JP3412623B2 - Self-propelled vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a self-propelled cleaner having a cleaner body having a self-propelled function and automatically cleaning a surface to be cleaned.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner of this type has been developed by a flow of air which sucks dust generated by an electric blower.
The suction part sucks the dust adhering to the surface to be cleaned, and the sucked dust is collected in the dust collecting part.The distance between the electric blower and the battery that supplies power to the drive motor, which will be described later, and ultrasonic waves And a plurality of sensors for detecting the above are provided to form a cleaner body, and the cleaner body is configured to be able to travel by a roller driven by a drive motor.

In the self-propelled cleaner thus constructed, when the power switch provided on the cleaner body is turned on and the start switch is turned on to start the operation, the electric blower is driven,
The roller driven by the drive motor starts straight traveling. While running, measure the distance to obstacles such as furniture with multiple sensors, check the steps on the surface to be cleaned, and run while avoiding obstacles and steps, and at the same time, the air generated by the electric blower. By the flow of, the dust adhering to the surface to be cleaned is sucked from the suction part, and the surface to be cleaned is automatically cleaned.

[0004]

In such a conventional structure, the cleaner body is covered with an outer shell, and since the outer shell is opaque, it transmits and receives light (infrared rays) from a plurality of sensors for detecting distances. In order to do this, it is necessary to make the passage through which light (infrared) passes transparent, which complicates the outer structure,
It had a problem of high cost. Further, the display function for the user is not sufficient, and there is a problem that the usability is not good.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the prior art by ensuring the operation of a sensor that detects the distance, heat source, etc. by transmitting and receiving light (infrared rays) to improve running performance and simplify the structure of the outer shell. The purpose is to reduce costs. Further, in addition to the above objects, it is also an object to provide a self-propelled vacuum cleaner having high usability.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a suction portion for sucking dust adhering to a surface to be cleaned, an electric blower for generating a flow of air sucking the dust, and the electric blower. The distance between the dust collecting part that collects the dust sucked by the roller, the roller that is the traveling means that is driven by the drive motor, the electric blower, the power supply part that supplies power to the drive motor, and the optical obstacle. In a cleaner body including a sensor that detects a heat source and the like, the electric blower, the dust collecting unit, the power supply unit, and an outer shell that encloses the sensor, the outer shell is transparent or semitransparent, and the sensor is It is a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that sends and receives light through the outer shell.

As a result, the sensor for detecting the distance, the heat source, etc. can be operated reliably by transmitting and receiving the light (infrared ray), the obstacle can be avoided and the vehicle can be driven, and the traveling performance can be improved. In addition, the outer structure can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a suction unit for sucking dust adhering to the surface to be cleaned, an electric blower for generating a flow of air sucking the dust, and the electric blower. A distance between the dust collecting portion that collects the sucked dust, a roller that is a traveling unit that is driven by a drive motor, the electric blower, a power supply portion that supplies power to the drive motor, and an optical obstacle, In a cleaner body composed of a sensor that detects a heat source and the like, the electric blower, the dust collecting unit, the power supply unit, and an outer shell that encloses the sensor, the outer shell is transparent or semitransparent, and the sensor is the outer shell. The light (infrared ray) of the sensor that detects distance, heat source, etc. can be transmitted and received through the outer shell, and the sensor can be operated reliably. Because, it is possible to travel to avoid obstacles, it is possible to improve the running performance.
Further, the structure of the outer shell can be simplified to reduce the cost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first aspect of the present invention, display means is provided for displaying the detection state of the sensor and / or the operating state of the electric blower, the drive motor, and the like. The distance detected by the sensor, the detection state of the heat source, etc. and / or the operating state of the electric blower, the drive motor, etc. can be displayed and visually recognized.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned second aspect, the display means indicates the first display means for displaying the detection state by the sensor and the operating states of the electric blower, the drive motor, and the like. Second display means for displaying, wherein the first display means and the second display means respectively display the distance detected by the sensor, the detection state of the heat source, etc. and the operating state of the electric blower, the drive motor, etc. Alternatively, either the first display unit or the second display unit can display the detection state of the distance by the sensor, the heat source, and the like, and the operating state of the electric blower, the drive motor, and the like.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, among the sensors that optically detect the distance, the heat source, etc., a step sensor that detects a step on the surface to be cleaned.
Is disposed in a corner portion viewed from the upper surface of the cleaner body, and a step sensor or the like needs to be provided obliquely downward in order to detect a step on the surface to be cleaned (floor surface). By arranging it in the corner portion viewed from the upper surface of the cleaner body, the space can be effectively utilized.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cleaner body 1 is provided with a suction portion 3 having two rotating brushes 2 at a front bottom portion thereof, and the rotating brushes 2 are provided on a surface to be cleaned. It is configured to scrape off the attached dust. The electric blower 4 generates a flow of air for sucking dust, communicates with the suction portion 3 through the dust collecting portion 5, and collects the dust sucked from the suction portion 3 by the electric blower 4 into the dust collecting portion 5. Configured to do so.

The power supply unit 6 is composed of a battery pack 7 containing a plurality of rechargeable secondary batteries, and supplies power to the electric blower 4 and a drive motor 8 described later. Distance measurement sensor (sensor)
9 measures the distance at an angle between the light (infrared) and the reflected light reflected by an obstacle such as furniture. The distance between the cleaner body 1 is measured in front, side, and rear. There are multiple. The step sensor (sensor) 10 detects a step on the surface to be cleaned (floor surface), has the same configuration as the distance measuring sensor 8 described above, and has a corner portion of the cleaner body 1 as shown in FIG. It is provided diagonally downward.

The rollers 11 are for moving the cleaner body 1 and are provided on the left and right sides of the cleaner body 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the rollers 11 are driven independently by the drive motor 8 attached to the metal chassis 12. To be done. The drive motor 8 is a geared motor having a reduction gear (not shown) built therein. The casters 13 support the cleaner body 1 so that it can travel freely.

The panel switch 14 has a function of displaying characters and the like and a function of turning on and off when touched, and is provided on the upper surface of the cleaner body 1. The first display means 15 displays the detection state by the distance measuring sensor 9 and the step sensor 10, is composed of a light emitting diode, and is provided above the step sensor 10 provided at the corner portion of the cleaner body 1. . The second display means 16 displays the operating state of the electric blower 4, the drive motor 8 and the like, and is provided on the upper surface of the cleaner body 1. The third display means 17 is displayed when the cleaner body 1 is stopped, and is provided on the upper surface of the cleaner body 1.

It should be noted that the detection state by the distance measuring sensor 9 and the step sensor 10, the electric blower 4, and the drive motor 8 on either one of the first display means 15 and the second display means 16.
You may make it display driving conditions, such as. Also,
The first display means 15 may be provided on the upper surface of the cleaner body 1.

These panel switches 14, the first display means 15, the second display means 16 and the third display means 1
7 is connected to the control device 18, and when the user touches the panel switch 14, the control device 18 controls the operations of the electric blower 4, the drive motor 8 and the like, while the electric blower 4 sucks dust. , While automatically traveling by the roller 11 driven by the drive motor 8,
At least the drive motor 8 is stopped by touching a predetermined portion of the panel switch 14 in an emergency during automatic traveling. Reference numeral 19 is a power switch.

The cleaner body 1 includes a suction part 3, an electric blower 4, a dust collecting part 5, a power supply part 6, a drive motor 8, a distance measuring sensor 9, a step sensor 10, a control device 18, etc., and has a transparent outer shell. Covered with 20. Therefore, the distance measuring sensor 9 and the step sensor 10 send and receive light (infrared rays) through the outer shell 20, and the step sensor 10 is provided in the corner portion of the cleaner body 1 in a diagonally downward direction. Light (infrared rays) is transmitted and received through the projecting portion 21 which is partially projected. The outer shell 20 may be semitransparent.

A bumper 22 made of an elastic material is provided below the outer shell 19. The handle portion 23 is provided on the upper surface of the cleaner body 1 so as to be pulled out, and carries the cleaner body 1.

The power supply unit 7 is provided behind the roller 11, and the center of gravity G of the cleaner body 1 is the caster 1 as shown in FIG.
3 and the roller 11. Therefore, when the cleaner body 1 is suspended by the handle portion 23, the suction portion 3 is inclined so as to be above the roller 11, and when the suction portion 3 is installed on the floor surface from this state, the suction portion 3 is located behind the roller 11 on the floor surface. To abut.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the power switch 19 is turned on, when starting cleaning, the panel switch 14 sequentially displays, for example, whether there is no heat source, the door is closed, or there are no children or pets in the room. Remove obstacles. After that, "Start cleaning" is displayed and "O
When "K" is input, the electric blower 4 is driven and the drive motor 8 drives the roller 11 to start traveling straight ahead. At this time, the panel switch 14 is displaying "cleaning" and "pause" as shown in FIG.

While traveling, dust collection work is performed by the electric blower 4, while the distance measuring sensor 9 constantly transmits and receives light (infrared rays) through the transparent or translucent outer shell 20 to reach obstacles such as surrounding furniture. In addition to measuring the distance, the step sensor 10 similarly confirms the step on the surface to be cleaned. The detection states of the distance measuring sensor 9 and the step sensor 10 are displayed on the first display means 15, and the operating states of the electric blower 4, the drive motor 8 and the like are displayed on the second display means 16.

When the distance from the cleaner body 1 to an obstacle such as furniture approaches a predetermined distance, the vehicle temporarily stops and then swings by a predetermined angle to change direction and travel. The same applies when there is a step on the surface to be cleaned. In this way, cleaning is performed by automatically traveling in the cleaning area while avoiding obstacles such as furniture and steps.

At this time, the exhaust air of the electric blower 4 passes between the battery packs 7 as shown by the arrow in FIG. It can be cooled and the temperature rise of the battery can be reduced.

Further, the exhaust air of the electric blower 4 is exhausted from between the bumper 22 and the cleaner body 1 as shown by an arrow in FIG. 8, so that the bumper 22 is provided almost all around the cleaner body 1. Therefore, the exhaust air of the electric blower 4 can be dispersed and discharged over substantially the entire circumference of the cleaner body 1, and the flow velocity at the time of discharge can be slowed down,
It is possible to eliminate the adverse effect of exhaust air on furniture and the like near the traveling route of the cleaner body 1.

Note that the exhaust air of the electric blower 4 may be discharged from the upper surface of the cleaner body 1 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 9, and in this case also, in the vicinity of the traveling path of the cleaner body 1. The exhaust of the electric blower does not hit a furniture or the like, and the adverse effect of the exhaust can be eliminated.

Next, in the case where an obstacle occurs in the automatic traveling such as hitting an obstacle during traveling, touching "Pause" displayed on the panel switch 14 causes at least the drive motor 8 to stop, , It is possible to ensure safety in an emergency. At this time, the display of the panel switch 14 is set to "restart". At this time, since the cleaner body 1 is stopped, the stop of the cleaner body 1 is displayed by the third display means 17, and the cleaner body 1 is also displayed.
The position of can be notified.

After removing the obstacles to the automatic running,
When touching "OK" displayed on the panel switch 14 at the same time as "restart", the drive motor 8 is restarted.
The roller 11 is driven to restart the automatic traveling and clean the surface to be cleaned.

As described above, the vacuum cleaner main body has the outer shell 20 made transparent or translucent, and the distance measuring sensor 9 and the step sensor 10 for optically detecting the distance, the heat source, etc. are included. Light (infrared rays) of the sensor 9 and the step sensor 10 can be transmitted and received through the outer shell 20,
It is possible to reliably operate the sensor, avoid obstacles, and travel, and improve traveling performance. Further, the structure of the outer shell 20 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

Further, the step sensor 10, the surface to be cleaned (floor surface)
In order to detect the level difference, it is necessary to provide it obliquely downward, but by arranging it in a corner portion viewed from the upper surface of the cleaner body 1, it is possible to provide the space effectively.

A power source section 6 is provided behind the roller 11 so that the center of gravity of the cleaner body 1 is the caster 13 and the roller 1.
Since the cleaner 11 is located between the roller 11 and the cleaner 1, when the cleaner main body 1 is carried by the handle 23 and the cleaner main body 1 is suspended from the handle 23 and installed on the floor, the roller 11 moves first. Since the suction portion 3 is brought into contact with the floor surface, a large force is not applied to the suction portion 3, and damage to the suction portion 3 can be prevented.

Reference Example 1 Hereinafter, the configuration of the control device for a self-propelled cleaner according to the present invention will be described as Reference Example 1.

As shown in FIG. 10, the electric blower 4, the drive motor 8, the distance measuring sensor 9, the step sensor 10, and the controller 1
8 is connected to the ground wire 24, and the ground wire 2
4 is connected to the negative terminal of the battery 25 that constitutes the power supply unit 6. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the electric blower 4 is driven and the drive motor 8 drives the roller 11 to automatically travel to perform cleaning, static electricity is generated particularly when the surface to be cleaned is a carpet. This static electricity causes the electric blower 4, the drive motor 8, the distance measuring sensor 9, the step sensor 10, and the control device 18 to pass through the ground wire 24.
Since it is connected to the negative terminal of the battery 25, it can be released through the ground wire 24 and can be prevented from being damaged by static electricity. Further, even when a strong electric field is applied, it is possible to prevent destruction due to the strong electric field in the same manner.

As shown in FIG. 11, the electric blower 4, the drive motor 8, the distance measuring sensor 9, the step sensor 10, and the control device 18 are attached to the metal chassis 12 to which the drive motor 8 is attached via the ground wire 24. By connecting this chassis 12 to the negative terminal of the battery 25,
Similarly, when static electricity or a strong electric field is applied, destruction due to static electricity or a strong electric field can be prevented.

In this reference example, the electric blower 4, the drive motor 8, the distance measuring sensor 9, the step sensor 10, and the control device 1 are used.
8 is connected to the negative terminal of the battery 25 via the ground wire 24, but at least one of these may be connected to the negative terminal of the battery 25 via the ground wire 24. The effect can be obtained.

Reference Example 2 Hereinafter, the configuration of the dust box of the self-propelled cleaner of the present invention will be described as Reference Example 2.

The dust collecting portion 5 (line AA) shown in FIG.
As shown in 2, the dust box 26 can be taken out freely.
And a filter 27 that is mounted inside the dust box 26 to filter the dust. The dust box 26 is attached directly above the suction unit 3 and other than the front surface of the cleaner body, for example, as shown in FIG. It can be taken out from the lateral direction of the main body 1a. Here, at least one of the dust box 26 and the filter 27 is flame-retarded.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the cleaner body 1
The dust box detection switch 28 is provided in a so as to detect the presence or absence of the dust box 26. As shown in FIG. 15, when the dust box 26 is pulled out, the dust box detection switch 28 is turned off and at least the electric blower 4 is stopped. I am trying. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The dust box 26 equipped with the filter 27 is attached to the cleaner body 1
When housed in a, the dust box detection switch 28 is on. In this state, when the electric blower 4 is driven to suck the dust on the surface to be cleaned from the suction portion 5, the dust is filtered by the filter 27 and collected in the dust box 26.

When the dust collected in the dust box 26 becomes full, the dust box 26 is taken out and the accumulated dust is discarded. Here, since the dust box 26 can be taken out from the lateral direction other than the front surface of the cleaner body 1a, even if the cleaner body 1a starts running while the dust box 26 is taken out, the dust box 26 can be removed. You can improve the safety without hitting the person taking out.

Further, since the dust box 26 is mounted right above the suction portion 3, the hose (not shown) for connecting the dust box 26 and the suction portion 3 can be shortened and the structure can be simplified. Dust box 26
Can be taken out easily.

When the dust box 26 is not attached, at least the electric blower 4 is stopped by the dust box detection switch 28. Therefore, when the dust box 26 is not attached, dust is not sucked in and kept clean. be able to.

Further, since at least one of the dust box 26 and the filter 27 is flame-retarded, safety can be ensured even when high-temperature dust such as lit cigarette is inhaled.

Reference Example 3 Hereinafter, the configuration of the traveling means of the self-propelled cleaner of the present invention will be described as Reference Example 3.

As shown in FIG. 16, a metal chassis 1
2, a drive motor 8 for driving a roller 11 for moving the cleaner body 1 is attached, the cleaner body 1 is attached above the chassis 12, and the chassis 12 and the cleaner body 1 are attached.
And a spring 29 for constantly urging the cleaner body 1 upward.
Is provided.

When the weight of the cleaner main body 1 exceeds a predetermined value, the weight detecting switch 30 lowers the cleaner main body 1 against the spring force of the spring 29 as shown in FIG. It is pushed by the projecting piece 31 and turned on. When the weight detection switch 30 is turned on, at least the drive motor 4 is stopped. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. The weight detection switch 30 is used when the vacuum cleaner main body 1 is overloaded with a weight more than a predetermined value, such as when a person gets on the vacuum cleaner main body 1.
Is turned on to stop at least the drive motor 4, so that the person riding on the cleaner body 1 can be notified of the abnormal state, and safety can be ensured.

Further, since the cleaner body 1 is mounted above the chassis 12 via the spring 29, the spring 29 functions as a damper, and the vibration or shock when the cleaner body 1 is run by the roller 11 is caused. Is the cleaner body 1,
Especially, the reliability can be improved without being transmitted to the control device.

Reference Example 4 Hereinafter, the configuration of the bumper of the self-propelled cleaner of the present invention will be described as Reference Example 4.

As shown in FIG. 18, the bumper 22a is
It is provided below the vacuum cleaner body 1 and is composed of an elastic body to prevent the furniture from being damaged, and is configured to move when it comes into contact with an obstacle such as furniture, and when it comes into contact with an obstacle such as furniture. A control device (not shown) that controls the operations of the electric blower, the drive motor, and the like by the movement of the bumper 22a is provided.

Here, the bumper 22a is arranged at a position 10 mm or more away from the floor surface (surface to be cleaned) and 100 mm or less from the floor surface. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. When the electric blower 4 is driven and the roller 11 is driven by the drive motor 8 to automatically travel to perform cleaning, 10
When there is an obstacle at a position separated by more than mm, the obstacle hits the bumper 22a to stop the electric blower, the drive motor and the like by the control device.

On the other hand, when the floor surface (cleaning surface) is a carpet,
When the carpet hits the bumper 22a, an electric blower,
Since it may be necessary to prevent the drive motor or the like from stopping, by disposing the bumper at a position 10 mm or more away from the floor surface, it is possible to prevent the operation from being affected by the carpet. .

A switch such as a stove placed on the floor surface (surface to be cleaned) is located higher than 100 mm above the floor surface. Therefore, even if the bumper 22a hits the stove or the like during traveling, the switch is not turned on by the bumper 22a, and safety can be ensured.

Reference Example 5 Hereinafter, the configuration of the suction portion of the self-propelled cleaner of the present invention will be described as Reference Example 5.

As shown in FIG. 19, the suction portion 3a is provided with the rotating brush 2 rotatably, and when the raising cloth 32 is fixed before and after the rotating brush 2 and hits the floor surface (surface to be cleaned). In addition to preventing scratches on the floor surface, a raised fabric 33 is provided to improve suction performance. A step detecting switch 34 for detecting a step on the floor is provided near both ends of the suction portion 3a. As shown in FIG. 20, the step detecting switch 34 includes a rotatable first roller body 35 that contacts the floor surface.
have.

When the first roller body 35 is in contact with the floor surface, it is in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 21 (c), and when it is derailed to a concave step or the like, as shown in FIG. 21 (c). The state shown by the dotted line is. This first roller body 35 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), a protrusion 36 is provided, and when the first roller body 35 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned by the protrusion 36, the detection switch 37 provided in the suction portion 3a is turned on. The detection switch 37 is turned off and at least the drive motor is stopped when the wheel is derailed on a step or the like.

Further, the first roller body 35 has a structure shown in FIG.
As shown in (c), a magnet 39 is fixed to the roller portion 38, a magnetic detecting element 40 such as a Hall element is provided at a position where the magnetic flux of the magnet 39 can be detected, and the magnetic detecting element 40 rotates the roller portion 38. The state, in other words, the running state of the cleaner body is detected. The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. In a state where the first roller body 35 of the step detection switch 34 provided near both ends of the suction portion 3a is in contact with the surface to be cleaned, the electric blower is driven and the rotary brush 2 is driven at the same time. Drive and drive automatically to clean.

In this state, when the first roller body 35 derails to a concave step or the like, the state shown by the dotted line in FIG. 21 (c) occurs, the detection switch 37 is turned off, and at least the drive motor is stopped. , It is possible to prevent the cleaner body from falling into a concave step.

Further, when the roller is driven by the drive motor to automatically travel, the roller portion 38 of the first roller body 35 is rotating, so that the magnetic sensing element 40 is rotated according to the rotation of the roller portion 38. It outputs a periodic signal to. Here, if the roller that automatically travels in the cleaner body slips, the cleaner body does not travel, even though the drive motor and the roller are rotating.

At this time, since the roller portion 38 of the first roller body 35 is stopped, the output from the magnetic detection element 40 is lost, and it is possible to detect that the cleaner main body is stopped. It is possible to solve the problem that the cleaner body does not run even though the rollers are rotating.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the suction portion 3b
Is provided with a safety switch 41 having a sliding portion substantially in the center of the front portion. As shown in FIG. 23, the safety switch 41 has a rotatable second roller body 42 that contacts the floor surface (surface to be cleaned).

This second roller body 42 is the same as the above-mentioned first roller body.
When the cleaner body is tilted and the suction part 3b is separated from the floor surface in the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 21 (c) when it is in contact with the floor surface. 21 is in the state shown by the dotted line in FIG. 21C, and in this state, at least the rotating brush 3 is configured to be stopped.
The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The operation of the above configuration will be described. In a state where the second roller body 42 of the safety switch 41 provided substantially in the center of the front part of the suction part 3b is in contact with the floor surface (surface to be cleaned), the electric blower is driven and the rotary brush 2 is driven at the same time. The roller is driven by the drive motor to run automatically and clean.

In this state, the main body of the cleaner tilts and the suction part 3
When b is separated from the floor surface, the second roller body 42 moves to the position shown in FIG.
The state shown by the dotted line of 1 (c), the detection switch 37 is turned off, at least the rotating brush 2 is stopped, the safety is improved in the case of an abnormality such as the cleaner body tilting and the suction part separating from the floor surface. can do.

Further, in a state where the drive motor drives the rollers to automatically travel, the roller portion of the second roller body 42 is rotating as described above. A periodic signal is output to the detection element 40. Here, if the roller that automatically travels in the cleaner body slips, the cleaner body does not travel, even though the drive motor and the roller are rotating.

At this time, since the roller portion of the second roller body 42 is stopped, there is no output from the magnetic detection element 40, and it is possible to detect that the cleaner body is stopped. It is possible to solve the problem that the cleaner body does not run even though the roller is rotating.

The safety switch 41 in this reference example is
It may also serve as the step detection switch 34. In this case, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

[0072]

As described above, according to the present invention, the operation of the sensor for detecting the distance, the heat source, etc. by transmitting and receiving the light (infrared ray) is ensured, the traveling performance is improved, and the structure of the outer shell is simplified. A self-propelled vacuum cleaner with reduced cost can be provided. Also, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner with high usability can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the self-propelled cleaner.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the main part of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner in a state of being suspended by a handle portion.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a display state of driving instructions of the self-propelled cleaner.

FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an exhaust state of the electric blower of the self-propelled cleaner.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an exhaust state of an electric blower of the self-propelled cleaner.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another example of the exhaust state of the electric blower of the self-propelled cleaner.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a connection state of a ground wire of the self-propelled cleaner of the first reference example.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another example of the connection state of the ground wire of the self-propelled cleaner.

FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway side view of the dust box of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner of the second reference example.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the self-propelled cleaner with a dust box pulled out.

FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway front view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 15 is a partially cutaway front view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner with a dust box pulled out.

FIG. 16 is a partially cutaway side view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner according to a third reference example.

FIG. 17 is a partially cutaway side view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner with the cleaner body lowered.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner according to a fourth reference example.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the suction section of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner of the fifth reference example.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the suction section of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 21 (a) is a right side view of the first roller body of the suction section of the self-propelled cleaner, and (b) is a front view of the first roller body of the suction section of the self-propelled cleaner. The left side view of the 1st roller body of the suction part of the self-propelled cleaner.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the suction section of the other self-propelled vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of the suction section of the other self-propelled vacuum cleaner.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Vacuum cleaner body 3 Suction section 4 electric blower 5 Dust collector 6 power supply 8 drive motor 9 Distance measuring sensor 10 Step sensor (sensor) 11 roller 20 outline

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification Code FI A47L 9/00 102 A47L 9/00 102Z 9/04 9/04 A 9/10 9/10 D (72) Inventor Toru Kodate Osaka Prefecture Kadoma City 1006 Kadoma Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hidetaka Yabuuchi Osaka Kadoma City Kadoma 1006 Matsuda Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroyuki Kayama Kadoma Osaka Kadoma 1006 In Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Miki Hono, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture 1006 Kadoma Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masayo Haji, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture 1006 Address Matsushita Electric Industrial Inside the corporation (56) Reference JP 2000-202792 (JP, A) JP 11-267074 (JP, A) JP 8-255020 (JP, A) JP 7-58921 (JP, A) ) Japanese Patent Laid-Open -154604 (JP, A) (58 ) investigated the field (Int.Cl. ^7, DB name) A47L 9/28 A47L 9/0 A47L 9/04 A47L 9/10

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A suction motor for sucking dust adhering to a surface to be cleaned, an electric blower for generating a flow of air for sucking dust, a dust collecting portion for collecting dust sucked by the electric blower, and a drive motor. Roller, which is a traveling unit driven by the electric blower, a power supply unit that supplies power to the drive motor, a sensor that optically detects a distance to an obstacle, a heat source, and the like, the electric blower, and the collector. Dust part,
A self-propelled cleaner that includes a cleaner body including an outer shell including the power supply unit and the sensor, wherein the outer shell is transparent or translucent, and the sensor transmits and receives light through the outer shell. 2. The self-propelled cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying a detection state of a sensor and / or an operating state of an electric blower, a drive motor and the like. 3. The display unit according to claim 2, wherein the display unit comprises a first display unit for displaying a detection state of the sensor and a second display unit for displaying an operating state of the electric blower, the drive motor and the like. Traveling vacuum cleaner. 4. A step sensor for detecting a step on a surface to be cleaned among sensors for optically detecting a distance, a heat source, etc., is provided at a corner portion when viewed from the top surface of the cleaner body.
Self-propelled vacuum cleaner as described.