Method and control unit for determining a usage profile of a cleaning device and cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining a usage profile (145) of a cleaning device (100). The method comprises a step of reading in cleaning device usage data (135), wherein the cleaning device usage data (135) represents times of use of the cleaning device (100) and / or times of used loading parameters (122) and / or times of used device parameters (117) during use of the cleaning device (100). Furthermore, the method comprises a step of creating a time history of the use of the cleaning device (100) using the cleaning device usage data (135) in order to determine the usage profile (145) of the cleaning device (100).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a control unit for determining a usage profile of a cleaning device and a cleaning device according to the main claims.

[0002] Washing clothes is one of the most disliked household chores. People want to spend as little time as possible on it. However, special stains, such as grass, blood, or red wine, often require users to spend more time on it. Improper handling of laundry could cause irreversible damage to the clothes.

[0003] Selecting the right wash program also contributes significantly to the washing results. Many washing machines now have more than 20 programs, each of which can be started with various options. Users are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of programs and therefore frequently use only one program (e.g., easy-care), which doesn't always produce optimal results.

[0004] It was therefore recognized that many users desire to make cleaning clothes as easy as possible and thus automate it as much as possible. Digital washing assistants, for example, are available to help customers select the right wash program. These assistants allow them to enter the laundry items and the degree of soiling in an app or on the machine. A suitable program is then suggested and, in some cases, even set directly with the correct parameters. Apps that allow users to photograph the washing labels on the clothing and receive a recommendation are also conceivable. However, scanning each individual label represents a significant additional effort for the customer.

[0005] The approach presented here aims to create a method and an improved control unit for determining a usage profile of a cleaning device as well as an improved method for operating a cleaning device.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method and a control unit having the features and steps of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the following subclaims.

[0007] A method for determining a usage profile of a cleaning device is presented here, the method comprising the following steps: Reading in cleaning device usage data, wherein the cleaning device usage data represents times of use of the cleaning device and / or times of loading parameters used and / or times of device parameters used when using the cleaning device; and creating a temporal usage history of the use of the cleaning device using the cleaning device usage data in order to determine the usage profile of the cleaning device.

[0008] In this case, a usage profile can be understood as information that, for example, provides information about the intervals or times at which a specific cleaning program was carried out by the cleaning device. In this case, a cleaning program can be understood as a sequence of control commands with which individual components of a cleaning device (such as a water valve, a motor for a drum of the cleaning device or a heating element) can be activated. The cleaning program is pre-defined for cleaning a specific type of textile and codes different cleaning phases in which the textiles are subjected to different treatment steps. In this case, a cleaning device can be understood as a device for cleaning or washing textiles, such as a washing machine.The usage profile can be used, for example, to estimate a cycle, the intervals at which one or more cleaning programs are executed by the cleaning device. Cleaning device usage data can be understood here as data or information that provides an indication of a time of use of the cleaning device and / or a specific cleaning program executed. Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning device usage data can also contain information on the type and / or quantity of textiles processed or cleaned with the cleaning program executed, or on the setting of certain (operating or device) parameters, such as a temperature or spin speed, for the selected cleaning program.For example, such usage data can be device parameters that describe the settings for a specific washing program, which are implemented by the washing machine, such as a water quantity, a temperature, a drum speed, a spin speed, or even a quantity of detergent (if this can be dosed automatically). In this case, a usage history can be understood as an estimate of the time intervals at which, for example, a cleaning program is carried out in the cleaning device.

[0009] The proposed approach is based on the realization that a user of a cleaning device typically has to clean textiles at recurring intervals. For efficient operation, the cleaning device should be as fully loaded as possible when a cleaning program is run. If it is detected over a previous, longer observation period that certain cleaning programs are cyclically repeated at specific time intervals, this information can be used later and presented to the user if they wish to run a specific cleaning program before the expected time interval has elapsed and, for example, do not have enough textiles for a full wash load.In this case, the user can use this information to temporarily postpone the textiles to be cleaned and wait to run the cleaning program until a larger quantity of textiles is available for the corresponding cleaning program. This allows, for example, the cleaning device to be fully loaded, allowing the cleaning program to be carried out as cost-efficiently and environmentally friendly as possible.

[0010] An embodiment of the approach proposed here is advantageous in which, in the reading step, times of use of the cleaning device are read in as cleaning device usage data, in particular representing a quantity and / or types of textiles to be cleaned in the cleaning device and / or cleaning programs executed. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of being able to estimate time intervals in which the execution of a specific cleaning program is repeated from the individual times of use. In this case, the type and / or quantity of textiles to be cleaned in the cleaning device can also provide a precise indication of the amount of cleaning material required for the different types of textiles. Such types of textiles can be understood, for example, as classes of textiles that are to be cleaned with the same or similar cleaning program.For this purpose, these classes can, for example, have similar colors and / or be made of similar materials so that they can be treated in the same cleaning programs with the same temperature and / or the same cleaning agents.

[0011] Another advantageous embodiment of the approach proposed here is one in which a time interval between executed cleaning programs is determined in the creation step in order to determine the usage profile. Such a time interval can, for example, be determined separately for each individual cleaning program (identical or with the same parameters in most cases). This allows a user to be given a very flexible indication, especially when several different types of textiles are to be cleaned with different cleaning programs and the user may have lost track of which textiles the respective cleaning program can currently be executed for and for which textiles the execution of the cleaning program should be postponed if the cleaning device is to clean as many textiles as possible.

[0012] In order to have a sufficient data basis for creating the usage profile, according to a further embodiment of the approach proposed here, the cleaning device usage data of the cleaning device's uses within a predefined time interval should be read in during the reading step. For example, such a predefined time interval can cover a period of five days or two weeks, so that it can be assumed that the corresponding cleaning programs are executed several times by the user within this predefined time interval, thus allowing the time span between the executions of the respective cleaning programs to be precisely recorded.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the approach proposed here, the steps of reading in and / or creating can also be carried out at least partially in the cleaning device and / or a mobile device of a user of the cleaning device and / or a central computer unit outside a building in which the cleaning device is located. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that when the aforementioned steps are carried out in the cleaning device itself, the cleaning device can be used independently of a corresponding communication connection. However, if at least some steps of the approach presented here are carried out on a mobile device or a central computer unit outside a building in which the cleaning device is located, the computing capacity required in the cleaning device can be kept low, so that, for example, the cleaning device can be manufactured cost-effectively.It is also conceivable that when at least some of the steps of the approach presented here are executed on a user's mobile device, such as a mobile phone, a display can be shown directly to the user, for example, as to whether the immediate execution of the cleaning program meets efficiency criteria or whether the execution of the cleaning program should be postponed.

[0014] The approach presented here further proposes a method for operating a cleaning device, the method comprising the following steps: Reading in loading parameters and / or device parameters of a cleaning program currently being executed by the cleaning device as cleaning device usage data and a usage profile of the cleaning device, which represents a temporal progression of uses of the cleaning device, wherein in particular the usage profile of the cleaning device was determined according to one of the preceding claims; and outputting user information to a user of the cleaning device using the cleaning device usage data and the usage profile, wherein the user information provides information on a possibility of an expected future execution of a cleaning program by the cleaning device in comparison to an execution of a cleaning program in the cleaning device with the current cleaning device usage data.

[0015] Such an embodiment of the approach proposed here also maximizes the use of the aforementioned advantages, since the identified usage profile can now be used to actively output information to the user of the cleaning device. Based on the corresponding user information, the user can then decide whether they actually want to run the cleaning program now (for example, to have certain textiles cleaned again promptly) or whether they want to postpone the execution of the cleaning program for environmental or efficiency reasons until there are additional textiles to be cleaned with the respective cleaning program.

[0016] Another advantageous embodiment of the approach proposed here is one in which, in the reading step, a quantity and / or type of textiles to be cleaned in the cleaning device using a current cleaning program is read as a load parameter. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of recognizing the quantity or type of textiles currently being cleaned and, in turn, providing a highly precise indication that these textiles may need to be delayed before cleaning.

[0017] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the approach proposed here, in the step of outputting user information, an indication can be output that a quantity and / or type of textiles currently to be cleaned should advantageously only be cleaned with a future execution of a cleaning program according to the usage profile and / or that additional textiles can be cleaned in the cleaning device using the currently selected cleaning program. This can increase the efficiency of cleaning textiles with the cleaning device.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the approach proposed here, a comparison of a cleaning program currently selected for execution with a cleaning program to be executed according to the usage profile can also be performed in the output step. In particular, information is output as user information indicating that, according to the usage profile, a different cleaning program should be executed than the currently selected cleaning program. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that, for example, a cleaning program currently being used by the user in error can be recognized, so that the user can correct the cleaning program selection.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the approach proposed here, the steps of reading in and / or outputting can also be carried out at least partially in the cleaning device and / or a mobile device of a user of the cleaning device. Such an embodiment also offers the advantage of potentially saving on the costly provision of computing capacity and / or of being able to provide the user with a detailed indication on their mobile device of whether the current selection of a specific cleaning program is efficient or should be postponed.

[0020] The approach presented here further provides a control unit 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 control unit 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 control unit. An output signal can represent a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing rule implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit 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] The approach presented here also discloses a cleaning device with a variant of a control unit presented here. Such an embodiment also allows the advantages of the approach presented here to be efficiently realized.

[0023] 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 a control unit, 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 here.

[0024] Although the approach described is based on a household appliance, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example a medical device, such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small-scale sterilizer, a large-scale disinfector or a container washing system.

[0025] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cleaning device; Figure 2 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for determining a usage profile of a cleaning device; and Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a cleaning device.

[0026] Figure 1shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the cleaning appliance 100, which is designed, for example, as a washing machine. The cleaning appliance 100 comprises a cleaning chamber 105, in which, for example, items to be cleaned, such as textiles 110, are placed. These items are to be cleaned using a specific cleaning program, which can be set, for example, using a program selector switch 115. For example, such a cleaning program can represent a gentle wash program, a hot wash program, or several utility programs, each of which has different sequences of cleaning phases in which the textiles 110 are treated. The cleaning program set on the program selector switch 115 can then be characterized by corresponding device parameters 117, which map the control of components of the cleaning appliance 100 in the individual cleaning phases.The cleaning device 100 further comprises a sensor 120, which is designed, for example, to detect the quantity of textiles 110 and / or the type of textiles 110 as a loading parameter 122. This can be done, for example, by detecting a structure or material of the textiles 110, so that the sensor 120 can detect, for example, that the textiles 110 are made of silk or cotton and are therefore to be cleaned with different cleaning programs. The cleaning device usage data 135, supplied, for example, by the program selection switch 115 and / or the sensor 120, can then be read in via a read-in interface 125 of a control unit 130 of the cleaning device 100 and forwarded to a creation unit 140. The respective times at which the cleaning device usage data 135 are read into the read-in interface 125 can be logged.In the creation unit 140, a temporal usage history of the cleaning device is then determined using the cleaning device usage data and output as a usage profile 145 and stored in a memory 150. In this case, the creation unit 140 can recognize that, for example, similar cleaning programs are selected at the program selector switch 115 and cyclically repeated at certain time periods, so that when observed over a predetermined time interval of, for example, five or 14 days, it can be recognized that these repetitions correspond, for example, to the rate at which textiles 110 are to be used and cleaned again.The information from sensor 120 can also be used to determine whether cleaning chamber 105 is completely full or whether additional textiles 110 should be added to cleaning chamber 105 in order to efficiently execute the cleaning program selected on program selector switch 115. If this is not the case, creation unit 140 can, for example, extend the time period after which the respective cleaning program is repeatedly executed in order to, through the extended waiting time, collect a larger quantity of textiles 110 to be cleaned with this cleaning program.

[0027] After such a training cycle, the usage profile 145 can now be used to subsequently support the use of the cleaning device 100. For this purpose, the cleaning device usage data 135 and the usage profile 145 of the cleaning device 100 can be read in again via the read-in interface 125, for example, and the usage profile 145 of the cleaning device 100 can be read in from the memory 150, with the cleaning device usage data 135 now representing loading parameters and / or device parameters (for example, the selection of a specific cleaning program). In an output unit 155, for example, user information 160 is then created using the usage profile 145 and the cleaning device usage data 135.The user information 160 provides an indication of a future execution of the relevant cleaning program in the cleaning device 100, as expected according to the usage profile 145, compared with an execution of the cleaning program in the cleaning device 100 according to the current cleaning device usage time 135. For example, this user information 160 can provide an indication that an execution of the cleaning program selected on the program selector switch 115 is not expected until a later time, so that, for example, the user should not wash the textiles 110 at this time, since there may not yet be a sufficient quantity of this type of textiles 110 to be able to execute the cleaning program efficiently.However, the user information should merely represent a display or notification to the user of the cleaning device 100, leaving the user the freedom to execute the currently selected cleaning program, for example, because this is required by the situation. The user information 160 can be communicated, for example, acoustically, visually, and / or through other user-recognizable signals via a communication interface 165.

[0028] It is also conceivable that parts, particularly steps, of the procedure proposed above can be carried out outside of the control unit 130, for example on a mobile device of the user of the cleaning device 100 or in a central computer unit (e.g. cloud), for example at the manufacturer of the cleaning device 100. This can, for example, result in less computing power being required for the control unit 130, so that this control unit can be manufactured more cost-effectively. It is also conceivable that, for example, the user information 160 can be displayed to this user in a more individually recognizable manner via the mobile device 170 of the user of the cleaning device 100, for example if the user can set certain signal forms such as ring tones that indicate that user information 160 is currently present.

[0029] An important aspect of the approach presented here is the topic of sustainability, which has been a focus for consumers for years. The energy label provides an assessment of the washing machine's energy efficiency. However, this often refers to standardized laundry loads and quantities. In reality, the values ​​​​on the energy label are often not achievable. Especially in recent years, the volume of the washing machine drum has increased, and small households often cannot fully load the washing machine and thus wash as efficiently as possible. The approach presented here enables an assistance function that, for example, supports users in washing more efficiently in terms of time and resource consumption.

[0030] The approach presented here describes a process in which, for example, the user's washing behavior is analyzed and then optimizations for his washing behavior, e.g., with regard to energy consumption, are suggested to the user.

[0031] The approach presented here is based on the washing machine having, for example, laundry detection and / or automatic selection of the washing program using sensors and other recommendations or a program selector switch. This laundry detection determines, for example, which items of laundry are in the washing machine before and / or during the wash cycle.

[0032] For laundry detection, the use of suitable sensors is possible, such as a pressure sensor for water level to detect the suction volume of the laundry, laundry detection using a camera during the loading process, laundry detection using a camera during washing, detection of the composition of the textile type of a laundry item using a spectroscopy sensor, a color sensor, a sensor for water analysis or the like.

[0033] Within the framework of the approach presented here, washing program parameters as well as sensor values ​​for laundry detection before and / or during the wash cycle or during the execution of a cleaning program are recorded in a history as a usage profile and analyzed after several wash cycles. The individual wash cycles should take place within a contiguous period of time (e.g., 48 hours, 5 days, or 14 days). The implementation of the assistance function presented here can be provided either locally in the washing machine or on a local computing unit, or as a cloud solution. In this case, a cloud can be understood as a computing unit that is not located locally in a network with the washing machine; direct communication between the washing machine and the computing unit is not possible. A local computing unit, on the other hand, is located locally in a network with the washing machine; direct communication between the washing machine and the computing unit is possible.It is considered advantageous to implement the assistance function on the same processing unit that also implements the laundry detection. This offers the advantage that both the sensor values ​​are available and the control of the wash cycle parameters is already in place.

[0034] However, it is also possible to implement the assistance function separately from laundry detection. For example, the assistance function could be integrated into the app. The app could extract all necessary information from the recorded history. Therefore, it is considered advantageous to store the history not only locally on the device but also in a cloud solution.

[0035] Since this is an assistance function, an interface is required to transmit information to the user. This could be the washing machine's display, the user's smartphone (e.g., via an app), a voice assistant, or other interfaces.

[0036] After a wash cycle or the execution of a cleaning program, an analysis is performed to determine the extent to which optimization for that wash cycle could be possible. For example, this involves checking whether the set program matches the load of laundry being washed. In addition, the stored history of the last wash cycles is evaluated for parameters and sensor values.

[0037] The approach presented here can be described in more detail in several examples. Example 1:

[0038] If the user first washes a small load of cotton and then washes a small load of polyester (e.g., sportswear), the washing machine will recommend combining similar loads in the future. If appropriate, the suggested assistance function will also determine an adjustment to the parameters, such as "Water Plus." Example 2:

[0039] The user selects an identical wash program several times (at least twice) in a row, but manually changes the wash parameters (once with spin and once without spin). Here, too, the assistance function recommends combining wash programs for future wash cycles. Before spinning, a notification is displayed to the user (e.g., via the display or the app). The user can remove the items that should not be spun. The remaining laundry is then spun.

[0040] This assistance function should ideally not have a didactic character, but rather be perceived as support for more sustainable behavior. It is important that the user feels taken seriously. Only sensible optimizations should be suggested. For example, towels can be washed together with sweaters, provided they are made of compatible fabrics or the same materials. However, it should be noted that towels may be washed at higher temperatures (for hygiene reasons). However, these higher temperatures can lead to damage to the sweaters. Such situations can be addressed by the assistance function.

[0041] Through user surveys and analyses of current washing habits, it has been shown that laundry items are formed according to two criteria: 1. Criterion: Color

[0042] It is sorted by color to prevent color transfer between garments. For example, if dark jeans are washed with white shirts, the shirts will eventually acquire a grayish tinge. Furthermore, the washing results for white laundry can be improved by adding a higher proportion of bleach to the detergent. However, with colored clothing, this would lead to damage to the garments, as the colors would fade. 2nd criterion: type of laundry

[0043] Secondly, the laundry items can often be divided into one of the following categories: Hygienic laundry: For this type of laundry, users have special hygiene requirements (e.g., underwear) and therefore select programs with higher temperatures. Special laundry: For this type of laundry, users have specific requirements for the washing program to ensure the laundry is not damaged (e.g., wool / silk) or requires special treatment (e.g., pre-ironing for shirts). Everyday laundry: Items of laundry that are washed regularly and do not have special washing process requirements, and are therefore not classified as hygienic or special laundry.

[0044] The 2 criteria result in a matrix with a total of 6 fields which can be represented as follows. Color Type of laundry item Light everyday laundry Colorful everyday laundry Light special laundry Colorful special laundry Light hygiene laundry Colorful hygiene laundry

[0045] However, the assistance function should not provide recommendations regarding the combination of laundry items from two different fields of this matrix, as this is unlikely to be understood by the user and, above all, could lead to damage to the individual laundry items.

[0046] Should future developments in process technology and / or detergents offer the possibility of combining laundry items from different fields of the matrix, the assistance function will be expanded accordingly, e.g., through a firmware update.

[0047] By analyzing washing behavior over an extended period, conclusions can be drawn about user behavior. This allows the assistance function not only to suggest optimizations for future wash cycles, but also to provide optimization potential for a wash cycle in which the washing machine is loaded but the program hasn't yet started. Example 1:

[0048] The user loads their washing machine with a hygiene item that needs to be washed at higher temperatures. The assistance function could recommend adding bath towels, which also correspond to a hygiene item, because the capacity isn't yet full. Example 2:

[0049] There are certain items of laundry that don't need to be washed immediately, but rather with the next larger, suitable load. Users can either specify which items are included in the assistance function, or the assistance function can determine these items independently. For items that don't appear regularly at short intervals, it can be assumed that they won't be needed again the next day. One example of this is bed linen. The assistance function recognizes that bed linen is cleaned monthly. Therefore, it can be concluded that the bed linen won't be needed again the next day, but needs to be ready in a clean state a month later.

[0050] The user washed a load of hygiene laundry the previous day and loads the washing machine with another hygiene load. However, the washing machine recognizes that this laundry doesn't need to be cleaned immediately. In this case, the assistance function can recommend waiting until more laundry for a hygiene load has accumulated.

[0051] Figure 2shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 200 for determining a usage profile of a cleaning device. The method 200 comprises a step 210 of reading in cleaning device usage data, wherein the cleaning device usage data represents times of use of the cleaning device and / or a time of loading parameters used and / or a time of device parameters used during uses of the cleaning device. Furthermore, the method 200 comprises a step 220 of creating a temporal usage history of the use of the cleaning device using the cleaning device usage data in order to determine the usage profile of the cleaning device.

[0052] Figure 3shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 300 for operating a cleaning device. The method 300 comprises a step 310 of reading in loading parameters and / or device parameters of a cleaning program currently being executed by the cleaning device as cleaning device usage data and a usage profile of the cleaning device, which represents a temporal progression of uses of the cleaning device. In particular, the usage profile of the cleaning device was determined according to one of the preceding claims.Furthermore, the method 300 comprises a step 320 of outputting user information to a user of the cleaning device using the cleaning device usage data and the usage profile, wherein the user information provides information on a possibility of an expected future execution of a cleaning program by the cleaning device in comparison to an execution of a cleaning program in the cleaning device with the current cleaning device usage data.

[0053] Regarding the Figures 1 to 3 The following terms are explained: Accessories: Features for laundry recognition, e.g., button plackets on shirts, sequin patches, elastic waistbands on trousers. Damage to laundry items: In the context of washing, damage to laundry items refers to a change in size or shape (e.g., due to shrinkage), damage to the material of the item (e.g., due to aggressive detergents on silk), or a change in the color of the item (e.g., due to color transfer or fading). Cloud solution: Processing unit that is not located locally in a network with the washing machine; direct communication between the washing machine and the processing unit is not possible. Color: Color in the visible spectrum, e.g., white, black, blue, etc.Colorful is also evaluated as color for laundry recognition. Stains: Spot soiling of a piece of laundry. Rough recognition: To recognize a batch of laundry, not each individual item is examined, but only a subset; the findings are then related to the entire batch of laundry. Size: Size estimation of the laundry items based on volume. Camera: Electronic camera, consisting of an image converter (chip; on CCD or CMOS). Logo: Recognizable logos on laundry items, e.g. brand logos, company logos on work clothing. Local processing unit: Processing unit that is located locally in a network with the washing machine; direct communication between the washing machine and the processing unit is possible. Pattern: Optically recognizable patterns on the laundry items, e.g. checkered, striped, dotted... Parameters: Parameters that describe the settings for a special washing program that are implemented by the washing machine, e.g.Water quantity, temperature, speed, spin speed, detergent (if automatically dosed). Reverse mode: Program phase in which the washing machine drum is moved in a defined rhythm. During the movement, the laundry moves inside the drum, allowing other items to move forward and be detected by a sensor. The drum is stationary between movement rhythms so that the sensors can analyze the stationary item of laundry. Spectroscopy sensor: A spectroscopy sensor can be used to detect the fabric type. This should operate in the spectrum from approximately 1000 nm to 1900 nm so that different fabric types can be differentiated from one another. Structure: In the field of laundry recognition, this refers to the processing of the fabric in terms of its surface texture. In the context of recognition using a camera, the structure is interpreted as an optical feature, e.g., terry cloth, corduroy, knitwear, double weave, etc.Textile type: In the context of laundry recognition, this refers to textile fibers according to DIN 60000; textile fibers are initially divided into natural fibers (plant, animal, and mineral fibers) and chemical fibers (made from natural or synthetic polymers). The textile type is essentially determined by a spectroscopy sensor. Examples include cotton, silk, polyester, etc. Laundry type: Feature for the designation of a piece of laundry or clothing, e.g. towel, trousers, shirt, underwear, etc. Laundry recognition: Automated analysis of a batch of laundry with regard to various characteristics, such as color, textile type, structure, size, pattern, logo, accessories, type of laundry. Laundry recognition runs after the washing machine has been started, before the actual wash program begins, so that the appropriate parameters can first be determined.Wash result: A measurement used to represent the outcome of a washing machine's cleaning cycle. The cleaner the laundry items, the better the wash result. A poor wash result includes, for example, damaged laundry items; see also damage to laundry items. Item of laundry: A single item (e.g., a garment) that is to be cleaned in the washing machine. Lot of laundry: Several items of laundry that are to be cleaned together in one wash cycle. Wash cycle: A wash cycle describes the complete washing machine cycle necessary to clean a load of laundry.

Claims

1. A method (200) for determining a usage profile (145) of a cleaning device (100), the method (200) comprising the following steps: - reading in (210) cleaning device usage data (135), the cleaning device usage data (135) representing times of use of the cleaning device (100) and / or a time of used loading parameters (122) and / or a time of used device parameters (117) during uses of the cleaning device (100); and - creating (220) a temporal usage history of the use of the cleaning device (100) using the cleaning device usage data (135) in order to determine the usage profile (145) of the cleaning device (100).

2. Method (200) according to claim 1, wherein in the step (210) of reading in, times of use of the cleaning device (100) are read in as cleaning device usage data (135) which represent a quantity and / or types of textiles (110) to be cleaned in the cleaning device (100) and / or cleaning programs carried out.

3. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (220) of creating a time period between executed cleaning programs is determined in order to determine the usage profile (145).

4. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step (210) of reading in, the cleaning device usage data (135) of the uses of the cleaning device (100) are read in within a predefined time interval.

5. Method (200) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the steps of reading (210) and / or creating (220) are carried out at least partially in the cleaning device (100) and / or a mobile device (170) of a user of the cleaning device (100) and / or a central computer unit (175) outside a building in which the cleaning device (100) is arranged.

6. Method (300) for operating a cleaning device (100), the method (300) comprising the following steps: - reading in (310) loading parameters (122) and / or device parameters (117) of a cleaning program of the cleaning device (100) currently to be executed as cleaning device usage data (135) and a usage profile (145) of the cleaning device (100), which represents a temporal progression of uses of the cleaning device (100), in particular wherein the usage profile (145) of the cleaning device (100) was determined according to one of the preceding claims;and - outputting (320) user information (160) to a user of the cleaning device (100) using the cleaning device usage data (135) and the usage profile (145), wherein the user information (160) provides information on a possibility of an expected future execution of a cleaning program by the cleaning device (100) in comparison to an execution of a cleaning program in the cleaning device (100) with the current cleaning device usage data (135); 7. Method (300) according to claim 6, wherein in the step (310) of reading in, a quantity and / or type of textiles (110) to be cleaned in the cleaning device (100) with a current cleaning program is read in as a loading parameter (122).

8. Method (300) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein in the step (320) of outputting as user information (160) an indication is output that a quantity and / or type of textiles (110) currently to be cleaned should advantageously only be cleaned with a future execution of a cleaning program according to the usage profile (145) and / or that further textiles (110) can be cleaned with the currently selected cleaning program in the cleaning device (100).

9. Method (300) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein in the step (320) of outputting a comparison is made between a cleaning program currently selected for execution and a cleaning program to be executed according to the usage profile (145), in particular wherein information is output as user information (160) that according to the usage profile (145) a different cleaning program should be executed than the currently selected cleaning program.

10. Method (300) according to claim 6 to 9, wherein the steps of reading (310) and / or outputting (320) are carried out at least partially in the cleaning device (100) and / or a mobile device (170) of a user of the cleaning device (100).

11. Control unit (130) which is designed to carry out and / or control the steps (210, 220, 310, 320) of the method (200, 300) according to one of the preceding claims in corresponding units (125, 140, 155, 165).

12. Cleaning device (100) with a control unit (120) according to claim 11.

13. Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (200, 300) according to one of claims 1 to 10, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (130) according to claim 11.

Images