Control of a floor cleaner with a side feed device

Abstract

A floor cleaner (100) for cleaning a floor surface (105) in a household comprises a cleaning device (110) in the area of ​​the floor surface (105); and a feed device (140) for providing an airflow (150) running along the floor surface (105) to drive dirt (115) on the floor surface (105), in particular laterally, towards the cleaning device (110). A method (600, 700, 800) for controlling such a floor cleaner (100) comprises steps of determining (610, 710, 810) a cleaning situation; and controlling (620, 630, 645, 715-740, 820, 830, 845) an intensity of the airflow (150) depending on the cleaning situation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a floor cleaner. In particular, the invention relates to the control of a lateral feeding device for bringing dirt lying next to a processing area of ​​the floor cleaner laterally into it.

[0002] A floor cleaner for cleaning a floor surface includes a blower with a suction nozzle in the area of ​​the floor surface. The floor cleaner moves across the floor surface, sucking in air and dirt through the suction nozzle and thus cleaning the floor surface. Dirt lying to the side of the suction nozzle cannot be captured. This can be problematic, for example, if the floor cleaner moves along a side boundary of the floor surface, such as a wall. A strip of floor surface between the suction nozzle and the boundary may then remain uncleaned.

[0003] To remove dirt lying to the side of the suction nozzle or within the cleaning area defined by the suction nozzle, a side brush may be provided. This brush typically consists of one or more bundles of fibers extending radially from a vertical axis of rotation. As the side brush rotates, the fiber bundles are guided across the floor surface, moving dirt lying next to the cleaning area forward and to the sides towards the suction nozzle or into the cleaning area. However, side brushes can wear out during operation. Furthermore, objects such as hair, shoelaces, rubber bands, or cables can become entangled in a side brush and impede its operation.

[0004] It has been suggested to forgo a side brush and instead direct an airflow onto the floor surface to move dirt towards the suction nozzle. For example, US 2021 0 038 032 A1 shows a floor cleaner with such an air nozzle. However, expelling air onto the floor surface can also be counterproductive for cleaning. For instance, blowing air onto a carpet can actually work dust into the fibers rather than removing it.

[0005] One of the problems underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technique for cleaning a floor surface using a floor cleaner. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0006] A floor cleaner for cleaning a floor surface in a household comprises a cleaning device in the area of ​​the floor surface; and a supply device for providing an airflow running along the floor surface to drive dirt on the floor surface, in particular laterally, towards the cleaning device.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling such a floor cleaner comprises steps of determining a cleaning situation; and controlling an intensity of the airflow depending on the cleaning situation.

[0008] Controlling the intensity prevents the airflow from hindering cleaning. Furthermore, adjusting the intensity allows for leveraging local conditions that necessitate or accompany the cleaning process to enhance cleaning results.

[0009] Optionally, the horizontal direction of the airflow can be controlled depending on the cleaning situation. This allows the cleaning process to be further optimized and adapted to the specific cleaning requirements. This can improve cleaning results and prevent wear and tear or damage to objects in the vicinity of the floor cleaner.

[0010] The airflow can be deactivated if the cleaning process involves cleaning a carpet. This prevents the airflow from blowing dirt particles into the carpet fibers instead of removing them.

[0011] In general, the cleaning situation can be determined based on the condition of the floor surface. For this purpose, a surface sensor can be used, which, for example, operates optically and is designed to distinguish between predetermined materials or properties.

[0012] The airflow can be deactivated if the cleaning situation involves transferring the floor cleaner. A transfer can involve moving the floor cleaner to a different location without cleaning the floor surface. The floor cleaner can be lifted and carried by a person. Alternatively, the floor cleaner can move across the floor surface itself to complete the relocation. This operation can also be referred to as a marching function. A transfer can be defined as moving the floor cleaner across the floor surface while the cleaning device is deactivated.

[0013] The airflow can be controlled at different intensities. In a simple embodiment, two or three different intensities are provided. Additionally, deactivating the airflow can be considered an intensity setting. In a more advanced embodiment, further intensities can be controlled, for example, a total of five, eight, or ten.

[0014] The airflow intensity can be adjusted to a medium level if the cleaning task involves cleaning a clear section of the floor. For example, when the floor cleaner covers a larger area, the airflow can be used to move loose dirt sideways into a path along which the cleaning device is guided.

[0015] It is generally preferred that the cleaning device includes a suction nozzle through which an airflow is generated from the floor surface by means of a fan. A dirt separator can remove and collect dirt from the airflow.

[0016] The airflow intensity can be increased to a high level if the cleaning situation involves approaching an edge with the floor cleaner. An edge can be formed between the horizontal floor surface and a vertical boundary, such as a wall or piece of furniture. The angle between the floor surface and the boundary can be approximately 90°.

[0017] The increased airflow can more effectively carry particles along the edge, thus achieving higher cleaning performance. If the airflow direction is adjustable, it can also be directed in the direction of travel and / or towards the edge. Here, too, the fact that the side boundary can guide or redirect the airflow can be used to advantage. The more direct effect of the airflow on particles along the edge can push them away from the edge, making them more accessible to the floor cleaner.

[0018] The airflow intensity can be reduced or deactivated if the cleaning situation involves approaching a corner with the floor cleaner. A corner is formed when the horizontal floor surface meets a vertical boundary in two directions. These vertical boundaries often form an angle of approximately 90°. Reducing the airflow prevents loose dirt from being stirred up in the corner. In particular, the airflow can be reduced or even stopped altogether in the direction of travel and / or towards the edge.

[0019] The airflow intensity can be increased to a high level if the cleaning task involves cleaning a corner of the floor. The air can then be reflected by the side walls and the floor cleaner itself, directing it more effectively towards the cleaning unit. Dirt particles are carried away and captured by the cleaning unit. The floor cleaner can remain in the corner for a predetermined duration.

[0020] The airflow intensity can be reduced to a low level or deactivated if the cleaning process involves exiting a corner. Preferably, the intensity is reduced to a low level before the floor cleaner is moved further after cleaning the corner. This ensures that, in particular, a forward-directed airflow is not reflected or deflected by a boundary while exiting the corner, which would otherwise cause dirt to be carried around uncontrollably.

[0021] The intensity of the airflow can also be controlled to a medium or low level if the cleaning situation involves removing the floor cleaner from an edge.

[0022] The airflow intensity can be increased to a high level if the cleaning task involves cleaning around a narrow object on the floor. Such an object is typically much taller than it is wide and could be, for example, a table leg, a chair leg, or a floor vase. Especially when several such objects are close together, such as table and chair legs at a dining table, it can be difficult for the floor cleaner to thoroughly clean the entire floor area, right up to the obstacles. The increased airflow allows cleaning to occur even if the floor cleaner cannot reach the object completely.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a floor cleaner for cleaning a floor surface in a household comprises a cleaning device in the area of ​​the floor surface; a feed device for providing an airflow running along the floor surface in order to drive dirt on the floor surface, in particular laterally, towards the cleaning device; and a control device which is configured to determine a cleaning situation; and to determine an intensity of the airflow depending on the cleaning situation.

[0024] The control device may comprise an electronic processing device, embodied, for example, as a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method may be in the form of a computer program product with program code means. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method may be transferred to the device, or vice versa.

[0025] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a floor cleaner; Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 a controllable air outlet for a floor cleaner in a first embodiment; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 a controllable air outlet for a floor cleaner in a second embodiment; and Fig. 6. A flowchart of a first procedure for controlling a floor cleaner. Fig. 7. A flowchart of a second procedure for controlling a floor cleaner. Fig. 8. Show a flowchart of a third procedure for controlling a floor cleaner.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary floor cleaner 100 for cleaning a floor surface 105. The floor cleaner 100 is configured to move over the floor surface 105 and to treat it by means of a cleaning device 110 in order to remove dirt 115 therefrom. In the representation of Fig. 1, the cleaning device 110 is configured to suck in dirt 115 from the floor surface 105. For this purpose, the cleaning device 110 comprises a suction nozzle 120 and a fan 125. A dirt separator 130 is provided, for example, upstream of the fan 125. Optionally, a drivable brush roller with a horizontal axis of rotation is provided in the area of ​​the suction nozzle.

[0027] In another embodiment, the cleaning device 110 can also be configured for wet cleaning. A combined cleaning device 110 or several individual cleaning devices 110 can also be provided on the floor cleaner 100. The cleaning device 110 has a certain width that defines a cleaning area 135. Dirt 115 located within the cleaning area 135 can be picked up from the floor surface 105 when the cleaning device 110 is moved over it. This is usually done by the floor cleaner 100 moving forward.

[0028] Dirt 115, which lies next to the processing area 135 on the floor surface 105, is to be brought into the processing area 135 by means of a feeding device 140.

[0029] This particularly applies to dirt 115, which would otherwise be passed over by the floor cleaner 100 but not picked up, as in Fig. As indicated in Figure 1. If the floor cleaner 100, for example, travels close to a lateral boundary 145 of the floor surface 105, the feed device 140 should move dirt 115 from an area located laterally between the processing area 135 and the boundary 145. The movement should be as lateral as possible with respect to the direction of movement of the floor cleaner 100. For this purpose, a side brush with one or more horizontal fiber bundles can conventionally be provided, extending radially from an axis of rotation and guided across the floor surface 105 when the side brush is rotated.

[0030] It is proposed to provide a feeding device 140 that moves the dirt 115 not by means of a solid object, but by means of an airflow 150 that is expelled along the bottom surface 105. The airflow runs in a variable predetermined horizontal direction, as shown in Fig. 1 is indicated by an airflow 150 with broken lines and a double arrow in a horizontal swivel direction.

[0031] The air flow 150 can be provided, for example, by means of an additional fan 155. The additional fan 155, as well as optionally the supply device 140, can be controlled by a control device 160 of the floor cleaner 100. In one embodiment, the additional fan 155 can draw in air from the surroundings of the floor cleaner 100.

[0032] In a further embodiment, an exhaust air stream from the blower 125 can also be advantageously utilized to generate the air stream 150. For this purpose, an exhaust air stream exiting the blower 125 can be guided in whole or in part to the supply device 140. A controllable distributor 165 can be provided for this purpose, which can also be controlled by the control device 160. Optionally, the additional blower 155 can also be provided to further accelerate the exhaust air or to provide an air stream 150 even when the exhaust air stream has dried up.

[0033] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 relate to a first variant of the feed device 140, which uses an air outlet whose horizontal orientation can be mechanically adjusted about a vertical axis of rotation 205. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the floor cleaner 100. An optional bristle roller can be seen in the area of ​​the suction mouth 120. Fig. Figure 3 shows an oblique view of a floor cleaner 100 from below.

[0034] The illustrated feed device 140 comprises, by way of example, a body 210 rotatable about the axis of rotation 205, into which at least one, in this case three, air outlets 215 are provided. Several air outlets 215 are preferably evenly distributed around a circumference around the axis of rotation 205. The angles between the exit direction of an airflow 150 through an air outlet 215 and the radius from the axis of rotation 205 through the air outlet 215 can be equal in order to achieve uniform coverage of the surrounding area. A horizontal and / or vertical angle of an individual air outlet 215 can also be individually designed to achieve a predetermined function. Furthermore, the diameter of an air outlet 215 can be adapted depending on its function.For example, a flatly aligned air outlet 215 with a large outlet diameter can provide a far-reaching air flow, while a steeply aligned air outlet with a small outlet diameter can clear a closer and more precisely defined area. In one embodiment, such an angle can be substantially 0°, so that air is blown radially outward through an air outlet 215. In another embodiment, a small positive angle can also be included, for example in a range up to approximately 5° or up to approximately 20°, in order to further improve the effective angle for the air. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle is approximately 5°-7°. A surface of the body 210 facing the floor surface 105 is preferably dome-shaped or convex, more preferably radially symmetrical to the axis of rotation 205. The body 210 can be partially accommodated in a housing of the floor cleaner 100.

[0035] Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 relate to a second variant of the supply device 140, which uses a plurality of air outlets 215 which are fixedly mounted in different horizontal directions, wherein it can be controlled through which of the air outlets the air flow 150 is to pass. Fig. 4 shows a side view and Fig. 5 A view from below of a floor cleaner 100.

[0036] As an example, nine air outlets 215 are attached to a front right edge of the floor cleaner 100. For clarity, the directions of discharge of an airflow 150 through the air outlets 215 are indicated by arrows. It can be seen that the horizontal directions of the discharge are all different. In this case, the directions are distributed such that the airflow 150 varies in directional intervals of approximately 10°. The air outlets 215 are attached as close together as possible, but do not necessarily have to be related to a common vertical axis 205.

[0037] An airflow 150 can be controlled sequentially, intermittently, or overlapping. In sequential control, an airflow 150 is succeeded by a second air outlet 215 via a first air outlet 215. In intermittent operation, a predetermined time elapses between the closing of the first air outlet 215 and the opening of the second. In overlapping control, both air outlets 215 are open for a predetermined time during the transition.

[0038] The following are exemplary procedures for controlling a floor cleaner 100. It should be noted that the steps of the procedures do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order shown and that steps from different procedures can be combined. Furthermore, transitions between the steps other than those shown or described are possible, as a person skilled in the art will readily recognize.

[0039] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a first method 600 for controlling a floor cleaner 100. In a step 605, a floor surface 105 of a household can be cleaned using the floor cleaner 100. In a step 610, the condition of the floor surface 105 can be determined. The condition can be determined, for example, based on the current consumption of a drive of a brush roller. Alternatively, a measured value from a floor sensor can be used.

[0040] In a step 615, it can be determined that the floor surface 105 comprises a hard floor, for example, linoleum, parquet, tiles, screed, cork, or laminate. In a step 620, the air flow can be activated by means of the feed device 140 so that loose dirt can be driven laterally into a processing area 135 of the cleaning device 110.

[0041] In a step 625, it can alternatively be determined that the floor surface 105 comprises a carpet or a rug. For this purpose, it may be sufficient for a carpet to be located only under a portion of the cleaning device 110. In a step 630, the air flow can be deactivated by means of the supply device 140.

[0042] In both cases, the processing of the floor surface 105 can continue in a step 635. This step can correspond to step 610, from which the floor surface 105 can be examined again.

[0043] In a step 635, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 has completed processing the floor surface 105. Typically, the floor cleaner 100 then moves to a predetermined position, for example, to a charging or service station, in a step 640. On the way to this position, the cleaning device 110 can be deactivated, and this can be referred to as a transfer. During the transfer, the air flow can be deactivated by means of the supply device 140 in a step 645. It should be noted that a transfer can also occur before the start of processing the floor surface 105 or between processing different sections of the floor surface 105.

[0044] Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a second method 700 for controlling a floor cleaner 100. In step 705, the floor cleaner 100 can process the floor area 105, similar to step 605 of method 600. In step 710, the area surrounding the floor cleaner 100 can be scanned. In particular, it can be determined whether the floor cleaner 100 is located within the area of ​​a vertical boundary 145. A boundary 145 can be formed, for example, by a wall, a door frame, or a piece of furniture.

[0045] In step 715, it can be determined that a clear area is present. An air flow can be kept constant by means of the supply device 140. The intensity of the air flow can be set to medium.

[0046] Alternatively, in step 720, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 is approaching an edge between the floor surface 105 and the lateral boundary 145. The air flow can be increased to a high level by means of the supply device 140. Additionally, the air flow can be directed in the direction of travel or toward the edge.

[0047] Subsequently, in step 725, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 is moving away from the edge again. In this case, the intensity of the airflow can be reduced back to a medium level. The airflow can be directed in the direction used to clean an open area.

[0048] Alternatively, in step 730, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 is approaching a corner. In this case, the airflow intensity can be reduced to a low or very low level. A nozzle pointing in the direction of travel or towards the edge can be deactivated.

[0049] In step 735, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 has reached the corner, at which point the floor cleaner 100 can stop. The intensity of the airflow can be increased to a high level. Nozzles can be activated in the direction of travel or towards the edge.

[0050] In step 740, the floor cleaner 100 can leave the corner again. Preferably, even before the floor cleaner 100 starts moving, the intensity of the airflow can be reduced to a low or very low level. A nozzle in the direction of travel or towards the edge can be deactivated. The procedure 700 can then be repeated.

[0051] Fig. Figure 8 shows a flowchart of a third procedure 800 for controlling a floor cleaner. In step 805, which can correspond to steps 705 and 605, the floor cleaner 100 can process the floor area 105. In step 810 (cf. step 710), the area surrounding the floor cleaner 100 can be scanned.

[0052] In step 815, it can be determined that a narrow object is located on the floor surface 105 within the area of ​​the floor cleaner 100. Such an object could, in particular, be a furniture leg. In step 820, the airflow can be controlled to a high level. Nozzles directed in the direction of travel or towards the object can be activated. Optionally, the floor cleaner 100 remains stationary at the object for a predetermined time.

[0053] In step 825, it may be determined that the floor cleaner 100 is located on an open area, and in step 830, the airflow may be controlled accordingly. These steps may correspond to steps 615 and 620.

[0054] In step 835, the processing of floor area 105 can continue. This step can correspond to step 805, so that the third procedure 800 can effectively be repeated. In step 840 (cf. step 640), it can be determined that the floor cleaner performs a transfer to a predetermined location. In step 845 (cf. step 645), the airflow can be deactivated during this transfer by means of the feed device 140. Reference symbol 100 floor cleaners 105 floor area 110 Cleaning equipment 115 dirt 120 Suction Mouth 125 blowers 130 dirt separators 135 Editing area 140 Feeding device 145 limit 150 airflow 155 blowers 160 control device 165 distributors 205 axis of rotation 210 bodies 215 Air outlet 600 first procedure 605 Process floor area 610 Determine the condition of the soil surface 615 floor area includes hard floor 620 Activate airflow 625 floor area includes carpet 630 Disable airflow 635 Edit floor area 640 transfers 645 Disable airflow 700 second procedure 705 Process floor area 710 Scan surroundings 715 free space 720 Approaching edge 725 Leave edge 730 Approaching corner 735 Cleaning in the corner Leave corner 740 800 third procedure 805 Process floor area 810 Scan surroundings 815 narrow object on floor surface 820 Adjust airflow 825 free space 830 Leave airflow unchanged 835 Edit floor area 840 Transfer 845 Disable airflow QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2021 0 038 032 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] A method (600, 700, 800) for controlling a floor cleaner (100) for cleaning a floor surface (105) in a household, the floor cleaner (100) comprising: - a cleaning device (110) in the area of ​​the floor surface (105); and - a supply device (140) for providing an air flow (150) extending along the floor surface (105) in order to drive dirt (115) on the floor surface (105), in particular laterally, in the direction of the cleaning device (110); wherein the method (600, 700, 800) comprises the following steps: - determining (610, 710, 810) a cleaning situation; and - Controlling (620, 630, 645, 715-740, 820, 830, 845) an intensity of the air flow (150) depending on the cleaning situation. [2] Method (600, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal direction of the air flow (150) is controlled depending on the cleaning situation. [3] The method (600, 700, 800) of claim 1 or 2; wherein the air flow (150) is deactivated if the cleaning situation includes cleaning a carpet. [4] Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning situation is determined on the basis of a condition of the floor surface (105). [5] Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the air flow (150) is deactivated if the cleaning situation concerns a transfer of the floor cleaner (100). [6] The method (600, 700, 800) of claim 5, wherein a transfer is determined when the floor cleaner (100) is moved over the floor surface (105) while the cleaning device (100) is deactivated. [7] Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a medium level if the cleaning situation comprises cleaning a free portion of the floor surface (105). [8] Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a high level if the cleaning situation includes the floor cleaner (100) approaching an edge. [9] Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a low level if the cleaning situation involves the floor cleaner (100) approaching a corner. [10] Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a high level if the cleaning situation includes cleaning the floor surface (105) in a corner. [11] Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a low level if the cleaning situation involves leaving a corner. [12] Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a medium level if the cleaning situation includes removing the floor cleaner (100) from an edge. [13] Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a high level if the cleaning situation includes cleaning in the region of a narrow object on the floor surface (105). [14] Floor cleaner (100) for cleaning a floor surface (105) in a household, the floor cleaner (100) comprising: - a cleaning device (110) in the area of ​​the floor surface (105); - a feed device (140) for providing an air flow (150) running along the floor surface (105) in order to drive dirt (115) on the floor surface (105), in particular laterally, in the direction of the cleaning device (110); - a control device (160) configured to determine a cleaning situation; and to determine an intensity of the air flow (150) depending on the cleaning situation.

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