CN112437626A - Cleaning device and cleaning system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device. The cleaning device (12) comprises: at least one cleaning tool (46) for cleaning an object to be cleaned; an operating unit (40) for a user, the operating unit comprising at least one operating element (88, 94, 98, 100) for operating the cleaning device (12); a control unit (28) for processing the operating instructions; a receptacle (108) arranged on the operating unit (40) for an external auxiliary device (16) that can be associated with the cleaning device (12), the auxiliary device having a display device (104) with a display (106), wherein the auxiliary device (16) can be removably positioned in the receptacle (108) in a defined position; and a communication unit (26) via which display information can be transmitted from the cleaning device (12) to an additional instrument (16) positioned in the receptacle (108) for display on the image display (106). Furthermore, the invention relates to a cleaning system.

Description

Cleaning device and cleaning system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cleaning device comprising: at least one cleaning tool for cleaning an object to be cleaned; an operating unit for a user, the operating unit comprising at least one operating element for operating the cleaning device; and a control unit for processing the operation instruction.

The invention also relates to a cleaning system with a cleaning device.

Background

In a cleaning appliance of the type mentioned at the outset, operating instructions of a user can be transmitted from the operating unit to the control unit and can be processed by the control unit. In this connection, the control unit can control at least one functional unit of the cleaning device, for example, operating parameters can be set for at least one cleaning tool. Other examples of functional units are: a drive device of the chassis in the case of a mobile cleaning device, a pressure generating device for placing the (liquid and/or gaseous) working fluid of the cleaning device under positive or negative pressure, for example a suction unit or a pump unit for high-pressure applications. A further example of a functional unit is a dosing device, which is used, for example, for dosing the cleaning liquid or for mixing cleaning chemicals into the cleaning liquid. It is also conceivable that the operating unit is a functional unit, which the user influences via its operating elements.

WO 2011/006843 a1 describes a cleaning appliance whose operation requires a rights carrier having access rights stored thereon. The access authorization can be detected contactlessly and the validity of the access authorization can be checked by the control unit of the cleaning appliance.

In WO 2012/016847 a1, a cleaning appliance is described which can be operated with a rights carrier which differs in terms of the rights configurations (bearviewed ungsprofil) which are associated with the respective access rights. Depending on the respective authorization configuration, the cleaning appliance can provide the user with a different range of functions. The authorization carrier comprises an identification device with an identification, wherein the identifications associated with the different authorization configurations differ from one another.

In WO 2012/013575 a1, a further cleaning device is described, the operation of which requires access rights stored on a rights carrier.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a cleaning device and a cleaning system with better operability.

This object is achieved by a cleaning device according to the invention, comprising: at least one cleaning tool for cleaning an object to be cleaned; an operating unit for a user, the operating unit comprising at least one operating element for operating the cleaning device; a control unit for processing the operation instruction; a receptacle arranged on the operating unit for an external auxiliary device that can be associated with the cleaning device and has a display device with a display device, wherein the auxiliary device can be removably positioned in the receptacle in a defined position; and a communication unit via which display information can be transmitted from the cleaning device to an additional instrument positioned in the receptacle for presentation on the image display.

In the cleaning device according to the invention, it is possible to display information about the state and/or operation in an image display of an external auxiliary device. For this purpose, display information defining the image content can be transmitted from the communication unit to the additional instrument. The communication unit can be operatively connected to the control unit, which the communication unit is formed from or integrated into. In order to make the image display easy to perceive for the user, the cleaning device comprises a receptacle for an additional instrument arranged on the operating unit, in which the additional instrument can be arranged in a removable manner. In particular, it is possible to position the additional device in a defined manner, in particular in the direction of the gaze of the user during normal use of the cleaning device, in which normal use the user can interact with the operating elements of the operating unit, for example. Preferably, the defined positioning of the additional device in the receptacle also ensures that the display information is reliably transmitted from the communication unit to the additional device.

By means of the invention, it is possible, for example, to make the display device of the additional instrument available to the user, for example a smartphone and/or a tablet computer, who is carrying them with him or her when using the cleaning appliance. If necessary, a communication connection that can be established with additional instruments via a communication network can be used. To some extent, a portion of the operating unit of the cleaning device can be removed and carried by the user. This is advantageous, for example, when information for or about the operation of the cleaning device is stored on or provided by the additional instrument. Thereby, for example, it is easier for a user to use different cleaning devices, and it is also convenient to use different cleaning devices of the same type. In addition, there is the possibility of at least partially saving the display device in the cleaning appliance or of making it relatively inexpensive to construct. This avoids expensive maintenance and retrofitting measures, for example, in order to keep the reproduction of information up to date or to be brought to an up-to-date state.

Unless otherwise stated below, it is assumed that additional instruments are positioned in the receptacles.

Preferably, the additional device is an additional device in the form of a flat structure, the extension of which in one spatial direction is significantly smaller than the respective extension in the other two spatial directions. The image plane defined by the display device is preferably parallel to a plane defined by the receptacle, for example an abutment plane as will be mentioned below.

It may be provided that the additional instrument with the image display can be positioned in a horizontal and/or in a vertical manner.

In the cleaning device according to the invention, there is an electronic interface to the additional instrument via the communication unit. A mechanical interface to an additional instrument is additionally present via the receptacle.

Advantageously, the receptacle comprises or is designed with at least one abutment element, against which the additional device abuts. In this way, a defined positioning of the additional instrument relative to the cleaning device can be ensured in at least one spatial direction. Advantageously, there is at least one bracketing element on which the additional instrument bracketing is located.

The contact element or the bracing element is in particular designed to be flat and/or planar. Thereby, it may be preferred to provide as large a contact surface as possible with the additional instrument.

Advantageously, the receptacle comprises or forms a projection for the attachment of an additional instrument, in particular a cradle. The projection can be formed, for example, by a projecting strip, rib or edge of the receptacle. The projection provides the possibility of orienting the additional instrument in two spatial directions relative to the operating unit, so that it can assume a particularly well-defined position.

The receptacle, in particular the contact element or the holding element for the add-on device, preferably defines a contact plane. The angle of the contact surface with the horizontal is preferably approximately 0 ° to 90 °, preferably approximately 30 ° to 60 °, more preferably approximately 45 °. In this way, it is possible, for example, in the case of an add-on instrument in the form of a flat structure, for the surface normal of the image display to be oriented approximately vertically up to approximately horizontally, preferably at an angle of 45 ° to the horizontal. In an advantageous embodiment of the cleaning device, it is shown that the content of the image display can thus be recognized and read particularly well by the user.

At present, positioning, orientation and orientation information such as "horizontal", "vertical", "upper", "lower", etc. should be understood in accordance with the normal use of the cleaning device. In this case, the cleaning device can be positioned in particular on a support surface which is currently assumed to be oriented horizontally. The "horizontal line" of the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment can thus be a reference plane parallel to the contact plane of the cleaning device with the underlying surface.

The receptacle is preferably arranged or arrangeable on the operating unit in such a way that the image display of the additional instrument positioned in the receptacle defines an image plane substantially perpendicular to the viewing direction of the user.

Advantageously, the surface normal of the abutment plane defined in front of the receptacle, in particular the abutment element for the add-on instrument, is oriented in a vertical plane.

Preferably, the receptacle comprises at least one friction coefficient increasing element, against which the additional instrument can rest, or on which such a friction coefficient increasing element is arranged. This increases the friction of the add-on device on the receptacle. This ensures that the additional device is positioned in the receptacle even during operation of the cleaning appliance with vibrations. The friction coefficient increasing element is designed, for example, in the manner of a surface, for example, as a mat or the like. Alternatively, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of discrete friction coefficient raising elements, for example granular structures. The friction coefficient increasing element is preferably made of an elastically deformable material.

Advantageously, the receiving portion is movable relative to the operating unit for changing a viewing angle of the image display for a user. This enables easy handling and a wide variety of designs of the cleaning device. In order to adapt the height of the user, the standing position for the cleaning device and/or the gaze direction of the user, the positioning of the receptacle on the operating unit can advantageously be changed. Advantageously, the receptacle is pivotable relative to the operating unit, in particular is displaceable about a horizontal axis. The horizontal axis extends, for example, in the transverse direction of the cleaning device. The adjustment of the receptacle relative to the operating unit can be designed continuously or discontinuously. The receptacle can advantageously be designed such that the user can substantially vertically look at the image plane of the image display.

Advantageously, the receptacle is adjustable over an angular range of at least about 45 °, preferably about 90 °. For example, the contact plane of the receptacle can be changed from a substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation.

It may be provided that the cleaning device comprises a housing which is arranged in front of the operating unit with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device. Such a housing can be used, for example, in cleaning devices designed for use in floor-cleaning suction machines, sweeping suction machines.

The housing can have a movable housing part, which is arranged in front of the operating unit and can be pivoted in the direction of the operating unit from a closed position into an open position and vice versa. The housing part is for example a lid of a tank of a cleaning device for cleaning liquid.

Advantageously, the housing part does not contact the receptacle in the open position, preferably the housing part does not contact an additional instrument positioned in the receptacle. This ensures that the positioning of the additional instrument in the receptacle is not impaired when the housing part is opened. In the case of a cleaning appliance, for example an operating unit, an abutment element for the housing part can preferably be provided, against which the housing part rests in the open position.

Preferably, the operating unit comprises a handle device for the user, which handle device has two handle elements arranged at a distance from one another. In this way, the user is enabled to guide the cleaning device reliably, for example in the case of a design as a walk-behind device (walk-behind) or as a ride-on device (ride-on).

It has proven to be advantageous if the handle element defines a handle plane and the contact plane defined by the receptacle defines an angle of less than approximately 20 ° with the handle plane, preferably the contact plane extends parallel or substantially parallel to the handle plane. It has turned out that in this way a user-friendly operation can be achieved. For example, the additional device can be positioned in such a way that the image plane of the image display is parallel or substantially parallel to the contact plane. The angle between the image plane and the handle plane is preferably less than 20 deg., and more preferably parallel or substantially parallel to the handle plane. It has turned out that the image content can be reliably recognized by the user in this way.

In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle is arranged on the operating unit offset with respect to the grip element in a direction away from the user. In this way, the additional instrument can be moved further away from the user than the handle element when the cleaning device is in normal operation. To a certain extent, the additional instrument is arranged on the operating unit more deeply offset with respect to the grip element. When interacting with the control unit, the possibility of the user inadvertently touching the additional instrument is thereby reduced, thereby ensuring its positioning in the receptacle. The grip element is offset with respect to the receptacle and in particular the additional instrument in the opposite direction, preferably in the direction of the user.

The offset of the receptacle may be, for example, about 5cm to 20cm, preferably about 10cm to 15 cm.

It has proven to be advantageous if the receptacle is arranged between the handle elements in a transverse direction of the cleaning device in a viewing direction of a user towards an image display of an additional instrument arranged in the receptacle. Thereby, the image display is positioned between the grip elements in a lateral direction such that the image display and the hand can be within the field of view of the user and can be perceived by the user jointly in a simple manner. This enables an easy to operate manner for the user to intuitively operate the cleaning device in a natural, non-bowed body and head posture. As already mentioned, it can be provided that the additional instrument is arranged offset with respect to the grip element, in particular offset away from the user.

Advantageously, operating elements for influencing the chassis of the cleaning appliance are arranged laterally alongside the respective handle element, and the receptacle is arranged between the operating elements with respect to the transverse direction. In this way, the user can easily recognize the operating element for manipulation and the image display for receiving the information shown thereon within the field of view thereof. This facilitates the user to operate the cleaning device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the cleaning appliance, it is advantageous if the grip element is designed as a longitudinal grip element and the receptacle is arranged substantially in the region between the base of the thumb and the distal end of the thumb when the hand of the user rests with the hand of the hand thenar on the grip element. Thereby, the image display and the hand are preferably located together with the above-mentioned operating elements within an elongated strap-shaped viewing area extending in the transverse direction, thereby facilitating the operation of the cleaning device.

The operating unit advantageously comprises at least one operating element which is disposed on the operating unit in front of the user with respect to the receptacle and preferably below the receptacle. This allows the operating element, in particular the main operating element of the cleaning appliance, to be reached and manipulated well by the user without having to pass over or past an additional device arranged in the receptacle.

The operating element is, for example, a program selector switch for setting a cleaning program of the cleaning appliance and preferably comprises a rotary handle or is designed as such a rotary handle. Positioning the twist grip in front of the receptacle and preferably below the receptacle enables a user-friendly handling of the twist grip.

In an advantageous embodiment of the cleaning appliance, it can be provided that the operating unit has an operating region which defines an operating plane and on which at least one operating element, for example the program selector switch described above, is arranged. The operating plane is advantageously located in front of the receptacle with respect to the user. It has proven to be advantageous if the operating plane is oriented at an angle to the contact plane defined by the receptacle, wherein the angle can be, for example, approximately 10 ° to 30 °. In the present case, this angle is to be understood as the smaller of the two angles between the operating plane and the contact plane.

Advantageously, the receptacle for arranging the additional device is formed with at least one of the following in order to place a plurality of different additional devices in the receptacle according to the possibility:

-an additional instrument having a width of at least about 15cm, preferably up to about 25 cm;

-additional instrumentation up to a diagonal of the image display of at least about 10 inches.

The operating unit is preferably arranged on the rear side of the cleaning device with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning device, for example in the case of a rear-hand device such as a scrubber dryer.

Preferably, the cleaning device comprises a charging device for supplying electrical energy to the additional device, wherein the additional device can be charged with electrical energy when the additional device is arranged in the receptacle. This allows the operating duration of the additional device to be increased, preferably independently of the use of the cleaning appliance, in which the display information is transmitted to the additional device via the communication unit.

In a preferred embodiment, the charging device is an inductive charging device for contactless application of a supplementary instrument. For example, a charging device is arranged on the side of the receptacle facing away from the additional device. The additional device can be inductively charged through the contact element of the receptacle.

It can be provided that the charging device comprises at least one electrical coupling element which is arranged fixedly on the receptacle and which is coupled to a corresponding electrical coupling element of the additional device. For example, the coupling element is designed in the form of a docking interface.

It can be provided to advantage that the charging device comprises a coupling socket (for example a USB socket) for coupling a charging cable for an additional instrument.

In a similar manner, it can be provided that the charging device comprises a charging cable having a coupling element for coupling with an electrical coupling element of an additional device.

In a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device, it is advantageous if the cleaning device comprises an integrated display device arranged on the operating element for displaying the status information, wherein the display device preferably comprises an image display. For example, the display device is used when no additional instrument is disposed on the housing. This ensures that visual information is provided for the user, in order to facilitate the operation of the cleaning appliance even without additional equipment. Alternatively, it can be provided that the integrated display device can be used in combination with an image display of an additional instrument.

It can be provided that the display device is at least partially and in particular completely covered by the additional device when the additional device is arranged in the receptacle. Such a display device is used, for example, only if no additional instruments are positioned in the receptacle.

It may be provided that the display device is switched off when the additional device is arranged in the receptacle and can be activated when the additional device is removed from the receptacle. Preferably, this can be done without the user doing anything.

It can be provided that no (further) display device is arranged on the operating unit, apart from the one of the additional instruments.

In a preferred embodiment of the cleaning appliance, the communication unit is designed for the contactless transmission of the display information to the additional device. For example, the display information is transmitted via a radio connection, in particular a bluetooth connection. At present, "contactless" includes the possibility of an additional instrument being in physical contact with the housing. Only the display information, the data for driving the image display are transmitted contactlessly.

Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the communication unit is designed for the transmission of contact-based display information, for example, via a cable connection.

It is advantageously provided that the communication unit is automatically activated for transmitting the display information when the additional instrument is positioned in the receptacle. This facilitates the user handling the cleaning device. The presence of the additional instrument can be detected mechanically and/or electrically. For example, a microswitch or a sensor element is provided, which is activated when the additional instrument is positioned in the receptacle. Alternatively or additionally, a cable-free coupling of the additional instrument, in particular, to the communication unit can be detected and the image display can be activated as a result.

In a corresponding manner, it can be provided that the communication unit is automatically deactivated when the additional device is removed from the receptacle.

It may be provided that display information relating to at least one of the following may be transmitted to the additional instrument:

-information about the use of at least one cleaning tool, such as its time of use, type of use and/or its wear;

information about the consumption, stock or status of at least one consumable component for operation, such as electrical energy, cleaning liquid and/or cleaning chemicals. In particular, the information may relate to a state of the at least one battery, a quantity/remaining quantity of cleaning liquid, a quantity/remaining quantity of cleaning chemicals, a degree of filling of the at least one container for cleaning liquid or dirty liquid, and/or a state of the at least one cleaning tool;

-information about the past duration of use and/or the remaining duration of use of the cleaning device;

-information about past types of use, such as place of use, completion amount of executed or abandoned cleaning orders and/or remaining types of use of the cleaning device;

instructions to support the user in cleaning, in particular instructions optimized for cleaning orders and/or remaining use. For example, the user may be prompted for the remaining cleaning orders and preferably supported for completion of the cleaning orders.

Advantageously, status and/or operating information relating to the operation of the cleaning appliance can be transmitted from the communication unit to the additional instrument for storage and/or transmission to an external data processing device. The display information used to create image content in the image display may be different from the status and/or operational information, or may be wholly or partially consistent therewith. In this embodiment, the operation of the cleaning device may be monitored, wherein a report may be created regarding its use. For example, the reports may be evaluated with respect to improving use of the cleaning devices and/or coordination of users of the cleaning fleet and/or the plurality of cleaning devices. The report may be saved in the auxiliary device. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the report is transmitted to a remote data processing device via a communication connection for evaluation and/or archiving. The data processing device is for example owned or managed by the manufacturer or user of the cleaning appliance.

For example, it is possible to monitor (track) which user or which group of users is using a particular cleaning device. For this purpose, it has proven to be particularly advantageous to use the cleaning device in combination with the access authorization and/or user configuration or authorization configuration, which will also be mentioned later.

When using external data processing devices, it is particularly conceivable to create and distribute via these cleaning orders to a plurality of users and/or cleaning appliances. The cleaning order associated therewith can be transmitted, for example, to an additional device, alternatively or additionally to the cleaning device. The cleaning order may be obtained using the cleaning device depending on which access right, which user configuration and/or which right configuration is utilized.

Preferably, the display information and/or the status and/or operating information can be transmitted from the communication unit to the additional instrument in real time.

It may be provided that the cleaning device can be operated without separate authentication means. For example, the cleaning device may be put into operation by each (arbitrary) user. In this case, a main switch is preferably provided on the cleaning appliance or on the additional device for switching the cleaning appliance on and off.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the cleaning appliance needs to operate an authentication device. The authentication means may be designed in different ways. For example, an object-related authentication can be provided, wherein the cleaning device itself is assigned an authorization carrier, for example in the form of a mechanical or electronic key. Alternatively or additionally, an authentication device can be provided which is associated with a person, wherein the person of the user is checked for the purpose of using the cleaning device. In particular, when a plurality of cleaning devices are present, the possibility is provided for the user to access the selected cleaning device. For example, authentication related to an individual (e.g., verification of a fingerprint, facial recognition, iris recognition, etc.) may be performed by using a biometric characteristic of the user.

It can be provided that an emergency cleaning operation can be carried out with the cleaning appliance without authentication means or with authentication disabled. For example, when the authentication means is not present or the authentication required by the authentication means fails, at least one selected predefined function of the cleaning appliance can be used.

In a preferred embodiment, in order to prevent unauthorized access to the cleaning appliance, the cleaning appliance is assigned at least one authentication device, by means of which the cleaning appliance can be provided with the access rights required for its operation. The validity of the access rights can be checked, for example, by the control unit, by additional instruments or by an external data processing device. Only then can the cleaning device be used subsequently within a predetermined or predeterminable range, wherein the emergency cleaning operation described above can be retained.

In the present case, the transfer of the access right to the cleaning device can be equivalent to the notification of an unlocking message depending on the existing access right to the cleaning device, so that the user can operate the cleaning device.

Access rights can be obtained in the most different ways. For example, the access authorization can be formed by a password (code, alphanumeric character string, biometric characteristic of the user, physical characteristic of the authorization carrier, such as a profile with elevations and/or depressions).

In a preferred embodiment, the access authorization of the cleaning appliance can be transmitted in a contactless manner, in particular to the communication unit. This enables a user-friendly interaction with the cleaning device. At present, "contactless" does not exclude that the authentication means (e.g. the authorization carrier of the authentication means) has physical contact with the cleaning device. The contactless transmission is carried out, for example, by radio, for example, via an existing bluetooth connection between the additional device and the communication unit, via an RFID connection, an NFC connection (for example, optically or by means of magnetic or electrical field effects).

Alternatively, it can be provided that the access authorization of the cleaning device can be transmitted on the basis of contact. In particular, the access authorization can be detected, for example, using a mechanical key arranged in a corresponding receptacle of the cleaning appliance.

Advantageously, the cleaning device comprises a receptacle in which the authentication means can be arranged in a detachable manner. Advantageously, the receptacle is arranged on the operating unit. The authentication device has a defined position in the receptacle, so that access rights can be reliably transmitted to the cleaning appliance in a contactless manner or on a contact-by-contact basis, or can be detected by the cleaning appliance. The authentication device can be fixed in the receptacle, for example, by a force-locking and/or form-locking, in particular by clamping and/or locking. The presence of the authentication means may preferably be automatically identified. For this purpose, for example, a sensor element can be provided, which can interact with the authentication device in a contactless or contact-based manner. In the case of the use of an additional device as an authentication device, the receptacle can be, in particular, a receptacle on the operating unit associated with the additional device.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the access rights are stored in the memory unit on the authentication device. The access rights can be read from the memory unit and preferably transferred to the cleaning device in a contactless manner.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the access authorization is physically stored on the authentication device, for example in the form of the above-described profile with elevations and/or depressions.

In a preferred embodiment, the access authorization can be entered on the authentication device, preferably by a user by means of an input device, and can be transmitted to the cleaning appliance, in particular to the communication unit. For example, an input device of an add-on device, in particular a touch screen, is used for inputting the access rights. For example, the validity can be checked by additional instruments, control units or external data processing devices.

Advantageously, the additional apparatus comprises or is configured with an authentication means. This provides the possibility to use, in particular, an additional instrument carried by the user, such as a smartphone or tablet computer, not only for providing an image display but also for unlocking the cleaning device.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the authorization carrier, which is formed separately from the additional device, comprises or is designed with an authentication device. For example, an electronic or mechanical key is used as the authorization carrier.

The rights carrier can be designed, for example, as a transponder, in which the access rights are stored. The access rights are preferably transmitted to the cleaning appliance without cables, for example by means of RFID technology.

It can be provided that, when using the authentication via the additional device, an authorization carrier formed separately from the additional device can additionally be used as described above.

Advantageously, a user configuration is provided. This enables the cleaning device to be personalized, wherein for example the presetting of the cleaning device and/or additional instruments can be carried out depending on the user configuration. The user profile is defined, for example, via a user account number, which may be created and managed by a foreman or administrator of the at least one cleaning device.

It is advantageous if an authorization configuration is provided, wherein two or more different authorization configurations are provided, wherein different ranges of functions of the cleaning appliance can be provided to the user depending on the authorization configuration. This provides for limiting or enabling the use of the cleaning device, either fully or partially, depending on the respective configuration of rights. Alternatively or additionally, it may be preferred that the range of interaction with the cleaning device that can be used on the additional instrument, for example the range of user applications mentioned below, can be limited or enabled.

A common privilege configuration may be assigned to multiple users. For example, a user authority configuration for general experience, an authority configuration for experienced users, an authority configuration for lead shifts, and an authority configuration for administrators or maintenance service providers may be set up. By limiting the functional range depending on the authorization configuration, the operational safety of the cleaning appliance can be increased in particular. For example, the authorization configuration is only allowed to be used within the knowledge of the user and/or within the scope of the cleaning order transmitted to him. Preferably, this allows to avoid damage to the cleaning device, the object to be cleaned and/or personal injuries due to erroneous operation.

Advantageously, the authentication device associated with the authorization configuration has an identification device with an identification portion, wherein the identification portions of different authorization configurations differ from each other. This enables identification of the identification part of the authentication device at the level of the authorization configuration, as is set forth, for example, in the publications WO 2012/016847 a1 and WO 2012/013575 a1 mentioned at the outset.

The authorization level can be graded in particular in a hierarchy, wherein a higher authorization level enables the cleaning appliance to be used within the functional scope of a lower authorization configuration and additionally at least one further function of the cleaning appliance can be implemented.

It can be advantageously provided that the user configuration and/or the authorization configuration is associated with the access authorization. For example, the user configuration is associated with the user's individual. In addition, an authorization configuration associated with the user or only with the access authorization can be provided.

For example, it can be provided that the authorization configuration is not associated with a user configuration. For example, the cleaning device may be put into operation via an authentication means. Additionally, the user may log onto the cleaning device using the user profile, for example, via an additional instrument.

It can be provided that the user configuration and/or the authorization configuration

-saved or stored in or on the authentication means;

-stored in a storage unit of the cleaning device;

-stored in a memory unit of the data processing device arranged externally with respect to the cleaning apparatus. In this case, a data connection can be established to the data processing device, for example, by means of the authentication device and/or the cleaning appliance. This makes it possible in particular to read the user configuration and/or the authorization configuration and to transmit them directly or indirectly to the cleaning appliance, for example in order to specify the functional range and to make possible presets. For example, the user logs on to the data processing device via the authentication device, in particular an add-on instrument, and subsequently transmits the access authorization or the associated unlocking information together with the user configuration and/or the authorization configuration to the cleaning appliance.

In particular, it can be provided that the display information can be provided with the respective image content of the image display, depending on the user configuration. For example, a user may influence the presentation and method of the display content and/or the display language via user configuration.

Alternatively or additionally, depending on the user configuration, at least one functional unit of the cleaning appliance can preferably be preset, in particular the operating parameters of at least one cleaning tool. For example, operating parameters of the functional units that are usually used by the user can be stored via a user configuration and can be preset in dependence thereon.

Depending on the authorization configuration, it can be provided, for example, that access authorization, user configuration and/or authorization configuration are created or deleted. Such as reserving the right to perform these functions for a lead shift or administrator.

Depending on the authorization configuration, it is provided, for example, that a matching of the user configuration and/or the authorization configuration can be carried out. For example, enabling or disabling the functional unit of the cleaning appliance for use. Alternatively or additionally, for example, at least one functional unit of the cleaning appliance can be preset. For example, the presetting for the cleaning device can be done with a higher level of authority or limits of operating parameters of at least one functional unit can be defined. It is possible that certain operating parameters of the functional unit can also be changed with a lower level of authority, whereas changes to certain operating parameters can only be made with a higher level of authority.

Depending on the authorization configuration, there may be the possibility, for example, of creating a report about the use of the cleaning appliance. This possibility exists, for example, only with higher level rights configurations. The report may preferably be sent to an external data processing device for evaluation and/or archiving.

Depending on the authorization configuration, it can be provided that the cleaning appliance is evaluated with regard to its usage data. For example, only higher level privilege configurations can be evaluated, while users with lower level privilege configurations cannot.

The cleaning device may be designed in different ways and be associated with the properties of at least one cleaning tool or cleaning unit. The functional units of the cleaning device mentioned at the outset can be provided in different ways.

For example, the cleaning device is a floor cleaning device, in particular a floor scrubber, a sweeper or a sweeper extractor.

The cleaning device may be a hand guided cleaning device or a riding or riding cleaning device.

It is conceivable that the cleaning device is designed self-propelled and self-steering, in order to be able to perform autonomous cleaning of the floor surface without the presence of a user.

The cleaning device may be a cleaning device for cleaning with a cleaning jet, in particular a high-pressure cleaning machine or a dry ice blasting machine.

The invention also relates to a cleaning system as mentioned at the outset. The cleaning system according to the invention, which solves the stated object, comprises a cleaning device of the type mentioned above and at least one additional device which has a display device with a picture display and can be positioned in a receptacle in a removable manner, wherein display information for displaying on the picture display can be transmitted to the additional device positioned in the receptacle.

The advantages already mentioned in connection with the description of the cleaning device according to the invention can also be achieved in a cleaning system. Reference is made in this respect to the above statements.

An advantageous embodiment of the cleaning system results from an advantageous embodiment of the cleaning device.

The additional instrument is for example a smartphone or a tablet.

Advantageously, the additional device comprises a touch-sensitive display device, in particular a touch screen, for receiving operating instructions from a user.

Preferably, a user application, for example a so-called "App", is stored in an implementable manner on the add-on device. Advantageously, operating instructions for the cleaning appliance, which can be transmitted from the additional instrument to the communication unit, are made available to the user via the user application. This provides the possibility for the user to use additional equipment not only for displaying image content on the image display but also for inputting operating instructions via an input device, in particular the above-mentioned touch screen.

The operating instructions advantageously comprise setting at least one operating parameter of a functional unit of the cleaning appliance. Alternatively or additionally, the operating instructions may, for example, comprise setting and/or changing access rights, user configurations and/or user's rights configurations, and/or creating reports on the use of the cleaning appliance.

It is to be understood that the input of the access authorization via the input device of the additional instrument can be presently interpreted as an operating instruction.

Advantageously, at least one digital operating element can be provided on the display device via the user application, which operating element is preferably designed to be identical to or corresponding to a functionally identical physical operating element of the operating unit. In this way, the physical operating elements can be simulated or duplicated to some extent. This enables a user using the additional device to intuitively operate the cleaning appliance, wherein the learned operating mode or operating handle can be used with the additional device. Furthermore, versatility is increased by allowing the user to select a more convenient way for the user to interact with the cleaning device.

It can be provided that at least one digital operating element can be provided on the display device for accepting operating instructions, wherein the operating unit does not comprise corresponding functionally identical physical operating elements. Instead of the conventional operating elements, the operating elements on the additional instrument are now used digitally. This enables the cleaning device to be "slim", in that the user can carry an operating unit, for example in the form of a smartphone or tablet computer, at least partially.

A communication connection to an externally arranged data processing device can advantageously be established via additional instruments and/or communication units. This provides, for example, the possibility of sending reports about the use of the cleaning appliance and/or the transmission of information relating to the access rights, the user configuration and/or the rights configuration.

The cleaning system preferably comprises a data processing device arranged externally with respect to the cleaning apparatus and the additional instrument. The "data processing apparatus" in the present case also includes a case where there may be a plurality of data processing apparatuses communicatively connected to each other, for example, implemented as "cloud".

The cleaning system may include a plurality of cleaning devices and a plurality of additional instruments. The cleaning device and/or the additional apparatus can each be of identical or different design.

The invention also relates to a cleaning system with an authentication device.

The cleaning system according to the invention comprises a cleaning device of the type described above or a cleaning system of the type described above and at least one authentication means via which access rights can be provided to the cleaning device.

The advantages and preferred embodiments that can be achieved thereby refer to the above statements.

Drawings

The following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is used to explain the present invention in more detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

FIG. 1: a schematic view of a cleaning system according to the invention with a cleaning device according to the invention;

FIG. 2: a perspective view of the operating unit of the cleaning device of fig. 1 and additional instruments that can be arranged thereon;

FIG. 3: a top view showing the operation unit and additional instruments;

FIG. 3 a: a top view (detailed view) of the operating unit and additional instruments in a variant of the cleaning device according to the invention;

FIG. 4: a partial view of the control unit and additional instrumentation is shown in side view along line 4-4 in fig. 3;

fig. 5 to 7: schematically showing an additional instrument in different swing positions in the housing and a user observing the additional instrument;

FIG. 8: a representation corresponding to fig. 3, and additional instruments arranged in two orientations in the receptacle, shown in a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning device;

FIG. 9: a diagram corresponding to fig. 8 is shown with different types of additional instruments;

FIG. 10: a partial view showing an operation unit of a cleaning apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 11: a partial view showing an operating unit of a further cleaning device according to the invention;

FIG. 12: a partial view showing an operating unit of a further cleaning device according to the invention;

FIG. 13: a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention is shown;

FIG. 14: a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention is shown; and is

FIG. 15: a schematic view of a further preferred embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention is shown.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows an advantageous embodiment of a cleaning system according to the invention, which overall takes on the reference numeral 10. The cleaning system 10 comprises at least one preferred embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention and designated by reference numeral 12. Advantageously, a further cleaning device 12, schematically shown, is provided, which may differ from the cleaning device 12 in terms of type and/or design.

In addition, the cleaning system 10 also includes at least one authentication device 14; here four authentication means 14 are shown. The authentication means 14 is designed for use with the cleaning device 12.

The same applies to at least one additional instrument 16 of the cleaning system 10, which may be used with the cleaning device 12. Two additional instruments 16 are illustratively shown, one being a smartphone 18 and the other being a tablet 20.

Cleaning system 10 includes a data processing device 22 disposed externally and remotely with respect to cleaning apparatus 12 and additional instruments 16. In the present case, only one data processing device 22 is shown. It should be understood that the cleaning system 10 may include a plurality of data processing devices 22 communicatively coupled to each other. Currently, this is illustrated by the "cloud" 24.

The additional instrument 16 may be in communicative connection with the data processing device 22, for example via a mobile wireless network such as the internet and/or a data network. It can furthermore be provided that the cleaning appliance 12 can also form a communication link for exchanging data with the data processing device 22. For this purpose, the data processing device 22 comprises a communication unit 26 (fig. 2) in the present case.

The communication unit 26 is integrated, for example, into a control unit 28 of the cleaning appliance 12, which is formed by or is operatively connected to the control unit.

In the present example, the cleaning apparatus 12 is a walk-behind cleaning apparatus (walk-behind). The cleaning device 12 is in particular a scrubber dryer 30 for cleaning a floor 32.

As already mentioned at the outset, the invention can also be used in other types of cleaning devices, for example sweepers, sweeping suction machines, jet cleaning machines, such as high-pressure cleaning machines or dry ice jet cleaning machines. It is advantageous to use the invention in user-guided cleaning devices (both trail and riding) guided by the user to follow, stand or sit.

The cleaning device 12 is used to clean a floor surface 32 in what is currently considered a horizontal orientation, wherein the contact plane of the cleaning device 12 coincides with the plane of the floor surface 32. In conventional use, the cleaning apparatus 12 is moved in an operating direction defined by the longitudinal direction 34. A transverse direction 36 of the cleaning device 12 is defined transversely to the longitudinal direction 34.

With respect to the longitudinal direction 34, the cleaning device comprises on the rear side 38 an operating unit 40 for a following user. An operating unit 40 is arranged in the transition from the rear side 38 to the upper side 42.

The cleaning device 12 comprises a plurality of functional units 44 for applying functions. The operating instructions of the operator on the operating unit 40 can be processed by the control unit 28 and transmitted to the functional unit 44.

In the present case, a cleaning tool 46 is provided as a functional unit 44, which comprises, for example, a cleaning brush, and in particular a butterfly brush 48, and a drive 50 for the butterfly brush 48. As a further functional unit 44, a pressing device 52 is provided, with which pressing device 52 the pressing force of butterfly brush 48 on floor 32 can be set.

As a further functional unit 44, a chassis 54 is provided, which chassis 54 has a drive 56 for moving the cleaning device 12 over the floor 32 and a suction unit 58, with which a mixture of dirt and cleaning liquid can be sucked off from the floor 32.

The further functional units 44 are a dosing device 60, with which the cleaning liquid contained in a tank 62 for applying to the floor 32 can be dosed, and a cleaning agent dosing device 64, which is used for dosing the cleaning chemical mixed with the cleaning liquid.

The tank 62 is formed by a housing 66 which comprises a housing part 68 on the upper side. The housing part 68 forms a cover 70 of the tank 62 and is mounted so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis 72 extending in the transverse direction 36 (fig. 3). To open the can 62, the cover 70 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 72 back in the direction of the operating unit 40 from the closed position into an open position (not shown).

To facilitate the guidance of the cleaning device 12 by the user, the operating unit 40 has a handle device 74. In the present case, the handle device 74 comprises two handle elements 76. The handle elements 76 are each designed as arcuate longitudinal handle elements which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction 36.

The user can place his hand 78 on the handle element 76 in the longitudinal direction without having to turn the wrist in the transverse direction. The hand 78 rests with the thenar on the grip element 76, wherein the thumb 80 can rest on the grip element approximately from the thumb foot 82 to the distal end 84. This is illustrated in the embodiments according to fig. 8 and 9 by way of example for the operating unit 40 and also applies to the embodiments according to fig. 1 to 4.

Thereby, an elongated zone 86 is defined in the transverse direction 36, which is located between the imaginary connecting lines in the transverse direction 36 of the distal end 84 on the one hand and the thumb root 82 on the other hand. This elongated zone 86 is also shown in fig. 3.

In the present case, the operating unit 40 comprises a plurality of operating elements via which a user can interact with the cleaning device 12, in particular for actuating the functional unit 44.

In the transverse direction 36, laterally next to each one of the grip elements 76 and toward each other grip element 76, the operating unit 40 comprises a rocker-like operating element 88. Via the operating element 88, the chassis 54 can be influenced for setting the speed and/or the direction at which the cleaning appliance 12 is moved.

In addition, the operating unit 40 includes an operating region 90 that preferably defines an operating plane 92 (FIG. 4). The operation plane 92 is disposed on the operation unit 40 toward the user and is inclined in the direction of the user with respect to the horizontal line. The inclination is, for example, approximately 20 ° to 30 °, and allows a user to manipulate the operating elements arranged on the operating field 90 in a simpler manner.

In the operating region 90, an operating element 94, in the present case the main operating element, is arranged. The operating element 94 comprises a turning handle 96 and serves as a main switch for the cleaning device 12 as well as a program selection switch. Via the operating element 94, different cleaning programs can be set, which differ from one another with regard to the manner of functioning of at least one of the functional units 44.

Furthermore, a further operating element 98 and two operating elements 100 are also schematically shown. The value of the operating parameter of at least one functional unit 44 can be incremented or decremented via operating element 100. For example, the rotational speed of the butterfly brush 48 may be increased or decreased, or the pressing pressure of the butterfly brush 48 may be increased or decreased.

The operation unit 40 further includes a display device 102 integrally installed in the operation region 90. Operational and status information of the cleaning apparatus 12 is shown on the display device 102 to facilitate operation of the cleaning apparatus by a user.

The additional instruments 16 that can be used with the cleaning device 12 each comprise a display device 104, which has, in particular, an image display 106. The image display 106 defines an image plane.

In the present example, the additional instrument 16 is embodied in a flat construction, which is advantageous for the invention, but is not absolutely necessary.

Additional instruments 16 may be in communication with the cleaning device 12. In particular, data can be exchanged contactlessly between the additional instrument 16 and the communication unit 26. In the present case, this is understood to mean that the data exchange takes place even without physical contact. However, as will be explained below, there may in particular be a physical contact between the additional instrument 16 itself and the operating unit 40.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that data can be transmitted between the communication unit 26 and the additional device 16 on a contact-based basis, for example via a cable connection not shown in the figures.

With the additional instrument 16, the cleaning device 12 has a receptacle 108 arranged on the operating unit 40. The additional instrument 16 can be positioned in the receptacle and thus have a defined positioning relative to the operating unit 40. It is possible to position the smartphone 18 and tablet computer 20 in a landscape and/or portrait orientation of the image display 106, depending on the size of the receptacle 108. Fig. 2 to 4 clearly show the arrangement of the smartphone 18 with the image display 106 lying horizontally, but the smartphone 18 may also be arranged with the image display 106 standing vertically.

With regard to the tablet computer 20, the receptacle 108 is currently dimensioned such that the tablet computer can have the image display 106 arranged in an upright manner.

It is advantageous to size the receptacle 108 in such a way as to be able to accommodate additional instruments 16 having a width of at least about 15cm, preferably up to about 25cm, and/or having a diagonal of the image display 106 of up to at least about 10 inches.

The receptacle 108 is positioned in the transverse direction 36 between the handle elements 76 and between the operating elements 88 with respect to the direction in which the user looks at the receptacle 108 and in particular at the image display 106 of the additional instrument 16 positioned in the receptacle 108. However, the receptacle 108 is arranged on the operating unit 40 offset with respect to the grip element 76 in a direction away from the user. In the present case, this is to be understood in particular to mean that the receptacle 108 is arranged deeper on the operating unit 40 (fig. 4).

The receptacle 108 comprises an abutment element 110, which is currently designed as a bracketing element 112. The bracketing element 112 is designed to be flat and planar, so that the additional instrument 16 can rest flat thereon.

Furthermore, the receptacle 108 comprises a projection 114, which is formed by a projecting strip 116 formed by the bracketing elements 112. This offers the possibility of arranging the additional instrument 16 in a defined position in both spatial directions relative to the receptacle 108.

In the present case, the bracketing element 112 is formed by a friction coefficient raising element 120, or such a friction coefficient raising element is positioned in the receptacle 108. The friction coefficient increasing element 120 comprises, in particular, a pad 122, which is made of an elastically deformable material, for example a rubber material. The additional instrument 16 is effectively protected against movement in the receptacle 108 via the pad 122. Furthermore, vibrations occurring during operation of the cleaning appliance 12 are damped, so that movements of the additional device 16 due to vibrations are largely avoided.

Bracketing element 112 defines an abutment plane and in particular a bracketing plane 124. In the case of the flat design of the add-on device 16, the image plane of the image display 106 is oriented parallel to the contact plane 124 and only at a small distance therefrom.

The abutment plane 124 is oriented at an angle 126 (fig. 4) relative to the operating plane 92. The angle 126 is, for example, about 10 ° to about 30 °, for example about 20 °. Here, the abutting plane 124 is inclined in the direction of the user with respect to the operation plane 92, thereby allowing the user to view the image display 106 in a better manner.

A surface normal of the contact element 110, which is angled by approximately 45 ° with respect to the horizontal, is symbolically indicated by reference numeral 128. In this way, image display 106 is made well recognizable to most users, with the gaze direction substantially perpendicular to the orientation of image display 106 (fig. 5).

It may be provided that the receptacle 108 is arranged on the operating unit 40 in a movable manner. For example, the accommodating portion 108 is swingable relative to the operation unit 40 about a swing axis 130 extending in the lateral direction. A discontinuous or continuous pivoting is possible, wherein the abutment element 110 can be pivoted in particular together with the projection 114. Fig. 6 and 7 show two further pivot positions of the receptacle 108 by way of example.

The orientation of the face normal 128 is changed by pivoting. This provides the possibility, for example, to orient the positioning of the additional instrument 16 depending on the height, positioning and/or gaze direction of the user so that the user always has an optimal line of sight to the image display 106.

It is to be understood that the receptacle 108 can also be pivoted in the opposite direction according to the illustration in fig. 5 to 7, that is to say in fig. 5 to 7 counterclockwise, which is not illustrated in the figures.

In general, the additional instruments 16 are disposed at least partially within the elongate zone 86 and within the field of view of the user to facilitate the annotation view display 106. When the cleaning device 12 is in operation, the user typically looks forward in the direction of travel standing behind the cleaning device, across the operating unit 40 and the cover 70, so that the image display 106 can always be well captured during the cleaning operation.

Advantageously, the additional instrument 16 is positioned on the operating unit 40 offset with respect to a handle plane 132 defined by the handle element 76. The offset between the handle plane 132 and the abutment plane 124 is, for example, about 10cm to 15 cm. The offset reduces the possibility of the user inadvertently touching the additional instrument 16 and the additional instrument is reliably arranged in the receptacle 108 even when the user interacts with the operating unit 40.

The operating region 90 is located in front of the accommodating portion 108 in the direction of the user. When interacting with the operating element 94, 98 or 100, the probability of the user inadvertently touching the additional instrument 16 is thereby also reduced.

The receptacle 108 is arranged between the side edges 134 of the grip element 76, wherein the side edges 134 point in the direction of the respective other grip element 76 and are arranged on the side of the grip element 76 facing away from the user.

The receptacle 108 is preferably positioned on the operating unit 40 in such a way that the cover 70 occupying the open position is not in contact with the receptacle 108 and preferably not in contact with the additional instrument 16. This is advantageously independent of whether the additional instrument 16 is positioned in the receptacle 108 in such a way that the image display 106 is oriented horizontally or vertically.

Positioning the additional instrument 16 in the receptacle 108 and removing it can be carried out in particular manually and without tools. The additional instrument 16 is connected in particular to the pad 122 via a friction fit and is held sufficiently securely in the receptacle 108 via a form fit of the bracketing element 112 and the projection 114.

For communication with the cleaning device 12, in particular with the communication unit 26, the additional device 16 can be connected to the communication connection in different types. In particular, a bluetooth connection may be used, wherein the invention is not limited thereto.

A user application, for example a so-called "App", is stored in an implementable manner on the add-on device 16. Via the communication unit 26, display information relating to the operation of the cleaning appliance 12 can be transmitted to the additional device 16 and can be displayed there, in particular using an App (fig. 3).

It can be provided here that the information that can be displayed on the image display 106 is different from the information that is displayed on the fixedly mounted display device 102. It is also conceivable that the information on the display devices 102 and 104 are complementary to each other.

In particular, it can be provided that the display device 102 is deactivated when the additional device 16 is positioned in the receptacle 108. For example, the presence of the additional instrument 16 may be detected contactlessly or on a contact basis. For example, a sensor element 136 is provided on the receptacle 108 for contactless detection of the additional device 16.

In a preferred embodiment, the display device 102 is deactivated when the user positions the additional instrument 16 in the receptacle 108. The display information is transmitted to the additional instrument 16 for display on the image display 106. If the user removes the additional device 16 from the receptacle 108, no further transmission of the display information takes place, but rather the display device 102 is actuated for displaying the information.

Via the fixedly mounted display device 102 it is ensured that visual information can be provided to the user even when the user does not carry the additional apparatus 16 with him.

An interface for a user to interact with the cleaning device 12 is provided via a user application. In a preferred embodiment, the user application may, for example, provide the operating elements in digital form, all of which are generally referred to by reference numeral 138. In the present case, the digital variants of each of the operating elements 94, 98 and 100 are displayed on a display device 104. The display device 104 is designed touch-sensitive as a touch screen, so that operating instructions of a user can be received via the additional apparatus 16 and transmitted from the latter to the communication unit 26.

The operating elements 138 are designed to be functionally identical to the operating elements 94, 98 and 100, so that a user can use the digital operating elements 138 to carry out the cleaning appliance 12 without having to change the learning habits and skills of the user.

It should be understood that the user application for interacting with the cleaning device 12 may provide different or additional operational elements to the user, such as menus, input fields, picklists, switching planes, and the like.

In an advantageous embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention, it is conceivable that the cleaning device does not comprise functionally identical physical operating elements with respect to the digitally provided operating elements 138 on the display means 104. It can be provided that this applies to most or all operating elements of the operating unit 40, for example to the operating elements 88, 94, 98 and 100 at the present time.

It is also conceivable that the physical operating elements of the operating unit 40 are deactivated when the additional instrument 16 is positioned in the receptacle 108 and corresponding digital operating elements 138 are provided on the display device 104.

In order to operate the cleaning device 12, an authentication device 14 is required. Access rights are provided to the cleaning device 12 via the authentication means 14. It can be provided that at least an emergency operation with the cleaning appliance 12 is possible without the authentication means 14 or in the event of a failed authentication.

In the present case, there is an authentication means 14 which is designed as a rights carrier 140, in particular rights carriers 140a, 140b, 140c and 140d, in the form of an electronic key. The authorization carrier 140 is in particular a transponder which can interact contactlessly with the cleaning device 12 by means of RFID technology.

In contrast, within the scope of the invention, it is possible to provide for contactless synergy, for example via other types of radio connections, and/or for synergy based on contact, for example by detecting access rights.

For defined positioning of the authorization carrier 140, the cleaning device 12 comprises a receptacle 142 arranged on the operating unit 40. The authorization carrier 140 can be detachably positioned in the receptacle 142 and preferably secured therein in a clamping and/or locking manner.

In the present case, an RFID reader 144 is provided, which is arranged within the effective range of the receptacle 142. If the rights carrier 140 is located in the receptacle 142, the rights carrier presence can be detected by means of the RFID reader 144. For example, the RFID reader 144 repeatedly transmits a read pulse, which can be received and replied to by the rights carrier 140 when the rights carrier is disposed in the receptacle 142.

The rights carrier 140 comprises a storage unit in which access rights are stored, for example in the form of an ID or a code. This access authorization can be detected contactlessly by the RFID reader 144, transmitted to the control unit 28 and checked for validity by the latter. If the result of the check is positive, the cleaning device 12 is unlocked.

Alternatively, it is conceivable to send unlocking information to the cleaning appliance 12 depending on the access authorization. The detected access rights are transmitted to the data processing device 22, for example via the communication unit 26, and its validity is checked by the data processing device. If the result is positive, unlocking information for unlocking the cleaning device 12 can be transmitted.

The rights carrier 140 currently differs in that access rights are associated with different rights configurations. For example, a generally experienced user is provided with rights carrier 140a, and an experienced user is provided with rights carrier 140 b. For example, a rights carrier 140c is provided for a leader class, and a rights carrier 140d is provided for an administrator or service person.

Depending on the authorization configuration of the respective authorization carrier 140a to 140d, the cleaning appliance 12 provides the user with a different range of functions. In particular, these privilege configurations may be defined as hierarchically structured privilege levels.

Generally, the range of functions for a generally experienced user is smaller than for an experienced user, and the range of functions available to the experienced user is less wide than the range of functions available to the lead shifts. The authority carrier 140d having the widest function is set for the administrator.

The information about the configuration of the rights is stored, for example, in a memory unit of the rights carrier 140, in the cleaning appliance 12 and/or in the data processing device 22. It may be provided that the respective authorization configuration can be known only by authenticating the access authorization.

Additionally, it is provided in the cleaning system 10 that a user-specific user configuration is provided. These user profiles are managed, for example, via user accounts which are stored, in particular, in the data processing device 22, alternatively or additionally in the additional instrument 16 and/or the cleaning appliance 12.

For example, the user may log into their user account via the App of the additional instrument 16, whereby user configuration for operation of the cleaning device 12 may be provided.

It can be provided that the user can connect with the cleaning appliance 12 via the additional apparatus 16 with his user configuration, but can start only when the authorization carrier 140 is used (in addition to the possible emergency operation described above).

In the user configuration, for example, settings for the functional units 44 preferred by the user are stored, in which connection these functional units can be implemented by the user. Alternatively or additionally, the user may define the display information he wants to show on the image display 106, for example in a user configuration. The language of the image display 106 is also preferably stored in the user configuration.

If the user configuration is known, it may be preset for the user of the functional unit 44 in order to make it easier for him to start the cleaning device 12.

As mentioned, the range of functions provided to the user is defined via the rights configuration and accordingly via the use of the respective rights carrier 140a to 140 d. Within the scope of the functional scope, the user can use the cleaning device 12, wherein, depending on the authorization configuration, for example:

access rights, user configurations and/or rights configurations can be created or deleted;

matching of the user configuration and/or the authorization configuration can be carried out, in particular a relevant switching on of the functional unit 44 for use and/or a presetting of at least one functional unit 44 of the cleaning appliance 12;

a report on the use of the cleaning device 12 can be created and can preferably be sent to an external data processing device 22;

the usage data of the cleaning device 12 can be evaluated.

Accordingly, it can be provided that the user has no or only limited access to a specific functional unit 44. For example, the user may use functional units 44 whose operating parameters do not change or change only within certain limits.

By using the authorization configuration, it can be ensured that the operational safety for protecting the cleaning device 12, the user, the object to be cleaned or a third party can be increased, since the functional range can be coordinated with the capabilities of the user, the trustworthiness of the user and the cleaning order to be performed.

In a specific example, it is provided, for example, that a user of general experience can vary the driving speed, the rotational speed of the butterfly brush 48 and the dosage via the dosage device 60 and/or the detergent dosage metering device 64, wherein the settings can be preset and stored via user configuration. However, for the average user, for example, there is the limitation that the driving speed can only be changed within certain limits and that other operating parameters, for example the pressing pressure via the pressing device 52, cannot be changed at all.

For example, the right to change the functional scope associated with the rights carrier 140 may be reserved to a leader class by using the rights carrier 140c or to an administrator by using the rights carrier 140 d.

Alternatively or additionally, the image content of the image display 106 may be cancelled differently depending on the functional range. For example, the display information is different in which rights carrier 140 is used. For example, a lower level privilege configuration does not have access to a particular menu or setting element reserved for a higher level privilege configuration.

For example, it may be provided that information about the consumable parts is shown on the image display 106. Again, depending on the authorization configuration, it can be provided, for example, that the right to order is reserved for a user having a specific authorization configuration when the consumable part (for example, the butterfly brush 48) is worn out. Correspondingly, a user with a lower level of authority configuration can only forward prompts regarding the consumable part inventory to be replaced, for example.

The use of the user profile and/or the authorization profile allows, for example, Tracking which user or group of users is using one or more cleaning devices 12.

The cleaning order may be personalized, for example assigned to a particular user. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning order may be reserved, for example, only to the average user or to the leader depending on the existing authorization configuration. For example, it is to be taken into account here that a user usually has a rights carrier 140 corresponding to his actual rights configuration.

For example, depending on the user's authorization configuration, information may be sent to the additional instrument 16 and shown on the image display 106. For example, the user may be prompted to replace or verify the cleaning tool 46, wherein the task should only be performed by an experienced user or a foreman, for example.

Fig. 3a shows a top view of the operating unit 40 in the cleaning device according to the invention in a detail view in a manner corresponding to fig. 3.

The receptacle 108 additionally comprises at least one retaining element, preferably two retaining elements 146, with which the additional instrument 16 can be more securely retained on the receptacle 108.

In the present case, the holding element is configured as a strip with folds (for example L-shaped) and projecting from the bracketing element 112. Thus, a gap 148 is formed between the slats and the bracketing element 112 in the manner of a "drawer". In the present case, the additional instrument 16 can be pushed into the gap 148 from above.

In the event of vibrations transmitted to the additional instrument 16, the holding element 146 ensures that the additional instrument 16 is not lifted and, in the worst case, does not fall out of the receptacle 108.

Fig. 8 and 9 show, in a corresponding manner to fig. 3, an operating unit 40 of an advantageous embodiment of a cleaning appliance according to the invention, which is only partially shown and designated by reference numeral 150, and which can be used together with or instead of the cleaning appliance 12 in a cleaning system according to the invention.

The same reference numerals are used for components that are also identical or function in the same manner as in the following embodiments. The advantages that can be realized with cleaning device 12 can also be realized in cleaning device 150 and the cleaning devices mentioned below. Only the most important differences are described.

In the cleaning device 150, for example, fewer operating elements are arranged on the operating area 90, and only the operating elements 94 are provided.

The receptacle 108 is arranged above or behind the actuating element 94 in the region of the actuating region 90. Thus, the additional instrument 16 in the form of a smartphone 18 is thereby disposed entirely or substantially entirely within the elongated region 86 with the image display 106 oriented both horizontally and vertically, and is thereby very easily identifiable in the user's field of view (fig. 8). For example, with the image display 106 oriented upright, the additional instrument 16 in the form of a tablet computer 20 is positioned largely within the elongate zone 86 (fig. 9).

A fixedly integrated display device 102 is likewise provided in the cleaning device 150, but is arranged in the region of the receptacle 108. For example, it may be provided that the pad 122 is dimensioned smaller than the cleaning device 12 or has a recess in order to expose the display device 102.

In the case of arranging the additional instrument 16 in the receptacle 108, the display device 102 is covered by the additional instrument and deactivated. In this way, the user is enabled to focus his visual perception on the image display 106. Upon removal of the add-on instrument 16, the display device 102 is exposed and activated to provide visual information to the user.

The operating unit 40 of the cleaning device 152, 154 or 156 according to the invention is schematically illustrated in fig. 10 to 12. The cleaning devices 152 to 156 each have a charging device 158, with which electrical energy can be supplied to the add-on device 16 and thus the duration of use can be increased.

In the cleaning device 152 according to fig. 10, the charging device 158 is designed inductively and is arranged on the side of the contact element 110 facing away from the additional device 16. If the additional instrument 16 is arranged in the receptacle 108, its battery can be charged.

The charging device 158 in the cleaning apparatus 154 according to fig. 11 comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of fixedly arranged electrical coupling elements 160 (which are designed, for example, as docking interfaces). The coupling element 160 can be coupled to a corresponding electrical coupling element of the additional instrument 16.

In the cleaning device 156 according to fig. 12, the charging device 158 comprises a charging cable 162 with a coupling element 164 for coupling with a coupling element of the add-on instrument 16. It can also be provided that there is a coupling socket 166 for coupling a charging cable.

It is understood that a preferred embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention may comprise two or more different variants of the charging means 158 described above.

The preferred embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention shown in fig. 13 is designated by reference numeral 170.

In the cleaning system 170, the data processing device 22 is eliminated and the user configuration is stored, for example, on the add-on instrument 16 and/or in the cleaning apparatus 12. The rights configuration is preferably stored on the rights carrier 140 in association with the access rights.

The preferred embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention shown in fig. 14 takes up the reference numeral 180.

In the cleaning system 180, the authentication means 14 in the form of the rights carrier 140 is eliminated and instead the additional instrument 16 forms the authentication means 14, respectively.

To activate the cleaning device 12, the user may enter access rights via the App on the additional instrument 16, or determine access rights depending on the user account. Access rights may be transmitted to cleaning device 12 for unlocking. Alternatively, it can be provided that the access authorization is transmitted to the data processing device 22 via a data connection and the corresponding unlocking information is transmitted directly or indirectly to the cleaning appliance 12 by the data processing device.

The user configuration and the authorization configuration can be stored in the cleaning appliance 12, the additional instrument 16 and/or the data processing device 22. In particular, it is preferred that there is a correlation between the access rights and the user configuration and the rights configuration.

If the access authorization is recognized as valid, the cleaning device 12 can be switched on, wherein the functions permitted via the corresponding authorization configuration can be carried out. For example, user-defined settings may be loaded via user configuration.

In the cleaning system 180, the configuration of the permissions may be managed, for example, via a user application of the add-on instrument 16. In cleaning systems 10 and 170, the authorization configuration is defined via the respective authorization carrier 140a to 140d, whereas in cleaning system 180 this enables a simpler and more flexible management of the user configuration, in particular the individual user classes.

Accordingly, in the case of using the rights carrier 140, the costs required for managing the rights configuration at the software level can be saved. This may be advantageous, for example, when there are large variations in the user of the cleaning device 12.

The preferred embodiment of the cleaning system according to the invention shown in fig. 15 takes up the reference numeral 190.

The data processing device 22 is eliminated in the cleaning system 190 as in the cleaning system 170. The authentication means 14 in the form of a rights carrier 140 is eliminated as in the cleaning system 180. The cleaning system 190 corresponds to the cleaning system 180, except for the feature that no data are exchanged between the external data processing device 22 and the cleaning apparatus 12 and/or the additional instrument 16.

List of reference numerals

10 cleaning system

12 cleaning device

14 authentication settings

16 additional instrument

18 smart phone

20 tablet personal computer

22 data processing device

24 cloud

26 communication unit

28 control unit

30 floor-washing and drying machine

32 ground

34 longitudinal direction of

36 transverse direction

38 rear side

40 operating unit

42 upper side

44 functional unit

46 cleaning tool

48 butterfly brush

50 driving device

52 pressing device

54 chassis

56 driving device

58 suction unit

60 dosing device

62 jar

64 detergent dosing device

66 casing

68 housing part

70 cover

72 axis of oscillation

74 handle device

76 handle element

78 hand

80 thumb

Root of thumb 82

84 distal end

86 narrow and long zone

88 operating element

90 operating area

92 plane of operation

94 operating element

96 rotating handle

98 operating element

100 operating element

102 display device

104 display device

106 image display

108 accommodating part

110 abutting element

112 bracketing elements

114 projection

116 lath

120 coefficient of friction lifting element

122 pad

124 against the plane

126 angle

128 plane normal

130 axis of oscillation

132 handle plane

134 side edge

136 sensor element

138 operating element

140 rights holder (140a to 140d)

142 accommodating part

144 RFID reader

146 holding element

148 gap

150. 152, 154, 156 cleaning apparatus

158 charging device

160 coupling element

162 charging cable

164 coupling element

166 coupling socket

170. 180, 190 cleaning system

Claims (62)

1. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: at least one cleaning tool (46) for cleaning an object to be cleaned; an operating unit (40) for a user, comprising at least one operating element (88, 94, 98, 100) for operating the cleaning device (12); a control unit (28) for processing the operating instructions; a receptacle (108) arranged on the operating unit (40) for an external additional device (16) that can be associated with the cleaning device (12) and has a display device (104) with a display (106), wherein the additional device (16) can be positioned in the receptacle (108) in a defined position in a removable manner; and a communication unit (26) via which display information can be transmitted from the cleaning device (12) to an additional instrument (16) positioned in the receptacle (108) for display on the image display (106).

2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (108) comprises or is configured with at least one resting element (110) on which the additional instrument (16) rests, in particular at least one bracketing element (112) on which the additional instrument (16) is bracketed.

3. Cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that the contact element (110) is of planar and/or flat design.

4. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (108) comprises or is formed with a projection (114) for abutting and in particular bracketing the additional instrument (16).

5. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (108), in particular the abutment element (110) for the additional instrument (16), defines an abutment plane (124) which encloses an angle of approximately 0 ° to 90 °, preferably approximately 30 ° to 60 °, more preferably approximately 45 °, with the horizontal.

6. Cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (108) is arranged or arrangeable on the control unit (40) in such a way that an image display (106) of an additional instrument (16) positioned in the receptacle (108) defines an image plane substantially perpendicular to the viewing direction of a user.

7. Cleaning apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a surface normal (128) which defines an abutment plane (124) in front of the receptacle (108), in particular an abutment element (110) for the add-on instrument (16), is oriented in a vertical plane.

8. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (108) comprises at least one friction coefficient lifting element (120) on which the additional instrument (16) can be applied or on which such a friction coefficient lifting element is arranged on the receptacle (108).

9. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (108) is designed to be movable relative to the operating unit (40) for changing the viewing angle of the image display (106) for a user, in particular the receptacle (108) can be swung about a horizontal axis (130) relative to the operating unit (40).

10. Cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that the receptacle (108) is adjustable over an angular range of at least about 45 °, preferably at about 90 °.

11. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (12) comprises a housing (66), the housing (66) having a movable housing part (68) in front of the operating element (40) with respect to a longitudinal direction (34) of the cleaning device (12), which housing part can be pivoted from a closed position into an open position in the direction of the operating unit (40) and vice versa, and the housing part (68) being positioned in the open position without contact with the receptacle (108) and preferably without contact with an additional instrument (16) positioned in the receptacle.

12. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (40) comprises a handle arrangement (74) for a user, which has two handle elements (76) arranged at a distance from one another.

13. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the handle element (76) defines a handle plane (132), and the abutment plane (124) defined by the receptacle (108) defines an angle (126) with the handle plane (132) of less than about 20 °, preferably the abutment plane (124) is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the handle plane (132).

14. Cleaning device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the receptacle (108) is arranged on the operating unit (40) offset with respect to the handle element (76) in a direction away from the user.

15. A cleaning device according to claim 14, characterized in that the offset of the receptacle (108) is about 5 to 20cm, preferably about 10 to 15 cm.

16. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the receptacle (108) is arranged between the handle elements (76) with respect to a transverse direction (36) of the cleaning device (12) in a viewing direction of a user towards an image display (106) of an additional instrument (16) arranged in the receptacle (108).

17. Cleaning device according to claim 16, characterized in that operating elements (88) for influencing the chassis (54) of the cleaning device (12) are arranged laterally next to the handle elements (76) respectively, and the receptacle (108) is arranged between the operating elements (88) with respect to the transverse direction (36).

18. The cleaning device according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the handle element (76) is configured as a longitudinal handle element and the receptacle (108) is arranged substantially in the region between a thumb root (82) and a distal end (84) of a thumb (80) when the hand (78) of the user rests with the thenar on the handle element (76).

19. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (40) comprises at least one operating element (94) which is placed in front of the user with respect to the receptacle (108) and is arranged on the operating unit (40), preferably below the receptacle.

20. Cleaning device according to claim 19, characterized in that the operating element (94) is a program selector switch for setting a cleaning program of the cleaning device (12) and preferably has a rotary handle (96) or is designed as such.

21. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (40) comprises an operating zone (90) which defines an operating plane (92) on which at least one operating element (94, 98, 100) is arranged and which operating plane (92) is placed in front of the receptacle (108) with respect to a user and is preferably oriented at an angle (126) to an abutment plane (124) defined by the receptacle (108), in particular the angle (126) is approximately 10 ° to 30 °.

22. Cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (108) for arranging the additional instrument (16) is constructed with at least one of the following:

-is constructed with a width of at least about 15cm, preferably at most about 25 cm;

-up to at least about 10 inches diagonal of the image display (106).

23. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating unit (40) is arranged on the rear side (38) of the cleaning device (12) with respect to the longitudinal direction (34) thereof.

24. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) comprises a charging device (158) for providing electrical energy to the additional instrument (16), and in that the additional instrument (16) can be loaded with electrical energy when arranged in the receptacle (108).

25. Cleaning device according to claim 24, characterized in that the charging device (158) is an inductive charging device (158) for contactless loading of the additional apparatus (16).

26. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the charging device (158) comprises at least one of:

-at least one electrical coupling element (160) fixedly arranged on the receptacle (108), the coupling element being coupled with a corresponding electrical coupling element of the additional instrument (16);

-a coupling socket (166) for coupling a charging cable of the additional instrument (16);

-a charging cable (162) having a coupling element (164) for coupling with an electrical coupling element of the additional instrument (16).

27. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) comprises an integrated display device (102) for showing status information, which is arranged on the operating unit (40), in particular the display device (102) comprises an image display.

28. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 27, characterized in that the display device (102) is at least partially covered by the additional instrument (16) when the display device is arranged in the receptacle (108).

29. Cleaning device according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the display means (102) are switched off when the additional instrument (16) is arranged in the receptacle (108) and are activated or activatable when the additional instrument (16) is taken out of the receptacle (108).

30. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit (26) is configured for contact or contactless transmission of display information.

31. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit (26) is automatically activated for transmitting display information when the additional instrument (16) is positioned in the receptacle (108) and/or is automatically deactivated when the additional instrument (16) is taken out of the receptacle (108).

32. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that display information relating to at least one of the following can be transmitted to the additional instrument (16):

-information about the use of at least one cleaning tool (46);

-information about the consumption, the stock quantity or the status of at least one consumable part for operation, in particular the status of at least one battery, the amount of cleaning liquid, the amount of cleaning chemicals, the degree of filling of at least one container for cleaning liquid or dirty liquid, and/or the status of at least one cleaning tool (46);

-information about the past duration of use and/or the remaining duration of use of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156);

-information about past and/or remaining types of use of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156);

instructions to support the user in cleaning, in particular instructions optimized for cleaning tasks and/or remaining use.

33. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that status and/or operating information relating to the operation of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) can be transmitted from the communication unit (26) to the additional apparatus (16) for storage and/or transmission to an external data processing device (22).

34. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) can be operated without separate authentication means (14) or that the operation of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) requires an authentication device (14).

35. Cleaning apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an emergency cleaning operation can be carried out with the cleaning apparatus (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) without authentication means (14) or a valid authentication.

36. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one authentication device (14) is associated with the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156), by means of which the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) can be provided with the access rights required for its operation.

37. Cleaning device according to claim 36, characterized in that the access rights of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) can be transmitted contactlessly, in particular to a communication unit (26), or contactingly.

38. Cleaning device according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) comprises a receptacle (108) which is preferably arranged on the operating unit (40) and in which the authentication means (14) can be arranged in a detachable manner.

39. Cleaning device according to any of claims 36-38, characterized in that access rights are stored in a storage unit or physically saved on the authentication means (14).

40. Cleaning device according to one of claims 36 to 39, characterized in that the access authorization can be entered on the authentication device (14) by a user by means of an input device and can be transmitted to the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156), in particular to the communication unit (26).

41. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 40, characterized in that the additional apparatus (16) comprises or is configured with an authentication means (14).

42. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 41, characterized in that an authorization carrier (140) formed separately from the additional apparatus (16) comprises or is constructed with an authentication means (14).

43. Cleaning device according to claim 42, characterized in that the authorization carrier (140) is designed as a transponder.

44. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a user configuration is provided.

45. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an authorization configuration is provided, wherein two or more different authorization configurations are provided, and that different ranges of functions of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) can be provided to a user depending on the authorization configuration.

46. Cleaning device according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that the user configuration and/or the authorization configuration are assigned to the access authorization.

47. A cleaning device as claimed in claim 45 or 46, characterized in that a graded level of authority is provided.

48. Cleaning device according to any of claims 45-47, characterized in that the user configuration and/or the authorization configuration

-saved or stored in or on the authentication device (14);

-stored in a storage unit of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156);

-in a memory unit of a data processing device (22) arranged externally with respect to the cleaning appliance (12; 150; 152; 154; 156), wherein a data connection to the data processing device (22) can be established by means of the authentication device (14) and/or the cleaning appliance (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) for reading the user configuration and/or the authorization configuration and transmitting it directly or indirectly to the cleaning appliance (12; 150; 152; 154; 156).

49. The cleaning apparatus defined in any one of claims 45-48, wherein, depending on the user configuration,

-capable of providing display information with corresponding image content of the image display (106);

-presetting operating parameters of at least one functional unit (44), in particular of at least one cleaning tool (46), of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156).

50. A cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 49, characterized in that, depending on the authorization configuration,

-access rights, user configurations and/or rights configurations can be created or deleted;

-enabling a matching of a user configuration and/or an authorization configuration, in particular a switching on of the relevant functional unit (44) for use and/or a presetting of at least one functional unit (44) of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156);

-a report on the use of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) can be created and can preferably be transmitted to an external data processing device (22);

-enabling an evaluation of usage data of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156).

51. Cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) is a floor cleaning device, in particular a scrubber dryer (30), a sweeper or a sweeper extractor.

52. Cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) is a hand guided cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) or a riding or riding cleaning device.

53. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) is designed as a self-propelled and self-steering cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156).

54. Cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) is a cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) for cleaning with a cleaning jet, in particular a high-pressure cleaning machine or a dry ice blasting machine.

55. Cleaning system comprising a cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one additional instrument (16) having a display device (104) with a picture display (106) and being removably positionable in the receptacle (108), wherein display information is transmittable to the additional instrument (16) positioned in the receptacle (108) for showing on the picture display (106).

56. Cleaning system according to claim 55, characterized in that the additional instrument (16) is a smartphone (18) or a tablet computer (20) and/or that the additional instrument (16) has a touch-sensitive display device (104) for accepting operating instructions of a user.

57. The cleaning system according to claim 55 or 56, characterized in that a user application is stored executable on the additional instrument (16), via which user application operating instructions for the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) can be made available to a user, wherein the operating instructions can be transmitted from the additional instrument (16) to the communication unit (26).

58. The cleaning system of claim 57, wherein the operating instructions include at least one of:

-setting at least one operating parameter of a functional unit (44) of the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156);

-setting up and/or changing access rights, user configurations and/or rights configurations of the user.

59. The cleaning system according to claim 57 or 58, characterized in that at least one digital operating element (138) can be provided on the display device (104) via the user application for accepting operating instructions, the operating element (138) preferably being designed to be identical to or to correspond to a functionally identical physical operating element (94, 98, 100) of the operating unit (40).

60. The cleaning system according to one of claims 55 to 59, characterized in that at least one digital operating element (138) can be provided on the display device (104) via a user application for accepting operating instructions, wherein the operating unit (40) does not comprise corresponding functionally identical physical operating elements.

61. The cleaning system according to one of claims 55 to 60, characterized in that a communication connection with an externally arranged data processing device (22) can be established via the additional instrument (16) and/or the communication unit (26).

62. Cleaning system comprising a cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) according to any of claims 1 to 54 or a cleaning system (10; 170; 180; 190) according to any of claims 55 to 61 and at least one authentication means (14) via which the cleaning device (12; 150; 152; 154; 156) can be provided with access rights.

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