Mobile cleaning device, hob unit, method for operating a mobile cleaning device and method for operating a hob unit

Abstract

Mobile cleaning device, cooktop unit, method for operating a mobile cleaning device, method for operating a cooktop unit The invention relates to a mobile cleaning device (100), in particular a cleaning robot, for autonomously cleaning a cooktop unit (200).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile cleaning device, a hob unit, a method for operating a mobile cleaning device and a method for operating a hob unit according to the main claims.

[0002] Cleaning cooktops is often a manual process, which is an unpopular task after cooking. There are cleaning scrapers and special cleaning agents for glass ceramics that can make it easier to remove dirt. The dirt is removed by hand. Small to medium-sized cleaning robots are available for window panes, floors, and mobile phone and / or tablet displays. A mobile cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known, for example, from KR-A-20180022205.

[0003] The invention has for its object to provide an improved mobile cleaning device, an improved hob unit, an improved method for operating a mobile cleaning device and an improved method for operating a hob unit.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a mobile cleaning device, a hob unit, a method for operating a mobile cleaning device, and a method for operating a hob unit having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the following subclaims.

[0005] The advantages achieved with the invention are that a hob can be cleaned autonomously, eliminating the need for manual cleaning.

[0006] A mobile cleaning device, in particular a cleaning robot, is designed to clean a hob unit autonomously.

[0007] The cleaning device can be a cleaning robot, which can, for example, be five to twenty centimeters in size. The approach presented here can also be understood as a cleaning option for glass ceramics, allowing the user to avoid the extensive work of cleaning the kitchen appliances, in this case the hob, after cooking.

[0008] The mobile cleaning device can have a container for storing a cleaning fluid for cleaning the cooktop unit. Advantageously, the cleaning fluid can be applied autonomously from the mobile cleaning device to the cooktop unit. The cleaning device can also have a brush, a scraping element, or the like to mechanically remove baked-on cooking residues from the cooktop.

[0009] The mobile cleaning device can have a sensor device. The sensor device can be configured to detect dimensions of the hob unit in order to guide the mobile cleaning device over the hob unit according to the detected dimensions. Thus, the mobile cleaning device can reliably clean the hob unit without, for example, unnecessarily cleaning an edge area around the hob that is not or only slightly soiled.

[0010] The mobile cleaning device can have at least one support element to overcome a height difference or a step when cleaning the hob unit. This advantageously prevents the mobile cleaning device from tipping over. It can also be easier to move the mobile cleaning device onto or off the hob from an area to the side of the hob, eliminating the need to make the hob unnecessarily large.

[0011] A hob unit comprises a receiving device for receiving an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device mentioned herein. The hob unit comprises a hob and a worktop. Advantageously, the mobile cleaning device can be arranged in the receiving device in a space-saving manner.

[0012] The receiving device can be designed as a tube to accommodate the mobile cleaning device. The receiving device can be retractably mounted on the cooktop unit, more specifically, on the worktop. The receiving device can charge the mobile cleaning device when it is positioned in the receiving device. Furthermore, the receiving device can be designed as a push-to-open system to enable the receiving device to be raised and lowered.

[0013] The hob unit can have a reservoir for storing a cleaning fluid for cleaning the hob. The reservoir can be retractably mounted on the hob unit. The reservoir can be designed as a push-to-open system to allow the receiving device to be raised and lowered. Advantageously, the reservoir can be arranged within the worktop to save space when not needed.

[0014] The cooktop unit can have a vapor extractor that can be configured to accommodate the mobile cleaning device. The vapor extractor can be retractable. The vapor extractor can thus be arranged on the cooktop unit in a space-saving manner.

[0015] A method for operating an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device mentioned herein comprises a step of reading, detecting, and cleaning. In the step of reading, an activation signal is read in to clean a cooktop unit. In the step of detecting, a sensor signal is detected, wherein the sensor signal represents dimensions of the cooktop unit. The step of cleaning is carried out to clean the cooktop unit using the sensor signal and the activation signal. The advantages of the approach described here can also be realized very efficiently by such an embodiment.

[0016] The method may include a step of dispensing a cleaning fluid for cleaning the cooktop unit.

[0017] A method for operating an embodiment of a cooktop unit mentioned herein comprises a step of outputting an activation signal to activate a mobile cleaning device to clean the cooktop unit. Additionally, the method may include a step of outputting a deactivation signal to deactivate the mobile cleaning device. Such an embodiment also allows the advantages of the approach described herein to be realized very efficiently.

[0018] The method may comprise a step of outputting a pickup signal to pick up the mobile cleaning device in the hob unit.

[0019] Although the described approach is described with reference to a household appliance, the cleaning device, the cooktop unit and / or the methods described herein can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional appliance, for example a catering appliance.

[0020] The approach presented here further provides a device configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0021] The device can be designed to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can, for example, represent a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the device. An output signal can represent a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the device. The device can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing rule implemented in hardware or software. For example, the device can comprise a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and can, for example, be implemented as a discrete component or be comprised of a discrete component.

[0022] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory, or an optical memory. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or device, the program product or program can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above.

[0023] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device; Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device; Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device; Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device; Figure 5 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a mobile cleaning device; Figure 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for operating a mobile cleaning device; Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for operating a hob unit; and Figure 8 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device for operating a hob unit.

[0024] Figure 1shows an illustration of an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device 100, which is designed, for example, as a cleaning robot. The mobile cleaning device 100 is designed, for example, to autonomously clean a cooktop unit.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the mobile cleaning device 100 has a rolling element 105 for moving on the hob unit.

[0026] Figure 2 shows an illustration of an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device 100 for a hob unit 200. The mobile cleaning device 100 is similar or corresponds to the mobile cleaning device from Figure 1 .

[0027] The hob unit 200 has a hob 205 and a worktop 210. The worktop 210 surrounds, for example, the hob 205. The hob 205 has, for example, a plurality of cooking zones 215, here, for example, four cooking zones.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the cooktop unit 200 has a receiving device 220. For example, the receiving device 220 is arranged retractably on the worktop 210 and is designed to receive the mobile cleaning device 100. For this purpose, the receiving device 220 is designed, for example, as a tube into which the mobile cleaning device 100 can move. In addition, the receiving device 220 is designed, for example, to charge the mobile cleaning device 100.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the cooktop unit 200 has a storage container 225. For example, the storage container 225 is arranged retractably on the worktop 210 and is designed to store a cleaning fluid for cleaning the cooktop unit 200. During a cleaning process, the storage container 225, for example, applies the cleaning fluid to the cooktop 205, and the mobile cleaning device 100 subsequently distributes the cleaning fluid to clean the cooktop 205. Alternatively, the mobile cleaning device 100 has a container 230 for storing the cleaning fluid for cleaning the cooktop 205.

[0030] The mobile cleaning device 100 has, for example, a sensor device 235. The sensor device 235 is configured to detect dimensions of the hob unit 200, more specifically, of the hob 205, in order to guide the mobile cleaning device 100 over the hob 205 according to the detected dimensions.

[0031] In other words, Figure 2the mobile cleaning device 100, which can also be referred to as a cleaning robot, with exemplary dimensions of five to twenty centimeters, similar to a window cleaning or mopping robot. The mobile cleaning device 100 moves over the cooktop 205 or the glass ceramic and automatically detects the size of the surface to be cleaned via the sensor device 235. The cleaning fluid, which can also be referred to as cleaning chemical, is applied to the surface to be cleaned either directly through the container 230 located in the mobile cleaning device 100, which can also be referred to as a tank, or through at least one storage container 225, which can also be referred to as a spray unit and is arranged at a corner of the cooktop 205. The mobile cleaning device 100 distributes the cleaning fluid over the cooktop 205. The storage container 225 is retracted into the worktop 210 when not in use.For lowering the mobile cleaning device 100 and the storage container 225, a tube is provided, for example, which operates according to the push-to-open principle or is motor-driven. The mobile cleaning device 100 is arranged so that it can be lowered into such a receiving device 220 when not in use.

[0032] The approach presented here eliminates the need for manual cleaning of the cooktop unit 200, allowing semi- or fully automatic cleaning of the glass ceramic. The mobile cleaning device 100 can be used for cooktops with round zones, full-surface zones, roasting zones, Power-Flex, and / or with extractor hoods.

[0033] Figure 3shows an illustration of an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device 100 for a hob unit 200. The mobile cleaning device 100 is similar to or corresponds to the mobile cleaning device from one of the figures described above. The hob unit 200 is similar to the hob unit from Figure 2 with the exception that the cooking zone 215 is designed as a partially full-surface cooking zone and that the cooking surface 205 has a vapor extractor 300.

[0034] The vapor extractor 300 is designed to extract vapors generated during a cooking process. Additionally, the vapor extractor 300 is designed to accommodate the mobile cleaning device 100. Furthermore, the vapor extractor 300 is designed to be retractable, for example.

[0035] In other words, the mobile cleaning device 100 can be stowed under the vapor extractor 300, wherein the vapor extractor 300 is movable upwards or downwards.

[0036] Figure 4 shows an illustration of an embodiment of a mobile cleaning device 100 for a hob unit 200. The mobile cleaning device 100 is similar to or corresponds to the mobile cleaning device from one of the figures described above, with the exception that the mobile cleaning device 100 has a support element 400.

[0037] The support element 400 is arranged, for example, on an underside of the mobile cleaning device 100 and is designed to compensate for a height difference when cleaning the cooking surface 205.

[0038] In other words, the mobile cleaning device 100 can move over the glass edge of the cooktop 205 in an overlapping manner to ensure perfect cleaning in all corners of the cooktop 205. For this purpose, the mobile cleaning device 100 has at least one support element 400 with rollers that allows height adjustment. The rollers of the mobile cleaning device 100 are designed so that driving over edges does not pose an obstacle. The mobile cleaning device 100 can move around pots and, with induction cooktops, can even be used during operation or cooking.

[0039] Figure 5shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 500 for operating a mobile cleaning device. The mobile cleaning device corresponds to or is similar to the mobile cleaning device from one of the figures described herein. The method 500 comprises a step 505 of reading in an activation signal in order to clean a cooktop unit. The method 500 further comprises a step 510 of detecting a sensor signal that represents dimensions of the cooktop unit. In addition, the method 500 comprises a step 515 of cleaning the cooktop unit using the sensor signal. According to one embodiment, the method 500 additionally comprises a step 520 of dispensing a cleaning fluid for cleaning the cooktop unit. The dispensing step 520 takes place, for example, before the cleaning step 515.

[0040] Figure 6shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device 600 for operating a mobile cleaning device. The device 600 is designed to implement the method from Figure 5 or a similar method. The device 600 has a unit 605 for reading in an activation signal 625. Furthermore, the device 600 has a unit 610 for detecting a sensor signal 630. The sensor signal 630 represents dimensions of the cooktop unit. In addition, the device 600 has a unit 615 for cleaning the cooktop unit. The unit 615 is controlled using the sensor signal 630 and the activation signal 625. According to one embodiment, the device has a unit 620 for dispensing a cleaning fluid. The unit 620 is controlled, for example, before the unit 615.

[0041] Figure 7shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 700 for operating a hob unit. The hob unit corresponds to or is similar to the hob unit from one of the figures described herein. The method 700 comprises a step 705 of outputting an activation signal to activate a mobile cleaning device to clean the hob unit. In addition, the method 700 comprises a step 710 of outputting a deactivation signal to deactivate the mobile cleaning device. According to one embodiment, the method 700 comprises a step 715 of outputting a pickup signal to pick up the mobile cleaning device in the hob unit, for example after a cleaning process.

[0042] Figure 8shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device 800 for operating a mobile cleaning device. The device 800 is designed to implement the method from Figure 7 or a similar method. The device 800 comprises a unit 805 for outputting an activation signal 820 to activate a mobile cleaning device to clean the cooktop unit. In addition, the device 800 comprises a unit 810 for outputting a deactivation signal 825 to deactivate the mobile cleaning device. According to one embodiment, the device 800 comprises a unit 815 for outputting a pick-up signal 830 to pick up the mobile cleaning device in the cooktop unit.

Claims

1. Mobile cleaning device (100), in particular a cleaning robot, the mobile cleaning device (100) being designed to autonomously clean a hob unit (200), characterised in that the mobile cleaning device (100) has a sensor mechanism (235) which is designed to detect dimensions of the hob unit (200) in order to guide the mobile cleaning device (100) over the hob unit (200) in accordance with the detected dimensions.

2. Mobile cleaning device (100) according to claim 1, comprising a container (230) for storing a cleaning fluid for cleaning the hob unit (200).

3. Mobile cleaning device (100) according to either of the preceding claims, comprising at least one support element (400) in order to overcome a height difference and / or a step when cleaning the hob unit (200).

4. Hob unit (200) comprising a receiving device (220) for receiving a mobile cleaning device (100) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hob unit (200) has a hob (205) and a worktop (210).

5. Hob unit (200) according to claim 4, wherein the receiving device (220) is designed as a tube in order to receive the mobile cleaning device (100), in particular wherein the receiving device (220) is arranged retractably on the hob unit (200).

6. Hob unit (200) according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a storage container (225) for storing a cleaning fluid for cleaning the hob unit (200), in particular wherein the storage container (225) is arranged retractably on the hob unit (200).

7. Hob unit (200) according to claim 4, 5 or 6, comprising a vapour extractor (300) which is designed to receive the mobile cleaning device (100), in particular wherein the vapour extractor (300) is designed to be retractable.

8. Method (500) for operating a mobile cleaning device (100) according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the method (500) comprises the following steps: reading in (505) an activation signal (625) in order to clean a hob unit (200); detecting (510) a sensor signal (630) which represents dimensions of the hob unit (200); and cleaning (515) the hob unit (200) using the sensor signal (630) and the activation signal (625).

9. Method (500) according to claim 8, comprising a step (520) of dispensing a cleaning fluid for cleaning the hob unit (200).

10. Method (700) for operating a hob unit (200) according to claims 5 to 7, wherein the method (700) comprises the following step: outputting (705) an activation signal (820) in order to activate a mobile cleaning device (100) in order to clean the hob unit (200).

11. Method (700) according to claim 10, comprising a step (710) of outputting a receiving signal (830) in order to receive the mobile cleaning device (100) in the hob unit (200).

12. Device (600; 800) which is designed to carry out and / or control the steps of one of the methods (500; 700) according to claims 8 to 9 and claims 10 to 11 in corresponding units.

13. Computer program product comprising program code for carrying out one of the methods (500; 700) according to claims 8 to 9 and claims 10 to 11 when the computer program product is run on a device (600; 800).

14. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 13 is stored.

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