Cleaning system and method for operating a cleaning system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning system (100) comprising at least one cleaning apparatus (102), which comprises a cleaning tool (116), a control unit (120, 136) and a communication interface (124) coupled to the control unit (120, 136), and at least one external additional device (106) for a user (108), which additional device can be brought directly or indirectly into a communication connection with the at least one cleaning apparatus (102) via the communication interface (124) in order to transfer usage information and comprises a controllable display unit (126, 132), wherein two or more mutually different states of interaction can be assumed between the at least one cleaning apparatus (102) and the additional device (106) via the communication connection, and wherein the type and / or scope of the usage information can be transmitted and / or displayed on the display unit (126, 132) depending on the state of interaction that is assumed. The present invention also relates to a method for operating a cleaning system (100).

Description

[0001] CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A CLEANING SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising at least one cleaning device which comprises at least one cleaning tool for cleaning an object to be cleaned, a control unit and a communication interface coupled to the control unit, as well as at least one external additional device for a user which can be brought into communication with the at least one cleaning device directly or indirectly via the communication interface for the transfer of information and which comprises a controllable display unit.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a cleaning system, in particular of the type described above, wherein a cleaning device is brought into communication connection with an external additional device for transferring information via a communication interface.

[0004] Such a cleaning system can, for example, comprise a plurality and in particular a multiplicity of cleaning devices that are used in a variety of ways and frequently by a plurality and in particular a multiplicity of users. For example, a cleaning service provider owns a plurality of cleaning devices that are used by the users at different shift times for different cleaning tasks in different buildings (e.g., office buildings, shopping centers, public infrastructure areas, retail spaces, etc.). The cleaning devices are, for example, floor cleaning devices for cleaning a floor surface. The users primarily include people who carry out cleaning tasks with the cleaning device itself, in particular so-called machine operators.In practice, however, there are often different types of users, such as foremen who supervise a number of cleaning devices and instruct machine operators. Furthermore, site managers, for example, are intended as users who supervise the foremen and plan, monitor and evaluate the use of cleaning devices in one or more cleaning objects, and should be informed about the possible uses and status of their devices. Other conceivable users are technical maintenance staff (support), technical developers and sales staff. The use of external additional devices is known to provide users with information on the status of the cleaning device on a controllable display unit; operating instructions for the cleaning device can optionally be received via the additional device.Such a cleaning system is described, for example, in WO 2020 / 016338 A1. A cleaning system in which the user can be visually informed about the progress of a cleaning process is disclosed in WO 2021 / 239794 A1.

[0005] The first-mentioned document also describes a cleaning system in which different users have different access authorizations to the cleaning device, for example, based on user profiles. Depending on the user profile, different functions can be performed with the cleaning device.

[0006] Different access authorizations to a cleaning device using RFID-based technology are disclosed, for example, in EP 2 598 014 A1.

[0007] The cleaning systems and cleaning devices described above have proven effective in practice. However, it would be desirable to provide a cleaning system that allows for more versatile information transmission to the user(s).

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system and a method for operating a cleaning system in which usage information for users can be transmitted in a more versatile manner.

[0009] This object is achieved by a cleaning system according to the invention, comprising at least one cleaning device which comprises a cleaning tool, a control unit and a communication interface coupled to the control unit, and at least one external additional device for a user which can be brought into communication with the at least one cleaning device directly or indirectly via the communication interface for the transfer of usage information and which comprises a controllable display unit, wherein two or more mutually different interaction states between the at least one cleaning device and the additional device can be adopted via the communication connection, and wherein the type and / or extent of the usage information can be transmitted and / or displayed on the display unit depending on the interaction state adopted.In the cleaning system according to the invention, a communication connection can be established directly or indirectly with the cleaning device via the at least one additional device. This makes it possible to transmit usage information relating to the use of the cleaning device to the additional device, wherein usage information can be shown on its display unit. The usage information can be of a diverse nature; for example, it can be or include status information, information about the condition or quantity of a consumable component (cleaning agent, electrical energy, wear of the cleaning tool, etc.), error messages, instructions for operating the cleaning device, instructions concerning the cleaning tool, maintenance and service information, etc. According to the present invention, various interaction states can be assumed via the communication connection.Depending on the respective interaction state, the user can be informed about the cleaning device in different ways. This is possible in particular because the type and / or scope of the transmitted usage information depends on the interaction state. Alternatively or additionally, it is particularly possible for the type and / or scope of the usage information presented on the display unit to depend on the interaction state adopted. This offers the possibility, in particular, of adopting different interaction states between the additional device and the cleaning device for different users. In a certain sense, this allows a "context-sensitive" display to be provided depending on the user.For example, the respective user preferentially receives the information that is most relevant to them, so that they are optimally informed about the status of the cleaning device to fulfill the tasks assigned to them. Other influences, for example, independent of the type of user, on the transmitted and / or displayed usage information are conceivable. This will be discussed further below.

[0010] In particular, it can be provided that the cleaning device can communicate even when there is no direct communication connection to the at least one additional device. For example, a communication connection is established with a server or multiple servers spatially remote from the site of use. The server or servers can in particular be designed or configured as a cloud. The server or servers can be owned or managed by a manufacturer or a user of the at least one cleaning device. It is understood that for interaction with the at least one cleaning device, for example, a user application program is stored executably on the at least one additional device, in particular as an app. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that a user application program, which is executed, for example, on a separate data processing device, can be accessed via the additional device.For example, the additional device can access the user application program via an internet browser or an app, and this, in turn, can access the at least one cleaning device. It is also conceivable, for example, that the user application program on the at least one additional device enables access to a user application program on a separate data processing device, and this, in turn, can access the at least one cleaning device.

[0011] The adoption of a particular interaction state may depend on one or more factors, such as one of the following:

[0012] Spatial distance between the at least one cleaning device and the at least one additional device. The spatial distance can be determined, for example, in a relative and / or absolute coordinate system. A measure of the spatial distance of the additional device from the cleaning device can be, for example, the strength of a communication signal between the additional device and the cleaning device.

[0013] - Presence of the at least one cleaning device and the at least one additional device in a predefined spatially delimited area, which can be referred to, for example, as a geofence. It is conceivable, for example, that if the additional device and the cleaning device are located in the same geofence, a different interaction state is assumed than if the additional device is positioned outside a geofence in which the cleaning device is located. The geofence can, for example, be defined by the position of the cleaning device and encompass a predefined radius or a predeterminable area.

[0014] - Depending on the existence of a predetermined type of communication connection. The type of communication connection can, for example, include one of the following: a point-to-point connection, a connection within a local network (e.g., local Wi-Fi); a connection via a telecommunications network; a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, or an NFC connection. In general, it is conceivable that the communication connection is wireless and / or wired.

[0015] - Depending on the strength of a communication signal of the communication connection. This has already been discussed. For example, it can be provided that the signal strength of the additional device and / or the cleaning device is detected and, based on this, a predetermined interaction state is assumed. It is also conceivable that the strength of the communication signal is indicative of the existence of a predetermined type of communication connection. If the strength is, for example, lower than a threshold value, it can be assumed that a communication connection via the communication signal does not exist. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the interaction state is assumed, for example, when a Bluetooth connection can be or has been established between the additional device and the cleaning device.This is possible, for example, if the Bluetooth signal has sufficient signal strength to reliably establish the connection.

[0016] - Depending on the existence of a physical connection, in particular a cable connection, between the at least one cleaning device and the at least one additional device. For example, it is provided that the additional device is physically connected to the cleaning device via a data cable, whereby the usage information can be transmitted via the data cable. Alternatively or additionally, wireless transmission of the usage information is possible.

[0017] - Depending on the positioning of the at least one additional device in a defined receptacle on the at least one cleaning device. For example, the additional device can be releasably positioned in the receptacle, whereupon a defined interaction state is assumed. The presence of the additional device can be wireless and / or wired, for example. Detection via a trigger or contact element on the cleaning device is also conceivable.

[0018] - Depending on a physical contact of the at least one additional device with a contact element of the at least one cleaning device, in particular when positioning the additional device in the aforementioned receptacle.

[0019] - Depending on the orientation of the at least one additional device in a predetermined manner. For example, it can be provided that the orientation of the additional device in portrait format (“portrait mode”) or in landscape format (“landscape mode”) influences whether and, if so, which interaction state is entered into. In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided, for example, that it is assumed that when the additional device is oriented in portrait format, the cleaning device is being used in cleaning operation and the additional device is located at or on the cleaning device, which leads to a corresponding machine interaction state being entered into. Alternatively, this can apply when the additional device is oriented in landscape format.

[0020] - Depending on whether the user is logged in to the at least one cleaning device via the at least one additional device. For example, the interaction state depends on the entry of a valid identifier, as explained below, to complete the login.

[0021] It may be advantageous if the cleaning system comprises or forms at least one storage unit in which user information relating to at least one criterion characterising and linked to the user is stored, so that the user can be identified on the basis of the at least one criterion when using the at least one additional device. The storage unit can be comprised of the additional device and / or of the cleaning device and / or an externally arranged data processing device. For example, the user logs in via the additional device with the user application program by entering an identifier (user identifier such as name or ID and / or password) to the at least one cleaning device directly at the cleaning device or indirectly via the data processing device, wherein information is read from the at least one storage unit and the user is thereby identified on the basis of the at least one criterion.

[0022] The at least one criterion can, for example, comprise the identity of the user, a role of the user, a user profile and / or a user authorization. Various roles are assigned, for example, to the machine operator, the foreman, the site manager, the developer, the maintenance personnel and / or the sales representative. A respective role can, for example, be assigned a user profile so that a link exists between the role and the user profile. Alternatively or additionally, a link can exist, for example, between the identity of the user and the user profile. One property of the user profile can be the existence of an authorization for the user to perform certain functions of the cleaning device, to display certain usage information and / or to enter into certain interaction states with the cleaning device via the additional device.Accordingly, it can be provided that the type and / or scope of the transmitted and / or displayed usage information depends on at least one criterion, for example, depending on the user profile for the user's authorization, which in turn is / are linked to the role. The aforementioned dependency exists in particular in addition to the dependency according to the present invention, in which the usage information depends on the interaction state adopted.

[0023] It can be stipulated that if a predefined criterion is met, at least one interaction state cannot be entered for the user. In a sense, not every interaction state can be entered if the predefined criterion is met for the user.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that, if a predefined criterion is met, two or more interaction states can be entered. In this case, however, this can be understood in particular to mean that two or more interaction states cannot be entered simultaneously. Alternatively, entering two interaction states simultaneously is conceivable.

[0025] In one possible embodiment of the invention, more than two interaction states can be provided.

[0026] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the interaction states comprise a machine interaction state, which is assumed in particular when an additional device is arranged on or at the at least one cleaning device. “On or at 1can be understood in particular to mean that the cleaning device is used in cleaning operation. The additional device can in particular be positioned “on” the cleaning device, for example in a holder and / or connected by cable. The additional device is arranged “on” the cleaning device, for example, when it is located a short distance from it, for example on the body of the user, such as a machine operator. When the machine interaction state is assumed, for example, usage information is transmitted or displayed solely for the cleaning device on or at which the at least one additional device is located. In this way, the user can preferably receive extensive, detailed usage information about this specific cleaning device.In a sense, the additional device can become part of the specific cleaning device, at least from an information technology perspective.

[0027] The machine interaction state is particularly suitable for a machine operator who needs information about whether the cleaning device is cleaning properly.

[0028] The at least one cleaning device advantageously comprises an operating unit with one or more operating elements for physical operation by the user. Using the at least one operating element, the user can interact with the control unit and control the cleaning device.

[0029] It is advantageously conceivable that, when the machine interaction state is entered, the user's operating instructions can be transmitted to the at least one cleaning device via an input unit of the at least one additional device, in addition to or as an alternative to using the at least one control element. The input unit, for example, a touchscreen, can be used to interact with the cleaning device. This is possible, for example, to access functions that cannot be reached or performed by the at least one control element.

[0030] It may be advantageous if the interaction states include a close-range interaction state, which is particularly assumed when the at least one additional device is positioned within a predetermined distance from the at least one cleaning device and / or when a communication connection is established via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For example, this applies to establishing a direct connection via Bluetooth or a connection via a local Wi-Fi network to which the at least one additional device and the at least one cleaning device are logged in. The close-range interaction state can, in particular, provide the user with different usage information than the machine interaction state.For example, it is conceivable that the close-range interaction state is entered when an additional device is used by a supervisor who requires information about which cleaning device(s) is / are in use, whether a malfunction exists, whether spare parts need to be reordered, and / or which machine operator is located where within the building to be cleaned. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the close-range interaction state can be entered, for example, within a distance of approximately 5 to 15 m between the cleaning device and the additional device.

[0031] The cleaning system may comprise a plurality of cleaning devices.

[0032] When entering the close-range interaction state, it can be provided that usage information from a specific cleaning device of the cleaning devices, or alternatively, usage information from a plurality of cleaning devices, can be transmitted and / or displayed on the display unit. For example, in the close-range interaction state, it is provided that usage information from multiple cleaning devices is transmitted and / or displayed. This is suitable, for example, for a foreman who needs information to monitor the cleaning devices under his supervision, particularly simultaneously or at a glance.

[0033] It can be provided that the usage information of the specific cleaning device or of the plurality of cleaning devices can be transmitted and / or displayed depending on a selection by the user or without user intervention. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the user selects a specific cleaning device in the close-range interaction state or that information from multiple cleaning devices is transmitted and / or displayed.

[0034] It is understood that the at least one additional device can be directly or indirectly connected to a plurality of cleaning devices to enable the transmission and / or display of usage information of the multiple cleaning devices. For this purpose, a local network (WLAN or similar) can be used, for example. Usage information can be transmitted indirectly via an external data processing device, which may be located outside the local network.

[0035] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the interaction states can comprise a long-range interaction state, which is assumed in particular when the at least one additional device is positioned outside a predetermined spatial distance from the at least one cleaning device and / or when a communication connection is established via a telecommunications network and / or via a separate, spatially distant data processing device of the cleaning system. In the long-range interaction state, for example, there is no direct contact with the cleaning device, as in a point-to-point connection, or no contact via a local network. Usage information can nevertheless be transmitted, for example, via a telecommunications network and in particular with the data processing device interposed.

[0036] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the remote interaction state is used, for example, by a facility manager, support staff, developer, or sales representative to retrieve usage information relevant to them. For example, the facility manager uses an analysis of the operating times of the cleaning devices for which they are responsible. This allows, for example, usage information from multiple cleaning devices to be displayed simultaneously.

[0037] The separate data processing device is or comprises, for example, one or more servers and is particularly configured or formed as a cloud. The at least one server preferably enables management of the at least one cleaning device. This has already been discussed.

[0038] It can prove advantageous if the interaction states can be switched by the user via an input unit of the at least one additional device and / or automatically. In particular, switching can take place between a machine interaction state and a close-range interaction state. For example, it is provided that a corresponding interaction state is assumed depending on a spatial relationship between the at least one additional device and the at least one cleaning device. This can be assumed automatically and thus to a certain extent dynamically. For example, it is conceivable that a close-range interaction state is initially assumed when the user approaches the cleaning device and that a switch is made to a machine interaction state when the additional device is positioned at or on the cleaning device.Conversely, when moving away from the cleaning device, the machine interaction state can be switched to the near-field interaction state.

[0039] Accordingly, switching between a short-range interaction state and a long-range interaction state is conceivable, for example, for use by a site manager. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the communication connection can be bidirectional, with the at least one additional device comprising an input unit, and operating instructions from the user at the input unit can be transmitted from the at least one additional device to the at least one cleaning device via the communication connection. This increases the versatility of the cleaning system.

[0040] The input unit can in particular be or comprise a touch-sensitive display unit.

[0041] It can be provided that the operating instructions are transferable to the at least one cleaning device depending on the interaction state adopted. In particular, it is provided that operating instructions for the cleaning use of the cleaning device are transferable in a machine interaction state, but not in a different interaction state.

[0042] It can be advantageous if the operating instructions can be transferred depending on at least one criterion associated with the user. The criterion could be, for example, a person, a role, a user's authorization, or a user profile. For example, operating instructions can only be transferred if a certain authorization is granted, otherwise not. The dependency on transferring operating instructions can exist cumulatively for the interaction state and the criterion associated with the user.

[0043] It can be advantageous if the operating instructions provide access to one or more functions of the at least one cleaning device that cannot be performed via a physical operating unit of the cleaning device. This facilitates handling of the cleaning system. For example, functions that are not required for cleaning operations and / or that are only used rarely cannot be accessed via the operating unit. This allows the operating unit to be designed more simply, for example, by reducing the number of operating elements, and improving handling of the operating unit.

[0044] The at least one additional device can be or include at least one of the following: smartphone, tablet computer, smartwatch, head-mounted display (e.g., data glasses or VR glasses), or personal computer. The cleaning system can comprise a plurality of cleaning devices, each of which can be coupled to at least one additional device.

[0045] The cleaning system may comprise a plurality of additional devices, each of which can be coupled to at least one cleaning device.

[0046] The cleaning device can, in particular, be a floor cleaning device, with the cleaning tool being a floor cleaning tool, such as a cleaning head with rollers, a roller brush, a disc brush, or a suction bar. The cleaning device can be a scrubber-drier or sweeper.

[0047] Alternatively, cleaning devices for a different application are conceivable. For example, the cleaning device could operate using a cleaning jet. It is particularly conceivable that the cleaning device could be a high-pressure cleaner, particularly one with a heatable function. The cleaning tool could be a spray lance, for example.

[0048] The cleaning device can, for example, be a walk-behind machine, a ride-on machine or a ride-on machine.

[0049] The at least one cleaning device can be user-guided.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one cleaning device can be self-propelled and self-steering and carry out autonomous cleaning.

[0051] As mentioned above, the present invention also relates to a method. A method according to the invention for operating a cleaning system, in particular of the type described above, provides that a cleaning device of the cleaning system is brought into communication with an external auxiliary device via a communication interface, directly or indirectly, for the transfer of usage information. Two or more mutually different interaction states can be assumed between the at least one cleaning device and the auxiliary device via the communication connection, and the type and / or scope of the usage information is transmitted and / or displayed on a controllable display unit of the auxiliary device depending on the interaction state assumed.

[0052] Advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the cleaning system according to the invention can also be achieved by implementing the method. Reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0053] Advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention result from advantageous embodiments of the cleaning system according to the invention. Reference is made to the above explanations in this regard.

[0054] The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. They show:

[0055] Figure 1: a schematic representation of the cleaning system according to the invention in a preferred embodiment;

[0056] Figure 2: a schematic representation of a cleaning device and an additional device of the cleaning system from Figure 1;

[0057] Figure 3: a schematic diagram to explain different goals of different users when interacting with the cleaning device;

[0058] Figure 4: a schematic illustration of different displays of additional devices depending on different interaction states with the cleaning device;

[0059] Figure 5: a schematic representation intended to symbolise information levels on the additional device when entering a machine interaction state;

[0060] Figure 6: a representation similar to Figure 5, wherein a close-range interaction state is assumed;

[0061] Figure 7: a representation similar to Figure 6;

[0062] Figure 8: a representation similar to Figures 5 to 7, wherein a long-range interaction state is assumed; Figure 9: a schematic representation of an operating unit and an additional device of the cleaning system.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention, designated overall by reference numeral 100. The cleaning system 100 can be used to implement the method according to the invention, advantageously in a preferred embodiment.

[0064] The cleaning system 100 comprises a plurality of cleaning devices. The invention is explained here using the example of floor cleaning devices 102, which are, in particular, scrubber-driers 104. The cleaning system 100 is therefore a floor cleaning system.

[0065] The invention finds other applications, for example, in the field of sweepers or various cleaning devices, such as heatable high-pressure cleaning devices.

[0066] Furthermore, the cleaning system 100 comprises at least one external accessory device, advantageously a plurality of external accessory devices 106. In the present example, the accessory devices 106 are smartphones of users 108. Other types of accessory devices are conceivable; reference is made to the above explanations in this context. The accessory devices 106 can be different.

[0067] The cleaning system 100 is used by various users 108 who have respective tasks. Examples of users 108 are a machine operator 110, a foreman 112, and a site manager 114. Other types of users 108 are conceivable, and the latter are merely examples. Reference is made to the supplementary explanations above.

[0068] The cleaning system 100 allows for different interaction states to be established via a communication connection between the respective additional device 106 and the respective cleaning device 102. Usage information transmitted from the cleaning device 102 to the additional device 106 and / or displayed on its display unit depends on the interaction state adopted. Furthermore, the type and / or scope of the transmitted and / or displayed usage information depends on at least one criterion that identifies the respective user 108.

[0069] As can be seen in particular from Figure 2, the cleaning device 102 for cleaning a floor surface comprises at least one cleaning tool 116, for example a cleaning head with rollers, a disc brush and / or a side brush, as well as a chassis 118 for moving on the floor surface. A control unit 120 is provided for controlling and / or regulating the operation of the cleaning device 102.

[0070] The control unit 120 is coupled to a physical operating unit 122, via which operating instructions from a user 108 can be received.

[0071] Furthermore, the cleaning device 102 comprises a communication interface 124 coupled to the control unit 120. Furthermore, a display unit 126 and a storage unit 128 may be provided.

[0072] The additional device 106, which is designed as a smartphone 130, comprises a display unit 132, which in this case is designed to be touch-sensitive and at the same time forms an input unit 134.

[0073] Furthermore, the smartphone 130 comprises a control unit 136, a storage unit 138 and a communication unit 140.

[0074] The cleaning device 102 can be brought into communication with the additional device 106 directly or indirectly via the communication interface 124.

[0075] A direct communication connection is, for example, a point-to-point connection, especially via Bluetooth. A direct communication connection can, for example, be wired.

[0076] An indirect form of connection is established, for example, via a local area network, in particular a Wi-Fi network. Alternatively or additionally, a connection via a telecommunications network is possible, for example. In the latter case, a connection is established, for example, via a data processing device 142 of the cleaning system 100, which comprises at least one server and can be configured or designed as a cloud 144. The cloud 144, for example, manages the cleaning system 100.

[0077] The data processing device 142 may include a storage unit 146.

[0078] At least one of the storage units 128, 138, or 146 can store user information in which at least one criterion identifying and associated with the user 108 is stored. This makes it possible to identify the user 108 when using the additional device 106.

[0079] In particular, the person, a role, a user profile, and / or an authorization of the user can be stored as criteria. The type and / or scope of the usage information about the cleaning device 102 transmitted by the cleaning device 102 and / or displayed on the display unit 132 can depend on the at least one criterion. For example, the usage information differs depending on whether it concerns the machine operator 110, the foreman 112, or the site manager 114.

[0080] The cleaning system 100 offers the possibility of providing the respective user 108 with suitable information on the display unit 132 with regard to at least one of the following, so that the user 108 can perform his or her task in the best possible way: with regard to the information content, with regard to the information depth of the usage information, with regard to the task area - according to the role of the user 108.

[0081] In addition, the user 108 is given various possibilities for interaction via the additional device with the cleaning device 102,

[0082] Figure 3 illustrates this schematically, showing an exemplary cleaning device 102 surrounded by a contour line 148. The contour line 148 defines an interaction sphere and can be considered indicative of the assumption of a specific interaction state.

[0083] In this case, this interaction state is, for example, a machine interaction state. The machine operator 110 requires information focused on the proper completion of the upcoming cleaning task and used to control the cleaning device 102. The machine operator 110 initially interacts with the cleaning device 102, particularly via the physical operating unit 122. In addition, operating instructions can be issued, for example, via the input unit 134 of the additional device 106 and transmitted to the cleaning device 102.

[0084] The foreman 112, who typically oversees a plurality of cleaning devices 102, interacts in the example of Figure 3 within an interaction sphere defined by a contour line 150. The interaction sphere can be considered indicative of the assumption of a specific interaction state.

[0085] In this case, this interaction state is, for example, a close-range interaction state.

[0086] With regard to the information depth of the usage information, the focus of the foreman 112 can be on one cleaning device 102. Alternatively, it can be provided that the foreman 112 can select from several cleaning devices 102 or can have usage information of several cleaning devices 102 located in his immediate vicinity displayed.

[0087] When focusing on a cleaning device 102, the foreman's priority is its operational readiness and whether any maintenance tasks are pending. Operational readiness requires, for example, knowledge of the range required to perform cleaning tasks, which requires information about the battery charge level, the fill level of a cleaning fluid, or similar. The foreman 112 can interact with the cleaning device 102, for example, via the input unit 134.

[0088] Also shown as an example is the site manager 114, who requires a more comprehensive view of the use of multiple cleaning devices 102 to perform his tasks. For example, usage information from multiple cleaning devices 102 is displayed in order to monitor their status, particularly over the long term, and to perform evaluations. In the present example, the foreman 112 is outside the close-range interaction state, with a different interaction state being assumed between his additional device 106 and the cleaning device 102.

[0089] In this case, this is particularly a long-range interaction state.

[0090] Interaction occurs, for example, via the input unit 134. In this case, there is no direct connection to the cleaning device 102, but instead an indirect connection via the data processing device 142.

[0091] Figure 4 illustrates the situation in Figure 3 using an example. Here, the usage information of the machine operator 110 shows a battery indicator 152 to indicate to the operator that the cleaning device 102 has sufficient capacity for the current cleaning task. Additional display information 154 is provided.

[0092] For the supervisor 112, the battery indicator 152 is presented in a different format, and usage information is also presented in the form of display information 156, which relates, for example, to the suitability of the cleaning device 102 for upcoming cleaning tasks and / or any maintenance that may need to be performed. The display information 154, 156 are particularly different.

[0093] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows, by way of example, the display unit 132 of the additional device 106 of the object manager 114. For evaluation purposes, the latter requires the charge state of the batteries of several cleaning devices 102, so that a plurality of battery displays 152 are shown, which in this case show the time-dependent course of the remaining capacities of the batteries.

[0094] The exemplary battery displays 152 are prepared differently depending on the interaction state in order to provide the respective user 108 with the best possible information.

[0095] Figure 5 schematically shows the assumption of a machine interaction state between the additional device 106 of the machine operator 110. Here, the additional device 106 is positioned on, and in particular on, the cleaning device 102. Figure 9 shows this in an enlarged view. In the present example, the additional device 106 is arranged in a defined receptacle 158. Its presence is detected by the cleaning device 102. Usage information for a possible cleaning operation is displayed on the display unit 132.

[0096] The cleaning device 102 is controlled in particular via operating elements 160 of the operating unit 162, for example a multifunctional operating element in the form of a rotary push button 162. In addition, operating instructions can be provided via the input unit 134.

[0097] Figure 5 symbolizes that the control unit 122 and the input unit 134 can access machine controls, cleaning programs, and messages from the specific cleaning device 102 to which the connection exists (elements 164). The machine operator 110 can access one information level deeper and make changes and view details (elements 166).

[0098] The machine interaction state is assumed, for example, due to the presence of the additional device 106 in the receptacle 158, due to the orientation of the additional device 106 in landscape format (or alternatively in portrait format), due to the type of communication connection between the additional device 106 and the cleaning device and / or due to the registration of the user 108 via the additional device 106 on the cleaning device 102.

[0099] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate, by way of example, the assumption of a close-range interaction state between the additional device 106 and the cleaning device 102, in this case using the example of the foreman 112. The assumption of this state is determined, for example, by determining a spatial distance between the cleaning device 102 and the additional device 106, in particular depending on the existence of a predetermined type of communication connection, specifically a Bluetooth connection. The spatial distance can be determined, for example, depending on the strength of the communication signal.

[0100] For example, the foreman 112 can select a desired cleaning device 102 in a first information level (element 168) or switch to the information levels already described in connection with Figures 5 and 9 for a specific cleaning device 102 (element 170). In this case, the additional device 106 is registered with this specific cleaning device 102. Further options via elements 172 to 176 in the top information level offer the foreman 112, for example, the possibility of making settings, scheduling maintenance, or accessing help.

[0101] The situation in Figure 7 differs from the situation according to Figure 6 in that the additional device 106 of the foreman 112 in the example of Figure 7 is no longer directly registered to the cleaning device 102.

[0102] Figure 8 shows a corresponding situation for the facility manager 114, who can assume a remote interaction state with the cleaning device 102 and whose auxiliary device 106 is not registered with the cleaning device 102. In the present example, the facility manager 114 can access the elements of the highest information level and call up further information.

[0103] In the respective near-field interaction state or far-field interaction state, there is also the possibility that the type and / or extent of the transmitted and / or displayed usage information differs from one another.

[0104] List of reference symbols

[0105] Cleaning system Cleaning device Scrubber dryer External additional device User

[0106] Machine operator foreman site manager cleaning tool chassis, 136 control unit

[0107] Control unit

[0108] Communication interface, 132 Display unit, 138, 146 Storage unit

[0109] Smartphone input unit

[0110] Communication unit

[0111] Data processing facility Cloud, 150 contour line

[0112] Battery indicator, 156 display information

[0113] Recording control element rotary push button up to 176 element

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A cleaning system (100) comprising at least one cleaning device (102) comprising a cleaning tool (116), a control unit (120) and a communication interface (124) coupled to the control unit (120, 136), and at least one external additional device (106) for a user (108), which can be brought into communication with the at least one cleaning device (102) directly or indirectly via the communication interface (124) for the transfer of usage information and comprises a controllable display unit (132), wherein two or more mutually different interaction states between the at least one cleaning device (102) and the additional device (106) can be adopted via the communication connection, and wherein the type and / or extent of the usage information can be transmitted and / or displayed on the display unit (132) depending on the interaction state adopted.

2. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the assumption of a certain interaction state depends on at least one of the following: spatial distance between the at least one cleaning device (102) and the at least one additional device (106); Presence of the at least one cleaning device (102) and the at least one additional device (106) in a predetermined spatially delimited area; dependent on the existence of a predetermined type of communication connection; dependent on the strength of a communication signal of the communication connection; dependent on the existence of a physical connection, in particular a cable connection, between the at least one cleaning device (102) and the at least one additional device (106); dependent on the positioning of the at least one additional device (106) in a defined receptacle (158) on the at least one cleaning device (102); depending on physical contact of the at least one additional device (106) with a contact element of the at least one cleaning device (102); depending on the orientation of the at least one additional device (106) in a predetermined manner; depending on whether the user is logged on to the at least one cleaning device (102) via the at least one additional device (106).

3. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the type of communication connection comprises one of the following: a point-to-point connection, a connection in a local area network; a connection via a telecommunications network, a Bluetooth connection; a WLAN connection; an NFC connection.

4. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (100) comprises or forms at least one storage unit (128, 138, 146) in which user information relating to at least one criterion characterizing and linked to the user (108) is stored, so that the user can be identified on the basis of the at least one criterion when using the at least one additional device (106).

5. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one criterion comprises the person, a role, a user profile and / or an authorization of the user (108).

6. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the type and / or extent of the transmitted and / or displayed usage information are additionally dependent on the at least one criterion.

7. Cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that if a predetermined criterion is present for the user (108), at least one interaction state cannot be assumed and / or that if a predetermined criterion is present, two or more interaction states can be assumed.

8. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that more than two interaction states are provided.

9. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction states comprise a machine interaction state, which is assumed in particular when an additional device (106) is arranged on or on the at least one cleaning device (102).

10. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that when the machine interaction state is assumed, usage information is transmitted and / or displayed only for that cleaning device (102) on or at which the at least one additional device (106) is located.

11. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the at least one cleaning device (102) comprises an operating unit (122) with one or more operating elements (160) for physical operation by the user (108) and that operating instructions of the user (108) can be transmitted to the at least one cleaning device (102) additionally or alternatively via an input unit (134) of the at least one additional device (106).

12. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction states comprise a close-range interaction state, which in particular when positioning the at least one additional device (106) within a predetermined distance from the at least one cleaning device (102) and / or when using a communication connection via Bluetooth or WLAN.

13. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the cleaning system (100) comprises a plurality of cleaning devices (102) and that when the close-range interaction state is assumed, usage information from a specific cleaning device (102) of the cleaning devices (102) or a plurality of cleaning devices (102) can be transmitted and / or displayed on the display unit (126, 132).

14. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 13, characterized in that the usage information of the specific cleaning device (102) or of the plurality of cleaning devices (102) can be transmitted and / or displayed depending on a selection by the user (108) or without any action by the user (108).

15. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction states comprise a long-range interaction state, which is assumed in particular when the at least one additional device (106) is positioned outside a predetermined spatial distance from the at least one cleaning device (102) and / or when there is a communication connection by means of a telecommunications network and / or via a separate spatially remote data processing device (142) of the cleaning system (100).

16. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the separate data processing device (142) is or comprises one or more servers and is designed or formed in particular as a cloud (144), wherein management of the at least one cleaning device (102) is possible via the at least one server.

17. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interaction states can be switched automatically and / or by the user (108) via an input unit (134) of the at least one additional device (106), in particular between a machine interaction state and a close-range interaction state.

18. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication connection is bidirectional and the at least one additional device (106) comprises an input unit (134), wherein operating instructions of the user (108) on the input unit (134) can be transmitted from the at least one additional device (106) via the communication connection to the at least one cleaning device (102), wherein the input unit (134) is or comprises in particular a touch-sensitive display unit (126, 132).

19. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that the operating instructions can be transmitted to the at least one cleaning device (102) depending on the interaction state adopted.

20. Cleaning system (100) according to claim 18 or 19 in conjunction with one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the operating instructions are transferable depending on the at least one criterion associated with the user (108).

21. Cleaning system (100) according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the operating instructions provide access to one or more functions of the at least one cleaning device (102) which cannot be performed via an operating unit (122) of the cleaning device (102).

22. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one additional device (106) is or comprises at least one of the following: smartphone (130), tablet computer, smartwatch, head-mounted display, personal computer.

23. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (100) comprises at least one of the following: a plurality of cleaning devices (102), each of which can be coupled to at least one additional device (106); a plurality of additional devices (106), each of which can be coupled to at least one cleaning device (102).

24. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (102) is a scrubber-drier (104) or a sweeper.

25. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (102) is a walk-behind machine, a ride-on machine or a stand-up machine.

26. Cleaning system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning device (102) is user-guided and / or that the at least one cleaning device (102) is self-propelled and self-steering.

27. Method for operating a cleaning system (100), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cleaning device (102) of the cleaning system (100) is brought into communication connection with an external additional device (106) via a communication interface (124) directly or indirectly for the transfer of usage information, wherein two or more mutually different interaction states between the at least one cleaning device (102) and the additional device (106) can be assumed via the communication connection, and wherein the type and / or extent of the Usage information is transmitted depending on the interaction state adopted and / or displayed on a controllable display unit (126, 132) of the additional device (106).

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