JP2003190064A - Self-traveling vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable collecting rubbish or the like without leaving on the outside of a cleaning section, as well as cleaning a floor face, in a self-traveling vacuum cleaner provided with a mop or cloth. <P>SOLUTION: The vacuum cleaner body 1 which can autonomously travel on the floor face is provided with the cleaning section 5 whose plan view shape is formed concavely open in the advancing direction of the body 1, and the cleaning section 5 holds with a holder 3 the mop 2 or the cloth which touches to the floor face. When the vacuum cleaner travels, the mop 2 wipes up dust or the like on the floor face and collects the rubbish and dust on the floor by the concave face side. The cleaning section 5 is arranged, for instance, on the front side of the body 1, and touching sensors 20 are equipped which detect a touch of the mop 2 to an obstacle by pressure from the cleaning section, whereby the obstacle can be avoided. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a self-propelled cleaner having a main body of a self-propelled cleaner equipped with a cleaning unit having a mop or a cloth which contacts a floor surface, and a cleaning method using the cleaner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, a suction-type self-propelled vacuum cleaner has been developed since the 1980s. It has a powerful suction fan and a fan drive motor together with a driving mechanism and a battery for traveling. It is not suitable for general household use due to its large size and weight because it is equipped with a dust collecting bag, etc.
For example, the heavy weight makes it difficult to handle, and also has a large inertial force when traveling, which may damage the furniture when it collides with furniture, etc.The large size also makes it difficult to turn around tightly in a corner of a room. It is difficult to clean everything. In addition, the suction fan is noisy and is not suitable for work at night.

For such a suction type self-propelled cleaner,
Recently, a wiping type self-propelled cleaner as shown in FIG. 20 or FIG. 21 has been developed. In the case of such a wipe type, since dust on the floor surface is wiped off, compared to the suction type, a suction fan, a motor for driving the fan, a large battery and a space for accommodating a dust collecting bag, etc. Is unnecessary, the size and weight can be reduced, and it can be sufficiently used as a vacuum cleaner for general households.

The wiping type self-propelled vacuum cleaner shown in FIG.
JP-A-2001-258806 discloses a cleaning unit 104 in which a main body 101 that runs on the floor surface and a mop 102 that contacts the floor surface are held by a holder 103.
The cleaning unit 104 is attached to the arm portion 105 protruding forward from the main body 101. The plan shape of the mop 102 (the shape viewed from above) is an ellipse or a rectangle.

The wiping type self-propelled vacuum cleaner shown in FIG.
As described in JP-A No. 11-178765, a rectangular plate 202 is provided below a vehicle body 201 having driving wheels 200 for traveling, and the plate 20 is provided.
The spring 2 is pressed against the floor surface by the spring 203 and has a warp portion at the front and rear ends in the traveling direction. A sheet member 205 for wiping is replaceably attached to the plate 202, and the vehicle body 201 is allowed to autonomously travel to adsorb dust on the floor surface by the sheet member 205. The sheet member 205 is referred to as a “paper mop” in the above publication, but when referred to as a “mop” in the present specification, a large number of piles of cotton, nylon, polyester, acrylic or the like are planted. I will indicate what I did.

[0006]

The self-propelled cleaner shown in FIG. 20 moves forward to remove dust on the floor by the mop 1.
It can be wiped up with 02 or entangled in the pile of the mop 102, but if it hits a large dust such as cotton dust, or if the amount of dust wiped out exceeds the allowable amount of the mop, it is flat. Cleaning section 10 with oval shape
In No. 4, dust and the like are spilled on the left and right sides of the cleaning unit 104, resulting in extremely low work performance.

A vehicle body 201 such as the self-propelled cleaner shown in FIG.
In the structure including the seat member 205 on the lower side of the vehicle body 20,
1 gets in the way, leaving an unwiped part in the corner of the room. Also,
Since the plate 202 has a rectangular planar shape, as in the case of FIG. 20, when it hits a large dust such as cotton dust, or the amount of dust adsorbed exceeds the allowable amount of the sheet member 205. In this case, dust or the like spills out from side to side, resulting in extremely poor work performance. By the way, when using the mop manually, dust is collected by wiping or sweeping in an S-shape. In a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that travels on wheels, such complicated and delicate movements are difficult, and it is necessary to devise the shape of the mop.

[0008]

It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-propelled cleaner capable of adsorbing dust and dirt on the floor surface to a mop or cloth, and at the same time efficiently holding and gathering the front surface of a cleaning unit so as not to spill. The purpose is to do.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the self-propelled cleaner according to claim 1 of the present invention has a main body of a self-propelled cleaner having a concave planar shape that opens in the forward direction. The cleaning unit has a formed cleaning unit, and the cleaning unit holds a mop or cloth that comes into contact with the floor surface with a holding tool, and collects dust and dust on the floor surface on the concave side of the cleaning unit.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the self-propelled cleaning device according to the first aspect, the cleaning section is arranged on the front side of the main body.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the self-propelled cleaning device according to the second aspect, the cleaning section can swing to the left and right.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the self-propelled cleaner according to the first aspect, the cleaning unit is arranged so as to hold the main body from behind, and the left and right ends of the cleaning unit are located in front of the main body. The central part is located behind the main body.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the self-propelled cleaner according to the fourth aspect, the cleaning section is composed of a plurality of divided parts.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the self-propelled cleaner according to the second aspect, in addition to the cleaning section arranged on the front side of the main body, the cleaning section is also arranged on the rear side of the main body.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, in the self-propelled cleaner according to the first aspect, the cleaning section is arranged on the front side of the main body, and the medicine applying section is arranged on the rear side of the main body.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in the self-propelled vacuum cleaner according to the seventh aspect, a drug supply device for supplying a drug to the drug applying section is mounted.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the self-propelled cleaner according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, when the mop or cloth of the cleaning unit contacts an obstacle between the cleaning unit and the main body. Equipped with a contact sensor to detect the pressure of.

The self-propelled cleaner according to claim 10 is a self-propelled cleaner that is self-propelled on a floor surface. The main body of the cleaner includes a cleaning unit having a concave planar shape. Holds the mop or cloth that comes into contact with the floor surface with a holder, and can rotate around the main body so that the concave side faces the direction of rotation, and the concave side surface of the cleaning unit removes dirt and dust from the floor surface. I try to collect them together.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a stationary dust collecting apparatus having a suction port that opens to the side is installed on the floor surface, and the self-propelled vacuum cleaner according to any one of the first to tenth aspects provides: A cleaning method using a self-propelled cleaner characterized in that dust and the like are collected in front of a suction port of a stationary dust collector and sucked by the stationary dust collector.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the cleaning method using the self-propelled cleaner according to the eleventh aspect, the stationary dust collector is provided with a detection device for detecting the approach of the self-propelled cleaner. When the self-propelled vacuum cleaner approaches, suction is performed for a certain period of time.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional left side view of a wiping type self-propelled cleaner to which the present invention is applied. The main body 1 autonomously runs and a pair of left and right in front of the main body 1. Support arm 4
The cleaning unit 5 includes a mop 2 that contacts the floor surface F and a holder 3 that holds the mop 2.

The main body 1 is provided with a pair of left and right drive wheels 7 at the rear part and a caster wheel 8 at the front part. Inside the main body 1, as a wheel drive mechanism, a pair of left and right motors 10 and a pair of left and right wheels are provided. The reduction gear mechanism 11 is mounted, the control device 12 and the battery (power source) 14 are mounted, and by controlling the left and right motors 10 or the reduction gear mechanism 11, start / stop, forward switching, direction change, etc. Can be controlled.

The support arm 4 includes a cylinder 15 and a coil spring 1.
It is supported by the main body 1 through a damper mechanism composed of 6 and the like, is fitted in the cylinder 15 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction, and is biased forward by the coil spring 16, so that the cleaning unit 5 is a front obstacle. When the vehicle collides with, the impact is absorbed by the elastic force of the coil spring 16.

FIG. 2 is a plan view, and the cleaning section 5 is formed in a concave shape that opens in the forward traveling direction. In this embodiment, the central portion of the left and right width of the holder 3 is formed. Is formed in a straight line extending left and right, and both left and right sides are formed into a crane wing shape that is bent forward by a certain angle. A mop 2 provided with a pile of cotton, nylon, polyester or acrylic is attached to a holder 3, and a dust control mop having a chemical adsorbent attached to the pile is used. In addition to the mops mentioned above, cotton, nylon,
It is also possible to use a cloth obtained by attaching a chemical adsorbent to a woven or non-woven fabric such as polyester or acrylic. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a mop or cloth using a fiber that is electretized and electrostatically collected.

A front contact sensor 20 for detecting the front extending from the front end of the main body 1 to the holder 3 is provided between the support arms 4, and when the mop 2 of the cleaning unit 5 comes into contact with an obstacle in front, The pressure applied to the main body 1 from the holder 3 detects ON / OFF applied to the switch mechanism, and sends a front contact detection signal to the input unit of the control device 12.

Further, a contact sensor 21 for lateral detection is mounted on both left and right sides of the main body 1, and the lateral contact sensor 21 extends to the left and right, and a tactile sensation 22 extends rearward.
When the tactile sense 22 comes into contact with an obstacle on the side, the movement of the tactile sense 22 is detected and a side contact detection signal is sent to the input unit of the control device 12.

The control device 12 has a microcomputer, a memory and the like built-in, and various programs in which start / stop of the main body 1, forward / backward switching, direction change and their operations are combined are read. For example, when a front contact detection signal is input from the front contact sensor 20, 90 ° or 18
It is programmed to send a direction change instruction signal to the drive motor 10 or the reduction gear mechanism 11 so as to change direction at 0 ° or other predetermined angle, and a side contact detection signal is input from the side contact sensor 21. If
It is programmed to send a steering instruction signal to the drive motor 10 or the reduction gear mechanism 11 so as to bend to the side opposite to the contact side.

[Cleaning Method] As shown in FIG. 3, the floor stationary dust collector 30 is installed at a predetermined location in the room where cleaning is performed. The floor dust collector 30 includes a fan drive motor (not shown) and a suction fan (not shown) in a fan case 31, and a dust collection case 32 having a dust bag built in on the fan case 31. Is provided with a suction port 33 that opens upwardly, and the suction port 33 extends upward.
Through the inside of the dust collection case 32. A manual power switch 35 is provided on the upper surface of the dust collection case 32. In addition to the manual power switch 35, an induction device 37 as an automatic switch that emits weak electric waves, infrared rays or ultrasonic waves that guide the vacuum cleaner to the front of the suction port 33.
In addition to the above, a control device 38 having a program read therein, which automatically switches on when a vacuum cleaner approaches the front of the suction port 33 and stops for a few seconds, is loaded with a program for performing suction work for a certain period of time. ing.

On the other hand, the control device 12 of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner
FIG. 2 shows that, after a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined distance has been traveled after the start of travel, the electromagnetic waves guided by the dust collector 30 of FIG. It has a built-in program that stops for 10 seconds.

When cleaning the room, place the self-propelled cleaner at an arbitrary position (or a predetermined position) in the room,
When the traveling switch is turned on, the floor surface is moved forward. By moving forward, dust and dust on the floor surface are adsorbed by the pile of the mop 2, and at the same time, taken into the central portion of the mop 2 on the concave side and gathered together without spilling to the outside.

In FIG. 2, when the vacuum cleaner is moving forward and there is an obstacle such as furniture in front, the mop 2 arranged on the front side of the main body 1 collides with the obstacle and the main body 1 directly collides. It does not damage furniture, etc. Moreover, the impact when the mop 2 collides with furniture or the like in the front is softened by the flexibility of the mop itself and the damper mechanism of the support arm 4, and the influence on the control device 12 and the like in the main body 1 is reduced.

When the vehicle collides with the front obstacle as described above, pressure is applied to the front contact sensor 20, a front contact detection signal is sent to the control device 12, and the main body 1 is rotated by 90 °.
Alternatively, turn at 180 ° or another predetermined angle to avoid obstacles and continue traveling.

When approaching furniture or the like on the side while traveling forward, the tactile sense 22 of the side contact sensor 21 makes contact, so that a side contact detection signal is sent to the control device 12 and the main body 1 is obstructed. You will change direction away from and continue driving. In addition, when contacting furniture or the like on the side in the traveling direction as described above, no impact is generated as in the case of colliding with an obstacle in the front of the traveling direction. There is no need to worry about damaging various devices inside 1.

After a certain time has elapsed or a certain distance has been traveled after the start of traveling, the self-propelled cleaner will be operated by the dust collector 3 as shown in FIG.
It is guided by the induction wave from 0 and moves to the front of the suction port 33, where it stops for several seconds to several tens of seconds. When the detection sensor 37 of the dust collector 30 detects the approach and stop of the self-propelled cleaner, the dust collector 30 is automatically switched on and sucks dust and dust collected on the floor by the cleaner. In addition, dust inside the mop 2 is also sucked and collected in a dust bag.

[Modification of Cleaning Unit Form] FIGS. 4 to 9
Shows various modifications of the cleaning unit 5 in a self-propelled cleaner in which the cleaning unit 5 is arranged in front of the main body 1. The cleaning unit 5 is supported on the front side of the main body 1 via the support arm 4, A front contact sensor 20 is provided on the main body 1 side of the support arm 4. In addition,
4 to 9 are schematic diagrams and do not show various devices and the like mounted on the main body 1 in detail, but basically, drive wheels and caster wheels having the same functions as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2. , A wheel drive motor, a reduction gear mechanism, a control device, and a battery (power supply). Below front cleaning section 5
Each modified example will be specifically described.

(1) FIG. 4 shows an example in which the cleaning unit 5 arranged on the front side of the main body 1 is formed in a front opening arc shape.

(2) FIG. 5 shows an example in which the concave cleaning section 5 arranged on the front side of the main body 1 is formed into a pair of curved shapes.

(3) In FIGS. 6 and 7, the cleaning unit 5 is attached to the front end of the support arm 4 so that the cleaning unit 5 can swing left and right via the hinge 25.
Is an example of supporting. Normally, the cleaning unit 5 is held by the pair of left and right springs 26 in a posture in which it is opened straight forward as shown in FIG. According to this structure, even if there are irregularities in the corners of the wall of the room, the cleaning unit 5 swings along the irregularities, and it is possible to clean every corner.

(4) FIGS. 8 and 9 show a structure in which the cleaning unit 5 is supported so as to be swingable right and left via a pair of left and right telescopic cylinders 27.

[0040]

Embodiment 2 of the Invention The self-propelled vacuum cleaner shown in FIG.
The cleaning part 45 formed in a large arc shape is arranged so as to hold the main body 1 from behind, the left and right ends P1 of the cleaning part 45 are located in front of the main body 1, and the central part P2 is behind the main body 1. Located on the side. The cleaning unit 45 holds the mop 42 that comes into contact with the floor with a U-shaped holder 43, and is supported by the main body 1 by the left and right support arms 44 and the rear support arm 46. Contact sensors 61 and 63 are provided on the main body 1 side of the support arms 44 and 46, respectively. Since FIG. 10 is also a schematic diagram, various devices mounted on the main body 1 are not described, but basically, drive wheels, caster wheels, and wheel drive wheels having the same functions as those described in FIG. 1 and FIG. Motor, reduction gear mechanism, controller and battery (power supply)
Is equipped with.

In this way, the cleaning unit 45 is formed in a U shape so as to hold the main body 1, and the left and right ends P1 of the cleaning unit 45 are formed.
When is protruded forward from the main body 1, a large dust collecting area can be secured by the mop 42, and traveling can be performed without leaving dust when turning. Also,
Since the left and right ends P1 of the cleaning unit 45 are located in front of the main body 1, the mop 42 collides with an obstacle when moving forward,
Does not damage obstacles such as furniture, and also mops 2
The flexibility of itself reduces the impact and has little influence on the control device and the like in the main body 1.

FIG. 11 is a modified example of FIG.
This is an example in which the central portion of the cleaning portion 45 located on the rear side is formed in a wide straight line in the left and right directions, and both left and right sides are formed in a quarter arc shape. This makes it possible to deal with cleaning of a wider floor surface.

[0043]

Third Embodiment FIG. 12 shows an example in which cleaning units 5 and 45 are arranged in front of and behind the main body 1, and FIGS.
The modification of the same combination type cleaning part is shown. Hereinafter, the specific structure of FIGS. 12 to 16 will be described.

(1) In FIG. 12, a front cleaning section 5 similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and a rear cleaning section 45 similar to that shown in FIG. 10 are arranged in front of and behind the main body 1, and each support arm 4, 44, 46 is provided. Contact sensors 20, 61, and 63 are arranged on the main body 1 side of the above.

(2) In the modification of FIG. 13, the rear cleaning unit 4 is used.
5 has a structure in which the left and right parts are divided into two parts.
Contact sensors 61 and 63 are provided on the main body 1 side of the support arms 44 and 46 of a and 45a, respectively.

(3) In the modification of FIG. 14, the cleaning section 4 on the rear side is used.
5 is divided into three parts 45a, 45a and 45b on the left and right sides and the center part, and pressure contact sensors 61, 63 and 64 are attached to the respective support arms 44, 46 and 47 of the left and right parts 45a, 45a and the center part 45b. Are provided respectively.
In this way, each support arm portion 4 of the rear cleaning portion 45 divided into three parts
By attaching contact sensors 61, 63, 64 to 4, 46, 47, respectively, similarly to the front contact sensor 21, the contact direction with an obstacle can be detected more finely.

(4) FIG. 15 shows that the rear cleaning unit 45 is divided into three parts 45a, 45a, 45b on the left and right sides and the central part, and the central part 45b is widened to the left and right by a mop (a drug applying part). ). The mop 45b is provided with a wax or a polish cleaning agent so that cleaning and waxing or a polish cleaning agent can be performed simultaneously during one run.

(5) FIG. 16 shows a rear part of the main body 1 in which the central portion 45b of the rear side cleaning part 45 divided into three parts is composed of a mop (medicine applying part) having a wide width to the left and right, as in FIG. A chemical liquid tank 71 and a pump 72 are mounted, and a drug is supplied by a spray (or dripping unit) 73 before the mop 45b at a constant traveling distance or at a constant traveling time. With this configuration, the mop 45 can be used even while traveling.
The chemical can be constantly supplied to b, and waxing or polishing can be effectively performed.

[0049]

Fourth Embodiment FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are examples in which a rotary type cleaning unit 85 is provided. In FIG. 17, the outer shell of the main body 1 is formed in a hemispherical shape, and a pair of cleaning units is provided. 85 is
The holder 1 has a curved planar shape and a mop 82 that comes into contact with the floor surface.
It is rotatably supported by the main body 1.

In FIG. 18, a rotary motor 86 for driving the cleaning unit is mounted at the center of the main body 1, and the support arm 84 is fixed to the rotary unit (rotary shaft) 87 of the rotary motor 86. The concave side of each cleaning unit 85 has a rotation direction R.
It is installed so that it opens toward and does not let dust and dirt captured by rotation escape to the outside.

If such a rotary type cleaning unit 85 is provided, dust or the like is always collected on the concave surface side of the cleaning unit 85 regardless of the traveling direction. It is possible to drive together without fail. Therefore, it is possible to deal with a situation in which the turning is continuous in the cleaning of a room which needs to take a complicated route, a room having many obstacles such as furniture to be avoided.

FIG. 19 is a modification of FIG. 18, and is an example in which four rotary concave cleaning portions 85 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Needless to say, the rotary cleaning unit 85 may be provided with three or five or more cleaning units.

[0053]

(1) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body of the vacuum cleaner is provided with a cleaning unit having a concave planar shape that opens in the forward direction. If the mop or cloth that comes into contact is held by a holding tool, and the concave side of the mop or cloth collects dust and dirt on the floor surface, wipe the floor surface with the mop or cloth or adsorb dust. At the same time, the concave side of the concave cleaning unit can collect dust and dirt efficiently and can convey it without spilling to the outside, and it has a high cleaning ability even though it is a lightweight and compact self-propelled cleaner. Obtainable.

(2) When the concave cleaning section is arranged on the front side of the main body as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the furniture is damaged when it collides with an obstacle such as furniture in front while traveling. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the mop or cloth itself from performing a cushioning function and damaging various devices in the main body.

(3) As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, when the concave cleaning section arranged on the front side of the main body is constructed so that it can swing to the left and right, the walls of the corners of the room become uneven. Even if it is on, the cleaning part shakes its head according to the uneven shape, and it is possible to reliably clean every corner of the room.

(4) As shown in FIG. 10, the cleaning unit is arranged so as to hold the main body from the rear, the left and right ends of the cleaning unit are located in front of the main body, and the central part is located behind the main body. With this, the cleaning unit can secure a large area for collecting dust and the like on the left and right, and when the front part collides with an obstacle such as furniture, the left and right ends of the cleaning unit collide with each other and the furniture is damaged. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the mop or cloth itself from performing a cushioning function and damaging various devices in the main body.

(5) As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, if the cleaning unit, which is arranged so as to hold the main body from the rear, is composed of a plurality of divided parts, it is possible to deal with it depending on the direction of the collision obstacle. Each divided portion can appropriately absorb the impact, and by providing a contact sensor for each divided portion, the turning direction for avoiding an obstacle can be selected more accurately.

(6) As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, if a cleaning section is provided on the rear side of the main body in addition to the cleaning section provided on the front side of the main body, the cleaning efficiency is further improved.

(7) As shown in FIG. 15, when the cleaning section is arranged on the front side of the main body and the medicine applying section is arranged on the rear side of the main body,
Cleaning work and waxing can be performed at the same time by one traveling work.

(8) As shown in FIG. 16, when the medicine supplying device for supplying the medicine to the medicine applying section is installed,
A chemical such as wax can be applied without interruption.

(9) As shown in FIGS. 1 to 16, if a contact sensor for detecting the pressure applied from the cleaning unit when the mop contacts an obstacle is provided between the cleaning unit and the main body, the contact sensor and The main body does not directly collide with an obstacle, the contact sensor is not broken by the impact of the collision, the precision device in the main body is not broken, and the furniture of the other party is not damaged.

(10) As shown in FIG. 17, the main body of the cleaner that is self-propelled on the floor is provided with a cleaning unit having a concave planar shape, and the cleaning unit is a mop or cloth that contacts the floor. While holding by the holding tool, it is possible to rotate around the main body so that the concave side faces in the rotation direction, and if the concave side of the cleaning unit collects dust and dust on the floor surface,
Regardless of the traveling direction, dust or the like is always collected on the concave surface side of the cleaning unit, and even when the main body makes a sharp turn, the dust and the like can be reliably collected without being left behind. Therefore, rooms that need to take complicated routes,
When cleaning a room with many obstacles to avoid, such as furniture,
It is also possible to deal with continuous turning.

(11) As a cleaning method using the self-propelled cleaner as described above, a stationary dust collector having a suction opening that opens laterally along the floor surface as shown in FIG. 3 is installed on the floor surface. It is installed and collects dust etc. in front of the suction port of the stationary dust collector with a self-propelled vacuum cleaner, and sucks it with the stationary dust collector. In addition, the work of taking in the dust and the like into the dust bag or the like can be performed as one continuous work, and the cleaning work efficiency is improved.

(12) If the stationary dust collector is provided with a detector for detecting the approach of the self-propelled cleaner and suction is performed for a certain period of time when the self-propelled cleaner approaches, dust on the floor surface It is possible to automatically carry out the collection work of the above and the like and the work of loading the dust and the like into the dust collecting bag and the like as a series of work.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic left side view of a self-propelled cleaner to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the self-propelled cleaner shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state of a cleaning operation using the self-propelled cleaner and the floor stationary dust collector of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example of the self-propelled cleaner including the cleaning unit arranged on the front side.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example of the self-propelled cleaner including the cleaning unit arranged on the front side.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a self-propelled cleaner including a swingable cleaning unit in a front side arrangement.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view showing the swinging state of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a self-propelled cleaner including a swinging cleaning unit in a front side arrangement.

9 is a schematic plan view showing the swinging state of FIG. 8. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a self-propelled cleaner including a rear-side cleaning unit.

FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a self-propelled cleaner including a rear-side cleaning unit.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a self-propelled cleaner having front and rear cleaning units.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a self-propelled cleaner including a split-type rear cleaning unit.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a self-propelled cleaner including a split-type rear cleaning unit.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a self-propelled cleaner including a divided rear cleaning unit and a drug applying unit.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that is a split-type rear cleaning unit that includes a drug applying unit and a drug supply device.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a self-propelled cleaner including a rotary cleaning unit.

FIG. 18 is a schematic horizontal sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of a self-propelled cleaner including a rotary cleaning unit.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a conventional example.

FIG. 21 is a side view of another conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 body 2 mops 3 holder 4 support arms 5 Front cleaning section 10, 11 Motor, reduction gear mechanism (drive mechanism) 12 Control device 20, 61, 63, 64 Contact sensor 30 Stationary dust collector 42 mops 43 Holder 44,46,47 Support arm 45 Rear cleaning section 71 Chemical tank 72 pumps 73 spray 82 mops 83 Holder 84 Support arm 85 Rotating cleaning section

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Junji Taguchi             1-33 Toyotsu-cho, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture Da Co., Ltd.             In the skin F-term (reference) 3B057 DA00

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A self-propelled vacuum cleaner self-propelled on a floor,
The main body of the cleaner includes a cleaning unit having a concave planar shape that opens in the forward direction. The cleaning unit is configured to hold a mop or cloth that comes into contact with the floor surface with a holding tool. A self-propelled vacuum cleaner characterized in that the concave side collects dirt and dust on the floor. 2. The self-propelled cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning unit is arranged on the front side of the main body. 3. The self-propelled cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the cleaning unit can swing to the left and right. 4. The cleaning unit is arranged so as to hold the main body from behind, the left and right ends of the cleaning unit are located in front of the main body, and the central part is located behind the main body. The self-propelled vacuum cleaner according to claim 1. 5. The self-propelled cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning unit is composed of a plurality of divided parts. 6. The self-propelled vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein in addition to the cleaning section arranged on the front side of the main body, the cleaning section is also arranged on the rear side of the main body. 7. The self-propelled cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning section is arranged on the front side of the main body, and the medicine applying section is arranged on the rear side of the main body. 8. The self-propelled vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, further comprising a medicine supply device for supplying a medicine to the medicine applying section. 9. A contact sensor is provided between the cleaning unit and the main body to detect a pressure applied from the cleaning unit when the mop or cloth of the cleaning unit contacts an obstacle. The self-propelled vacuum cleaner described in any of 1. 10. A self-propelled cleaner that is self-propelled on a floor surface, wherein a main body of the cleaner is provided with a cleaning unit having a concave planar shape, and the cleaning unit is a mop or cloth that contacts the floor surface. It is possible to rotate around the main body so that the concave side faces in the rotation direction while holding it by the holding tool, and the concave side of the cleaning part collects dust and dust on the floor surface. And self-propelled vacuum cleaner. 11. A stationary dust collector having a suction opening that opens laterally along the floor surface is installed on the floor surface.
Use a self-propelled cleaner as described in any one of 1. to collect dust etc. in front of the suction port of the stationary dust collector, and suck it with the stationary dust collector. The cleaning method you had. 12. A cleaning method using a self-propelled cleaner according to claim 11, wherein the stationary dust collector is provided with a detection device for detecting approach of the self-propelled cleaner, A cleaning method using a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that sucks for a certain time when approaching.