Floor cleaning device with pressure sensor means
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023717503
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-25
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-05
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Floor cleaning device with pressure sensor device
[0002] The invention relates to a floor cleaning device, comprising a floor head, at least one cleaning roller which is rotatably arranged on a receiving area of the floor head on the floor head, a drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller, a suction fan device, a suction pipe which is fluidly connected to the suction fan device, and a holder for the suction pipe, wherein when the suction pipe is held on the holder, a fluidly effective connection is established between the suction fan device and the receiving area of the floor head for a floor head suction operation and wherein the suction pipe is removable from the holder for a suction pipe suction operation.
[0003] The invention further relates to a method for operating a floor cleaning device.
[0004] A corresponding floor cleaning device has, as its first operating mode, a floor head suction operation, in which the at least one cleaning roller acts on a floor to be cleaned and the receiving area of the floor head is subjected to a suction flow. As its second operating mode, it has a suction tube suction operation, in which, by means of the suction tube (on which a suction nozzle is arranged, in particular), local suction on a floor or an object is possible, separate from the floor head.
[0005] GB 2 554 780 A discloses a vacuum cleaner with a sensor that detects the movement of a cleaning head of the vacuum cleaner. The sensor is connected to a control unit that reduces the power output to a fan motor when the sensor detects that the cleaning head is accelerating or decelerating above a predetermined level. WO 2020 / 020862 A1 discloses a cleaning machine comprising at least one cleaning roller, a roller housing with a roller receptacle for the at least one cleaning roller, wherein the at least one cleaning roller is replaceably positioned on the roller housing and the roller receptacle has an opening to the outside, a cover for closing the opening, and a locking device for fixing the cover to the roller housing.that at least one receptacle for the at least one holding body is arranged on the pivotable bracket, and that in a release position of the pivotable bracket, the at least one holding body can be inserted into the associated receptacle and / or removed from the associated receptacle, and in a locking position of the pivotable bracket, removal of the holding body from the associated receptacle is blocked.
[0006] Alfred Kärcher Vertriebs-GmbH, 71364 Winnenden, sells carpet brush vacuum cleaners under the name CV, which include a roller housing for a cleaning roller.
[0007] Cleaning rollers and / or cleaning machines with cleaning rollers are known, for example, from US 2006 / 0064828 A1, CN 106943079 A, CN 204654812 U, EP 3 117 754 A1, JP 63-217930, JP 2005312589 A, JP 2013-022228 A, JP 2013-022277 A, JP 2013-027558 A, JP 2013-031508 A, JP 2015-146958 A, US 2012 / 0304416 A1, US 2013 / 0042429 A1, US 2014 / 0041136 A1, US 2015 / 0265116 Al, US 2015 / 0265117 Al or WO 01 / 41681 Al.
[0008] US 8,776,311 B2 discloses a cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner, wherein the cleaning head comprises a housing in which a hollow brush bar is rotatably arranged. JP 2013-022277 A discloses a floor suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner.
[0009] JP 2005-312589 A discloses a suction tool for a vacuum cleaner.
[0010] DE 10 2014 108 192 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaner with a filter that can be removed from the vacuum cleaner.
[0011] WO 2015 / 139751 A1 discloses a method for cleaning a filter of a vacuum cleaner, wherein during operation of the vacuum cleaner the filter is passed through by suction air generated by a fan, comprising:
[0012] Measuring a first pressure at an inflow to the filter;
[0013] Measuring a second pressure at an outflow of the filter;
[0014] Determining a pressure drop across the filter as a pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure;
[0015] Determination of a quantity characterizing a volume flow of the suction air in the outflow of the filter;
[0016] Determination of a quantity characterising a flow resistance of the filter from the pressure difference and the quantity characterising the volume flow; and
[0017] Initiation of filter cleaning depending on the determined value characterizing the flow resistance of the filter.
[0018] The invention is based on the object of providing a floor cleaning device of the type mentioned above, which is constructed in a structurally simple manner and functions reliably.This object is achieved according to the invention in the floor cleaning device of the type mentioned at the outset in that a pressure sensor device is provided by which it can be determined during operation of the suction blower device whether the suction pipe is arranged on the holder or has been removed from the holder, that a control and / or regulating device is provided which is connected in a signal-effective manner to the pressure sensor device, which determines whether the suction pipe is held on the holder or has been removed from the holder, and which controls the drive motor, and that the control and / or regulating device controls the drive motor in such a way that when the suction pipe is removed from the holder, the speed of the at least one cleaning roller is reduced compared to an operating mode in which the suction pipe is held on the holder, and in particular is reduced to zero.
[0019] In the solution according to the invention, the control and / or regulating device evaluates measurement data from the pressure sensor device. From the evaluated measurement data, it is determined whether the intake manifold is attached to the holder or removed from the holder.
[0020] If the control and / or regulating device detects (from measurement data of the pressure sensor device) that the suction pipe has been removed from the holder, the speed of the at least one cleaning roller is reduced by correspondingly controlling the drive motor (in particular, the speed of the drive motor is reduced) and is in particular reduced to zero, i.e. the drive motor is switched off.
[0021] In suction tube vacuum mode, the floor or an object to be cleaned is vacuumed via the suction tube. This often means that the floor cleaning device is stationary and rests on the floor in question. If at least one cleaning roller continues to run at a non-reduced speed, it exerts a mechanical impact on the floor. If left stationary for a sufficiently long time, this can lead to floor damage. The control and / or regulation device ensures a reduction in speed and, in particular, a shutdown of the drive motor when it detects that the suction tube has been removed from the holder.
[0022] A pressure sensor device is used to detect whether the intake manifold is attached to the holder or removed from it. This eliminates the need for an additional microswitch or the like to detect whether the intake manifold is attached to the holder or removed from it. This results in a simplified design. In particular, the pressure sensor device can be used to determine, without contact, whether the intake manifold is attached to the holder or removed from it. This also reduces wear and tear.
[0023] Typically, a floor cleaning device according to the invention is equipped with at least one pressure sensor anyway, for example, to determine the filter condition. If at least one pressure sensor, which is already present, is also used to detect the positioning of the suction tube on the holder, the number of components is minimized.
[0024] It is particularly advantageous if the pressure sensor device has at least one pressure sensor which is arranged in such a way that, when the suction pipe is held on the holder, a negative pressure caused by the suction fan device acts on the at least one pressure sensor, and when the suction pipe is removed from the holder, ambient pressure acts on the at least one pressure sensor. In particular, this allows the at least one pressure sensor to be positioned in an inflow for a filter device. As a result, the at least one pressure sensor can also be used, for example, to determine (directly or indirectly) a pressure loss across a filter device. When the floor cleaning device is in vacuum mode and the suction pipe is held on the holder, there is a negative pressure at the at least one pressure sensor compared to the ambient pressure.When the suction pipe is removed from the holder, the at least one pressure sensor is no longer coupled to the suction fan device and is essentially exposed to the ambient pressure. Thus, an absolute pressure value measured by the at least one pressure sensor provides a detection result regarding the positioning of the suction pipe on the holder or the removal of the suction pipe from the holder. A pressure value on the order of a typical ambient pressure indicates that the suction pipe is not positioned on the holder. A pressure value significantly below the typical ambient pressure indicates that (when the suction fan device is operating) the suction pipe is positioned on the holder.
[0025] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the holder is designed for inserting and in particular attaching the suction pipe; the floor head has a mounting plane for a floor to be cleaned and a direction of insertion of the suction pipe into the holder is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the mounting plane; a direction of insertion of the suction pipe into the holder is oriented in the direction of the floor when the floor head is positioned on a floor to be cleaned; the holder has a recess for receiving the suction pipe, wherein the recess is in fluid communication with the receiving area of the floor head; a sealing device is provided which, when the suction pipe is held on the holder, effects a fluid seal between the holder and the suction pipe.
[0026] This makes it easy to connect the suction pipe to the holder in a fluid-effective manner in order to provide an effective flow path between the receiving area of the floor head and the suction fan device for a floor head suction operation.
[0027] The suction tube can be easily positioned on and removed from the holder.
[0028] The recess for accommodating the intake manifold makes it easy to create a mechanical and fluid-effective connection between the holder and the intake manifold.
[0029] The sealing device largely prevents short-circuit air flows when the intake manifold is positioned on the holder.
[0030] It is advantageous if the pressure sensor device comprises at least one pressure sensor, which is arranged in a recess of the holder, wherein the recess serves to accommodate the intake manifold, or is arranged in a space that is in pressure-effective communication with the recess for the intake manifold. This allows the ambient pressure to be determined at least approximately when the intake manifold is removed from the holder, and the pressure in a flow path can be determined, which is a negative pressure relative to the ambient pressure when the intake manifold is arranged on the holder.
[0031] In particular, for the reasons stated, it is provided that the recess or the space is in pressure-effective connection with the outside space when the suction pipe is removed from the holder, and that the recess or the space is in pressure-effective connection with the suction fan device and / or the receiving area on the floor head when the suction pipe is arranged on the holder.
[0032] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the space in which the at least one pressure sensor is arranged is in pressure-effective connection with a suction flow path; the space in which the at least one pressure sensor is arranged is separated from a suction flow path by a filter device; the space in which the at least one pressure sensor is arranged is arranged next to the holder in relation to a height direction perpendicular to a mounting plane of the base head; the space in which the at least one pressure sensor is arranged is arranged in a housing, wherein in particular the holder is seated on the housing.
[0033] If a space for the at least one pressure sensor is provided separately from the holder's receptacle, then the at least one pressure sensor can be housed in a protected manner.
[0034] If at least one pressure sensor is separated from a suction flow path by a filter device, it can generally be positioned with reduced dirt exposure.
[0035] A compact design is achieved if the at least one pressure sensor is arranged vertically next to the bracket. This allows the ambient pressure to be reliably measured, at least approximately, when the intake manifold is removed from the bracket.
[0036] If the space is arranged in a housing, in which, in particular, the suction fan device is also located, this easily provides a protected location for the at least one pressure sensor. It is advantageous if the pressure sensor device comprises at least one pressure sensor, which is connected upstream of the suction fan device with respect to a suction flow and downstream of the receiving area of the floor head. This makes it easy to determine the pressure in a suction area of the floor cleaning device when the suction pipe is attached to the holder.
[0037] It is particularly advantageous if the pressure sensor device comprises at least one pressure sensor, which is connected upstream of a filter device for the suction flow with respect to a suction flow, and is arranged in particular in an inflow to the filter device. This allows a pressure difference across the filter device between an outflow of the filter device and an inflow to the filter device to be determined directly or indirectly in a simple manner. This, in turn, allows a simple filter condition determination for the filter device. This makes it possible, in particular, to detect, at least with respect to a threshold value, whether the filter device is still functioning sufficiently or is not clogged with dirt.
[0038] In one embodiment, a housing is provided in which the suction fan device is arranged, with the holder being arranged on the housing, and in particular on an outer side of the housing or on the base head. This results in a simple structural design.
[0039] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the housing has a connection for a flexible suction hose, wherein the suction hose is connected to the connection and is connected to the suction pipe; the connection is arranged on an upper side of the housing which is facing away from the floor head; the housing is connected to a holding rod device via which the floor cleaning device can be guided by a standing operator over a floor to be cleaned; the pressure sensor device is positioned in the housing; a flow path for a suction flow leads, with the suction pipe held on the holder, from the receiving area through the suction pipe via the suction hose into the housing; the housing is pivotable with respect to the floor head at least about a pivot axis.
[0040] The flexible suction hose on the housing, and especially the connection on the top of the housing, allows for versatile use of the floor cleaning device. This allows for a wide range of positioning options for the suction tube in suction tube mode, allowing for selective vacuuming of the floor or objects to be cleaned.
[0041] Using the support rod device, an operator who stands on the floor to be cleaned can operate the floor cleaning device while standing.
[0042] Placing the pressure sensor device in the housing creates a protected arrangement. This allows for optimized routing of signal lines.
[0043] When the suction pipe is held on the holder, a flow path for a suction flow leads from the floor head (from the receiving area of the floor head) through the suction pipe and via the suction hose into the housing. The suction fan device in the housing generates the corresponding suction flow. Optimized operability is achieved if the housing can be pivoted relative to the floor head about at least one pivot axis. This allows the overall height of the floor cleaning device to be reduced in a height direction perpendicular to a setup plane when the floor head is in an upright position, for example, to be able to drive under objects standing on the floor to be cleaned.
[0044] In one embodiment, the base head has a connection for a connecting hose, wherein the connecting hose is connected to the connection on the base head and to the holder. A fluid-active connection is established between the holder and the base head via the connecting hose. This allows, in particular, a relative pivotability of the holder to the base head to be realized.
[0045] In one embodiment, it is provided that, in order to determine the filter condition, the control and / or regulating device determines a variable characterizing a flow resistance of a filter device for the suction flow from a pressure difference across the filter device, which is a pressure difference between an outflow of the filter device and an inflow of the filter device, and from a variable characterizing a volume flow. A corresponding method is described, for example, in WO 2015 / 139751 A1. A filter condition can be determined relatively reliably, requiring the use of a small number of measured variables.
[0046] In one embodiment, the control and / or regulating device checks whether the variable characterizing the flow resistance of the filter device exceeds a threshold value for a specific period of time and, if so, initiates a warning indication and / or filter cleaning measures. This allows, in particular, reliable detection of whether measures (warning indication, filter cleaning measures) are necessary. In particular, this specific period of time is continuous and is preferably at least 5 seconds, and in particular at least 8 seconds, and in particular at least 10 seconds.
[0047] In one embodiment, it is provided that the control and / or regulating device determines the variable characterizing the volume flow from a determined speed of a blower motor of the suction fan device and a characteristic curve of the suction fan device or the floor cleaning device, wherein the characteristic curve indicates the relationship between the speed and the volume flow. The characteristic curve or a family of characteristics is stored in particular in the control and / or regulating device. In principle, the speed of the blower motor is known or can be easily determined using a sensor device integrated into the blower motor. The control and / or regulating device then determines the variable characterizing the volume flow from the corresponding characteristic curve. In this case, no sensor needs to be provided to directly determine the volume flow.
[0048] Furthermore, it is provided that the pressure difference between the outflow of the filter device and the inflow of the filter device is measured or is determined with the aid of the determined volume flow and a characteristic curve of the suction fan device or the floor cleaning device, wherein the characteristic curve indicates a relationship between the volume flow and a pressure in the outflow of the filter device. For example, a further pressure sensor is provided which determines a pressure in the outflow of the filter device. In particular, a pressure in an inflow to the filter device can be determined via the at least one pressure sensor of the pressure sensor device, via which it can be determined whether the suction pipe is attached to the holder or removed from the holder. The pressure difference can then be determined from the measured pressure values in the outflow and the inflow. The pressure difference can also be determined from a characteristic curve.This means that the characteristic curve or a characteristic curve family is stored in the control and / or regulation device. The previously determined volume flow (from another characteristic curve) can be used to determine the pressure in the filter device's outflow from the corresponding characteristic curve for the relationship between the volume flow and the pressure in the filter device's outflow. This, in turn, allows the pressure difference to be determined.
[0049] In particular, the pressure difference is determined from a pressure in the outflow from the filter device determined by the control and / or regulating device and from a measured pressure of the pressure sensor device, wherein in particular at least one pressure sensor of the pressure sensor device, via which it can be detected whether the suction pipe is arranged on the holder or removed from the holder, provides pressure measurement values for the inflow to the filter device. The at least one pressure sensor of the pressure sensor device is then used to determine the pressure difference across the filter device (for determining the filter condition) and is used to detect the presence or absence of the suction pipe on the holder. This results in a structurally simple design of the floor cleaning device, whereby the number of necessary sensors and in particular pressure sensors can be kept low.
[0050] According to the invention, a method for operating a floor cleaning device is further provided, in which it is determined by means of a pressure sensor device whether the suction pipe is positioned on the holder or is removed from the holder, and in which by controlling the drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller, a rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller is reduced and in particular is reduced to zero when it is detected that the suction pipe is or will be removed from the holder.
[0051] The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the floor cleaning machine according to the invention. The pressure sensor device with at least one pressure sensor allows the presence or absence of the suction pipe on the holder to be determined without contact. A pressure sensor that is usually present anyway, which is used particularly in connection with filter condition determination, can then also be used to detect the presence or absence of the suction pipe on the holder.
[0052] If necessary (if a removed suction pipe is detected), the measured values of the pressure sensor device are used to reduce the speed of the drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller and, in particular, to switch off the drive motor for the at least one cleaning roller.
[0053] The following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings, serves to further explain the invention. They show:
[0054] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning device according to the invention;
[0055] Figure 2 is a partial side view of the floor cleaning device according to Figure 1;
[0056] Figure 3 is a detailed sectional view of the floor cleaning device according to Figure 1 with a suction pipe arranged on a holder;
[0057] Figure 4 shows the same view as Figure 3 with the suction pipe removed from the holder;
[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the functional arrangement of components of the floor cleaning device according to Figure 1; Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the temporal progression of a flow resistance of a filter device during operation of the floor cleaning device according to Figure 1;
[0059] Figure 7 shows, by way of example, the course of characteristic curves in the floor cleaning device according to Figure 1 for the dependence of a speed (n) of a blower motor on the volume flow (Q) and the dependence of a pressure (pz) in an outflow of a filter device on the volume flow Q and, by way of example, a procedure for determining a specific pressure p2* from the characteristic curves at a known speed n* of the blower motor.
[0060] An embodiment of a floor cleaning device 10 according to the invention is a brush vacuum cleaner (carpet brush vacuum cleaner), which is shown in Figure 1 in a perspective view.
[0061] The floor cleaning device 10 comprises a floor head 12 with a roller housing 14.
[0062] The floor head 12 can be supported on a floor 16 to be cleaned (see Figure 2) via a wheel device 18.
[0063] In one embodiment, the wheel assembly 18 comprises wheels 20, in particular, a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel. The wheels 20 are arranged in the region of a rear end of the base head 12.
[0064] Furthermore, one or more rollers 22 are arranged on the base head 12 at a distance from the wheels 20.
[0065] The floor cleaning device 10 comprises a support rod assembly 24, on which a handle 26 is arranged at a proximal end. Using the handle 26, an operator can guide the floor cleaning device 10 while standing over the floor 16 to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the support rod assembly 24 comprises a single support rod 28. A housing 30 is arranged on this support rod 28. A suction fan assembly 32 is positioned in the housing 30. The suction fan assembly 32 comprises a fan motor 33, which is in particular an electric motor, and a corresponding fan assembly with one or more impellers.
[0066] The housing 30 or the support rod device 24 is connected to the floor head 12 and, in particular, is pivotally connected such that the support rod device 24 can be pivoted about (at least) one pivot axis relative to the floor head 12 when the floor head 12 is supported on the surface 16 to be cleaned. In one embodiment, a pivot axis is provided which is at least approximately parallel to a mounting plane 35 of the floor head 12 on the floor 16 to be cleaned. The mounting plane 35 is defined by the wheels 20 and the roller 22.
[0067] At least one suction port 34 is formed on the roller housing 14. This port communicates fluidly with the suction fan device 32.
[0068] The floor cleaning device 10 further comprises a suction pipe 36, on which, in particular, a suction nozzle is located or can be positioned. The suction pipe 36 is fluidly connected to the suction blower device 32 via a flexible suction hose 38.
[0069] A holder 40 for the suction pipe 36 is arranged on the housing 30.
[0070] Via the suction pipe 36, when removed from the holder 40, a user can perform suction separately from the suction mouth 34.
[0071] The roller housing 14 has a roller receptacle 42. This roller receptacle 42 is arranged in the region of a front end 44 of the base head 12 (of the roller housing 14), which is opposite the end at which the wheels 20 are arranged.
[0072] The roller holder 42 is open at the suction port 34. Otherwise, it is closed.
[0073] The roller holder 42 serves to hold a cleaning roller 46. It is a holding area 43 on which the suction opening 34 is located.
[0074] In one embodiment of a brush vacuum cleaner, the cleaning roller 46 is a brush roller with a bristle trim 48. The bristle trim 48 is arranged in particular such that the cleaning roller 46 acts as a carpet brush.
[0075] In principle, it is also possible for the cleaning roller 46 to be a textile roller, or for the cleaning roller 46 to be a combination of a textile roller and a brush roller.
[0076] The cleaning roller is rotatable about a rotation axis 50 when it is positioned and fixed in the roller housing 14 and in the roller holder 42 (at the holder area).
[0077] The rotation axis 50 is at least approximately parallel to the installation plane 35 on the floor 16 to be cleaned when the floor head 12 is properly installed thereon and supported by the wheel device.
[0078] The roller holder 42 is assigned an end wall on the roller housing 14.
[0079] An opening is formed in this end wall. This opening is an opening in the roller holder 52. The cleaning roller 46 can be inserted into the roller holder 42 through this opening, or the cleaning roller 46 can be removed from the roller holder 42 and thus from the floor head 12 through the opening 54.
[0080] Furthermore, opposite the opening, a closed wall is assigned to the roller holder 42. This wall is a side wall of the roller housing 14. A pivot bearing for the cleaning roller 46 is arranged on this wall. The cleaning roller 46 has a counter element for this pivot bearing. With the counter element, the cleaning roller, in particular, can be pushed onto the pivot bearing. In this context, reference is made to WO 2020 / 020862 A1, to which express reference is made.
[0081] In one embodiment, a drive motor 62 for the rotary movement of the cleaning roller 46 is arranged in the roller housing 14. The drive motor 62 acts on the cleaning roller 46, for example, via a belt drive, and drives it in its rotary movement. For example, the drive motor 62 acts on the pivot bearing to effect a corresponding rotation, and the cleaning roller 46 can be connected to the pivot bearing in a rotationally fixed manner via the counter element.
[0082] A cover 64 is provided to close the opening.
[0083] A pivot bearing is arranged on the cover 64. When the opening is closed with the cover 64, this pivot bearing supports the cleaning roller 46 on the cover 64, allowing it to rotate about the rotation axis 50.
[0084] The cover 64 can be removed as a whole from the roller housing 14 and is a separate part from the roller housing 14, which can be fixed to the roller housing 14. In this context, reference is made to WO 2020 / 020862 A1, to which express reference is made. The housing 30 has a bottom side 66 facing the base head 12 and a top side 68 facing away from the base head 12.
[0085] The suction fan device 32 with a fan motor 70 and a fan device 72 (see Figure 5) is arranged in the housing 30 between the bottom side 66 and the top side 68.
[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, a connection 74 for the suction hose 38 is arranged on the top side 68. The suction hose 38 is arranged on this connection and is connected to the (rigid) suction pipe 36.
[0087] The holder 40 is arranged on the housing 30 and outside an interior space of the housing 30. In particular, it is positioned closer to the bottom 66 than to the top 68 of the housing 30.
[0088] The holder 40 has a recess 76 into which the suction tube 36 can be inserted and, in particular, plugged onto the base. An insertion direction 78 (Figure 4) is directed transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the mounting plane 35 and the base head 12.
[0089] A sealing device is provided (not shown in the drawings) which, when the suction pipe 36 is held on the holder 40 (inserted into the recess 76), ensures a fluid-tight seal between the holder 40 and the suction pipe 36, so that a suction flow without short-circuit currents is guided solely through the suction pipe 36 when the latter is inserted into the holder 40.
[0090] The holder 40 can establish a fluid-effective connection between the receiving area 43 and thus between the suction port 34 and the suction fan device 32 via the suction pipe 36. Furthermore, the holder 40 mechanically fixes the suction pipe 36 with respect to the housing 30. For mechanical fixation, additional holding elements 80, 82 can be arranged on an outer side of the housing 30. For example, a holding element 80 is provided at a distance from the holder 40, which comprises a penetration ring for the suction pipe 36. The holding element 80 is arranged at a distance from the holder 40 with respect to a height direction 84, which is perpendicular to the installation plane 35.
[0091] For example, a holding element 82 is also provided, which is located on or near the upper side 68 on the housing 30 and by means of which, for example, the suction pipe 36 can be grasped.
[0092] The retaining elements 80, 82 prevent, in particular, the suction pipe 36 from "falling out" of the housing 30 in directions transverse to the vertical direction 84. In addition to the fluid-effective coupling of the suction pipe 36, the holder 41 provides downward support with respect to the vertical direction 84 and also ensures a positive fit in directions transverse to the vertical direction 84.
[0093] If the holding element 82 is designed as a bracket from which the suction pipe 36 can be removed by applying appropriate force, then in order to remove the suction pipe 36 it is sufficient to guide it beyond the holding element 80, and it can then be guided out of the holding element 82 laterally by applying appropriate force.
[0094] A connection 86 for a connecting hose 88 is arranged on the base head 12. The connection 74 is in fluid communication with the receiving area 43 and thus with the suction port 34.
[0095] The connecting hose 88 is flexible and leads from the connection 86 to the holder 40. The connecting hose 88 provides a fluid connection between the holder 40 and the base head 12. The flexible design of the connecting hose 88 enables the housing 30 to pivot relative to the base head 12 as described above.
[0096] The suction fan device 32 is associated with a filter device 90, which is connected upstream of the suction fan device 32 with respect to a suction flow. A suction flow, which is coupled via the suction pipe 36 to the connection 74, must flow through the filter device 90. The filter device 90 is arranged in the housing 30.
[0097] The floor cleaning device 10 has an inlet 92 for the filter device 90 and an outlet 94 for the filter device 90. The inlet 92 is connected upstream of the filter device 90 with respect to a suction flow. The outlet 94 is connected downstream of the filter device 90 with respect to this suction flow.
[0098] The inlet 92 generally carries contaminated suction air. The outlet 94 carries suction air that has been cleaned by the filter device 90.
[0099] The filter device 90 is designed as a dust filter and serves to filter out dirt particles up to a certain size. It can, for example, comprise a HEPA filter. It can, for example, be designed as a flat pleated filter or the like.
[0100] The floor cleaning device 10 comprises a control and / or regulating device 96. This is arranged in particular in the housing 30.
[0101] The control and / or regulating device 96 controls the drive motor 62.
[0102] This control is schematically indicated in Figure 5 by a signal line 98. The floor cleaning device 10 comprises one or more control elements 100. In particular, an on / off switch is provided. This is preferably arranged on the handle 26. Additional control elements can be provided, for example, for adjusting the cleaning performance.
[0103] The control element(s) 100 are in signal-effective connection with the control and / or regulating device 96.
[0104] A pressure sensor device 102 with at least one pressure sensor 104 is provided, by means of which it can be determined whether the suction pipe 36 is inserted into the holder 40 (Figure 3) or whether the suction pipe 36 is removed from the holder 40.
[0105] The at least one pressure sensor 104 is arranged in the inflow 92 or is pressure-effectively connected to this inflow 92.
[0106] The at least one pressure sensor 104 is connected to the control and / or regulating device 96 in a signal-effective manner. In particular, it is connected to the control and / or regulating device 96 in a signal-effective manner via one or more lines 106 (Figures 3 to 5).
[0107] The at least one pressure sensor 104 is arranged such that, during operation of the suction fan device 32 with the pipe 36 inserted into the holder 40, it detects a pressure pi (see Figure 5) which lies in the inflow 92.
[0108] The at least one pressure sensor 104 is further arranged such that it is exposed to an ambient pressure of the floor cleaning device 10 when the suction pipe 36 is removed from the holder 41.
[0109] The measured pressure values pi of the at least one pressure sensor 104 can be used to determine whether the suction pipe 36 is inserted into the holder 40 or not during operation of the suction fan device 32. When the suction pipe 36 is not inserted, the measured pressure value pi is at least approximately the ambient pressure. When the suction pipe 36 is inserted into the holder 40, the measured pressure value pi is characteristic of the pressure in the suction flow and is therefore significantly lower than the ambient pressure.
[0110] In one embodiment, the at least one pressure sensor 104 is arranged on the holder 40 and thereby on the recess 76.
[0111] In an alternative embodiment, the at least one pressure sensor 104 is arranged in a space 108 adjacent to the recess 76. This has the advantage that when inserting or removing the suction pipe 36 from the holder 40, the at least one pressure sensor 104 is not subjected to any corresponding mechanical stress.
[0112] The space 108 is pressure-effectively connected to the recess 76 of the holder 40.
[0113] In one embodiment, a filter device is provided between the space 108 and the recess 76, so that the at least one pressure sensor 104 can determine the pressure at the recess 76, but without being directly subjected to full dust exposure.
[0114] In the embodiment shown, the at least one pressure sensor 104 is arranged on and in particular in the housing 30.
[0115] In principle, it is also possible for the pressure sensor 104 to be arranged on the base head 12, on the suction pipe 36, or in the suction hose 38, or on the housing 30 in the region of the upper side 68, and thus upstream of the filter device 90. Arranging the at least one pressure sensor 104 on and in particular in the housing 30 results in a protected structure with fixed routing for the line 106.
[0116] In an advantageous embodiment, exactly one pressure sensor 104 is provided for the pressure sensor device 102 to determine whether the intake manifold 36 is seated on the holder 40.
[0117] The measured values of the at least one pressure sensor 104 are used by the control and / or regulating device 96 to control the drive motor 62.
[0118] The drive motor 62 drives the cleaning roller 46 in rotation about the rotation axis 50. When the suction tube 36 is attached to the holder 40, additional suction is applied to the receiving area 43 of the floor head 12.
[0119] In this operating mode, the presence of the suction pipe 36, which is then part of the flow path for the suction flow, is detected via the measured pressure pi.
[0120] In this operating mode, an operator can carry out surface cleaning on the floor 16 to be cleaned.
[0121] If, for example, a specific area of soiling is to be removed by targeted suction on the floor 16 to be cleaned (or on objects), the operator removes the suction pipe 36 from the holder 40, particularly during operation (with the suction fan device 32 operating). He can then carry out a (local) suction process via the suction pipe 36 and in particular a nozzle arranged thereon.
[0122] When the suction pipe 36 is mounted on the holder 40, a bottom-end suction operation occurs by means of suction at the suction port 34. When the suction pipe 36 is removed, a suction pipe suction operation occurs. Due to an increase in pressure pi to at least approximately the ambient pressure, the removal of the suction pipe 36 from the holder 40 (in order to perform a suction pipe suction operation) can be detected via the control and / or regulating device 96.
[0123] If the control and / or regulating device 96 detects a removal of the suction tube 36 from the holder 40, it controls the drive motor 62 such that the rotational speed of the cleaning roller 56 about the rotation axis 50 is reduced. This prevents damage to a floor being cleaned, and in particular to carpets, due to excessive mechanical stress.
[0124] In particular, the speed is reduced to zero speed, i.e. the drive motor 62 is switched off.
[0125] It is therefore fundamentally provided that the cleaning roller 46 rotates at a greatly reduced speed in the suction pipe suction mode and, in particular, no longer rotates at all and therefore does not exert any mechanical stress on the floor to be cleaned.
[0126] To reduce the speed and in particular to switch off the drive motor 62, measurement data from at least one pressure sensor 104, which is already present, is used (see below).
[0127] Basically, the floor cleaning machine 10 works as follows:
[0128] During floor head vacuuming operation, the suction pipe 36 is held on the holder 40. The cleaning roller 46 rotates around the rotation axis 50, driven by the drive motor 62. An operator guides the floor cleaning device 10 over the floor 16 to be cleaned. Suction occurs at the suction inlet 34. Furthermore, dirt is mechanically removed by the cleaning roller 46. A suction stream 110 flows from the floor head 12 via the connecting hose 88, through the holder 40, through the suction pipe 36 and the suction hose 38, and through the filter device 90.
[0129] As described above, the control and / or regulating device 96 detects the presence of the suction pipe 36 as part of the flow path of the suction flow 110 by means of the at least one pressure sensor 104 and its pressure values pi (in the inflow 92 to the filter device 90).
[0130] When an operator removes the suction tube 36 from the holder 40 for suction tube suction operation, the floor head 12 is no longer exposed to the suction flow. The flow path for the suction flow is now on the inlet side of the suction tube 36.
[0131] The measured values of the at least one pressure sensor 104 (the pressure values pi) are then at least approximately at ambient pressure. This is detected by the control and / or regulating device 96, which ensures a reduction in the speed of the drive motor 62 for the cleaning roller 46 and, in particular, a shutdown.
[0132] In principle, it is also possible for the control and / or regulating device 96 to control or regulate the blower motor 70 using measured values from the at least one pressure sensor 104. Furthermore, filter condition detection can be performed, as described below.
[0133] During operation of the floor cleaning device 10, dirt can settle on the filter device 90. This increases the flow resistance. By detecting a filter condition of the filter device 90, an operator can be informed that the filter device 90 needs to be cleaned or replaced. In one embodiment, automatic filter cleaning can be carried out. In one embodiment, a variable characterizing a flow resistance of the filter device 90 is determined by means of the control and / or regulating device 96. The variable characterizing the flow resistance (cw value) is determined as the quotient of a pressure difference between the outflow 94 and inflow 92 and a volume flow Q. The variable characterizing this flow resistance is in particular proportional to the determined pressure difference in relation to a power, and in particular a second power, of the volume flow.
[0134] It is then checked whether this quantity cw, which characterizes the flow resistance, continuously exceeds a threshold. This is indicated schematically in Figure 6.
[0135] The control and / or regulating device 96 determines this.
[0136] With regard to the determination of the quantity characterising the flow resistance, reference is made to WO 2015 / 139751 A1, to which express reference is made.
[0137] The control and / or regulation device 96 checks, in a time-resolved manner, whether this variable cw continuously exceeds a certain threshold. This is indicated schematically in Figure 6.
[0138] The size cw (N) is a nominal value for the flow resistance of the filter device 90 without dirt loading of the filter device 90. This nominal value refers to an unused filter device 90.
[0139] As mentioned above, during operation of the floor cleaning device 10, dirt settles on the filter device 90 and the flow resistance increases.
[0140] This is indicated in Figure 6 by the curve 112. There is a threshold cw (s) This threshold can be temporarily exceeded for a short time. This is indicated in Figure 6 by peaks 114.
[0141] The control and / or regulating device 96 checks whether the threshold cw (s) AT is exceeded for a longer period of time.
[0142] This period AT is a continuous, contiguous period. It is in particular at least 5 s, preferably at least 8 s, and especially preferably at least 10 s.
[0143] If the threshold cw (s)is exceeded over this specific period AT, then the control and / or regulating device 96 controls a warning display 116 (Figure 5), which is arranged, for example, on the handle 26 or the top side 68 of the housing 30.
[0144] The warning indicator 116 can be visual and / or audible. It provides an operator with a warning that the filter device 90 needs to be cleaned or replaced.
[0145] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the floor cleaning device 10 comprises a filter cleaning device 118 and in particular an automatic filter cleaning device 118 and accordingly, when the threshold is exceeded over the minimum time period AT, the control and / or regulating device 96 initiates an automatic filter cleaning process via the filter cleaning device 118.
[0146] To determine the variable cw characterizing the flow resistance of the filter device 90, the pressure difference across the filter device 90 and thus the pressure difference between the outflow 94 and the inflow 92 is determined. The pressure pi in the inflow 92 can be determined via the at least one pressure sensor 104.
[0147] A further pressure sensor 120 may be provided (Figure 5), which then measures the pressure p2 in the outflow 94.
[0148] The pressure difference Ap = p2 - pi is then measured directly via the pressure sensors 120 and 104.
[0149] This is described in WO 2015 / 139751 A1, to which reference is expressly made.
[0150] It can also be provided that the pressure p2 is determined from a characteristic curve of the suction fan device 32 without measurement. Thus, no additional pressure sensor 120 needs to be provided, and it is sufficient to provide at least one pressure sensor 104. The pressure sensor 104 can then be used to detect a filter condition and to detect whether the suction pipe 36 is attached to the holder 40 or removed from the holder 40.
[0151] The corresponding procedure for determining the pressure difference Ap is explained using Figure 7 as an example.
[0152] The control and / or regulating device 96 comprises a memory device 122. In this memory, a characteristic curve 124 or a characteristic curve field 126 for the suction fan device 32 or the floor cleaning device 10 is stored, which indicates a dependence of the pressure p2 in the outflow 94 on a volume flow Q.
[0153] Furthermore, a characteristic curve or a characteristic curve field 126 is stored in the memory device 122, which indicates a dependence of a speed of the blower motor 70 on the volume flow Q at the suction fan device 32. For the threshold test, the control and / or regulating device 96 first determines a speed n* of the blower motor 70. For this purpose, a corresponding sensor system is provided, or the speed n* is known anyway.
[0154] The corresponding volume flow Q* is then determined from the characteristic curve 124.
[0155] From the correspondingly determined volume flow Q*, the corresponding pressure value p2* in the outflow 94 is determined — sensorless — using the characteristic curve 124.
[0156] If the pressure p2* is known, then the pressure difference
[0157] Ap* = p2* - pi* is known, since the pressure sensor 104 measures the values pi and transmits them to the control and / or regulating device 96.
[0158] This in turn allows the quotient Ap / Q 2 which characterizes the flow resistance. This, in turn, allows the threshold test to be carried out.
[0159] According to the invention, the pressure sensor 104, which is usually present anyway and is used in connection with a filter condition detection, is additionally used to detect whether the suction pipe 36 is arranged on the holder 40 and the base head 12 is in the suction flow path, or whether the suction pipe 36 is removed from the holder 40.
[0160] If the pressure sensor 104 detects that the intake manifold 36 is removed from the holder 40, the speed of the drive motor 62 is reduced, in particular to zero.
[0161] Floor cleaning device floor head roller housing floor
[0162] Wheel setup Wheel
[0163] role
[0164] Holding rod device handle holding rod
[0165] Housing
[0166] Suction fan device Blower motor Suction outlet Installation level
[0167] Suction pipe Suction hose Holder Roller holder Mounting area Front end Cleaning roller ' Cleaning roller Bristle trim Rotation axis Drive motor Cover
[0168] Bottom Top Fan motor Fan assembly
[0169] Connection
[0170] recess
[0171] Insertion direction
[0172] Holding element
[0173] Holding element
[0174] Altitude direction
[0175] Connection
[0176] connecting hose
[0177] Filter device
[0178] Inflow
[0179] outflow
[0180] Control and / or regulation device
[0181] Signal line
[0182] Control element
[0183] Pressure sensor device
[0184] pressure sensor
[0185] Line
[0186] Space
[0187] Suction flow
[0188] Course
[0189] Great
[0190] Warning display
[0191] Filter cleaning device
[0192] pressure sensor
[0193] Storage device
[0194] Characteristic curve
[0195] Characteristic curve field
Claims
Claims: Floor cleaning device comprising a floor head (12), at least one cleaning roller (46) rotatably arranged on a receiving area (43) of the floor head (12), a drive motor (62) for the at least one cleaning roller (46), a suction blower device (32), a suction tube (36) fluidly connected to the suction blower device (32), and a holder (40) for the suction tube (36), wherein, when the suction tube (36) is held on the holder (40), a fluidly effective connection is established between the suction blower device (32) and the receiving area (43) of the floor head (12) for floor head suction operation, and wherein the suction tube (36) is detachable from the holder (40) for suction tube suction operation, characterized in that a pressure sensor device (102) is provided by which the operating pressure of the suction blower device (32) can be determined.whether the suction pipe (36) is attached to the holder (40) or detached from the holder (40), that a control and / or regulating device (96) is provided which is connected to the pressure sensor device (102) via a signal, which determines whether the suction pipe (36) is attached to the holder (40) or detached from the holder (40), and which controls the drive motor (62), and that the control and / or regulating device (96) controls the drive motor (62) in such a way that, when the suction pipe (36) is detached from the holder (40), the rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller (46) is reduced compared to an operating mode in which the suction pipe (36) is attached to the holder (40), and in particular is reduced to zero. Floor cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure sensor device (102) has at least one pressure sensor (104) which is arranged such that when the suction tube (36) is held on the holder (40) a negative pressure caused by the suction blower device (32) acts on the at least one pressure sensor (104) and when the suction tube (36) is removed from the holder (40) an ambient pressure acts on the at least one pressure sensor (104).Floor cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one of the following: the holder (40) is designed for inserting and, in particular, attaching the suction tube (36); the floor head (12) has a mounting plane (35) for a floor (16) to be cleaned, and an insertion direction (78) of the suction tube (36) into the holder (40) is oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the mounting plane (35); an insertion direction (78) of the suction tube (36) into the holder (40) is oriented towards the floor (16) when the floor head (12) is mounted on a floor (16) to be cleaned; the holder (40) has a recess (76) for receiving the suction tube (36), wherein the recess (76) is in fluid-effective communication with the receiving area (43) of the floor head (12); A sealing device is provided which, when the suction pipe (36) is held on the holder (40), creates a fluid seal between the holder (40) and the suction pipe (36). Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure sensor device (102) has at least one pressure sensor (104) which is arranged on a recess (76) of the holder (40), wherein the recess (76) serves to receive the suction pipe (36), or is arranged in a space (108) which is in pressure-effective communication with the recess (76) for the suction pipe (36). Floor cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess (76) or the space (108) is in pressure-effective connection with the outside space when the suction tube (36) is removed from the holder (40), and that the recess (76) or the space (108) is in pressure-effective connection with the suction blower device (32) and / or the receiving area (43) on the floor head (12) when the suction tube (36) is arranged on the holder (40).Floor cleaning device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by at least one of the following: the space (108) in which the at least one pressure sensor (104) is arranged is in pressure-effective communication with a suction flow path; the space (108) in which the at least one pressure sensor (104) is arranged is separated from a suction flow path by a filter device (90); the space (108) in which the at least one pressure sensor (104) is arranged is arranged perpendicular to a mounting plane (35) of the floor head (12) next to the holder (40) with respect to a height direction (84). The space (108) in which the at least one pressure sensor (104) is arranged is located in a housing (30), wherein, in particular, the holder (40) is attached to the housing (30). A floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure sensor device (102) comprises at least one pressure sensor (104) which is positioned upstream of the suction fan device (32) with respect to a suction flow and which is positioned downstream of the receiving area (43) of the floor head (12). A floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure sensor device (102) comprises at least one pressure sensor (104) which is positioned upstream of a filter device (90) with respect to a suction flow, and is arranged, in particular, in an inlet (92) at the filter device (90).Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a housing (30) in which the suction blower device (32) is arranged, wherein the holder (40) is arranged on the housing (30) or on the floor head (12). Floor cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized by at least one of the following: the housing (30) has a connection (74) for a flexible suction hose (38), wherein the suction hose (38) is connected to the connection (74) and to the suction tube (36); the connection (74) is arranged on a top surface (68) of the housing (30), which faces away from the floor head (12). The housing (30) is connected to a support rod (24) by means of which the floor cleaning device can be guided by a standing operator over a floor (16) to be cleaned; the pressure sensor device (102) is positioned in the housing (30); a flow path for a suction flow leads from the receiving area (43) through the suction tube (36) via the suction hose (38) into the housing (30) when the suction tube (36) is held on the holder (40); the housing (30) is pivotable about at least one pivot axis with respect to the floor head (12). Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the floor head (12) has a connection (86) for a connecting hose (88), and that the connecting hose (88) is connected to the floor head (12) at the connection (86) and to the holder (40).Floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for the purpose of determining the filter condition, the control and / or regulating device (96) determines a quantity (cw) characterizing a flow resistance of a filter device (90) for the suction flow from a pressure difference (Ap) across the filter device (90), which is a pressure difference (Ap) between an outflow (94) of the filter device (90) and an inflow (92) of the filter device (90), and from a quantity (Q) characterizing a volume flow. Floor cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (96) checks whether the quantity (cw) characterizing the flow resistance of the filter device (90) reaches a threshold value (cw) for a certain period of time (AT). (s)) exceeds, and in the positive case, initiates a warning indicator and / or filter cleaning measures. Floor cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the specified time duration (AT) is continuous and is in particular at least 5 seconds, and in particular at least 8 seconds, and in particular at least 10 seconds. Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the control and / or regulating device (96) determines the quantity (Q) characterizing the volume flow from a determined rotational speed (n) of a blower motor (70) of the suction blower device (32) and a characteristic curve (126) of the suction blower device (32) or of the floor cleaning device, wherein the characteristic curve (126) indicates the relationship between the rotational speed (n) and the volume flow (Q).Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the pressure difference (Ap) between the outflow (94) of the filter device (90) and the inflow (92) of the filter device (90) is measured or is determined using the determined volume flow rate (Q) and a characteristic curve (124) of the suction blower device (32) or of the floor cleaning device, wherein the characteristic curve (124) indicates a dependency between the volume flow rate (Q) and a pressure (pz) in the outflow (94) of the filter device (90). Floor cleaning device according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the pressure difference (Ap) is determined from a pressure (pz) in the outflow (94) of the filter device (90) determined by the control and / or regulating device (96) and from a measured pressure (pi) of the pressure sensor device (102), wherein in particular at least one pressure sensor (104) of the pressure sensor device (102), which can detect whether the suction pipe (36) is arranged on the holder (40) or removed from the holder (40), provides pressure measurements for the inflow (92) of the filter device (90).Method for operating a floor cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a pressure sensor device (102) determines whether the suction tube (36) is positioned on the holder (40) or has been removed from the holder (40), and in which the rotational speed of the at least one cleaning roller (46) is reduced, and in particular reduced to zero, by controlling the drive motor (62) for the at least one cleaning roller (46), when it is detected that the suction tube (36) has been or is being removed from the holder (40). ***