Cleaning device, in particular for wet and damp cleaning

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device (1) comprising at least one cleaning element (7), at least one humidification unit (8), at least one liquid tank (10) and at least one sensor unit (13), wherein the liquid tank (10) can be filled with a cleaning liquid, and wherein the cleaning liquid can be transported from the liquid tank (10) to the cleaning element (7) by means of the humidification unit (8) in order to humidify the cleaning element (7). A cleaning device (1) in which sufficient humidification of the cleaning element is always ensured for the cleaning process and, at the same time, damage to sensitive surfaces is avoided, is realized in that the cleaning device (1) is designed and configured to control (101) a humidification of the cleaning element (7) as a function of at least one cleaning parameter,and that the at least one cleaning parameter is a size (102) of a traveled area of ​​the processing environment (4), at least one measured value (103) of at least one moisture sensor (14) of the cleaning device (1), at least one contamination (104) in the processing environment (4) detected by means of a sensor unit (13), the type (105) of the cleaning element (7) and / or the type (106) of the surface to be cleaned.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device comprising at least one cleaning element, at least one humidification unit, at least one liquid tank, and at least one sensor unit. The liquid tank can be filled with a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid can be transported from the liquid tank to the cleaning element by means of the humidification unit in order to humidify the cleaning element.

[0002] Cleaning devices for wet and damp cleaning are known in the state of the art in a variety of designs. In principle, a distinction is made between hand-held cleaning devices, which are manually operated by a user, and those that move autonomously within a cleaning environment, such as cleaning robots.

[0003] Cleaning devices with a wet or damp cleaning function typically have a fluid tank for holding a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is conveyed, for example, by the humidification unit to the cleaning element, e.g., a wiping cloth, which is then moistened with the cleaning fluid. Soiling on a surface to be cleaned is removed, for example, by a carrier module to which the cleaning element is attached oscillating at least in one plane. The plane is essentially parallel to the surface to be cleaned. To convey the cleaning fluid, e.g., water, from the fluid tank to the cleaning element and, for example, to distribute it within the cleaning element, at least one pump is typically used.

[0004] However, cleaning devices known from the prior art have the disadvantage that it cannot be ensured for the entire course of the cleaning process that the cleaning element has sufficient moisture for cleaning, while at the same time avoiding damage to moisture-sensitive surfaces due to excessive moisture.

[0005] Based on this prior art, the present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a cleaning device in which sufficient moistening of the cleaning element for the cleaning process is always ensured and, at the same time, damage to sensitive surfaces is avoided.

[0006] The object mentioned above is achieved in a generic cleaning device with the features of the characterizing part of claim 1, namely in that the cleaning device is designed and configured to control humidification of the cleaning element as a function of at least one cleaning parameter. According to the invention, humidification is controlled as a function of the size of an area of ​​the processing environment traversed by the cleaning device and / or of at least one measured value from at least one moisture sensor of the cleaning device and / or of at least one type of contamination in the processing environment detected by a sensor unit and / or of the type of cleaning element and / or of the type of surface to be cleaned. It is advantageously provided that each of the aforementioned cleaning parameters is used individually or a combination of the aforementioned cleaning parameters is used to control humidification.

[0007] The cleaning device is designed, for example, as a cleaning robot that moves autonomously in a processing environment or as a hand-held cleaning device. The cleaning device is advantageously a cleaning device with at least a wiping function, in particular also with a suction function.

[0008] A cleaning device designed as a cleaning robot comprises at least one housing, on which at least one drive unit and at least one cleaning tool are advantageously arranged. The drive unit preferably has at least two drive wheels.

[0009] A hand-held cleaning device comprises, in particular, at least one housing and at least one handle arranged on the housing for guiding the cleaning device through the processing environment. The cleaning device advantageously has guide rollers to facilitate movement by a user.

[0010] The cleaning element is designed, for example, as a cleaning cloth, cleaning mop, cleaning fleece, or similar object suitable for wet and / or damp cleaning. The cleaning element is preferably constructed in multiple layers. The cleaning element is attached, for example, to a carrier module of the cleaning device. The carrier module is preferably part of the humidification unit. The carrier module is designed, in particular, for the detachable attachment of the cleaning element, so that a surface in the processing environment can be cleaned with the cleaning element attached to the carrier module. The carrier module can also be referred to as the cloth carrier plate of the cleaning device. The cleaning element can be connected, for example, to the carrier module in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. A hook-and-loop connection and / or a clamp connection is advantageously formed between the carrier module and the cleaning element.The cleaning element can preferably be fastened to the carrier module in such a way that, after fastening, it extends in a plane, so that a flat surface or a substrate can be cleaned with the cleaning element fastened to the carrier module.

[0011] In order to advantageously remove contaminants from a surface to be cleaned, for example, the carrier module is held on the cleaning device so that it can move in at least one plane. For example, the carrier module is driven during operation of the cleaning device so that the carrier module vibrates, oscillates and / or rotates during operation. Preferably, the carrier module is movable eccentrically with an axis A on a circular path so that the carrier module executes a circular movement with a defined radius relative to the cleaning device. There is no rotation of the carrier module itself. It is provided that the movement of the carrier module can be effected by at least one drive means, for example a motor.

[0012] Advantageously, the carrier module is also mounted so that it can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the plane, so that the carrier module, particularly together with the cleaning element, can be lifted off a surface. This is advantageous for overcoming obstacles, such as edges, in the processing environment.

[0013] The liquid tank is designed and configured to hold a cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is, for example, water or water with an added cleaning agent. It is also intended that other liquid cleaning agents be introduced into the liquid tank. The humidification unit is designed and configured to transport the cleaning liquid from the liquid tank to the cleaning element and, in particular, to distribute it on or in the cleaning element. The liquid tank is advantageously arranged within the housing of the cleaning device. In particular, the humidification unit has at least one pump and at least one fluid channel. The fluid channel has at least one outlet opening, preferably a plurality of outlet openings, for humidifying the cleaning element.

[0014] The cleaning device is designed and configured to control humidification of the cleaning element as a function of at least one cleaning parameter. The humidification is preferably controlled by means of a data processing unit of the cleaning device and / or by means of a data processing unit of the humidification unit. The humidification of the cleaning element is controlled, in particular before and / or during a cleaning process, as a function of at least one or more of the aforementioned cleaning parameters. It is preferably provided that the cleaning parameter is a size of an area traveled over by the cleaning device, i.e. the size of the area already cleaned. The size of the area for which a certain amount of cleaning fluid applied to the cleaning element is sufficient is determined, for example, by the type of surface to be cleaned.A smaller amount is required for a wooden floor than for a stone floor. The specified amount is applied, for example, at intervals or continuously. Once the predetermined area has been cleaned, the cleaning element is further moistened. For example, the amount of cleaning fluid is approximately between 1 ml / m 2 and 10 ml / m 2 , preferably between 3 ml / m 2 and 7 ml / m 2 . If the moistening is controlled, as provided according to the invention, depending on the size of the area covered by the cleaning device, it is always guaranteed that the cleaning element is sufficiently moist to ensure cleaning, but not too moist so as not to damage the surface. In particular, over-moistening is avoided in areas with slow travel speeds, such as between chair legs.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the humidification of the cleaning element is controlled as a function of at least one measured value from at least one moisture sensor of the cleaning device. The moisture sensor is arranged, for example, in or on the cleaning element or on the carrier module, in particular in such a way that a moisture measurement on and / or in the cleaning element is possible. Preferably, the moisture content of the cleaning element or a moisture quantity of a surface area directly passed over by the cleaning device can be determined by means of the moisture sensor. Depending on at least one threshold value, humidification then occurs, for example, if the moisture content of the cleaning element is lower than at least one threshold value.It is also planned that the humidification is controlled depending on the size of the area traveled over, but in addition a maximum moisture content and a minimum moisture content are monitored with the moisture sensor.

[0016] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the humidification of the cleaning element is controlled by means of contamination of the processing environment detected by a sensor unit of the cleaning device.

[0017] The sensor unit of the cleaning device has, for example, at least one camera and / or at least one 3D sensor, which can be used to detect, for example, minor elevations on the surface to be cleaned as contamination. It is also intended that the sensor unit has at least one LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, at least one ultrasonic sensor, and / or at least one infrared sensor. If, for example, contamination is detected, the moisture content in the cleaning element is automatically increased, at least temporarily, to ensure increased cleaning performance of the cleaning element.Once the area with the dirt has been passed over and / or the dirt has been completely removed, no further moistening occurs until the desired lower moisture content of the cleaning element is reached again, for example, by passing over additional areas to be cleaned without further moistening. This allows the cleaning device to temporarily increase its cleaning performance by increasing the moisture content in order to respond to the dirt.

[0018] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the humidification of the cleaning element is controlled depending on the type of cleaning element. Different cleaning elements made of different materials and / or with a different structure, in particular a layered structure, have different properties with regard to the absorption and release of the cleaning fluid. If, for example, a cleaning element with a low fluid absorption capacity is installed, different humidification occurs, e.g., at different intervals or with different fluid quantities, than if a cleaning element is installed that can absorb larger quantities of fluid. The same applies to cleaning elements of different sizes.

[0019] Finally, it is further provided, alternatively or additionally, that the humidification of the cleaning element is controlled depending on the type of surface to be cleaned. The type of surface to be cleaned, for example stone or wooden floor, is detected, for example, by the cleaning device, in particular by means of the sensor unit, or entered manually by a user, for example via a mobile data processing device. Depending on the type of surface to be cleaned, for example, greater humidification occurs on stone floors than on wooden floors. It is particularly preferably provided that the humidification is controlled depending on the size of the area traveled over, wherein the liquid quantities and / or maximum and minimum humidification values ​​are defined by the type of surface.For example, a sensitive wooden floor is humidified at 1 ml / m², while a tiled floor is humidified at 10 ml / m². It is particularly preferred that the humidification of the cleaning element be controlled depending on the area being traveled over and the type of surface to be cleaned.

[0020] The invention has the advantage over the prior art that uniform moistening and an optimal moisture content in the cleaning element are always guaranteed for a good cleaning effect. The moisture level of the cleaning element can vary for different floor types during cleaning and is automatically adjusted by the cleaning device. Sensitive wooden floors, for example, are only mopped with a damp cloth, while tiled floors are mopped with a significantly damp cloth. The invention ensures that the entire surface of the cleaning element in contact with the floor is activated for dirt absorption through optimal moistening – not too wet to promote dirt absorption in the cleaning element and leave a small amount of residual moisture containing dirt on the floor, and not too dry to exert a sufficient dirt-removing effect, especially in the case of localized soiling.

[0021] According to a first embodiment of the cleaning device, it is provided that the humidification comprises the intermittent or continuous conveying of cleaning fluid to the cleaning element. It is provided that only a very small amount of cleaning fluid is continuously conveyed into the cleaning element over a certain period of time, in particular during the cleaning process, or that a certain amount of cleaning fluid is conveyed to the cleaning element in batches at predetermined time intervals. In particular, it is provided that identical and / or varying amounts of cleaning fluid are conveyed in batches or continuously. In the case of intermittent humidification, the amount of fluid used for humidification is, for example, between 10 ml and 100 ml, preferably between 30 ml and 90 ml.The need for cleaning fluid is always determined by the moisture content of the cleaning element required for effective cleaning.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the cleaning device, the humidification unit is designed and configured to carry out humidification, i.e. to transport cleaning fluid to the cleaning element, when the size of the area traveled over exceeds a predetermined threshold value, in particular since the start of the cleaning process and / or since a previous humidification. After the threshold value is exceeded, for example when a cleaned area of ​​10 m2< is exceeded, a predetermined amount of cleaning fluid is conveyed to the cleaning element. The size of the area traveled over is recorded in particular from the start of the cleaning process and / or since the application of a quantity of cleaning fluid to the cleaning element.

[0023] In this exemplary embodiment, it has also proven advantageous to set the threshold value for the area traveled over depending on the type of surface in the processing environment. For example, with tiled floors, the threshold value is lower, meaning the area traveled over is smaller, which triggers further moistening, than with a wooden floor, which requires only a lower moisture content in the cleaning element, since, for example, it can only be cleaned with a damp cloth.

[0024] In particular, it has been found that multiple passes over surface areas only slightly impact the cleaning performance of the cleaning element. Therefore, according to a further embodiment of the cleaning device, when determining the area passed over, areas passed over repeatedly are only taken into account once when calculating the area size. For example, if a table leg is passed over several times, the area surrounding the table leg is only taken into account once.

[0025] To enable efficient navigation, particularly with autonomously moving cleaning devices, a further embodiment provides for the determination of the size of the area traveled over and / or the identification of areas already traveled over using map data and / or the sensor unit. In particular, it is provided that the area traveled over is determined using the map data and the orientation of the cleaning device within the map. The determination is carried out in particular using the sensor unit and the data processing unit of the cleaning device. Preferably, the area is determined using the so-called "SLAM" method ("Simultaneous Localization and Mapping"). SLAM enables the cleaning device to map its surroundings, locate itself within them, and simultaneously perform tasks without operating on predetermined paths.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, it has proven particularly advantageous if the cleaning device, in particular the humidification unit, is designed and configured to control the humidification further as a function of the size of a surface still to be cleaned, in particular as part of a cleaning process. In order to always be able to guarantee the correct moisture content of the cleaning element when transitioning between different surface types, it is provided that if the surface still to be cleaned has fallen below a certain threshold value and the surface area to be cleaned subsequently requires a low moisture content, the moisture content in the cleaning element is no longer increased, i.e., for example, no further humidification takes place.This design also has the advantage that humidification can also be suspended at the end of a cleaning process to ensure rapid drying of the cleaning element after cleaning is complete. This advantageously ensures that a certain minimum moisture content in the cleaning element is always maintained, ensuring optimal cleaning performance until the end of the cleaning process.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the cleaning device, it has proven advantageous if the sensor unit is designed and configured to detect the type of surface to be cleaned in the processing environment. The sensor unit therefore has at least one sensor and / or at least one camera to detect the type of surface to be cleaned. For example, at least one sensor and / or at least one camera is arranged on an underside of the cleaning device or is arranged in such a way that the surface can be detected. Preferably, the sensor unit is designed and configured to detect the material of the surface. For example, a distinction can be made between different types of wood, installation types and / or between tiled, stone and plastic floors. The detected type of surface is advantageously used in the humidification control.

[0028] Alternatively or in addition to the exemplary embodiment described above, a further embodiment provides for the type of cleaning element and the type of surface to be cleaned to be adjustable by a user. For example, the user can enter or select the type of surface to be cleaned in an app on a mobile data processing device, such as a smartphone, and / or using an input device on the cleaning device, such as a touch display and / or a button or keyboard, and thus define it as a cleaning parameter. Alternatively or additionally, the type of cleaning element, i.e., the size and / or the material, can also be selected or entered.

[0029] A further embodiment of the cleaning device provides that a maximum moistening of the cleaning element, i.e. an upper limit for the frequency or amount of cleaning fluid applied, or a maximum moisture content, is specified depending on the type of surface to be cleaned in the processing environment, and / or that a maximum moistening of the cleaning element can be set by a user. This is necessary, for example, if very sensitive wooden floors are to be cleaned with the cleaning device, the very specific properties of which are not known in advance. Preferably, a maximum moisture content of the cleaning element can be set manually. The user inputs the value, for example, using a mobile data processing device, e.g.using a smartphone, and / or using an input device on the cleaning device, i.e. using a touch display and / or using a button or keyboard.

[0030] In particular, to ensure that the cleaning process achieves the desired cleaning performance right from the start, a further embodiment of the cleaning device provides that the cleaning device is designed and configured to prepare the cleaning element for a cleaning process. During the preparation, which can also be referred to as initial moistening, cleaning fluid is applied in at least or exactly two batches. There is a predefined waiting time between the two batches. The waiting time serves to distribute the cleaning fluid in the cleaning element. In particular, there is also a waiting time before the start of cleaning and after the second batch. The waiting time is between one second and 30 seconds, preferably between 5 seconds and 15 seconds.

[0031] Preferably, the cleaning device is still in a base station or outside the base station while the cleaning element is being prepared for a cleaning process. In any case, the actual cleaning process has not yet begun.

[0032] The number of cycles is determined based on the size of the cleaning element, the material of the cleaning element, and / or the number of outlet openings for the discharge of cleaning fluid to the cleaning element. Particularly preferred is the application of cleaning fluid in between two and ten cycles, with a predefined waiting time between each cycle, and in particular also after the last cycle. The waiting time after the last cycle can in particular be up to 60 seconds.

[0033] During this preparation for the cleaning process, the cleaning element can be actively driven, for example by oscillating or rotating, to assist in the distribution of the cleaning fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning element is raised from the surface during preparation for the cleaning process so that the surface is not damaged by the cleaning element being moistened while stationary. After preparation, the cleaning element advantageously has an optimal moisture content for the cleaning process. Preferably, the preparation, including the waiting times, is completed within one minute, in particular within 30 seconds.

[0034] It has proven particularly advantageous if the amount of cleaning fluid applied in one stroke, in particular the amount of cleaning fluid applied in all strokes, is determined as a function of the size of an area to be cleaned in the processing environment and / or as a function of the type of surface to be cleaned in the processing environment. The amount of cleaning fluid to be applied is therefore determined as a function of the size of the area and / or the type of surface to be cleaned. Preferably, predefined amounts for specific area sizes and / or surfaces and / or combinations of surface and area size are stored in a memory of the cleaning device.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the amount of cleaning fluid applied in one push, in particular the amount of cleaning fluid applied in all pushes, can be adjusted by a user. The adjustment is carried out, for example, by means of a mobile

[0036] Data processing device and / or by means of an input device on the cleaning device. This allows the user to limit the maximum amount of cleaning agent or the amount applied in one stroke on particularly sensitive floors. In particular, this allows deviations from the values ​​pre-stored in the cleaning device to be realized.

[0037] The invention further relates to a cleaning device having at least one cleaning element, at least one humidification unit, at least one liquid tank, and at least one sensor unit. The liquid tank can be filled with a cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid can be transported from the liquid tank to the cleaning element by means of the humidification unit in order to humidify the cleaning element. The cleaning device is characterized in that the cleaning device is designed and configured to prepare the cleaning element for a cleaning process, that during the preparation, cleaning liquid is applied in at least or exactly two batches, and that a predefined waiting time occurs between two batches. In particular, the application occurs in between two batches, with a predefined waiting time occurring between each two batches.It is intended to design and further develop such a cleaning device according to the exemplary embodiments for a cleaning device described above and below.

[0038] An advantageous waiting time between two attacks is between 5 and 120 seconds, preferably between 5 and 60 seconds, particularly preferably between 5 and 30 seconds.

[0039] The invention further relates to a method for operating a cleaning device. The cleaning device has at least one cleaning element, at least one humidification unit, at least one liquid tank, and at least one sensor unit. The liquid tank can be filled with a cleaning liquid, and the cleaning liquid can be transported from the liquid tank to the cleaning element by means of the humidification unit in order to humidify the cleaning element. The cleaning device is preferably designed according to one of the described embodiments. The method comprises at least the following method step: Controlling a humidification of the cleaning element as a function of at least one cleaning parameter, wherein the at least one cleaning parameter is a size of a traveled area of ​​the processing environment and / or at least one measured value of at least one moisture sensor of the cleaning device and / or at least one contamination in the processing environment detected by means of a sensor unit and / or the type of cleaning element and / or the surface to be cleaned.

[0040] It is intended to design and further develop such a method and / or the cleaning device according to the method in accordance with the exemplary embodiments described above and below.

[0041] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a data processing unit of the cleaning device having at least one processor and at least one memory, cause the data processing unit to carry out the steps of the method disclosed above.

[0042] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0043] They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device in perspective view, Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device in side view, Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device in partial section, Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a method sequence for controlling the humidification in a schematic representation, Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a method sequence for preparing the cleaning device for a cleaning process, and Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a data processing unit for a cleaning device.

[0044] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols.

[0045] With regard to the following description, it is claimed that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of described combinations of features, but rather each individual partial feature of the / each exemplary embodiment is also important for the subject matter of the invention, both independently of all other partial features described in connection therewith and also in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a cleaning device 1 in perspective view. The cleaning device 1 has a housing 2 with drive wheels 3 and is designed and configured for autonomous movement and for cleaning a processing environment 4. The cleaning device 1 is a vacuum and mop robot, which, in addition to wet cleaning, also enables vacuuming of the processing environment 4.

[0047] Fig. 2shows an alternative embodiment of a cleaning device 1 in side view. The cleaning device 1 is designed as a hand-held vacuum and wiper device. The cleaning device 1 according to Fig. 2 has a housing 2 and guide rollers 5. A user can guide the cleaning device 1 through the processing environment 4 using a handle 6 in order to clean the processing environment 4.

[0048] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a part of a cleaning device 1. The cleaning device 1 is like the embodiment of the Fig. 1The cleaning device 1 has at least one cleaning element 7 on its underside, which is attached to a humidification unit 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning element 7, which is designed as a cleaning cloth, is held on a carrier module 9 of the humidification unit 8. The cleaning device 1 further has at least one liquid tank 10, which can be filled with a cleaning liquid, for example water with a cleaning agent. The cleaning element 7 is detachably connected to the carrier module 9. The carrier module 9 is in turn detachably connected to the cleaning device 1. The carrier module 9 is movable in a plane E relative to the cleaning device 1 by moving with a central axis A on a circular path - see Fig. 3 below. The movement of the carrier module 9 is caused by a motor 22.

[0049] Within the carrier module 9, a fluid channel 11 is formed, which is in fluidic connection with the liquid tank 10, so that cleaning liquid can be transported via the fluid channel 11 by a pump 12 to the cleaning element 7. The cleaning device 1 has a sensor unit 13, which includes at least one moisture sensor 14. The moisture sensor 14 is according to Fig. 3 arranged on the underside of the carrier module 9 so that the moisture sensor 14 can detect the moisture content in or on the cleaning element 7.

[0050] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 the sensor unit 13 further comprises an environmental sensor system 15 with which obstacles in the processing environment 4, but also contamination on a surface of the processing environment 4, can be detected.

[0051] Fig. 4shows schematically the sequence of a method 100 for controlling 101 a humidification of the cleaning element 7. The cleaning devices of the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 3 are, for example, designed and configured to carry out the method 100. The control 101 of the humidification of the cleaning element 7 (see Fig. 3 ) takes place as a function of at least one cleaning parameter, wherein the cleaning parameter is a size 102 of a surface of the processing environment that is traveled over and / or at least one measured value 103 of the moisture sensor 14 of the cleaning device 1 and / or at least one contamination 104 in the processing environment 4 detected by means of a sensor unit 13 and / or the type 105 of the cleaning element 7 and / or the type 106 of the surface to be cleaned.

[0052] When controlling 101 the humidification as a function of the size 102 of a traveled over area of ​​the processing environment 4, after an initial humidification of the cleaning element 7, which is subsequently described in a preferred embodiment of the Fig. 5described in detail, the cleaning element 7 is only moistened again when the cleaning device 1 has passed over an area of ​​a predetermined size, for example 10 m 2< . Alternatively or additionally, the humidification of the cleaning element 7 is controlled 101 as a function of at least one measured value from a moisture sensor 14 of the cleaning device 1. For example, a maximum moisture content of the cleaning element 7 is set as a function of the surface to be cleaned, so that further moistening of the cleaning element 7 does not occur as long as the moisture sensor 14 indicates a sufficient moisture content in the cleaning element 7. It is also provided that, in the case of control as a function of the size 102 of the area, the moisture sensor 14 is used to monitor a maximum and minimum moisture content.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, humidification of the cleaning element 7 occurs depending on contamination 104 in the processing environment 4 detected by a sensor unit 13. If the sensor unit 13 of the cleaning device 1 detects local contamination in the processing environment 4, for example, by means of the environmental sensor 15, the cleaning element 7 is temporarily additionally humidified to remove the contamination. Subsequently, the cleaning element 7 is not humidified again until a moisture content in the cleaning element 7 desired for the normal cleaning process is reached again.

[0054] Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, it is provided that a control 101 of the humidification of the cleaning element 7 takes place depending on the type 105 of the cleaning element 7 and / or the type 106 of the surface to be cleaned. In particular, the type 105 of the cleaning element 7 and / or the type 106 of the surface to be cleaned determine, for example, a maximum number of humidification intervals or a maximum amount of cleaning fluid that is introduced into the cleaning element 7 during humidification. The humidification unit 8 of the cleaning device 1 has, for example, at least one data processing unit 16, which, for example, in Fig. 6 It is also provided that the humidification unit 8 uses a data processing unit 16 of the cleaning device 1, which also corresponds to the embodiment of the Fig. 6 corresponds.

[0055] The humidification unit 8 of the cleaning device 1 is preferably designed and configured such that the cleaning element 7 is humidified intermittently or continuously, in particular with identical and / or varying amounts of cleaning fluid. This ensures that sufficient cleaning performance is always achieved, while preventing damage to the surface due to excessive cleaning fluid.

[0056] The size 102 of the area traveled over is determined, for example, since the start of a cleaning process or since the execution of a previous moistening and is preferably compared with a threshold value. For example, the size 102 of the area traveled over in the processing environment 4, which triggers further moistening of the cleaning element 7, depends on the type 106 of the surface. The size 102 of the area traveled over is determined using map data and the sensor unit 13 of the cleaning device 1.

[0057] Advantageously, the cleaning device 1, in particular the humidification unit 8, is designed and configured to control 101 the humidification of the cleaning element 7 also as a function of a size 107 of a surface still to be cleaned. This makes it possible to take into account both that the moisture content is already correctly adjusted immediately at the transition from a first surface in the processing environment 4 to a second surface in the processing environment 4, and also that no additional humidification takes place towards the end of the cleaning process in order to accelerate drying of the cleaning element 7 after completion of the cleaning process.

[0058] According to Fig. 1The cleaning device 1 also has a data interface 17, with which the cleaning device 1 can be connected to a user's mobile data processing device 18, for example a smartphone, so that the user can, for example, set the type 105 of the cleaning element 7 or the type 106 of the surface to be cleaned via the data processing device 18. Alternatively or additionally, the type 105 of the cleaning element 7 and / or the type 106 of the surface to be cleaned can be set by means of an input means 19 on the cleaning device 1.

[0059] The cleaning device 1, in particular according to the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 3 , is further designed and configured to prepare 201 the cleaning element 7 for a cleaning process. An exemplary sequence of a method 200 for preparing 201 is shown schematically in Fig. 5shown. As part of the preparation 201, a first amount of cleaning fluid is first applied 202 to the cleaning element 7 in a first batch. After a waiting time 203 of approximately 10 seconds, a further application 204 of a second amount of cleaning fluid takes place in a second batch. After a further waiting time 205 of approximately 5 seconds, a third amount of cleaning fluid is applied 206 in a third batch. The waiting times 203, 205 between the applications 202, 204, 206 of cleaning fluid allow the cleaning fluid to advantageously distribute itself in the cleaning element 7, so that immediately at the start of a cleaning process, a cleaning element 7 is present that is advantageously moistened to achieve a good cleaning result.In this embodiment, after the application 206 of the third quantity of cleaning fluid and before the start of the cleaning process, a third waiting time 207 of approximately 15 seconds takes place in order to ensure distribution of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning element 7.

[0060] The amount of cleaning fluid applied with one push is determined depending on a size of an area to be cleaned in the processing environment 4 and / or depending on the type 106 of the surface to be cleaned in the processing environment 4.

[0061] According to Fig. 3The cleaning fluid is pumped from the fluid tank 10 into a fluid channel 11 in the carrier module 9 by means of the pump 12. The fluid channel 11 in the carrier module 9 has a plurality of outlet openings 20 distributed over the surface of the cleaning element 7, ensuring the most uniform moistening possible of the cleaning element 7. On its side facing the carrier module 9, the cleaning element 7 has protruding fibers 21 that at least partially penetrate the outlet openings 20 to promote the outflow of the cleaning fluid.

[0062] Fig. 5shows a schematically illustrated data processing unit 16 for a cleaning device 1 or a humidification unit of the described embodiments. It is intended that individual elements of the data processing unit 16 may be present multiple times. With the data processing unit 16, some or all steps of the methods described for the various embodiments can be executed or the described function of the cleaning device 1 can be realized.

[0063] Computing unit 16 is illustrated as having hardware elements electrically coupled or otherwise communicating with each other via a bus 305. The hardware elements may include one or more processors 310, including, without limitation, one or more general-purpose processors and / or one or more special-purpose processors, one or more input devices 315, and one or more output devices 320. Computing unit 16 further includes and / or is in communication with one or more memories 325.

[0064] In particular, the data processing unit 16 has a communications subsystem 330. In some embodiments, the data processing unit 16 also includes a working memory 335. The data processing unit 16 may also contain software elements located—as shown by way of example—in the working memory 335. These may include an operating system 340, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or other code, for example, one or more application programs 345.

[0065] For example only, one or more steps described with respect to the cleaning device functions or methods may be implemented as code and / or instructions executable by a processor within the computing device 16; in one aspect, such code and / or instructions may then be used to configure and / or adapt a general-purpose computer or other device to perform one or more steps according to the described methods or functions of the cleaning device 16.

[0066] A portion of these instructions and / or code may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such as the memory(s) 325 described above. As mentioned above, in one aspect, some embodiments may utilize a computer system such as computing device 16 to perform methods consistent with various embodiments or the functions of cleaning device 1. According to one embodiment, some or all of the steps of a method or functions of cleaning device 1 are performed by computing device 16 in response to processor 310 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions, which may be incorporated into operating system 340 and / or other code, such as an application program 345, contained in memory 335.Such instructions may be read into memory 335 from another computer-readable medium, such as one or more of memories 325. For example only, execution of the instruction sequences contained in memory 335 could cause processor(s) 310 to perform one or more steps of the described methods or functions of cleaning device 1.

[0067] The terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium," as used herein, refer to any medium involved in providing data that causes a computing device 16 to operate in a particular manner. In an embodiment implemented using the computing device 16, various computer-readable media may be involved in providing instructions / code to the processor(s) 310 for execution and / or may be used to store and / or transmit such instructions / code. In many implementations, a computer-readable medium is a physical and / or tangible storage medium. Such a medium may take the form of a non-transitory medium or a volatile medium. Non-transitory media includes, for example, optical and / or magnetic disks, such as the memories 325.Volatile media include dynamic memory, such as RAM 335.

[0068] Communications subsystem 330 and / or its components typically receive signals, and bus 305 may then transport the signals and / or the data, instructions, etc. carried by the signals to memory 335, from which processor(s) 310 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received from memory 335 may optionally be stored in memory 325 before or after execution by processor(s) 310.

[0069] The invention can further be described by the following aspects: Aspect 1: Cleaning device 1, comprising at least one cleaning element 7, at least one humidification unit 8, at least one liquid tank 10 and at least one sensor unit 13, wherein the liquid tank 10 can be filled with a cleaning liquid, and wherein the cleaning liquid can be transported with the humidification unit 8 from the liquid tank 10 to the cleaning element 7 in order to humidify the cleaning element 7, characterized in that the cleaning device 1 is designed and configured to prepare 201 the cleaning element 7 for a cleaning process, that during the preparation 201 an application 202, 204, 206 of cleaning liquid takes place in at least or exactly two batches, and that between two batches a predefined waiting time 203, 205 takes place, in particular that the application 202, 204, 206 takes place in between two and ten batches, and that between each two batches a predefined waiting time 203,205. Aspect 2: Cleaning device 1 according to the above aspect, characterized in that the waiting time 203, 205 is between 5 seconds and 120 seconds. Aspect 3: Method 100 for operating a cleaning device 1, comprising at least one cleaning element 7, at least one humidification unit 8, at least one liquid tank 10, and at least one sensor unit 13, wherein the liquid tank 10 can be filled with a cleaning liquid, and wherein the cleaning liquid can be transported from the liquid tank 10 to the cleaning element 7 by the humidification unit 8 in order to humidify the cleaning element 7, characterized at least by the following method steps: controlling 101 a humidification of the cleaning element 7 as a function of at least one cleaning parameter, wherein the at least one cleaning parameter is a size 102 of a traveled area of ​​the processing environment 4,at least one measured value 103 of at least one moisture sensor 14 of the cleaning device 1, at least one contamination 104 detected by a sensor unit 13 in the processing environment 4, the type 105 of the cleaning element 7 and / or the type 106 of the surface to be cleaned. Aspect 4: Computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a data processing unit 16 of a cleaning device 1, having at least one processor 310 and at least one memory 325, cause the data processing unit 16 to execute the steps of the method according to aspect 3.

[0070] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also encompasses all equivalent embodiments within the meaning of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in combination; rather, each individual partial feature can also have an inventive significance in itself, independently of all other partial features. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all the individual features disclosed as a whole. This means that, in principle, practically every individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. List of reference symbols

[0071] 1 Cleaning device 2 Housing 3 Drive wheel 4 Processing environment 5 Guide roller 6 Handle 7 Cleaning element 8 Humidification unit 9 Carrier module 10 Fluid tank 11 Fluid channel 12 Pump 13 Sensor unit 14 Humidity sensor 15 Environmental sensor system 16 Data processing unit 17 Data interface 18 Mobile data processing device 19 Input device 20 Outlet opening 21 Fibers 22 Motor 100Procedure 101Control 102Size of the area traveled over 103Measured value 104Contamination of the processing environment 4 105Type of cleaning element 7 106Type of surface to be cleaned 107Size of the area still to be cleaned 200 Procedure 201 Preparation 202 First Application 203 First Waiting Period 204 Second Application 205 Second Waiting Period 206 Third Application 305Bus 310Processor 315Input device 320Output device 325Memory 330Communications subsystem 335RAM 340Operating system 345Application program

Claims

1. Cleaning device (1), comprising at least one cleaning element (7), at least one humidification unit (8), at least one liquid tank (10) and at least one sensor unit (13), wherein the liquid tank (10) can be filled with a cleaning liquid, and wherein the cleaning liquid can be transported by the humidification unit (8) from the liquid tank (10) to the cleaning element (7) in order to humidify the cleaning element (7), characterized in thatthe cleaning device (1) is designed and configured to control (101) a humidification of the cleaning element (7) as a function of at least one cleaning parameter, and in that the at least one cleaning parameter is a size (102) of a surface of the processing environment (4) that is traveled over, at least one measured value (103) of at least one moisture sensor (14) of the cleaning device (1), at least one contamination (104) in the processing environment (4) detected by means of a sensor unit (13), the type (105) of the cleaning element (7) and / or the type (106) of the surface to be cleaned.

2. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the moistening comprises the intermittent or continuous conveyance of cleaning fluid to the cleaning element (7), in particular of identical and / or varying amounts of cleaning fluid.

3. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe humidification unit (8) is designed and configured to carry out humidification when the size (102) of the area traveled over, in particular since the start of the cleaning process and / or since a previous humidification, exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

4. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the threshold value of the area traveled over is selected depending on the type of surface to be cleaned in the processing environment (4).

5. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that When determining the size (102) of the area crossed over, areas crossed over multiple times are only taken into account once.

6. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the size (102) of the area traveled over is determined using map data and / or using the sensor unit (13).

7. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the humidification unit (8) is designed and configured to control (101) the humidification further as a function of a size (107) of a surface still to be cleaned, in particular that the control (101) is carried out in such a way that a minimum moisture content of the cleaning element (7) is maintained.

8. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sensor unit (13) is designed and configured to detect the type (106) of the surface to be cleaned in the processing environment (4), in particular the material of the surface.

9. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the type (105) of the cleaning element (7) and / or the type (106) of the surface to be cleaned can be adjusted by a user, for example by means of a mobile data processing device (18) and / or by means of an input means (19) on the cleaning device (1).

10. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a maximum humidification of the cleaning element (7) is determined depending on the type (106) of the surface to be cleaned in the processing environment (4) and / or that a maximum humidification of the cleaning element (7) can be set by a user, for example by means of a mobile data processing device (18) and / or by means of an input means (19) on the cleaning device (1).

11. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in thatthe cleaning device (1) is designed and configured to prepare (201) the cleaning element (7) for a cleaning process, such that during the preparation (201) an application (202, 204, 206) of cleaning fluid takes place in at least or exactly two batches, and that a predefined waiting time (203, 205) takes place at least between two batches, in particular that the application (202, 204, 206) takes place in between two and ten batches, and that a predefined waiting time (203, 205) takes place at least between each two batches.

12. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that a quantity of cleaning fluid applied in one stroke, in particular the quantity of cleaning fluid applied in all strokes, is determined as a function of a size of an area to be cleaned in the processing environment (4) and / or as a function of the type (106) of the surface to be cleaned in the processing environment (4).

13. Cleaning device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that a quantity of cleaning fluid applied with one push, in particular the quantity of cleaning fluid applied with all pushes, can be adjusted by a user, for example by means of a mobile data processing device (18) and / or by means of an input means (19) on the cleaning device (1).

14. Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the cleaning element (7) is moved during moistening, in particular is moved in a plane (E), and / or that the cleaning element (7) is lifted from a surface to be cleaned during moistening.

Images