JP2015075825A - Self-propelled electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a self-propelled electronic device including a self-propelled cleaner capable of inexpensively using multiple types of batteries, and further capable of notifying a user when the batteries need to be charged.SOLUTION: A self-propelled electronic device 1 is configured to include: an enclosure 2; a drive wheel for moving the enclosure; a motor for rotating the drive wheel; a battery housing adapter having first positive and negative terminals electrically connectable to positive and negative electrodes of a battery respectively; and an adapter socket having second positive and negative terminals electrically connectable to the first positive and negative terminals of the adapter respectively, and the adapter is configured to house the battery to be detachable, and the adapter socket is provided in the enclosure to insert the adapter that houses the battery to be detachable, and power is supplied from the battery to the motor and weight balance in a horizontal direction of the enclosure is adjusted by inserting the adapter that houses the battery to the adapter socket.

Description

  The present invention relates to a self-propelled electronic device driven by a battery.

In general, a vacuum cleaner for cleaning dust such as a floor surface is configured to suck air and collect the dust in the sucked air.
As the dust collection method, a method in which a detachable bag that also serves as a filter is provided and the bag is filled with dust is replaced with a new bag.
In addition to this, a cyclone type or charging type portable vacuum cleaner, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner called a so-called robot cleaner, or the like is used.
As examples of self-propelled cleaners, robot cleaners such as Patent Documents 1 and 2 have been proposed.

A self-propelled cleaner includes a rechargeable battery, and a charging stand is fixedly disposed at a predetermined position separately from the cleaner.
The self-propelled cleaner performs autonomous running and cleans the room when the remaining amount of the rechargeable battery is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.
In addition, when the remaining battery level falls below the specified value, the vehicle searches for the position of the charging stand while traveling autonomously, and if it finds a charging stand, it runs toward the charging stand and charges its own rechargeable battery. Some are charged by connecting to a stand.
The position of the charging stand is searched by detecting the infrared beam or ultrasonic beam emitted from the charging stand with a detector.

JP 2007-149115 A Special table 2007-520012 gazette

  In this conventional self-propelled cleaner, a rechargeable battery that can be charged and discharged more than a predetermined number of times is housed in the housing, and the rechargeable battery needs to be replaced when the life is over. The standard of the rechargeable battery used so that the function can be adequately and sufficiently exhibited is strictly determined. For this reason, when replacing the battery, it is common that the battery is replaced with a rechargeable battery dedicated to the self-propelled cleaner, which is expensive for the user.

  Further, in the conventional self-propelled cleaner, it often takes time to detect the charging stand due to an obstacle between the charging stand and the self. Also, even when the self-propelled vacuum cleaner was near the charging stand, it could not find the charging stand, and could run away from the charging stand while traveling to search for the charging stand. . Therefore, before returning to the charging stand, the self-propelled cleaner will run out of battery power, and as a result, the user will have to walk around the room to find the self-propelled cleaner and carry it to the charging stand for charging. There was a case.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and can use a plurality of types of batteries at low cost, and further notify the user when charging is necessary. It is an object of the present invention to provide a self-propelled electronic device including a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that can perform.
The present invention can be similarly applied not only to a self-propelled cleaner, but also to a self-propelled air cleaner that performs air suction to clean air and an ion generator that generates ions.

Thus, according to the present invention, a battery housing having a housing, a driving wheel that drives the housing, a motor that rotates the driving wheel, and a first positive and negative electrode terminal that can be electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery. Adapter, and an adapter insertion port having a second positive and negative terminal that can be electrically connected to the first positive and negative terminal of the adapter,
The adapter is configured to detachably store a battery,
The adapter insertion port is provided in the housing so as to be detachably inserted into the adapter containing a battery,
A self-propelled electronic device configured to supply power from the battery to the motor and adjust a horizontal weight balance of the casing by inserting the adapter containing the battery into the adapter insertion port. Provided.
The “battery” in the present invention includes both a primary battery and a secondary battery (rechargeable battery).

  Since the self-propelled electronic device of the present invention is configured to supply power from the battery to the motor by inserting the adapter containing the battery into the adapter insertion port, it can be driven using a commercially available battery as a power source. it can. Therefore, when replacing the battery of the self-propelled electronic device, the user can easily replace the battery without taking the trouble of disassembling the casing and taking out the battery stored in the interior as in the prior art. At the same time, since a new battery to be replaced can be a commercially available product, the cost of battery replacement borne by the user can be kept low.

  In addition, according to the present invention, by making an adapter corresponding to a dedicated rechargeable battery for other electrical products (for example, electric tools), the rechargeable battery for other electrical products can be shared as a battery for a self-propelled electronic device. can do. Therefore, when other electrical products are not used, the rechargeable battery can be effectively used as a power source for the self-propelled electronic device. As a result, the battery cost of the self-propelled cleaner is reduced.

  Further, the self-propelled electronic device of the present invention is configured to adjust the weight balance in the horizontal direction of the housing by inserting the adapter containing the battery into the adapter insertion slot. Even if the rechargeable battery of the electric product is used, the running performance of the self-propelled electronic device is not impaired.

It is a perspective view of the self-propelled cleaner concerning Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a bottom view of the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1. It is a rear view of the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the self-propelled cleaner shown by FIG. It is a figure explaining arrangement | positioning of the drive wheel unit in the self-propelled electronic device of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view of the drive wheel unit with which the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1 is equipped. It is a figure explaining the schematic structure of the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1, and the flow of air at the time of cleaning. It is a rear view which shows the state which removed the adapter of the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1. It is a principal part sectional side view which shows the 2nd positive / negative terminal of the adapter insertion port in the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1. It is the perspective view seen from the lower part which shows the rechargeable battery and its adapter which are used for the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1. 10A is a plan view of the adapter shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 10B is a side sectional view thereof. It is the perspective view seen from the lower part which shows another rechargeable battery used for the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1, and its adapter. 12A is a plan view, and FIG. 12B is a side sectional view of the adapter shown in FIG. 12. It is an adapter insertion port in the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1, (A) shows an adapter extraction state, and (B) shows an adapter insertion state. It is a typical graph which shows the time-dependent change of the voltage of the multiple types of rechargeable battery used for the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1. It is a perspective view of the self-propelled cleaner concerning Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a top view of the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 2. It is the perspective view seen from the lower part which shows the rechargeable battery and its adapter which are used for the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 2. 18A is a plan view of the adapter shown in FIG. 18, and FIG. 18B is a side sectional view thereof. It is the perspective view seen from the lower part which shows another rechargeable battery used for the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 2, and its adapter. 20A is a plan view, and FIG. 20B is a side sectional view of the adapter shown in FIG. 20.

(Embodiment 1)
1 is a perspective view of a self-propelled cleaner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1, and FIG. 3 is a self-propelled of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the vacuum cleaner, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the self-propelled cleaner shown in FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the drive wheel unit in the self-propelled electronic device of the first embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the drive wheel unit provided in the self-propelled cleaner of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the self-propelled cleaner according to the first embodiment and an air flow during cleaning. FIG. 8 is a rear view showing a state where the adapter of the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1 is removed, and FIG. 9 is a second positive and negative terminal of the adapter insertion port in the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, the self-propelled electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention sucks air containing dust on the floor surface while self-propelled on the floor surface where it is installed. It is a self-propelled cleaner that cleans the floor surface by exhausting the air that has been removed.
The self-propelled cleaner 1 includes a disk-shaped housing 2, and has a rotating brush 9, a side brush 10, a dust collector 30, an electric blower 22, and a drive wheel 29 inside and outside the housing 2. Components such as a pair of drive wheel units U1, a rear wheel 26 and a front wheel 27, a control unit including various sensors, an adapter 60 that houses a battery E11, an adapter insertion port 70, an adapter detection mechanism 80, and the like are provided.
In the self-propelled cleaner 1, a portion where the front wheel 27 is disposed is a front portion, a portion where the rear wheel 26 is disposed is a rear portion, and a portion where the dust collecting device 30 is disposed is an intermediate portion.

  The housing 2 opens and closes when the dust collector 30 is taken in and out of the housing 2 and the bottom plate 2a having a suction port 6 formed at a position near the boundary with the intermediate portion in the front portion. A top plate 2b having a lid portion 3 at an intermediate portion, and a bottom plate 2a and a side plate 2c having an annular shape in plan view provided along the outer periphery of the top plate 2b are provided. The bottom plate 2a is formed with a plurality of holes for projecting the lower portions of the front wheel 27, the pair of drive wheels 29 and the rear wheel 26 from the inside of the housing 2 to the outside, and the boundary between the front portion and the middle portion of the top plate 2b. An exhaust port 7 is formed in the vicinity. In addition, the side plate 2c is divided into two in the front and rear directions, and the front side portion of the side plate functions as a bumper.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the housing 2, a motor unit (not shown), an electric blower 22, an ion generator, and the like are arranged in the front part, and a dust collecting device 30 is arranged in the middle part. A control board (not shown) of the control unit, an adapter 60 that accommodates the battery E11, an adapter insertion port 70, an adapter detection mechanism 80, and the like are disposed in the front or rear space, and suction is performed near the boundary between the front part and the intermediate part. A passage 11 and an exhaust passage 12 are arranged.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the drive wheel unit U1 includes said drive wheels 29, and a drive wheel holder 41 for rotatably holding the drive wheel 29 to the first axis P ₁ around.
The drive wheel 29 has a wheel part (not shown) centered on the first axis P ₁ and a tire part 29a attached to the outer periphery of the wheel part. The tire portion 29a has a plurality of rectangular convex portions 29a ₁ and a plurality of concave portions 29a _{2 on} the outer periphery, and is circular when viewed from the direction of the first axis P ₁ .

The drive wheel holder 41 is attached to the housing 2 so as to be rotatable around a second axis P ₂ parallel to the first axis P ₁ .
More specifically, the drive wheel holder 41 is a substantially shoe-sole-shaped gear case having a gear inside, and includes a front portion where the first axis P ₁ is arranged and a second axis P _2. that which has a rear, and its rear portion has a rear projecting piece 41a and the second center axis P ₂ become pivot shaft 41b. Further, the drive wheel holder 41 is provided with a motor M capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions on the inner surface of the rear portion thereof, and the rotational force of the motor M is transmitted via a gear and a drive shaft (not shown) on the first axis P _1. It is configured to transmit to the drive wheel 29. A wheel cover portion 41 d that covers the wheel portion of the drive wheel 29 is provided on the inner side surface of the front portion of the drive wheel holder 41.

As first axis P ₁ is arranged substantially intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the length of the housing 2, and the second axis P ₂ is arranged behind the first axis P _1, pivot The support shaft 41b is pivotally attached to a rib in the housing 2.
The drive wheel holder 41 has an upper position of the second center axis P _2, the elastic member S (e.g., tension spring) a protrusion 41c which is drawn in to the first axis P ₁ side. The protrusion 41c has a hook 41c ₁ at the upper end.
In the embodiment 1, a spring is used tensile as elastic member S, the rear end of the elastic member S is hooked on the hook portion 41c _1, the rear end of the elastic member S is provided in the housing 2 It is hooked on the hook portion 2f of the drive wheel cover 2e.

The front wheel 27 is made of a roller, contacts the step appearing on the course, and the bottom plate 2a of the housing 2 is slightly lifted from the floor K where the driving wheel 29 contacts the ground so that the housing 2 can easily get over the step. The part is rotatably provided.
The rear wheel 26 is a free wheel, and is rotatably provided on a part of the bottom plate 2a of the housing 2 so as to be in contact with the floor surface K to which the driving wheel 29 is grounded.

  In this way, the pair of driving wheels 29 is disposed in the middle in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing 2, the front wheels 27 are lifted from the floor surface K, and the weight of the self-propelled cleaner 1 is set to the pair of driving wheels 29 and the rear wheels 26. The weight is distributed in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing 2 so that it can be supported. Thereby, the dust in front of the course can be guided to the suction port 6 without being blocked by the front wheel 27. The horizontal weight balance of the entire self-propelled cleaner 1 is optimized by the state in which the adapter 60 that houses the battery E11 is inserted into the adapter insertion port 70. This will be described in detail later.

  The suction port 6 is an open surface of a recess formed on the bottom surface of the housing 2 (the lower surface of the bottom plate 2a) so as to face the floor surface K. A rotary brush 9 that rotates about an axis parallel to the bottom surface of the housing 2 is provided in the suction port 6, and a side brush 10 that rotates about a vertical rotation axis on the left and right sides of the suction port 6. Is provided. The rotating brush 9 is formed by implanting a brush spirally on the outer peripheral surface of a roller that is a rotating shaft. The side brush 10 is formed by providing a brush bundle radially at the lower end of the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft of the rotating brush 9 and the rotating shaft of the pair of side brushes 10 are pivotally attached to a part of the bottom plate 2a of the housing 2 and include a drive motor, a pulley, a belt, and the like provided in the vicinity thereof. It is connected via a power transmission mechanism.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a floor surface detection sensor 13 for detecting the floor surface is disposed between the bottom surface of the housing 2 and the front wheel 27, and similarly on the front sides of the left and right drive wheels 29. The floor surface detection sensor 19 is arranged. When the downstairs are detected by the floor surface detection sensor 13, the detection signal is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit controls both the drive wheels 29 to stop. In addition, when the floor detection sensor 13 breaks down, the floor detection sensor 19 can detect the descending stair and stop both driving wheels 29, so that the self-propelled cleaner 1 is prevented from falling to the descending stair. Has been. Further, when the floor surface detection sensor 19 detects the descending staircase, the detection signal may be transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit may control the drive wheel 29 to travel avoiding the descending staircase.

A control circuit (not shown) is provided with a control circuit that controls each element such as the drive wheel 29, the rotating brush 9, the side brush 10, and the electric blower 22 in the self-propelled cleaner 1.
At the rear end of the side plate 2c of the housing 2, an adapter insertion port 70 is provided in a rear opening shape (see FIG. 8).

The dust collecting device 30 includes a dust collecting container 31 having an opening, a filter part 33 that covers the opening of the dust collecting container 31, and a cover part 32 that covers the filter part 33 and the opening of the dust collecting container 31. ing. The cover part 32 and the filter part 33 are pivotally supported by the opening edge of the front side of the dust collecting container 31 so that rotation is possible.
In the state where the dust collector 30 is housed in the housing 2, the inflow passage 34 that communicates with the suction passage 11 of the housing 2 and the exhaust passage 12 of the housing 2 are disposed at the front side wall of the dust collecting container 31. A discharge path 35 that communicates is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit that controls the operation of the entire self-propelled cleaner 1 stores a control board having a control circuit composed of a CPU 15a and other electronic components (not shown), and a travel map 18a. A storage unit 18, a motor driver 22 a for driving the electric blower 22, a motor driver 51 a for driving the traveling motor 51 of the drive wheel 29, and a louver rotatably provided near the exhaust port 7 in the housing 2. 17 and a control unit 17a for driving the same, an odor sensor 52 and its control unit 52a, a humidity sensor 53 and its control unit 53a, a human sensor 54 and its control unit 54a, a contact sensor 55 and its control unit 55a, an adapter Detection mechanism 80, speaker 83 and its control unit 83a, adapter insertion port 7 Configured with a second temperature detecting terminal 75 or the like provided.

The CPU 15a is a central processing unit and transmits control signals individually to the motor drivers 22a and 51a and the control unit 17a based on the program data stored in advance in the storage unit 18, and the electric blower 22, the traveling motor 51, and the louver. 17 is driven and controlled, and a series of cleaning operation and ion emission operation are performed.
In addition, the CPU 15a accepts a condition setting relating to the operation of the self-propelled cleaner 1 by the user from an operation panel (not shown) and causes the storage unit 18 to store the condition setting. The storage unit 18 can store a travel map 18 a around the installation location of the self-propelled cleaner 1. The travel map 18a is information relating to travel such as the travel route and travel speed of the self-propelled cleaner 1, and is stored in the storage unit 18 by the user in advance or during the cleaning operation of the self-propelled cleaner 1 itself. Can be recorded automatically.

  The odor sensor 52 detects odor around the outside of the housing 2. As the odor sensor 52, for example, a semiconductor type or catalytic combustion type odor sensor can be used. In order to detect the odor around the outside of the self-propelled cleaner 1, for example, the odor sensor 52 is arranged in a state exposed from the side plate 2c or the top plate 2b of the housing 2 to the outside. The CPU 15a is connected to the odor sensor 52 via the control unit 52a, and obtains odor information around the outside of the housing 2 based on an output signal from the odor sensor 52.

  The humidity sensor 53 detects the humidity around the outside of the housing 2. As the humidity sensor 53, for example, a capacitance type or electric resistance type humidity sensor using a polymer moisture sensitive material can be used. In order to detect the relative humidity around the outside of the self-propelled cleaner 1, for example, the humidity sensor 53 is disposed in a state exposed from the side plate 2c or the top plate 2b of the housing 2 to the outside. The CPU 15a is connected to the humidity sensor 53 via the control unit 53a, and obtains humidity information around the outside of the housing 2 based on an output signal from the humidity sensor 53.

  In the travel map 18a, a location where an odor above a predetermined threshold at a location where the self-propelled cleaner 1 is installed and a location where the humidity is higher than the predetermined threshold may be stored in advance as specific locations. In this way, the CPU 15a can determine that this specific location is a location determined based on the surrounding environment of the housing 2. That is, like the odor sensor 52 and the humidity sensor 53, the travel map 18a serves as an environment detection device that detects the surrounding environment of the housing 2.

  As the human sensor 54, for example, a human sensor that detects the presence of a person using infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, visible light, or the like can be used. In order to detect the presence of a person around the outside of the self-propelled cleaner 1, for example, the human sensor 54 is disposed in a state exposed from the side plate 2c or the top plate 2b of the housing 2 to the outside. The CPU 15a is connected to the human sensor 54 through the control unit 54a, and obtains presence information of people around the outside of the housing 2 based on an output signal from the human sensor 54.

  The contact sensor 55 is disposed, for example, at the front portion of the side plate 2c of the housing 2 in order to detect that the self-propelled cleaner 1 has come into contact with an obstacle during traveling. The CPU 15a is connected to the contact sensor 55 via the control unit 55a, and obtains presence information of obstacles around the outside of the housing 2 based on an output signal from the contact sensor 55.

The adapter detection mechanism 80 includes detection switches 81 and 82 that can be electrically connected to the control system circuit of the control board, and detects the adapter 60 inserted into the adapter insertion port 70. In the first embodiment, the adapter 60 is manufactured according to the specific battery E11, and an adapter dedicated to the battery is prepared every time the shape, size, battery characteristics, etc. of the battery E11 used are different. The
In addition, the adapter insertion port 70 has second positive and negative terminals 73 and 74 that are electrically connectable to the first positive and negative terminals 63 and 64 and the first temperature detection terminal 65 of the adapter 60, and a second one. A temperature detection terminal 75 is provided, the second positive and negative terminals 73 and 74 are electrically connected to a drive system circuit of the control board, and the second temperature detection terminal 75 is a protection system circuit of the control board. Electrically connected.
The adapter 60, the adapter insertion port 70, and the adapter detection mechanism 80 will be described later in detail.

  In the self-propelled cleaner 1 configured as described above, the electric blower 22, the ion generator 25, the drive wheel 29, the rotating brush 9, and the side brush 10 are driven by a cleaning operation command. As a result, the housing 2 is free to move dust from the floor surface K through the suction port 6 while the rotary brush 9, the side brush 10, the driving wheel 29 and the rear wheel 26 are in contact with the floor surface K while traveling in a predetermined range. Inhale air containing. At this time, the dust on the floor surface K is scraped up by the rotation of the rotating brush 9 and guided to the suction port 6. Further, the dust on the side of the suction port 6 is guided to the suction port 6 by the rotation of the side brush 10.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the air containing dust sucked into the housing 2 from the suction port 6 passes through the suction passage 11 of the housing 2, passes through the inflow passage 34 of the dust collector 30, and is a dust collection container 31. Flows in. The airflow that has flowed into the dust collecting container 31 passes through the filter portion 33, flows into the space between the filter portion 33 and the cover portion 32, and is discharged to the exhaust passage 12 of the housing 2 through the discharge passage 35. The At this time, the dust contained in the airflow in the dust collecting container 31 is captured by the filter unit 33, so that the dust accumulates in the dust collecting container 31.

The airflow flowing into the exhaust passage 12 of the housing 2 from the dust collector 30 passes through the front electric blower 22 and flows through a first exhaust passage and a second exhaust passage (not shown). The airflow flowing through the first exhaust path includes ions released by the ion generator 25. Then, an airflow containing ions is exhausted obliquely upward from the exhaust port 7 provided on the upper surface of the housing 2. Thereby, cleaning on the floor surface K is performed, and indoor sterilization and deodorization are performed by ions contained in the exhaust of the self-propelled cleaner 1. At this time, since the exhaust is exhausted obliquely upward from the exhaust port 7, the dust on the floor surface K is prevented from being rolled up, and the cleanliness of the room can be improved.
Although not shown, a part of the airflow flowing through the first exhaust path may be guided to the suction port 6. In this way, since ions are included in the airflow guided from the suction port 6 to the suction path 11, sterilization and deodorization of the dust collection container 31 of the dust collector 30 and the filter unit 33 can be performed.

In addition, the self-propelled cleaner 1 turns when the left and right drive wheels 29 rotate forward in the same direction, move forward, move backward in the same direction, move backward, and rotate in opposite directions. For example, when the self-propelled cleaner 1 reaches the periphery of the cleaning area or collides with an obstacle on the course, the driving wheel 29 stops and the left and right driving wheels 29 rotate in opposite directions to each other. change. Thereby, the self-propelled cleaner 1 can be self-propelled while avoiding obstacles in the entire installation place or the entire desired range.
In addition, the self-propelled cleaner 1 is grounded at three points, the left and right drive wheels 29 and the rear wheel 26, so that the weight of the self-propelled cleaner 1 is balanced so that the rear wheel 26 does not rise from the floor surface K even if it stops suddenly when moving forward. Allocated. Therefore, it is prevented that the self-propelled cleaner 1 stops suddenly before the descending stairs while moving forward, and the cleaning robot 1 is tilted forward and falls to the descending stairs.

<Battery and adapter>
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rechargeable battery and its adapter used in the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1 as seen from below, and FIG. 11 is the adapter shown in FIG. It is a top view, (B) is a sectional side view.
This adapter 60 is formed in a shape corresponding to the adapter insertion port 70 in addition to being formed according to the shape, size, battery characteristics, etc. of the battery E11 to be accommodated.

In the case of Embodiment 1, the battery E11 is a rectangular parallelepiped rechargeable battery (secondary battery), and positive and negative electrodes e11 and e12 and temperature detecting electrodes disposed between the one end face and one side face adjacent thereto. t11 is provided. In addition, as this battery E11, the rechargeable battery of a commercially available electric drill is used, for example.
The adapter 60 of the first embodiment that accommodates the battery E11 is formed in a shallow dish shape that opens upward.

More specifically, the adapter 60 includes a container portion 60A having a bottom wall 61 and a peripheral wall 62 that rises along the outer periphery of the upper surface thereof, first positive and negative terminals 63, 64 provided on a part of the peripheral wall 62, and A first temperature detection terminal 65 arranged between them is provided, and a battery housing recess 66 having a rectangular shape in plan view is formed by the bottom wall 61 and the peripheral wall 62. In FIG. 4, the first temperature detection terminal 65 and the second temperature detection terminal 65 are connected by a dotted line because their electrical connection and insulation separation can be switched. Represents.
The adapter 60 has a front end portion provided with the terminals 63, 64, and 65 inserted into the back of the adapter insertion port 70. In addition, while the rear end of the surrounding wall 62 is formed in an arcuate curved surface similar to the outer peripheral portion of the housing 2 of the self-propelled cleaner 1, the protruding dimension of the adapter 60 from the rear portion of the housing 2 is suppressed. Visual synchronization with the circular housing 2 can be obtained.

  The first positive electrode terminal 63 includes a curved contact portion 63a protruding into the battery housing recess 66, a flat contact portion 63b along the outer surface of the peripheral wall 62, and a curved contact portion 63a penetrating the front end of the peripheral wall 66. The connecting piece 63c is connected to the flat contact portion 63b, and is bent upward from both ends of the connecting piece 63c to form the curved contact portion 63a and the flat contact portion 63b. The same applies to the first negative terminal 64 and the first temperature detection terminal 65.

  Further, in the vicinity of the terminals 63, 64, 65 at the front end of the outer peripheral portion of the bottom wall 61, a recess 67 is provided as an element constituting an adapter detection mechanism 80 described later. In the case of this adapter 60, a direction concave portion 67 is disposed at a lower right side position with respect to each terminal 63, 64, 65.

  By accommodating the battery E11 in the battery accommodating recess 66 of the adapter 60, the positive electrode e11 and the first positive electrode terminal 63 are in contact with each other, the negative electrode e12 and the first negative electrode terminal 64 are in contact with each other, and a temperature detection electrode. t11 is in contact with the first temperature detection terminal 65. The shape and size of the battery housing recess 66 is slightly larger than that of the battery E11, and each curved contact portion 63a, 63b, 63c elastically biases the battery E11 to the opposite side. Therefore, the battery E11 is accommodated in the battery accommodating recess 66 without rattling.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another rechargeable battery and its adapter used in the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1 as seen from below, and FIG. 13 is the adapter shown in FIG. ) Is a plan view, and (B) is a side sectional view. In FIG. 12, the alternate long and two short dashes line represents the battery shown in FIG.

In the case of the first embodiment, a plurality of types of adapters are prepared so that a plurality of types of batteries can be inserted into a rear opening-shaped adapter insertion port 70 provided in the housing 2.
As shown in FIG. 12, for example, another adapter 160 that allows a battery E12 smaller than the battery E11 shown in FIG. 10 to be inserted into the adapter insertion port 70 is prepared. In the case of the first embodiment, the positions and mutual distances of the positive and negative electrodes e21 and e22 of the small battery E12 and the temperature detection electrode t21 are the same as the positions and mutual distances of the positive and negative electrodes e11 and e12 of the large battery E11 and the temperature detection electrode t11. It is the same.

  The adapter 160 includes a container portion 160A having a bottom wall 161 and a peripheral wall 162, first positive and negative terminals 163 and 164 and a first temperature detection terminal 165 provided on a part of the peripheral wall 162. The bottom wall 161 and the peripheral wall 162 form a battery housing recess 166 having a rectangular shape in plan view. At this time, the positions of the first positive and negative terminals 163 and 164 and the first temperature detection terminal 165 of the adapter 160 and the mutual distance between the first positive and negative terminals 63 and 64 of the adapter 60 and the first The position of the temperature detection terminal 65 of 1 and the interval between them are the same. Note that the outer shape and size of the container portion 160A of the adapter 160 and the outer shape and size of the container portion 60A of the adapter 60 are the same.

Further, in the vicinity of the terminals 163, 164, and 165 on the outer peripheral portion of the bottom wall 161, a recess 167 is provided as one element constituting an adapter detection mechanism 80 described later. In the case of this adapter 160, a recess 167 is disposed at a lower left position with respect to the terminals 163, 164, 165.
Further, in the adapter 160, a recess 168 is formed at the rear end of the peripheral wall 162, and a weight plate 169 is fitted in the recess 168.

  By accommodating the small battery E12 in the battery accommodating recess 166 of the adapter 160, the positive electrode e21 and the first positive electrode terminal 163 are in electrical contact, and the negative electrode e22 and the first negative electrode terminal 164 are in electrical contact. The temperature detection electrode t21 is in electrical contact with the first temperature detection terminal 165. In addition to the shape and size of the battery housing recess 166 being slightly larger than the battery E12, each curved contact portion 163a, 163b, 163c elastically biases the battery E12 to the opposite side. Therefore, the battery E12 is accommodated in the battery accommodating recess 166 without rattling.

The adapter 160 has the weight plate 169 so that the total weight of the adapter 160 and the small and light battery E12 in the battery accommodation state is substantially equal to the total weight of the adapter 60 and the large and heavy battery E11 described above. Is provided.
The self-propelled cleaner 1 according to the present invention is set so that the overall weight balance in the horizontal direction is optimal during driving, and the adapter 60 (or 160) containing the battery E11 (or E12) is inserted into the adapter insertion port. It is configured so that an optimal weight balance can be obtained by being inserted into 70.
In other words, in order to obtain an optimal weight balance, the total weight of the battery and the adapter must be approximately equal even if the weight of the battery to be used is different. Therefore, the weight plate 169 is provided on the adapter 160 that accommodates the small battery E12. Is provided.

<Adapter insertion slot and adapter detection mechanism>
FIG. 14 is an adapter insertion port in the self-propelled cleaner of the first embodiment, where (A) shows the adapter pulled out state and (B) shows the adapter inserted state.
As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 14, the adapter insertion port 70 is formed by a box 71 having a rear opening shape provided in the housing 2. 60 (or 160) first positive / negative terminal 63, 64 and second temperature detecting terminal 75 that can be electrically contacted with first temperature detecting terminal 65 are provided. It is provided side by side.

  The box 71 is formed in a size that can be inserted to the vicinity of the rear end of the adapter 60 that accommodates the battery E11 or the adapter 160 that accommodates the battery E12. 73 and 74 and a second temperature detection terminal 75 are provided in an arcuate shape.

  Further, a pair of detection switches 81 and 82 as one element constituting the adapter detection mechanism 80 are provided on both sides of the terminals 73 to 75 on the back wall 71 a of the box 71. The switch 81 is, for example, a pair of conductive members 81a attached to the rib 2x provided in the housing 2 so as to face the back wall 71a of the box 71, and a conductive switch that penetrates the back wall 71a of the box 71. A main body 81b and a resilient member 81c for resiliently biasing the switch body 81b into the box 71 are provided. The switch body 81b has a flange portion on the rib 2x side that can come into contact with the pair of conductive members 81a, and the flange portion prevents the box 71 from coming off. The other switch 82 is similarly configured and includes a pair of conductive members 82a, a conductive switch body 82b, and a resilient member 82c.

The rib 2x is provided with conductive members 76, 77, and 78 that are electrically connected to and supported by the second positive and negative terminals 73 and 74 and the second temperature detection terminal 75, respectively.
The conductive members 76 and 77 are electrically connected to the drive system circuit of the control board via wiring, and the conductive member 78 is electrically connected to the protection system circuit of the control board via wiring. Further, the pair of conductive members 81a of the switch 81 and the pair of conductive members 82a of the switch 82 are electrically connected to the control system circuit of the control board via wiring.

FIG. 15 is a schematic graph showing changes over time in voltages of a plurality of types of rechargeable batteries used in the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 1.
In general, different types of batteries have different battery characteristics, and changes in voltage with time also vary with the type of battery.
For example, FIG. 15 exemplifies the change with time of voltage under the same conditions for different types of battery A and battery B. In this case, when the discharge time required to decrease from voltage V1 to voltage V2 is compared, battery A Is the time Ta, and the battery B has a shorter time Tb.

Therefore, depending on the type of battery used in the self-propelled cleaner 1, the time from when the remaining battery level is reduced to a predetermined amount until the drive is stopped may be different as in the times Ta and Tb. Even if the battery capacity is the same, the continuous drive time may vary depending on the type of battery (for example, material, structure, etc.).
Therefore, when continuously informing the user that the remaining battery level is low, such as by a buzzer or voice, when the remaining battery level has decreased to a single predetermined amount, A large variation occurs in the time until the drive is stopped. For example, the battery A has a margin of about 10 minutes as the time Ta from the start of notification to the stop of driving, but the battery B has only a margin of about 3 minutes as the time Tb from the start of notification to the stop of driving. In this case, “stop driving” of the self-propelled cleaner 1 includes “stopping notification”.

As a result, in the case of the battery A, the user can easily find the self-propelled cleaner 1 because the time for listening to the notification sound is long, but in the case of the battery B, the user can listen to the notification sound. Is short, and it is difficult to find the self-propelled cleaner 1.
In the present invention, the adapter detection mechanism 80 is provided so that such a problem does not occur.

  As shown in FIG. 14B, by inserting the adapter 60 containing the battery E11 into the adapter insertion port 70, the first positive and negative terminals 63 and 64 are electrically connected to the second positive and negative terminals 73 and 74. The first temperature detection terminal 65 is electrically connected to the second temperature detection terminal 75. Furthermore, the switch body 81b of one switch 81 is pushed toward the rib 2x by the adapter 60, and the pair of conductive members 81a are electrically connected via the flange portion of the switch body 81b. At this time, the switch body 82 b of the other switch 82 is not pushed in by the recess 67 of the adapter 60.

  Thereby, the electric power from the battery E11 is supplied to the dynamic drive source (motor) via the drive system circuit of the control board, and the temperature and the terminal voltage of the battery E11 are detected by the protection system circuit of the control board. . Further, when one switch 81 is turned on (the other switch 82 is turned off), it is detected by the control system circuit that the adapter 60 containing the battery E11 is inserted. Thereby, the notification threshold set for each type of battery can be switched inside the housing 2.

In the first embodiment, the two types of batteries E11 and E12 described above can be used, and the notification according to the battery characteristics of the batteries E11 and E12 can be performed.
That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the two types of batteries A and B have either a battery sound time (notification time) that can be heard by the user due to the difference in battery characteristics. It is desirable that A and B have the same notification time and an appropriate length.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in the case of the battery A, a notification sound is emitted when the voltage is lowered to a voltage Va lower than the predetermined voltage V1, and in the case of the battery B, the notification sound is generated when the voltage is decreased to a voltage Vb higher than the predetermined voltage V1. The control system circuit is configured to sound. That is, the control system circuit is configured so that the notification times of the two types of batteries E11 and E12 having different battery characteristics are the same times T1 and T2.

In the case of FIG. 14B, since the adapter 60 is inserted into the adapter insertion port 70, it is recognized that the battery E11 is used in the control system circuit. For example, when the voltage drops to the voltage Vb. A notification sound is generated.
Although not shown, when the adapter 160 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) is inserted into the adapter insertion port 70, the switch 82 is turned on (the switch 81 is turned off), and the battery in the control system circuit. It is recognized that E12 is used, and for example, a notification sound is generated when the voltage drops to the voltage Va.

  The notification sound may be a buzzer sound or a human voice. In the case of a human voice, for example, a message “please charge” may be issued to prompt the user to charge the battery. In addition, when the battery used is a primary battery, you may make it sound | voice "Please replace with a new battery."

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a self-propelled cleaner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a plan view of the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 2, and FIG. 18 is a self-propelled of Embodiment 2. It is the perspective view seen from the lower part which shows the rechargeable battery and its adapter which are used for a vacuum cleaner. FIG. 19 is an adapter shown in FIG. 18, wherein (A) is a plan view and (B) is a side sectional view. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing another rechargeable battery used in the self-propelled cleaner of Embodiment 2 and its adapter as seen from below. FIG. 21 is an adapter shown in FIG. 20, in which (A) is a plan view and (B) is a side sectional view. 16 to 21, the same elements as those in FIGS. 1 to 15 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The self-propelled cleaner 100 as the self-propelled electronic device of the second embodiment is different from the self-propelled cleaner 1 of the first embodiment mainly in the formation position of the adapter insertion port 170 and the configuration of the adapter 260. The batteries E11 and E12 used in 2 are the same type as the batteries used in the first embodiment.
Since other configurations in the second embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, the following mainly describes differences from the first embodiment in the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the adapter insertion port 170 is formed in an upper opening shape at the rear part of the housing 120, and on the bottom surface thereof, the second positive and negative terminals 173 and 174 having the same configuration as in the first embodiment and A second temperature detection terminal 175 arranged between them is provided. Furthermore, switches 181 and 182 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment are provided on both sides of the second positive and negative terminals 173 and 174 on the bottom surface of the adapter insertion port 170.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the adapter 260 has a container portion 260A having an upper opening shape that accommodates the large battery E11 described in the first embodiment from the electrodes e11, e12, t11, and the bottom wall of the container portion 260A. 261 includes first positive and negative terminals 263 and 264 and a first temperature detection terminal 265 that are in electrical contact with the positive and negative electrodes e11 and e12 of the battery E11 inserted into the adapter 260 and the temperature detection electrode t11. It has been. Further, a recess 267 is formed in the vicinity of each terminal 263, 264, 265 on the outer peripheral wall 262 of the container portion 260A. In the second embodiment, the recess 267 of the adapter 260 is provided on the right side with respect to the terminals 263, 264, and 265. The battery accommodating portion 266 of the container portion 260A of the adapter 260 is formed in a shape and size that can be accommodated to such an extent that the battery E11 does not wobble.

  By inserting the adapter 260 containing the battery E11 into the adapter insertion port 170, the first positive and negative terminals 263 and 264 of the adapter 260 and the first temperature detection terminal 265 are connected to the second positive and negative terminals of the adapter insertion port 170. The terminals 173 and 174 and the second temperature detection terminal 175 are electrically connected. Furthermore, one switch 181 is pushed downward by the adapter 260 and is turned on. At this time, since the other switch 182 is not pushed in by the recess 267 of the adapter 260, it remains in the OFF state.

  Thereby, the electric power from the battery E11 is supplied to the dynamic drive source (motor) via the drive system circuit of the control board, and the temperature of the battery E11 is detected by the protection system circuit of the control board. Further, when one switch 181 is turned on (the other switch 182 is turned off), it is detected by the control system circuit that the adapter 260 containing the battery E11 is inserted.

In the case of the second embodiment, a plurality of types of adapters are prepared so that a plurality of types of batteries can be inserted into the adapter opening 170 having an upper opening provided in the housing 2.
For example, another adapter 360 that allows the small battery E12 described in the first embodiment to be inserted into the adapter insertion port 170 is prepared.

  The adapter 360 includes a container part 360A, first positive and negative terminals 363 and 364 provided on the bottom wall 361 of the container part 360A, and a first temperature detection terminal 365. At this time, the positions of the first positive and negative terminals 363 and 364 and the first temperature detection terminal 365 of the adapter 360 and the distance between them are the same as the first positive and negative terminals 263 and 264 of the adapter 260 described above. The position of the temperature detection terminal 265 and the interval between them are the same. Note that the outer shape and size of the container portion 360A of the adapter 360 and the outer shape and size of the container portion 260A of the adapter 260 are the same.

A recess 367 is formed in the vicinity of each terminal 363, 364, 365 on the outer peripheral wall 362 of the container portion 360A. In the second embodiment, the concave portion 367 of the adapter 360 is provided on the left and right sides with respect to the terminals 363, 364, and 365.
Further, in the container portion 360A, a recess 368 is formed at the rear end of the peripheral wall 362, and a weight plate 369 is fitted in the recess 368.

By accommodating the small battery E12 in the container portion 360A of the adapter 360, the positive electrode e21 and the first positive electrode terminal 363 are in electrical contact, and the negative electrode e22 and the first negative electrode terminal 364 are in electrical contact. The temperature detection electrode t21 is in electrical contact with the first temperature detection terminal 365.
The battery accommodating portion 366 of the container portion 360A of the adapter 360 is formed in a shape and size that can be accommodated to such an extent that the battery E12 does not wobble.

The weight plate 369 is provided on the adapter 360 so that the total weight of the adapter 360 and the small and light battery E12 in the battery accommodation state is substantially equal to the total weight of the adapter 260 and the large and heavy battery E11 described above. Is provided.
The self-propelled cleaner 100 according to the second embodiment is set so that the overall weight balance in the horizontal direction is optimal during driving, and an adapter 260 (or 360) containing the battery E11 (or E12) is inserted into the adapter. By being inserted into the mouth 170, an optimum weight balance can be obtained.

  In addition, since the concave portions 267 and 367 are provided in the left and right opposite positions in the respective adapters 260 and 360, it is recognized which adapter is inserted into the adapter insertion port 170 by the switches 181 and 182 of the adapter detection mechanism. As in the first embodiment, when the voltage drops to a voltage corresponding to the battery being used, a notification sound is emitted from the speaker 81 to prompt the user to charge the battery.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first and second embodiments, the adapter detection mechanism 80 using the switches 81 and 82 is illustrated. However, the adapter detection mechanism 80 is configured to individually detect adapters by other mechanical, electrical, or optical means. May be.
For example, a metal piece is affixed to the bottom surface of the adapter, and a plurality of magnetic sensors are provided on the bottom surface of the adapter insertion port, and the metal piece of the adapter inserted into the adapter insertion port is changed by changing the position of the metal piece for each adapter. You may comprise so that it may detect with a specific magnetic sensor. Alternatively, by providing a plurality of photo interrupters at the adapter insertion port and changing the external shape for each adapter, the adapter inserted into the adapter insertion port is configured to detect when light from a specific photo coupler is blocked. Also good.

(Embodiment 4)
In Embodiments 1 and 2, a self-propelled electronic device capable of using a rectangular parallelepiped battery has been exemplified, but the shape and size of the battery are particularly limited as long as the battery characteristics required by the self-propelled cleaner are included. Is not to be done. For example, a cylindrical battery having positive and negative electrodes at both ends in the axial direction may be used. In this case, the first positive and negative terminals are connected so as to be electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the cylindrical battery housed in the adapter. A child is arranged, and the first positive / negative terminal of the adapter and the second positive / negative terminal of the adapter insertion port are configured to be electrically connectable.

(Embodiment 5)
In the first to third embodiments, the case where one battery is stored in the adapter has been illustrated, but the weight of the entire self-propelled electronic device is such that a plurality of batteries are connected in series or in parallel and stored. The adapter may be configured to adjust the balance.

(Summary)
A self-propelled electronic device according to the present invention includes a housing, a driving wheel that drives the housing, a motor that rotates the driving wheel, and a first positive and negative terminal that can be electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery. A battery housing adapter, and an adapter insertion port having a second positive and negative electrode terminal electrically connectable to the first positive and negative electrode terminal of the adapter,
The adapter is configured to detachably store a battery,
The adapter insertion port is provided in the housing so as to be detachably inserted into the adapter containing a battery,
By inserting the adapter containing the battery into the adapter insertion slot, power is supplied from the battery to the motor and the weight balance in the horizontal direction of the casing is adjusted.

The self-propelled electronic device of the present invention may be configured as follows.
(1) The adapter may include a plurality of types of adapters according to the type of battery.
In this way, for example, in the case of an adapter that adapts to a commercially available battery, by preparing two types of adapters that adapt to a single-type battery and an adapter that adapts to a single-type battery, either battery can run freely. It can be a driving source for electronic devices. In addition, for example, by preparing two types of adapters that are suitable for rechargeable batteries for large electric drills and adapters that are suitable for rechargeable batteries for small electric drills, either rechargeable battery can serve as a drive source for self-propelled electronic devices. obtain. Also in these cases, the horizontal weight balance of the casing is adjusted by inserting the adapter containing the battery into the adapter insertion slot.

(2) The adapter insertion port may be formed in a rear opening shape or an upper opening shape in a rear portion of the casing.
If the adapter insertion port has a rear opening shape, the battery does not protrude above the housing, and thus the height of the self-propelled electronic device can be kept low.
Further, if the adapter insertion port is opened upward, the battery can be structured so as not to protrude rearward of the housing, so that the battery can be protected from hitting an object when the self-propelled electronic device is turned.

(3) The adapter detection mechanism for detecting the adapter fitted in the adapter insertion port may be further provided, and the adapter detection mechanism may be configured to individually recognize the plurality of types of adapters. Good.
If it does in this way, control of the self-propelled electronic device according to the battery characteristic of each battery will be attained. Therefore, for example, when notifying the user with a buzzer or voice when the remaining battery level is low, by setting a threshold value according to the battery characteristics of each battery, a certain time from the start of notification regardless of the individual battery Can be set to stop driving.

  The disclosed embodiments should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The self-propelled electronic device of the present invention can be applied to a self-propelled cleaner, a self-propelled air cleaner, and a self-propelled ion generator.

2 Housing 29 Driving wheel 60, 160, 260, 360 Battery housing adapter 63, 163, 263, 363 First positive terminal 64, 164, 264, 364 First negative terminal 65, 165, 265, 365 First Temperature detection terminal 70, 170 adapter insertion port 73, 173 second positive terminal 74, 174 second negative terminal 75, 175 second temperature detection terminal 80 adapter detection mechanism 81, 82, 181, 182 switch E11 , E12 Battery e11, e21 Positive electrode e12, e22 Negative electrode M Motor t11, t21 Temperature detection electrode

Claims (5)

A housing, a driving wheel for driving the housing, a motor for rotating the driving wheel, a battery accommodating adapter having a first positive / negative electrode terminal electrically connectable to a positive / negative electrode of the battery, and a first of the adapter An adapter insertion port having a second positive and negative terminal electrically connectable to one positive and negative terminal;
The adapter is configured to detachably store a battery,
The adapter insertion port is provided in the housing so as to be detachably inserted into the adapter containing a battery,
The adapter containing the battery is inserted into the adapter insertion port so that power is supplied from the battery to the motor and the weight balance in the horizontal direction of the casing is adjusted. Running electronic equipment.   The self-propelled electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the adapter includes a plurality of types of adapters according to the type of battery.   The self-propelled electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the adapter insertion port is formed in a rear opening shape or an upper opening shape in a rear portion of the housing.   The self-propelled electronic device of Claim 2 or 3 further provided with the adapter detection mechanism which detects the said adapter inserted in the said adapter insertion port.   The self-propelled electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the adapter detection mechanism is configured to individually recognize the plurality of types of adapters.