METHOD AND CONTROL DEVICE FOR OPERATING A CLEANING DEVICE AND CLEANING DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a control device for operating a cleaning device and a cleaning device, for example in the form of a vacuum cleaner.

[0002] Cleaning devices are equipped with buttons or sliders on the suction tube or device body, which the user operates to use the cleaning device.

[0003] EP1636812B1 reveals a pressure sensor in a foil construction.

[0004] US patent 2005071056 A1 discloses a self-driving handheld vacuum cleaner equipped with a Hall sensor to provide a changing voltage according to the position of the vacuum cleaner handle.

[0005] The JP 2013198702 A reveals a vacuum cleaner with improved reliability in detecting that a user is grasping the handle.

[0006] The invention aims to create an improved method and an improved control device for operating a cleaning device and an improved cleaning device.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a method and a control device for operating a cleaning device and a cleaning device with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the following dependent claims.

[0008] The advantages achievable with the invention lie in the fact that the handling and operation of a cleaning device can be improved. This can also improve user satisfaction.

[0009] A corresponding method for operating a cleaning device comprising a handle and a tactile sensor device arranged and designed on the handle to provide a sensor signal when the handle is touched, comprises the following steps: Determining a parameter signal using the sensor signal, wherein the parameter signal represents a parameter of the touch of the handle; and providing an operating signal to operate the cleaning device using the parameter signal.

[0010] A cleaning device can be, for example, a vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum cleaner used to clean surfaces. It can be powered either by a power cord or by a battery, i.e., cordless. The cleaning device has a handle that the user grips to move the device across the surface to be cleaned. The tactile sensor device can include at least one sensor designed to detect contact with the handle of the cleaning device and, in response, provide a sensor signal. For this purpose, at least one sensor area of ​​the tactile sensor device can be located over a large area of ​​the handle. Depending on the design of the sensor device, the sensor signal can indicate, for example, contact or non-contact and / or the type of contact.The term "touch" can refer, for example, to pressure applied to the handle of the cleaning device or to the positioning of fingers on the handle. The "touch parameter" can be understood as a characteristic size or feature of the touch. The operating signal can be a signal for controlling an actuator of the cleaning device, such as an activation and / or deactivation signal.

[0011] Advantageously, this method, which can also be described as adaptive control based on tactile sensors, can achieve increased user satisfaction by eliminating the need for controls on the suction tube or the cleaning device itself. By optionally omitting physical buttons and traditional sliders, the cleaning device is less prone to malfunctions and responds more readily as the user desires. Operation is performed via the handle of the cleaning device. Thanks to the buttonless design, the user does not have to bend down to change the suction function, which is particularly beneficial for elderly users. The system optionally features interfaces that allow for individual customization and thus personalization. Furthermore, a digital interface enables seamless interaction between the user and the cleaning device.This ensures an innovative, new user experience. It allows the cleaning device, and subsequent models, to be adapted to user preferences. Thanks to sensors and automation, energy efficiency is improved. An optional automatic regulation of the power levels reduces the need for continuous use of the highest suction setting, optimizing effectiveness and thus significantly increasing battery life and improving the cleaning device's longevity. Advantageously, suction power can be adjusted more intuitively by applying more pressure, and one-handed operation of the cleaning device is possible. Noise pollution is also reduced. Intuitive operation is facilitated by the introduction of familiar and advanced functions, such as sliding elements. Visual feedback indicating the status reduces the need for manual button operation.

[0012] In the determining step, the parameter signal can be defined as a touch signal, representing either touching or not touching the handle of the cleaning device. In the provisioning step, the operating signal can be provided as an activation signal to turn on the cleaning device if the touch signal represents touching as the parameter. Additionally or alternatively, in the provisioning step, the operating signal can be provided as a deactivation signal to deactivate the cleaning device if the touch signal represents not touching the handle (100). The cleaning device can thus detect when the user touches the handle, which automatically turns the cleaning device on. When the handle is no longer being gripped, the cleaning device can automatically turn off.This offers the advantage that the user does not have to press a button to turn it on and off. This also saves the user the trouble of searching for a corresponding button.

[0013] In the determination step, the method can define the parameter signal as a pressure signal, representing the pressure applied to the handle of the cleaning device. In the provisioning step, the operating signal can be provided as an adjustment signal to adapt the cleaning performance of the device. This offers the advantage that the cleaning device can adjust its cleaning performance based on the detected pressure. For example, the cleaning device can detect whether the user is vacuuming on a smooth floor or a carpet based on the applied pressure. When vacuuming carpets, the user typically applies more pressure than on smooth floors.

[0014] In the determining step, the method can define the parameter signal as a position signal, representing the area of ​​contact with the cleaning device's handle. In the provisioning step, the operating signal can be provided as a mode signal for selecting an operating mode of the cleaning device. This allows the cleaning device to detect how the user positions their fingers differently on the handle. This offers the advantage that the user does not have to manually select a parquet or carpet mode; the cleaning device can do this automatically, depending on how the user positions their fingers on the handle.

[0015] In the determination step, the method can define the parameter signal as a hand signal representing the parameter: the area of ​​contact with the cleaning device's handle falling below a predetermined size. In the provisioning step, the operating signal can be provided as a restriction signal to limit the operation of the cleaning device. For example, the cleaning device can detect, via the area of ​​contact, when a child's hand is gripping the handle. This offers the advantage of allowing certain functions of the cleaning device to be locked to ensure the child's safety. For instance, activating a high-power cleaning cycle can be prevented if a child's hand is gripping the handle.

[0016] The process can include a step for saving the parameter signal. This offers the advantage of storing user data that the cleaning device can access for future cleaning cycles. This increases user satisfaction, as the cleaning device, for example, saves the user's applied pressure. Optionally, stored parameter signals can be read or transmitted via an external interface of the cleaning device.

[0017] A control device designed to execute and / or control the steps of the said procedure in corresponding units can advantageously be used to operate a cleaning device having a handle and a tactile sensor device arranged on the handle.

[0018] Such a control device can be configured to read input signals and, using these input signals, determine and provide output signals. An input signal can, for example, be a sensor signal readable via an input interface of the control device. An output signal can be a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control device. The control device can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing instruction implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control device can include a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and may be implemented as, or comprised of, a discrete component.

[0019] A suitable cleaning device with a handle, a tactile sensor device arranged on the handle and designed to provide a sensor signal when the handle is touched, can comprise such a control device. Thus, the described approach can be advantageously implemented in a cleaning device.

[0020] The cleaning device can have a tactile sensor, which can be designed as at least one capacitive sensor and / or at least one resistive sensor. This offers the advantage that the sensor and its performance are not affected by stretching or bending, thus increasing the sensor's lifespan. Furthermore, the user's touch on the handle can be detected very accurately.

[0021] The handle of the cleaning device can have an outer surface shaped to be gripped by the palm of the hand. It can also have an inner surface shaped to be gripped by the fingers. The tactile sensor device can have a primary sensor area extending across the outer surface of the handle and / or a secondary sensor area extending across the inner surface. This offers the advantage of an ergonomically shaped handle and allows the user to operate the vacuum cleaner with one hand.

[0022] The first sensor area can, for example, have a length of at least 5 centimeters and a width of at least 2 centimeters. The second sensor area can also have a length of at least 5 centimeters and a width of at least 2 centimeters. This offers the advantage that the first and second sensor areas can capture the user's hand or fingers very securely.

[0023] The handle can have a connecting section for attaching it to the body of the cleaning device and a holding section angled towards the connecting section: the outer and inner sides can be positioned on the holding section. This allows the user to operate the cleaning device with one hand.

[0024] The tactile sensor device can have an additional sensor surface located on the connecting section, functioning like a sliding element. This allows the user to operate the cleaning device intuitively.

[0025] Although the described approach is illustrated using a household appliance, the cleaning device or method described herein can be used analogously in connection with commercial or professional equipment, such as cleaning or disinfection equipment. According to the invention, the described approach can be used with all household appliances that have a holding section, whether portable, stationary, or built-in. According to the invention, a holding section does not necessarily have to be a protruding handle, e.g., in the form of a rod or handle strip; it also includes, for example, recessed handles or retractable handles.

[0026] A computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium such as semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory is also advantageous. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or device, it can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0027] An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device according to an embodiment; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a handle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment; Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a first sensor surface according to an embodiment; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a handle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a second sensor surface according to an embodiment; Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a further sensor surface according to an embodiment; Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a further sensor surface according to another embodiment; Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a handle of a cleaning device according to an embodiment; Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a handle of a cleaning device according to another embodiment;Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a handle of a cleaning device according to a further embodiment; Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a control device of a cleaning device according to an embodiment; and Figure 12 is a flowchart of a method for operating a cleaning device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The cleaning device 100 is shown as a vacuum cleaner. This can be a handheld vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, the described approach can be used in a corresponding form for a floor vacuum cleaner. Figure 1The cleaning device 100 is optionally designed as a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device 100 is used by a user to pick up dust or dirt from surfaces. For this purpose, the cleaning device 100 has a handle 105, which the user grips to operate the cleaning device 100 and, for example, move it across the surface to be cleaned. The handle 105 is connected, for example, to a floor brush 115 via a suction tube 110. Above the floor brush 115, a container 120 for collecting the dust and / or dirt is arranged on the suction tube 110. Optionally, the container 120 can be arranged below the handle 105 on the suction tube 110. An electric motor 125 is arranged in the container 120, for example, to generate an airflow from the floor brush 115 to the container 120.

[0029] The handle 105 has an outer surface 125 shaped to be gripped by the palm of the user's hand. Furthermore, the handle 105 has an inner surface 130 shaped to be gripped by the fingers of the hand.

[0030] The handle 105 has a tactile sensor device designed to provide a sensor signal when the handle 105 is touched. The tactile sensor device includes, for example, a capacitive and / or a resistive sensor.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the tactile sensor device has a first sensor surface 135 and, additionally or alternatively, a second sensor surface 140. The first sensor surface 135 extends over the outer surface 125 of the handle 105. The second sensor surface 140 extends over the inner surface 130 of the handle 105. This allows the device to detect both that the handle 105 is being gripped and how it is being gripped. However, the dimensions mentioned are merely examples. Other dimensions and / or subdivided sensor surfaces 135, 140 can also be used. For example, the sensor surfaces 135, 140 can each be formed by strip sensors.

[0032] When the user uses the cleaning device 100 to clean a floor, they grasp the handle 105 with their hand, so that their palm touches or grips the first sensor surface 135 and their fingers the second sensor surface 140. The tactile sensor device is designed to provide a sensor signal when at least one of the sensor surfaces 135 or 140 is touched. This signal is then transmitted, for example, to a control device in the cleaning device 100. For instance, the sensor signal can be used to automatically switch on the cleaning device 100 when the tactile sensor detects that a hand is touching the handle 105. Similarly, the sensor signal can be used to automatically switch off the cleaning device 100 when the handle 105 is no longer being touched.

[0033] Technically, according to one embodiment of the sensor device, flexible sensors are used that are both capacitive and resistive and adapt to the handle 105. According to one embodiment, measured values ​​provided via the sensor signal are used to generate various insights into user behavior. This enables the continuous optimization of other products as well as predictive maintenance of the cleaning device 100. The generation of this data allows for the creation of user profiles and gamification approaches.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device 100 is activated simply by grasping the handle 105, which can also be referred to as the handgrip. As soon as the handle 105 of the cleaning device 105 is no longer grasped, the cleaning device 100 switches off automatically. This saves the user the trouble of searching for and pressing a button. During vacuuming, it often happens that the user has to move certain pieces of furniture aside to be able to vacuum in tight spaces. This process is simplified because the cleaning device 100 is briefly moved aside and switches off immediately instead of continuing to run. Furthermore, the cleaning device 100 also detects whether, for example, it is simply being leaned on and then does not activate. This improves battery life and energy efficiency. According to one embodiment, the cleaning performance, which can also be referred to as suction power, changes based on the pressure applied by the hand.For example, increased pressure enhances cleaning performance, for instance by changing the speed of the electric motor 125. An optional tactile slider on the handle 105 of the cleaning device 100 makes operation more intuitive and technically sophisticated. The arrangement of the fingers on the handle 105 of the cleaning device 100 can optionally be used to change modes. During vacuuming, the user often switches between different surfaces and floor coverings. By simply moving one or more fingers, which is detected, for example, using the second sensor surface 140, the user can switch from parquet to carpet mode. According to one embodiment, the safety aspect of the cleaning device 100 is further enhanced.Based on the size of a hand and the force exerted, the Cleaning Device 100 uses its sensor system to detect, for example, whether the grasping hand belongs to a child. In this case, a child safety lock is activated, and some functions of the Cleaning Device 100 are disabled. These improvements are achieved, among other things, by integrating the sensor system, in the form of tactile sensors, into the handle 105 of the Cleaning Device 100. Flexible, resistive, and capacitive sensors are used for this purpose, and their performance is not affected by stretching or bending. As a result, the handle 105 reacts like a "second skin" and detects, for example, changes in finger position, hand size, and the pressure exerted by the grasping hand on the handle 105. An optional digital interface and a tactile slider are also available for intuitive operation.

[0035] The connection between the tactile sensor system and the resulting control of the cleaning device 100 also enables the collection of user data, creating a digital interface that takes into account individual user preferences and adjustments, and allows for playful approaches in combination with user profiles. The manufacturer also optionally uses the data collection for continuous, customer-oriented, and feedback-based optimization of subsequent models. Since the sensor system is highly sensitive, as demonstrated in one embodiment, it can, for example, detect whether the user is vacuuming on a smooth floor or carpet, as the pressure applied varies depending on the surface. The sensor's sensitivity offers further potential for generating meaningful data, such as...Data on the user's strength, the layout of the premises, the average operating time of the vacuum cleaner, and how the pressure points of handle 105 are pressed will be helpful in optimizing the ergonomics of handle 105 in the future.

[0036] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a handle 105 of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein it is the handle in Figure 1 The described handle 105 can be used.

[0037] The handle 105 has a connecting section 200 for connecting the handle 105 to the suction tube of the cleaning device, as well as a retaining section 205 angled towards the connecting section 200. The following are based on Figure 1 The outer surface 125 and the inner surface 130 of the handle 105 are arranged on the holding section 205. The first sensor surface 135 extends over the outer surface 125 of the holding section 205.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the handle 105 optionally has a light indicator 210, which shows the user, for example in the case of a cordless cleaning device, the charging status of the battery.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the tactile sensor device has a further sensor surface 215 which is arranged on the connecting section 200 and has the functionality of a sliding element.

[0040] The user grasps the handle 105 with their hand, so that their palm touches or grips the first sensor surface 135 and their fingers the second sensor surface. Optionally, the user touches the further sensor surface 215 with their thumb.

[0041] Figure 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first sensor surface 135 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein it is the one described in Figure 1. Figure 1The first sensor surface 135 described above can act as a sensor. The first sensor surface 135 extends over the outside of the handle so that the user's palm touches the first sensor surface 135 when the user grasps the handle of the cleaning device. The first sensor surface 135 is curved to match the shape of the handle. The first sensor surface 135 is elongated and has a greater length than width. For example, the first sensor surface 135 has a length of at least 5 centimeters and a width of at least 2 centimeters.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first sensor surface 135 has a plurality of sensor pixels, so that not only a touch of the sensor surface 135 itself, but also a position and extent of the touch can be detected and mapped via the sensor signal.

[0043] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a handle 105 according to an embodiment, which may be the handle 105 described in the preceding figures.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the handle 105 has a second sensor surface 140. The second sensor surface 140 extends over the inside 130 of the handle 105, so that the user's fingers touch the second sensor surface 140 when the user grasps the handle 105 of the cleaning device with their hand. For example, the second sensor surface 140 extends over both the inside of the holding section 205 and the inside of an adjacent part of the connecting section 200.

[0045] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a second sensor surface 140 according to an exemplary embodiment, which can be the second sensor surface 140 described in the preceding figures. The second sensor surface 140 is curved according to the shape of the handle. The second sensor surface 140 is elongated and has a greater length than width. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment, the second sensor surface 140 has a length of at least 5 centimeters and a width of at least 2 centimeters.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the second sensor surface 140 has a plurality of sensor pixels, so that not only a touch of the second sensor surface 140 itself, but also a position and extent of the touch can be detected and mapped via the sensor signal.

[0047] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a further sensor surface 215 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein it is the one described in Figure 215. Figure 2 The additional sensor surface 215 described above can act as a sensor. According to one embodiment, this additional sensor surface 215 is arranged on the connecting section of the cleaning device's handle and functions as a sliding element. For example, the user touches the additional sensor surface 215 with their thumb when they grasp the handle of the cleaning device with their hand.

[0048] The additional sensor surface 215 is designed to control the execution of various functions. According to one embodiment, when the user presses button 600 with their thumb in the front area of ​​the additional sensor surface 215, they switch the cleaning device on or off. According to another embodiment, they keep button 600 pressed continuously to switch the cleaning device on. As long as the user holds button 600 pressed, the cleaning device remains switched on. When they release button 600, the cleaning device switches off.

[0049] According to another embodiment, the button 600 is designed so that the user only needs to press the button 600 once to activate and deactivate the cleaning device.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the additional sensor surface 215 has a sliding element 605 next to the button 600. The sliding element 605 is designed to adjust the cleaning performance of the cleaning device. To do this, the user slides the sliding element 605 away from themselves to increase the cleaning performance and towards themselves to decrease it. The first and second sensor surfaces serve as presence detection, since the user grasps the first and second sensor surfaces with their hand while operating the additional sensor surface 215.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the further sensor surface 215 is designed as a touch-sensitive display, so that the button 600 and / or the sliding element 605 can be visually displayed to the user.

[0052] Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of another sensor area 215 according to a further embodiment.

[0053] The remaining sensor area features three buttons, 700, 705, and 710. Pressing the first button, 700, switches the cleaning device on. Pressing the second button, 705, activates the first cleaning power level. Pressing the third button, 710, activates a second, more powerful cleaning power level. In this embodiment, the user selects between two power levels. To switch the cleaning device off, the user presses the first button, 700, again.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the further sensor surface 215 is designed as a touch-sensitive display, so that the buttons 700, 705, 710 can be visually displayed to the user.

[0055] Based on the Figures 8 to 10 A possible way to handle a cleaning device's handle is explained.

[0056] Figure 8shows a schematic representation of a handle 105 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein it is the one in Figure 1 The described handle 105 can be used.

[0057] A user grasps the handle 105 of the cleaning device with their hand 800. Their fingers 805 touch the second sensor surface 140. The first sensor surface is not yet touched. For example, the handle 105 is gripped in this way when the user reaches for the handle 105 to transport the cleaning device. The cleaning device does not perform any function.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device is switched from a locked state to a ready state by touching the second sensor surface 140.

[0059] Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of the in Figure 8According to a further embodiment, the user's hand 800 now completely encircles the handle 105 of the cleaning device. The palm of the hand 800 touches the first sensor surface 135, and the fingers 805 touch the second sensor surface 140. The user's thumb 900 activates the further sensor surface 215. Figure 9 For example, the user uses their thumb 900 to adjust the desired cleaning performance of the cleaning device.

[0060] Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of the in Figure 9 as shown, handle 105 according to a further embodiment, wherein the user continues to grip handle 105 with his hand 800 as in Figure 9The user grasps the device. The user touches the additional sensor surface 215 with their thumb 900 in such a way that the cleaning device is activated. To do this, according to one embodiment, they either hold down the button on the additional sensor surface 215 or press it once to switch on the cleaning device.

[0061] Figure 11 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a control device 1100 of a cleaning device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The control device 1100 can, for example, be used in a cleaning device 100 in conjunction with a sensor device 1105. The cleaning device 100 can, for example, be a vacuum cleaner or handheld vacuum cleaner, such as those described in Figure 1The sensor device 1105 can, for example, be arranged on the handle of the cleaning device 100, as described with reference to the preceding figures. Using the control device 1100, the operation of the cleaning device 100 can be controlled and / or adjusted.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the control device 1100 is connected in its ready-to-use state via one interface to the sensor device 1105 and via another interface to a function device 1110. The function device 1110 is configured, for example, to perform and / or adjust a function in the cleaning device 100. For example, the function device 1110 is the one described in Figure 1 electric motor shown.

[0063] The sensor device 1105 is configured to provide a sensor signal 1115 when the handle of the cleaning device 100 is touched. Using the sensor signal 1115, the control device 1100 is configured to provide an operating signal to the functional device 1110 for operating the cleaning device 100. Depending on the design of the sensor device 1105, the sensor signal 1115 can be a single electrical signal or comprise several individual signals.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the control device 1100 has a determination device 1120, a provision device 1125 and optionally a storage device 1130.

[0065] The determining device 1120 is configured to determine at least one parameter signal using the sensor signal 1115, wherein the parameter signal represents a touch of the handle. The supply device 1125 is configured to provide an operating signal for operating the cleaning device 100 using the parameter signal. The storage device 1130 is configured to store the parameter determined by the determining device 1120.

[0066] When the user touches the handle of the cleaning device 100, the determining device 1120 is configured, for example, to determine the parameter signal as a touch signal 1135 using the sensor signal 1115. The touch signal 1135 indicates, for example, that the user is currently touching the handle of the cleaning device 100. In response, the operating signal is provided in the staging device 1125 as an activation signal 1140 to activate the cleaning device 100. Thus, the cleaning device 100 is automatically activated when the user touches the handle of the cleaning device 100. When the user no longer touches the handle, the staging device 1125 receives a deactivation signal 1145 as an operating signal to deactivate the cleaning device 100.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the determining device 1120 is configured to determine the parameter signal as a pressure signal 1150 using the sensor signal 1115. The pressure signal 1150 represents pressure applied to the handle of the cleaning device 100. This occurs, for example, when the user applies pressure to the handle of the cleaning device 100 with their hand. Subsequently, the operating signal is provided in the supply device 1125 as an adjustment signal 1155 for adjusting the cleaning performance of the cleaning device 100. For example, the cleaning performance of the cleaning device 100 is increased when greater pressure is applied. In this case, the sensor device 1105 has the functionality of a pressure sensor.

[0068] According to a further embodiment, the determining device 1120 is configured to determine the parameter signal as a position signal 1160 using the sensor signal 1115. The position signal 1160 represents the position of one or more fingers of the user on the handle of the cleaning device 100. The position signal 1160 is triggered, for example, when the user changes the position of one or more fingers on the handle of the cleaning device 100. Subsequently, the operating signal is provided in the staging device 1125 as a mode signal 1165 for selecting an operating mode of the cleaning device 100. For example, the cleaning device 100 switches from a carpet mode to a parquet mode when the user moves one or more fingers on the handle of the cleaning device 100.

[0069] According to a further embodiment, the determining device 1120 is configured to determine the parameter signal as a hand signal 1170 using the sensor signal 1115. The hand signal 1170 represents an area of ​​contact with the handle of the cleaning device 100 that is below a predetermined size. The hand signal 1170 is triggered, for example, when a child's hand touches the handle of the cleaning device 100. Subsequently, the operating signal is provided in the supply device 1125 as a restriction signal 1175 to limit the operation of the cleaning device 100. For example, the restriction signal 1175 prevents the cleaning device 100 from operating at full capacity if a child's hand is detected as the hand signal 1170.

[0070] The optional storage device 1130 is designed to store signals determined by the determining device 1120, such as the pressure signal 1150, the position signal 1160, and the hand signal 1170. These signals 1150, 1160, 1170, or data transmitted by the signals 1150, 1160, 1170, are stored in the storage device so that the dispensing device 1125 can access the stored data to improve the desired function for operating the cleaning device 100.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device 100 has an external interface 1180, for example a radio interface. Data stored in the storage device 1130 can be sent to an external device via the external interface 1180.

[0072] Figure 12Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method 1200 for operating a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment. The method 1200 can, for example, be carried out in connection with a cleaning device as described with reference to the preceding figures.

[0073] Method 1200 includes a step 1205 for determining a parameter signal using a sensor signal. The sensor signal represents a signal provided by a tactile sensor device. The parameter signal represents a parameter of the touch on the handle, for example, the presence or absence of touch, the position of the touch on the handle, or the area of ​​the touch. Method 1200 also includes a step 1210 for providing an operating signal for operating the cleaning device using the parameter signal. Method 1200 optionally includes a step 1215 for storing the parameter signal.

Claims

1. Method (1200) for operating a cleaning appliance (100), the cleaning appliance (100) having a handle (105) and a tactile sensor device (1105) which is arranged on the handle (105) and designed to provide a sensor signal (1115) when there is a touch on the handle (105), the method (1200) comprising the following steps: determining (1205) a parameter signal (1135, 1150, 1160, 1170) using the sensor signal (1205), the parameter signal (1135, 1150, 1160, 1170) representing a parameter of the touch on the handle (105); and providing (1210) an operating signal (1140, 1145, 1155, 1165, 1175) for operating the cleaning appliance (100) using the parameter signal (1135, 1150, 1160, 1170); characterized in that in the determining step (1205), the parameter signal is determined as a position signal (1160) which represents, as the parameter, a region of the touch on the handle (105) of the cleaning appliance (100), and in the providing step (1210), the operating signal being provided as a mode signal (1165) for selecting an operating mode of the cleaning appliance (100); and / or in the determining step (1205), the parameter signal is determined as a hand signal (1170) which represents, as the parameter, an area of the touch on the handle (105) of the cleaning appliance (100) that is below a predetermined size, and in the providing step (1210), the operating signal being provided as a restriction signal (1175) for restricting a functionality of the cleaning appliance (100).

2. Method (1200) according to claim 1, wherein, in the determining step (1205), the parameter signal is determined as a touch signal (1135) which represents, as the parameter, a touch or a lack of touch on the handle (105) of the cleaning appliance (100), wherein, in the providing step (1210), the operating signal is provided as an activation signal (1140) for activating the cleaning appliance (100) when the touch signal (1135) represents the touch as the parameter, and wherein, in the providing step (1210), the operating signal is provided as a deactivation signal (1145) for deactivating the cleaning appliance (100) when the touch signal (1135) represents, as the parameter, the lack of touch on the handle (105) of the cleaning appliance (100).

3. Method (1200) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein, in the determining step (1205), the parameter signal is determined as a pressure signal (1150) which represents, as the parameter, pressure on the handle (105) of the cleaning appliance (100), and wherein, in the providing step (1210), the operating signal is provided as an adjustment signal (1155) for adjusting the cleaning performance of the cleaning appliance (100).

4. Method (1200) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a step (1215) of storing the parameter signal (1135, 1150, 1160, 1170).

5. Cleaning appliance (100) comprising a handle (105), a tactile sensor device which is arranged on the handle (105) and designed to provide a sensor signal (1115) when there is a touch on the handle (105), and a control apparatus (1100) for operating the cleaning appliance (100), wherein the control apparatus (1100) is arranged and designed to perform and / or control the steps of the method (1200) according to any of the preceding claims in corresponding units.

6. Cleaning appliance (100) according to claim 5, wherein the tactile sensor device is formed as a capacitive and / or a resistive sensor system.

7. Cleaning appliance (100) according to either of claims 5 to 6, wherein the handle (105) has an outer surface (125) which is formed to be gripped by a palm of the hand, and has an inner surface (130) which is formed to be gripped by fingers (805) of the hand (800), and wherein the tactile sensor device has a first sensor surface (135) which extends over the outer surface (125) of the handle (105), and / or has a second sensor surface (140) which extends over the inner surface (130) of the handle (105).

8. Cleaning appliance (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first sensor surface (135) has a length of at least 5 centimetres and a width of at least 2 centimetres and / or wherein the second sensor surface (140) has a length of at least 5 centimetres and a width of at least 2 centimetres.

9. Cleaning appliance (100) according to either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the handle (105) has a connecting portion (200) for connecting the handle (105) to a body of the cleaning appliance (100) and has a holding portion (205) which is angled towards the connecting portion (200), wherein the outer surface (125) and the inner surface (130) are arranged on the holding portion (205).

10. Cleaning appliance (100) according to claim 9, wherein the tactile sensor device has a further sensor surface (215) which is arranged on the connecting portion (200) and has the functionality of a sliding element (605).

11. Cleaning appliance (100) according to any of claims 5 to 10, which is formed as a vacuum cleaner.

12. Computer program product comprising program code for carrying out the method (1200) according to any of claims 1 to 4 when the computer program product is performed on a control apparatus (1100) of a cleaning appliance (100) according to any of claims 5 to 11.