Control of a floor cleaner with a lateral feed device

Abstract

A floor cleaner (100) for cleaning a floor surface (105) in a household comprises a cleaning device (110) in the area of ​​the floor surface (105); and a feed device (140) for providing an airflow (150) running along the floor surface (105) to drive dirt (115) on the floor surface (105), in particular laterally, towards the cleaning device (110). A method (600, 700, 800) for controlling such a floor cleaner (100) comprises steps of determining (610, 710, 810) a cleaning situation; and controlling (620, 630, 645, 715-740, 820, 830, 845) an intensity of the airflow (150) depending on the cleaning situation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a floor cleaner. In particular, the invention relates to the control of a lateral feeding device for bringing dirt lying next to a processing area of ​​the floor cleaner laterally into it.

[0002] A floor cleaner for cleaning a floor surface consists of a blower with a suction nozzle at the edge of the floor. The floor cleaner moves across the floor, drawing in air and dirt through the suction nozzle and thus cleaning the floor. Dirt located to the side of the suction nozzle cannot be picked up. This can be problematic, for example, if the floor cleaner moves along a side boundary of the floor surface, such as a wall. A strip of the floor between the suction nozzle and the boundary may then remain uncleaned.

[0003] To remove dirt lying to the side of the suction nozzle or within the cleaning area defined by the suction nozzle, a side brush may be provided. This brush typically consists of one or more bundles of fibers extending radially from a vertical axis of rotation. As the side brush rotates, the fiber bundles are guided across the floor surface, moving dirt lying next to the cleaning area forward and to the sides towards the suction nozzle or into the cleaning area. However, side brushes can wear out during operation. Furthermore, objects such as hair, shoelaces, rubber bands, or cables can become entangled in a side brush and impede its operation.

[0004] It has been suggested to forgo a side brush and instead direct an airflow onto the floor surface to move dirt towards the suction nozzle. For example, US 2021 0 038 032 A1 shows a floor cleaner with such an air nozzle. However, expelling air onto the floor surface can also be counterproductive for cleaning. For instance, blowing air onto a carpet can actually work dust into the fibers rather than removing it.

[0005] One of the problems underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technique for cleaning a floor surface using a floor cleaner. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0006] A floor cleaner for cleaning a floor surface in a household comprises a cleaning device in the area of ​​the floor surface; and a supply device for providing an airflow running along the floor surface to drive dirt on the floor surface, in particular laterally, towards the cleaning device.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling such a floor cleaner comprises steps of determining a cleaning situation; and controlling an intensity of the airflow depending on the cleaning situation.

[0008] Controlling the intensity prevents the airflow from hindering cleaning. Furthermore, adjusting the intensity allows for leveraging local conditions that necessitate or accompany the cleaning process to enhance cleaning results.

[0009] Optionally, the horizontal direction of the airflow can be controlled depending on the cleaning situation. This allows the cleaning process to be further optimized and adapted to the specific cleaning requirements. This can improve cleaning results and prevent wear and tear or damage to objects in the vicinity of the floor cleaner.

[0010] The airflow can be deactivated if the cleaning process involves cleaning a carpet. This prevents the airflow from blowing dirt particles into the carpet fibers instead of removing them.

[0011] In general, the cleaning situation can be determined based on the condition of the floor surface. For this purpose, a surface sensor can be used, which, for example, operates optically and is designed to distinguish between predetermined materials or properties.

[0012] The airflow can be deactivated if the cleaning situation involves transferring the floor cleaner. A transfer can involve moving the floor cleaner to a different location without cleaning the floor surface. The floor cleaner can be lifted and carried by a person. Alternatively, the floor cleaner can move across the floor surface itself to complete the relocation. This operation can also be referred to as a marching function. A transfer can be defined as moving the floor cleaner across the floor surface while the cleaning device is deactivated.

[0013] The airflow can be controlled at different intensities. In a simple embodiment, two or three different intensities are provided. Additionally, deactivating the airflow can be considered an intensity setting. In a more advanced embodiment, further intensities can be controlled, for example, a total of five, eight, or ten.

[0014] The airflow intensity can be adjusted to a medium level if the cleaning task involves cleaning a clear section of the floor. For example, when the floor cleaner covers a larger area, the airflow can be used to move loose dirt sideways into a path along which the cleaning device is guided.

[0015] It is generally preferred that the cleaning device includes a suction nozzle through which an airflow is created from the floor surface by means of a blower. A dirt separator can remove and collect dirt from the airflow.

[0016] The airflow intensity can be increased to a high level if the cleaning situation involves approaching an edge with the floor cleaner. An edge can be formed between the horizontal floor surface and a vertical boundary, such as a wall or piece of furniture. The angle between the floor surface and the boundary can be approximately 90°.

[0017] The increased airflow can more effectively carry particles along the edge, thus achieving higher cleaning performance. If the airflow direction is adjustable, it can also be directed in the direction of travel and / or towards the edge. Here, too, the fact that the side boundary can guide or redirect the airflow can be used to advantage. The more direct effect of the airflow on particles along the edge can push them away from the edge, making them more accessible to the floor cleaner.

[0018] The airflow intensity can be reduced or deactivated if the cleaning situation involves approaching a corner with the floor cleaner. A corner is formed when the horizontal floor surface meets a vertical boundary in two directions, often at an angle of approximately 90°. Reducing the airflow prevents loose dirt from being stirred up in the corner. Specifically, the airflow can be reduced or even stopped altogether in the direction of travel and / or towards the edge.

[0019] The airflow intensity can be increased to a high level if the cleaning task involves cleaning a corner of the floor. The air can then be reflected by the side walls and the floor cleaner itself, directing it more effectively towards the cleaning unit. Dirt particles are carried away and captured by the cleaning unit. The floor cleaner can remain in the corner for a predetermined duration.

[0020] The airflow intensity can be reduced to a low level or deactivated if the cleaning process involves exiting a corner. Preferably, the intensity is reduced to a low level before the floor cleaner is moved further after cleaning the corner. This ensures that, in particular, a forward-directed airflow is not reflected or deflected by a boundary while exiting the corner, which would otherwise cause dirt to be carried around uncontrollably.

[0021] Furthermore, the intensity of the airflow can be controlled to a medium or low level if the cleaning situation involves removing the floor cleaner from an edge.

[0022] The airflow intensity can be increased to a high level if the cleaning task involves cleaning around a narrow object on the floor. Such an object is typically much taller than it is wide and could be, for example, a table leg, a chair leg, or a floor vase. Especially when several such objects are close together, such as table and chair legs at a dining table, it can be difficult for the floor cleaner to thoroughly clean the entire floor area, right up to the obstacles. The increased airflow allows cleaning to occur even if the floor cleaner cannot reach the object completely.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a floor cleaner for cleaning a floor surface in a household comprises a cleaning device in the area of ​​the floor surface; a feed device for providing an airflow running along the floor surface in order to drive dirt on the floor surface, in particular laterally, towards the cleaning device; and a control device which is configured to determine a cleaning situation; and to determine an intensity of the airflow depending on the cleaning situation.

[0024] The control device may include an electronic processing unit, such as a programmable microcomputer or microcontroller, and the method may be in the form of a computer program product with program code. The computer program product may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier. Features or advantages of the method may be transferred to the device or vice versa.

[0025] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a floor cleaner; Figures 2 and 3 are a controllable air outlet for a floor cleaner in a first embodiment; Figures 4 and 5 are a controllable air outlet for a floor cleaner in a second embodiment; Figure 6 is a flowchart of a first method for controlling a floor cleaner; Figure 7 is a flowchart of a second method for controlling a floor cleaner; Figure 8 is a flowchart of a third method for controlling a floor cleaner represent.

[0026] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary floor cleaner 100 for cleaning a floor surface 105. The floor cleaner 100 is designed to move across the floor surface 105 and treat it by means of a cleaning device 110 in order to remove dirt 115 from it. In the representation of Figure 1The cleaning device 110 is designed to vacuum up dirt 115 from the floor surface 105. For this purpose, the cleaning device 110 comprises a suction nozzle 120 and a blower 125. A dirt separator 130 is provided upstream of the blower 125 as an example. Optionally, a driven brush roller with a horizontal axis of rotation is provided in the area of ​​the suction nozzle.

[0027] In another embodiment, the cleaning device 110 can also be configured for wet cleaning. A combined cleaning device 110 or several individual cleaning devices 110 can also be provided on the floor cleaner 100. The cleaning device 110 has a certain width that defines a cleaning area 135. Dirt 115 located within the cleaning area 135 can be picked up from the floor surface 105 when the cleaning device 110 is moved over it. This is usually done by the floor cleaner 100 moving forward.

[0028] Dirt 115, which lies next to the processing area 135 on the floor surface 105, is to be brought into the processing area 135 by means of a feeding device 140.

[0029] This applies in particular to dirt 115, which would otherwise be run over by the floor cleaner 100 but not picked up, as in Figure 1 As indicated, if the floor cleaner 100 travels close to a lateral boundary 145 of the floor surface 105, the feed device 140 should move dirt 115 from an area located laterally between the processing area 135 and the boundary 145. The movement should be as lateral as possible with respect to the direction of movement of the floor cleaner 100. For this purpose, a side brush with one or more horizontal fiber bundles extending radially from a rotation axis and guided across the floor surface 105 when the side brush is rotated can be conventionally provided.

[0030] It is proposed to provide a feeding device 140 that moves the dirt 115 not by means of a solid object, but by means of an airflow 150 that is expelled along the bottom surface 105. The airflow runs in a variable predetermined horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 1 indicated by an airflow 150 with broken lines and a double arrow in a horizontal swivel direction.

[0031] The airflow 150 can be provided, for example, by means of an additional blower 155. Control of the additional blower 155, as well as optionally the feed device 140, can be effected by means of a control device 160 of the floor cleaner 100. In one embodiment, the additional blower 155 can draw air from the vicinity of the floor cleaner 100.

[0032] In a further embodiment, an exhaust air stream from the blower 125 can also be advantageously used to generate the air stream 150. For this purpose, an exhaust air stream exiting the blower 125 can be directed wholly or partially to the supply device 140. A controllable distributor 165 can be provided for this purpose, which can also be controlled by the control device 160. Optionally, an additional blower 155 can be provided to further accelerate the exhaust air or to be able to provide an air stream 150 even when the exhaust air stream has ceased.

[0033] Figures 2 and 3 relate to a first variant of the feeding device 140, which uses an air outlet whose horizontal orientation can be mechanically adjusted about a vertical axis of rotation 205. Figure 2 shows a side view of the floor cleaner 100. An optional bristle roller can be seen in the area of ​​the suction nozzle 120. Figure 3shows an oblique view of a floor cleaner 100 from below.

[0034] The illustrated feed device 140 comprises, by way of example, a body 210 rotatable about the axis of rotation 205, into which at least one, in this case three, air outlets 215 are provided. Several air outlets 215 are preferably evenly distributed around a circumference around the axis of rotation 205. The angles between the exit direction of an airflow 150 through an air outlet 215 and the radius from the axis of rotation 205 through the air outlet 215 can be equal in order to achieve uniform coverage of the surrounding area. A horizontal and / or vertical angle of an individual air outlet 215 can also be individually designed to achieve a predetermined function. Furthermore, the diameter of an air outlet 215 can be adapted depending on its function.For example, a shallowly oriented air outlet 215 with a large outlet diameter can provide a far-reaching airflow, while a steeply oriented air outlet with a small outlet diameter can clear a closer and more precisely defined area. In one embodiment, such an angle can be essentially 0°, so that air is blown radially outwards through an air outlet 215. In another embodiment, a small positive angle can also be included, for example, in a range up to approximately 5° or up to approximately 20°, to further improve the effective angle of the airflow. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle is approximately 5°–7°. A surface of the body 210 facing the base surface 105 is preferably dome-shaped or convex, and more preferably radially symmetrical about the axis of rotation 205. The body 210 can be partially enclosed in a housing of the floor cleaner 100.

[0035] Figures 4 and 5 relate to a second variant of the feed device 140, which uses several air outlets 215 that are fixed in different horizontal directions, whereby it can be controlled through which of the air outlets the airflow 150 should pass. Figure 4 shows a side view and Figure 5 A view from below of a floor cleaner 100.

[0036] As an example, nine air outlets 215 are attached to a front right edge of the floor cleaner 100. For clarity, the directions of discharge of an airflow 150 through the air outlets 215 are indicated by arrows. It can be seen that the horizontal directions of the discharge are all different. In this case, the directions are distributed such that the airflow 150 varies in directional intervals of approximately 10°. The air outlets 215 are attached as close together as possible, but do not necessarily have to be related to a common vertical axis 205.

[0037] An airflow 150 can be controlled sequentially, intermittently, or overlapping. In sequential control, an airflow 150 is succeeded by a second air outlet 215 via a first air outlet 215. In intermittent operation, a predetermined time elapses between the closing of the first air outlet 215 and the opening of the second. In overlapping control, both air outlets 215 are open for a predetermined time during the transition.

[0038] The following are exemplary procedures for controlling a floor cleaner 100. It should be noted that the steps of the procedures do not necessarily have to be carried out in the order shown and that steps from different procedures can be combined. Furthermore, transitions between the steps other than those shown or described are possible, as a person skilled in the art will readily recognize.

[0039] Figure 6 Figure 605 shows a flowchart of a first procedure 600 for controlling a floor cleaner 100. In step 605, a floor area 105 of a household can be treated using the floor cleaner 100. In step 610, the condition of the floor area 105 can be determined. The condition can be determined, for example, based on the current draw of a drive for a brush roller. Alternatively, a measurement from a floor sensor can be used.

[0040] In step 615, it can be determined that the floor area 105 comprises a hard floor, for example, linoleum, parquet, tiles, screed, cork, or laminate. In step 620, the airflow can be activated by means of the feed device 140, so that loose dirt can be driven laterally into a processing area 135 of the cleaning device 110.

[0041] In step 625, it can alternatively be determined that the floor area 105 includes a carpet or carpeting. It may be sufficient for a carpet to be located only under a section of the cleaning device 110. In step 630, the airflow can be deactivated by means of the supply device 140.

[0042] In both cases, the process can continue in step 635 to the processing of soil area 105. This step can correspond to step 610, from which soil area 105 can be examined again.

[0043] In step 635, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 has completed cleaning floor area 105. Typically, in step 640, the floor cleaner 100 then moves to a predetermined position, for example, to a charging or service station. During this transfer, the cleaning unit 110 may be deactivated, and the process can be referred to as a transfer. During the transfer, in step 645, the airflow can be deactivated by means of the feed unit 140. It should be noted that a transfer can also occur before the cleaning of floor area 105 begins or between cleanings of different sections of floor area 105.

[0044] Figure 7Figure 705 shows a flowchart of a second method 700 for controlling a floor cleaner 100. In step 705, the floor cleaner 100 can process the floor area 105, similar to step 605 of method 600. In step 710, the area surrounding the floor cleaner 100 can be scanned. In particular, it can be determined whether the floor cleaner 100 is located within the area of ​​a vertical boundary 145. A boundary 145 can be formed, for example, by a wall, a door frame, or a piece of furniture.

[0045] In step 715, it can be determined that a free area is present. An airflow can be kept constant by means of the feed device 140. The intensity of the airflow can be medium.

[0046] Alternatively, in step 720, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 approaches an edge between the floor surface 105 and the lateral boundary 145. The airflow via the feed device 140 can be increased to a high level. Additionally, the airflow can be directed in the direction of travel or towards the edge.

[0047] Subsequently, in step 725, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 moves away from the edge again. In this case, the airflow intensity can be reduced back to a medium level. The airflow can be directed in the direction used to clean an open area.

[0048] Alternatively, in step 730, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 is approaching a corner. In this case, the airflow intensity can be reduced to a low or very low level. A nozzle pointing in the direction of travel or towards the edge can be deactivated.

[0049] In step 735, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 has reached the corner, at which point the floor cleaner 100 can stop. The intensity of the airflow can be increased to a high level. Nozzles can be activated in the direction of travel or towards the edge.

[0050] In step 740, the floor cleaner 100 can leave the corner again. Preferably, even before the floor cleaner 100 starts moving, the intensity of the airflow can be reduced to a low or very low level. A nozzle in the direction of travel or towards the edge can be deactivated. The procedure 700 can then be repeated.

[0051] Figure 8 Figure 800 shows a flowchart of a third procedure for controlling a floor cleaner. In step 805, which can correspond to steps 705 and 605, the floor cleaner 100 can process the floor area 105. In step 810 (cf. step 710), the area surrounding the floor cleaner 100 can be scanned.

[0052] In step 815, it can be determined that a narrow object is located on the floor surface 105 within the area of ​​the floor cleaner 100. Such an object could, in particular, be a furniture leg. In step 820, the airflow can be controlled to a high level. Nozzles directed in the direction of travel or towards the object can be activated. Optionally, the floor cleaner 100 remains stationary at the object for a predetermined time.

[0053] In step 825, it can be determined that the floor cleaner 100 is located on an open area, and in step 830, the airflow can be controlled accordingly. These steps can correspond to steps 615 and 620.

[0054] In step 835, the processing of floor area 105 can continue. This step can correspond to step 805, so that the third procedure 800 can effectively be repeated. In step 840 (cf. step 640), it can be determined that the floor cleaner performs a transfer to a predetermined location. In step 845 (cf. step 645), the airflow can be deactivated during this transfer by means of the feed device 140. Reference sign

[0055] 100 Floor cleaner 105 Floor area 110 Cleaning device 115 Dirt 120 Suction nozzle 125 Blower 130 Dirt separator 135 Processing area 140 Feed device 145 Limitation 150 Airflow 155 Blower 160 Control device 165 Distributor 205Axis of rotation 210Body 215Air outlet 600 First procedure 605 Process floor surface 610 Determine floor surface condition 615 Floor surface includes hard floor 620 Activate airflow 625 Floor surface includes carpet 630 Deactivate airflow 635 Process floor surface 640 Transfer 645 Deactivate airflow 700 Second procedure 705 Process floor surface 710 Scan surroundings 715 Free area 720 Approach edge 725 Leave edge 730 Approach corner 735 Clean in corner 740 Leave corner 800 Third method 805 Edit floor surface 810 Scan surroundings 815 Narrow object on floor surface 820 Adjust airflow 825 Free area 830 Leave airflow unchanged 835 Edit floor surface 840 Transfer 845 Deactivate airflow

Claims

1. A method (600, 700, 800) for controlling a floor cleaner (100) for cleaning a floor surface (105) in a household, wherein the floor cleaner (100) comprises the following: - a cleaning device (110) in the region of the floor surface (105); and - a feed device (140) for providing an air flow (150) running along the floor surface (105) in order to drive dirt (115) on the floor surface (105), in particular laterally, in the direction of the cleaning device (110); wherein the method (600, 700, 800) comprises the following steps: - determining (610, 710, 810) a cleaning situation; and - controlling (620, 630, 645, 715-740, 820, 830, 845) an intensity of the air flow (150) depending on the cleaning situation.

2. Method (600, 700, 800) according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal direction of the air flow (150) is controlled depending on the cleaning situation.

3. The method (600, 700, 800) of claim 1 or 2; wherein the air flow (150) is deactivated if the cleaning situation includes cleaning a carpet.

4. Method (600, 700, 800) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning situation is determined on the basis of a condition of the floor surface (105).

5. The method (600, 700, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air flow (150) is deactivated if the cleaning situation involves a transfer of the floor cleaner (100).

6. The method (600, 700, 800) of claim 5, wherein a transfer is determined when the floor cleaner (100) is moved over the floor surface (105) while the cleaning device (100) is deactivated.

7. The method (600, 700, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a medium level if the cleaning situation includes cleaning a free portion of the floor surface (105).

8. The method (600, 700, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a high level if the cleaning situation involves the floor cleaner (100) approaching an edge.

9. The method (600, 700, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a low level if the cleaning situation involves the floor cleaner (100) approaching a corner.

10. The method (600, 700, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a high level if the cleaning situation includes cleaning the floor surface (105) in a corner.

11. The method (600, 700, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a low level if the cleaning situation involves leaving a corner.

12. The method (600, 700, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a medium level if the cleaning situation includes removing the floor cleaner (100) from an edge.

13. The method (600, 700, 800) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intensity of the air flow (150) is controlled to a high level if the cleaning situation includes cleaning in the area of ​​a narrow object on the floor surface (105).

14. Floor cleaner (100) for cleaning a floor surface (105) in a household, the floor cleaner (100) comprising: - a cleaning device (110) in the region of the floor surface (105); - a feed device (140) for providing an air flow (150) running along the floor surface (105) in order to drive dirt (115) on the floor surface (105), in particular laterally, in the direction of the cleaning device (110); - a control device (160) which is configured to determine a cleaning situation; and to determine an intensity of the air flow (150) depending on the cleaning situation.

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