning the floor surface.

[0027] For example, a cleaning program is designed to achieve maximum cleaning performance.

[0028] For example, a cleaning program is planned with the aim of cleaning in an energy-saving manner.

[0029] For example, a cleaning program is planned with the aim of achieving a high cleaning speed, especially to achieve a high area coverage rate.

[0030] The selection of the cleaning program as a cleaning criterion is advantageously subordinate to the choice of floor, cleaning equipment and cleaning tool.

[0031] With regard to the interaction process with the operator, particularly in interactive mode, it is advantageous if the cleaning criteria are at least partially interdependent. The control unit is designed and programmed to subsequently suggest a further cleaning criterion at the output unit, depending on the selection of one criterion. The relationship between the cleaning criteria is stored in the memory unit and loaded by the control unit. For example, depending on the floor type selected, a preferred cleaning device is suggested, and / or depending on that selection, a preferred cleaning tool is suggested, as explained above.

[0032] It is preferably provided that the control unit is designed and programmed to assess the effects on the floor area when a selection criterion is specified, and in particular when a further selection criterion is changed by the operator at the control unit, and, if necessary, to provide a notification at the output unit or to block the operation of the floor cleaning device. This has already been discussed in connection with the selection of an unsuitable cleaning device and / or an unsuitable cleaning tool.

[0033] The following section discusses possible operating parameters for the floor cleaning device.

[0034] It may be provided that the cleaning device includes a drive unit for the at least one cleaning tool and that one operating parameter is a rotational speed of the at least one cleaning tool.

[0035] It may be provided that the floor cleaning device includes a pressure unit via which the at least one cleaning tool can be subjected to a force directed towards the floor surface, and that an operating parameter is a contact pressure for the at least one cleaning tool.

[0036] It may be provided that the floor cleaning device includes a chassis for movement on the floor surface and that the floor cleaning device includes a drive unit as a functional unit, wherein an operating parameter is a travel speed of the floor cleaning device or a drive power of the drive unit.

[0037] The floor cleaning device may include a reservoir for cleaning fluid and a dosing unit for the cleaning fluid as its functional unit, with one operating parameter being the quantity of cleaning fluid. The dosing unit may, for example, be designed as a valve or a pump, or may include both. For example, the flow rate of the cleaning fluid may be controlled and / or regulated.

[0038] Similarly, the floor cleaning device may include a reservoir for a cleaning chemical that can be mixed with a cleaning fluid, and a dosing unit for the cleaning chemical as a functional unit, wherein an operating parameter is a quantity of cleaning chemical. For example, a valve or a pump may be provided as the dosing unit or as a component thereof.

[0039] The floor cleaning device may include a dirt liquid container for a cleaning liquid, a dirt collection device and, as a functional unit, a suction unit for applying negative pressure to the dirt liquid container, wherein an operating parameter is the power of the suction unit.

[0040] It can be stipulated that the order in which cleaning criteria are received by the operator is fixed. This ensures that the control unit determines the cleaning criteria sequentially during interaction with the operator. This is particularly advantageous when cleaning criteria are interdependent, as explained above.

[0041] It may be intended that the loaded operating parameters cannot be changed by the operator.

[0042] It may be provided that the operating parameters, or at least some of them and / or to a certain extent, can be changed by the operator via the control unit. The operator can deviate from the preset values ​​of the operating parameters and in this way potentially achieve an even better adaptation of the floor cleaning device to the cleaning application.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device, the device includes a detection unit coupled to the control unit, which can detect the access authorization stored on an authorization medium required for operating the floor cleaning device. This prevents unauthorized operation of the floor cleaning device. The detected access authorization is then checked for validity, for example, by the control unit.

[0044] It may be intended that the operating parameters, at least in part, can be changed depending on access rights. For example, only some of the operating parameters may be changed, and / or the operating parameters may only be changed to a predefined or predefined extent.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the ability to change operating parameters can depend on an authorization profile linked to the access rights. For example, an authorization profile is defined for "average" operators who cannot change operating parameters, or can only do so partially. Conversely, an authorization profile for "advanced users" can be provided, allowing more extensive control over changing operating parameters.

[0046] For a compact design and more user-friendly handling, it is advantageous if the control unit includes the output unit, or if the output unit is located on the control unit, or vice versa.

[0047] The control unit is designed, for example, as a touch-sensitive control unit, as a voice-controlled control unit and / or as an optical control unit, the latter of which can, for example, recognize gestures of the operator.

[0048] The output unit is designed, for example, as an optical output unit and / or as an acoustic output unit, for example with speech output.

[0049] Ideally, a combined control and output unit is provided, which includes a touchscreen.

[0050] The floor cleaning device can be, for example, a trailing device, a ride-on device, or a stand-up device. The floor cleaning device can include a drive unit for a chassis.

[0051] A preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning device is a scrubber-dryer.

[0052] The aforementioned problem is solved by a method according to the invention for operating a floor cleaning device of the type mentioned above, wherein its control unit, in interaction with the operator via the control unit and the output unit, receives two or more cleaning criteria for floor cleaning and, depending on the set of cleaning criteria specified by the operator, loads the corresponding set of operating parameters from the storage unit. Preferably, this set of operating parameters forms the basis for the operation of the floor cleaning device, and the two or more functional units are preset accordingly.

[0053] Advantages in the application of the method according to the invention arise from advantages of the floor cleaning device according to the invention, so that reference can be made to the preceding explanations in this regard.

[0054] Preferred embodiments of the method result from preferred configurations of the floor cleaning device. Reference can also be made to the preceding statements in this regard.

[0055] The following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, in conjunction with the drawing, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The floor cleaning device according to the invention can be used to carry out the method according to the invention. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: schematically a preferred embodiment of a floor cleaning device according to the invention with a cleaning device, wherein an alternative cleaning device and different cleaning tools for the cleaning devices are also shown; Fig. 2: a schematic block diagram of the floor cleaning device made of Fig. 1; and Fig. 3: schematically illustrates the process of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0056] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a floor cleaning device according to the invention, designated by reference numeral 10. In this example, the floor cleaning device 10 is configured as a scrubber-dryer 12 and serves to clean a floor surface 14. The floor surface 14 can be made up of different types of flooring. The advantage of the floor cleaning device 10 (hereinafter referred to as device 10) lies particularly in the fact that it allows for user-friendly adaptation of the operation to different types of flooring, with the aim of achieving cleaning that is as tailored as possible to the specific floor surface and preferably gentle on the floor.

[0057] The device 10 comprises a plurality of functional units 16 for cleaning operation. At least some of the functional units 16 have adjustable operating parameters that can be used as a basis for the cleaning operation.

[0058] In this case, a cleaning device 18 is provided as functional unit 16. The cleaning device 18 comprises a disc brush floor cleaning head 20 with a cleaning tool 22 in the form of a disc brush 24. The disc brush 24 can be detachably attached to the cleaning head 20.

[0059] The floor cleaning device 10 in this case also includes a number of additional disc brushes, in Fig. 1 marked with reference numeral 24'. The disc brushes 24' are cleaning tools 22' which can be attached to the floor cleaning head 20 as an alternative to the disc brush 24 and can be used for cleaning the floor surface 14.

[0060] The 24 and 24' disc brushes differ in their construction. It is conceivable that the 24 and 24' disc brushes have different cleaning elements, for example, cleaning bristles, a sponge-like covering, or a microfiber covering. For instance, the cleaning elements of the 24 and 24' disc brushes may have different degrees of hardness.

[0061] Overall, the device 10 preferably provides that the floor cleaning head 20 is preferably used with one of the disc brushes 24, 24' that are best suited for the type of floor, depending on the type of floor.

[0062] The device 10 further comprises an alternative cleaning device 26 which can be used as an alternative to the cleaning device 18. The cleaning device 26 has a brush roller cleaning head 28 and at least one cleaning tool 30 detachably attached to it. In the present case, two preferably identical cleaning tools 30 in the form of brush rollers 32 are provided.

[0063] The floor cleaning device 10 also includes alternative brush rollers 32', each forming cleaning tools 30' and which can be fixed to the cleaning head 28 as an alternative to the brush roller 30.

[0064] The brush rollers 32, 32' differ in their composition and are preferably used depending on the type of floor to be cleaned. The cleaning elements of the brush rollers 32, 32' may have different compositions; for example, they may consist of cleaning bristles, microfiber padding, or sponge-like padding. The cleaning elements of the brush rollers 32, 32' may also differ in their degree of hardness.

[0065] The cleaning devices 18, 26 each have a drive unit 34 for adjusting the rotational speed of the respective cleaning tool 22, 22' or 30, 30'. The rotational speed is an operating parameter of the device 10.

[0066] The floor cleaning device 10 comprises a pressure unit 36 ​​as a further functional unit 16. By means of the pressure unit 36, which acts on the cleaning device 18 or the cleaning device 26, the corresponding cleaning tool 22, 22' or 30, 30' can be subjected to a force directed towards the floor surface 14. The contact pressure provided by the pressure unit 36 ​​is an operating parameter of the device 10.

[0067] It may be provided that each floor cleaning device 18, 26 includes an independent pressure unit and that no common pressure unit 36 ​​is provided.

[0068] The device 10 further comprises a chassis 38 for movement on the ground surface 14. As a functional unit 16, the device 10 further comprises a drive unit 40 for the chassis 38. The drive power of the drive unit 40 or the travel speed of the device 10 are operating parameters of the device 10.

[0069] The device 10 further comprises a reservoir 42 for a cleaning fluid, in particular water. As a further functional unit 16, the device 10 includes a metering unit 44. The metering unit 44 controls the quantity of cleaning fluid used to apply to the floor surface 14. For example, a valve or a pump is used as the metering unit 44.

[0070] The device 10 further comprises a storage container 46 for a cleaning chemical, which can be added to the cleaning fluid to increase cleaning performance. A dosing unit 48 is also provided as a functional unit 16, with which the quantity of the cleaning chemical can be controlled. For example, a valve or a pump is used as the dosing unit 48.

[0071] The amount of cleaning fluid (e.g., its volume flow rate) and the amount of cleaning chemical (e.g., its concentration in the cleaning fluid) are operating parameters of device 10.

[0072] The device 10 further comprises a dirt liquid container 50 for dirt liquid absorbed from the floor surface 14 and a dirt collection device 52. The dirt collection device 52 conventionally comprises, for example, a suction bar 54.

[0073] As a functional unit 16, the device 10 further comprises a suction unit 56 for applying negative pressure to the dirty liquid container 50 and the suction bar 54, thereby drawing in dirty liquid and transferring it to the dirty liquid container 50. The performance of the suction unit 56 is an operating parameter of the device 10.

[0074] The functional units 16 can be controlled by a control unit 58 of the device 10, with which they are coupled and, in particular, electrically connected. The control unit 58 is, for example, formed by or includes a computer. The control unit 58 can be implemented using hardware and / or software.

[0075] The device 10 further comprises an operating unit 60 for guiding and operating the device 10 by an operator, an output unit 62 and a storage unit 64. The operating unit 60, the output unit 62 and the storage unit 64 are coupled to the control unit 58 and are in electrical communication with it, in particular to enable the exchange of data.

[0076] The operating unit 60 and the output unit 62 are combined in this case and arranged at the same position on the device 10. They include, in particular, a touchscreen 66 for displaying information provided by the control unit 58 and for receiving operating instructions from the operator.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, for example a voice-controlled operating unit and an acoustic output unit can be provided.

[0078] Information on cleaning criteria is stored in memory unit 64, which can be used and applied to the cleaning operation. These cleaning criteria include the floor to be cleaned, the cleaning unit 18 or 26, and, depending on which cleaning unit 16 or 26 is selected, the cleaning tools 22, 22' or 30, 30'. Different programs can also be stored in memory unit 64 as a further cleaning criterion. In this case, for example, three cleaning programs are stored. A first cleaning program can achieve maximum cleaning performance. A second cleaning program can be used for energy-efficient cleaning. A third cleaning program can achieve a high cleaning speed.

[0079] Each set of cleaning criteria is linked to a set of operating parameters of the functional units 16, which are stored in memory unit 64. The set comprises a specific value for each operating parameter.

[0080] In this way, it is possible to select a set of operating parameters based on the cleaning criteria specified by the operator and to apply these parameters to the cleaning process, ensuring that the cleaning is carried out optimally according to the operator's wishes and as gently as possible on the floor surface 14. Damage to the floor can be largely avoided, and the cleaning can be carried out according to the desired cleaning program.

[0081] In this case, the selection and input of the cleaning criteria can be carried out by the control unit 58 in interaction, namely in dialog mode, with the operator via the operating unit 60 and the output unit 62.

[0082] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows the sequence of the method according to the invention, in which the control unit interacts with the operator.

[0083] In a first step S1, the device 10 is put into operation.

[0084] In a second step S2, the control unit 58 prompts the operator at the output unit 62 to specify the first cleaning criterion, "floor". For example, the operator is presented with various floor types via corresponding virtual buttons, such as pictograms or images on the touchscreen 66. The operator can select the floor type, and this information is transmitted to the control unit 58.

[0085] In a subsequent step S3, the control unit 58 prompts the operator to select the next cleaning criterion, "Cleaning device 18 or 26". For example, pictograms or images of both cleaning devices 18 and 26 are displayed as virtual buttons on the output unit 62. The operator's selection is transmitted to the control unit 58 and processed further.

[0086] It may be provided that the control unit 58 suggests or recommends one of the cleaning devices 18, 26 depending on the floor specifications.

[0087] The operator can follow the recommendation or disregard it. In the latter case, for example, the control unit 58 may issue a warning that damage to the floor 14 is imminent. If necessary, the device 10 can also be locked.

[0088] Depending on the selected cleaning criterion "Cleaning devices 18 or 26", the control unit 58 prompts the operator to select the cleaning tool in step S4. Only those cleaning tools 22, 22' or 30, 30' that are compatible with cleaning device 18 or 26 are offered for selection.

[0089] As in the case mentioned above, the device 10 can make a suggestion or a recommendation. The operator can accept this suggestion or disregard it.

[0090] As in the case of the cleaning device 18 or 26, for example, a warning message can be provided by the control unit 58 to the output unit 62 regarding possible damage to the floor surface 14, or the device 10 can be completely shut down.

[0091] The cleaning tools 22, 22' or 30, 30' can also be represented, for example, by pictograms or images on the output unit 62 and selected via virtual buttons.

[0092] In a subsequent step S5, the control unit 58 prompts the operator to select the cleaning program. For example, the three cleaning programs mentioned above are offered via virtual buttons. After the operator selects the cleaning criterion "Cleaning program" and the information is transmitted to the control unit 58, the set of cleaning criteria is complete.

[0093] The control unit 58 then reads from the storage unit 64 the set of operating parameters best suited to the set of cleaning criteria for achieving the desired cleaning result. This set of operating parameters, which includes the values ​​of the operating parameters, forms the basis for the cleaning operation. In particular, the control unit 58 makes presets of the functional units 16 based on the set of operating parameters (step S6). The device 10 is then ready for use.

[0094] The device 10 can further comprise a detection unit 68 coupled to the control unit 58. The detection unit 68 can detect, preferably contactlessly, an access authorization stored on an authorization carrier 70. For example, the access authorization is required to put the device 10 into operation.

[0095] The access authorization can be checked for validity by the control unit 58 after it has been registered. For example, the access authorization is linked to an authorization profile. The authorization profile stores, for example, whether and to what extent the operator using the authorization device 70 can make changes to the operating parameters. For example, these may not be changed at all or only to a certain extent. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that some operating parameters can be changed, but others cannot. Reference symbol list: 10 Floor cleaning device (equipment) 12 scrubber-dryer 14 floor area 16 Functional unit 18 Cleaning equipment 20 disc brush floor cleaning heads 22, 22' Cleaning tool 24, 24' Disc brush 26 Cleaning equipment 28 brush roller cleaning head 30, 30' Cleaning tool 32, 32' brush roller 34 Drive unit 36 pressure unit 38 Chassis 40 drive unit 42 storage containers 44 dosing units 46 storage containers 48 dosing units 50 dirty liquid containers 52 Dirt collection device 54 suction strip 56 Suction unit 58 Control unit 60 Control unit 62 output units 64 storage units 66" Touchscreen 68 recording units 70 authorized persons

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