Patent Application
20240341554
The present invention relates to a cleaning system comprising a cleaning apparatus with at least one cleaning tool. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a cleaning system comprising a cleaning apparatus of the type described above.
The cleaning apparatus of the cleaning system described below can be configured in different ways, for example mobile for moving on a floor surface or stationary.
Accordingly, the invention can be used, for example, with a surface cleaning apparatus, for example a scrubber-dryer or a sweeper. It is conceivable to use the invention in a cleaning apparatus that generates a cleaning jet for cleaning objects, in particular a high-pressure cleaning apparatus.
When operating cleaning apparatuses, which may be configured to be user-guided and/or autonomous, faults or abnormal operating conditions may occur which may have an impact on the cleaning result and/or on the functionality of the cleaning apparatus. For this reason, it is desirable to detect such a fault or an operating condition that deviates from the norm and to initiate any countermeasures. It is also known to monitor normal operating conditions, for example to determine the running time of the cleaning apparatus of the cleaning tool by means of an operating hour counter.
US 2019/0216283 A1 describes a scrubber-dryer that can be configured to be user-guided or (partially) autonomous. A faulty operating condition can be ascertained on the basis of changed operating parameters and a countermeasure can be initiated. The operating parameter can be current flow, operating voltage, power, speed of a unit, noise and differential pressure of a suction unit.
In the field of household appliances, EP 2 573 247 A2 and EP 2 932 340 B1 describe the analysis of noises generated during operation using a mobile device.
An object underlying the present invention is to provide a cleaning system comprising at least one cleaning apparatus and to a method for operating such a cleaning system, in which or with which an operating state of the cleaning apparatus can be monitored.
In a first aspect of the invention, a cleaning system comprises a cleaning apparatus with at least one cleaning tool, a sensor device for detecting the propagation of vibrations due to the operation of the cleaning apparatus and for providing input information related thereto, and a data processing device on which an application program is running or is runnable. By means of the application program the input information can be analyzed. By means of the analysis of the input information it can be ascertained whether the detected propagation of vibrations is an abnormal propagation of vibrations indicative of an actual operating state which deviates from a normal operating state of the cleaning apparatus. Depending on the deviation, a cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can be ascertained and/or a corrective measure with respect to correcting the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can be provided by the data processing device.
In a second aspect of the invention, a method for operating a cleaning system comprising a cleaning apparatus with at least one cleaning tool comprises:
The foregoing summary and the following description may be better understood in conjunction with the drawing figures, of which:
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.
The present invention relates to a cleaning system, comprising:
By means of the application program the input information can be analyzed, wherein by means of the analysis of the input information it can be ascertained whether the propagation of vibrations is an abnormal propagation of vibrations, indicating an actual operating state which deviates from a normal operating state of the cleaning apparatus. The cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can be ascertained on the basis of the deviation and/or a corrective measure with respect to correcting the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can be provided by the data processing device.
In the cleaning system in accordance with the invention, the occurrence of an abnormal propagation of vibrations during operation of the cleaning apparatus can be ascertained. The propagation of vibrations can, for example, be or include a noise that may be based on airborne sound and/or structure-borne sound. Alternatively or additionally, the propagation of vibrations can, for example, be a structure-borne vibration of a component of the cleaning apparatus. The invention is based on the idea that propagation of vibrations inevitably occurs during operation of the cleaning apparatus. If the cleaning apparatus assumes a normal state, the propagation of vibrations is normal or usual, in particular within a specified or specifiable range. Of interest for monitoring the operating state, however, are abnormal propagations of vibrations that are associated with the abnormal actual operating state, which differs from the usual normal operating state. Such abnormal propagations of vibrations are due, for example, to a fault of the cleaning apparatus.
In accordance with the present invention, it is provided to detect propagations of vibrations via the sensor device and to provide the data processing device with input information about this. The data processing device is formed and programmed to analyze the input information via the application program and to ascertain abnormal propagation of vibrations and thus a deviation from the normal operating state. Furthermore, the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can preferably be determined. In the present case, this can be understood in particular to mean that the source of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can be determined. Alternatively or additionally, a corrective measure can preferably be provided on the basis of which the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can be eliminated.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor device comprises at least one microphone, wherein the abnormal propagation of vibrations is or comprises a noise that occurs during operation of the cleaning apparatus. The noise, which may be due to airborne sound and/or structure-borne sound, can be picked up by at least one microphone. It can be provided that the sound, for example in the form of or via an audio file, can be stored in a storage device for further processing and/or use. The file can comprise or form the input information. In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that the file is different from the input information, but said input information is generated by the sensor device from the detected noise. It can be provided that the cleaning apparatus emits a normal operating noise in the normal operating state, to which a noise is added to form the abnormal propagation of vibrations. The application program can, for example, ascertain the abnormal propagation of vibrations from the overall noise thus superimposed and preferably determine its cause. Even a lack of a portion of the normal operating noise can, under certain circumstances, lead to a preferably detectable abnormal propagation of vibrations.
Alternatively or additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the sensor device comprises at least one acceleration sensor and that the abnormal propagation of vibrations is a structure-borne vibration of a component of the cleaning apparatus, which structure-borne vibration occurs during operation of the cleaning apparatus. For example, in the normal operating state, the component has a normal operating vibration, on which a structure-borne vibration is superimposed to form the abnormal propagation of vibrations. For example, the overall vibration thus formed can be analyzed by the application program to ascertain the abnormal propagation of vibrations and preferably its cause.
The cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations may include, for example, at least one of the following:
An in particular abnormal propagation of vibrations and/or a shutdown of a functional unit, which can be detected by the sensor device and/or by the data processing device, can preferably be indicative of a fault or impending fault. For example, in a scrubber-dryer, a full dirty-liquid tank can cause a suction unit to switch off. The user can be informed, for example, via an indicator unit to empty the full dirty-liquid tank.
It can be provided that operating parameters which are indicative of a given normal operating condition are used by the application program as a basis for the analysis of the propagation of vibrations. For example, the data processing device knows the specified normal operating state, so that an abnormal propagation of vibrations can be ascertained on this basis. This can be advantageous, for example, if different normal operating states are provided, for example depending on an operating mode (for example eco mode, normal mode, high-performance or intensive cleaning mode), which in turn cause different propagations of vibrations in the normal operating state and accordingly different abnormal propagations of vibrations. The operating parameters can be transmitted wirelessly, e.g., via Bluetooth, and/or via wired connection to the data processing device and include, for example, operating parameters relating to the use of functional units. Based on the operating parameters, the data processing device can in particular recognize which normal operating state the cleaning apparatus should have.
The cleaning system preferably comprises an indicator unit which can be used to output an indication to an operator regarding the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations as a corrective measure. Based on the indication, the operator can preferably remedy the cause.
The indicator unit is or preferably comprises an optical display unit, in particular with a controllable image display.
Alternatively or additionally, the indicator unit is or includes an acoustic indicator unit which, for example, emits a warning sound when abnormal propagation of vibrations is detected.
Alternatively or additionally, the indicator unit is or comprises a haptic indicator unit which, when abnormal propagation of vibrations is detected, triggers a vibration, for example at an operating unit for guiding the cleaning apparatus by the user or at an external additional unit.
It can be advantageous if the detection of any abnormal propagation of vibrations occurs automatically without the intervention of the operator. For example, the application program can run in the background on the data processing device without any intervention by the operator and, in the event of such an occurrence, can provide any corrective measure, for example in the form of the above-mentioned indication.
It can be provided that the operator is initially informed of the presence of an abnormal propagation of vibrations via the indication, without initially stating the cause for this, wherein the cause is displayed by selecting the indication (for example by tapping a touch-sensitive display unit).
The indication preferably includes corrective information for the operator to eliminate the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations. For example, the corrective information can be displayed immediately with the indication of the abnormal propagation of vibrations. Alternatively, it can be provided that the operator is only shown the corrective information after interaction with the cleaning system on the initial indication of the presence of the abnormal propagation of vibrations. For example, interaction via a touch-sensitive display unit is conceivable, wherein the additional corrective information can be displayed in response to the interaction.
It can be provided that an indication disappears again when the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations no longer exists, for example by itself or through intervention by the operator of the cleaning apparatus.
If the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations cannot be clearly determined, the indication may include a specification of a number of possible causes, preferably with a specification of their respective probability. In this way, the indication contains at least one piece of information for the operator, for example about the presence of a fault, together with possible causes. This helps the operator to identify and resolve the fault.
In the case of user-guided cleaning apparatuses, the invention preferably enables the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations to be corrected even by an inexperienced operator without the need to involve service personnel. For example, a fault that has occurred can be rectified by the operator and the cleaning apparatus can then be restarted. In the event of an impending fault, failure of the cleaning apparatus can preferably be avoided. Alternatively or additionally, if a fault has occurred or is imminent, further operation can be interrupted and a possibly inferior cleaning result can thus be avoided.
It can be provided, for example in the case of an autonomous cleaning apparatus, that the corrective measure comprises the decommissioning of the cleaning apparatus or of a functional unit of the cleaning apparatus and/or of a cleaning tool which has been identified as the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations.
In this case, “functional unit” may in particular include “cleaning tool”.
It may be advantageous if the cleaning system comprises a further data processing device arranged spatially remotely from the data processing device to which further data processing device information about the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations and/or, if this cannot be ascertained, information relating to this can be transmitted. The data processing device may, for example, be owned or managed by the manufacturer of the cleaning system. The cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can be used for training purposes, combined for example with a stored sound that can also be transmitted and/or a recording of the structure-borne vibration. For example, service personnel can be trained about the occurrence of possible causes. If the cause cannot be ascertained, a further analysis can be carried out, for example by the manufacturer of the cleaning system, wherein a stored noise and/or a recording of the structure-borne vibration can preferably be transmitted to the data processing device.
The data processing device is, for example, formed by a server and/or a cloud service.
A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the cleaning apparatus comprises the sensor device and/or the data processing device, preferably an indicator unit for outputting an indication regarding the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations. In such an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning apparatus is, for example, autonomous, but it can additionally or alternatively be user-guided. An integrated sensor device and/or data processing device can be used so that no separate device is required.
The cleaning apparatus preferably comprises a control unit for controlling and/or managing the operation of the cleaning apparatus, wherein the control unit comprises or forms the data processing device. A separate data processing device can be avoided in this case.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning system comprises an, in particular, portable capturing apparatus which comprises the sensor device, the data processing device and preferably an indicator unit for outputting an indication regarding the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations. The capturing apparatus, which comprises or can form a portable additional device, can, for example, be formed separately from the cleaning apparatus. Alternatively, the capturing apparatus can form a component of the cleaning apparatus that is otherwise detachable from the cleaning apparatus.
The capturing apparatus is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer or a smartwatch.
The capturing apparatus is preferably detachably connected or connectable to the cleaning apparatus, especially in the case of a user-guided cleaning apparatus.
It may be advantageous if the cleaning apparatus has a receptacle for the capturing apparatus, on which the capturing apparatus can be arranged, in particular in a defined position. For example, a support element of the receptacle is provided, on which support element the capturing apparatus can be placed. The accuracy of the analysis can be increased via the defined position, since reproducible conditions for recording the propagation of vibrations are present.
It can be provided that the capturing apparatus can be arranged at any position on the cleaning apparatus, wherein the detection of the propagation of vibrations is ensured.
It is advantageous if at least one mechanical fixing element is arranged on the receptacle for fixing the capturing device in the receptacle. For example, a force-locking and/or positive-locking fixation is conceivable.
At least one electrical connection element for electrically connecting the capturing device to the cleaning apparatus can be arranged on the receptacle. For example, a fixed connection element or a wired connection is conceivable.
Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the data processing device of the capturing device can be coupled wirelessly to a control unit of the cleaning apparatus. For example, inductive coupling is provided.
It may prove advantageous if the receptacle is arranged on an operating unit of the cleaning apparatus, on which at least one operating element for operating the cleaning apparatus by an operator is arranged. This proves to be advantageous in a user-guided cleaning apparatus, for example. The operating unit is arranged, for example, on the rear side of the cleaning apparatus with respect to a main direction of movement.
The propagation of vibrations can be recorded and/or monitored, for example, for a specified period of time to create the input information. As already mentioned, it is particularly conceivable that storage takes place, in particular of a sound and/or a structure-borne vibration.
It can be provided that the propagation of vibrations via the sensor device is monitored continuously or substantially continuously. For example, “substantially continuously” is to be understood as meaning that permanent monitoring is carried out within the framework of a temporal resolution of the sensor device.
It may prove to be advantageous to carry out timed monitoring, especially timed recording of a sound.
It can be provided that the propagation of vibrations is detected at successive, in particular regular, time intervals and is preferably recorded for a specified period of time for analysis by the data processing device. For example, timed detection and/or recording can be advantageous in user-guided capturing devices in order to respect the operator's privacy. In the case of a portable capturing device that is operated by a battery, the battery can be conserved by timed monitoring and/or recording.
It can be provided that the operating state of the cleaning apparatus is taken into account. For example, the cleaning system is characterized by a communication connection between the data processing device and a control unit of the cleaning apparatus, wherein a detection of the propagation of vibrations, the provision of the input information and/or an analysis of the input information only takes place when the cleaning apparatus, in particular at least one functional unit and/or a cleaning tool of the cleaning apparatus, is in operation. For example a, in particular, timed detection and/or recording is only carried out during operation. In the case of a portable capturing device that is battery-operated, the battery can be conserved in this way.
Even if the sensor device and data processing device are permanently installed in the cleaning apparatus, it can be provided that the detection, provision and/or analysis is only carried out when the cleaning apparatus is in operation.
The capturing device can, for example, form a module of the cleaning apparatus, which is detachably arranged in the receptacle. For example, at least one electrical connection element and/or mechanical fixing element is provided. Such a configuration may prove advantageous for autonomous cleaning apparatuses, for example.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the data processing device is arranged spatially separated from the sensor device and can be connected to said sensor device via a wireless communication connection, via which the abnormal propagation of vibrations (for example a stored noise and/or a recorded structure-borne vibration) and/or the input information can be transmitted to the data processing device. This allows, for example, an analysis to be carried out spatially remotely from the cleaning apparatus. It is conceivable, for example, that the data processing device is formed via a server or a cloud service, owned or managed by the manufacturer of the cleaning system. In this embodiment, the analysis to determine the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can be carried out online, for example. This is useful, for example, if the cleaning system includes a number of cleaning apparatuses that need to be monitored.
It can be provided that the cleaning system comprises in the cleaning apparatus and/or in the capturing device a storage device for storing the detected abnormal propagation of vibrations and/or the input information. This has already been discussed. The cleaning apparatus and/or the capturing device can preferably be connectable to a spatially remotely arranged data processing device (for example formed by a server or a cloud service), wherein the abnormal propagation of vibrations and/or the input information can be transmitted to the data processing device. This embodiment is suitable, for example, if data is to be temporarily stored in the cleaning apparatus and/or the capturing device. It is conceivable that a local analysis and/or an online analysis can be carried out at the spatially remotely arranged data processing device. Alternatively or additionally, a permanent communication connection can be avoided, wherein the data transmission is only carried out when the communication connection is active.
The analysis of the input information by the application program can be carried out, for example, in accordance with at least one of the following methods: use of a neural network, K-nearest neighbor analysis, decision tree method, machine learning algorithm, deep learning technology.
It can be provided that a recording (for example an audio file) of the vibration, such as the noise, can be transmitted to a user. For example, the user can listen to a relevant recording live and/or at a later time, determine the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations and take remedial measures as appropriate.
The cleaning system is expediently capable of learning. This can be done in particular by updating the application program.
Accordingly, it may be advantageous if the data processing device comprises a communication interface for transmitting an update of the application program. For example, an update can be performed wirelessly and/or in via wired communication. An update may be useful, for example, if the manufacturer has improved the application program's ability to ascertain abnormal propagations of vibrations. This may arise, for example, in the course of advanced development, through additional training of the application program and/or based on experience in the use of existing cleaning apparatuses. Undetected abnormal propagations of vibrations, in particular noise and/or structure-borne vibrations, can be identified, for example, by service personnel and the application program can be updated accordingly.
It can be provided that the application program can be transferred to a cleaning apparatus which comprises a sensor device and preferably a data processing device, in order to form a cleaning apparatus in accordance with the invention. In this way, an existing cleaning apparatus could easily be technically upgraded, for example through a software update. The analysis of the input information could be carried out by the data processing device and/or a spatially remotely arranged data processing device.
In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning system may comprise two or more cleaning apparatuses. Accordingly, a “fleet” of cleaning apparatuses can preferably be provided. The cleaning apparatuses can be of the same type, for example a scrubber-dryer, sweeper or high-pressure cleaner.
The cleaning system can, for example, comprise two or more data processing devices which are assigned to the cleaning apparatuses, wherein the application program, depending on a location of use of the cleaning apparatuses, is the same for locations of use of the same type or differs for different locations of use. This preferred embodiment takes into account the consideration that the propagation of vibrations emanating from the cleaning apparatus is completely or at least partially identical at locations of use of the same type. In the present case, a “location of use of the same type” includes, for example, use in similar environments, for example in supermarkets, although the location of use does not necessarily have to be the same. Locations of use of the same type can be, for example, train stations, outdoor areas or office buildings. Due to the comparable cleaning tasks that occur at the same type of locations of use, it makes sense if the application programs are identical, whereas the application programs can differ from one another at different locations of use.
It can be favorable if the application programs can be synchronized with each other in the case of a location of use of the same type. Preferably, there is the possibility here of updating the application programs, as explained above. This allows, for example, “tailor-made” application programs for cleaning apparatuses at locations of the same type. For example, recordings of noises from these cleaning apparatuses are stored, analyzed and any findings are sent to the data processing devices via updates.
As already mentioned, the cleaning apparatus can be configured to be self-propelled and self-steering.
Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning apparatus can be configured to be user-guided and can comprise an operating unit for guiding the cleaning apparatus by a user/operator.
The user-guided cleaning apparatus can be a walk-behind apparatus or an apparatus on which the user travels (ride-on), for example standing (stand-on) or sitting (sit-on device).
The cleaning apparatus can be, for example, a scrubber-dryer, a sweeper, a high-pressure cleaning apparatus, a suction device for cleaning purposes, a mopping device, a hard surface cleaning apparatus or a dry ice cleaning apparatus.
The cleaning apparatus can be static and/or movable.
The at least one cleaning tool can, for example, comprise (in each case at least) one nozzle for spraying and/or suction purposes, and can be or comprise a brush roller, a pad roller, a disk brush, a disk with pad, a broom or a jet pipe. The at least one cleaning tool can be immobile or movable.
As explained above, the present invention further relates to a method.
A method in accordance with the invention for operating a cleaning system comprising a cleaning apparatus comprising at least one cleaning tool, which method solves the problem mentioned above, comprises:
The advantages mentioned in connection with the explanation of the cleaning system in accordance with the invention can be achieved by implementing the method.
Advantageous exemplary embodiments of the method in accordance with the invention follow from advantageous embodiments of the cleaning system in accordance with the invention. Reference is made to the above statements.
In the method, it can be provided for operating parameters which are indicative of a given normal operating state to be used by the application program as a basis for analyzing the propagation of vibrations. This has already been explained above. The term “specified” may in particular include “specifiable”.
The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawing to explain the invention in more detail. With the cleaning systems in accordance with the invention, the method in accordance with the invention can be carried out in a preferred embodiment.
The cleaning apparatus 12 has a cleaning tool 18 for cleaning the floor surface 16, in the present non-limiting example in the form of a disk brush 20. A further cleaning tool 18 is provided in the form of a suction bar 22, which can be subjected to negative pressure by a suction unit 24. The suction unit 24 is a functional unit 26 of the cleaning apparatus 12. For example, a running gear 28 for moving on the floor surface 16 is provided as a further functional unit 26. The cleaning tools 18 are also functional units 26 in the present case.
The cleaning apparatus 12 comprises a reservoir 30 for cleaning liquid that can be applied to the floor surface 16. The cleaning liquid can be collected with the loosened dirt by the suction bar 22 and transferred into a dirty-liquid tank 32. The dirty-liquid tank 32 comprises a cover 34 which can be opened and closed.
The cleaning apparatus 12 is presently user-guided. In addition, it can be provided that the cleaning apparatus 12 is configured to be self-propelled and self-steering in order to carry out an autonomous cleaning of the floor surface 16.
For guidance by the operator, the cleaning apparatus 12 comprises an operating unit 40 on a rear side 38 relative to a main direction of movement 36. The operating unit 40 comprises operating elements 42, which in the present case include, for example, a drive lever and a program selector switch.
The cleaning system 10 comprises at least one capturing device 44, which is used with the cleaning apparatus 12. In the present exemplary embodiment, a smartphone 46 and a tablet computer 48 are provided as capturing devices 44, as portable additional devices for detecting and analyzing propagations of vibrations of the cleaning apparatus 12 during its operation. Other examples of capturing devices 44 are laptop computers or smartwatches.
In the present case, the functioning of the cleaning system 10 is explained with reference to the smartphone 46. The statements in this regard apply identically to the tablet computer and, where applicable, other capturing devices.
The smartphone 46 comprises a data processing device 50. An application program that can run on the data processing device 50 is stored in a storage device 52 of the smartphone 46. The storage device 52 can be integrated into the data processing device 50 or comprised thereby. In the case of the smartphone 46, the application program can in particular be formed as a so-called “app”.
The smartphone 46 further comprises a sensor device 54. The sensor device 54 can detect propagation of vibrations occurring during operation of the cleaning apparatus 12. The propagation of vibrations can in particular be or include a noise. Alternatively or additionally, the propagation of vibrations can be a structure-borne vibration of a component of the cleaning apparatus 12, for example a housing 56.
To detect noise, the sensor device 54 comprises at least one microphone 58, and to detect structure-borne vibration, at least one acceleration sensor 60.
The cleaning apparatus 12 comprises a receptacle 62 for holding the smartphone 46 or alternatively the tablet computer 48. In the present case, the receptacle 62 is arranged on the operating unit 40 (
For mechanical fixation, the receptacle 62 comprises a fixing element, not shown in the drawing. The fixing element is, for example, a bracket that can be guided over the smartphone 46 in order to enable a positively engaged fixation in addition to the form-fitting support.
The smartphone 46 comprises a communication member 68, which in the present example can communicate wirelessly with a control unit 70 of the cleaning apparatus 12. This offers the possibility of displaying state information via a display unit 72 of the smartphone 46 during operation of the cleaning apparatus 12. This is described by way of example in the international application published under number WO 2020/016338 A1 in the name of the same applicant. The content of this application is fully incorporated into the present disclosure.
The display unit 72 comprises a controllable image display.
A communication interface is provided via a respective communication member described here.
In addition to or as an alternative to the wireless connection, a wired connection or a connection via an electrical connection element arranged on the receptacle 62 can be provided.
In the present example, the display unit 72 is touch-sensitive and configured as a touchscreen. This offers the operator the possibility to interact with the smartphone 46 by tapping the display unit 72. In particular, interaction with the executed application program is possible.
The positioning of the smartphone 46 in the receptacle 62 makes it possible to ensure a defined position of the smartphone 46 during operation of the cleaning apparatus 12. This proves to be advantageous in order to achieve consistent conditions when using the smartphone 46 to detect the propagation of vibrations of the cleaning apparatus 12.
However, the present invention is preferably not limited hereto. It can be provided that an operator carries the smartphone 46 with them regardless of the receptacle 62, wherein the advantages of the invention can also be achieved. It could be provided that the receptacle 62 is omitted.
As already mentioned, during operation of the cleaning apparatus 12, propagation of vibrations occurs in the form of at least one noise and in the form of a structure-borne vibration, for example of the housing 56. The invention is described below using the example of operating noises that can be detected via the microphone 58. The explanations in this regard apply accordingly to structure-borne vibrations that can be detected via the acceleration sensor 60.
First, it is assumed that the cleaning apparatus 12 is operated as intended and assumes a normal operating state. In the normal operating state, the cleaning apparatus 12 emits a normal operating noise. The normal operating noise can be regarded as a mixture of individual noises which emanate, for example, from the cleaning tools 18 and the functional units 26.
During operation of the cleaning apparatus 12, an abnormal propagation of vibrations may occur, which is indicative of an actual operating state of the cleaning apparatus 12 that deviates from the normal operating state. The abnormal propagation of vibrations in the case of noise causes the operating noise emitted by the cleaning apparatus 12 to be different from the normal operating noise in the normal operating state. For example, the normal operating noise is superimposed by an additional noise, or this additional noise is mixed with the normal operating noise.
The absence of a portion of the normal operating noise can also lead to abnormal propagation of vibrations.
The cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations with changed operating noise can be, for example, at least one of the following:
In order to ascertain the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations, the operating noise is recorded during operation of the cleaning apparatus 12. It can be provided here that detection is only carried out when the cleaning apparatus 12 is in operation, for example at least one cleaning apparatus 18 and/or at least one functional unit 26. It is also conceivable that only a main switch of the cleaning apparatus 12 needs to be switched on and, for example, the control unit 70 needs to be energized.
The application program on the smartphone 46 can, for example, be started by the operator. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the application program starts automatically when the cleaning apparatus 12 is activated as described above. In particular, there is the possibility that the application program is initially executed in the background by the data processing device 50 without the operator being aware of it.
The operating noise is detected via the sensor device 54, in particular the microphone 58, and input information in this regard is provided to the data processing device 50. The data processing device 50 executes the application program by which the input information is analyzed. For example, a neural network is used here.
If the analysis of the input information reveals that the detected propagation of vibrations is abnormal, the data processing device 50 evaluates this as an actual operating state deviating from the normal operating state.
The application program can also be used to determine the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations, in particular an abnormal operating noise that deviates from the normal operating noise. In order to correct the cause, the data processing device 50 provides a corrective measure.
In the present example, the corrective measure is an indication 74. The indication 74 is provided at an indicator unit 71. The indicator unit 71 here comprises the display unit 72 on which the indication 74 is displayed. (
The indicator unit 71 may alternatively or additionally comprise an acoustic indicator unit. For example, a warning sound is emitted via the loudspeaker of the smartphone 46. Alternatively or additionally, a haptic indication by vibration, for example of the smartphone 46 and/or the operating unit 40, is conceivable.
The initial indication 74 initially includes information for the operator, who receives further information by tapping the display unit 72. In particular, the operator is informed of the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations by displaying further information about the error on the display unit 72.
The present example provides that the cover 34 of the dirty-liquid tank 32 was inadvertently not closed by the operator. In the resulting changed operating noise, the data processing device 50 has determined the cause via the application program, and the operator is informed of this on the display unit 72 (
In addition to stating the cause, the indication 74 may include corrective information 76 on how the cause of the abnormal propagation of vibrations can be corrected. The corrective information 76 includes, for example, instructions on what action(s) the operator must take.
Deviating from the representation in
In the case of a user-guided cleaning apparatus 12, it can be provided that the detection of the noise takes place in a timed manner. For example, a noise is detected by the sensor device 54 at regular intervals, which may be approximately 3 seconds, for example. The duration of the detection can be specified or specifiable and can, for example, be approximately 1 second.
The timed detection serves to protect the privacy of the operator. In addition, the power consumption requirements of the smartphone 46 are reduced.
It can be provided that the data processing device 50 ascertains that there is more than one cause for abnormal propagation of vibrations. If this is the case, the indication 74 shall preferably include the respective causes for this.
If abnormal propagation of vibrations is ascertained but the cause cannot be clearly ascertained, the operator can also be informed via a corresponding indication 74. Preferably, the probability of the existence of a corresponding cause is stated.
Noises resulting from abnormal propagation of vibrations may be stored in the storage device 52. This is used, for example, for verification purposes and/or for training purposes of service personnel. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the stored information is used to teach the application program that is executed on further capturing devices 44.
From the above it follows that the application program can be updated. For example, information is transmitted to the smartphone 46 via the communication member 68, which forms a communication interface.
An advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system in accordance with the invention, shown in
The cleaning system 80 comprises a data processing device 82 which is arranged spatially remotely from the cleaning apparatus 12 and is formed, for example, via a cloud service 84.
With the cleaning system 80, noise and structure-borne vibrations are also detected via the smartphone 46. The input information is transmitted via the communication member 68 to the data processing device 82 on which the application program runs. The analysis of the input information is therefore carried out spatially remotely from the cleaning apparatus 12.
It can be provided that the transmission of data from the smartphone 46 to the data processing device 82 only takes place after a communication connection has been established, for example if no permanent communication connection exists. The input information can, for example, be temporarily stored in the storage device 52. The input information can be formed by the detected operating noise. In particular, the sound can be saved as an audio file, for example. This also applies to all other advantageous embodiments of the invention described here.
In the case of a permanent communication connection, it can be provided that the input information is transmitted from the smartphone 46 directly to the data processing device 82.
The corrective measure, in particular the indication 74, can be provided, for example, on an optical and/or acoustic indicator unit 86 coupled to the data processing device 82 and to which an operator has access. Alternatively or additionally, a corrective measure and in particular the indication 74 can be transmitted to the smartphone 46 for output to the indicator unit 71.
It can be provided that an indicator and in particular display unit arranged spatially remotely from the cleaning apparatus 12 and the smartphone 46 is used as an indicator unit in order to inform a user. Information can be transmitted from the data processing device 50 to this indicator unit, for example as a text message (SMS or similar). The same can be provided in the preferred embodiments explained below with the reference numerals 80 and 90 of the cleaning systems in accordance with the invention.
A preferred embodiment of the invention provides, in addition or modification to the cleaning system 10, that a spatially remotely arranged data processing device 82 is additionally a component of the cleaning system. This data processing device 82, for example the cloud service 84, is shown in dashed lines in
In addition to the analysis on the smartphone 46, an analysis can be carried out by the data processing device 82. It is also conceivable to transmit stored input information to the data processing device 82, for example for training purposes for service personnel and for teaching additional capturing devices 44 with user application program.
Alternatively, updates for the application program can be deployed via the data processing device 82. This preferably also applies to the cleaning system 80.
An advantageous embodiment of a cleaning system in accordance with the invention shown in
Identical or similarly acting features and components of the cleaning systems 10 and 90 bear identical reference numerals. The advantages achievable with the cleaning system 10 can also be achieved with the cleaning system 90. Only the major differences will be discussed.
The cleaning apparatus 92 is self-propelled and self-steering and thus enables the autonomous cleaning of the floor surface 16. The operation is controlled by the control unit 70.
In addition, the cleaning apparatus 92 can be user-guided. For this purpose, the operating unit 40 can be provided, on which, for example, the indicator unit 71 can be arranged, in particular the display unit 72.
As the main cleaning tool 18, a floor cleaning head 93 with roller brushes is provided in the cleaning apparatus 92 by way of example and not by way of limitation.
The cleaning system 90 also comprises a capturing device 44. In the present case, the capturing device 44 is arranged in the cleaning apparatus 92. A fixed installation or a detachable connection is conceivable.
The capturing device 44 comprises the data processing device 50, the storage device 52, the sensor device 54 and preferably the communication member 68. The data processing device 50 can be operatively connected to the indicator unit 71.
In the present example, the capturing device 44 is configured as a module 94, which can be accommodated in a corresponding receptacle 96 of the cleaning apparatus 92. The receptacle 96 allows in particular a mechanical and/or electrical connection of the module 94 via corresponding mechanical and/or electrical connection elements.
The analysis of the propagation of vibrations (noise and/or structure-borne sound) is carried out in the cleaning apparatus 92. If abnormal propagation of vibrations is ascertained, the corrective measure may include, for example, taking the cleaning apparatus 92 out of operation. Alternatively or additionally, for example, only the cleaning tool 18 and/or only the functional unit 26 can be put out of operation.
The communication member 68 is preferably provided to transmit information to an optional, spatially remotely arranged data processing device 82, for example formed as a cloud service 84. As explained above, input information and/or stored information may be transmitted to the data processing device 82 for further use.
Advantageously, the analysis of the propagation of vibrations is carried out by the capturing device 44 in order to ascertain any errors in the autonomous cleaning apparatus 92 regardless of the existence of a communication connection to the data processing device 82.
If the cleaning apparatus 92 is user-guided, instructions can be provided on the indicator unit 71.
This application is a continuation patent application of international application number PCT/EP2021/087667, filed on Dec. 27, 2021.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/EP2021/087667 | Dec 2021 | WO |
| Child | 18755261 | US |
