VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 (01) PDF MANUAL

The VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 robot vacuum cleaner is solely intended for removing dust in domestic areas and may only be used with the corresponding Kobold accessories.

Use, cleaning and user maintenance of the device are not intended to be performed by children under 8 years old. This device is not intended to be used by persons (including children 8 years and older) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge, unless the persons are supervised by someone responsible for their safety or have been instructed by such a person concerning the safe use of the device and understand the potential hazards.

Children 8 years and older should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the device or the charging equipment. Cleaning and user maintenance may not be carried out by children 8 years and older without supervision.

To prevent the risk of electric shock with your VORWERK KOBOLD VR300, please follow these guidelines:

• Always switch the device off and disconnect the mains plug on the base station before all retrofitting, cleaning and maintenance work.

• Never pull the mains plug from the socket by the power cord, only by the plug.

• Never attempt to repair the device yourself. Repairs to electrical appliances may only be carried out by a Vorwerk Customer Service Center, a workshop authorised by Vorwerk or a similarly qualified person. Defective parts may only be replaced by original replacement parts in order to avoid hazards.

• Do not insert any sharp objects into the electrical contacts.

• Do not modify the electrical contacts.

• Never carry the base station by the cord.

• Do not continue using the base station and power cord if they are damaged or show signs of a fault.

• In the event of damage, particularly damage to the base plate or scratched sensor windows, contact the Vorwerk Customer Service Center.

• Never immerse the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, base station or mains cable in water or other liquids.

• Never pour water over the device or base station or hold them under running water.

• Do not use the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 on damp floors or in places where there is a risk that the device may come into contact with liquids or be submerged in water.

• Ensure that your robot vacuum cleaner does not run over power cords, hanging wires or cables on the floor.

• Never clean the base station with water or damp cleaning agents.

• If the mains cable on the device is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer or its service department or by a similarly qualified person to avoid hazards.

• Ensure that you do not damage, bend or twist the mains cable. Do not put heavy objects on it.

To avoid fire hazards with your VORWERK KOBOLD VR300, adhere to the following precautions:

• Do not use the robot vacuum cleaner to pick up hot ash or burning cigarette ends.

• Never use the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 in rooms with burning candles or lamps on the floor.

• Secure exposed and hanging cables on electrical appliances (e.g. table lamps). These could be pulled down by the connecting cables, causing damage or a fire.

• Do not let the robot vacuum cleaner drive over recessed floor lamps. Stopping over a lamp could damage the device and, in the worst case, cause a fire.

• Do not use the robot vacuum cleaner in danger areas, e.g. near open fireplaces.

• The VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 and all its accessories (especially the battery pack) must never be placed in an open fire or exposed to an external heat source.

• Do not use the robot vacuum cleaner if it has been dropped on the floor and shows visible signs of damage or does not operate correctly.

• Ensure that you do not damage, bend or twist the mains cable. Do not put heavy objects on it. This could damage the cable and cause a fire.

Risk of fire or explosion!

• Attempting to charge batteries that are not rechargeable can cause a fire or explosion! Use only the original Vorwerk battery.

Explosion hazard!

• Do not vacuum up explosive or readily inflammable substances.

• Never throw the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 Robot Vacuum Cleaner into an open fire.

Choking hazard!

• The cover on the USB port under the dust compartment cover is a small part. Keep it out of the reach of children.

• Keep small parts such as Dovina fragrance chips out of the reach of children.

Risk of injury!

• Remove easily moveable rugs or runners as well as lightweight, loose objects. Such objects may be pushed along in front of the robot vacuum cleaner, thereby obstructing its floor sensors. If the floor sensors are obstructed, the robot vacuum cleaner may fall down stairs or landings.

• Keep children and pets away from the robot vacuum cleaner and do not let them stand or sit on it.

• Clean the floor sensors regularly, as described in this manual (ideally each time the dust container is cleaned).

• Never reach into the rotating components.

Risk of injury due to negative pressure!

• Do not vacuum parts of the body or a person’s hair. Do not vacuum in the vicinity of children or pets.

Risk of injury from pinching!

• Keep your distance from the moving components of the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 Robot Vacuum Cleaner.

Risk of injury due to battery leakage!

• Leaking batteries must not come into contact with the eyes or mucous membranes. Wash your hands and rinse your eyes with clean water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.

To prevent damage, please follow these guidelines:

• Remove lightweight, breakable and moveable objects (e.g. vases, curtains and similar) from the work area. These could be dragged along by the robot vacuum cleaner and, depending on the nature of the object, cause damage to the device, the floor or the object itself.

• Never start the device directly next to a potential drop. Always make sure that it is positioned at least 1 m away to ensure that the floor sensors function correctly.

• Secure hanging or exposed cables (e.g on standard lamps).

• Do not vacuum liquids, damp dirt or damp floor mats and carpets.

• Do not use the robot vacuum cleaner in damp environments (in a wet bathroom or in outdoor areas, etc.) or in places where there is a risk that the device could come into contact with liquids.

• We recommend only using original Kobold parts.

• Only use the B-VR300 base station.

• Do not operate the device if it is damaged or not fully assembled.

• The VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 is only suitable for cleaning indoor floors.

• Do not vacuum up Kobosan active or other powdered cleaning agents.

• Do not vacuum up very fine sand, chalk, cement dust or similar. This could clog the filter pores.

• Never use the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 without a filter. This could damage the motor and shorten the service life.

• To charge the robot, use only the original mains cable and the B-VR300 base station supplied.

• Fully charge your VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 at least once a year to avoid deep discharge, which can damage the battery.

• Do not short-circuit the battery under any circumstances.

• Do not cover the infrared window of the base station or the sensors on the robot vacuum cleaner.

• The ability to clean deep pile carpet is limited. Only use the robot vacuum on carpets with a pile height of up to 15 mm. For carpets with a pile height greater than 15 mm, test on an inconspicuous area first.

• Keep breakable, light and loose objects out of range.

• Secure curtains, tablecloths and cords in the working area.

• Use and charge the robot vacuum cleaner at temperatures between 5 °C and 35 °C.

• Never clean the roller brush using liquids. The roller brush is not dishwasher safe or waterproof.

The navigation sensor on the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 contains a class 1 rotating laser according to IEC 60825-1:2014 or EN 60825-1:2014. The following rules of conduct generally apply for lasers:

• Switch off the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 prior to all retrofitting work.

• Do not aim the laser beam at people.

• Do not look at the direct or reflected laser beam.

• Modifications (changes) or attempts to repair the device and especially the navigation sensor are prohibited.

Before using your VORWERK KOBOLD VR300, observe the following:

• Make sure that your robot vacuum cleaner does not run over power cords, hanging wires or cables on the floor.

• Remove or secure lightweight, breakable and moveable objects (e.g. vases, curtains or similar).

• The ability of the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 to clean deep pile carpet is limited. Only use it on carpets with a pile height of up to 15 mm. Mark out the boundaries of deep-pile carpets, if necessary, with the virtual no-go lines in the MyKobold App or with the optionally available magnetic strip. If you want to use it on a carpet with a pile height greater than 15 mm, test it on an inconspicuous area of carpet first.

The VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 is not fully charged on delivery and must be fully charged before using it for the first time.

Lightly press the release button for the dust compartment cover. This will enable you to lift up the carrying handle.

Note: The carrying handle can only be lifted up to an angle of up to 45 degrees. This is for stability reasons and to prevent dirt from accidentally falling out of the dust compartment.

1. Removing protective films:

• Remove the protective films from the robot vacuum cleaner and base station.

2. Inserting the filter:

• Note: Never operate the device without a filter.

• To fit the Dovina holder, follow the additional instructions supplied with the Dovina holder.

• Press the release button and open the dust compartment. Remove the dust container.

• Close the dust container with the help of the filter. The grey tab on the filter frame should be on the right-hand side pointing forwards.

• Insert the closed dust container with filter into the robot vacuum cleaner.

• Press down on the dust compartment cover and ensure that it is properly closed. The cover can be closed by simply pressing from the inside against the middle hinge.

3. Installing the side brush:

• To reattach the side brush, align the centre of the side brush with the mounting point and press it into position.

• Note: Only use the B-VR300 base station.

• Place the base station on a level surface next to a wall so that the charging contacts and infrared window are freely accessible. Ideally there should be no height differences or obstacles 0.3 m above the base station or 0.5 m either side of it.

• Put the base station in a place with relatively little activity where furniture is not often moved.

• Make sure that there is a strong Wi-Fi signal from your router to the base station if you want to use the app.

• Provide your robot with sufficiently large reference points in the 4 x 4 metre quadrant directly in front of the base station.

• Ensure there are no obstacles within 0.5 metres on either side of the base station or 0.3 metres above it.

• Ensure that there is a level, freely accessible area approx. 1 m in front of the robot vacuum cleaner.

• Do not set up the base station underneath furniture, on stairs or landings, in direct sunlight or in front of black, dark or highly reflective walls.

• Connect the mains plug to the socket.

Tip: To test if the base station is in an optimum location, start a SPOT clean from the base station. If the robot does not find the base station afterwards, it is not ideally positioned. Try a different location.

Connecting the mains cable:

• Plug the mains cable into the designated charging socket on the base station and ensure it is fully inserted.

• Wrap the cable around the cable holder.

• Ensure you leave enough cable protruding from the lower opening in the housing (left or right) to connect the mains cable with the mains plug to the socket.

Releasing the transport lock:

The VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 has an integrated transport lock. To release it, you must first connect the robot to the base station:

• Place the robot vacuum cleaner in front of the base station.

• Ensure that the charging contacts on the rear of the robot are touching the charging contacts on the base station.

The transit lock is now deactivated and the robot can be switched on. You must fully charge the robot before its first use.

The operator panel consists of two function keys and four LED indicators. The function keys only respond to a light touch.

Note: The robot can only be charged at temperatures between 5 °C and 35 °C. Use only the original mains cable and B-VR300 base station.

The VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 is not fully charged on delivery. Fully charge it before the first use. A full charge from empty may take 3.5 to 4 hours. After a cleaning cycle, it should take 2 to 3 hours.

• Place the robot vacuum cleaner in front of the base station. The base station must be connected to power.

• The LED operating display begins to flash when the robot is placed correctly on the base station.

• Ensure the charging contacts on the robot and base station are touching.

• During charging, the LED operating display pulsates for five minutes, then goes out while charging continues in the background. When fully charged, the LED operating display will remain solid green. You can check the status by pressing the green START button.

Automatic Charging:

Once floor cleaning is complete or when the battery charge level drops too low, the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 automatically returns to the base station for charging. When it has finished cleaning and returned to the base station, the BASE indicator lights up permanently. If it stops cleaning to recharge, the BASE indicator flashes during the journey and while charging. Once fully charged, the LED operating display remains solid green.

Returning to the Base Station Manually:

To send the robot to the base station, it must be able to locate it. If it can, the BASE indicator will be faintly lit.

• If the robot is cleaning, pause the cycle by pressing the start button.

• Press the function key for BASE: the BASE indicator should now be brightly illuminated.

• Confirm your selection by pressing the start button again. The robot returns to the base station.

* The actual running time can vary depending on the type of flooring or how warm it is.

* The actual running time can vary depending on the type of flooring or how warm it is. In ECO mode, the running time is up to 90 minutes.

Switching On:

• Press the start button. The VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 is activated and a brief acoustic signal sounds.

• Pressing the start button again starts the robot in normal cleaning mode.

• If the battery is low, the LED indicator will flash green for 5 seconds. You can still start the cleaning process by pressing the start button again, or you can charge it first.

Pausing:

• To pause cleaning, press the start button. The LED display will flash green.

Cancelling Cleaning:

• To cancel cleaning, hold down the start button for approx. 3 seconds until the unit plays a tune.

Standby Mode:

• The robot automatically switches to standby after 5 minutes of inactivity. All LEDs will go out. Press the start button to wake it up.

Switching Off:

• To switch the robot off entirely (e.g., for a holiday), press and hold the start button until all LEDs have gone out.

The VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 has two main cleaning options: ALL ROOMS (normal cleaning) and SPOT cleaning, plus an ECO mode.

Normal Cleaning Mode (ALL ROOMS):

• This is the pre-configured standard mode, suitable for most requirements. It is activated by pressing the start button.

• The robot works in straight parallel lines, dividing larger rooms into 4x4m sections. It cleans the outer edge of a section, then the inner part, before moving to the next. When finished, it returns to the base station.

• To switch back to this mode, press the function key until both the SPOT and BASE lights go out. Then press the start button.

SPOT Cleaning Mode:

• This is for cleaning a smaller area. Set the robot down with the bumper facing the area to be cleaned.

• The robot cleans an area of approx. 2 x 2 m and returns to the starting point when finished.

• To activate, press the function key until the SPOT indicator lights up. Then press the start button.

ECO Mode:

• The robot works with reduced motor performance, is quieter, and uses less energy, for a runtime of up to 90 minutes.

• To activate, press the function key for ECO mode. The ECO indicator lights up. Then press the start button.

• The ECO function works like a switch; the robot will stay in ECO mode even if temporarily set to standby.

The VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 climbs over low objects and navigates around obstacles with minimal contact.

Climbing: It can climb over objects up to 20 mm high (e.g., door sills) or 15 mm high (rugs) using its climb assist function.

Sensors: It is equipped with:

• 3 floor sensors

• 1 wall following sensor

• 2 contact sensors on the top bumper (LDS)

• 4 contact sensors on the front bumper

• 3 ultrasonic sensors

• 1 laser scanner

• 2 magnetic strip sensors

The laser scanner rotates 360° five times per second, mapping a radius of approx. four metres. Transparent or highly reflective objects are captured by the ultrasonic sensors, which reduce the robot’s speed when an obstacle is detected within 15 cm. Obstacles not detected by these sensors are found via contact with the front or top bumpers.

The magnetic strip is an optional accessory that functions like the no-go lines in the MyKobold App. The robot detects the strip and will not cross it.

• Lay the magnetic strip flat on the floor to exclude an area from being cleaned. You can cut the strip with scissors if needed.

• Press the start button. The robot will clean the area within the specified boundary and then return to its starting point or base station.

• The strip must be positioned for each cleaning cycle as the robot does not store its location.

Tips:

• On slippery surfaces, secure the strip with double-sided tape to prevent shifting.

• Lay the strip under a carpet if you do not want that carpet to be cleaned.

To use the app, you need a Wi-Fi internet connection (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 or 5.0 GHz, WPA/WPA2-PSK), a compatible smartphone or tablet (iOS/Android), and a valid e-mail address.

1. Install the App:

• Download the “MyKobold App” from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

• Start the app and follow the instructions to create an account.

2. Establish Wi-Fi Connection:

• When first switched on, the Wi-Fi function is deactivated. Follow the instructions in the MyKobold App to establish the connection.

• To switch Wi-Fi on or off manually, hold down both function keys (SPOT and BASE) at the same time for more than four seconds.

3. Connect Robot to App:

• Open the app and select “Add Robot”. Follow the steps in the app.

Wi-Fi Symbol Meanings:

Remove your robot from the network if you change your Wi-Fi password, provider, or wish to give the robot to someone else.

• Push and hold the bumper from the right side of the robot (opposite the side brush). You should hear a click.

• While holding the bumper, also hold down the start button.

• Keep both held down until all the lights on the robot have gone out.

The Wi-Fi settings are now reset. To reactivate, you will need to reconnect it to your smart device via the app.

Emptying with a conventional vacuum:

• Press the release button and open the dust compartment cover.

• Place the end of your conventional vacuum cleaner hose onto the suction opening on the robot’s dust compartment and switch it on. Operate the conventional vacuum at maximum setting for best results.

Manual Cleaning:

• Pull the dust container out by the green tab.

• Remove the filter by pulling it out of the dust container by the grey tab on the filter frame.

• Empty the contents of the dust container using a brush, or clean it out with a conventional vacuum cleaner.

Cleaning the filter and pre-filter:

• Remove the filter as described above.

• Remove the pre-filter from the filter by pressing down on the green tab on the pre-filter and pulling it away.

• Vacuum the filter and pre-filter on both sides and/or clean them with a soft, dry cloth.

Replacing the filter:

• Carry out visual inspections of the filter regularly. Replace it if it is distorted or damaged.

• Replace the filter at least once a year.

Reinstalling the dust container and filter:

• Reattach the pre-filter to the filter. Then put the filter back into the dust container.

• Insert the dust container with the filter into the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300.

• Press down on the dust compartment cover and ensure that it is properly closed.

Note: Never operate the VORWERK KOBOLD VR300 without the filter.

Warning: Always switch the device off and disconnect the mains plug from the base station before cleaning.

Cleaning the side brush:

• Pull the side brush up and off the drive axle by the green bristles using both hands.

• Remove any dust, lint, hair or other dirt from the side brush and the drive axle.

• To reattach, align the centre of the side brush with the mounting point and press it into position.

Cleaning the roller brush:

• Note: Never clean the roller brush with liquids; it is not dishwasher safe.

• Turn the robot vacuum cleaner upside down.

• Remove the side brush.

• Using both hands, push the latches on each side of the brush cover forward to unlock.

• Remove the brush cover.

• First lift the left side of the roller brush out, then pull the right side away from the axle to remove it.

• Remove lint, hair, and other dirt from the roller brush. Take care that the green bearing and metal spherical bearing underneath it on the left-hand side do not come loose.

• To reinstall, follow the steps in reverse. Ensure the latch clicks into place when putting the brush cover back on.

Warning: Always switch the device off and disconnect from the base station before cleaning.

Clean the sensors regularly, ideally each time the dust container is cleaned.

• Clean the 3 floor sensors on the underside of the robot with a cotton bud or a soft, clean cloth. Never use pointed or sharp objects. If very dirty, they can be cleaned with a conventional vacuum cleaner.

• Clean the wall following sensor on the right-hand side with a cotton bud or a soft, clean cloth.

• Clean the 3 ultrasonic sensors on the front of the robot with a cotton bud or a soft, clean cloth. Never use pointed or sharp objects.

Warning: Always switch the device off and disconnect the mains plug on the base station before cleaning.

• Do not immerse the robot or base station in water.

• Use extreme care to avoid scratching the infrared window of the base station; do not cover it with stickers or other objects.

• Do not use abrasive cleaning pads, chemical agents or aggressive liquids like benzene or acetone.

• Clean the robot vacuum cleaner and the base station with a soft, clean cloth.

This means you want to start cleaning but the battery is not fully charged.

• Press the start button again within 30 seconds to start cleaning. Bear in mind that the battery charge may not be sufficient for the entire cleaning cycle and the robot may discontinue cleaning to recharge.

• Alternatively, charge your robot vacuum cleaner before starting cleaning.

This could mean one of two things:

1. The cover on the dust container is not closed properly.

• Close the cover on the dust container until you hear it click.

2. The filter and/or dust container are missing.

• Insert the dust container with filter back into the robot vacuum cleaner.

This means the dust container is full.

• Empty the dust container, clean the filter and reinstall the dust container including filter in the robot vacuum cleaner.

• Clean the floor sensors with a soft, clean cloth, a cotton bud or a conventional vacuum cleaner.

This indicates one of two issues:

1. The roller brush or side brush has stopped rotating.

• Remove lint, hair and other dirt from the brush.

• Remove the brush and then reinstall it.

2. The bumper is jammed.

• Jiggle the bumper to release it.

This could be due to a full dust container or dirty brushes.

• Empty the dust container and clean the filter.

• Clean the roller and side brushes.

The batteries may be empty.

• Charge the robot vacuum cleaner on the base station.

• Make sure that the plug is properly connected to the jack on the base station.

• Also make sure that the mains plug is properly connected to the power socket.

The robot vacuum cleaner will discharge if it is not docked on the base station.

The base station and/or robot may not be properly connected to the power supply.

• Make sure that the plug is properly connected to the jack on the base station.

• Also make sure that the mains plug is properly connected to the power socket.

If you do not charge the robot on the base station and have not switched it off using the “Shutdown robot” option, the battery will run down after a few days.

There are several possible reasons:

• You have selected SPOT cleaning mode. In this mode, the robot stops after the set area has been cleaned. If you want to clean the rest of the room, select normal cleaning mode.

• The sensors may be covered or dirty. Make sure the sensors are not covered and clean them with a soft, clean cloth or cotton bud if dirty.

• On thick pile carpets, the wheels may spin and lead to navigation errors. Block off the carpet with the magnetic strip.

• If the floor sensors are dirty, the robot may interpret dark or dense carpets as a drop-off. Clean the floor sensors regularly.

Several factors could prevent the robot from returning to its base:

• Check whether the protective film has been removed from the infrared window of the base station.

• You may have started the cleaning process from a location other than the base station. If you start it at a different location, it returns there after cleaning.

• The sensors on the base station or robot may be covered or dirty. Remove any objects covering the sensors and clean the sensors.

• The base station may be located behind a wall or obstacle blocking the signal. Set up the base station in a different location, ensuring no obstacles within 0.5 metres on either side or 0.3 metres above it.

• You may have used SPOT cleaning mode. In this mode, the robot returns to its starting position, not the base station.

• The base station setup may not be optimal. Test this by starting a SPOT clean from the base station. If the robot cannot find the base station afterwards, it is not ideally positioned. Try a different location.

The appliance is only intended for indoor use when operated in the frequency range 5.150 GHz – 5.350 GHz in AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, EL, ES, FI, HR, HU, IE, IT, LU, LV, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, UK, CH, IS, LI, NO and TR.