US20130291331A1 - Automatic cleaner - Google Patents
Automatic cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130291331A1 US20130291331A1 US13/980,291 US201213980291A US2013291331A1 US 20130291331 A1 US20130291331 A1 US 20130291331A1 US 201213980291 A US201213980291 A US 201213980291A US 2013291331 A1 US2013291331 A1 US 2013291331A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- casing
- automatic cleaner
- movable member
- side brush
- driving member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2836—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means characterised by the parts which are controlled
- A47L9/2847—Surface treating elements
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/009—Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0405—Driving means for the brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0411—Driving means for the brushes or agitators driven by electric motor
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
- A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
- A47L9/0472—Discs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
- A47L9/0466—Rotating tools
- A47L9/0477—Rolls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/02—Nozzles
- A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
- A47L9/0461—Dust-loosening tools, e.g. agitators, brushes
- A47L9/0488—Combinations or arrangements of several tools, e.g. edge cleaning tools
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
- A47L9/2889—Safety or protection devices or systems, e.g. for prevention of motor over-heating or for protection of the user
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
- A47L2201/06—Control of the cleaning action for autonomous devices; Automatic detection of the surface condition before, during or after cleaning
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to an automatic cleaner.
- Cleaners may suction and remove a foreign substance from a cleaning surface.
- automatic cleaners for performing an automatic cleaning operation have been introduced. Automatic cleaners are moved by the driving force of a motor powered by a battery, to suction and remove a foreign substance from a floor.
- a moving device is installed on a casing which defines the appearance of an automatic cleaner.
- the moving device moves the automatic cleaner in a predetermined direction to suction a foreign substance from a floor.
- a suction port is disposed in the bottom of the casing to suction a foreign substance from a floor.
- a main brush which directly contacts a foreign substance to suction the foreign substance through the suction port, may be disposed on the suction port.
- the automatic cleaner suctions only a foreign substance located in a region under the casing, specifically, under the suction port. Thus, it may be difficult to effectively clean a region outside the footprint of the suction port.
- a side brush may be disposed on the bottom of the casing. At any one time, at least one portion of the side brush extends outside the footprint of the casing. The side brush rotates relative to the casing to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, specifically, outside the footprint of the suction port, toward the suction port.
- a cleaning area of the automatic cleaner is substantially increased.
- the side brush may be damaged while the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation or is stored.
- the automatic cleaner requires a large storage space. Thus, it may be inconvenient to store the automatic cleaner.
- an automatic cleaner in one embodiment, includes a casing including a suction port in a bottom portion of the casing through which a foreign substance is suctioned; a moving device that moves the casing; and a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing, wherein the side brush assembly includes a brush rotating to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, to the suction port, and a rotation shaft of the brush is moved according to a movement of the side brush assembly.
- the side brush assembly may further include a movable member movably installed on the casing, and the brush may be rotatably installed on the movable member.
- an overlap area of the movable member and the casing may be varied.
- the movable member When the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be located in a first position. When the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved to a second position.
- the movable member While the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may stay in the second position.
- the movable member While the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved between the first and second positions.
- the movable member When the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved.
- the brush may be rotated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, and the movable member may be moved when the casing approaches a wall with a predetermined distance.
- the automatic cleaner may further include a first driving member that generates driving force to move the movable member; and a second driving member that generates driving force to rotate the brush.
- the first driving member and the second driving member may be disposed on the casing.
- the first driving member may be disposed on the casing, and the second driving member may be disposed on the movable member and be moved together with the movable member.
- the movable member may be installed on the casing and be allowed to linearly move.
- the movable member may be installed on the casing and be allowed to rotate about a rotation shaft.
- the side brush assembly may be provided in plurality. When one of the side brush assemblies is adjacent to a wall, the movable member of the side brush assembly adjacent to the wall may be moved.
- an automatic cleaner in another embodiment, includes a casing including a suction port through which a foreign substance is suctioned; a moving device that moves the casing; a main brush contacting a foreign substance through the suction port and removing the foreign substance; a main driving member that provides driving force to rotate the main brush; a movable member movably installed on the casing; a first driving member that provides driving force to move the movable member; and a brush rotatably installed on the movable member to direct a foreign substance to the suction port.
- the movable member When the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be located in a first position. When the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved to a second position.
- the automatic cleaner may further include a second driving member for driving the brush, wherein the second driving member is operated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation.
- the automatic cleaner may further include a first sensing part for sensing the first position of the movable member; and a second sensing part for sensing the second position of the movable member.
- the first driving member may be operated when the casing approaches a wall.
- an overlap area of the movable member and the casing may be varied.
- a side brush assembly can be withdrawn out of a casing, so as to effectively clean a corner.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom of an automatic cleaner according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of the automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment.
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a second embodiment.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a third embodiment.
- FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fourth embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fifth embodiment.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom of an automatic cleaner according to a first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment.
- an automatic cleaner 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a cleaner for convenience in description) includes a casing 110 that defines the appearance of cleaner 100 .
- Casing 110 may have a flat polyhedral shape, but is not limited thereto.
- Casing 110 accommodates various components constituting cleaner 100 .
- a suction member (not shown) for suctioning a foreign substance
- a collecting member (not shown) for collecting the suctioned foreign substance
- a suction port 111 is disposed in a bottom portion of casing 110 .
- Suction port 111 functions as an inlet through which a foreign substance is suctioned into casing 110 , particularly, into the collecting member by the suction member.
- Suction port 111 is formed by partially cutting the bottom portion of casing 110 .
- Seating recesses 113 are disposed in the bottom portion of casing 110 .
- Seating recesses 113 are formed by upwardly recessing a portion of the bottom of casing 110 .
- two seating recesses 113 are shown in FIG. 1 being disposed at each side of suction port 111 , the number of seating recesses 113 are not limited thereto.
- a main brush 120 is disposed inside of casing 110 on an area corresponding to suction port 111 .
- Main brush 120 passes through suction port 111 to contact a foreign substance on a cleaning target surface and remove the foreign substance.
- Main brush 120 is exposed downward through suction port 111 and is rotatable.
- a main driving member 130 provides driving force for rotating main brush 120 .
- Casing 110 is provided with a moving device 140 for moving casing 110 .
- Moving device 140 may include a driving motor (not shown) disposed in casing 110 , and wheels rotated by the driving motor.
- One or more side brush assemblies 150 may be installed on the bottom of casing 110 .
- side brush assembly 150 is provided in plurality on the bottom of casing 110 .
- Side brush assemblies 150 are movably installed on casing 110 .
- side brush assemblies 150 may be rotated to be selectively located at a lower side or outside of casing 110 .
- Side brush assemblies 150 are configured such that the suction member suctions, through suction port 111 , a foreign substance located outside the footprint of suction port 111 .
- Side brush assembly 150 may include a movable member 151 and a brush 152 rotatably installed on movable member 151 .
- movable member 151 may have an approximately polyhedral shape corresponding to seating recess 113 .
- Movable member 151 may be disposed on the bottom surface of casing 110 and be rotatable about a vertical rotation shaft 151 A (shown in FIG. 3 ). Since brush 152 is connected to movable member 151 , which will be described later in detail, movable member 151 may be referred to as a brush holder.
- Brush 152 may be rotatably installed on movable member 151 . Specifically, brush 152 moves a foreign substance located outside of suction port 111 to the lower side of suction port 111 .
- Brush 152 may include a plurality of bristles 153 spaced apart from each other by a preset angle. The number and position of bristles 153 are not specifically limited.
- Side brush assembly 150 may also include a leg member 154 .
- Leg member 154 is disposed on a bottom surface of movable member 151 .
- Leg member 154 spaces brush 152 from a cleaning target surface.
- brush 152 is prevented from tightly contacting a cleaning target surface during a cleaning operation, and is thus protected from damage and freely rotatable.
- the bottom surface of leg member 154 is substantially lower than the bottom surface of brush 152 .
- Side brush assembly 150 may include a first driving member 155 and a second driving member 156 .
- the first driving member 155 provides driving force for rotating movable member 151 .
- First driving member 155 may be disposed in casing 110 .
- First driving member 155 may directly transmit driving force to movable member 151 , or indirectly transmit driving force to movable member 151 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown).
- side brush assembly 150 is selectively located in one of a first position (refer to FIG. 3 ) and a second position (refer to FIG. 4 ).
- Side brush assembly 150 is located under casing 110 in the first position.
- a vertical projection of movable member 151 is located within a vertical projection of casing 110 (that is the moveable member 151 is within the footprint of casing 110 ).
- a portion of side brush assembly 150 is located outside the footprint of casing 110 in the second position.
- a rotation shaft 152 A of brush 152 may be horizontally moved.
- a portion of a vertical projection of movable member 151 is located outside of a vertical projection of casing 110 , and the rest of the vertical projection of movable member 151 is located within the vertical projection of casing 110 . That is, a vertical overlap area between movable member 151 and casing 110 may be varied according to a movement of side brush assembly 150 .
- a vertical overlap area between movable member 151 and casing 110 is greater when side brush assembly 150 is in the first position than in the second position.
- movable member 151 When side brush assembly 150 is in the second position, movable member 151 is seated in seating recess 113 . When side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, a vertical projection of brush 152 is also located within the vertical projection of casing 110 . When side brush assembly 150 is in the second position, a vertical projection of brush 152 is located on both the inside and outside of the vertical projection of casing 110 . Alternatively, when side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, a portion of the vertical projection of brush 152 may be located outside of the vertical projection of casing 110 .
- side brush assembly 150 may be selectively located in one of the first and second positions according to whether cleaner 100 is performing a cleaning operation.
- the cleaning operation may be an operation of the suction member.
- side brush assembly 150 is in the first position.
- side brush assembly 150 is moved to the second position. That is, with respect to first driving member 155 , the start of an operation of first driving member 155 for moving side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position may be synchronized with the start of the operation of the suction member. Additionally, the start of an operation of first driving member 155 for moving side brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position may be synchronized with the stop of the operation of the suction member.
- an operation direction of first driving member 155 for moving side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position is referred to as a forward direction
- an operation direction of first driving member 155 for moving side brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position is referred to as a backward direction.
- movable members 151 of a portion of side brush assemblies 150 may be moved.
- movable member 151 of side brush assembly 150 adjacent to a wall may be selectively moved from the first position to the second position.
- Second driving member 156 provides driving force for rotating brush 152 .
- second driving member 156 may be disposed in casing 110 to transmit driving force to brush 152 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown), or be disposed on movable member 151 to directly transmit driving force to brush 152 .
- second driving member 156 may be moved together with movable member 151 .
- the start and stop of an operation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of the suction member.
- the start and stop of the operation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start of a forward rotation of first driving member 155 and the stop of a backward rotation of first driving member 155 .
- Side brush assembly 150 may include a first switch 157 and a second switch 158 .
- First switch 157 and second switch 158 control operations of first driving member 155 .
- first switch 157 when first driving member 155 rotates in the forward direction to move side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position, first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping first driving member 155 .
- second switch 158 When first driving member 155 rotates in the backward direction to move side brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position, second switch 158 generates a signal for stopping first driving member 155 .
- movable member 151 may turn first and second switches 157 and 158 on/off to generated signals.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment.
- side brush assembly 150 when cleaner 100 is not in the cleaning operation, that is, when cleaner 100 is stored or charged, side brush assembly 150 is in the first position.
- side brush assembly 150 is substantially located under casing 110 and is thus not exposed outside the footprint of casing 110 . Accordingly, a space for storing cleaner 100 can be decreased.
- brush 152 when brush 152 is located under casing 110 , the possibility of damage to brush 152 can be decreased while cleaner 100 is stored.
- first driving member 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction. Accordingly, side brush assembly 150 is moved from the first position to the second position.
- first driving member 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction.
- first driving member 155 moves side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position.
- first switch 157 When side brush assembly 150 arrives at the second position, first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward rotation of first driving member 155 . Accordingly, the forward rotation of first driving member 155 is stopped, and thus, side brush assembly 150 stays in the second position.
- second driving member 156 starts to rotate. Accordingly, brush 152 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside of suction port 111 to the lower side of suction port 111 . The foreign substance, moved to the lower side of suction port 111 by brush 152 , is suctioned by the suction device.
- the operation of the suction device is ended.
- cleaner 100 is located in a predetermined position such as a storing position or a charging position, the operation of moving device 140 is also ended.
- first driving member 155 starts to rotate in the backward direction. Accordingly, side brush assembly 150 is moved from the second position to the first position.
- second switch 158 generates a signal to stop the backward rotation of first driving member 155 .
- the rotation of second driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation of brush 152 is also stopped.
- side brush assembly 150 Since side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, side brush assembly 150 , particularly, brush 152 is prevented from being exposed outside the footprint of cleaner 100 . Thus, side brush assembly 150 is prevented from being damaged while cleaner 100 is charged or stored.
- FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to the second embodiment.
- Like reference numerals denote like elements in the first and second embodiments, and a description of the same components as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in the second embodiment.
- side brush assemblies 150 are continually moved between first and second positions. That is, during the cleaning operation, side brush assembly 150 is not immobilized in the second position but is reciprocated along a predetermined trace between the first and second positions. Thus, a larger area can be cleaned by means of the reciprocation of side brush assembly 150 .
- the start of the forward rotation of a first driving member 155 and the start of the backward rotation thereof are synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of a suction member, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
- the forward rotation of first driving member 155 may be started after the operation of the suction member is started.
- the backward rotation of first driving member 155 may be stopped before the operation of the suction member is stopped.
- the start and stop of the rotation of a second driving member 156 are synchronized with the start of the forward rotation of first driving member 155 and the stop of the backward rotation thereof, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
- the start of the rotation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the stop of the forward rotation of first driving member 155 .
- the stop of the rotation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start of the backward rotation of first driving member 155 .
- first and second driving members 155 / 156 may be linked with an operation of a main driving member.
- start of the forward rotation of first driving member 155 may be synchronized with the start of an operation of the main driving member.
- start of the backward rotation of first driving member 155 may be synchronized with the stop of the operation of the main driving member.
- start and stop of the rotation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of the main driving member.
- first driving member 155 may be operated to move movable member 151 .
- FIGS. 6 and 7 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a third embodiment.
- the current embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a linear motion of side brush assemblies. Thus, a characterized part according to the current embodiment will be principally described.
- a side brush assembly 160 may include a movable member 161 and a brush 162 rotatably disposed on movable member 161 .
- Brush 162 includes a plurality of bristles 163 .
- Movable member 161 may include a leg member 164 .
- Movable member 161 may linearly move in a back and forth direction.
- side brush assembly 160 When cleaner 100 is not in a cleaning operation, that is, when cleaner 100 is stored or charged, side brush assembly 160 is in a first position. Thus, side brush assembly 160 is substantially located underneath a casing 110 and is thus not exposed outside the footprint of casing 110 . Accordingly, a space for storing cleaner 100 can be decreased. Furthermore, when brush 162 is located under casing 110 , the possibility of damage to brush 162 can be decreased while cleaner 100 is stored.
- a first driving member 155 starts to operate in a forward direction. Accordingly, side brush assembly 160 is moved from the first position to a second position. In particular, when the operation of the suction device is started for the cleaning operation, first driving member 155 starts to operate in the forward direction. Thus, first driving member 155 linearly moves side brush assembly 160 from the first position to the second position.
- a first switch 157 When side brush assembly 160 arrives at the second position, a first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward operation of first driving member 155 . Accordingly, the forward operation of first driving member 155 is stopped, and thus, side brush assembly 160 stays in the second position.
- a second driving member 156 starts to operate. Accordingly, brush 162 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of suction port 111 to the lower side of suction port 111 . The foreign substance, moved to the lower side of suction port 111 by brush 162 , is suctioned by the suction device.
- the operation of the suction device is ended.
- cleaner 100 is located in a predetermined position such as a storing position or a charging position, the operation of moving device 140 is also ended.
- first driving member 155 starts to operate in a backward direction. Accordingly, side brush assembly 160 is moved from the second position to the first position.
- a second switch 158 generates a signal to stop the backward operation of first driving member 155 .
- the operation of second driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation of brush 162 is also stopped.
- side brush assembly 160 Since side brush assembly 160 is in the first position, side brush assembly 160 , particularly, brush 162 is prevented from being exposed outside the footprint of cleaner 100 . Thus, side brush assembly 160 is prevented from being damaged while cleaner 100 is charged or stored.
- FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fourth embodiment.
- a side brush assembly 170 is linearly movable in a lateral direction (a left and right direction) of a casing 110 .
- side brush assembly 170 that is, movable member 171 may be linearly movable in a direction parallel to a rotation shaft of a wheel constituting a moving device 140 .
- Other components constituting side brush assembly 170 that is, a leg member 174 and a brush 172 including bristles 173 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.
- a first driving member 155 for moving movable member 171 , a second driving member 156 of rotating brush 172 , and first and second switches 157 and 158 for controlling operations of first driving member 155 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.
- FIG. 9 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fifth embodiment.
- a side brush assembly 180 that is, a movable member 181 is linearly movable in a diagonal direction of a casing 110 .
- movable member 181 may be linearly movable in a direction crossing a rotation shaft of a wheel constituting a moving device 140 .
- casing 110 When casing 110 has a circular shape, it may be difficult to clean an area located at approximately 45° about the center of casing 110 .
- movable member 181 Since a corner of a cleaning region is located at approximately 45° about the center of casing 110 , movable member 181 is moved in a line inclined at about 45° from the rotation shaft of the wheel constituting moving device 140 , thereby effectively cleaning the corner.
- a component constituting side brush assembly 180 that is, a brush 182 including bristles 183 may be the same as that of the first embodiment.
- a first driving member 155 for moving movable member 181 , a second driving member 156 of rotating brush 182 , and first and second switches 157 and 158 for controlling operations of first driving member 155 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.
Abstract
An automatic cleaner, which includes a casing including a suction port through which,a foreign substance is suctioned, a moving device that moves the casing, and a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing. The side brush assembly includes a brush rotating to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, to the suction port. A rotation shaft of the brush is moved according to a movement of the side brush assembly.
Description
- This application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 National Stage entry of International Application No. PCT/KR2012/007578, filed on Sep. 21, 2012, and claims priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0096101 (filed on Sep. 23, 2011) and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0128241 (filed on Dec. 2, 2011), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The present disclosure relates to an automatic cleaner.
- Cleaners may suction and remove a foreign substance from a cleaning surface. Recently, automatic cleaners for performing an automatic cleaning operation have been introduced. Automatic cleaners are moved by the driving force of a motor powered by a battery, to suction and remove a foreign substance from a floor.
- In general, a moving device is installed on a casing which defines the appearance of an automatic cleaner. The moving device moves the automatic cleaner in a predetermined direction to suction a foreign substance from a floor. To this end, a suction port is disposed in the bottom of the casing to suction a foreign substance from a floor. A main brush, which directly contacts a foreign substance to suction the foreign substance through the suction port, may be disposed on the suction port.
- However, the automatic cleaner suctions only a foreign substance located in a region under the casing, specifically, under the suction port. Thus, it may be difficult to effectively clean a region outside the footprint of the suction port.
- To address this issue, a side brush may be disposed on the bottom of the casing. At any one time, at least one portion of the side brush extends outside the footprint of the casing. The side brush rotates relative to the casing to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, specifically, outside the footprint of the suction port, toward the suction port.
- However, such automatic cleaners have the following limitations.
- As described above, since a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the suction port can be suctioned through the suction port by means of rotation of the side brush, as the length of the side brush is increased, a cleaning area of the automatic cleaner is substantially increased. However, when the length of the side brush is increased, the side brush may be damaged while the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation or is stored. In addition, when the length of the side brush is increased, the automatic cleaner requires a large storage space. Thus, it may be inconvenient to store the automatic cleaner.
- In one embodiment, an automatic cleaner includes a casing including a suction port in a bottom portion of the casing through which a foreign substance is suctioned; a moving device that moves the casing; and a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing, wherein the side brush assembly includes a brush rotating to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, to the suction port, and a rotation shaft of the brush is moved according to a movement of the side brush assembly.
- The side brush assembly may further include a movable member movably installed on the casing, and the brush may be rotatably installed on the movable member.
- When the movable member is moved, an overlap area of the movable member and the casing may be varied.
- When the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be located in a first position. When the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved to a second position.
- While the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may stay in the second position.
- While the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved between the first and second positions.
- When the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved.
- The brush may be rotated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, and the movable member may be moved when the casing approaches a wall with a predetermined distance.
- The automatic cleaner may further include a first driving member that generates driving force to move the movable member; and a second driving member that generates driving force to rotate the brush.
- The first driving member and the second driving member may be disposed on the casing.
- The first driving member may be disposed on the casing, and the second driving member may be disposed on the movable member and be moved together with the movable member.
- The movable member may be installed on the casing and be allowed to linearly move.
- The movable member may be installed on the casing and be allowed to rotate about a rotation shaft.
- The side brush assembly may be provided in plurality. When one of the side brush assemblies is adjacent to a wall, the movable member of the side brush assembly adjacent to the wall may be moved.
- In another embodiment, an automatic cleaner includes a casing including a suction port through which a foreign substance is suctioned; a moving device that moves the casing; a main brush contacting a foreign substance through the suction port and removing the foreign substance; a main driving member that provides driving force to rotate the main brush; a movable member movably installed on the casing; a first driving member that provides driving force to move the movable member; and a brush rotatably installed on the movable member to direct a foreign substance to the suction port.
- When the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be located in a first position. When the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved to a second position.
- The automatic cleaner may further include a second driving member for driving the brush, wherein the second driving member is operated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation.
- The automatic cleaner may further include a first sensing part for sensing the first position of the movable member; and a second sensing part for sensing the second position of the movable member.
- The first driving member may be operated when the casing approaches a wall.
- When the first driving member is operated, an overlap area of the movable member and the casing may be varied.
- According to the embodiments, a side brush assembly can be withdrawn out of a casing, so as to effectively clean a corner.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom of an automatic cleaner according to a first embodiment. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of the automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a second embodiment. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a third embodiment. -
FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fifth embodiment. - Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom of an automatic cleaner according to a first embodiment.FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , an automatic cleaner 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a cleaner for convenience in description) according to one embodiment includes acasing 110 that defines the appearance ofcleaner 100.Casing 110 may have a flat polyhedral shape, but is not limited thereto.Casing 110 accommodates variouscomponents constituting cleaner 100. For example, a suction member (not shown) for suctioning a foreign substance, and a collecting member (not shown) for collecting the suctioned foreign substance may be disposed incasing 110. - A
suction port 111 is disposed in a bottom portion ofcasing 110.Suction port 111 functions as an inlet through which a foreign substance is suctioned intocasing 110, particularly, into the collecting member by the suction member.Suction port 111 is formed by partially cutting the bottom portion ofcasing 110. - Seating recesses 113 are disposed in the bottom portion of
casing 110. Seating recesses 113 are formed by upwardly recessing a portion of the bottom ofcasing 110. Although twoseating recesses 113 are shown inFIG. 1 being disposed at each side ofsuction port 111, the number of seating recesses 113 are not limited thereto. - A
main brush 120 is disposed inside of casing 110 on an area corresponding to suctionport 111.Main brush 120 passes throughsuction port 111 to contact a foreign substance on a cleaning target surface and remove the foreign substance.Main brush 120 is exposed downward throughsuction port 111 and is rotatable. Amain driving member 130 provides driving force for rotatingmain brush 120. - Casing 110 is provided with a moving
device 140 for movingcasing 110. Movingdevice 140 may include a driving motor (not shown) disposed incasing 110, and wheels rotated by the driving motor. - One or more
side brush assemblies 150 may be installed on the bottom ofcasing 110. In at least one embodiment,side brush assembly 150 is provided in plurality on the bottom ofcasing 110. -
Side brush assemblies 150 are movably installed oncasing 110. For example,side brush assemblies 150 may be rotated to be selectively located at a lower side or outside ofcasing 110.Side brush assemblies 150 are configured such that the suction member suctions, throughsuction port 111, a foreign substance located outside the footprint ofsuction port 111. -
Side brush assembly 150 may include amovable member 151 and abrush 152 rotatably installed onmovable member 151. - In particular,
movable member 151 may have an approximately polyhedral shape corresponding to seatingrecess 113.Movable member 151 may be disposed on the bottom surface ofcasing 110 and be rotatable about avertical rotation shaft 151A (shown inFIG. 3 ). Sincebrush 152 is connected tomovable member 151, which will be described later in detail,movable member 151 may be referred to as a brush holder. -
Brush 152 may be rotatably installed onmovable member 151. Specifically,brush 152 moves a foreign substance located outside ofsuction port 111 to the lower side ofsuction port 111.Brush 152 may include a plurality ofbristles 153 spaced apart from each other by a preset angle. The number and position ofbristles 153 are not specifically limited. -
Side brush assembly 150 may also include aleg member 154. -
Leg member 154 is disposed on a bottom surface ofmovable member 151.Leg member 154 spaces brush 152 from a cleaning target surface. Thus,brush 152 is prevented from tightly contacting a cleaning target surface during a cleaning operation, and is thus protected from damage and freely rotatable. To this end, the bottom surface ofleg member 154 is substantially lower than the bottom surface ofbrush 152. -
Side brush assembly 150 may include afirst driving member 155 and asecond driving member 156. - The
first driving member 155 provides driving force for rotatingmovable member 151. First drivingmember 155 may be disposed incasing 110. First drivingmember 155 may directly transmit driving force tomovable member 151, or indirectly transmit driving force tomovable member 151 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown). - According to a movement of
movable member 151 relative tocasing 110,side brush assembly 150 is selectively located in one of a first position (refer toFIG. 3 ) and a second position (refer toFIG. 4 ).Side brush assembly 150 is located under casing 110 in the first position. In this case, a vertical projection ofmovable member 151 is located within a vertical projection of casing 110 (that is themoveable member 151 is within the footprint of casing 110). A portion ofside brush assembly 150 is located outside the footprint ofcasing 110 in the second position. Whenside brush assembly 150 is moved between the first and second positions, arotation shaft 152A ofbrush 152 may be horizontally moved. - When
side brush assembly 150 is located in the second position, a portion of a vertical projection ofmovable member 151 is located outside of a vertical projection ofcasing 110, and the rest of the vertical projection ofmovable member 151 is located within the vertical projection ofcasing 110. That is, a vertical overlap area betweenmovable member 151 andcasing 110 may be varied according to a movement ofside brush assembly 150. A vertical overlap area betweenmovable member 151 andcasing 110 is greater whenside brush assembly 150 is in the first position than in the second position. - When
side brush assembly 150 is in the second position,movable member 151 is seated inseating recess 113. Whenside brush assembly 150 is in the first position, a vertical projection ofbrush 152 is also located within the vertical projection ofcasing 110. Whenside brush assembly 150 is in the second position, a vertical projection ofbrush 152 is located on both the inside and outside of the vertical projection ofcasing 110. Alternatively, whenside brush assembly 150 is in the first position, a portion of the vertical projection ofbrush 152 may be located outside of the vertical projection ofcasing 110. - Specifically,
side brush assembly 150 may be selectively located in one of the first and second positions according to whether cleaner 100 is performing a cleaning operation. The cleaning operation may be an operation of the suction member. When cleaner 100 is not in the cleaning operation,side brush assembly 150 is in the first position. When cleaner 100 is in the cleaning operation,side brush assembly 150 is moved to the second position. That is, with respect to first drivingmember 155, the start of an operation of first drivingmember 155 for movingside brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position may be synchronized with the start of the operation of the suction member. Additionally, the start of an operation of first drivingmember 155 for movingside brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position may be synchronized with the stop of the operation of the suction member. For convenience in description, an operation direction of first drivingmember 155 for movingside brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position is referred to as a forward direction, and an operation direction of first drivingmember 155 for movingside brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position is referred to as a backward direction. - When
side brush assembly 150 is provided in plurality oncasing 110,movable members 151 of a portion ofside brush assemblies 150 may be moved. For example,movable member 151 ofside brush assembly 150 adjacent to a wall may be selectively moved from the first position to the second position. - Second driving
member 156 provides driving force for rotatingbrush 152. For example, second drivingmember 156 may be disposed incasing 110 to transmit driving force to brush 152 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown), or be disposed onmovable member 151 to directly transmit driving force to brush 152. When second drivingmember 156 is disposed onmovable member 151, second drivingmember 156 may be moved together withmovable member 151. - The start and stop of an operation of
second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of the suction member. In other words, the start and stop of the operation ofsecond driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start of a forward rotation of first drivingmember 155 and the stop of a backward rotation of first drivingmember 155. -
Side brush assembly 150 may include afirst switch 157 and asecond switch 158. -
First switch 157 andsecond switch 158 control operations of first drivingmember 155. In particular, when first drivingmember 155 rotates in the forward direction to moveside brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position,first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping first drivingmember 155. When first drivingmember 155 rotates in the backward direction to moveside brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position,second switch 158 generates a signal for stopping first drivingmember 155. For example,movable member 151 may turn first andsecond switches - Hereinafter, an operation of an automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIGS. 3 and 4 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , when cleaner 100 is not in the cleaning operation, that is, when cleaner 100 is stored or charged,side brush assembly 150 is in the first position. Thus,side brush assembly 150 is substantially located under casing 110 and is thus not exposed outside the footprint ofcasing 110. Accordingly, a space for storing cleaner 100 can be decreased. Furthermore, whenbrush 152 is located under casing 110, the possibility of damage to brush 152 can be decreased while cleaner 100 is stored. - In this state, when the cleaning operation is started, an operation of a suction device is started to suction a foreign substance through
suction port 111. In addition, movingdevice 140 is operated to move cleaner 100, thereby performing the cleaning operation. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , when the operation of the suction device is started, first drivingmember 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction. Accordingly,side brush assembly 150 is moved from the first position to the second position. In particular, when the operation of the suction device is started for the cleaning operation, first drivingmember 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction. Thus, first drivingmember 155 movesside brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position. - When
side brush assembly 150 arrives at the second position,first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward rotation of first drivingmember 155. Accordingly, the forward rotation of first drivingmember 155 is stopped, and thus,side brush assembly 150 stays in the second position. - When the operation of the suction device is started, second driving
member 156 starts to rotate. Accordingly,brush 152 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside ofsuction port 111 to the lower side ofsuction port 111. The foreign substance, moved to the lower side ofsuction port 111 bybrush 152, is suctioned by the suction device. - When the cleaning operation is ended, the operation of the suction device is ended. When cleaner 100 is located in a predetermined position such as a storing position or a charging position, the operation of moving
device 140 is also ended. - When the operation of the suction device is ended, first driving
member 155 starts to rotate in the backward direction. Accordingly,side brush assembly 150 is moved from the second position to the first position. Whenside brush assembly 150 arrives at the first position,second switch 158 generates a signal to stop the backward rotation of first drivingmember 155. When the backward rotation of first drivingmember 155 is stopped, the rotation ofsecond driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation ofbrush 152 is also stopped. - Since
side brush assembly 150 is in the first position,side brush assembly 150, particularly,brush 152 is prevented from being exposed outside the footprint of cleaner 100. Thus,side brush assembly 150 is prevented from being damaged while cleaner 100 is charged or stored. - Hereinafter, an automatic cleaner according to a second embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to the second embodiment. Like reference numerals denote like elements in the first and second embodiments, and a description of the same components as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in the second embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , while cleaner 100 performs a cleaning operation,side brush assemblies 150 are continually moved between first and second positions. That is, during the cleaning operation,side brush assembly 150 is not immobilized in the second position but is reciprocated along a predetermined trace between the first and second positions. Thus, a larger area can be cleaned by means of the reciprocation ofside brush assembly 150. - In the above embodiment, the start of the forward rotation of a
first driving member 155 and the start of the backward rotation thereof are synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of a suction member, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thus, for example, the forward rotation of first drivingmember 155 may be started after the operation of the suction member is started. In addition, the backward rotation of first drivingmember 155 may be stopped before the operation of the suction member is stopped. - In addition, in the above embodiment, the start and stop of the rotation of a
second driving member 156 are synchronized with the start of the forward rotation of first drivingmember 155 and the stop of the backward rotation thereof, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thus, for example, the start of the rotation ofsecond driving member 156 may be synchronized with the stop of the forward rotation of first drivingmember 155. In addition, for example, the stop of the rotation ofsecond driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start of the backward rotation of first drivingmember 155. - In addition, operations of first and second driving
members 155/156 may be linked with an operation of a main driving member. For example, the start of the forward rotation of first drivingmember 155 may be synchronized with the start of an operation of the main driving member. In addition, the start of the backward rotation of first drivingmember 155 may be synchronized with the stop of the operation of the main driving member. In addition, the start and stop of the rotation ofsecond driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of the main driving member. - Furthermore, when casing 110 approaches a wall with a predetermined distance, first driving
member 155 may be operated to movemovable member 151. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a third embodiment. - The current embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a linear motion of side brush assemblies. Thus, a characterized part according to the current embodiment will be principally described.
- Referring to
FIGS. 6 and 7 , aside brush assembly 160 according to the third embodiment may include amovable member 161 and abrush 162 rotatably disposed onmovable member 161.Brush 162 includes a plurality ofbristles 163.Movable member 161 may include aleg member 164. -
Movable member 161 may linearly move in a back and forth direction. - When cleaner 100 is not in a cleaning operation, that is, when cleaner 100 is stored or charged,
side brush assembly 160 is in a first position. Thus,side brush assembly 160 is substantially located underneath acasing 110 and is thus not exposed outside the footprint ofcasing 110. Accordingly, a space for storing cleaner 100 can be decreased. Furthermore, whenbrush 162 is located under casing 110, the possibility of damage to brush 162 can be decreased while cleaner 100 is stored. - In this state, when the cleaning operation is started, an operation of a suction device is started to suction a foreign substance through a
suction port 111. In addition, a movingdevice 140 is operated to move cleaner 100, thereby performing the cleaning operation. - When the operation of the suction device is started, a
first driving member 155 starts to operate in a forward direction. Accordingly,side brush assembly 160 is moved from the first position to a second position. In particular, when the operation of the suction device is started for the cleaning operation, first drivingmember 155 starts to operate in the forward direction. Thus, first drivingmember 155 linearly movesside brush assembly 160 from the first position to the second position. - When
side brush assembly 160 arrives at the second position, afirst switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward operation of first drivingmember 155. Accordingly, the forward operation of first drivingmember 155 is stopped, and thus,side brush assembly 160 stays in the second position. - When the operation of the suction device is started, a
second driving member 156 starts to operate. Accordingly,brush 162 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint ofsuction port 111 to the lower side ofsuction port 111. The foreign substance, moved to the lower side ofsuction port 111 bybrush 162, is suctioned by the suction device. - When the cleaning operation is ended, the operation of the suction device is ended. When cleaner 100 is located in a predetermined position such as a storing position or a charging position, the operation of moving
device 140 is also ended. - When the operation of the suction device is ended, first driving
member 155 starts to operate in a backward direction. Accordingly,side brush assembly 160 is moved from the second position to the first position. Whenside brush assembly 160 arrives at the first position, asecond switch 158 generates a signal to stop the backward operation of first drivingmember 155. When the backward operation of first drivingmember 155 is stopped, the operation ofsecond driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation ofbrush 162 is also stopped. - Since
side brush assembly 160 is in the first position,side brush assembly 160, particularly,brush 162 is prevented from being exposed outside the footprint of cleaner 100. Thus,side brush assembly 160 is prevented from being damaged while cleaner 100 is charged or stored. -
FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fourth embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , aside brush assembly 170 according to the fourth embodiment, that is, amovable member 171 is linearly movable in a lateral direction (a left and right direction) of acasing 110. In other words,side brush assembly 170, that is,movable member 171 may be linearly movable in a direction parallel to a rotation shaft of a wheel constituting a movingdevice 140. Other components constitutingside brush assembly 170, that is, a leg member 174 and abrush 172 including bristles 173 may be the same as those of the first embodiment. Also, afirst driving member 155 for movingmovable member 171, asecond driving member 156 of rotatingbrush 172, and first andsecond switches member 155 may be the same as those of the first embodiment. -
FIG. 9 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fifth embodiment. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , aside brush assembly 180 according to the fifth embodiment, that is, amovable member 181 is linearly movable in a diagonal direction of acasing 110. In other words,movable member 181 may be linearly movable in a direction crossing a rotation shaft of a wheel constituting a movingdevice 140. - When casing 110 has a circular shape, it may be difficult to clean an area located at approximately 45° about the center of
casing 110. - Since a corner of a cleaning region is located at approximately 45° about the center of
casing 110,movable member 181 is moved in a line inclined at about 45° from the rotation shaft of the wheel constituting movingdevice 140, thereby effectively cleaning the corner. - A component constituting
side brush assembly 180, that is, abrush 182 includingbristles 183 may be the same as that of the first embodiment. Also, afirst driving member 155 for movingmovable member 181, asecond driving member 156 of rotatingbrush 182, and first andsecond switches member 155 may be the same as those of the first embodiment. - Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (21)
1-20. (canceled)
21. An automatic cleaner comprising:
a casing comprising a suction port in a bottom portion of the casing through which a foreign substance is suctioned;
a moving device that moves the casing; and
a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing,
wherein the side brush assembly comprises a brush rotating to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, to the suction port, and a rotation shaft of the brush is moved according to a movement of the side brush assembly.
22. The automatic cleaner of claim 21 , wherein the side brush assembly further comprises a movable member movably installed on the casing, and
the brush is rotatably installed on the movable member.
23. The automatic cleaner of claim 22 , wherein when the movable member is moved, an overlap area of the movable member and the casing is varied.
24. The automatic cleaner of claim 22 , wherein when the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member is located in a first position, and
when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member is moved to a second position.
25. The automatic cleaner of claim 24 , wherein while the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member stays in the second position.
26. The automatic cleaner of claim 24 , wherein while the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member is moved between the first and second positions.
27. The automatic cleaner of claim 22 , wherein when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member is moved.
28. The automatic cleaner of claim 22 , wherein the brush is rotated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, and
the movable member is moved when the casing approaches a wall with a predetermined distance.
29. The automatic cleaner of claim 22 , further comprising:
a first driving member that generates driving force to move the movable member; and
a second driving member that generates driving force to rotate the brush.
30. The automatic cleaner of claim 29 , wherein the first driving member and the second driving member are disposed on the casing.
31. The automatic cleaner of claim 29 , wherein the first driving member is disposed on the casing, and
the second driving member is disposed on the movable member and is moved together with the movable member.
32. The automatic cleaner of claim 22 , wherein the movable member is installed on the casing and is allowed to linearly move.
33. The automatic cleaner of claim 22 , wherein the movable member is installed on the casing and is allowed to rotate about a rotation shaft.
34. The automatic cleaner of claim 22 , wherein the side brush assembly is provided in plurality, and
when one of the side brush assemblies is adjacent to a wall, the movable member of the side brush assembly adjacent to the wall is moved.
35. An automatic cleaner comprising:
a casing comprising a suction port through which a foreign substance is suctioned;
a moving device that moves the casing;
a main brush contacting a foreign substance through the suction port and removing the foreign substance;
a main driving member that provides driving force to rotate the main brush;
a movable member movably installed on the casing;
a first driving member that provides driving force to move the movable member; and
a brush rotatably installed on the movable member to direct a foreign substance to the suction port.
36. The automatic cleaner of claim 35 , wherein when the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member is located in a first position, and
when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member is moved to a second position.
37. The automatic cleaner of claim 36 , further comprising a second driving member to drive the brush,
wherein the second driving member is operated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation.
38. The automatic cleaner of claim 36 , further comprising:
a first sensing part to sense the first position of the movable member; and
a second sensing part to sense the second position of the movable member.
39. The automatic cleaner of claim 35 , wherein the first driving member is operated when the casing approaches a wall.
40. The automatic cleaner of claim 35 , wherein when the first driving member is operated, an overlap area of the movable member and the casing is varied.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
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KR10-2011-0096101 | 2011-09-23 | ||
KR1020110096101A KR101322589B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2011-09-23 | Automatic cleaner |
KR10-2011-0128241 | 2011-12-02 | ||
KR1020110128241A KR101352170B1 (en) | 2011-12-02 | 2011-12-02 | Mobile robot cleaner |
PCT/KR2012/007578 WO2013042975A2 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-21 | Automatic vacuum cleaner |
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US20130291331A1 true US20130291331A1 (en) | 2013-11-07 |
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US13/980,291 Abandoned US20130291331A1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-21 | Automatic cleaner |
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JP2021523769A (en) * | 2018-05-18 | 2021-09-09 | アクチエボラゲット エレクトロルックス | Robot cleaning device with retractable side brush |
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US20230355064A1 (en) * | 2021-09-23 | 2023-11-09 | Yunjing Intelligence (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Cleaning robot, bristle control method and device, and computer storage medium |
US11889971B2 (en) * | 2021-09-23 | 2024-02-06 | Yunjing Intelligence (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Cleaning robot, bristle control method and device, and computer storage medium |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN103402412A (en) | 2013-11-20 |
AU2012310377A1 (en) | 2013-09-12 |
EP2737837A2 (en) | 2014-06-04 |
AU2012310377B2 (en) | 2015-08-20 |
WO2013042975A2 (en) | 2013-03-28 |
EP2737837B1 (en) | 2017-04-05 |
WO2013042975A3 (en) | 2013-06-13 |
EP2997870B1 (en) | 2018-09-12 |
AU2012310377A8 (en) | 2013-09-19 |
EP2737837A4 (en) | 2015-07-15 |
EP2737837A8 (en) | 2014-10-15 |
EP2997870A1 (en) | 2016-03-23 |
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