Method for operating a base station for a cleaning device

Abstract

A method for operating a base station for a cleaning device is proposed, wherein the fill level of the container is determined as the state of the base station solely by means of a pressure sensor or by means of a differential pressure, and additionally at least one further state of the base station is determined, and / or wherein, upon reaching a predefined fill level, the maximum number of possible suction operations without emptying a container is limited.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a base station for a cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] When a cleaning process is carried out using a cleaning device, such as a handheld vacuum cleaner or a self-propelled robot vacuum cleaner, vacuumed material is picked up and collected in the cleaning device.

[0003] In order to simplify the emptying of the cleaning devices, base stations for cleaning devices are known from the prior art, which are designed to vacuum or empty the cleaning devices, in particular in an automated or automatic manner.

[0004] EP 3 033 982 A1 discloses such a base station for a handheld vacuum cleaner, wherein the base station can be connected to an optional adapter module in order to connect a vacuum robot to the base station in addition to the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0005] DE 10 2019 004 417 A1 discloses a method for vacuuming a cleaning device using a base station. During vacuuming, a differential pressure across the container is determined using multiple pressure sensors to determine the fill level of the base station's container. To account for the fact that the differential pressure varies not only with the container's fill level but also with the volume flow, the measured differential pressure is compared with a limit value dependent on the volume flow.

[0006] EP 3 563 745 A1 discloses a method for operating a base station for a cleaning device. The base station is equipped with a sensor to detect the fill level of a container. The sensor can be configured as a pressure sensor. Based on the detected pressure, a user can be notified of the fill level of the base station.

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of specifying an improved, in particular simplified, method for operating a base station, preferably wherein the method enables or supports a simple and / or cost-effective construction of the base station and / or a simple, reliable and / or user-friendly determination of the fill level of the container of the base station.

[0008] The object underlying the invention is achieved by a method according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

[0009] The proposed method is carried out using a base station for a cleaning device.

[0010] A base station in the sense of the present invention is a constructive, preferably stationary or non-movable device for vacuuming or emptying a preferably mobile cleaning device, such as a hand-held vacuum cleaner and / or a self-propelled vacuum cleaner robot, after a cleaning process, in particular in an automated or automatic manner.

[0011] For this purpose, a base station according to the present invention comprises a particularly fluidic or pneumatic connection for the cleaning device, a container for suction material, and an optional fan downstream of the container to convey suction material from the cleaning device into the container of the base station during a suction process. Optionally, the base station is equipped with a collection filter, in particular a filter bag, which is arranged in the container of the base station.

[0012] A cleaning device within the meaning of the present invention is preferably a vacuum cleaner, for example a hand-held vacuum cleaner, a particularly movable floor vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, a stick or upright vacuum cleaner or a (partially) autonomous or self-propelled or self-flying vacuum cleaner robot, hereinafter referred to as vacuum robot.

[0013] However, a cleaning device within the meaning of the present invention can also be any other device for cleaning and / or maintaining surfaces, particularly floors. For example, lawn mowers and robotic lawnmowers are also considered cleaning devices within the meaning of the present invention.

[0014] A cleaning device according to the present invention preferably has a chamber in which suction material can be collected during a cleaning process by means of the cleaning device.

[0015] The cleaning device can be connected to the base station after use or after a cleaning process in order to - in the case of a battery-operated cleaning device - charge the cleaning device preferably automatically or automatically (electrically) and / or - in particular the chamber of the cleaning device - preferably automatically or automatically during a vacuuming process to empty or vacuum.

[0016] The base station is therefore preferably designed to suck suction material from a cleaning device into a container of the base station during a suction process.

[0017] With each suction process, the container or collection filter fills with suction material. Therefore, the flow resistance through the container or collection filter also increases with each suction process, so that the fan can only build up a reduced back pressure downstream of the container. Consequently, the back pressure or differential pressure to the (immediate) surroundings can be used as an indicator of the amount of suction material in the container or collection filter.

[0018] As the fill level increases or the differential pressure decreases, the cleaning device is no longer vacuumed or is no longer vacuumed sufficiently.

[0019] If the determined differential pressure reaches or falls below a (critical) - empirically determined and electronically stored - limit value, a predefined fill level of the container or a level corresponding to the limit value is reached and / or the container or the collection filter is full or almost full, so that the container must be emptied or the collection filter must be replaced.

[0020] It is therefore provided that the base station has (precisely) one pressure sensor, preferably wherein the pressure sensor is arranged in particular immediately downstream of the container or the collecting filter or the blower and / or in the flow channel between the container or the collecting filter or the blower and an outlet opening of the base station, in particular in order to measure or determine the (static) pressure, preferably the absolute pressure or the differential pressure to the (immediate) environment, downstream of the container or the collecting filter or the blower and / or in the flow channel between the container or the collecting filter or the blower and the outlet opening.

[0021] Preferably, the fill level of the container determined in this way is communicated or displayed to a user – particularly during and / or after a suction process. For example, it is possible to display or notify a user when the measured differential pressure reaches or falls below the limit and / or the container is full or almost full and needs to be emptied or the collection filter replaced.

[0022] In the proposed method for operating the base station for a cleaning device, in particular a vacuum cleaner, vacuumed material is sucked from the cleaning device into the container of the base station during a suction process - in particular by means of the fan - wherein - in particular during the suction process or when the fan is switched on - a differential pressure measurement is carried out downstream of the container or to the collecting filter or to the fan or in the flow channel between the container or the collecting filter or the fan and the outlet opening of the base station by means of the pressure sensor of the base station or the differential pressure to the (immediate) environment is determined in order to determine the fill level of the container, in particular exclusively on the basis of the differential pressure.

[0023] The differential pressure is preferably the difference between the dynamic pressure or the (static) absolute pressure (immediately) downstream of the container, in particular (immediately) downstream of the blower, and the ambient pressure.

[0024] The ambient pressure is preferably the (static) absolute pressure or air pressure or the atmospheric pressure in the (immediate) surroundings of the base station.

[0025] The proposed method is characterized in that when a predefined fill level of the container or the collection filter is reached or when a (critical) limit value is reached or undershot, the maximum number of still possible suction processes by means of the base station without emptying the container or without changing the collection filter is limited, in particular whereby the (further) operation of the base station is automatically blocked when the maximum number of suction processes with the container or the collection filter at the predefined fill level is reached without emptying the container or without changing the collection filter.

[0026] The predefined fill level is reached, for example, when more than 80% or 90% of the container or the collection filter is filled with suction material.

[0027] This prevents the base station from being operated permanently or over a longer period of time with a full container or full collection filter, which could cause the base station to become contaminated or damaged.

[0028] In addition, the proposed procedure ensures that the suction power of the base station and thus also the cleaning performance of the cleaning device is maintained.

[0029] Failure to vacuum the cleaning device successfully can impair the performance and cleaning ability of the cleaning device, which can increase wear and reduce the service life of the cleaning device.

[0030] Preferably, a user is displayed or informed that the predefined filling level of the container has been reached and / or that only a certain number of suction processes with the container are possible without emptying or without changing the collection filter.

[0031] In this way, the user is informed in good time that the container needs to be emptied or the collection filter needs to be changed soon, in particular without the operation of the base station being blocked at the first notification.

[0032] Preferably, when the maximum number of suction cycles is reached with the container at the predefined fill level or without changing the collection filter, a new suction cycle is only initiated upon (manual) user input. In particular, a new suction cycle is only possible upon (manual) user authorization if the maximum number of suction cycles with the container at the predefined fill level has been reached and / or the base station's operation has been (automatically) blocked. This reduces the risk of the base station being (accidentally) operated with a full container or collection filter.

[0033] According to a preferred method variant, after the user input or release by the user, it is checked by means of the pressure sensor or by means of a (repeated) pressure measurement whether the container has (actually) been emptied or the collection filter has (actually) been changed, in particular by (repeatedly) determining or measuring and evaluating the differential pressure to the environment or comparing it with the limit value.

[0034] Preferably, the base station's operation is automatically disabled (again) if the differential pressure is not above the limit, or if the container has not been emptied, or if the collection filter has not been changed. Therefore, the user input is verified using the pressure sensor or a (repeated) pressure measurement.

[0035] When the container has been emptied or the collection filter has been changed or the differential pressure is (again) above the limit value, the suction process is completed or continued.

[0036] In the proposed method, preferably only one or exactly one pressure sensor is used, or the measurement results of only one pressure sensor are evaluated or used to determine the fill level of the container or the collection filter. This allows for significant cost savings compared to level determination using multiple sensors.

[0037] A pressure sensor, as defined in the present invention, is a measuring device for measuring or determining the (static) pressure in a medium, such as air. A pressure sensor can be designed as an absolute pressure sensor, a differential pressure sensor, or a relative pressure sensor.

[0038] An absolute pressure sensor measures the (static) pressure compared to a vacuum as a reference (absolute pressure), preferably where a vacuum is present at a pressure of less than 300 mbar.

[0039] A differential pressure sensor measures the difference between two absolute pressures (differential pressure).

[0040] A relative pressure sensor measures the (static) pressure relative to the atmosphere / ambient or atmospheric air pressure, preferably where the atmospheric air pressure is 1013 mbar. A relative pressure sensor within the meaning of the present invention is therefore a differential pressure sensor that measures the difference between an absolute pressure and atmospheric air pressure.

[0041] A pressure sensor in the sense of the present invention preferably has exactly one measuring point in order to determine or measure the (static) pressure at the measuring point.

[0042] A pressure sensor in the sense of the present invention can be designed, for example, as a piezoresistive, piezoelectric, capacitive and / or inductive pressure sensor.

[0043] The proposed method makes it possible to measure the absolute pressure downstream of the container or blower, or in the flow channel between the container or blower and the outlet opening, before the extraction process or with the blower deactivated, and additionally during the extraction process or with the blower activated, in order to subsequently determine the differential pressure. The absolute pressure downstream of the container or blower, or in the flow channel between the container or blower and the outlet opening before the extraction process or with the blower deactivated, corresponds to the ambient pressure.

[0044] Alternatively, it is possible to directly measure the differential pressure to the (immediate) environment downstream of the container or in the flow channel between the container and the outlet opening by means of the pressure sensor, in particular if the pressure sensor is designed as a differential pressure or relative pressure sensor.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the fill level of the container as a (first) state of the base station and, in addition, at least one further state, in particular at least one possible malfunction, of the base station or individual components of the base station, such as the intake tract, the outlet filter, the collecting filter and / or the flap, are determined / detected / identified exclusively by means of the pressure sensor, i.e. without the use of further sensors and / or other measuring technology, or exclusively by means of the (determined) differential pressure to the (immediate) environment, i.e. without additional measured values.

[0046] Preferably, the differential pressure determined or measured by means of the pressure sensor is compared with a limit value - in particular one that is empirically determined and / or electronically stored - in order to determine the fill level of the container or the collecting filter on the one hand and to determine or identify at least one further condition or a possible malfunction of the base station on the other hand.

[0047] Preferably, the pressure sensor or differential pressure—as a further condition or malfunction of the base station—is used exclusively to determine / detect / identify whether or when the intake tract of the base station or the flow path upstream to the tank is blocked. In this case, no or only a very small amount of back pressure can be built up by the blower, so the differential pressure is (significantly) reduced or almost zero compared to trouble-free operation of the base station.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, the pressure sensor or differential pressure—in particular as a further condition of the base station or as a malfunction of the base station—is used exclusively to determine / detect / identify whether or when the exhaust filter is not or incorrectly inserted. In this case, no or only a small amount of back pressure can be generated by the fan, so that the differential pressure is reduced or almost zero compared to fault-free operation of the base station.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the pressure sensor or differential pressure—in particular as a further status of the base station or as a malfunction of the base station—is used exclusively to determine / detect / identify whether or when the collection filter in the container is not or incorrectly inserted, the container flap is not closed, and / or the cleaning device is not or incorrectly connected to the base station. In this case, the dynamic pressure generated by the fan is very high due to the lower flow resistance compared to trouble-free operation of the base station or the incoming secondary air, so that the determined differential pressure is higher than during trouble-free operation of the base station.

[0050] The aforementioned conditions / faults are preferably each assigned at least one limit value - in particular empirically determined and / or electronically stored - in particular two limit values or a pressure range, for example in a (digital) database.

[0051] The determination / detection / identification of the conditions / faults is preferably carried out by comparing the determined differential pressure - in particular automatically, mathematically and / or metrologically - with the limit values or pressure ranges and / or assigning it to a pressure range and thus to a condition or fault.

[0052] With a particularly precise and sensitive pressure sensor, even small changes in the differential pressure can be detected, thus ensuring clear identification / determination of the various conditions / faults.

[0053] Consequently, the proposed method makes it possible to reliably identify both the fill level of the container and any errors / malfunctions in the operation of the base station using only a single pressure sensor, i.e. with extremely low equipment and measurement expenditure.

[0054] Preferably, the operation of the base station, in particular the suction process, is (automatically) interrupted when a (critical) condition / error has been identified, in particular to prevent contamination and / or damage to the base station due to faulty operation.

[0055] Preferably, the identified condition / error is displayed or communicated to a user so that the error can be corrected.

[0056] The aforementioned aspects, features and method steps or variants of the invention as well as the aspects, features and method steps or variants of the present invention resulting from the claims and the following description can in principle be implemented independently of one another, but also in any desired combination or sequence.

[0057] Further aspects, advantages, features, and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the figures. It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a cleaning system with a base station and several cleaning devices connected to it; Fig. 2 a schematic pneumatic circuit diagram of the cleaning system according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a proposed method for operating the base station or the cleaning system.

[0058] In the figures, some of which are not to scale and are merely schematic, the same reference symbols are used for identical, identical or similar parts and components, whereby corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows schematically a cleaning system 1 with a base station 10.

[0060] The representation according to Fig. 1 shows the cleaning system 1 or the base station 10 in the installed / mounted state or in the usual position of use, in which the base station 10 (rear side) rests or is fastened to a wall 2 and preferably (floor side) rests on a floor 3 or ends or is arranged close to the floor.

[0061] The cleaning system 1 is preferably equipped with several components.

[0062] Preferably, the cleaning system 1 - in addition to the base station 10 - has at least one (mobile) cleaning device 20, 30, wherein the cleaning device 20, 30 can be coupled to the base station 10 fluidically, in particular pneumatically, and / or electrically, in particular in order to empty / vacuum out the cleaning device 20, 30 and / or to electrically charge it, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0063] At the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning system 1 has several, here two different, cleaning devices 20, 30, wherein in this case a first cleaning device 20 is designed as a vacuum robot and a second cleaning device 30 is designed as a handheld vacuum cleaner. However, it is also possible for the cleaning system 1 to have only one cleaning device 20, 30 or for the base station 10 to be used with only one cleaning device 20, 30.

[0064] Individual or multiple aspects, advantages, features, properties and method steps which are described below only in connection with one of the cleaning devices 20, 30 are preferably also provided for the other of the cleaning devices 20, 30, so that corresponding statements also apply to the other of the cleaning devices 20, 30, even if a repetition is omitted below.

[0065] The cleaning system 1 is primarily used indoors or for cleaning indoors. However, it is also generally possible to use the cleaning system 1 in outdoor spaces / areas or to use it for cleaning outdoor spaces / areas.

[0066] As already explained above, the base station 10 is designed for the (electrical) charging and / or (automated) emptying or vacuuming of one or more cleaning devices 20, 30. For this purpose, the cleaning device 20, 30 is coupled to the base station 10, thereby establishing a fluidic, in particular pneumatic, and / or electrical connection between the base station 10 and the cleaning device 20, 30.

[0067] The connection / coupling of the cleaning device 20, 30 to the base station 10 can be done manually—for example, in the case of a handheld vacuum cleaner—or automatically or autonomously—for example, in the case of a robot vacuum cleaner. In the embodiments shown, the first cleaning device 20 connects to the base station 10 automatically or autonomously after a cleaning process, and the second cleaning device 30 is hung manually or by a user in the base station 10 in order to electrically charge and / or vacuum the cleaning devices 20, 30 using the base station 10.

[0068] The base station 10 is preferably elongated and / or box-shaped or cabinet-like.

[0069] It is preferred that the base station 10 be fixedly or immovably connected to the wall 2. However, the base station 10 can also be designed as a freestanding and / or mobile or movable device.

[0070] Preferably, the base station 10 is mounted on the wall 2 such that, in the installed state, the base station 10 rests on the floor 3 and lies flat against the wall 2. However, other solutions are also possible, in particular in which the base station 10, in the installed state, is arranged at a distance from the floor 3 or is suspended from the wall 2.

[0071] The base station 10 is preferably constructed in several parts or has a modular design. The base station 10 particularly preferably has several modules or can be expanded with one or more modules.

[0072] The base station 10 preferably has a base module 40 and / or a head module 50, in particular wherein the head module 50 is arranged (directly) above the base module 40 in the position of use or in the installed state.

[0073] Preferably, the base module 40 is designed for electrical and / or fluidic connection of the first cleaning device 20 and / or the head module 50 is designed for electrical and / or fluidic connection of the second cleaning device 30.

[0074] It is therefore provided to (electrically) charge and / or empty the first cleaning device 20 by means of the base module 40 and / or the second cleaning device 30 by means of the head module 50, in particular from the side, from below and / or from above.

[0075] Fig. 1 shows the cleaning system 1 or the cleaning devices 20, 30 in the coupling or connection position, in which the cleaning devices 20, 30 are electrically and pneumatically connected to the base station 10.

[0076] The base station 10 preferably has a (first) electrical connection 40E for the (first) cleaning device 20 and / or a (second) electrical connection 50E for the (second) cleaning device 30 in order to electrically connect the base station 10 to the cleaning device 20, 30 and to charge a battery 20A, 30A of the cleaning device 20, 30 (only indicated schematically). Preferably, the first electrical connection 40E is arranged in the base module 40 and the second electrical connection 50E is arranged in the head module 50.

[0077] The electrical connection 40E, 50E is preferably formed by one or more electrical contacts or - in particular for wireless energy transmission - by one or more coils.

[0078] The cleaning device 20, 30 has an electrical connection 20E, 30E corresponding to the electrical connection 40E or 50E, which is preferably formed by one or more electrical contacts or - in particular for wireless energy transmission - by one or more coils on an outer side of the cleaning device 20, 30.

[0079] The base station 10, in particular the floor module 40, is equipped with an optional power supply unit 10A - preferably with corresponding charging electronics - and / or a power connection 10B for connection to a power grid indicated only schematically, in order to enable a power supply of the (first) cleaning device 20, in particular via the first electrical connection 40E and / or the (second) cleaning device 30, in particular via the second electrical connection 50E, as indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 1 indicated.

[0080] Preferably, the base station 10, in particular the floor module 40, forms a receptacle 40A for the (first) cleaning device 20 to at least partially accommodate the (first) cleaning device 20. The (first) cleaning device 20 can thus at least partially move into the floor module 40 to thereby establish a fluidic and / or electrical connection with the base station 10 or the floor module 40.

[0081] The base station 10, in particular the head module 50, is preferably designed to hold or partially accommodate the (second) cleaning device 30. In particular, the (second) cleaning device 30 can be attached to the head module 50 or suspended in the head module 50.

[0082] Preferably, the base station 10, in particular the head module 50, has a holder 10C to hold the (second) cleaning device 30, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and / or above or at a distance from the floor 3.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 10C is formed by a hook, wherein the (second) cleaning device 30 has a bracket corresponding to the hook for suspending the cleaning device 30. However, other solutions are also possible here.

[0084] The base station 10, in particular the head module 50, has a particularly box-shaped housing 50A, preferably wherein the housing 50A has or forms the holder 10C.

[0085] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrical connection 50E is integrated into the holder 10C.

[0086] Preferably, the electrical and / or fluidic connection between the base station 10 or the head module 50 and the (second) cleaning device 30 is established by or simultaneously with attaching or mechanically coupling the cleaning device 30 to the base station 10 or the head module 50.

[0087] The base station 10 preferably has a (first) fluidic, in particular pneumatic, connection 40F for the (first) cleaning device 20 and / or a (second) fluidic, in particular pneumatic, connection 50F for the (second) cleaning device 30 in order to fluidically, in particular pneumatically, connect the base station 10 to the cleaning device 20, 30, preferably wherein the first fluidic connection 40F is arranged in the base module 40 and the second fluidic connection 50F is arranged in the head module 50.

[0088] The fluidic connection 40F, 50F of the base station 10 is preferably formed by a nozzle, an opening or the like, for example in a foot part 40B of the base module 40 and / or on a front side 50C of the head module 50 and / or arranged directly next to the electrical connection 40E, 50E.

[0089] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fluidic connection 50F of the head module 50 is integrated into the holder 10C for the (second) cleaning device 30.

[0090] It is preferred that the cleaning device 20, 30 connects both fluidically and electrically to the base station 10 (automatically) when it moves onto the base part 40B or against the base station 10, in particular the floor module 40, or is hung into the base station 10, in particular the head module 50, or is in the connection position.

[0091] The base station 10, in particular the head module 50, preferably comprises a container 50G, a collection filter 50H, a fan or blower 50J and / or an outlet or exhaust air filter 50K, preferably wherein the fluidic connection 40F, 50F is fluidically connected to the container 50G, the collection filter 50H, the blower 50J and / or the outlet filter 50K.

[0092] The collection filter 50H is preferably a (disposable) filter bag or a (disposable) filter cartridge, which is preferably replaced after use or when a certain fill level is reached or replaced with a new collection filter or a new filter cartridge.

[0093] Preferably, the collection filter 50H is arranged in the container 50G and / or attached to an inlet of the container 50G.

[0094] The 50K outlet filter is preferably a particle or suspended matter filter.

[0095] The outlet filter 50K is preferably arranged downstream of the container 50G, the collection filter 50H and / or the blower 50J and / or at an outlet opening 10L (in Fig. 1 not shown) of the base station 10.

[0096] By connecting the cleaning device 20, 30 to the base station 10, a fluidic connection is preferably established between a chamber 20C, 30C of the cleaning device 20, 30, which is only indicated schematically, and the base station 10 or the head module 50, in particular the container 50G or the blower 50J.

[0097] By means of the blower 50J, it is possible to convey, in particular to suck, a fluid, in particular suction material or air together with suction material, from the cleaning device 20, 30, in particular the chamber 20C, 30C, to the base station 10 or into its container 50G, and / or to collect or separate the suction material in the container 50G or the collection filter 50H. The cleaned air is then discharged to the environment via the outlet filter 50K.

[0098] In the connected position of the cleaning device 20, 30, the cleaning device 20, 30 is thus fluidically connected, particularly preferably both fluidically and electrically, to the base station 10, in particular such that the chamber 20C, 30C of the cleaning device 20, 30 can be emptied and / or the accumulator 20A, 30A can be charged. In the connected position, a maintenance process, in particular a vacuuming process and / or charging process, of the cleaning device 20 or 30 can be carried out using the base station 10.

[0099] For example, in the connection position or during a maintenance or suction operation, suction material can be suctioned from the chamber 20C of the first cleaning device 20 via the fluidic connection 40F of the base module 40 and / or from the chamber 30C of the second cleaning device 30 via the fluidic connection 50F of the head module 50 and transferred to the (common) container 50G or the collection filter 50H. In this way, manual emptying of the cleaning devices 20, 30 can be eliminated.

[0100] The container 50G or the collection filter 50H preferably has a volume that is larger than the volume of the chamber 20C, 30C of the cleaning device 20, 30, preferably twice or three times, so that the entire contents of the chamber 20C, 30C can be absorbed by the container 50G and / or several suction processes can be carried out without having to empty the container 50G or change the collection filter 50H.

[0101] The container 50G preferably has a volume of more than 1 l or 1.5 l, particularly preferably more than 2 l or 3 l.

[0102] Preferably, the base station 10, in particular the head module 50, is equipped with a flap 10D in order to open the base station 10, in particular the container 50G, to empty it and / or to change the collection filter 50H.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, the flap 10D is designed as a removable or pivoting cover. However, it is also possible, for example, to provide the front side 50C with the flap 10D.

[0104] The container 50G or the collecting filter 50H has an inlet, wherein in the illustrated embodiment both cleaning devices 20, 30 or both fluidic connections 40F, 50F are fluidically connected to the inlet or via corresponding lines.

[0105] Preferably, the base station 10 has an optional (controlled) shut-off device 10E, such as a shut-off flap or a valve, to control the air flow and / or the air flow. In particular, the shut-off device 10E can be used to fluidically connect either the first cleaning device 20 or the fluidic connection 40F or the second cleaning device 30 or the fluidic connection 50F to the container 50G or the collection filter 50H.

[0106] The base station 10 preferably comprises a control unit 10S that controls the (electrical) charging and / or emptying of the cleaning device 20, 30. For this purpose, the control unit 10S is preferably electrically connected to the (first) electrical connection 40E, the (second) electrical connection 50E, the power supply unit 10A, the fan 50J and / or the shut-off device 10E, as shown in Fig. 1 indicated by dashed lines.

[0107] In the following, the air flow of the cleaning system 1 is described using the Fig. 2 The proposed method for vacuuming the cleaning device 30 is then described in more detail using the Fig. 3 explained.

[0108] In the following, only the air flow in the cleaning device 30 is described. However, a corresponding air flow is also possible or provided or designed in the other cleaning device 20, as indicated in particular by corresponding symbols in Fig. 2 indicated.

[0109] The cleaning device 30 has an intake opening 30B, an intake line 30D, a fluid connection 30F, a supply line 30G, a connecting line 30H, a fan or blower 30J, an outlet line 30L, an outlet opening 30N and / or an exhaust line 30P.

[0110] The lines 30D, 30G, 30H, 30L, 30P are designed as air-conducting or pneumatic lines in the cleaning device 30 and enable the transport of a medium, in particular air, in the cleaning device 30.

[0111] The openings 30B, 30N are designed as openings or perforations in the housing of the cleaning device 30 and enable an exchange of air between the cleaning device 30, in particular the chamber 30C, and the environment.

[0112] In the cleaning mode of the cleaning device 30, for example when the cleaning device 30 is used to clean the floor 3, air and / or suction material or air together with suction material can be sucked from the environment into the cleaning device 30, in particular the chamber 30C, by means of the fan 30J via the suction opening 30B or the suction line 30D.

[0113] In the cleaning mode of the cleaning device 30, suction material is separated from the air in the chamber 30C, for example by means of a filter (not shown), so that the (cleaned) air can be released back into the environment, in particular via the connecting line 30H, the fan 30J, the outlet line 30L and the outlet opening 30N.

[0114] The chamber 30C is therefore preferably arranged fluidically between the intake opening 30B or the intake line 30D on one side and the fan 30J or the outlet opening 30N or the connecting line 30H on the other side.

[0115] The air flow or flow direction is at least partially or in sections changed during a suction process or during vacuuming using the base station 10 compared to the cleaning mode. In particular, the flow direction in the chamber 30C is reversed in the suction mode compared to the cleaning mode.

[0116] In the following, a distinction is therefore made between the cleaning mode and the suction mode of the cleaning device 30. In Fig. 2 The preferred flow direction in suction mode or during a maintenance or suction process is shown by arrows.

[0117] The cleaning mode is the mode in which the cleaning device 30 is during cleaning or while performing a cleaning process.

[0118] A cleaning process within the meaning of the present invention is preferably a process in which cleaning is carried out by means of the cleaning device 20 and / or in which the cleaning device 20 cleans or vacuums a surface, such as the floor 3.

[0119] In cleaning mode or during a cleaning process, the cleaning device 30 is usually not connected to the base station 10 and / or is spaced apart from the base station 10.

[0120] In particular, in the cleaning mode of the cleaning device 30, the fan 30J is activated or switched on, in particular such that air flows from the intake opening 30B to the outlet opening 30N. Particularly preferably, in the cleaning mode, air flows from the intake opening 30B via the intake line 30D or the supply line 30G into the chamber 30C and from the chamber 30C via the connecting line 30H and the fan 30J to the outlet line 30L or outlet opening 30N.

[0121] Consequently, the suction opening 30B and the suction line 30D form the suction tract of the cleaning device 30 in the cleaning mode.

[0122] The vacuuming mode is the mode in which the cleaning device 30 is when vacuuming using the base station 10 or during a maintenance or vacuuming process.

[0123] A maintenance process within the meaning of the present invention is preferably a process in which the cleaning device 30 is maintained using the base station 10. A maintenance process can be a vacuuming process and / or a charging process. In particular, the cleaning device 30 can be at least partially, preferably completely, vacuumed by a maintenance process or a vacuuming process, and the cleaning device 30 can be at least partially, preferably completely, charged by a maintenance process or a charging process.

[0124] In maintenance or vacuuming mode or during a maintenance process, the cleaning device 30, in particular the fluidic connection 30F and / or the electrical connection 30E of the cleaning device 30, is connected to the base station 10, in particular the fluidic connection 40F and / or the electrical connection 40E of the base station 10.

[0125] In particular, in the maintenance or vacuuming mode or during a maintenance operation of the cleaning device 30, the fan 30J of the cleaning device 30J is deactivated or switched off.

[0126] During a suction process, the fan 50J of the base station 10 is activated or switched on.

[0127] The suction is preferably carried out via the fluidic connection 30F or the suction line 30P of the cleaning device 30. In particular, the chamber 30C can be suctioned by means of the base station 10 via the fluidic connection 30F or the suction line 30P.

[0128] The fluidic connection 30F is preferably formed by a nozzle, an opening or the like in the cleaning device 30, in particular in the housing of the cleaning device 30.

[0129] Preferably, the fluidic connection 30F is fluidically connected to the chamber 30C via the suction line 30P.

[0130] In the illustrated embodiment, the suction line 30P is fluidically connected to the chamber 30C via the supply line 30G. However, other solutions are also possible, for example, in which the suction line 30P opens directly into the chamber 30C.

[0131] The cleaning device 30 preferably has an exhaust valve 30Q to control or change the air flow and / or the air guidance in the cleaning device 30, in particular to switch between the cleaning mode and the exhaust mode.

[0132] Preferably, the suction opening 30B or the connection 30F can be fluidically connected to the chamber 30C by means of the suction valve 30Q.

[0133] In cleaning mode, the intake port 30B is fluidically connected to the chamber 30C in order to be able to draw in air from the environment or to direct it into the chamber 30C via the supply line 30G. Preferably, the connection 30F is fluidically separated from the chamber 30C in cleaning mode.

[0134] In suction mode, the port 30F is fluidically connected to the chamber 30C to direct air or suction material from the chamber 30C and the optional supply line 30G to the port 30F or the base station 10. Preferably, the suction opening 30B is fluidically separated from the chamber 30C in the suction mode.

[0135] Preferably, during suction or in suction mode, air flows from the outlet opening 30N to the fluidic connection 30F.

[0136] Particularly preferably, in the suction mode, air flows via the outlet line 30L, the fan 30J and / or the connecting line 30H into the chamber 30C and from the chamber 30C via the supply line 30G and the suction line 30P through the cleaning device 30 or to the fluidic connection 30F or into the base station 10.

[0137] Consequently, the outlet opening 30N and the outlet line 30L form the suction tract of the cleaning device 30 in the suction mode.

[0138] The exhaust valve 30Q can, for example, be designed as a butterfly valve or directional or switching valve.

[0139] The cleaning device 30 preferably comprises a control device 30S, a data processing device 30R and / or a communication device 30K, preferably wherein the control device 30S, the data processing device 30R, the communication device 30K, the fan 30J and / or the exhaust valve 30Q are electrically connected to one another, as indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 2 indicated.

[0140] The control device 30S is preferably designed to control the fan 30J, in particular to activate or deactivate it and / or to adjust the power of the fan 30J.

[0141] In addition, the control device 30S is preferably designed to control the exhaust valve 30Q, in particular to adapt the switching position of the exhaust valve 30Q.

[0142] The chamber 30C is preferably equipped with a filter (not shown) to separate suction material, such as dust, from the air in the chamber 30C or in the filter during cleaning or in cleaning mode.

[0143] The base station 10 has a supply line 10G, a blower line 10H, an outlet line 10J and / or an outlet opening 10L, preferably wherein the container 50G is fluidically connected via the supply line 10G to the fluidic connection 40F or 50F and / or via the blower line 10H or the outlet line 10J to the outlet opening 10L.

[0144] In the illustrated embodiment, the base station 10 has a first connecting line 10N and a second connecting line 10P, wherein the first fluidic connection 40F is or can be fluidically connected to the supply line 10G or the container 50G via the first connecting line 10N and the second fluidic connection 50F via the second connecting line 10P.

[0145] The lines 10G, 10H, 10J, 10N and 10P are designed as air-conducting or pneumatic lines in the base station 10 and enable the transport of a medium, in particular air, in the base station 10.

[0146] Consequently, the fluidic connection 40F or 50F, the connecting line 10N, 10P and the supply line 10G form the intake tract of the base station 10.

[0147] The outlet opening 10L is designed as an opening or opening in the housing of the base station 10 and enables air exchange between the base station 10, in particular the container 50G, and the environment. Preferably, the outlet filter 50K (in Fig. 2 not shown) into the outlet opening 10L or immediately upstream of the outlet opening 10L.

[0148] As already explained, the fluidic connection 40F or the fluidic connection 50F can be fluidically connected to the container 50G by means of the optional shut-off device 10E.

[0149] The blower 50J is preferably fluidically connected to the container 50G via the blower line 10H and / or to the outlet opening 10L or the environment via the outlet line 10J. In particular, the blower 50J is arranged (immediately) downstream of the container 50G or fluidically between the container 50G and the outlet opening 10L.

[0150] Preferably, the supply line 10G is connected or attached to an inlet and the blower line 10H is connected or attached to an outlet of the container 50G.

[0151] The base station 10 preferably comprises the control unit 10S, a data processing unit 10R, a communication unit 10K and / or (precisely) a pressure sensor 10M, preferably wherein the control unit 10S, the data processing unit 10R, the communication unit 10K, the pressure sensor 10M, the shut-off device 10E and / or the fan 50J are electrically connected to one another.

[0152] By means of the pressure sensor 10M it is possible to determine or measure the (static) (absolute) pressure or a pressure change in the base station 10, in particular in the outlet line 10J.

[0153] Preferably, the base station 10, in particular the pressure sensor 10M, has (exactly) one (pressure) measuring point, namely in the outlet line 10J or downstream of the container 50G and / or the blower 50J.

[0154] In particular, it is provided that only the base station 10 is equipped with a pressure sensor 10M, i.e. the cleaning device 30 does not have a pressure sensor, since this is not required for the proposed method, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0155] As already explained at the beginning, the pressure sensor 10M is designed as an absolute pressure or differential pressure or relative pressure sensor and / or is designed to measure the absolute pressure and / or the relative pressure or the differential pressure to the environment at the measuring point or in the outlet line 10J.

[0156] The pressure sensor 10M is therefore preferably designed to measure the pressure at the measuring point in comparison to vacuum as a reference (absolute pressure) or the pressure in comparison to the (prevailing) atmospheric air pressure as a reference (differential pressure to the environment).

[0157] The pressure sensor 10M is preferably electrically connected to the control device 10S, the data processing device 10R and / or the communication device 10K, in particular in order to process the measured values, evaluate them and / or transmit them to the cleaning device 30 and / or another device.

[0158] In the following, the Fig. 3 the proposed method for operating the base station 10 or the cleaning system 1 is described in more detail.

[0159] The proposed method is preferably carried out by means of the cleaning system 1 or the base station 10, in particular the pressure sensor 10M, the data processing device 10R, the control device 10S and / or the blower 50J.

[0160] In the proposed method for operating the base station 10 or the cleaning system 1, it is provided to determine the fill level of the container 50G or the collection filter 50H during a suction process or when the fan 50J is switched on, in particular (exclusively) by one or more pressure measurements in the base station 10, particularly preferably downstream of the container 50G or the collection filter 50H or the fan 50J and / or in the outlet line 10J, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0161] The method is preferably multi-stage or multi-step. In particular, the method comprises several process steps.

[0162] Fig. 3shows a schematic flow diagram of the proposed method with several method steps, in particular several operations, branches and inputs / outputs, whereby the individual method steps can in principle be carried out independently of one another, unless explained otherwise below.

[0163] The method is preferably initiated by connecting or docking the cleaning device 20, 30 to the base station 10.

[0164] Preferably, in a first method step / process A1, the cleaning device 20, 30 is fluidically connected to the base station 10—in particular manually or automatically—in order to perform a suction process or to suck suctioned material from the cleaning device 20, 30 into the container 50G or the collection filter 50H. However, it is also fundamentally possible to carry out the proposed method without a connected cleaning device 20, 30 or exclusively with the base station 10.

[0165] Preferably, initially or in a further method step or based on a first branch D1, it is checked whether the base station 10 or the operation of the base station 10 is blocked. The method preferably provides that the operation of the base station 10 is automatically blocked when a (specified) maximum number i max of suction processes with the container 50G or the collection filter 50H at a predefined fill level is reached without (intermediate) emptying of the container 50G or without (intermediate) changing the collection filter 50H, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0166] In the event that the base station 10 is locked, the user is notified or informed that the container 50G must be emptied or the collection filter 50H must be replaced.

[0167] In particular, if the base station 10 is not locked, if the pressure sensor 10M is designed as an absolute pressure sensor, the ambient pressure or atmospheric air pressure is initially or in a further or second method step / process A2 measured by means of the pressure sensor 10M or in the outlet line 10J and (electronically) stored, preferably before the start of the suction process or before activation of the fan 50J.

[0168] When the fan 50J is deactivated, the pressure in the base station 10, in particular in the outlet line 10J, corresponds to the ambient pressure or the atmospheric air pressure, so that the pressure sensor 10M can directly measure the ambient pressure or the atmospheric air pressure.

[0169] Subsequently or in a further process step / operation A3, the blower 50J is preferably (automatically) activated and / or the suction process is started.

[0170] Subsequently or in a further process step / operation A4, in particular immediately after the start of the suction process, a (renewed) pressure measurement is preferably carried out by means of the pressure sensor 10M and / or the differential pressure to the environment downstream of the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H or the blower 50J or in the outlet line 10J is determined.

[0171] Preferably, the absolute pressure is measured by means of a (repeated) pressure measurement during the extraction process or when the fan 50J is switched on and, in particular, the differential pressure to the environment is determined / calculated by means of the data processing device 10R.

[0172] To determine the differential pressure to the environment, the (absolute) difference between the (static) ambient pressure measured before the suction process and the (static) dynamic pressure measured during the suction process or when the fan 50J is switched on is preferably formed, preferably by means of the data processing device 10R.

[0173] In this way, the differential pressure to the environment is calculated / determined and preferably subsequently stored (electronically), for example in a memory of the data processing device 10R.

[0174] However, it is also possible that the differential pressure to the environment is measured directly by means of the pressure sensor 10M during the suction process or when the fan 50J is activated, in particular if the pressure sensor 10M is designed as a differential pressure sensor.

[0175] As already explained at the beginning, the differential pressure to the environment correlates with the fill level of the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H.

[0176] When the container 50G or the collection filter 50H fills with suction material, the flow resistance increases, so that the blower 50J (at the same blower power) builds up a lower back pressure compared to an empty container 50G or an empty collection filter 50H.

[0177] To determine the fill level, the measured or determined differential pressure is compared with a limit value, preferably by means of the data processing device 10R. If the measured or determined differential pressure reaches or falls below the limit value, the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H is full or almost full, for example 80% or 90% full, and / or the predetermined fill level has been reached.

[0178] The corresponding limit value or the relationship between the differential pressure and the fill level is preferably determined experimentally or empirically and preferably stored or saved electronically, for example in the data processing device 10R.

[0179] It is preferred that the determined differential pressure is compared with several - in particular empirically determined and / or electronically stored - limit values and / or assigned to different pressure ranges in order to determine or identify the fill level of the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H and / or additionally at least one further state / error or malfunction of the base station 10.

[0180] Preferably, the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H is full or almost full, for example 80% or 90% full, and / or the predefined fill level is reached when the differential pressure is less than 2 hPa, in particular less than 1.5 hPa, and / or in the range from 1 hPa to 2 hPa.

[0181] Preferably, the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H is partially filled, in particular less than 80% filled, when the differential pressure is more than 2 hPa, in particular more than 2.5 hPa, and / or less than 5 hPa, in particular less than 4 hPa.

[0182] Preferably, the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H is empty and / or less than 20% full when the differential pressure is more than 5 hPa, in particular more than 6 hPa, and / or less than 7 hPa, in particular less than 6.5 hPa.

[0183] Preferably, a check is performed—using a second or further branch D2 and / or by means of the data processing device 10R—to determine whether the container 50G or the collection filter 50H is full or almost full and / or whether the predefined fill level has been reached. For this purpose, the differential pressure is compared with the limit value that corresponds to the predefined fill level or has been defined as a value for an impending emptying of the container 50G or a necessary replacement of the collection filter 50H, and / or the reaching of which limits the number of possible suction processes, as explained in more detail below.

[0184] Preferably, a check is subsequently performed—either via a further branch D3 or by means of the data processing device 10R—to determine whether an error or malfunction is present. In particular, at least one further state of the base station 10 is determined based on the differential pressure or by means of the pressure sensor 10M, in addition to the fill level determination.

[0185] In particular, the determined differential pressure is also used to determine or detect a (further) state / error or a malfunction of the base station 10 or individual components of the base station 10.

[0186] It has been found that certain errors or malfunctions have an impact on the differential pressure, so that other states / errors of the base station 10 can (also) be reliably detected or determined based on the differential pressure, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0187] If the maximum or predefined fill level has not yet been reached and / or there is no error or malfunction, the suction process is continued or carried out completely.

[0188] Preferably, the suction process is carried out for a specific or predefined period of time, for example 10 or 20 seconds.

[0189] The extraction process is then terminated by deactivating the fan 50J in a further process step / operation A6.

[0190] A user is preferably informed or displayed when the suction process is completed, preferably by means of an output / message U1.

[0191] If the maximum or predefined fill level is reached and / or an error or malfunction occurs, the suction process is preferably aborted (prematurely).

[0192] According to a preferred method variant, when the predefined fill level is (first) reached or exceeded or when a corresponding limit value is reached or undershot, the maximum number i max of suction processes still possible is limited by means of the base station 10 without (intermediate) emptying of the container 50G or without (intermediate) changing the collecting filter 50H.

[0193] Particularly preferably, a maximum of six or five further suction processes are possible without emptying the container 50G or changing the collecting filter 50H if the predefined fill level has been reached or a corresponding limit value has been reached or undercut.

[0194] When the predefined fill level is reached / exceeded or when a corresponding limit value for the differential pressure is reached / undershot, it is preferably checked - subsequently or in a further process step or using a further branch D4 - whether the maximum number i max of suction processes has already been reached.

[0195] For this purpose, the base station 10, in particular the data processing device 10R, has an internal (electronic) counter corresponding to the number i of (started) suction processes without (intermediate) emptying of the container 50G or without (intermediate) changing of the collection filter 50H. In particular, the method provides that the counter counts the number i of suction processes after reaching or initially exceeding the predefined fill level without emptying the container 50G or changing the collection filter 50H.

[0196] If the maximum number i max has not been reached, the counter is incremented by one value, preferably subsequently or in a further process step / operation A7.

[0197] In this case, the extraction process is continued or carried out completely and completed in a further process step / operation A8, in particular by deactivating the fan 50J.

[0198] The complete / successful completion of the suction process is preferably displayed or communicated to a user, in particular by means of an output / message U2.

[0199] If the maximum number i max of suction processes with the container 50G or the collection filter 50H in the predefined filling state has been reached, the suction process is aborted in a further process step / process A9 and / or the operation of the base station 10 is blocked.

[0200] Preferably, the user is indicated or informed when the maximum number i max of suction processes with the container 50G or the collection filter 50H in the predefined filling state has been reached, preferably by means of a corresponding output / message U3.

[0201] In this case, the user is preferably requested to empty the container 50G or to change the collection filter 50H, in particular by means of the output / message U3.

[0202] It is preferred that a new suction process is only carried out by a user input or that the base station 10 is only unlocked by a user input.

[0203] For this purpose, it is checked - in particular in a further process step or using a further branch D5 - whether a corresponding confirmation by the user has been received.

[0204] If the user does not confirm that the container 50G has been emptied or the collection filter 50H has been changed, the operation of the base station 10 is preferably stopped in a further process step / process A10.

[0205] If the user's confirmation / approval is received, the base station 10 is unlocked, preferably in a further process step / process A11, and the process can be started again, optionally measuring the ambient pressure (again), starting a (new) suction process, and determining the differential pressure, as already explained.

[0206] It is therefore preferable to check or verify whether the container 50G has actually been emptied or the collection filter 50H has actually been changed.

[0207] If the check or verification shows that the container 50G has actually been emptied or the collection filter 50H has actually been changed, the counter is preferably reset or set to zero, preferably in a further process step / operation A5.

[0208] The proposed method therefore provides for preventing the continuous operation of the base station 10 with a filled container 50G or collection filter 50H. This ensures that the cleaning device 20, 30 is always completely vacuumed, thus maintaining the operational capability of the cleaning system 1.

[0209] In addition, the user is informed early on of the need to empty the container 50G or to change the collection filter 50H, without the operation of the base station 10 being immediately stopped when the predefined fill level is reached or exceeded for the first time.

[0210] As already explained, the data processing device 10R also checks whether an error or malfunction is present—particularly immediately after starting the suction process. In particular, at least one additional state of the base station 10 is determined (exclusively) based on the determined differential pressure or using the pressure sensor 10M, or an error in the base station 10 is detected.

[0211] The differential pressure to the environment correlates not only with the fill level of the container 50G or the collection filter 50H, but also with other conditions / errors / malfunctions of the base station 10.

[0212] To determine the further state, in particular to detect an error, the measured or determined differential pressure is compared with at least one limit value, preferably by means of the data processing device 10R. If the measured or determined differential pressure reaches, falls below, or exceeds the limit value, the further state, in particular an error or a malfunction of the base station 10, is present.

[0213] The corresponding limit value or the relationship between the differential pressure and the condition / error is preferably determined experimentally or empirically and preferably stored or saved electronically, for example in the data processing device 10R.

[0214] It is preferred that the determined differential pressure is compared with several - in particular empirically determined and / or electronically stored - limit values and / or assigned to different pressure ranges in order to determine or identify the fill level of the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H and / or additionally at least one further state / error or malfunction of the base station 10.

[0215] The determination or identification of the further condition / error or a fault is preferably carried out sequentially or after the determination of the fill level of the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H, as in Fig. 3However, it is also possible for the determination or identification of the further state / error or malfunction to occur parallel to or simultaneously with the determination of the fill level of the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H, for example, if independent control sequences are provided for this purpose, which are executed simultaneously or in parallel.

[0216] The (mathematical) relationships, equations, tables, diagrams and / or limit values for determining the fill level and / or other states of the base station 10, in particular for identifying / detecting faults in the base station 10, are preferably stored or stored electronically - for example as functional equations or tables - in the data processing device 10R, particularly preferably in a memory of the data processing device 10R.

[0217] Preferably, the differential pressure is used as a further state of the base station 10 to determine whether the intake tract of the base station 10 is blocked. If the intake tract of the base station 10 is blocked, the (determined) differential pressure to the environment is zero or almost zero and / or the differential pressure is less than 1 hPa.

[0218] In a particularly preferred method variant, the differential pressure is determined both during a suction process or with the cleaning device 20, 30 connected or with the fan 50J activated and additionally before and / or after a suction process or with the cleaning device 20, 30 disconnected from the base station 10 but with the fan 50J activated, in order to localize the blockage or to assign it to the cleaning device 20, 30 or the base station 10.

[0219] In particular, after identifying a blockage, it is possible for the cleaning device 20, 30 to be manually or automatically fluidically separated from the base station 10, and then a new pressure measurement to be performed with the fan 50J activated. If the determined differential pressure is zero or almost zero and / or the determined differential pressure is (still) less than 1 hPa, a blockage exists in the base station 10. However, if the determined differential pressure is higher than the differential pressure with the cleaning device 20, 30 connected and / or the determined differential pressure is more than 1 hPa, a blockage exists in the cleaning device 20, 30.

[0220] Additionally or alternatively, the differential pressure can be used to determine or detect whether the outlet filter 50K is not inserted or not inserted correctly as a further condition / error of the base station 10.

[0221] If the outlet filter 50K is not inserted or not inserted correctly, only a reduced back pressure and thus a reduced differential pressure can be generated compared to the fault-free state due to the lower flow resistance.

[0222] It is also possible to determine, by means of the differential pressure as a further state / error of the base station 10, whether the collecting filter 50H is not inserted or not inserted correctly in the container 50G, whether the container 50G or the flap 10D is not closed or not completely closed and / or whether the cleaning device 20, 30 is not connected or not connected correctly.

[0223] If the collecting filter 50H is not or not correctly inserted into the container 50G, the flap 10D is not or not completely closed and / or the cleaning device 20, 30 is not or not correctly connected, a lower flow resistance has to be overcome compared to the fault-free state due to the passing air or the incoming secondary air, so that by means of the blower 50J (with constant blower power) a higher back pressure and thus an increased differential pressure is generated compared to the fault-free state.

[0224] If the (determined) differential pressure is greater than 8 hPa and / or the (determined) differential pressure is in the range between 8 hPa and 10 hPa, the collection filter 50H is not inserted or not inserted correctly, the flap 10D is not closed or not completely closed and / or the cleaning device 20, 30 is not connected or not connected correctly.

[0225] By means of the proposed method, it is therefore possible not only to determine the fill level of the container 50G or the collecting filter 50H with only one pressure sensor 10M or only one differential pressure measurement, but also to reliably identify further states / errors / malfunctions of the base station 10.

[0226] Preferably, the suction process is automatically interrupted depending on the specific condition, in particular upon identification of a condition / error, preferably in a further method step / process A12.

[0227] The identified condition / error and / or the interruption of the suction process is preferably communicated or displayed to a user, in particular by means of a corresponding output / message U5. List of reference symbols:

[0228] 1 cleaning system 30G supply line 2 Wall 30H connecting line 3 Floor 30J fan 10 Base station 30K Communication device 10A power supply 30L Outlet line 10B Power connection 30N Outlet opening 10C bracket 30P Suction line 10D flap 30Q Exhaust valve 10E Shut-off device 30R Data processing facility 10G supply line 30S Control device 10H Blower line 40 Floor module 10J Outlet line 40A Recording 10K communication device 40B Footrest 10L Outlet opening 40E electrical connection 10M pressure sensor 40F fluidic connection 10N first connecting line 50 Head module 10P second connecting cable 50A Housing 10R Data processing device 50C front 10S control unit 50E electrical connection 20 first cleaning device 50F fluidic connection 20A accumulator 50G container 20C chamber 50H Collective filter 20E electrical connection 50J fan 30 second cleaning device 50K Outlet filter 30A accumulator A1-12 Procedural steps 30B Intake opening D1-5 Branches 30C chamber U1-5 Inputs / Outputs 30D intake line i Number of suction processes 30E electrical connection imax maximum number of suction processes 30F fluidic connection

Claims

1. Method for operating a base station (10) for a cleaning device (20, 30), wherein the base station (10) is configured to suck suction material from the cleaning device (20, 30) into a container (50G) of the base station (10) during a suction process, and wherein the differential pressure with respect to the environment downstream of the container (50G) is determined by means of a pressure sensor (10M) of the base station (10) in order to determine the filling level of the container (50G), characterized in that the filling level of the container (50G) is determined exclusively by means of the differential pressure as a state of the base station (10) and additionally as a further state of the base station (10), whether an outlet filter (50K) is not or not correctly inserted downstream of the pressure sensor (10M) and / or whether the cleaning device (20, 30) is not or not correctly connected to the base station (10), and / or that the maximum number of still possible suction processes without emptying the container (50G) is restricted when reaching a predefined filling level, wherein when the maximum number of suction processes with the container (50G) in the predefined filling level is reached, a new suction process is only performed by a user input.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the absolute pressure downstream of the container (50G) is measured by means of the pressure sensor (10M) before and during the suction process in order to determine the differential pressure with respect to the environment, or in that the differential pressure with respect to the environment is measured directly by means of the pressure sensor (10M).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the differential pressure is compared with a threshold value in order to determine the filling level of the container (50G) and / or the further state of the base station (10).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is determined exclusively by means of the pressure sensor (10M) and / or the differential pressure as a further state of the base station (10) whether a suction tract of the base station (10) is blocked.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during a suction process and / or with a connected cleaning device (20, 30) and additionally before or after a suction process and / or without a connected cleaning device (20, 30), the differential pressure is determined by means of the pressure sensor (10M) in order to locate a blockage.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is determined exclusively by means of the pressure sensor (10M) and / or the differential pressure as a further state of the base station (10) whether a collecting filter (50H) is not or not correctly inserted in the container (50G) and / or whether the container (50G) is not closed.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suction process is automatically interrupted depending on the determined state, in particular upon identification of a state of the base station (10), and / or the operation of the base station (10) is automatically blocked.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operation of the base station (10) is automatically blocked when the maximum number of suction processes with the container (50G) in the predefined filling level is reached without emptying the container (50G).

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identified state and / or the reaching of the predefined filling level is communicated to a user.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that depending on the determined state, in particular upon identification of a state of the base station (10), a new suction process is only performed by a user input.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that after the user input it is checked by means of the pressure sensor (10M) whether the container (50G) has been emptied.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the operation of the base station (10) is automatically blocked again when the container (50G) has not been emptied.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the suction process is completely performed when the container (50G) has been emptied.

Images