JP2009238055A - Self-propelled cleaning system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a self-propelled cleaning system which surely and automatically returns to a charging stand. <P>SOLUTION: The self-propelled cleaning system is equipped with: a distance sensor which measures distance from the cleaner to an obstacle etc.; and a charge terminal for charging a secondary battery by connecting to a power feed terminal of the charging stand. The distance sensor is used as a front sensor installed in front of the self-propelled cleaner. The charging stand is equipped with a marker shape which can be detected by the distance sensor and the feed terminal on its front surface. When the self-propelled cleaner becomes in contact with the charging stand while the marker shape is detected by the front sensor, the charge terminal is connected with the power feed terminal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a self-propelled cleaning system that performs self-propelled cleaning in a room.

  Usually, a self-propelled cleaner is provided with a battery that supplies electric power necessary for driving, but a secondary battery that can be charged and recycled is generally used as the battery. Therefore, the self-propelled cleaner is constituted by a system with a charging stand that can charge the secondary battery with electric power when necessary. In a method in which the user manually charges the secondary battery by connecting to the charging stand, the user is burdened each time charging is required. Therefore, it is desirable that the self-propelled cleaner has an automatic charging function that automatically returns to the charging stand and charges the secondary battery by itself. To realize automatic charging, simultaneously with automatic return to the charging stand, align the charging stand with the self-propelled cleaner so that the charging terminal of the charging stand and the charging terminal of the self-propelled cleaner are exactly aligned. There is a need to.

  In Patent Document 1, a unique marker that can be recognized by the sensor of the self-propelled cleaner is installed on the charging stand, and the self-propelled cleaner recognizes the unique marker to find the charging stand, and then A method of connecting a power supply terminal of a charging stand and a charging terminal of a self-propelled cleaner by performing a predetermined operation is disclosed. In Patent Document 1, when a sensor installed on the left side in the traveling direction detects a marker, the self-propelled cleaner is turned 90 ° rightward, and the self-propelled cleaner is moved backward to connect the power supply terminal of the charging stand and the self-propelled cleaner. Charging is performed by contacting the charging terminal at the rear of the machine.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a charging stand installed near a wall using a sensor capable of detecting an object installed in a self-propelled cleaner and a travel distance estimated using a rotary encoder installed on a drive wheel. The charging base is recognized by recognizing the thickness, and further, a concave portion is formed in the charging base, which is detected by a sensor, and by performing a predetermined operation from there, the charging base and the self-propelled cleaner are A method for performing alignment is disclosed. In Patent Document 2, when the self-propelled cleaner detects the recess of the charging stand, the self-propelled cleaner is turned 90 °, the self-propelled cleaner is moved backward, and the power supply terminal of the charging stand and the self-propelled cleaner Charging is performed by contacting the rear charging terminal.

JP 2003-330543 A JP 2006-133952 A

  In Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, the positioning of the charging stand and the self-propelled cleaner after the self-propelled cleaner detects the charging stand is not subjected to position correction or the like by the sensor, and a predetermined operation is performed. The connection is attempted by doing so, and the terminal is not accurately aligned until the end. Therefore, an error may occur during the determined operation, and the connection accuracy between the charging stand and the terminal of the self-propelled cleaner may not be sufficient.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a system in which a self-propelled cleaner is surely automatically returned to a charging stand.

  In order to achieve the above object, a self-propelled cleaning system of the present invention includes a self-propelled cleaner that has a secondary battery inside, drives a traveling drive unit and a cleaning function unit, and performs autonomous traveling and autonomous cleaning. A self-propelled cleaning system having a power supply terminal and a charging stand for charging the secondary battery of the self-propelled cleaner, wherein the self-propelled cleaner measures a distance from an obstacle or the like. A distance sensor and a charging terminal capable of charging the secondary battery by connecting to the power supply terminal of the charging stand are provided, and the distance sensor is installed in front of the self-propelled cleaner. The charging stand has a marker shape that can be detected by the distance sensor on the front surface and the power supply terminal, and the self-sensor in a state where the marker shape is detected by the front sensor. When the traveling vacuum cleaner contacts the charging stand, Serial charging terminal and the feeding terminal, characterized in that the connection.

  The marker shape of the charging stand is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape having dimensions required for the width, height, and depth.

  Furthermore, the self-propelled cleaner includes a left diagonal front sensor and a right diagonal front sensor that are installed with the distance sensors facing left and right. In the state where the front sensor of the self-propelled cleaner detects the marker shape of the charging stand, the left and right of the self-propelled cleaner detected by the left oblique front sensor and the left and right oblique front sensor of the self-propelled cleaner When each distance to the front of the charging base diagonally in front is in a roughly prescribed relationship, the charging terminal of the self-propelled cleaner and the power supply terminal of the charging base are in a position where they can be connected to each other, and the above state is maintained. However, when the self-propelled cleaner is moved forward, the charging terminal and the power feeding terminal are connected to enable charging.

The self-propelled cleaner has a recessed shape that is retracted from the outside on the front of the self-propelled cleaner, and the charging stand protrudes from the front of the charging stand and has a protruding shape that can be fitted with the recessed shape of the self-propelled cleaner. Yes.
The self-propelled cleaning system is configured to connect the charging terminal of the self-propelled cleaner and the power supply terminal of the charging stand when the recess shape and the protrusion shape are fitted. Moreover, the charging terminal of the self-propelled cleaner may be built in a hollow shape, and the power feeding terminal of the charging stand may be built in a protruding shape.

  The recess shape of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner is configured as a recess that is tapered three-dimensionally toward the back, and the protrusion shape of the charging stand is tapered toward the tip and is three-dimensionally tapered. It is comprised as a protrusion which can be fitted with the hollow shape. In the self-propelled cleaning system, when the self-propelled cleaner is moved forward with the protrusion-shaped tip portion roughly aligned with the recess-shaped opening, the protrusion shape and the recess shape are fitted, and the charging terminal and the power supply terminal Are configured to be connected.

  The self-propelled cleaning system is configured so that the front sensor detects the marker shape, and the respective detection distances to the front of the charging base of the left diagonal front sensor and the right diagonal front sensor are in a state of a roughly prescribed relationship. A procedure for directly connecting the power supply terminals so that they can be connected, a procedure for advancing the self-propelled cleaner while maintaining the above-described state, and roughly aligning the protrusion-shaped tip with the recess-shaped opening, and a recess shape Steps for connecting the charging terminal and power supply terminal in order by fitting the hollow shape and the protrusion shape by advancing the self-propelled cleaner with the protrusion-shaped tip part roughly aligned with the opening of the battery By doing so, automatic charging can be realized.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a self-propelled cleaning system that can reliably connect a self-propelled cleaner to a charging stand can be realized.

  According to the present invention, only the distance sensor for detecting obstacles necessary for autonomous running in the room and the marker shape provided on the charging stand, the charging terminal of the self-propelled cleaner and the feeding terminal of the charging stand Can be securely connected, and it is economical without requiring a special sensor for terminal connection. Further, since the terminal connection position can be corrected, a highly reliable connection can be realized.

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

  First, the overall configuration of the self-propelled cleaning system of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view schematically showing the entire configuration of the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the essential configuration of the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2. FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing the main configuration of the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2.

  The self-propelled cleaner 1 has a cylindrical shape and includes a bumper 15 on the front surface. Further, the bumper 15 is provided with a distance sensor 100 (100a to 100e) that measures a distance from a wall or an obstacle using infrared rays or the like. The self-propelled cleaner 1 has wheels 31 and 41 at the center left and right. In addition, an auxiliary wheel 36 is provided. A battery 5 for supplying power is provided at the rear of the interior. The battery 5 is a secondary battery that can be recycled by charging. Further, the self-propelled cleaner 1 has a hollow guide 80 which is retracted in a mortar shape on the front surface and has a three-dimensional taper, and a charging terminal 20 and a contact sensor 8 are formed therein. Yes. As shown in FIG. 2, the taper of the hollow guide 80 is inclined on both the left and right sides so as to narrow toward the inside from the outer periphery of the self-propelled cleaner 1 as viewed from above. The taper 80a on the left side of the traveling direction is inclined from the left side of the traveling direction of the self-propelled cleaner 1 toward the right side of the traveling direction, and the taper 80b on the right side of the traveling direction is left from the right side of the traveling direction of the self-propelled cleaner 1 It is inclined toward. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the taper of the hollow guide 80 is inclined on both the upper and lower sides so as to narrow toward the inside from the outer periphery (front in the traveling direction) of the self-propelled cleaner 1 as viewed from the side. . The upper taper 80c is inclined so as to be lowered from the front in the traveling direction of the self-propelled cleaner 1 toward the rear in the traveling direction, and the taper 80b on the right in the traveling direction proceeds from the front in the traveling direction of the self-propelled cleaner 1. It inclines so that it may go up toward the direction rear side.

  The self-propelled cleaner 1 includes distance sensors 100 (100a to 100e) that can measure a distance using infrared rays or the like, forward, left and right diagonally forward, and left and right sides. In this embodiment, the distance sensor 100 is a left side sensor 100a, a left diagonal front sensor 100b, a front sensor 100c, a right diagonal front sensor 100d, and a right side sensor 100e. The front sensor 100c is disposed in front of the self-propelled cleaner 1, and radiates infrared rays toward the front of the self-propelled cleaner 1 to measure a distance from an obstacle or the like. The left diagonal front sensor 100b and the right diagonal front sensor 100d are arranged symmetrically in front of the traveling direction of the self-propelled cleaner 1, and radiate infrared rays toward the front of the left and right of the self-propelled cleaner 1, respectively. Measure the distance to the object. Further, the left side sensor 100a and the right side sensor 100e are arranged symmetrically in the direction of travel of the self-propelled cleaner 1, and radiate infrared rays toward the left and right sides of the self-propelled cleaner 1, thereby obstructions and the like. And measure the distance. The distance sensors 100 (100a to 100e) for the front, the side, and the diagonally forward are installed at the same height in the self-propelled cleaner 1. The distance sensor 100 (100a to e) described above can detect the distance from the self-propelled cleaner 1 to an object that exists in the direction in which the distance sensor 100 (100a to e) faces. Further, the front sensor 100 c is configured immediately above the hollow guide 80.

  The charging stand 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped basic shape. The charging stand 2 is installed along the wall 330 in the room. At this time, the rear surface of the charging stand 2 contacts the wall 330. The thickness of the charging stand 2 is X, and the charging stand 2 installed on the wall 330 is in a state of projecting X from the wall 330. The central part in the left-right direction on the front surface of the charging stand 2 has a circular shape. The self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 are configured so that the circular shape and the outer shape of the self-propelled cleaner 1 coincide.

  At the center of the front surface of the charging stand 2 in the left-right direction, a protruding guide 70 that protrudes from the front surface of the charging stand 2 and is tapered and has a three-dimensional taper is installed. A power supply terminal 10 that can charge the battery 5 by being connected to one charging terminal 20 is provided.

  The hollow guide 80 and the protruding guide 70 installed in the self-propelled cleaner 1 are configured to be fitted. The hollow guide 80 and the projecting guide 70 each have a tapered structure, and the self-propelled cleaner 1 can be operated with the tip of the projecting guide 70 approximately aligned with the opening of the hollow guide 80. When advanced, each tapered portion becomes a guide, and the projecting guide 70 and the recessed guide 80 are in a state of being fitted.

  Further, the protruding guide 70, the power supply terminal 10, the hollow guide 80, and the charging terminal 20 are securely connected when the protruding guide 70 and the hollow guide 80 are fitted. The battery 5 can be charged. Further, when the protruding guide 70 and the recessed guide 80 are fitted, the tip of the protruding guide 70 contacts the contact sensor 8 configured inside the recessed guide 80, and the contact sensor 8 detects that. It is configured so that it can be detected, and it can be confirmed that it is securely connected.

  Concave markers 200a-g are installed on the front surface of the charging stand. The concave markers 200a to 200g are provided on the left and right and one on the center. The central concave marker is particularly referred to as the central concave marker 200d. These concave markers 200a-g are installed at a height that can be detected by the distance sensor 100 (100a-e) in front, side, and diagonally forward of the self-propelled cleaner 1.

  When the distance sensor 100 (100a-e) crosses the concave markers 200a-g, the detection distance becomes relatively long only when the concave markers 200a-g are detected. Due to such a change in the detection distance, the concave markers 200a to 200g can be detected by the distance sensor 100 (100a to 100e).

  There are two types of distances (depths) from the front surface of the charging base 2 to the back surfaces of the concave markers 200a to 200g in the concave markers 200a to 200g, which are relatively shallow and deep, as shown in FIG. The structure is relatively shallow, deep, shallow, deep, shallow, deep, shallow.

  Further, the central concave marker 200d is installed immediately above the protruding guide 70 of the charging stand 2. Therefore, when the front sensor 100c of the self-propelled cleaner 1 detects the central concave marker 200d, the protruding guide 70 of the charging stand 2 is present in front of the hollow guide 80 of the self-propelled cleaner 1. Can be.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, when the front sensor 100c of the self-propelled cleaner 1 detects the central concave marker 200d and the detection distances to the charging base 2 by the left and right oblique front sensors 100b and 100d are approximately equal, The self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 are configured so that the charging terminal 20 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the power supply terminal 10 of the charging stand 2 face each other so that they can be connected.

  Next, the internal structure of the self-propelled cleaner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing a configuration of the main part of the self-propelled cleaner 1.

  The self-propelled cleaner 1 has two independent traveling drive units symmetrically in the center in the front-rear direction. By driving the two travel drive units independently, it is possible to go straight, reverse, and turn. Each traveling drive unit includes wheels 31 and 41, speed reducers 32 and 42, traveling motors 33 and 43, rotary encoders 34 and 44, and suspension structures 35 and 45. The speed reducers 32 and 42 are configured to transmit the rotational force of the travel motors 33 and 43 to the wheels 31 and 41. The rotary encoder can detect the rotational speeds of the traveling motors 33 and 43. The rotational speed of the wheels 31 and 41 can be grasped from the rotational speed and the reduction ratio of the speed reducers 32 and 42. And the self-propelled cleaner 1 can estimate the moving distance from the rotation speed of the wheels 31 and 41 and the diameter of the wheels 31 and 41. The traveling drive units 30 and 40 have suspension structures 35 and 45. Even if the self-propelled cleaner 1 is lifted for reasons such as climbing up a step, the wheels 31, 41 are always in contact with the floor surface by the wheels 31, 41 being swung downward by the suspension structures 35, 45. It is configured to be maintained.

  A gyro sensor 60 is installed inside the self-propelled cleaner 1. The gyro sensor 60 can detect the turning angle of the self-propelled cleaner 1.

  A fan motor 50, a filter 51, and a dust collecting case 52 are installed inside the self-propelled cleaner 1, and a suction port 53 is installed on the back surface. By driving the fan motor 50, suction force is generated, dust is sucked from the suction mouth 53, and dust cannot be passed through the filter 51 and is collected in the dust collecting case 52. Further, a brush 54 (not shown) is charged in the mouthpiece 53, and the brush 54 is driven by a brush drive motor 55 so that dust on the floor surface can be sucked efficiently.

  Next, how to determine the size of the concave markers 200a to 200g installed on the charging stand 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 in a state where the right side sensor 100e of the self-propelled cleaner 1 detects the central concave marker 200d of the charging stand 2. It is. FIGS. 6A and 6B are explanatory diagrams schematically showing the relationship between the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 that advance while searching for the concave marker 200d by the right side sensor 100e.

  As described above, the concave markers 200a to 200g are configured to have a height that can be detected by the distance sensor 100 (100a to 100e) when the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 are installed on the same floor 300. Yes. However, when the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 are installed on a floor 310 where a heavy object such as a carpet is likely to sink in the room, as shown in FIG. There is a risk of sedimentation by weight. Therefore, the height direction dimensions of the concave markers 200a to 200g are set so as to cope with the settling of the assumed self-propelled cleaner 1, and even if the settling of the self-propelled cleaner 1 occurs, the distance sensor The concave markers 200a-g can be detected at 100 (100a-e). Since the distance sensors 100 (100a to 100e) of the self-propelled cleaner 1 are all attached at the same height, the dimensions in the height direction of the concave markers 200a to 200g set as described above are all the distance sensors. 100 (100a to e) has the same effect.

  Further, the concave markers 200a to 200g have two dimensions in the depth direction, and the distance between the front surface of the charging base 2 and the inner surface of the concave markers 200a to 200g is detected by the distance sensor 100 (100a to e). It is set in a range that can be detected sufficiently with resolution. In addition, the concave markers 200a to 200g are composed of two types, a relatively shallow one and a relatively deep one, but the difference between the depths can be sufficiently detected by the distance sensor 100 (100a to e). Is set. With these configurations, for example, when the self-propelled cleaner 1 detects the distance with the right side sensor 100e and crosses in front of the shallow concave marker 200g, the deep concave marker 200f, and the shallow concave marker 200e in order, the front surface of the charging base 2 , Since there is a clear difference in the detection distance between the back surface of the shallow concave marker and the back surface of the deep concave marker, it is possible to detect crossing in front of the concave markers eg.

  The configuration of the horizontal dimension (width) of the concave markers 200a to 200g will be described with reference to FIGS. The distance sensor 100 (100a to 100e) of the self-propelled cleaner 1 detects the distance according to a certain sampling period. FIGS. 6A and 6B depict the self-propelled cleaner 1 for each sampling period. Since the distance detection sampling is executed with a certain period, the distance cannot be detected between the periods. For example, when the distance from the self-propelled cleaner 1 to the right-side object is detected by the right-side sensor 100e while moving forward at a certain speed as shown in FIG. A distance cannot be detected in a portion that passes between the cycles. Moreover, even if it can be detected, if the number of detected samples is too small, the reliability of detection is poor. Therefore, when searching for the central concave marker 200d by the right side sensor 100e while the self-propelled cleaner 1 moves forward at a certain assumed speed, there is a possibility that the central concave marker 200d cannot be detected for the reason described above. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6B, the concave marker 200d is configured with a width that can secure a certain number of detected samples. Here, the detection of the concave marker 200d while being advanced by the right side sensor 100e is taken as an example, but the same theory holds for the left side sensor 100a as well. Further, even when the concave marker 200d is detected by the front sensor 100c while turning, the minimum required width dimension can be estimated from the relationship between the turning speed and the sampling period. The width dimension of all the concave markers 200a to 200g is set so that the self-propelled cleaner 1 can cope with the traverse of the concave markers 200a to 200g at the fastest speed among the assumed traveling speed or turning speed. .

  Next, the structure of the guide structure in the relationship between the hollow guide 80 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the protruding guide 70 of the charging stand 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a vertical guide structure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 in a state where the self-propelled cleaner 1 is present on the front surface of the charging stand 2. The charging terminal 20 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the power supply terminal 10 of the charging stand 2 are reliable if the terminals are aligned in the horizontal direction when the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 are installed on the same plane. The positional relationship in the vertical direction is configured to be connected to. However, the self-propelled cleaner 1 may sink due to the influence of the floor 310 or the like that easily sinks such as a carpet, and the height with the charging stand 2 may not match. In order to cope with this, the protruding guide 70 of the charging stand 2 and the recessed guide 80 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 correct the vertical position error between the power supply terminal 10 and the charging terminal 20 due to the assumed sedimentation. It is configured to be able to.

  When the terminal is connected on the floor 310 that tends to sink, the self-propelled cleaner 1 sinks and tries to connect the terminal in a state where the installation position is lower than the charging stand 2. At this time, the guide mechanism functions as follows. Now, it is assumed that the self-propelled cleaner 1 is moving forward due to the connection of the terminal toward the charging stand 2. At this time, when the tip of the protruding guide 70 of the charging stand 2 can enter the opening of the recessed guide 80 of the self-propelled cleaner 1, the outer surface of the protruding guide 70 contacts the inner surface of the recessed guide 80. . When the self-propelled cleaner 1 continues to move forward, the self-propelled cleaner 1 is guided along the shape of the protruding guide 70 and the recessed guide 80, and the protruding guide 70 and the recessed guide 80 are fitted. It stops at the place where it meets. At this time, since the self-propelled cleaner 1 is guided to the protruding guide 70 while moving forward, it is slightly lifted. However, since the suspension structures 35 and 45 are configured in the traveling drive units 30 and 40, the driving force is transmitted to the floor surface 310, and the self-propelled cleaner 1 can continue to advance.

  Next, the horizontal guide structure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view schematically showing the relationship between the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 in a state where the front sensor 100 c of the self-propelled cleaner 1 detects the concave marker 200 d of the charging stand 2. is there. As described above, the concave marker 200d has a certain width in the horizontal direction. Therefore, even when the front sensor 100c of the self-propelled cleaner 1 detects the concave marker 200d of the charging base 2 as shown in FIG. 8, there is a possibility that the feeding terminal 10 and the charging terminal 20 do not face each other so that they can be connected. There is. In order to cope with this, the protruding guide 70 of the charging stand 2 and the recessed guide 80 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 are configured to be able to correct a horizontal position error between the power supply terminal 10 and the charging terminal 20 that is assumed. ing. Even when the self-propelled cleaner 1 is traveling to the charging base 2 for terminal connection in the horizontal direction, if the tip of the protruding guide 70 can enter the opening of the hollow guide 80, the guide function is achieved. The working self-propelled cleaner 1 is guided so that the protruding guide 70 and the recessed guide 80 are fitted.

  As described above, since the hollow guide 80 and the protruding guide 70 have a shape with a taper in the width direction of the self-propelled cleaner 1, a guide function can be realized.

Next, the search means of the charging stand 2 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view schematically showing a state when the self-propelled cleaner 1 searches for the charging stand 2.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure in which the self-propelled cleaner 1 searches for the charging stand 2. The self-propelled cleaner 1 autonomously moves in the room and performs cleaning. Then, when the remaining battery level of the battery 5 decreases, a return mode to the charging stand 2 is entered. Since the charging stand 2 is installed along the wall 330 in the room, the self-propelled cleaner 1 runs along the wall 330 in the room and searches for the charging stand 2. The procedure will be described below.

  (S401): The self-propelled cleaner 1 travels along the right wall 330. The self-propelled cleaner 1 that has entered the return mode travels so that the distance detected by the right side sensor 100e becomes a certain amount, that is, with a certain amount of space from the wall 330. The interval is set to a value larger than the thickness of the charging stand 2.

  (S402): Distance sensor 100 (100a-e) detects obstacle 350.

  (S403): When the obstacle 350 is an obstacle larger than the gap formed with the wall 330, it turns in the opposite direction to the wall 330 and travels around the front of the obstacle. Then, the vehicle travels in front of the obstacle with a certain interval and returns to travel along the wall (S409).

(S404): When the obstacle 350 is an obstacle that is smaller than the gap between the wall 330 and the self-propelled cleaner 1, the distance detected by the right side sensor 100e changes.
From the difference between the distance from the self-propelled cleaner 1 to the wall 330 and the distance to the front surface of the obstacle 350, the distance Y from the wall 330 of the obstacle 350 to the front surface of the obstacle 350 is acquired.

  (S405): The distance Y is compared with the thickness X of the charging stand 2, and when | X−Y | ≦ Z (Z: specified value), the charging stand 2 is a candidate. The specified value Z is set in consideration of the detection capability of the distance sensor 100 (100a to e). If | X−Y |> Z, it is determined that the obstacle 350 is not the charging stand 2 and travels in front of the obstacle 350 with a certain amount of space and returns to travel along the wall (S409).

  (S406): The vehicle travels in front of the obstacle 350 at a predetermined interval.

(S407): If the obstacle 350 is the charging stand 2, the right side sensor 100e of the self-propelled cleaner 1 detects the presence of the concave markers 200e to 200g. If the detected number of concave markers is several, and the depths thereof are relatively shallow, deep, and shallow, the charging base 2 is a candidate.
If the presence of the concave marker cannot be detected or the pattern is not assumed, it is determined that the obstacle 350 is not the charging base 2 and travels in front of the obstacle 350 with a certain amount of space between the walls. Return to running along the road (S409).

  (S408): Since each condition is satisfied, the obstacle 350 is determined as the charging stand 2.

  As described above, a plurality of conditions that are relatively easy to recognize are prepared, and when all the conditions are satisfied, the charging base is recognized. If the recognition condition is too simple, for example, if it is only the condition in (S404), there may be a plurality of objects with the same thickness in the room, which may lead to erroneous recognition of the charging stand. . On the other hand, if the conditions are too severe, for example, the condition in (S404) is | X−Y | = Z, that is, if the thickness of the charging base 2 can be completely detected, the charging base is recognized. It becomes difficult to satisfy the condition due to the influence of the detection error of the distance sensor. Therefore, there is a possibility of overlooking the charging stand. If the recognition conditions are too simple, it may lead to erroneous recognition of the charging stand, and if the conditions are too severe, it may lead to oversight. Therefore, in the case where numerical value matching is used as a condition for determining whether or not it is a charging stand, a certain range is given to the matching determination, or the depth of the concave marker is reduced to about two types if it is determined by recognition of the concave marker. By preparing conditions that do not require high detection accuracy, such as limiting, and combining a plurality of such conditions, erroneous recognition and oversight of the charging stand can be reduced.

  Next, a connection procedure between the charging terminal 20 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the power supply terminal 10 of the charging stand 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. After the self-propelled cleaner 1 recognizes the charging stand 2, the charging terminal 20 and the power feeding terminal 10 are connected by the following procedure. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for a connection mode in which the connection position of the charging terminal 20 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the feeding terminal 10 of the charging stand 2 is aligned. FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 are explanatory diagrams schematically showing the state of terminal connection alignment between the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 in a certain procedure.

  (S501): The self-propelled cleaner 1 that has entered the connection mode with the charging stand 2 travels in front of the charging stand 2 from the right side toward the charging stand 2.

  (S502): As shown in FIG. 12, the concave marker 200d at the center of the charging base 2 is detected by observing the change in the detection distance of the right side sensor 100e.

  (S503): The self-propelled cleaner 1 goes straight by the length in the front-rear direction from the installation position of the right side sensor 100e to the center of rotation in the self-propelled cleaner 1. By doing so, the center of rotation of the self-propelled cleaner 1 can be present in front of the protruding guide 70 and the central concave marker 200d of the charging stand 2.

  (S504): As shown in FIG. 13, the self-propelled cleaner 1 searches the central concave marker 200d of the charging base 2 with the front sensor 100c while rotating in place.

  (S505): When the central concave marker 200d is detected by observing the detection distance of the front sensor 100c, the self-propelled cleaner 1 stops turning. At this time, the protruding guide 70 of the charging base 2 exists in front of the hollow guide 80 of the self-propelled cleaner 1.

  (S506): As shown in FIG. 13, the distance to the front surface of the charging base 2 is measured by the left oblique front sensor 100b and the right oblique front sensor 100d.

  (S507): It is determined whether or not the difference L between the distances obtained from the left and right left front sensor 100b and right right front sensor 100d is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value s.

  (S508): When it is equal to or greater than the specified value s, it is determined that the positioning has not been performed with sufficient accuracy for terminal connection, and the correction is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the correction turning angle and the correction advance amount move according to L. The movement sequence is to first turn the corrected turning angle and then move the corrected advance amount. The turning direction turns to the right when the detection distance of the left oblique front sensor 100b is shorter than the detection distance of the right oblique front sensor 100d, and to the left otherwise. The corrected turning angle and the corrected advance amount are determined according to the value of L. After the above procedure, the process returns to (S504).

  (S509): When the distance to the front surface of the charging base 2 by the left diagonal front sensor 100b and the right diagonal front sensor 100d of the left and right sides of the self-propelled cleaner 1 is the same, the charging terminal of the self-propelled cleaner 1 The self-propelled cleaner 1 and the charging stand 2 are configured so that the power supply terminal 10 of the charging stand 20 and the charging stand 2 are in a positional relationship so as to be connectable. Therefore, if the specified value s is set to a sufficiently small value and L is equal to or less than the specified value s, it can be determined that the self-propelled cleaner 1 can be positioned with sufficient accuracy for terminal connection. At that time, as shown in FIG. 15, the self-propelled cleaner 1 goes straight to connect the terminals.

  (S510): While traveling straight, the front sensor 100c continues to monitor the concave marker 200d. When the detection distance of the front sensor 100c is clearly shorter than the distance approaching the charging base 2 due to the traveling of the self-propelled cleaner 1, it is determined that the concave marker 200d cannot be detected (S504).

  (S511): While traveling straight, distance detection is also performed by the left oblique front sensor 100b and the right oblique front sensor 100d, and the difference L is continuously monitored. When the distance difference L is equal to or greater than the specified value s, the process returns to (S508).

  (S512): As shown in FIG. 16, the contact sensor 8 detects the protruding guide 70.

  (S513): The contact sensor 8 detects contact with the protruding guide 70, and it is assumed that the connection of the terminal has been realized. The self-propelled cleaner 1 stops and the charging stand 2 starts charging the battery 5. To do.

The specified value s in the above is set from a range that can be corrected by a guide mechanism formed by the relationship between the protruding guide 70 in which the power supply terminal 10 is built in and the hollow guide 80 in which the charging terminal 20 is built in. That is, even if the terminals are not positioned accurately, they can be connected if they are within the correction range by the guide mechanism. This is more advantageous in time than achieving precise positioning.
Further, the guide mechanism may not be provided. However, in that case, the specified value s needs to be set to a value close to 0. The guide shape does not have to be a depression shape and a projection shape, and may be a shape relationship that serves as a guide and can correct the connection.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the distance sensor 100 (100a to 100e) that detects the front, the side, and the diagonally forward is originally used as an obstacle detection sensor. Therefore, since a special sensor is not required, automatic return to the charging base of the self-propelled cleaner that is economically reliable can be realized.

  The distance sensor is not specific to those using infrared rays. For example, the same method can be applied to a distance sensor using ultrasonic waves with sharp directivity. The above method can be applied to any sensor that can detect a distance.

  When using a distance sensor, the concave marker of the charging stand may be a convex portion. When using a distance sensor using infrared rays, a material that absorbs infrared rays may be attached.

  It is not necessary for the charging stand 2 to have a circular depression, and it can be seen that there is a deviation from the connection position depending on the detection distances of the left and right oblique front sensors 100b and 100d, and the correction direction to the accurate connection position is known. Any shape is acceptable. For example, it may be a straight line without being recessed in a circular shape.

  In the description of the searching means of the charging stand 2 and the description of the connecting means of the terminals, the case where the self-propelled cleaner 1 approaches from the right side toward the charging stand 2 has been described. Since the charging stand 2 has a symmetrical configuration, the same can be realized when approaching the charging stand 2 from the left side.

    The depth of the concave markers 200a to 200g of the charging stand 2 is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment as long as it can be detected by the distance sensor 100 (100a to 100e) of the self-propelled cleaner 1. For example, all may be the same depth, or all may be different depths.

  Here, the automatic return method to the charging stand of the self-propelled cleaner was described, but this is not limited to the self-propelled cleaner, but can be applied to any autonomous mobile body that uses a secondary battery as the drive source. It is.

Explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal point structure of the self-propelled cleaner and charging stand concerning embodiment of this invention. The top view which shows typically the principal point structure of a self-propelled cleaner and a charging stand. The side view which shows typically the principal point structure of a self-propelled cleaner and a charging stand. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the important point structure inside a self-propelled cleaner. Explanatory drawing which shows typically the relationship between a self-propelled cleaner and a charging stand in the state which the right side sensor of a self-propelled cleaner is detecting the concave marker of a charging stand. Explanatory drawing which represents typically the relationship between the self-propelled cleaner and the charging stand in a state where the self-propelled cleaner is moving forward while searching for the concave marker with the right side sensor. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the relationship between a self-propelled cleaner and a charging stand in the state in which a self-propelled cleaner exists in the front of a charging stand. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the relationship between a self-propelled cleaner and a charging stand in the state which the front sensor of a self-propelled cleaner is detecting the concave marker of a charging stand. Explanatory drawing which showed typically a mode when a self-propelled cleaner searches for a charging stand. The flowchart which showed the process sequence in which a self-propelled cleaner searches for a charging stand. The flowchart which shows the process sequence about the connection mode which performs connection position alignment of the charging terminal of a self-propelled cleaner and the electric power feeding terminal of a charging stand. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the mode of terminal connection position alignment with the self-propelled cleaner and charging stand in the procedure with terminal connection. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the mode of terminal connection position alignment with the self-propelled cleaner and charging stand in the procedure with terminal connection. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the mode of terminal connection position alignment with the self-propelled cleaner and charging stand in the procedure with terminal connection. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the mode of terminal connection position alignment with the self-propelled cleaner and charging stand in the procedure with terminal connection. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the mode of terminal connection position alignment with the self-propelled cleaner and charging stand in the procedure with terminal connection.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Self-propelled cleaner 2 Charging stand 5 Battery 8 Contact sensor 10 Power supply terminal 15 Bumper 20 Charging terminal 30 Left traveling drive part 31 Left wheel 32 Left reducer 33 Left traveling motor 34 Left rotary encoder 35 Left suspension structure 36 Auxiliary wheel 40 Right travel drive unit 41 Right wheel 42 Right speed reducer 43 Right travel motor 44 Right rotary encoder 45 Right suspension structure 50 Fan motor 51 Filter 52 Dust collection case 53 Suction port 54 Brush 55 Brush drive motor 60 Gyro sensor 70 Projection guide 80 Dimple Guide 100a Left side sensor 100b Left front sensor 100c Front sensor 100d Right front sensor 100e Right sensor 150a-d Floor sensors 200a-g Concave marker 300 Floor 310 Sinkable floor 330 Wall

Claims (7)

A self-propelled cleaner that has a secondary battery inside, drives a traveling drive unit and a cleaning function unit, performs autonomous traveling and autonomous cleaning, and has the power supply terminal and the secondary battery of the self-propelled cleaner. A self-propelled cleaning system with a charging stand for charging,
The self-propelled cleaner includes a distance sensor that measures a distance from an obstacle and the like, and a charging terminal that can charge the secondary battery by connecting to the power supply terminal of the charging stand. The distance sensor is a front sensor installed in front of the self-propelled cleaner,
The charging stand has a marker shape that can be detected by the distance sensor on the front surface, and the power supply terminal.
A self-propelled cleaning system in which the charging terminal and the power supply terminal are connected when the self-propelled cleaner and the charging stand are in contact with each other while the marker shape is detected by the front sensor. . The self-propelled cleaning system according to claim 1,
The self-propelled cleaning system characterized in that the marker shape installed on the charging stand is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The self-propelled cleaning system according to claim 2,
The distance sensor includes a left oblique front sensor and a right oblique front sensor which are installed facing left and right obliquely forward, the front sensor detects a marker shape of the charging stand, and the left oblique forward sensor and When the respective distances to the front surface of the charging stand detected by the right oblique front sensor are in a roughly prescribed relationship, the charging terminal and the power feeding terminal are in a position facing each other so that they can be connected, and while maintaining the state, A self-propelled cleaning system in which a traveling cleaner is moved forward, the charging terminal and the power feeding terminal are connected, and the secondary battery is charged. The self-propelled cleaning system according to claim 3,
The self-propelled cleaner has a hollow shape that is retracted from the outer surface to the front surface of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner, and the charging stand protrudes from the front surface of the charging stand and can be fitted with the hollow shape. The self-propelled cleaning system is characterized in that the charging terminal and the power feeding terminal are connected when the hollow shape and the protruding shape are fitted. The self-propelled cleaning system according to claim 3,
When the self-propelled cleaner has a hollow shape with a built-in charging terminal, the charging stand has a protruding shape with a built-in power supply terminal, and when the hollow shape and the protruding shape are fitted The self-propelled cleaning system, wherein the charging terminal and the power feeding terminal are connected. The self-propelled cleaning system according to claim 4 or 5,
The recess shape of the self-propelled cleaner is configured as a recess that is tapered in a three-dimensional manner toward the back, and the protrusion shape of the charging stand is tapered in a three-dimensional manner toward the tip. It is configured as a projection that can be held and fitted with the recess shape, and when the self-propelled cleaner is moved forward with the tip end portion of the projection shape being substantially aligned with the opening portion of the recess shape, the projection shape The self-propelled cleaning system is characterized in that the hollow shape is fitted and the charging terminal and the feeding terminal are connected. A self-propelled cleaner that uses a secondary battery as a drive source, drives the traveling drive unit and the cleaning function unit to perform autonomous traveling and autonomous cleaning, and has a power supply terminal to charge the secondary battery of the self-propelled cleaner A self-propelled cleaning system with a charging stand,
The self-propelled cleaner includes a distance sensor that measures a distance from an obstacle, a charging terminal that can charge the secondary battery by connecting to the power supply terminal of the charging stand, A front surface of the self-propelled cleaner, the distance sensor is provided in front of the self-propelled cleaner; It has a left oblique front sensor and a right oblique front sensor that are installed toward the left and right oblique fronts of the self-propelled cleaner,
The charging base has a marker shape that can be detected by the distance sensor on the front surface, the power supply terminal, and a protrusion that tapers three-dimensionally toward the front end of the charging base and fits into the recess shape. And has a shape,
When the front sensor detects the marker shape and the detection distances of the left oblique front sensor and the right oblique front sensor to the front surface of the charging base are in a state of a roughly prescribed relationship, A procedure for directly connecting the power supply terminals so that they can be connected, a procedure for advancing the self-propelled cleaner while maintaining the state, and roughly aligning the protrusion-shaped tip with the depression-shaped opening; The self-propelled cleaner is moved forward with the tip of the protrusion shape substantially aligned with the opening of the recess shape to fit the recess shape and the protrusion shape, and the charging terminal and the power supply terminal are connected. A self-propelled cleaning system that performs automatic charging of a self-propelled cleaner by sequentially executing the connecting steps.

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