EP2737837B1 - Automatic vacuum cleaner - Google Patents
Automatic vacuum cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2737837B1 EP2737837B1 EP12834284.7A EP12834284A EP2737837B1 EP 2737837 B1 EP2737837 B1 EP 2737837B1 EP 12834284 A EP12834284 A EP 12834284A EP 2737837 B1 EP2737837 B1 EP 2737837B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- casing
- side brush
- driving member
- brush assembly
- movable 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.)
- Active
Links
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 32
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 28
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
Images
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
-
- 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
-
- 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 driving force of a motor operated by a battery, to suction and remove a foreign substance from a floor.
- a moving device is installed on a casing forming an 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, substantially, under the suction port. Thus, it may be difficult to effectively clean a region outside of the suction port.
- a side brush may be disposed on the bottom of the casing. At least one portion of the side brush extends out of the casing. The side brush rotates relative to the casing to move a foreign substance located out of the casing, substantially, out 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.
- JP 2010035773A discloses side brush support devices for a cleaning robot that are arranged to move inward in response to an external force.
- Embodiments provide an automatic cleaner adapted for effectively cleaning a corner. Aspects of an invention are defined in the appended independent claims.
- An automatic cleaner according to the present invention is defined by appended claim 1, and it includes:
- the side brush assembly further includes a movable member movably installed on the casing, and the brush is rotatably installed on the movable member.
- a vertical overlap area of the movable member and the casing may be varied.
- the movable member When the suction device is stopped, the movable member is located in a first position. When the suction device is operated, the movable member is moved to a second position.
- the movable member While the suction device is operated, the movable member may stay in the second position
- the movable member While the suction device is operated, the movable member may be moved between the first and second positions.
- the movable member When the suction device is operated, the movable member may be moved.
- the brush may be rotated when the suction device is operated, 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 for moving the movable member; and a second driving member that generates driving force for rotating 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; a suction device disposed on the casing to suction an outer foreign substance through the suction port; 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 for rotating the main brush; a movable member movably installed on the casing; a first driving member that provides driving force for moving the movable member; and a brush rotatably installed on the movable member to move a foreign substance to the suction port.
- the movable member When the suction device is stopped, the movable member may be located in a first position. When the suction device is operated, 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 suction device is operated.
- 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.
- a vertical 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.
- an automatic cleaner 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a cleaner for convenience in description) according to the current embodiment includes a casing 110 that forms an appearance of the cleaner 100.
- the casing 110 may have a flat polyhedral shape, but is not limited thereto.
- the casing 110 accommodates various components constituting the cleaner 100.
- a suction member (not shown) for suctioning a foreign substance
- a collecting member (not shown) for collecting the suctioned foreign substance may be disposed in the casing 110.
- a suction port 111 is disposed in a bottom portion of the casing 110.
- the suction port 111 functions as an inlet through which a foreign substance is suctioned into the casing 110, particularly, into the collecting member by the suction member.
- the suction port 111 is formed by partially cutting the bottom portion of the casing 110.
- the seating recesses 113 are disposed in the bottom portion of the casing 110.
- the seating recesses 113 are formed by upwardly recessing a portion of the bottom of the casing 110 from the rest thereof. Although two as the seating recesses 113 are disposed at both sides of the suction port 111, the number of the seating recesses 113 are not limited thereto.
- a main brush 120 is disposed inside of the casing 110 on an area corresponding to the suction port 111.
- the main brush 120 passes through the suction port 111 to contact a foreign substance on a cleaning target surface and remove the foreign substance.
- the main brush 120 is exposed downward through the suction port 111 and is rotatable.
- a main driving member 130 provides driving force for rotating the main brush 120.
- the casing 110 is provided with a moving device 140 for moving the casing 110.
- the moving device 140 may include a driving motor (not shown) disposed in the casing 110, and wheels rotated by the driving motor.
- One or more side brush assemblies 150 may be installed on the bottom of the casing 110.
- the side brush assembly 150 is provided in plurality on the bottom of the casing 110.
- the side brush assemblies 150 are movably installed on the casing 110.
- the side brush assemblies 150 may be rotated to be selectively located at a lower side or outside of the casing 110.
- the side brush assemblies 150 are configured such that the suction member suctions, through the suction port 111, a foreign substance located outside of the suction port 111.
- the side brush assembly 150 includes a movable member 151 and a brush 152 rotatably installed on the movable member 151.
- the movable member 151 may have an approximately polyhedral shape corresponding to the seating recess 113.
- the movable member 151 may be disposed on the bottom surface of the casing 110 and be rotatable about a vertical rotation shaft 151A. Since the brush 152 is connected to the movable member 151, which will be described later in detail, the movable member 151 may be referred to as a brush holder.
- the brush 152 is rotatably installed on the movable member 151. Substantially, the brush 152 moves a foreign substance located outside of the suction port 111 to the lower side of the suction port 111.
- the brush 152 may include a plurality of bristles 153 spaced apart from each other by a preset angle. The number and position of the bristles 153 are not specifically limited.
- the side brush assembly 150 may include a leg member 154.
- the leg member 154 is disposed on a bottom surface of the movable member 151.
- the leg member 154 spaces the brush 152 from a cleaning target surface.
- the brush 152 is prevented from tightly contacting a cleaning target surface during a cleaning operation, and is thus protected from damage and is allowed to rotate.
- the bottom surface of the leg member 154 is substantially lower than the bottom surface of the brush 152.
- the 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 the movable member 151.
- the first driving member 155 may be disposed in the casing 110.
- the first driving member 155 may directly transmit driving force to the movable member 151, or indirectly transmit driving force to the movable member 151 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown).
- the 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 ).
- the side brush assembly 150 is located under the casing 110 in the first position.
- a vertical projection of the movable member 151 is located within a vertical projection of the casing 110.
- a portion of the side brush assembly 150 is located out of the casing 110 in the second position.
- a vertical overlap area between the movable member 151 and the casing 110 may be varied according to a movement of the side brush assembly 150.
- a vertical overlap area between the movable member 151 and the casing 110 is greater when the side brush assembly 150 is in the first position than in the second position.
- the movable member 151 When the side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, the movable member 151 is seated in the seating recess 113. When the side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, a vertical projection of the brush 152 is also located within the vertical projection of the casing 110. When the side brush assembly 150 is in the second position, a vertical projection of the brush 152 is located on both the inside and outside of the vertical projection of the casing 110. Alternatively, when the side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, a portion of the vertical projection of the brush 152 may be located outside of the vertical projection of the casing 110.
- the side brush assembly 150 may be selectively located in one of the first and second positions according to whether the cleaner 100 is in the cleaning operation.
- the cleaning operation may be an operation of the suction member.
- the side brush assembly 150 is in the first position.
- the side brush assembly 150 is moved to the second position. That is, with respect to the first driving member 155, the start of an operation of the first driving member 155 for moving the 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.
- the start of an operation of the first driving member 155 for moving the 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 the first driving member 155 for moving the side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position is referred to as a forward direction
- an operation direction of the first driving member 155 for moving the side brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position is referred to as a backward direction.
- the movable members 151 of a portion of the side brush assemblies 150 may be moved.
- the movable member 151 of the side brush assembly 150 adjacent to a wall may be selectively moved from the first position to the second position.
- the second driving member 156 provides driving force for rotating the brush 152.
- the second driving member 156 may be disposed in the casing 110 to transmit driving force to the brush 152 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown), or be disposed on the movable member 151 to directly transmit driving force to the brush 152.
- the second driving member 156 may be moved together with the movable member 151.
- the start and stop of an operation of the 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 the second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start of a forward rotation of the first driving member 155 and the stop of a backward rotation of the first driving member 155.
- the side brush assembly 150 may include a first switch 157 and a second switch 158.
- the first switch 157 and the second switch 158 control operations of the first driving member 155.
- the first switch 157 when the first driving member 155 rotates in the forward direction to move the side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position, the first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the first driving member 155.
- the second switch 158 When the first driving member 155 rotates in the backward direction to move the side brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position, the second switch 158 generates a signal for stopping the first driving member 155.
- the movable member 151 may turn the 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.
- the side brush assembly 150 when the cleaner 100 is not in the cleaning operation, that is, when the cleaner 100 is stored or charged, the side brush assembly 150 is in the first position.
- the side brush assembly 150 is substantially located under the casing 110 and is thus not exposed out of the casing 110. Accordingly, a space for storing the cleaner 100 can be decreased.
- the brush 152 when the brush 152 is located under the casing 110, the possibility of damage to the brush 152 can be decreased while the cleaner 100 is stored.
- the first driving member 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction. Accordingly, the 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, the first driving member 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction. Thus, the first driving member 155 moves the side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position.
- the first switch 157 When the side brush assembly 150 arrives at the second position, the first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward rotation of the first driving member 155. Accordingly, the forward rotation of the first driving member 155 is stopped, and thus, the side brush assembly 150 stays in the second position.
- the second driving member 156 starts to rotate. Accordingly, the brush 152 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside of the suction port 111 to the lower side of the suction port 111. The foreign substance, moved to the lower side of the suction port 111 by the brush 152, is suctioned by the suction device.
- the operation of the suction device is ended.
- the operation of the moving device 140 is also ended.
- the first driving member 155 starts to rotate in the backward direction. Accordingly, the side brush assembly 150 is moved from the second position to the first position.
- the second switch 158 generates a signal to stop the backward rotation of the first driving member 155.
- the rotation of the second driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation of the brush 152 is also stopped.
- the side brush assembly 150 Since the side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, the side brush assembly 150, particularly, the brush 152 is prevented from being exposed out of the cleaner 100. Thus, the side brush assembly 150 is prevented from being damaged while the 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, the 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 the side brush assembly 150.
- the start of the forward rotation of a first driving member 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 the first driving member may be started after the operation of the suction member is started.
- the backward rotation of the first driving member may be stopped before the operation of the suction member is stopped.
- the start and stop of the rotation of a second driving member are synchronized with the start of the forward rotation of the first driving member and the stop of the backward rotation thereof, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
- the start of the rotation of the second driving member may be synchronized with the stop of the forward rotation of the first driving member.
- the stop of the rotation of the second driving member may be synchronized with the start of the backward rotation of the first driving member.
- operations of the first and second driving members may be linked with an operation of a main driving member.
- the start of the forward rotation of the first driving member may be synchronized with the start of an operation of the main driving member.
- the start of the backward rotation of the first driving member may be synchronized with the stop of the operation of the main driving member.
- the start and stop of the rotation of the second driving member may be synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of the main driving member.
- the first driving member 155 may be operated to move the 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 includes a movable member 161 and a brush 162 rotatably disposed on the movable member 161.
- the brush 162 includes a plurality of bristles 163.
- the movable member 161 may include a leg member 164.
- the movable member 161 may linearly move in a back and forth direction.
- a first driving member 155 starts to operate in a forward direction. Accordingly, the 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, the first driving member 155 starts to operate in the forward direction. Thus, the first driving member 155 linearly moves the side brush assembly 160 from the first position to the second position.
- a first switch 157 When the side brush assembly 160 arrives at the second position, a first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward operation of the first driving member 155. Accordingly, the forward operation of the first driving member 155 is stopped, and thus, the side brush assembly 160 stays in the second position.
- a second driving member 156 starts to operate. Accordingly, the brush 162 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside of the suction port 111 to the lower side of the suction port 111. The foreign substance, moved to the lower side of the suction port 111 by the brush 162, is suctioned by the suction device.
- the operation of the suction device is ended.
- the operation of the moving device 140 is also ended.
- the first driving member 155 starts to operate in a backward direction. Accordingly, the 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 the first driving member 155.
- the operation of the second driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation of the brush 162 is also stopped.
- the side brush assembly 160 Since the side brush assembly 160 is in the first position, the side brush assembly 160, particularly, the brush 162 is prevented from being exposed out of the cleaner 100. Thus, the side brush assembly 160 is prevented from being damaged while the 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.
- the side brush assembly 170 that is, the 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 the 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 the movable member 171, a second driving member 156 of rotating the brush 172, and first and second switches 157 and 158 for controlling operations of the 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.
- the movable member 181 may be linearly movable in a direction crossing a rotation shaft of a wheel constituting a moving device 140.
- the casing 110 When the casing 110 has a circular shape, it may be difficult to clean an area located at approximately 45° about the center of the casing 110.
- the movable member 181 Since a corner of a cleaning region is located at approximately 45° about the center of the casing 110, the movable member 181 is moved in a line inclined at about 45° from the rotation shaft of the wheel constituting the moving device 140, thereby effectively cleaning the corner.
- a component constituting the 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 the movable member 181, a second driving member 156 of rotating the brush 182, and first and second switches 157 and 158 for controlling operations of the first driving member 155 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.
Description
- 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 driving force of a motor operated by a battery, to suction and remove a foreign substance from a floor.
- In general, a moving device is installed on a casing forming an 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, substantially, under the suction port. Thus, it may be difficult to effectively clean a region outside of the suction port.
- To address this issue, a side brush may be disposed on the bottom of the casing. At least one portion of the side brush extends out of the casing. The side brush rotates relative to the casing to move a foreign substance located out of the casing, substantially, out of the suction port, toward the suction port.
- However, such automatic cleaners have the following limitations.
- As described above, since a foreign substance located out 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.
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JP 2010035773A - Embodiments provide an automatic cleaner adapted for effectively cleaning a corner. Aspects of an invention are defined in the appended independent claims.
- An automatic cleaner according to the present invention is defined by appended claim 1, and it includes:
- a casing including a suction port; a suction device disposed in the casing to suction an outer foreign substance through the suction port; 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 out of the casing, to the suction port, and a rotation shaft of the brush is horizontally moved according to a movement of the side brush assembly.
- The side brush assembly further includes a movable member movably installed on the casing, and the brush is rotatably installed on the movable member.
- When the movable member is moved, a vertical overlap area of the movable member and the casing may be varied.
- When the suction device is stopped, the movable member is located in a first position. When the suction device is operated, the movable member is moved to a second position.
- While the suction device is operated, the movable member may stay in the second position
- While the suction device is operated, the movable member may be moved between the first and second positions.
- When the suction device is operated, the movable member may be moved.
- The brush may be rotated when the suction device is operated, 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 for moving the movable member; and a second driving member that generates driving force for rotating 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; a suction device disposed on the casing to suction an outer foreign substance through the suction port; 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 for rotating the main brush; a movable member movably installed on the casing; a first driving member that provides driving force for moving the movable member; and a brush rotatably installed on the movable member to move a foreign substance to the suction port.
- When the suction device is stopped, the movable member may be located in a first position. When the suction device is operated, 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 suction device is operated.
- 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, a vertical 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 and4 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 and7 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 and2 , an automatic cleaner 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a cleaner for convenience in description) according to the current embodiment includes acasing 110 that forms an appearance of thecleaner 100. Thecasing 110 may have a flat polyhedral shape, but is not limited thereto. Thecasing 110 accommodates various components constituting thecleaner 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 in thecasing 110. - A
suction port 111 is disposed in a bottom portion of thecasing 110. Thesuction port 111 functions as an inlet through which a foreign substance is suctioned into thecasing 110, particularly, into the collecting member by the suction member. Thesuction port 111 is formed by partially cutting the bottom portion of thecasing 110. - Seating recesses 113 are disposed in the bottom portion of the
casing 110. The seating recesses 113 are formed by upwardly recessing a portion of the bottom of thecasing 110 from the rest thereof. Although two as the seating recesses 113 are disposed at both sides of thesuction port 111, the number of the seating recesses 113 are not limited thereto. - A
main brush 120 is disposed inside of thecasing 110 on an area corresponding to thesuction port 111. Themain brush 120 passes through thesuction port 111 to contact a foreign substance on a cleaning target surface and remove the foreign substance. Themain brush 120 is exposed downward through thesuction port 111 and is rotatable. Amain driving member 130 provides driving force for rotating themain brush 120. - The
casing 110 is provided with a movingdevice 140 for moving thecasing 110. For example, the movingdevice 140 may include a driving motor (not shown) disposed in thecasing 110, and wheels rotated by the driving motor. - One or more
side brush assemblies 150 may be installed on the bottom of thecasing 110. In the current embodiment, theside brush assembly 150 is provided in plurality on the bottom of thecasing 110. - The
side brush assemblies 150 are movably installed on thecasing 110. For example, theside brush assemblies 150 may be rotated to be selectively located at a lower side or outside of thecasing 110. Theside brush assemblies 150 are configured such that the suction member suctions, through thesuction port 111, a foreign substance located outside of thesuction port 111. - The
side brush assembly 150 includes amovable member 151 and abrush 152 rotatably installed on themovable member 151. - In particular, the
movable member 151 may have an approximately polyhedral shape corresponding to theseating recess 113. For example, themovable member 151 may be disposed on the bottom surface of thecasing 110 and be rotatable about avertical rotation shaft 151A. Since thebrush 152 is connected to themovable member 151, which will be described later in detail, themovable member 151 may be referred to as a brush holder. - The
brush 152 is rotatably installed on themovable member 151. Substantially, thebrush 152 moves a foreign substance located outside of thesuction port 111 to the lower side of thesuction port 111. Thebrush 152 may include a plurality ofbristles 153 spaced apart from each other by a preset angle. The number and position of thebristles 153 are not specifically limited. - The
side brush assembly 150 may include aleg member 154.
Theleg member 154 is disposed on a bottom surface of themovable member 151. Theleg member 154 spaces thebrush 152 from a cleaning target surface. Thus, thebrush 152 is prevented from tightly contacting a cleaning target surface during a cleaning operation, and is thus protected from damage
and is allowed to rotate. To this end, the bottom surface of theleg member 154 is substantially lower than the bottom surface of thebrush 152. - The
side brush assembly 150 may include afirst driving member 155 and asecond driving member 156. - The
first driving member 155 provides driving force for rotating themovable member 151. Thefirst driving member 155 may be disposed in thecasing 110. Thefirst driving member 155 may directly transmit driving force to themovable member 151, or indirectly transmit driving force to themovable member 151 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown). - According to a movement of the
movable member 151 relative to thecasing 110, theside brush assembly 150 is selectively located in one of a first position (refer toFig. 3 ) and a second position (refer toFig. 4 ). Theside brush assembly 150 is located under thecasing 110 in the first position. In this case, a vertical projection of themovable member 151 is located within a vertical projection of thecasing 110. A portion of theside brush assembly 150 is located out of thecasing 110 in the second position. When theside brush assembly 150 is moved between the first and second positions, arotation shaft 152A of thebrush 152 is horizontally moved. - When the
side brush assembly 150 is located in the second position, a portion of a vertical projection of themovable member 151 is located out of a vertical projection of thecasing 110, and the rest of the vertical projection of themovable member 151 is located within the vertical projection of thecasing 110. That is, a vertical overlap area between themovable member 151 and thecasing 110 may be varied according to a movement of theside brush assembly 150. A vertical overlap area between themovable member 151 and thecasing 110 is greater when theside brush assembly 150 is in the first position than in the second position. - When the
side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, themovable member 151 is seated in theseating recess 113. When theside brush assembly 150 is in the first position, a vertical projection of thebrush 152 is also located within the vertical projection of thecasing 110. When theside brush assembly 150 is in the second position, a vertical projection of thebrush 152 is located on both the inside and outside of the vertical projection of thecasing 110. Alternatively, when theside brush assembly 150 is in
the first position, a portion of the vertical projection of thebrush 152 may be located outside of the vertical projection of thecasing 110. - Substantially, the
side brush assembly 150 may be selectively located in one of the first and second positions according to whether the cleaner 100 is in the cleaning operation. The cleaning operation may be an operation of the suction member. When the cleaner 100 is not in the cleaning operation, theside brush assembly 150 is in the first position. When the cleaner 100 is in the cleaning operation, theside brush assembly 150 is moved to the second position. That is, with respect to the first drivingmember 155, the start of an operation of the first drivingmember 155 for moving theside brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position may be synchronized with the start of the operation of the suction member. In addition, the start of an operation of the first drivingmember 155 for moving theside 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 the first drivingmember 155 for moving theside brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position is referred to as a forward direction, and an operation direction of the first drivingmember 155 for moving theside brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position is referred to as a backward direction. - When the
side brush assembly 150 is provided in plurality on thecasing 110, themovable members 151 of a portion of theside brush assemblies 150 may be moved. For example, themovable member 151 of theside brush assembly 150 adjacent to a wall may be selectively moved from the first position to the second position. - The
second driving member 156 provides driving force for rotating thebrush 152. For example, thesecond driving member 156 may be disposed in thecasing 110 to transmit driving force to thebrush 152 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown), or be disposed on themovable member 151 to directly transmit driving force to thebrush 152. When thesecond driving member 156 is disposed on themovable member 151, thesecond driving member 156 may be moved together with themovable member 151. - The start and stop of an operation of the
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 of thesecond driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start of a forward rotation of the first drivingmember 155 and the stop of a backward rotation of the first drivingmember 155. - The
side brush assembly 150 may include afirst switch 157 and asecond switch 158. - The
first switch 157 and thesecond switch 158 control operations of the first drivingmember 155. In particular, when the first drivingmember 155 rotates in the forward direction to move theside brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position, thefirst switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the first drivingmember 155. When the first drivingmember 155 rotates in the backward direction to move theside brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position, thesecond switch 158 generates a signal for stopping the first drivingmember 155. For example, themovable member 151 may turn the 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 and4 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment. - Referring to
Fig. 3 , when the cleaner 100 is not in the cleaning operation, that is, when the cleaner 100 is stored or charged, theside brush assembly 150 is in the first position. Thus, theside brush assembly 150 is substantially located under thecasing 110 and is thus not exposed out of thecasing 110. Accordingly, a space for storing the cleaner 100 can be decreased. Furthermore, when thebrush 152 is located under thecasing 110, the possibility of damage to thebrush 152 can be decreased while the 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 the
suction port 111. In addition, the movingdevice 140 is operated to move the cleaner 100, thereby performing the cleaning operation. - Referring to
Fig. 4 , when the operation of the suction device is started, the first drivingmember 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction. Accordingly, theside 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, the first drivingmember 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction. Thus, the first drivingmember 155 moves theside brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position. - When the
side brush assembly 150 arrives at the second position, thefirst switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward rotation of the first drivingmember 155. Accordingly, the forward rotation of the first drivingmember 155 is stopped, and thus, theside brush assembly 150 stays in the second position. - When the operation of the suction device is started, the
second driving member 156 starts to rotate. Accordingly, thebrush 152 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside of thesuction port 111 to the lower side of thesuction port 111. The foreign substance, moved to the lower side of thesuction port 111 by thebrush 152, is suctioned by the suction device. - When the cleaning operation is ended, the operation of the suction device is ended. When the cleaner 100 is located in a predetermined position such as a storing position or a charging position, the operation of the moving
device 140 is also ended. - When the operation of the suction device is ended, the first driving
member 155 starts to rotate in the backward direction. Accordingly, theside brush assembly 150 is moved from the second position to the first position. When theside brush assembly 150 arrives at the first position, thesecond switch 158 generates a signal to stop the backward rotation of the first drivingmember 155. When the backward rotation of the first drivingmember 155 is stopped, the rotation of thesecond driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation of thebrush 152 is also stopped. - Since the
side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, theside brush assembly 150, particularly, thebrush 152 is prevented from being exposed out of the cleaner 100. Thus, theside brush assembly 150 is prevented from being damaged while the 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 a cleaner 100 perform a cleaning operation,side brush assemblies 150 are continually moved between first and second positions. That is, during the cleaning operation, theside 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 theside brush assembly 150. - In the above embodiment, the start of the forward rotation of a first driving member 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 the first driving member may be started after the operation of the suction member is started. In addition, the backward rotation of the first driving member 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 are synchronized with the start of the forward rotation of the first driving member 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 of the second driving member may be synchronized with the stop of the forward rotation of the first driving member. In addition, for example, the stop of the rotation of the second driving member may be synchronized with the start of the backward rotation of the first driving member.
- In addition, operations of the first and second driving members may be linked with an operation of a main driving member. For example, the start of the forward rotation of the first driving member may be synchronized with the start of an operation of the main driving member. In addition, the start of the backward rotation of the first driving member may be synchronized with the stop of the operation of the main driving member. In addition, the start and stop of the rotation of the second driving member may be synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of the main driving member.
- Furthermore, when the
casing 110 approaches a wall with a predetermined distance, the first drivingmember 155 may be operated to move themovable member 151. -
Figs. 6 and7 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 and7 , aside brush assembly 160 according to the third embodiment includes amovable member 161 and abrush 162 rotatably disposed on themovable member 161. Thebrush 162 includes a plurality ofbristles 163. Themovable member 161 may include aleg member 164.
Themovable member 161 may linearly move in a back and forth direction.
When a cleaner 100 is not in a cleaning operation, that is, when the cleaner 100 is stored or charged, theside brush assembly 160 is in a first position. Thus, theside brush assembly 160 is substantially located under acasing 110 and is thus not exposed out of thecasing 110. Accordingly, a space for storing the cleaner 100 can be decreased. Furthermore, when thebrush 162 is located under thecasing 110, the possibility of damage to thebrush 162 can be
decreased while the 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 the 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, theside 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, the first drivingmember 155 starts to operate in the forward direction. Thus, the first drivingmember 155 linearly moves theside brush assembly 160 from the first position to the second position. - When the
side brush assembly 160 arrives at the second position, afirst switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward operation of the first drivingmember 155. Accordingly, the forward operation of the first drivingmember 155 is stopped, and thus, theside 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, thebrush 162 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside of thesuction port 111 to the lower side of thesuction port 111. The foreign substance, moved to the lower side of thesuction port 111 by thebrush 162, is suctioned by the suction device. - When the cleaning operation is ended, the operation of the suction device is ended. When the cleaner 100 is located in a predetermined position such as a storing position or a charging position, the operation of the moving
device 140 is also ended. - When the operation of the suction device is ended, the first driving
member 155 starts to operate in a backward direction. Accordingly, theside brush assembly 160 is moved from the second position to the first position. When theside brush assembly 160 arrives at the first position, asecond switch 158 generates a signal to stop the backward operation of the first drivingmember 155. When the backward operation of the first drivingmember 155 is stopped, the operation of thesecond driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation of thebrush 162 is also stopped. - Since the
side brush assembly 160 is in the first position, theside brush assembly 160, particularly, thebrush 162 is prevented from being exposed out of the cleaner 100. Thus, theside brush assembly 160 is prevented from being damaged while the 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, theside brush assembly 170, that is, themovable member 171 may be linearly movable in a direction parallel to a rotation shaft of a wheel constituting a movingdevice 140. Other components constituting theside brush assembly 170, that is, aleg member 174 and abrush 172 includingbristles 173 may be the same as those of the first embodiment. Also, afirst driving member 155 for moving themovable member 171, asecond driving member 156 of rotating thebrush 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, themovable member 181 may be linearly movable in a direction crossing a rotation shaft of a wheel constituting a movingdevice 140. - When the
casing 110 has a circular shape, it may be difficult to clean an area located at approximately 45° about the center of thecasing 110. - Since a corner of a cleaning region is located at approximately 45° about the center of the
casing 110, themovable member 181 is moved in a line inclined at about 45° from the rotation shaft of the wheel constituting the movingdevice 140, thereby effectively cleaning the corner. - A component constituting the
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 moving themovable member 181, asecond driving member 156 of rotating thebrush 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 scope of the claims. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of 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 (12)
- An automatic cleaner comprising:a casing (110) comprising a suction port (111);a suction device disposed in the casing (110) and arranged to suction an outer foreign substance through the suction port (111);a moving device (140) adapted to move the casing (110); anda side brush assembly (150) movably installed on the casing (110),wherein the side brush assembly (150) comprises: a brush (152) arranged to rotate to move a foreign substance located outside of the casing to the suction port (111); and a moveable member (151) movably installed on the casing (110), wherein the brush (151) is rotatably installed on the moveable member (151), anda rotation shaft (152A) of the brush (152) arranged to horizontally move according to a movement of the side brush assembly (150),wherein when the suction device is stopped, the side brush assembly (150) is located in a first position substantially under the casing, and when the suction device is operated, the side brush assembly (150) is moved to a second position.
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 1, wherein when the movable member (151) is moved, a vertical overlap area of the movable member (151) and the casing (110) is varied.
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the brush (152) is rotated when the suction device is operated, and
the side brush assembly (150) is moved when the casing (110) approaches a wall to a predetermined distance. - The automatic cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising:a first driving member (155) that generates driving force for moving the movable member (151); anda second driving member (156) that generates driving force for rotating the brush (152).
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the first driving member (155) and the second driving member (156) are disposed on the casing (110); or the first driving member (155) is disposed on the casing (110) and the second driving member (156) is disposed on the movable member (151) and is moved together with the movable member (151).
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the movable member (151) is installed on the casing (110) and is allowed to linearly move; or the movable member (151) is installed on the casing (110) and allowed to rotate about a rotation shaft (151A).
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the side brush assembly (150) is provided in plurality, and when one of the side brush assemblies is adjacent to a wall, the side brush assembly adjacent to the wall is moved.
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 1 comprising:a main brush (120) contacting a foreign substance through the suction port (111) and removing the foreign substance;a main driving member (130) that provides driving force for rotating the main brush (120).
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the second driving member (156) is operated when the suction device is operated.
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising:a first sensing part for sensing the first position of the side brush assembly (150); anda second sensing part for sensing the second position of the side brush assembly (150).
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the first driving member (155) is operated when the casing (110) approaches a wall.
- The automatic cleaner according to claim 4, wherein while the first driving member (155) is operated, a vertical overlap area of the movable member (151) and the casing (110) is varied.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP15193040.1A EP2997870B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-21 | Automatic cleaner |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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KR1020110096101A KR101322589B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2011-09-23 | Automatic cleaner |
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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EP15193040.1A Division-Into EP2997870B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-21 | Automatic cleaner |
EP15193040.1A Division EP2997870B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-21 | Automatic cleaner |
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EP2737837A2 EP2737837A2 (en) | 2014-06-04 |
EP2737837A8 EP2737837A8 (en) | 2014-10-15 |
EP2737837A4 EP2737837A4 (en) | 2015-07-15 |
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EP12834284.7A Active EP2737837B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-21 | Automatic vacuum cleaner |
EP15193040.1A Active EP2997870B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-21 | Automatic cleaner |
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EP15193040.1A Active EP2997870B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-21 | Automatic cleaner |
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EP (2) | EP2737837B1 (en) |
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EP2263510B1 (en) * | 2009-06-19 | 2017-09-13 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Robot cleaner and method of its travel control |
KR101484942B1 (en) * | 2010-08-26 | 2015-01-22 | 삼성전자 주식회사 | Cleaner and control method thereof |
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2012
- 2012-09-21 WO PCT/KR2012/007578 patent/WO2013042975A2/en active Application Filing
- 2012-09-21 US US13/980,291 patent/US20130291331A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-09-21 AU AU2012310377A patent/AU2012310377B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2012-09-21 EP EP12834284.7A patent/EP2737837B1/en active Active
- 2012-09-21 EP EP15193040.1A patent/EP2997870B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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None * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN103402412A (en) | 2013-11-20 |
AU2012310377B2 (en) | 2015-08-20 |
EP2737837A2 (en) | 2014-06-04 |
EP2737837A4 (en) | 2015-07-15 |
WO2013042975A2 (en) | 2013-03-28 |
AU2012310377A1 (en) | 2013-09-12 |
AU2012310377A8 (en) | 2013-09-19 |
EP2997870A1 (en) | 2016-03-23 |
EP2997870B1 (en) | 2018-09-12 |
US20130291331A1 (en) | 2013-11-07 |
WO2013042975A3 (en) | 2013-06-13 |
EP2737837A8 (en) | 2014-10-15 |
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