Cleaning system comprising a user-operated cleaning device, and method for operating a cleaning system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising: a user-operated cleaning device (102) having at least one cleaning tool (112) for directly or indirectly acting on an object (108) to be cleaned; a controllable output unit (162); and a data-processing unit (170), wherein at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device (102) during operation, a noise occurring during operation, and / or a vibration occurring during operation can be detected, and related operating information is provided to the data-processing unit (170), wherein the data-processing unit (170) comprises or forms an AI module (172), wherein the AI module (172) analyses the operating information in order to determine whether the operating information is indicative of contamination of the object (108) to be cleaned, and wherein the AI module (172) provides the user (106) with cleaning-related assistance (174) via the output unit (162) to assist in removing the contamination. The invention also relates to a method.

Description

[0001] CLEANING SYSTEM WITH USER-GUIDED CLEANING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A CLEANING SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising a user-guided cleaning device with at least one cleaning tool for directly or indirectly acting on an object to be cleaned, a controllable output unit and a data processing unit.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a cleaning system, in particular of the type described above.

[0004] In a user-guided cleaning device, for example in the professional cleaning sector, to which the present invention is not limited, it is important to obtain information about a sufficiently good cleaning result. For example, a cleaning check can be carried out on the floor cleaning device, wherein the floor surface is the object to be cleaned and the cleaning device is a floor cleaning machine. It is known to create images of the floor surface before and after cleaning and to compare them with each other in order to evaluate the cleaning success. If the cleaning result is not satisfactory, cleaning can be carried out again. Such a cleaning device is described, for example, in WO 2015 / 144202 A1.

[0005] It is also known to monitor the proper functioning of a cleaning device, especially in the field of floor cleaning machines. US 2019 / 0216283 A1 describes a method for implementing corrective action. This involves monitoring an operating parameter or a noise of the floor cleaning machine during operation for deviations from a normal value. If the deviation is too large, the floor cleaning machine assumes that a malfunction has occurred.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system and a method for operating a cleaning system in which a user is supported to achieve an improved cleaning result.

[0007] This object is achieved by a cleaning system according to the invention, comprising a user-guided cleaning device with at least one cleaning tool for directly or indirectly acting on an object to be cleaned, a controllable output unit and a data processing unit, wherein at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device during its operation, a noise occurring during operation and / or a vibration occurring during operation can be detected and the data processing unit is provided with relevant operating information, wherein the data processing unit comprises or forms a Kl module, wherein the Kl module analyses the operating information in order to determine that the operating information is indicative of contamination of the object to be cleaned, and wherein the Kl module provides the user with cleaning-related support with regard to removing the contamination via the output unit.

[0008] The cleaning system according to the invention provides a data processing unit that comprises or forms a Kl module. The Kl module (Kl, artificial intelligence) is designed and programmed such that it can analyze operating information. This operating information is based on the detection of at least one operating parameter during operation of the cleaning device, on a noise occurring during operation, and / or on a vibration occurring during operation. The invention incorporates the consideration that it has been shown in practice that at least some contamination results in a change in at least one operating parameter and / or in the development or change of noise and / or in the development and / or change of vibration.The Kl module is designed and programmed to independently determine, based on information available to it, that the operating information is based on such contamination. Furthermore, the Kl module is designed and programmed to provide the user with information about the contamination via the output unit. For example, the user can be informed that a contamination could not be sufficiently removed, whereupon the user can repeat the cleaning, for example, with modified operating parameters. With the present invention, the user preferably not only receives information about the cleaning result, but is also preferably instructed via the Kl module on how to improve the cleaning.

[0009] The AI ​​module can be implemented in various ways. For example, at least one of the following is used: a large language model (LLM), an artificial neural network (ANN), a convolutional neural network, or a reinforcement learning model (RLM). The cleaning system can prove particularly advantageous if the cleaning device is a handheld floor cleaning device and the object to be cleaned is a floor surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0010] The data processing unit can, for example, be coupled to a control unit of the cleaning device or be comprised by it or form it.

[0011] Preferably, at least one data processing unit is provided. Accordingly, the Kl module can be formed by or comprised of at least one data processing unit or multiple data processing units.

[0012] An operating parameter that can be recorded, for example, is an operating parameter that is indicative of the performance of a drive motor for the cleaning tool or of the cleaning tool, for example a speed, current consumption, electrical voltage or temperature. For example, the current consumption of the drive motor for a cleaning brush in a floor cleaning device can change when soiling is being cleaned with cleaning bristles. An increased current consumption is required, for example, to maintain the motor speed. Conversely, the motor speed could drop with constant current consumption, which can be indicative of the presence of soiling. Increased friction between the cleaning brush and the soiling could, for example, cause the temperature of the drive motor to rise.

[0013] It can be provided that at least one operating parameter is recorded that is indicative of the performance of a drive motor for a chassis or the chassis itself. For example, it is conceivable that the operating parameter could be a motor speed, a current consumption, an electrical voltage, or a temperature. For example, increased friction between a cleaning brush in a floor cleaning device and a piece of dirt leads to a slowdown of the floor cleaning device, which can be determined, for example, via the motor speed. If the driving speed is maintained, this can be determined, for example, based on the current consumption.

[0014] The cleaning system can advantageously comprise a sensor unit for detecting the noise and / or vibration. For this purpose, the sensor unit can, in particular, comprise a microphone and / or a vibration sensor or shock sensor.

[0015] It can be provided that the cleaning device comprises the sensor unit.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, an external, user-portable accessory device may comprise the sensor unit, wherein the accessory device is coupled or connectable to the cleaning device. The accessory device may be, for example, a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0017] It can be advantageous if the cleaning device, particularly on an operating unit, includes a holder for the additional device, which can be removably arranged in a defined position in the holder. Due to the defined position of the additional device, it is known, for example, which noise and / or vibration occurs during operation of the cleaning device when no soiling is present. A deviation from this can then be an indication for the KL module that soiling is present. For example, a large quantity of dirty liquid to be picked up from a floor surface in a scrubber-drier can lead to a characteristic noise from a suction device.For example, contamination of the floor surface with coarse dirt that is driven over by a floor cleaning device or picked up by a cleaning brush can lead to a characteristic vibration that can be used by the Kl module to detect the contamination.

[0018] Based on the above, it follows that the KL module is advantageously designed and programmed to determine the type of contamination. This can, for example, distinguish between solid and liquid contamination, the degree of contamination, and / or the material of the contamination.

[0019] Cleaning-related support can take various forms.

[0020] For example, the cleaning-related support may include a recommendation to guide the cleaning device, for example in a specific direction and / or at a specific speed.

[0021] For example, the cleaning-related support can include a recommendation for adjusting at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device. For example, it is conceivable that the CL module recommends increasing the detergent dosage to achieve a better cleaning result, or increasing the speed and / or contact pressure of a cleaning tool to improve the cleaning result.

[0022] Cleaning-related support can, for example, include a recommendation for the use of at least one cleaning tool. For example, it can be suggested to use a cleaning brush of a specific type because it is optimized for removing dirt and / or the type of floor to be cleaned. The recommendation for the use of the cleaning tool can also include a recommendation for replacing a cleaning tool, for example, when it is worn out, including instructions for the user on how to replace the cleaning tool.

[0023] Cleaning-related support can, for example, include a recommendation for the use and / or dosage of at least one cleaning agent. A corresponding example has already been mentioned. "Cleaning agent" in this case can be, for example, water and / or a cleaning chemical.

[0024] Cleaning-related support may, for example, include a recommendation that the soiling cannot be removed or can only be removed inadequately with the cleaning device. This serves, for example, to prevent possible damage to the object and / or the cleaning device that could occur as a result of repeated unsuccessful cleaning attempts. In particular, a recommendation to use a different type of cleaning device may be made.

[0025] The cleaning-related support may, for example, include a recommendation to purchase a cleaning tool and / or cleaning agent. For example, the user is informed that better cleaning can be achieved using a different cleaning tool and / or cleaning agent. In a preferred embodiment, the user may be referred or redirected to an online retailer for purchase.

[0026] It may be advantageous if the cleaning-related support includes information about the time of occurrence of non-removable contamination. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning-related support can include information about the location of non-removable contamination.

[0027] For position determination, it can be provided that the cleaning system, in particular the cleaning device or the additional device, has a localization unit for position determination in a relative and / or absolute reference system.

[0028] Information of the types described above can, for example, be output in summary form by the Kl module.

[0029] For example, it can be provided that the Kl module is designed and programmed to create a report on the cleaning after completion of a cleaning, which includes information on the duration of the cleaning, the area cleaned, the cleaning success (estimated, for example, as a percentage) and / or position-related information on the quality of the cleaning.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device is adjusted depending on the cleaning-related assistance after prior confirmation by the user. For example, the cleaning-related assistance includes the recommendation to change the dosage of a cleaning agent or the contact pressure of a cleaning tool. However, the corresponding adjustment is only made after confirmation by the user, in order to give the user the opportunity to check the changed setting. Confirmation can be provided, for example, by voice input and / or a haptic input on an operating unit.

[0031] Alternatively, it can be provided that at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device is set depending on the cleaning-related assistance without user intervention. Conveniently, the Kl module can initiate the setting of the operating parameter and preferably inform the user thereof. For example, the assistance could be expressed in such a way that the dosage of the cleaning agent is preferably increased or the contact pressure of the cleaning tool is changed, and that the respective change has already been made or initiated by the Kl module. This makes it easier for the user to operate the cleaning device. It can be provided that the setting of at least one operating parameter without user intervention is only possible if this has previously been enabled by the user by means of an enable, for example in a system setting of the cleaning device.If this permission is missing, user confirmation is required, as mentioned above. For example, the permission may only apply to the current cleaning process, after which a new permission is required for a subsequent cleaning process. Alternatively, the permission may be permanently activated until deactivated again.

[0032] It may be advantageous if the cleaning system comprises a sensor unit for capturing images of the object to be cleaned during operation of the cleaning device, wherein relevant operating information is provided to the data processing unit, and wherein the Kl module provides the cleaning-related support based on a sensor signal of the sensor unit that is indicative of contamination of the object to be cleaned.

[0033] For example, a camera can be provided to create images of the object to be cleaned. The imaged content can then be evaluated by the AI ​​module to generate cleaning-related support. In a floor cleaning device, a floor type, a degree of soiling, and / or a type of soiling can be identified based on an image from the camera. The sensor unit in floor cleaning devices can, for example, be configured to detect a floor material and / or a soiling material.

[0034] It can be provided that the cleaning device forms the cleaning system.

[0035] The data processing unit has already been discussed. At least one data processing unit can be provided. A plurality of data processing units can be arranged spatially separated from one another.

[0036] For example, the cleaning device may comprise the data processing unit.

[0037] In particular, it is conceivable for an additional device portable by the user, for example a smartphone or tablet computer, which is or can be coupled to the cleaning device, to comprise the data processing unit. The coupling of a smartphone or tablet computer to the cleaning device can preferably be wireless, for example via Bluetooth. The cleaning system can have a data processing unit arranged spatially remote from the cleaning device, which, if present, is also arranged spatially remote from the additional device. The data processing unit can be formed by one or more servers, for example as a cloud.

[0038] A user application program executable on the auxiliary device can be provided, through which the user accesses the AI ​​module and / or through which the AI ​​module provides cleaning-related support. The user application program on the auxiliary device can itself include the AI ​​module. Alternatively, the AI ​​module can be called via the user application program or data can be transferred to it.

[0039] The user application program is, for example, an app.

[0040] An input unit of the cleaning system can, for example, be designed for voice input and / or text input by the user. In practice, voice input may prove advantageous. Interaction between the user and the AI ​​module can preferably take place in the form of a voice dialog.

[0041] The input unit can be arranged on the cleaning device or enclosed by it.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the input unit can be arranged on or comprised by an additional device that can be carried by the user and that is or can be coupled to the cleaning device.

[0043] Alternatively or additionally, the input unit can be arranged on or encompassed by a separate device that is or can be coupled to the cleaning device or the additional device. For example, a headset is provided for the user to enable voice input and output.

[0044] In particular, at least one microphone is provided for voice input. A touchscreen, for example, can be provided for text input.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the input unit is provided to provide the CL module with images, for example, images of the object to be cleaned, which can be used to determine and, in particular, evaluate the level of soiling. For this purpose, the input unit can comprise a camera, for example.

[0046] The output unit is designed, for example, for voice output and for this purpose comprises in particular a loudspeaker.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the output unit can be designed, for example, to output text and / or images to the user, in particular via a controllable image display.

[0048] The dispensing unit can be arranged on the cleaning device or enclosed by it.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the dispensing unit can be arranged on or comprised by an additional device that can be carried by the user and that is or can be coupled to the cleaning device.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the output unit can be arranged on or enclosed within a separate device that is or can be coupled to the cleaning device or the additional device. The possibility of using a headset has already been discussed in connection with the input unit.

[0051] The possibility of voice input has already been discussed. Voice control is particularly conceivable. For example, a user's voice input can contain a request to set at least one operating parameter so that a specific floor type can be cleaned as effectively as possible. The floor type can be specified by the user and / or detected by a sensor unit. The operating parameter can be set automatically without user intervention or only after user confirmation.

[0052] In the examples of the last paragraph, it can be provided that the cleaning device stores a setting of at least one operating parameter for a subsequent cleaning process and automatically makes this setting during the subsequent cleaning process.

[0053] In particular, it can be provided that the setting of the at least one operating parameter is position-related and that the operating parameter is stored position-related. For this purpose, the cleaning device can comprise a localization unit to automatically determine its position within an environment.

[0054] It goes without saying that the Kl module can be designed to be self-learning.

[0055] Advantageously, the Kl module accesses at least one storage unit to analyze the operating information and / or to create the cleaning-related support.

[0056] The cleaning device may comprise the storage unit.

[0057] A user-portable accessory device that is coupled or can be coupled to the cleaning device may comprise the storage unit.

[0058] The cleaning system may comprise a storage unit arranged spatially remote from the cleaning device.

[0059] In order to train the Kl module, the at least one storage unit can comprise at least one of the following: experiences documented by users when using the cleaning device, experiences from the development and / or application technology of the cleaning device, feedback and / or information from customer surveys, an operating manual of the cleaning device, operating manuals of other types of cleaning devices.

[0060] The content of the at least one storage unit is advantageously changeable and, in particular, expandable.

[0061] The user-guided cleaning device can, for example, be hand-held.

[0062] The cleaning device is, for example, a floor cleaning device.

[0063] In particular, the cleaning device can be a scrubber-drier.

[0064] 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, in which at least one cleaning tool acts directly or indirectly on an object to be cleaned, comprises:

[0065] Detecting, during operation of the cleaning device, at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device, a noise occurring and / or a vibration occurring during operation;

[0066] Providing relevant operational information;

[0067] Analyzing, by means of a Kl module, the operating information to determine that the operating information is indicative of contamination of the object to be cleaned; and

[0068] Providing cleaning-related support through the Kl module to a user with regard to removing the contamination.

[0069] The advantages already mentioned in connection with the explanation of the cleaning system according to the invention can also be achieved by implementing the method. Advantageous embodiments of the method result from advantageous embodiments of the cleaning system. Reference can be made to the above explanations in each case.

[0070] The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, in conjunction with the drawings, serves to explain the invention in more detail. The preferred embodiment of the cleaning system serves to carry out advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention. They show:

[0071] Figure 1: a schematic representation of a cleaning system according to the invention, comprising a hand-held cleaning device; and

[0072] Figure 2: a perspective view of an operating unit of the cleaning device from Figure 1.

[0073] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention, designated overall by the reference numeral 100. In the present case, the cleaning system 100 is a floor cleaning system with a cleaning device 102 in the form of a floor cleaning device. The cleaning device 102 is, in particular, a scrubber-drier 104, which can be moved by a user 106 to clean an object 108 to be cleaned. In the present example, the object 108 to be cleaned is a floor surface 110. The scrubber-drier 104 is user-guided and hand-held. For cleaning the floor surface 110, the scrubber-drier 104 comprises a cleaning tool 112 comprising a cleaning brush 114, which is, in particular, a disc brush. The cleaning tool 112 comprises a drive motor 116 to drive the cleaning brush 114.

[0074] As a further cleaning tool 112, the scrubber-drier 104 includes a suction device 118 with a squeegee 120 and a suction unit 122 for generating negative pressure. The suction unit 122 includes a drive motor 124.

[0075] The scrubber-drier 104 further comprises, for example, a dosing device 126 for a cleaning fluid, in particular water. A further dosing device 128 can be provided to dose another cleaning fluid, in particular a cleaning chemical.

[0076] For moving on the floor surface 110, the scrubber-drier 104 comprises a chassis 130, the drive device of which comprises a drive motor 132.

[0077] The scrubber-drier 104 includes a control unit 134, which is provided for controlling and / or regulating operation and is operatively connected to the aforementioned components, for example, the drive motors 116, 124, 132 and the metering devices 126, 128. Values ​​of operating parameters can be provided to the control unit 134. For example, motor speeds of the drive motors 116, 124, and 132, current consumption of these motors, voltages applied to the motors, and / or their temperatures are provided.

[0078] Conversely, the control unit 134 can, for example, act on the drive motors 116, 124, 132 and the dosing devices 126, 128.

[0079] Operating parameters during operation of the scrubber-drier 104 can be recorded via the control unit 134 and relevant operating information can be passed on as explained below.

[0080] The scrubber-drier 104 can, for example, comprise a sensor unit 136. The sensor unit 136 can, for example, create images of the floor surface 110 and transmit related sensor signals to the control unit 134. The sensor unit 136 can, for example, comprise a microphone 138 as a sensor element to detect noises that occur during operation of the scrubber-drier 104. Alternatively or additionally, a vibration sensor 140 can be provided as a sensor element to detect vibrations that occur during operation of the scrubber-drier 104. Relevant operating information can be transmitted to the control unit 134. Furthermore, a camera 137 can, for example, be provided to record images of the floor surface 110.

[0081] For guidance by the user 106, the scrubber-drier 104 comprises an operating unit 142. Operating elements are provided on the operating unit 142, for example a program selector switch 144 and a travel lever 146 for setting a travel speed and travel direction.

[0082] Preferably, the control unit 142 has a receptacle 148 for an external additional device 150 that can be carried by the user 106.

[0083] Figure 1 shows a smartphone 152 and a tablet computer 154 as examples of additional devices 150, whereby the presence of two additional devices 150 is only optional.

[0084] The smartphone 152 or the tablet computer 154 can, for example, be releasably positioned in a defined position in the receptacle 148 (Figure 2). Advantageously, there is a connection between the additional device 150 and the scrubber-drier 104, in particular its control unit 134. For example, a connection is made via Bluetooth.

[0085] Conveniently, information can be transmitted bidirectionally. For example, the aforementioned operating information is transmitted from the control unit 134 to the auxiliary device 150. Conversely, operating instructions or information, for example, for influencing the drive motors 116, 124, 132 or the metering devices 126, 128, can be transmitted.

[0086] By arranging the additional device 150 in the receptacle 148, the user 106 can access the additional device 150 in a user-friendly and intuitive manner with regard to inputting information and / or perceiving information at the output of the additional device 150. The additional device 150 comprises an input unit 156, which in this case comprises a touch-sensitive screen (touchscreen 158) and a microphone 160.

[0087] Furthermore, the additional device 150 comprises a controllable output unit 162, which comprises the touchscreen 158 and also a loudspeaker 164.

[0088] Accordingly, the additional device 150 is configured for voice input and voice output. Additionally, the additional device 150 is configured for text and image input, as well as text and image output via the touchscreen 158.

[0089] The additional device 150 may include a sensor unit 166. The sensor unit 166 includes, in particular, the microphone 160 as a sensor element for detecting a noise occurring during operation of the scrubber-drier 104.

[0090] In addition, the sensor unit 166 comprises a vibration sensor 168 in order to detect vibrations occurring during operation.

[0091] In addition, the sensor unit 166 may include a camera 169 to capture images of the floor surface 110.

[0092] The additional device 150 comprises a data processing unit 170, via which, for example, the bidirectional communication connection with the control unit 134 is established.

[0093] For example, a user application program in the form of an app that can be executed by the data processing unit 170 is stored on the additional device 150.

[0094] In the present case, the data processing unit 170 comprises a Kl module 172 (Kl, artificial intelligence). The Kl module 172 is designed and programmed to analyze the operating information provided by the control unit 134. In particular, the Kl module 172 can determine that the operating information is indicative of soiling of the floor surface 110. For this purpose, the Kl module 172 is designed and programmed to evaluate the operating information independently and without intervention from the user 106 during operation of the scrubber-drier 104. It is preferably possible to determine what type of soiling is involved.

[0095] In particular, the contamination causes at least one operating parameter to change. For example, depending on the nature of the contamination, the speed of the drive motor 116 for the cleaning brush 114 changes, or the current consumption increases when the cleaning brush 114 detects the contamination. For example, the scrubber-drier 104 slows down when driving over the contamination, which can be determined based on the speed of the drive motor 132. Further examples of how contamination can cause a change in the operating parameter have already been explained above.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a noise (using the microphones 138 and 160, respectively) or a vibration (using the vibration sensors 140 and 168, respectively) can be detected via the sensor unit 136 and / or the sensor unit 166, wherein the noise or vibration is attributable to the presence of the contamination. For example, the noise changes depending on the nature of the contamination (solid or liquid, for example). It is also conceivable that a vibration propagates or changes depending on the nature of the contamination (soft, hard, coarse-grained).

[0097] The CL module 172 is configured to provide the user 106 with cleaning-related assistance 174 via the output unit 162, with a view to removing the soiling. The cleaning-related assistance 174 can, for example, be displayed visually on the additional device 150, as shown in the drawing. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning-related assistance 174 can be provided, in particular, through voice output.

[0098] For this purpose, the Kl module 172 can access a memory unit 176. In this case, the memory unit 176 is included in the additional device 150.

[0099] The storage unit 176 is filled with information for training the Kl module 172 and preferably includes experiences documented by users when using the scrubber-drier 104, experiences from the development and / or application technology of the scrubber-drier 104 and feedback and / or information from customer surveys, an operating manual for the scrubber-drier 104 and also operating manuals for other types of cleaning devices.

[0100] To improve the cleaning result by removing the detected soiling, the user 106 can access the cleaning-related assistance 174. For example, the assistance 174 can include at least one of the following: - a recommendation for guiding the scrubber-drier 104, such as forward or backward and / or setting a travel speed;

[0101] - a recommendation for setting at least one operating parameter of the scrubber-drier 104;

[0102] - a recommendation for the use of a suitable cleaning tool 112;

[0103] - a recommendation for the use and / or dosage of at least one cleaning agent, which in this case includes the use of the cleaning chemical;

[0104] - a recommendation that the floor surface 110 cannot be cleaned or can only be cleaned inadequately with the scrubber-drier 104;

[0105] - a recommendation to purchase a different cleaning tool 112 and / or a cleaning agent including a cleaning chemical.

[0106] One or more such recommendations may, for example, instruct the user 106 to make an adjustment to one of the components of the scrubber-drier 104 or to act on one of the components mentioned: cleaning tool 112, drive motors 116, 124, 132, dosing device 126, 128, program selector switch 144, drive lever 146. Other components may be provided.

[0107] For example, it is conceivable to change the speed of the drive motor 116 and / or the contact pressure thereof, to adjust the suction power of the suction device 118, to change the driving speed, to select a cleaning program via the program selector switch 134, and to change the dosage of the cleaning agent and / or the cleaning chemical via the dosing devices 126, 128.

[0108] It can be provided that the setting is only made after confirmation by the user 106, wherein the confirmation is made, for example, via the input unit 156 and requested via the output unit 162. Alternatively, it can be provided, as already discussed, that operating parameters of the scrubber-drier 104 are made automatically depending on the cleaning-related support 174, if necessary after prior approval by the user, as already explained. It is conceivable that images of the floor surface 110 are created via the camera 137 of the sensor unit 136. Alternatively or additionally, images can be created, for example, by the camera 169 of the sensor unit 166. Based on this

[0109] Operational information is preferably analyzed by the AI ​​module 172 to determine contamination of the floor surface 110. Cleaning-related support 174 can also be provided on this basis.

[0110] It is particularly advantageous if the type and / or degree of contamination can be determined. Ideally, the material of the contamination can be determined.

[0111] In the present embodiment, at least one additional device 150 is used in the cleaning system 100. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the additional device 150 could be omitted, with the cleaning device 102 alone constituting the cleaning system 100. For example, the control unit 134 could constitute the data processing unit 170.

[0112] Figure 1 schematically shows, in dashed lines, a data processing unit 170 spatially arranged remotely from the scrubber-drier 104 and the additional device 150. This data processing unit 170 can be used, for example, instead of the data processing unit 170 of the additional device 150 and, in particular, has a bidirectional communication connection with the additional device 150. The data processing unit 170 can, for example, be implemented as a cloud 178. Alternatively, it can be, for example, a single computer (server or similar).

[0113] The data processing unit 170 may include the storage unit 176, as schematically illustrated in the cloud-based embodiment. Alternatively, the storage unit 176 could be formed separately from the data processing unit 170. This possibility also exists when using the additional device with its data processing unit 170.

[0114] The spatially remote data processing unit 170 can be used with or without the additional device 150. A communication connection can be established, for example, from the scrubber-drier 104 directly to the data processing unit 170 and / or via the additional device 150. List of reference symbols

[0115] Cleaning system Cleaning device Scrubber dryer User Object Floor surface Cleaning tool Cleaning brush Drive motor Suction device Squeegee Suction unit Drive motor Dosing device Dosing device Chassis Drive motor Control unit Sensor unit Camera Microphone Vibration sensor Operating unit

[0116] Program selector switch Drive lever Recording Additional device Smartphone Tablet computer Input unit Touchscreen Microphone Output unit Loudspeaker Sensor unit Vibration sensor Camera Data processing unit Kl-Module Cleaning-related support Storage unit Cloud

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A cleaning system, comprising: a user-guided cleaning device (102) with at least one cleaning tool (112) for directly or indirectly acting on an object (108) to be cleaned, a controllable output unit (162), and a data processing unit (170), wherein at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device (102) during its operation, a noise occurring during operation, and / or a vibration occurring during operation can be detected, and the data processing unit (170) is provided with related operating information, wherein the data processing unit (170) comprises or forms a Kl module (172), wherein the Kl module (172) analyzes the operating information to determine that the operating information is indicative of contamination of the object (108) to be cleaned,and wherein the Kl module (172) provides the user (106) with cleaning-related assistance (174) with regard to removing the soiling via the output unit (162).

2. Cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the following is detected as at least one operating parameter: an operating parameter indicative of a power of a drive motor (116, 124, 132) for the cleaning tool (112) or of the cleaning tool (112), in particular a speed, a current consumption, or a temperature; an operating parameter indicative of a power of a drive motor (116, 124, 132) for a chassis (130) or of the chassis (130), in particular a speed, a current consumption, or a temperature.

3. Cleaning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cleaning system (100) comprises a sensor unit (136, 166) for detecting the noise and / or the vibration, wherein at least one of the following applies: the cleaning device (102) comprises the sensor unit (136, 166); an external accessory device (150) portable by the user (106) comprises the sensor unit (136, 166), wherein the accessory device (150) is coupled or can be coupled to the cleaning device (102).

4. Cleaning system according to claim 3, characterized in that the cleaning device (102), in particular on an operating unit (142), comprises a receptacle (148) for the additional device (150), which can be detachably arranged in the receptacle (148) in a defined position.

5. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning-related support (174) is provided in the form of a cleaning recommendation which comprises at least one of the following: a recommendation for operating the cleaning device (102); a recommendation for setting at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device (102); a recommendation for using at least one cleaning tool (112); a recommendation for using and / or dosing at least one cleaning agent; a recommendation to the effect that the object (108) cannot be cleaned or can only be cleaned inadequately with the cleaning device (102); a recommendation for purchasing a cleaning tool (112) and / or a cleaning agent.

6. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning-related support (174) comprises at least one of the following: an indication of the time of occurrence of a non-removable contamination; an indication of the position of a non-removable contamination.

7. Cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that the Kl module (172) is designed and programmed to create a cleaning report after completion of a cleaning, which report includes information on at least one of the following: duration of cleaning, cleaned area, cleaning success, position-related information on the quality of cleaning.

8. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device (102) is set depending on the cleaning-related support (174) after prior confirmation by the user (106) or without any action by the user (106).

9. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning system (100) comprises a sensor unit (136, 166) for capturing images of the object (108) to be cleaned during operation of the cleaning device (102), wherein relevant operating information is provided to the data processing unit (170), wherein the Kl module (172) provides the cleaning-related support (174) based on a sensor signal of the sensor unit (136, 166) which is indicative of contamination of the object (108) to be cleaned.

10. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: the cleaning device (102) comprises the data processing unit (170); an additional device (150) portable by the user (106), which is coupled or can be coupled to the cleaning device (102), comprises the data processing unit (170); the cleaning system (100) has a data processing unit (170) arranged spatially remote from the cleaning device (102).

11. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a user application program executable on the additional device (150), via which the user (106) accesses the Kl module (172) and / or via which the Kl module (172) provides cleaning-related support (174).

12. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output unit (162) is designed for voice output and / or text and / or image output to the user (106).

13. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the output unit (162) is arranged on the cleaning device (102) and / or on an additional device (150) portable by the user (106) or is comprised by this / this, which additional device (150) is coupled or can be coupled to the cleaning device (102), and / or on a separate device which is coupled or can be coupled to the cleaning device (102) or to the additional device (150).

14. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Kl module (172) uses at least one storage unit (176) for interpreting and / or analyzing the cleaning-related requests and / or for creating the cleaning-related support (174), for which at least one of the following applies: the cleaning device (102) comprises the storage unit (176); an additional device (150) portable by the user (106), which is coupled or can be coupled to the cleaning device (102), comprises the storage unit (176); the cleaning system (100) has a storage unit (176) arranged spatially remote from the cleaning device (102).

15. Cleaning system according to claim 14, characterized in that the at least one storage unit (176) comprises at least one of the following: experiences documented by users (106) when using the cleaning device (102); Experience from the development and / or application technology of the cleaning device (102); Feedback and / or information from customer surveys; an instruction manual for the cleaning device (102); Operating instructions for other types of cleaning devices (102).

16. Cleaning system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (102) is hand-guided and / or a Floor cleaning device, in particular a scrubber-drier (104).

17. A method for operating a cleaning system with a user-guided cleaning device, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one cleaning tool acts directly or indirectly on an object to be cleaned, the method comprising: Detecting, during operation of the cleaning device, at least one operating parameter of the cleaning device, a noise occurring and / or a vibration occurring during operation; Providing relevant operational information; Analyzing, by means of a Kl module, the operating information to determine that the operating information is indicative of contamination of the object to be cleaned; Providing cleaning-related support to a user with regard to removing contamination by the Cl module.

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