METHOD FOR OPERATING A CLEANING DEVICE AS WELL AS CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

A method for operating a cleaning device includes selecting a cleaning activity to be performed by the cleaning device via a communications interface of the cleaning device or of an external terminal, implementing at least one device setting or application of the cleaning device for performing the cleaning activity, and performing the cleaning activity with the implemented device setting and/or device application. An instruction for steps to be chronologically implemented by the user, which contain a device setting and/or device application, is transmitted to the user as a function of the selected cleaning activity. A control and evaluation unit monitors the actual implementation of the device setting and/or device application corresponding to the step to be currently implemented, and transmits a note to the user when the device setting and/or device application actually implemented deviates from a predefined reference for the device setting and/or device application to be implemented.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of European Application No. 21192403.0 filed Aug. 20, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a method for operating a cleaning device, wherein a user selects a cleaning activity to be performed by means of the cleaning device via a communications interface of the cleaning device or a communications interface of an external terminal having a communications link with the cleaning device, wherein the user implements at least one device setting of the cleaning device and/or at least one device application of the cleaning device for performing the cleaning activity, and performs the cleaning activity with the implemented device setting and/or device application.

In addition, the invention relates to a cleaning device with a communications interface, which is designed for implementing such a method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Methods and cleaning devices of the aforementioned kind are known in prior art. The latter are usually cleaning devices manually operated by a user, which preferably are designed for performing a plurality of different cleaning activities. For example, the cleaning activities include a hard floor cleaning, a carpeted floor cleaning, an overhead cleaning, a wet cleaning, and the like.

Apart from the manually guided cleaning device, essentially autonomously operating cleaning robots are also known in prior art, for example which can be operated in various operating modes.

The user normally selects one of several cleaning activities that can be performed with the cleaning device, and then implements specific device settings and/or device applications. For example, the device settings include setting the power level of a blower or speed of a rotating cleaning brush. For example, a device application implemented by the user can involve a specific speed of movement of the cleaning device over the surface to be cleaned, or also connecting the cleaning device with a specific accessory. For example, the accessory involves a suction nozzle that can be detachably connected with a base device of the cleaning device, a wiping attachment, or the like.

The user normally selects the device settings and/or device applications based on their own preference or estimation. If they require support for this purpose, they can refer to a cleaning device manual, or also search for help in an internet forum, which connects a plurality of users of similar cleaning devices.

The disadvantage to the aforementioned method is that the user might possibly implement misapplications of the cleaning device, or at least device settings unfavorable for a cleaning activity, and therefore cannot achieve an optimal cleaning result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Proceeding from the aforementioned prior art, the object of the invention is therefore to further develop a method for operating a cleaning device in such a way that the user of the cleaning device can perform a cleaning activity with an optimal cleaning result with little effort.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, it is proposed that an instruction for a plurality of steps to be implemented by the user in chronological sequence, which contain a device setting and/or device application, be transmitted to the user via the communications interface as a function of the selected cleaning activity, wherein a control and evaluation unit of the cleaning device or of the external terminal monitors the actual implementation of the device setting and/or device application corresponding to the step to be currently implemented, and transmits a note to the user in the event that the device setting and/or device application actually implemented by the user deviates from a predefined reference for the device setting and/or device application to be implemented.

According to the invention, the user now no longer needs to search for support for a cleaning activity to be performed in manuals or forums, as it instead is transmitted directly to them from the cleaning device itself or from an external terminal having a communications link with the cleaning device. For this purpose, the cleaning device or external terminal transmits an instruction for performing the cleaning activity to the user. The instruction contains a plurality of steps to be implemented, which the user is to implement. The instruction essentially corresponds to a step-by-step description of the procedure to be implemented by the user when performing the selected cleaning activity. The individual steps of the instruction can here be output not only via the communications interface of the cleaning device itself, as proposed, but alternatively also on an external terminal, for example a mobile device, in particular a mobile phone or tablet computer, or also on an external stationary device, for example a television set or the like. The instruction can provide the user with advice on how to proceed further in the form of texts, images, videos and/or voice outputs. In particular, the steps of the instruction communicated in this way can also provide implementation examples for the respective cleaning activity. The instruction itself can be stored in a local storage of the cleaning device, a local storage of the external terminal, or also on a web server, for example on a server of the manufacturer of the cleaning device. Communication between the cleaning device and an external terminal and/or a web server preferably takes place via wireless data communication, for example within the framework of a WLAN network, via Bluetooth or with other wireless communications technologies.

After receiving the instruction for implementing the cleaning activity or after receiving a first step for implementing the cleaning activity, the user implements the first step. This includes the user implementing a specific setting and/or device application on the cleaning device. As a device setting, for example, the user sets a specific power level of a blower of the cleaning device. Additional possible device settings will be covered in even more detail later on. In addition, the step can alternatively or additionally involve having the user implement a specific device application. For example, the cleaning device is to be guided over the surface to be cleaned, in particular in a sequence of back-and-forth movements and/or at a specific speed. A device application can further also involve having the user connect a specific accessory with the cleaning device, for example a suction nozzle which contains a rotating cleaning brush.

The cleaning device has a device-internal communications technology, through which the control and evaluation unit of the cleaning device acquires knowledge about which settings or applications the user implemented. To this end, for example, the cleaning device has a plurality of detection units, such as a contact sensor, which detects the connection of an accessory to the cleaning device, a power meter for detecting a power consumption of an electrical consumer, an acceleration sensor that can detect a back-and-forth movement of the cleaning device over a surface to be cleaned, or the like. The control and evaluation unit of the cleaning device can evaluate the measured values, and compare them with a predefined reference, which is set for the respective step of the selected cleaning activity.

It is recommended that the instruction for implementing the cleaning activity or the first step of the instruction be transmitted to the user when the user has selected the cleaning activity. In order to select the cleaning activity, the user selects one of several cleaning activities shown on a display, for example, in particular a touchscreen, of the cleaning device, and then presses a start button. A first step of the instruction then provides them with guidance as to which device setting or device application they are to implement. Alternatively, the user can also start the instruction separately, i.e., independently of the time at which they select the cleaning activity, for example in the moment where they would actually like to perform the cleaning activity. If the user has implemented a prescribed device setting and/or device application, a check is performed to see whether the user has implemented the prescribed step according to the instruction. Should this be the case, the user receives the next step of the instruction. As a consequence, there exist essentially two different reactions to the setting or application of the user, specifically on the one hand a progression of the presentation if it is determined that the user has correctly implemented the step, i.e., the device setting or device application corresponds with the predefined reference, and on the other hand a stopping of the presentation if the action of the user deviates from the predefined reference for this instruction step. In the latter case, the control and evaluation unit can output a reference to the determined deviation, and ask the user for a correction. Just as with the instruction, the user can also be shown the reference to a deviation from the instruction on the display of the cleaning device or the display of the external terminal. As a whole, then, the user is guided step-by-step through the sequential steps of the cleaning activity. A check is here performed to see whether implementation by the user took place as prescribed.

It is further proposed that a detection unit of the cleaning device measure a current amount of a device parameter of the cleaning device that is characteristic for the device setting and/or device application, and communicate it to the control and evaluation unit. When implementing a device setting or device application, a characteristic device parameter is set on the cleaning device, which can be measured by the detection unit of the cleaning device, and whose amount is compared with a corresponding reference amount or reference range. The detectable device parameters involve measurable physical parameters, for example such as voltage, current, speed, frequency, velocity, acceleration, force, or the like. A distinction can also be made between the values “zero” and “one”, for example in relation to a contact with an accessory, wherein “zero” indicates no contact to an accessory, and “one” indicates contact with an accessory. In addition, a detection unit of the cleaning device can also read out a code of an accessory, for example, and thus recognize which accessory out of a plurality of available accessories was connected with the cleaning device.

In this conjunction, it can be provided in particular that the control and evaluation unit access a storage device, in which a reference amount or reference range of the device parameter defined for the device setting and/or device application is stored, wherein the control and evaluation unit compares the measured amount of the device parameter with the stored reference amount or reference range. In a case where a reference range for the device parameter is prescribed for the comparison, the measured device parameter can assume a specific amount spread. As a consequence, it is not necessary that a measured device parameter be absolutely identical to a single reference amount. Instead, this incorporates a certain tolerance that is considered when deciding whether the user has implemented a device setting and/or device application as prescribed.

It is further proposed that the steps to be implemented in chronological sequence be communicated to the user separately in time, so that the user is only notified about the device setting and/or device application of the step of the instruction to be implemented next. This configuration prevents the user from skipping or incorrectly combining instruction steps. According to the proposed procedure, the user can concentrate on the device setting or device application to implemented next. Building on the latter, a situation can be achieved in which a step of the instruction to be implemented later is only communicated to the user if the device setting and/or device application of the chronologically preceding step implemented by the user matches the predefined reference for this chronologically preceding step. This configuration makes it possible to recognize the time at which the user made an application error. The cleaning device is thereupon kept in the status corresponding to the incorrect device setting or device application. As a consequence, an incorrect application or nonoptimal setting of the cleaning device can be cleaned up in the best possible way and at the earliest possible time. The operation of the cleaning device or at least the implementation of the selected cleaning activity is prevented or stopped, and the user receives a transmitted message informing them how they can proceed further in order to still successfully complete the cleaning activity.

The user can preferably select a cleaning activity from a plurality of available cleaning activities on the cleaning device or external terminal. An application that offers the user different alternatives for cleaning activities to be implemented is preferably installed on the cleaning device and/or external terminal. In particular, the cleaning activity can be an upholstery cleaning and/or mattress cleaning and/or carpet cleaning and/or vehicle interior cleaning and/or overhead cleaning and/or spot removal and/or wet cleaning and/or moist cleaning and/or dry cleaning and/or carpeted floor cleaning and/or hard floor cleaning and/or cleaning with the application of cleaning agents. For example, implementing the cleaning activity also involves a plurality of sequential activity steps, each of which the user is to implement individually within the framework of a separate step of the instruction. For example, the cleaning activity “upholstery cleaning” can initially require a first step that involves connecting the cleaning device with a defined accessory. For example, an ensuing work step can involve applying upholstery cleaning agent onto the surface to be cleaned. An in turn following work step can then comprise tapping the surface to be cleaned. If the user incorrectly implemented the first work step already, for example connected the wrong accessory with the cleaning device, the instruction does not continue. Instead, the user is informed that an error is present, and about how it can be eliminated. Only after the user has connected a correct accessory does the instruction continue to the next work step, specifically the application of upholstery cleaning agent.

In the course of the work steps of the instruction, the user is prompted to implement one or several device settings and/or one or several device applications. The device settings include, but are not limited to, a power of an electrical consumer of the cleaning device, a dispensing quantity of a liquid application unit and/or cleaning agent application unit, a speed or vibration frequency of a floor processing element that processes a surface, a setting of a sealing element of a flow channel, a flow cross section of a flow channel, and others. The device applications include, but are also not limited to, connecting the cleaning device with an accessory, in particular a suction nozzle and/or cleaning brush and/or a wiping element, applying a liquid to a surface to be cleaned, moving the cleaning device over the surface to be cleaned, implementing the cleaning activity over a specific timespan, or others. A step of the instruction can also involve a combination of one or several device settings or one or several device applications, for example operating a blower in a specific power level, connecting a specific accessory to a base device, and moving the cleaning device back and forth over the surface to be cleaned. The instruction with the chronologically sequential steps can have a modular structure. This means that every step that provides for an interaction of the user with the cleaning device or an accessory can entail a plurality of alternative subsequent steps, wherein the subsequent step depends on how the user implemented the preceding step. This means that the step of the application indicated as being next depends on the evaluation result of the control and evaluation unit, specifically on whether the measured device parameters match a predefined reference. Prior to any continuation of the instruction, a decision is thus made as to which of the alternative subsequent steps is presented to the user. This can be relevant in particular if the device parameters can assume a specific parameter range. For example, the subsequent step can be different given a measured value in an upper range of the reference range than in the case of a device parameter in a lower range of the reference range. For example, given a detected misapplication of the cleaning device, a continuation of the indicated steps can be delayed and remain in the status of the preceding instruction step until the user makes corrections to the device application or device setting, i.e., the measured data show that the preconditions are now on hand for continuing the instruction or cleaning activity.

In addition to the method described above, the invention further proposes a cleaning device with a communications interface, which is set up to implement a method described above. As a consequence, the features and advantages of the method according to the invention elucidated above also arise for the proposed cleaning device, so that there will be no redescription here in order to avoid repetition. It goes without saying that the cleaning device for implementing the method can have not just a communications interface, but rather also a control and evaluation unit, which monitors a device setting and/or device application by the user, and initiates the continuation of the instruction or the output of a notice to the user. In addition, the cleaning device can also have a plurality of different detection units for measuring a device parameter, which provides information about a specific device setting and/or device application. The cleaning device can further be a handheld device operated by the user or an essentially autonomously operating device, in particular a self-propelled cleaning robot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 shows a user with a cleaning device according to the invention and an external terminal;

FIG. 2 shows the external terminal with an indicated selection of cleaning activities;

FIG. 3 shows a displayed first step of an instruction for a selected cleaning activity;

FIG. 4 shows a displayed second step of the instruction;

FIG. 5 shows a displayed third step of the instruction; and

FIG. 6 shows a display of an error message on the external terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a user with a system comprised of a cleaning device 1 and an external terminal 4. The cleaning device 1 is here exemplarily designed as a cleaning device 1 manually guided by a user, for example specifically a suction cleaning device. However, the invention can likewise also find application in other kinds of cleaning devices 1. The cleaning device 1 serves to clean various surfaces, for example which can be hard floors, carpeted floors, mattresses, upholstery, overhead surfaces, vehicle interiors or others. The cleaning device 1 has a base device 14 and an accessory 13 detachably connected with the base device 14. For example, the accessory 13 is here a suction nozzle with a floor processing element 12 rotatable around an essentially horizontal axis. In addition, the cleaning device 1 can also be connected with other types of accessories 13, for example with a wiping accessory, an upholstery brush, narrow suction nozzles for cleaning the interior of vehicles, or others. For example, a blower, a blower motor, and a dust chamber are arranged in the base device 14 (not shown here). Facing away from the accessory 13, the base device 14 further has a handle 16 with a grip 17, with which a user can guide the cleaning device 1 over a surface to be cleaned in a common back-and-forth movement. The handle 16 advantageously has a telescoping design, so that the user can adjust its length to their body size in order to comfortably handle the cleaning device 1. The grip 17 has an operating device 18, for example with a plurality of actuating elements (not shown in detail), e.g., which can be designed as pushbuttons. Alternatively, the operating device 18 can also have other types of actuating elements, for example slide switches, rotary switches, toggle switches or even a touchscreen. For example, by actuating the operating device 18, the user can set a blower level of the blower or a speed of the floor processing element 12, so as to process a surface as best as possible. The operating device 18 thus serves as a communications interface 2, via which the user can directly communicate with a control and evaluation unit 10 of the cleaning device 1, for example specifically transmit requirements to the latter.

For example, the external terminal 4 is here designed as a mobile phone. Alternatively, however, the external terminal 4 can also be a different, preferably mobile, external terminal 4. In particular, it can be provided that a tablet computer, a laptop, or the like be used as the terminal 4. The external terminal 4 preferably has a conventional display 11, which is especially preferably designed as a touchscreen. The user can then both receive information and make entries via this display 11, so that the display 11 simultaneously serves as a communications interface 3 of the external terminal 4. The external terminal 4 has a communications link with the cleaning device 1. To this end, the cleaning device 1 and the external terminal 4 have communications modules (not further shown), for example WLAN modules, Bluetooth modules or others. According to one embodiment, the communications modules of the cleaning device 1 and external terminal 4 can be integrated into a home network of the user. Alternatively, however, a direct communication can take place, in particular based on BLUETOOTH® or ZIGBEE®. In addition, an application is installed on the external terminal 4 and cleaning device 1 for implementing the method according to the invention. In addition, a server (not shown) can also be integrated into the communications network, for example which can contain information about cleaning activities 5 of the cleaning device 1, for example information about steps 9 to be implemented within the framework of a cleaning activity 5. Device parameters allocated to these steps 9 can also be stored, which the cleaning device 1 must have at the time the respective step 9 is being implemented. The data can be centrally stored in the server, and thus be retrieved by other devices of the home network, to also include in particular the cleaning device 1 and external terminal 4. Alternatively, however, it is preferred that the data be stored at least in a local storage of the cleaning device 1. In particular, the storage of the cleaning device 1 has information about a plurality of stored cleaning activities 5, which the cleaning device 1 can perform. At least one device setting 6 and/or at least one device application 7 to be implemented by the user themselves is stored for each cleaning activity 5. In addition, the storage of the cleaning device 1 or central server has an instruction 8 for performing the cleaning activity 5. This instruction 8 can be shown to the user on the communications interface 2 of the cleaning device 1 and/or communications interface 3 of the external terminal 4. The instruction 8 can be present in the form of a text and/or image and/or video and/or audio, and contain a plurality of steps 9 to be implemented in chronological sequence by the user. This will be explained later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.

The cleaning device 1 further has one or preferably several detection devices (not shown in greater detail), which can measure a device parameter of the cleaning device 1. For example, a device parameter can be a voltage, current, speed, frequency, temperature, liquid flow, fill level, energy consumption of an electrical consumer, or the like. The device parameters are those which are caused by a device setting 6 and/or device application 7 by the user, for example by a device setting 6, such as a power of a drive motor for the floor processing element 12 or for a suction blower of the cleaning device 1 selected by the user via the operating device 18 of the cleaning device 1. The detection device can further also detect a device parameter caused by a device application 7, for example that the user has connected the cleaning device with a specific accessory 13. To this end, for example, the detection device can have a code scanner, which can read a code of an accessory 13 correctly connected with the base device 14. For example, a device application 7 can also be a movement of the cleaning device 1 over a surface to be cleaned, wherein the movement is detected by means of a movement sensor, or the like.

Within the framework of the exemplary embodiment presented here, the invention now functions in such a way that the user initially selects one of several selectable cleaning activities 5 which they would like to perform by means of the cleaning device 1 via the communications interface 3 of the external terminal 4, i.e., by touching the display 11. According to FIG. 2, examples of selectable cleaning activities 5 include upholstery cleaning, mattress cleaning, carpet cleaning and hard floor cleaning. Of course, other cleaning activities 5 can be selected as well, this in particular in conjunction with an accessory 13 suitable for this purpose. In addition, possible cleaning activities 5 also include a vehicle interior cleaning, overhead cleaning, spot removal, wet cleaning, moist cleaning, dry cleaning, or cleaning with the application of cleaning agents. There can also be combinations of these cleaning activities 5, for example a moist carpeted floor cleaning, spot removal with the application of cleaning agent, or others. For example, the user would here select the cleaning activity 5 “upholstery”, whereupon the external terminal 4 transmits information about the cleaning activity 5 to be performed to the control and evaluation unit 10 of the cleaning device 1. For example, by actuating the actuating surface “upholstery” shown on FIG. 2, the user can start an instruction 8 that guides them step-by-step through device settings 6 and/or device applications 7 to be implemented, which serve to optimally perform the selected cleaning activity 5. The instruction 8 contains a plurality of steps 9, which here for example are shown in greater detail on FIGS. 3 to 5. For example, the instruction 8 can be stored in a local storage of the cleaning device 1 or on a server, with which the external terminal 4 and/or cleaning device 1 has a communications link. In addition, it is basically also possible for the instruction 8 to be locally stored in the external terminal 4. For example, a computing device of the external terminal 4 here retrieves the instruction 8 belonging to the cleaning activity 5 “upholstery” from a web server that has a communications link with the external terminal 4. As shown on FIG. 3, the user is subsequently shown a first step 9 “Step 1” to be implemented by the user on a cleaning device 1. “Step 1” involves having the user connect an upholstery brush as the accessory 13 to the base device 14 of the cleaning device 1. In the sense of the invention, this is a device application 7 to be implemented by the user. While this step 9 is shown on the display 11 of the external terminal 4, a detection device of the cleaning device 1 detects whether the user is actually implementing the step 9. In order to monitor the connection of the upholstery brush to the base device 14, the cleaning device 1 has a contact sensor and/or code scanner as the detection device, for example. The contact sensor can detect a contact between an accessory 13 and the base device 14. The code scanner can further determine whether the connected accessory 13 is also the expected accessory “upholstery brush”. The base device 14 of the cleaning device 1 can preferably be connected with different accessories 13 for performing various cleaning activities 5. Accordingly, each accessory 13 has a code that clearly identifies the accessory 13. The detection signal of the detection device can subsequently be evaluated either by the separate control and evaluation unit 10 of the cleaning device 1, or be relayed to the external terminal 4 unprocessed. In the last mentioned case, the computing device of the external terminal 4 handles the evaluation of the detection signal of the detection device. The control and evaluation unit 10 of the cleaning device 1 or the computing device of the external terminal 4 accesses a storage device, in which a reference amount characteristic for the device application 7 “Connect upholstery brush” is stored. This reference amount can here be the code of the accessory 13 “Upholstery brush”, for example. If the detection device then reads out a code that corresponds to the stored reference amount, step 9 of the instruction 8 is viewed as correctly implemented. The instruction 8 thereupon continues to a next step 9. This next “Step 2” is shown on FIG. 4, and contains the prompt “Select blower level 1”. The user of the cleaning device 1 is thus prompted to implement a device setting 6 on the cleaning device 1. For example, the device setting 6 can here be implemented by means of the operating device 18 of the base device 14. For example, the operating device 18 can have three operating elements for 3 different blower levels, which are labeled “Blower level 1”, “Blower level 2” and “Blower level 3”. The user subsequently actuates the operating element of the operating device 18 that corresponds to “Blower level 1”. For example, a detection device of the cleaning device 1 can then detect the device parameter “Power of the blower motor”, and compare it with a reference amount or reference range defined for “Step 2”. If the values match, the user has properly implemented the prescribed device setting 6, and the instruction 8 shown on the external terminal 4 continues to the next step 9, specifically “Step 3”.

As illustrated on FIG. 5, the next step 3 of the instruction 8 has the user moving the cleaning device 1 over the surface to be cleaned, specifically in a sequence of back-and-forth movements. As a consequence, the display 11 of the external terminal 4 shows the user that they have to implement the device application 7 “Move device back and forth on surface”. For example, the device application 7 “Back-and-forth movement” is characterized by an acceleration, speed and/or change in location of the cleaning device 1 in the environment, which can be detected by a corresponding detection device. The control and evaluation unit 10 then once again accesses the allocated storage device, in which a reference amount or reference range for this device parameter is stored, for example an amount for an acceleration or speed. In order to also provide a certain deviation margin, a reference range can further be defined, containing a plurality of reference amounts that are still construed as specified. If the control and evaluation unit 10 then determines that the amount measured for the device parameter, i.e., the amount measured for the acceleration or speed, lies within this reference range, the step 9 “Move device back and forth on surface” is evaluated as having been properly implemented. As a consequence, the instruction 8 is completely implemented, and the cleaning activity has ended. The user can once again be notified about this.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative progression while performing the cleaning activity 5. Proceeding from FIG. 4, for example, the user has here implemented a device setting 6 that does not correspond to the device setting 6 required in step 9 according to the instruction 8. For example, the user has here concretely selected “Blower level 2” instead of “Blower level 1”. Accordingly, the control and evaluation unit 10 of the cleaning device 1 recognizes that the device parameter does not correspond to the reference amount or reference range defined for the device setting 6 “Select blower level 1”. For example, the device parameter is here the power of the blower motor. Alternatively, other device parameters can be measured for verification purposes, for example a speed of a motor shaft of the electric motor driving the blower. The control and evaluation unit 10 thus detects the deviation, and transmits the notification 15 “Application stopped, select blower level 1” to the user. In addition, for example, the blower of the cleaning device 1 can at the same time be stopped completely, until the user sets the device setting 6 as prescribed. The instruction 8 for the cleaning activity 5 does not continue to a chronologically ensuing step 9 if the user has not implemented the device setting 6 as prescribed. The instruction 8 itself can be modularly structured in such a way that a subsequent displayed step 9 is influenced by the implementation of the step 9 to be performed beforehand. Each step 9 of the instruction 8 that provides for an interaction between the user and the cleaning device 1 or an accessory 13 branches into a plurality of alternative subsequent steps 9, wherein the step 9 then actually shown on the display 11 depends on the evaluation result of the data evaluated by the control and evaluation device 10. As a consequence, prior to any continuation of the instruction 8, a decision is made based upon the concrete situation as to which subsequent step 9 to present to the user. As explained previously, given a detected misapplication of the cleaning device 1, the instruction 8 is kept in a step 9 until such time as the evaluation of measured device parameters shows that the preconditions for continuing the instruction 8 are present. Within the current step 9, the user is thus referred to a required corrective measure, i.e., the still to be implemented device setting 6, until it has been correctly implemented.

Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

REFERENCE LIST

• 1 Cleaning device
• 2 Communications interface
• 3 Communications interface
• 4 External terminal
• 5 Cleaning activity
• 6 Device setting
• 7 Device application
• 8 Instruction
• 9 Step
• 10 Control and evaluation unit
• 11 Display
• 12 Floor processing element
• 13 Accessory
• 14 Base device
• 15 Notification
• 16 Handle
• 17 Grip
• 18 Operating device

Claims

1. A cleaning device for performing a cleaning activity, comprising:

a cleaning element configured for operating a cleaning activity selected from the group consisting of: upholstery cleaning, mattress cleaning, carpet cleaning, vehicle interior cleaning, overhead cleaning, spot removal, wet cleaning, moist cleaning, dry cleaning, carpeted floor cleaning, hard floor cleaning, and cleaning with the application of cleaning agent,

a communications interface for receiving a selection by a user about the cleaning activity to be performed, and for receiving a plurality of device settings or device applications for performing the cleaning activity,

at least one detection device for detecting a current amount of a device parameter characteristic for the device setting or device application,

a storage device, in which a reference amount or reference range for the device setting or device application is stored,

a control and evaluation unit in the form of a processor, which is configured to

transmit to the user, by way of the communications interface, an instruction corresponding to the cleaning activity to be performed, with a plurality of steps to be implemented by a user in chronological sequence, which incorporate the device setting or device application, wherein the steps of the instruction to be implemented in chronological sequence are output separately in time, so that the user is only notified about the device setting or device application of the step of the instruction to be implemented next,

receive the current amount for the detected device parameter from the detection device, and

determine an actual device setting or device application corresponding to the step to be currently implemented based upon the current amount for the device parameter, and compare it with a predefined reference amount or reference range,

output a note via the communications interface that the actual device setting or device application deviates from the reference amount or reference range, and

delay the output of a next step of the instruction until the actual device setting or device application of the chronologically preceding step matches the predefined reference,

wherein the control and evaluation unit is configured to prevent or stop the performance of the cleaning activity until the actual device setting or device application matches the predefined reference.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the communications interface has at least one of the following: a display, an operating device with a plurality of actuating elements.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one detection device is selected from the group consisting of: a contact sensor, which detects a connection of an accessory to the cleaning device, a power meter configured for detecting a power consumption of an electrical consumer of the cleaning device, an acceleration sensor configured for detecting a back-and-forth movement of the cleaning device over a surface to be cleaned, a velocity sensor, a speed sensor, a force sensor, a pressure sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a code scanner, a fill level sensor, a flow sensor, and a temperature sensor.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device has a display, which shows a plurality of selectable cleaning activities and the steps of the instruction for the selected cleaning activity.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the storage device stores information about steps of the instruction to be performed within the framework of the cleaning activity.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, wherein device parameters allocated to the steps are stored, which the cleaning device must have at the time the respective step of the instruction is being performed.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the device setting is selected from the group consisting of: power of an electrical consumer of the cleaning device, a dispensing quantity of a liquid application unit, a dispensing quantity of a cleaning agent application unit, a speed of a floor processing element that processes a surface, a vibration frequency of a floor processing element that processes a surface, a setting of a sealing element of a flow channel, and a flow cross section of a flow channel.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the device application is selected from the group consisting of: connecting the cleaning device with an accessory, connecting the cleaning device with a suction nozzle, connecting the cleaning device with a cleaning brush, connecting the cleaning device with a wiping element, applying a liquid to a surface to be cleaned, moving the cleaning device over a surface to be cleaned, performing the cleaning activity over a specific timespan.

9. A method for operating a cleaning device, comprising:

selecting by a user a cleaning activity to be performed by means of the cleaning device via a communications interface of the cleaning device or a communications interface of an external terminal having a communications link with the cleaning device,

implementing by the user at least one device setting of the cleaning device or at least one device application of the cleaning device for performing the cleaning activity, and

performing the cleaning activity with the implemented device setting or device application,

wherein an instruction for a plurality of steps to be implemented by the user in chronological sequence, which contain a device setting or device application, is transmitted to the user via the communications interface as a function of the selected cleaning activity, and wherein a control and evaluation unit of the cleaning device or of the external terminal monitors the actual implementation of the device setting or device application corresponding to the step to be currently implemented, and transmits a note to the user when the device setting or device application actually implemented by the user deviates from a predefined reference for the device setting or device application to be implemented, and wherein the control and evaluation unit prevents or stops the performance of the cleaning activity until the actual device setting or device application matches the predefined reference.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of cleaning activities selectable by the user or the instruction for the selected cleaning activity is shown on a display of the cleaning device or external terminal.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein a detection device of the cleaning device measures a current amount of a device parameter of the cleaning device that is characteristic for the device setting or device application, and communicates it to the control and evaluation unit.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the control and evaluation unit accesses a storage device, in which a reference amount or reference range of the device parameter defined for the device setting or device application is stored, wherein the control and evaluation unit compares the measured amount of the device parameter with the stored reference amount or reference range.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the steps to be implemented in chronological sequence are communicated to the user separately in time, so that the user is only notified about the device setting or device application of the step of the instruction to be implemented next.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein a step of the instruction to be implemented later is only communicated to the user if the device setting or device application of the chronologically preceding step implemented by the user matches the predefined reference for this chronologically preceding step.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning activity is selected from the group consisting of: upholstery cleaning, mattress cleaning, carpet cleaning, vehicle interior cleaning, overhead cleaning, spot removal, wet cleaning, moist cleaning, dry cleaning, carpeted floor cleaning, hard floor cleaning, and cleaning with the application of cleaning agents.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein the device setting is selected from the group consisting of: power of an electrical consumer of the cleaning device, dispensing quantity of a liquid application unit or cleaning agent application unit, speed or vibration frequency of a floor processing element that processes a surface, setting of a sealing element of a flow channel, and flow cross section of a flow channel.

17. The method according to claim 9, wherein the device application is selected from the group consisting of: connecting the cleaning device with an accessory, a suction nozzle, cleaning brush or wiping element, applying a liquid to a surface to be cleaned, moving the cleaning device over the surface to be cleaned, implementing the cleaning activity over a specific timespan.

18. A cleaning device with a communications interface, wherein the cleaning device is designed for implementing a method according to claim 9.