Method and communication system for the coupled operation of an electric washing brush and an electric pump device

Abstract

Method for the coupled operation of an electric washing brush (3), which is electrically operable and supplied with washing fluid by means of a first battery pack (1), and an electric pump device (4) for supplying the electric washing brush (3) with the washing fluid, wherein the electric pump device (4) is electrically operable by means of a second battery pack (2), comprising the steps: - Automatic detection of activation or change of an active operation of the electric washing brush (3); and a) Sending an activation signal depending on the detected activation or change from the first battery pack (1) and receiving the activation signal by the second battery pack (2); or b) Sending the activation signal depending on the detected activation or change from the first battery pack (1) and receiving the activation signal by the electric pump device (4); or c) Sending the activation signal depending on the detected activation or change from the electric washing brush (3) and receiving the activation signal by the second battery pack (2); and - Automatic activation or automatic change of an active operation of the electric pump device (4) depending on the activation signal received.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a communication system for the coupled operation of an electric washing brush, which can be electrically operated and supplied with washing fluid by means of a first battery pack, and an electric pump device for supplying the washing brush with the washing fluid, wherein the pump device can be electrically operated by means of a second battery pack.

[0002] When operating an electric washing brush that can be supplied with water by an electric pump, it may be desirable for the pump to adapt to the specific operation of the electric washing brush to always provide the correct pressure or amount of water. A pump that is switched on provides water pressure that may not always be needed. This results in unnecessary power consumption and faster wear and tear on the pump.

[0003] While pumps that automatically supply water are already known, this principle relies on pressure-loss-controlled pumps detecting a pressure drop in a pressure line. This can be triggered, for example, by opening a valve in the pressure line or by water being drawn from the pressure line using a washing brush. The pump is then activated to maintain pressure and deliver water. However, a disadvantage of these known pumps is that the valve must first be opened or the washing brush must first draw water from the pressure line, causing water to escape and only then does the pressure in the line drop. Only after this pressure drop is detected is the pump activated, after which water can be supplied with a time delay.This indirect relationship between water consumption and supply leads to an undesirable delay, which is particularly problematic when using a washing brush. Another disadvantage of pressure-loss-controlled pumps is that they are always activated when there is a pressure drop, even when activation is not desired. In particular, a leak in the pressure line will cause the pressure-loss-controlled pump to operate unnecessarily, resulting in continued water leakage. A further disadvantage is that if a pressure sensor detecting the pressure drop malfunctions, the pressure-loss-controlled pump may remain permanently active, leading to significant energy consumption and increased pump wear.

[0004] Furthermore, no pump is known that can respond to different operating modes of an electric washing brush and provide a corresponding water pressure or water volume for the electric washing brush. This is primarily due to the fact that known pumps operate independently of any requirement for a specific water pressure or water volume.

[0005] US Patent 2020 / 0019134A1 provides methods and systems for a power tool to control a vacuum cleaner. In response to an activation input, the power tool controls a motor to drive its operation and wirelessly transmits a control signal to a vacuum cleaner. Upon receiving the control signal, the vacuum cleaner controls a motor to drive its operation. The power tool, the vacuum cleaner, or both have a wireless communication coupling for pairing the power tool and the vacuum cleaner. The power tool and / or the vacuum cleaner can be cordless and powered by a battery.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to specify an operation of an electric pump device which reacts directly depending on the operation of an electric washing brush.

[0007] The problem is solved by a specific subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided for the coupled operation of an electric washing brush, which is electrically powered and supplied with washing fluid by means of a first battery pack, and an electric pump device for supplying the electric washing brush with the washing fluid, wherein the electric pump device is electrically powered by means of a second battery pack. The method comprises the following steps: - Automatic detection of activation or change in the active operation of the electric washing brush; a) Sending an activation signal depending on the detected activation or change from the first battery pack and receiving the activation signal by the second battery pack; or b) Sending an activation signal depending on the detected activation or change from the first battery pack and receiving the activation signal by the electric pumping device; or c) Sending an activation signal depending on the detected activation or change from the electric washing brush and receiving the activation signal by the second battery pack; and - Automatic activation or automatic change of an active operation of the electric pump device depending on the received activation signal.

[0009] The electric washing brush can preferably be used for motorized cleaning of surfaces, in particular of at least substantially flat floor surfaces, along which the cleaning device can be guided by the user. The electric washing brush can have a motor compartment in which an electric motor is arranged, as well as a battery compartment electrically connected to the electric motor for holding the first battery pack, which serves to supply the electric motor with power. A rotatably driven shaft for holding or supporting at least one roller brush for cleaning the surfaces can be mechanically connected to the electric motor.

[0010] Furthermore, the electric washing brush can have a connection for a hose or pipe, in particular a water hose or pipe, through which the washing brush can be supplied with washing fluid. The washing fluid can be used by the washing brush to moisten or wet the roller brush and / or the surface to be cleaned, over which the cleaning device can be guided. This can facilitate or even make the washing process possible in the first place. In particular, the electric washing brush can have a controllable and adjustable valve that regulates the supply and / or quantity and / or pressure of the washing fluid to the roller brush or the surface. The washing fluid is preferably water, for example, rainwater from a rain barrel or cistern, or water from a body of water, or water mixed with a cleaning agent.

[0011] The electric pump device can preferably be used for the motorized pumping or conveying of the washing liquid. The electric pump device can include an electrically driven pump and an electrically connected battery compartment for the second battery pack, which serves to supply the pump with electricity. The pump can, in particular, include an electric motor, which can be connected to an impeller for conveying the washing liquid via a rotatable shaft.

[0012] Furthermore, the electric pump device can have a connection for an additional hose or pipe, through which the washing liquid can be conveyed and supplied. The electric pump device is specifically designed to pump the washing liquid, for example, from a reservoir, such as a rain barrel, cistern, pond, or other body of water, through the connected hose or pipe. In particular, one pump of the pump device can be located within the reservoir, essentially submerged, or connected to the reservoir via an additional hose. The pumped washing liquid can be supplied in a certain quantity, for example, specified in liters per hour, and at a certain pressure.The electric pumping device could be, for example, a submersible pump, a lifting system, or a pumping station.

[0013] In carrying out the method according to the invention, the connection of the pump device via the hose or via the line is connected to the connection of the electric washing brush, so that the electric washing brush can be supplied with washing fluid by the electric pump device.

[0014] The fact that the electric washing brush and the electric pump device can each be operated by means of the first and second battery packs, respectively, can be understood to mean that they can each be connected to and supplied with electrical energy by the respective battery pack. In carrying out the method according to the invention, the electric washing brush is connected to the first battery pack and the electric pump device to the second battery pack.

[0015] When the electric washing brush is activated, this can be understood to mean that the electric washing brush is initially inactive and then switched to active operation. For example, before activation, the electric washing brush is in a standby mode or in a deactivated / inactive state. In particular, the rotating roller brush is stationary and / or the valve is closed before activation, thus preventing the supply of washing fluid.

[0016] During active operation of the electric washing brush, the roller brush can rotate and / or the valve can be open in a specific valve position, allowing washing fluid to be supplied.

[0017] Changing the active operation of the electric washing brush could, for example, involve altering one or more of its operating parameters. These parameters might include, for instance, the rotational speed, the torque of the roller brush, and / or the valve position for regulating the quantity or pressure of the washing fluid.

[0018] Activating or changing the active operation of the electric washing brush can generally be initiated manually, for example, by a user operating one or more of the electric washing brush's controls, such as a lever, switch, control, or the like. The activation or change in the active operation of the electric washing brush can be detected, for example, by a sensor circuit within the washing brush by detecting the actuation of the control. Alternatively or additionally, the activation of the electric washing brush's active operation can also be detected by detecting the delivery of electrical energy from the primary battery pack to the electric washing brush.Detection can therefore be performed by the first battery pack alone or by capturing corresponding sensor signals via the first battery pack. The sensor circuit, which detects the activation or change and generates the sensor signal depending on the activation or change, can be located within the first battery pack, but can also be located outside of the first battery pack, particularly in the electric washing brush. The sensor signal can be transmitted, for example, via the electrical connection between the first battery pack and the electric washing brush.

[0019] In particular, the sensor signal can be further processed by a control unit of the first battery pack or the electric washing brush. Specifically, the sensor circuit is connected directly or via the control unit to a first communication interface of the first battery pack or the electric washing brush. The first communication interface is specifically configured to send the activation signal.

[0020] The activation signal can be received, in particular indirectly or directly, through a second communication interface of the second battery pack or the electric pump device.

[0021] The active operation of the electric pump device can be understood as the pumping of the washing liquid. The pump is supplied with electrical energy primarily by the second battery pack.

[0022] The activation or modification of the active operation of the electric pump device occurs automatically, without requiring any user intervention. During activation, the electric motor of the pump device is preferably energized, thus pumping the washing fluid and powering the electric washing brush. Modifying the active operation can, for example, change the speed of the electric motor, thereby altering the quantity or pressure of the pumped washing fluid.

[0023] The change in the active operation of the electric pump device is specifically adapted to the change in the active operation of the electric washing brush. For example, the electric pump device supplies the washing brush with precisely the pressure and / or quantity of washing fluid required by the electric pump during its active operation.

[0024] In particular, the activation of the electric pump device's active operation occurs directly and automatically upon activation of the electric washing brush's active operation. Specifically, the change in the active operation of the electric pump device occurs directly and automatically upon the change in the active operation of the electric washing brush.

[0025] During active operation of the electric washing brush and the electric pump device, a battery housing of the corresponding battery pack is coupled to or attached to the respective mounting of the electric washing brush or the electric pump device. The respective battery pack is detachably, and in particular non-destructively, connected to the mounting of the electric washing brush and the electric pump device, for example, via a snap-fit ​​connection, a plug connection, and / or a clamp connection. In particular, the mechanical connection of the respective battery pack to the mounting can be designed as a positive-locking and / or force-locking connection without a material bond. In other words, the mechanical connection of the respective battery pack to the mounting of the electrical device can be disconnected without having to break a material bond.Preferably, the mechanical connection can be manually released as intended, without the use of any other tools. In other words, the battery pack is designed as a replaceable battery pack, in particular a system battery pack. The housing of the battery pack and the mounting can have respective interfaces for electrical and mechanical connection.

[0026] The electrical connection can be made, for example, via one or more plug contacts, in particular so-called tulip contacts or sword contacts. For instance, compatible plugs or sockets, or receptacles or the like, can be provided at the interfaces of the respective housings to achieve the electrical connection of the battery pack to the electrical device.

[0027] The coupled operation of the electric washing brush and the electric pump that supplies the brush with cleaning fluid offers the advantage that the cleaning fluid is provided precisely when needed by the electric washing brush. If no cleaning fluid is required, none is supplied. Furthermore, the electric pump can deliver exactly the amount and pressure of cleaning fluid required by the electric washing brush. This prevents unnecessary operation of the electric pump, thus extending its lifespan and reducing wear. Additionally, the cleaning fluid is used efficiently, as neither excessive pressure nor an excessive volume of cleaning fluid is supplied.

[0028] Another advantage is that only the active operation of the washing brush, which is not being used to clean a surface by the user, needs to be activated or changed. The pump automatically adjusts to this activation or change, eliminating the need for direct user intervention. This significantly simplifies the operation of the washing brush. A further advantage is that the operation of the pump is directly linked to the operation of the washing brush, ensuring that the washing brush is supplied with cleaning fluid without any delay. This direct dependency of the pump's operation on the washing brush's operation also prevents the pump from operating automatically unintentionally, but only when the washing brush is in use.

[0029] Preferably, the activation signal contains information about the electric washing brush and / or information about the first battery pack. This information can, for example, serve to identify the electric washing brush and / or the first battery pack, so that the activation signal can be uniquely assigned to a sender. Furthermore, the activation signal can contain information about the activation of active operation or the modified active operation of the electric washing brush, in particular about the required quantity or pressure of washing fluid.

[0030] The activation signal, which contains the aforementioned information, allows the electric pump device or the second battery pack to advantageously and unambiguously assign the activation signal and thus automatically activate or change the activated operation accordingly.

[0031] Preferably, it is provided that, based on the information about the electric washing brush and / or information about the first battery pack of the received activation signal, an assignment criterion is checked to determine whether the first battery pack and / or the electric washing brush is assigned to the second battery pack and / or the electric pump device.

[0032] Once the activation signal has been transmitted, and especially after the activation signal has been transmitted, it can preferably be checked by means of a control unit of the second battery pack or the electric pump device whether the first battery pack and / or the first electrical device is assigned to the second battery pack and / or the second electrical device according to the predefined assignment criterion. This is particularly advantageous if the first battery pack or the electric washing brush is not yet connected to the second battery pack or the electric pump device. This can be the case, for example, when initial activation or initial activation after a defined period occurs.

[0033] The assignment criterion is that the first battery pack and / or the electric washing brush is assigned to the second battery pack and / or the electric pump unit. An assignment can already exist if the respective battery packs or the washing brush and the pump unit are suitable for coupled operation. This can be the case, in particular, for the operation of an electric washing brush and an electric pump unit. In such cases, this coupling occurs automatically.

[0034] Preferably, an assignment criterion can also be provided by a prior coupling that was stored accordingly, preferably on the memory unit of the second battery pack or the electric pump device. In particular, a user can define an assignment in a suitable manner, for example, via actuators of the electric washing brush, the electric pump device, or the first or second battery pack, or, for example, via a user interface on an external operating device. The assignment can also depend on further conditions, which may include, for example, the spatial position of the electric washing brush relative to the electric pump device, and so on.

[0035] This process step advantageously ensures that the electric pump device is assigned to the electric washing brush. This, in turn, ensures a reliable supply of washing water to the brush.

[0036] Preferably, it is provided that the active operation of the electric pump device is only activated or changed if, as a result of the check, it is determined that the assignment criterion is met.

[0037] This ensures that the activation or modification of the active operation of the electric pump device when the electric washing brush is activated only occurs under specific conditions defined by the assignment, thus enabling more selective, coupled operation. Advantageously, this allows an activation signal from another electrical device, not assigned to the electric pump device, to trigger the activation or modification of the electric pump device's operation. This advantageously ensures reliable and safe coupled operation.

[0038] Preferably, the verification of the assignment criterion and the activation or modification of the operation of the electrical pump device that depends on it only takes place if there is no signal coupling yet.

[0039] Otherwise, it is preferably provided that the active operation of the pump device is only activated or changed when the first battery pack is assigned to the second battery pack and / or the electric pump device by means of a signal coupling, or when the electric washing brush is assigned to the second battery pack and / or the electric pump device by means of a signal coupling.

[0040] Signal coupling can be direct, for example via a Bluetooth connection or another wireless standard, or indirect, for example via a network interface. Accordingly, the activation signal can be sent and received via the signal coupling, preferably eliminating the need to verify an assignment criterion. This advantageously ensures reliable and secure coupled operation.

[0041] Preferably, the activation signal is sent to the second battery pack or the electric pump device via a wireless and direct communication link.

[0042] For example, the activation signal is a radio signal from a direct signal coupling, such as a Bluetooth connection. A direct communication connection can be understood as a point-to-point connection. This has the advantage that no external interfaces are required, allowing the activation signal to be sent quickly and reliably.

[0043] Alternatively, it can preferably be provided that the activation signal is sent to the second battery pack or the electric pump device via a wireless and indirect communication link, wherein the indirect communication link is established via a local network or an external server computer unit. An external server computer unit is defined in particular as being external to the battery packs and external to the electric washing brush and the electric pump device.

[0044] A local network could, for example, be a Wi-Fi network in which the first battery pack and / or electric washing brush, and the second battery pack and / or electric pump are registered, with the activation signal being sent via a network router within the Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, the indirect communication link can be established via an external server computer unit. The connection to the external server computer unit can be made, for example, via the internet using a mobile network or via the network router. An indirect communication link can be advantageous in that the range over which the activation signal can be sent and received is greater than with a direct communication link. This allows the electric pump unit to be positioned independently of the electric washing brush.

[0045] Another advantage is that additional services can be provided to the user via the network router or external server computer unit, for example, in an application on a computer or mobile device. Here, for instance, the user can define assignment criteria.

[0046] Preferably, the activation or modification of the active operation of the electric washing brush is initiated by a user input.

[0047] The activation signal is transmitted in response to the detected user input, i.e., specifically only when the user input has been made and detected, or the active operation of the electric washing brush is only activated or changed when the user input has been detected.

[0048] For example, in the latter case, the information that the user input has been captured can be transmitted as part of the activation signal information.

[0049] If the second battery pack or electric pump device detects the user input, the second battery pack or electrical device can transmit corresponding information to the first battery pack or electrical device, which can then transmit the activation information as described after the activation of the first electrical device.

[0050] User input can be captured, for example, by pressing appropriate buttons, keys, touch-sensitive displays, or via voice input.

[0051] Preferably, it is provided that a deactivation of the active operation of the electric washing brush is automatically detected and a deactivation signal is sent depending on the detected deactivation from the first battery pack or from the electric washing brush, wherein the second battery pack or the electric pump device receives the deactivation signal and automatically deactivates the active operation of the electric pump device after a predefinable period of time, depending on the received deactivation signal.

[0052] The electric washing brush can be deactivated, for example, by releasing one of the operating elements or by actively moving one of the operating elements to the off position. Deactivation can also be initiated if the first battery pack is discharged, or if the first battery pack and / or the electric washing brush has a malfunction that prevents active operation. This has the advantage that the electric pump unit does not remain in active operation longer than necessary, thus saving energy and protecting the pump unit.

[0053] Preferably, the second battery pack or the electric pump device sends a status signal to the associated first battery pack or the associated washing brush, depending on the status of the second battery pack and / or the electric pump device.

[0054] A status of the second battery pack could be, for example, its charge level or remaining operating time. Furthermore, the status of the second battery pack could be an error status based on a malfunction. A status of the electric pump device could be, in particular, an operating status, such as relative power output compared to maximum power, or an error status, or the like.

[0055] Preferably, the status signal can be output to the user in a suitable manner, for example on a display of the washing brush, on a mobile device, or via an LED on the washing brush, or the like. This advantageously informs the user about the status of the second battery pack and / or the electric pump device.

[0056] According to a further aspect of the invention, a communication system is also provided which is configured to operate an electric washing brush, which can be electrically operated and supplied with washing fluid by means of a first battery pack, and an electric pump device for supplying the electric washing brush with the washing fluid, wherein the electric pump device can be electrically operated by means of a second battery pack.

[0057] The communication system includes a sensor circuit for the first battery pack or for the electric washing brush. This sensor circuit is designed to automatically detect activation or changes in the active operation of the electric washing brush.

[0058] The communication system continues to indicate a) a first communication interface for the first battery pack, wherein the first communication interface is connected to the sensor circuit and configured to send an activation signal depending on a detection of activation or change. The communication interface further comprises a second communication interface for the second battery pack, wherein the second communication interface is configured to receive the activation signal; or b) a first communication interface for the first battery pack, wherein the first communication interface is connected to the sensor circuit and is configured to send an activation signal depending on a detection of activation or change. The communication interface further comprises a second communication interface for the electric pump device, wherein the second communication interface is configured to receive the activation signal; or c) A first communication interface for the electric washing brush, wherein the first communication interface is connected to the sensor circuit and is configured to send an activation signal depending on a detection of activation or change. The communication interface further comprises a second communication interface for the second battery pack, wherein the second communication interface is configured to receive the activation signal.

[0059] The communication interface also includes a control unit for the second battery pack or for the electric pump device, which is connected to the second communication interface and is configured to automatically activate or change the active operation of the electric pump device depending on the activation signal received.

[0060] Preferably, the second communication interface is configured to receive the activation signal directly from the first communication interface. This is done, for example, via a direct radio signal, with the first communication interface being the transmitter and the second communication interface the receiver.

[0061] Preferably, the communication system includes a local network router or a server computer unit, wherein the local network router or server computer unit is configured to receive the activation signal from the first communication interface and to send the activation signal to the second communication interface. The server computer unit can also be referred to as a cloud computing unit.

[0062] Preferably, the communication device includes a first storage unit for the first battery pack or for the electric washing brush, which stores information about the first battery pack and / or the electric washing brush.

[0063] In particular, the first battery pack can detect the electric washing brush when they are connected, so this information is stored on the first memory card. Specifically, the electric washing brush can detect the first battery pack when they are connected, so this information is stored on the first memory card.

[0064] In particular, the first storage unit can also be configured to store information about the second battery pack or the electric pump device. This is especially relevant if a signal connection has already existed previously. This simplifies the assignment process for each subsequent connected unit.

[0065] Preferably, the communication device includes a second storage unit for the second battery pack or for the electric pump device, wherein the second storage unit stores information about the first battery pack and / or the electric washing brush.

[0066] Further embodiments of the communication system according to the invention follow directly from the various configurations of the method according to the invention, and vice versa. In particular, a communication system according to the invention can be configured to carry out a method according to the invention or can carry out such a method.

[0067] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figure, and the figure description. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figure, may be encompassed by the invention not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations. In particular, the invention also encompasses embodiments and combinations of features that do not exhibit all the features of an originally formulated claim. Furthermore, the invention also encompasses embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features set forth in the cross-references to the claims.

[0068] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and associated schematic drawings.

[0069] The figure shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a communication system according to the invention.

[0070] In the example shown in the figure, the communication system 100 comprises at least a first battery pack 1 and a second battery pack 2, each containing at least one accumulator cell. The communication system 100 can further comprise an electric washing brush 3 with the first battery pack 1, and a pump device 4 with the second battery pack 4. The pump device 4 can, in particular, comprise a pump 18 for immersion in a rain barrel, a cistern, or a body of water, and a housing 17 for receiving the second battery pack 2, wherein the pump 18 and the housing 17 can be connected to each other via a power cable 19. A first connection 15 for supplying the washing brush 3 with washing fluid can be connected to a second connection 16 of the pump device 4 to a garden hose or similar (not shown).

[0071] The communication system 100 includes, for example, the first battery pack 1 and the second battery pack 2. In some embodiments, the communication system 100 may also include a server computer unit 6, also referred to as a cloud or Internet of Things cloud or IoT cloud, as well as a local network 5 with a network router 21.

[0072] The first battery pack 1 can be attached to the electric washing brush 3 at a corresponding mount and serves to power an electric motor 20 of the washing brush 3. The second battery pack 2 is identical in construction to the first battery pack 1 and can be connected to the pump device 4 at a corresponding mount inside the housing 17. The second battery pack 2 can serve to power the pump 18.

[0073] In the example shown, the first battery pack 1 has a first sensor circuit 7, a first communication interface 8, a first control unit 9, and a first storage unit 13, each of which are connected to each other to exchange signals.

[0074] The first sensor circuit 7 is designed to automatically detect an activation or change in the active operation of the electric washing brush 3 and to generate a corresponding first sensor signal. The generated sensor signal can be received and processed by the first control unit 9, which can be connected to the first sensor circuit 7. The first control unit 9 can generate an activation signal based on the sensor signal and transmit it via the first communication interface 8, which can be connected to the first control unit 9.

[0075] In the example shown, the activation signal can be sent to a local network 5, preferably via a WLAN connection to a network router 21 of the local network 5. The respective transmission paths of the activation signal are indicated by arrows in the figure. For example, the activation signal can be further processed and sent to a server computer unit 6 via the internet. The activation signal can then be further processed by the server computer unit 6 and sent via the network router 21 to the second battery pack 2. However, other communication paths are also possible, for example, via a direct signal coupling between the first battery pack 1 and the second battery pack 2, or simply via the local network 5.

[0076] Communication between the washing brush 3, the pump device 4, or the battery packs 1, 2 and / or with the server computer unit 6 can be achieved using various IoT technologies, such as carrier network-based IoT communication or local area networks (LANs). For carrier network-based IoT communication, cell-based approaches like GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G, and NB-IoT, or non-cell-based approaches like LoRa and ZigBee are suitable. Examples of LANs include WLAN and Bluetooth.

[0077] In particular, the server computer unit 6 and / or the second control unit 12 can check the received activation signal with regard to an assignment criterion, namely whether the first battery pack 1 and / or the electric washing brush 3 is assigned to the second battery pack 2 and / or the electric pump device 4.

[0078] In the example shown, the second battery pack 2 has a second sensor circuit 11, a second communication interface 10, a second control unit 12, and a second storage unit 14, all of which are interconnected to exchange signals. The second communication interface 10 can receive the activation signal and forward it to the second control unit 12. Depending on the received activation signal, the second control unit 12 can automatically activate and modify the operation of the electric pump device 4.

[0079] To activate the pump device 4, in particular the pump 18, or alternatively to activate, modify, or adjust its active operation, the second battery pack 2, in particular the second control unit 12, is, for example, able to selectively switch the main current path to the pump 18 on and off and / or control or regulate the main current path based on voltage or power. The second battery pack 2, in particular the second control unit 12, can also be able to detect and measure current consumption and use corresponding measured values ​​for control or regulation.

[0080] The battery packs 1, 2 can, for example, communicate with the respective electrical device 3, 4 to obtain or evaluate information about the respective electrical device 3, 4, preferably about its identity, and / or forward this information to the server computer unit 6. Through this communication, the battery packs can also, for example, stop the operation of the respective electrical device 3, 4.

[0081] The first memory unit 13 may contain, in particular, information about the electric washing brush 3 and / or information about the first battery pack 1, whereby this information may be part of the activation signal.

[0082] The second storage unit 14 can contain, in particular, information about the electric pump device 4 and / or information about the second battery pack 2, and can additionally store the received information about the connected electric washing brush 3 and / or the received information about the connected first battery pack 1. Specifically, the received information can be checked against the assignment criterion to determine whether it is assigned to the second battery pack 2 and / or the pump device 4. The assignment can, for example, correspond to a model of an application network. Various options exist for this. For example, a pairing mode or a multi-pairing mode can be implemented. A dependent second battery pack or a second triggering battery pack, or even the washing brush of a dependent pump device, can be registered to a battery pack.

[0083] The washing brush 3 and / or the pump device 4 can each be powered by multiple battery packs. In this case, it is not necessary for multiple battery packs from the same electrical device to be involved in the communication for allocation purposes.

[0084] The registration of the washing brush, pump unit, or battery packs can be implemented via a user interface. This interface can include buttons, touchscreens, voice recognition, or voice playback, among other features. One advantage is that pairing via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is simple and cost-effective, without necessarily requiring a cloud service.

[0085] In more complex versions, the application model can be configured in the cloud. For this purpose, a user interface can be implemented, for example, via web forms, web applications, mobile applications, or so-called intelligent personal assistants. Furthermore, it can be defined which electrical devices or battery packs are assigned to a specific user, which individual electrical devices are assigned to each other, which device types are assigned to each other, and so on. Thus, a network of cooperating electrical devices and / or batteries can be realized. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 first battery pack 2 second battery pack 3 electric washing brushes 4 electric pump device 5 local network 6 external server computer units 7 first sensor circuit 8 first communication interface 9 first control unit 10 second communication interface 11 second sensor circuit 12 second control unit 13 first storage unit 14 second storage unit 15 first connection 16 second connection 17 housings 18 Pump 19 power cables 20 engine 21 network routers 100 communication systems

Claims

[1] Method for the coupled operation of an electric washing brush (3), which is electrically operable and supplied with washing liquid by means of a first battery pack (1), and an electric pump device (4) for supplying the electric washing brush (3) with the washing liquid, wherein the electric pump device (4) is electrically operable by means of a second battery pack (2), comprising the steps: - Automatic detection of activation or change of active operation of the electric washing brush (3); and a) sending an activation signal depending on the detected activation or the detected change from the first battery pack (1) and receiving the activation signal by the second battery pack (2); or b) sending the activation signal depending on the detected activation or the detected change from the first battery pack (1) and receiving the activation signal by the electric pump device (4); or c) sending the activation signal depending on the detected activation or the detected change from the electric washing brush (3) and receiving the activation signal by the second battery pack (2); and - Automatically activating or automatically changing an active operation of the electric pump device (4) depending on the received activation signal. [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the activation signal contains information about the electric washing brush (3) and / or information about the first battery pack (1). [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein based on the information about the electric washing brush (3) and / or information about the first battery pack (1) of the received activation signal, an assignment criterion is checked as to whether the first battery pack (1) and / or the electric washing brush (3) is assigned to the second battery pack (2) and / or the electric pumping device (4). [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the active operation of the electric pump device (4) is activated or changed only if it is determined as a result of the check that the assignment criterion is met. [5] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the active operation of the pump device (4) is activated or changed only when - the first battery pack (1) is associated with the second battery pack (2) and / or the electric pump device (4) by means of a signal coupling; or - the electric washing brush (3) is associated with the second battery pack (2) and / or the electric pump device (4) by means of a signal coupling. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation signal is sent to the second battery pack (2) or the electric pump device (4) via a wireless and direct communication connection. [7] Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the activation signal is sent to the second battery pack (2) or the electric pump device (4) via a wireless and indirect communication connection, the indirect communication connection being established via a local network (5) or an external server computer unit (6). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation or change of the active operation of the electric washing brush (3) is initiated by a user input. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a deactivation of the active operation of the electric washing brush (3) is automatically detected and a deactivation signal is sent from the first battery pack (1) or from the electric washing brush (3) depending on the detected deactivation, wherein the second battery pack (2) or the electric pump device (4) receives the deactivation signal and, depending on the received deactivation signal, automatically deactivates the active operation of the electric pump device (3) after a predeterminable period of time. [10] Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the second battery pack (2) or the electric pump device (4) sends a status signal to the associated first battery pack (1) or the associated washing brush (3) depending on a status of the second battery pack (2) and / or the electric pump device (4). [11] Communication system (100) which is designed to operate an electric washing brush (3), which is electrically operable and supplied with washing liquid by means of a first battery pack (1), and an electric pump device (4) for supplying the electric washing brush (3) with the washing liquid, wherein the electric pump device (4) is electrically operable by means of a second battery pack (2), in a coupled manner, the communication system (100) comprising - a sensor circuit (7) for the first battery pack (1) or for the electric washing brush (3), which is designed to automatically detect an activation or change in an active operation of the electric washing brush (3); and a) a first communication interface (8) for the first battery pack (1), wherein the first communication interface (8) is connected to the sensor circuit (7) and is configured to send an activation signal depending on a detection of the activation or change, and a second communication interface (10) for the second battery pack (2), wherein the second communication interface (10) is configured to receive the activation signal; or b) a first communication interface (8) for the first battery pack (1), wherein the first communication interface (8) is connected to the sensor circuit (7) and is configured to send an activation signal depending on a detection of the activation or change, and a second communication interface (10) for the electric pump device (4), wherein the second communication interface (10) is configured to receive the activation signal; or c) a first communication interface (8) for the electric washing brush (3), wherein the first communication interface (8) is connected to the sensor circuit (7) and is configured to send an activation signal depending on a detection of the activation or change, and a second communication interface (10) for the second battery pack (2), wherein the second communication interface (10) is configured to receive the activation signal; and - a control unit (12) for the second battery pack (2) or for the electric pump device (4), which is designed to automatically activate or automatically change an active operation of the electric pump device (4) depending on the received activation signal. [12] Communication system (100) according to claim 11, wherein the second communication interface (10) is configured to receive the activation signal directly from the first communication interface (8). [13] Communication system (100) according to claim 11, comprising a local network router (21) or a server computer unit (6), wherein the local network router (21) or the server computer unit (6) is configured to receive the activation signal from the first communication interface (8) and to send the activation signal to the second communication interface (10). [14] Communication system (100) according to one of claims 11 to 13, comprising a first storage unit (13) for the first battery pack (1) or for the electric washing brush (3), which stores information about the first battery pack (1) and / or the electric washing brush (3). [15] Communication system (100) according to one of claims 11 to 14, comprising a second storage unit (13) for the second battery pack (2) or for the electric pump device (4), wherein the second storage unit (13) stores information about the first battery pack (1) and / or the electric washing brush (3).

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