JP7378017B2 - vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner.

Self-propelled vacuum cleaners have become popular, and various technologies have been developed to improve the performance of self-propelled vacuum cleaners. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for fixing the main body and the dust box in a state where the suction path is highly airtight in a self-propelled vacuum cleaner equipped with a removable dust box that accumulates dust sucked up by a suction motor. .

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-143667

It goes without saying that dust suction performance is important for users of such self-propelled vacuum cleaners, but since the user is responsible for discarding the accumulated dirt in the dust box, the dust box Usability is equally important. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can improve the performance of the vacuum cleaner while also improving the convenience for the user.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that improves the convenience of a vacuum cleaner or a container.

In order to solve the above problems, a vacuum cleaner according to an aspect of the present invention includes a main body of the vacuum cleaner, a housing part for storing sucked dust, and a state in which the housing part is housed inside the main body. The main body includes a suction port for sucking dust, a storage portion for storing the storage portion, and a cover connected to the suction port provided in the storage portion. a first opening, the housing section has a second opening that connects to the first opening when the housing section is stored in the housing section, and the housing section has a second opening that connects to the first opening when the housing section is stored in the housing section; The filter has a downstream opening on the downstream side, a cover is pivotally supported above the downstream opening, a filter is pivotally supported in the downstream opening so as to be openable and closable, and the filter is pivotally supported below the downstream opening . The first opening is sloped so as to face diagonally upward, the second opening is sloped so as to face diagonally downward, and the second opening and the downstream opening face each other. The cover and filter are pivotally supported near the surface where the downstream opening of the accommodating portion is formed.

Note that arbitrary combinations of the above-mentioned components and expressions of the present invention converted between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the technique which improves the convenience of a vacuum cleaner or a container can be provided.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner viewed diagonally from above. It is a top view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. It is a bottom view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. It is a front view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. It is a right view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. It is a top view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner when a dust box is removed. It is a perspective view of the main body of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner and the dust box when the dust box is removed. It is a perspective view of the chassis of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. FIG. 2 is a front view center vertical cross-sectional view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner when the dust box is housed in the main body. It is a front view center vertical sectional view of the main body of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner and the dust box when the dust box is removed from the main body. It is a dimensional drawing of the bottom of the main body of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. FIG. 2 is an enlarged dimensional view of the front right side of the main body of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner. It is a figure showing the top surface and the side of a dust box when the cover of a dust box is opened and closed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a side view of the dust box when the filter of the dust box is opened. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dust box when the cover is opened. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the dust box seen from below. It is an enlarged view of a part of the front view central vertical cross-sectional view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner. It is a perspective view of another example of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the periphery of a locking portion provided on the cover of the dust box. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the area around the locking portion when the dust box cover is opened. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the area around the locking portion of the dust box cover when the locking portion is disengaged from the locked portion. It is a bottom view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the area around the step sensor. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the configuration around the intake duct part. It is a perspective view of an intake duct part. It is a side view center cross-sectional view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner.

As an embodiment of the present invention, a technique for improving the convenience of a dust box provided in a vacuum cleaner as a container for storing dust sucked by the vacuum cleaner will be described. In the following embodiments, a self-propelled vacuum cleaner that cleans a floor surface while autonomously traveling along the floor surface will be described as an example of a vacuum cleaner.

[Overall configuration of self-propelled vacuum cleaner]
First, the overall configuration of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 viewed diagonally from above. As shown in FIG. 1, an operating section 16 is provided at the rear of the upper surface 12 of the main body 11 of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 for receiving instructions from the user. The self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 operates based on instructions received from the user via the operation unit 16. A control circuit for controlling the operation of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 and a battery unit for supplying power to the control circuit are provided in the rear part of the main body 11, that is, below the operating section 16. This makes it easy to route wiring such as signal lines between the operating section 16 and the control circuit, power lines between the battery unit, the control circuit, and the operating section 16, and the like. The autonomous running and cleaning operation of the self-propelled cleaner 10 is controlled by the control program executed in the control circuit. The control circuit acquires detection results from a sensor for detecting surrounding conditions, and depending on the detection results, drives a drive wheel for moving the main body 11 and a brush 15 for sweeping the ground surface on which the drive wheels touch the ground. etc. to control the drive. Details of the control circuit and battery unit will be described later.

A dust box, which is a container for storing dust sucked by the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10, is stored in a storage section provided at the front of the main body 11. The dust box is provided with a cover 41 for covering the storage part in which dust is stored so that it cannot be seen from the outside when the dust box is stored in the main body 11. The cover 41 is provided so as to constitute a part of the upper surface 12 of the main body 11 when the dust box is housed in the main body 11. Thereby, the appearance of the self-propelled cleaner 10 can be improved. The cover 41 is provided with a notch 42 for the user to hook his or her finger into when opening the cover 41. Details of the dust box will be described later.

Projections 14a and 14b projecting outward are provided at both front end portions of the bottom surface 13 of the main body 11. A brush 15 for sweeping the floor surface and collecting dust is provided on one protrusion 14a. This allows the brush 15 to reach deep areas such as corners of the room and gaps between furniture to collect dust, thereby increasing the effectiveness of cleaning.

Note that the brush 15 may be provided on the protrusion 14b, or may be provided on both the protrusion 14a and the protrusion 14b. Furthermore, only one of the protrusions 14a and 14b may be provided on the main body 11.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the top surface 12 of the main body 11 has an inverted triangular shape that becomes wider from the rear to the front when viewed from above, and has rounded corners at each vertex. ing. An infrared sensor 21 is provided near the front end of the top surface 12 of the main body 11 to receive infrared rays emitted from the charging stand. In particular, when the main body 11 is docked to the charging stand, the infrared sensor 21 receives infrared rays from the charging stand.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom surface 13 of the main body 11 is provided with a pair of left and right drive wheels 17a and 17b, an auxiliary wheel 18 provided at the rear, and a suction port 19 for sucking dust. Four level difference sensors 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are provided near both ends of the front and rear sides of the bottom surface 13 to detect level differences in the floor surface. When a level difference in the floor surface is detected by the level difference sensor 24a, 24b, 24c, or 24d, the control circuit retreats the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 in a direction away from the level difference, and the self-propelled cleaner 10 moves to avoid the level difference. The machine 10 is run. Since the rear portions of the drive wheels 17a and 17b protrude from the inverted triangular shape of the top surface 12, the bottom surface 13 has a rounded home base-like shape. Note that although a main brush is disposed at the suction port 19, a configuration may be adopted in which the main brush is not disposed.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the self-propelled cleaner 10. As shown in FIG. 4, ultrasonic sensors 23a and 23b are provided on the front surface of the main body 11 to detect obstacles such as a front wall. By providing the ultrasonic sensors 23a and 23b, it is possible to accurately detect obstacles made of materials such as glass that transmit infrared rays, and to run while avoiding contact with them. In FIG. 4, the ultrasonic sensor 23b on the right side emits ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic sensor 23a on the left side receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by an obstacle or the like. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the ultrasonic sensor 23a on the left side emits ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic sensor 23b on the right side receives the ultrasonic waves reflected by an obstacle or the like.

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the self-propelled cleaner 10. As shown in FIG. 4, an infrared sensor 22a is provided on the side surface of the main body 11 to measure the distance to surrounding obstacles. More specifically, the infrared sensor 22a includes a light emitting element that emits infrared light and a light receiving element that receives infrared light reflected by an obstacle or the like. In the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 of this embodiment, especially when cleaning a corner of a room, the front left side (in FIG. 4) of the housing where the brush 15 is arranged is brought close to the corner. Therefore, the infrared sensor 22a disposed on the front left side of the housing in FIG. 4 is required as an infrared sensor for measuring the distance to the obstacle. Considering product cost reduction, it is preferable to arrange only the infrared sensor 22a located on the front left side of the housing in FIG. 4. However, the configuration may be such that the infrared sensor 22a and the infrared sensor 22b are provided on the front left and right sides of the housing in FIG. 4, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the self-propelled cleaner 10 with the dust box removed. As shown in FIG. 6, a storage section 30 for storing a dust box is provided in the front part of the main body 11. The storage section 30 is provided with a first opening 31 that connects to the suction port 19 provided on the bottom surface 13 of the main body 11, and a third opening 32 that connects to the suction motor.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the main body 11 of the self-propelled cleaner 10 and the dust box 40 when the dust box 40 is removed. As shown in FIG. 7, the dust box 40 includes a storage section 43 for storing sucked dust, a cover 41 that covers the storage section 43, and a cover 41 that allows air to pass through without allowing the dust stored in the storage section 43 to pass through. A filter 44 is provided. The upper part of the filter 44 is locked and closed by a locking part 45 provided at the upper part of the storage part 43, but as described later, when the user throws away the dust stored in the storage part 43, the filter 44 is closed. When a button provided on the top surface of the portion 43 is pressed down, the locking portion 45 is disengaged and opened. The cover 41 is provided with a notch 42 for the user to place his or her finger on when opening the cover 41. Further, in the upper surface 12 of the main body 11, which is the position of the notch 42 when the dust box 40 is stored in the storage section 30, a recess 33 is provided with a depth enough for the user to insert his/her finger. The user can easily open the cover 41 by inserting a finger into the recess 33 and hooking the finger into the notch 42 of the cover 41. The first opening 31 of the storage section 30 is inclined so as to face obliquely upward. The reason for this will be explained later.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the chassis 20 of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10. A storage section 30 for storing a dust box 40 is formed in the front part of the chassis 20. At the rear of the chassis 20, an intake duct portion 60 is formed which forms a flow path for air that is sucked from the suction port 19 by the suction force of the suction motor and has passed through the filter 44 of the dust box 40. Details of the intake duct section 60 will be described later.

FIG. 9 is a front view center longitudinal sectional view of the self-propelled cleaner 10 when the dust box 40 is housed in the main body 11. The front and rear surfaces of the accommodating portion 43 of the dust box 40 are inclined so as to face diagonally downward. That is, the housing portion 43 of the dust box 40 has a shape whose width becomes narrower toward the bottom. This allows the dust box 40 to be easily attached to and removed from the storage section 30, thereby improving convenience for the user. At the rear inside the main body 11, there are a suction motor 61 that generates suction force for sucking dust, a control circuit 62 that controls each component of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10, and a suction motor 61, control circuit 62, etc. A battery unit 63 is provided to power the arrangement.

FIG. 10 is a front view center longitudinal sectional view of the main body 11 and the dust box 40 of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 when the dust box 40 is removed from the main body 11. The first opening 31 of the storage section 30 is sloped so as to face diagonally upward, and the second opening 46 of the dust box 40 connected to the first opening 31 is sloped so as to face diagonally downward. It is sloped. Thereby, when the dust box 40 is stored in the storage section 30, the second opening 46 can be pressed against the first opening 31 due to the dust box 40's own weight. The airtightness between the second opening 46 and the second opening 46 can be improved. Similarly, the third opening 32 of the storage section 30 is sloped so as to face diagonally upward, and the filter 44 of the dust box 40 connected to the third opening 32 is sloped so as to face diagonally downward. It is sloped. Thereby, when the dust box 40 is stored in the storage section 30, the opening of the filter 44 can be pressed against the third opening 32 due to the own weight of the dust box 40, so that the opening of the filter 44 and the third opening can be pressed against each other. The airtightness between the opening 32 and the opening 32 can be improved. By configuring the dust box 40, which needs to be frequently attached and detached when using the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10, as in this embodiment, the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 with high suction performance and easy attachment and detachment of the dust box 40 is realized. can do.

FIG. 11 is a dimensional diagram of the bottom surface of the main body 11 of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10. The total length A of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 is, for example, 249.0 mm, and the total width B is, for example, 248.0 mm.

The diameter C of the circumscribed circle circumscribing the protrusions 14a and 14b is, for example, 296.0 mm.

The length D from the center of the circumscribed circle to the front end of the self-propelled cleaner 10 is, for example, 117.0 mm.

The length E of a line segment extending perpendicularly from a straight line 1 passing through the center of the circumscribed circle and extending in the left-right direction of the main body 11 to the rotation center of the brush 15 is, for example, 79.0 mm.

The length F of a line segment extending perpendicularly from a straight line l passing through the center of the circumscribed circle and extending in the left-right direction of the main body 11 to the front end of the step sensor 24b is, for example, 83.0 mm.

The length G of a line segment extending perpendicularly from the straight line m passing through the center of the circumscribed circle and extending in the front-rear direction of the main body 11 to the rotation center of the brush 15 is, for example, 98.0 mm; The length H of the line extending perpendicularly from the line m extending to the outer end of the sensor 24b is, for example, 112.0 mm.

The total length A of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 is preferably in the range of 240 mm to 260 mm, more preferably 249.0 mm. The overall width B is preferably in the range of 240 to 260 mm, more preferably 248.4 mm. The diameter C of the circumscribed circle circumscribing the protrusions 14a and 14b is preferably 290 mm to 310 mm, more preferably 296.7 mm.

The length D from the center of the circumscribed circle to the front end of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 is preferably in the range of 110 to 130 mm, more preferably 117.0 mm.

The length E of a line extending perpendicularly from the straight line 1 passing through the center of the circumscribed circle and extending in the left-right direction of the main body 11 to the center of rotation of the brush 15 is preferably in the range of 70 mm to 90 mm, and more preferably 79.4 mm.

The length F of a line extending perpendicularly from the straight line l passing through the center of the circumscribed circle and extending in the left-right direction of the main body 11 to the front end of the step sensor 24b of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 is preferably within the range of 80 mm to 100 mm, and more preferably Preferably it is 83.0 mm.

The width G of a line extending vertically from the center line passing through the center of the circumscribed circle and extending in the front-rear direction of the main body 11 to the rotation center of the brush 15 is preferably within the range of 90 mm to 110 mm, and more preferably 98.2 mm.

The width H of a line extending perpendicularly from the center line passing through the center of the circumscribed circle and extending in the front-rear direction of the main body 11 to the outer end of the center line sensor 24b is preferably 100 mm to 120 mm, and more preferably 112.3 mm.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged dimensional view of the front right side of the main body 11 of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10. The total height of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10, that is, the height I from the ground plane of the drive wheels 17a and 17b to the upper end of the infrared sensor 21 is 92 mm. The height J from the floor surface to the bottom surface 13 is 20 mm.

The height I from the ground plane of the driving wheels 17a and 17b to the upper end of the infrared sensor 21 is preferably within the range of 80 mm to 100 mm, and more preferably 92 mm. The height J from the floor surface to the bottom surface 13 is within the range of 10 mm to 30 mm, and more preferably 20.5 mm.

Note that these numerical values explained using FIGS. 11 and 12 are merely examples, and it is also possible to design by changing the numerical values. For example, it is also possible to design by multiplying the numerical values of each part described above by a certain coefficient (for example, 0.5 to 2). In particular, if it is possible to miniaturize the motor, circuit board, etc., it is also possible to design using a value obtained by multiplying the numerical value of the example described above by a numerical value of 1.0 or less.

[Dust box configuration]
FIG. 13 shows the top and side views of the dust box 40 when the cover 41 of the dust box 40 is opened and closed. FIG. 13(a) shows the top surface of the dust box 40 when the cover 41 is closed, and FIG. 13(b) shows the side surface of the dust box 40 when the cover 41 is opened. The cover 41 is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the housing section 43 for housing the sucked dust so as to be rotatable about a shaft 50 . When the user hooks his or her finger on a notch 42 provided at the front end of the cover 41 and pulls up the cover 41, the cover 41 rotates upward about the shaft 50 and opens. FIG. 13(c) shows the top surface of the dust box 40 when the cover 41 is opened, and FIG. 13(d) shows the side surface of the dust box 40 when the cover 41 is opened. When the cover 41 is opened, a button 47 provided on the top surface of the housing section 43 appears. The button 47 is a button for opening the filter 44 when discarding the dust contained in the storage section 43. The button 47 is operated only when the dust box 40 is removed from the main body 11 in order to discard the dust stored in the storage section 43. Therefore, by covering the button 47 with the cover 41 when the dust box 40 is stored in the main body 11, erroneous operation of the button 47 can be prevented, and the appearance of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 can be improved.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the dust box 40 when the filter 44 of the dust box 40 is opened. When the user presses the button 47, the upper part of the filter 44 and the upper part of the accommodating part 43 are disengaged by the locking part 45 shown in FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 14(a). Since the filter 44 is pivotally supported at the lower end by the accommodating part 43, when the upper part is disengaged from the accommodating part 43, the filter 44 is pivoted downward about the shaft 51 due to its own weight, as shown in FIG. 14(b). It rotates and opens. Thereby, the filter 44 can be opened and the dust contained in the storage section 43 can be thrown away by simply pressing the button 47, thereby improving convenience for the user. As shown in this figure, the rotation angle of the cover 41 with respect to the upper surface of the accommodating portion 43 is limited to an acute angle. That is, even when the cover 41 is in the most open state, the rotation angle of the cover 41 with respect to the upper surface of the accommodating portion 43 does not exceed a right angle. As described above, the second opening 46 of the housing section 43 is configured to face diagonally downward in order to improve the airtightness between the second opening 46 and the first opening 31 of the housing section 30 of the main body 11. Therefore, if the dust box 40 is removed from the main body 11 in the same position, there is a possibility that dust may spill out from the second opening 46 facing diagonally downward. However, in the dust box 40 of the present embodiment, the cover 41 is configured integrally with the housing section 43, and the rotation angle of the cover 41 with respect to the upper surface of the housing section 43 does not exceed a right angle, so that the user can When the dust box 40 is removed from the main body 11 and the dust box 40 is carried by gripping the cover 41, the second opening 46 can be oriented slightly upward by gripping the cover 41 in a substantially vertical direction. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the dust contained in the storage part 43 from spilling out from the second opening 46. Conversely, when the user grasps the cover 41 and opens the filter 44, the opening 48 of the accommodating portion 43 is directed slightly downward. Thereby, the dust contained in the storage portion 43 can easily fall to the outside from the opening 48, so that convenience for the user can be improved. The cover 41 is rotatably pivoted relative to the upper surface of the accommodating portion 43 within a range in which the rotation angle relative to the upper surface of the accommodating portion 43 is smaller than the angle at which the cover 41 and the opening surface of the second opening 46 are parallel. May be supported. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce dust spilling from the second opening 46.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the dust box 40 when the cover 41 is opened. A rib 52 for reinforcing the cover 41 is provided on the back surface of the cover 41, particularly on the back side of the peripheral edge of the notch 42. Thereby, deformation of the cover 41 can be reduced. Furthermore, when the user removes the dust box 40 from the main body 11, the user can easily grasp the cover 41 by placing his or her fingers on the ribs 52, thereby improving convenience for the user. Note that, as shown in FIG. 15, the ribs 52 are formed not only at the portion where the user's fingers rest, but also at multiple locations on the back surface of the cover 41. On the back surface of the cover 41, there is a groove for locking the cover 41 and the housing part 43 inside the main body 11 by locking with a locked part provided on the main body 11 when the dust box 40 is stored in the main body 11. Locking portions 49a and 49b are provided. Details of the locking portion will be described later.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the dust box 40 seen from below. The cover 41 of the dust box 40 is wider than the upper surface of the accommodating part 43. Therefore, when the user removes the dust box 40 from the main body 11 and throws away the contained dust in a trash can, the back side of the cover 41 can be placed against the edge of the upper opening of the trash can. Thereby, it is possible to easily throw away the dust contained in the storage section 43, thereby improving convenience for the user. Further, since the cover 41 can block dust thrown away from the housing section 43 into a trash can, etc. from flying up, scattering of dust can be suppressed. Furthermore, a rib 52 is formed on the back surface of the cover 41 at the portion where the user touches the edge of the upper opening of the trash can, thereby providing a strong structure.

FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view of the front view center vertical cross-sectional view of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10. As shown in FIG. A rib 52 is provided on the back side of the peripheral edge of the notch 42 of the cover 41 at a position that is set back from the end to such an extent that the user can pull up the cover 41 by placing a finger thereon. Thereby, the user can easily open the cover 41 by inserting a finger into the recess 33 and pulling up the peripheral edge of the notch 42 with the finger, thereby improving convenience for the user. Further, since the gap between the recess 33 and the cover 41 can be closed by the rib 52, the appearance can be improved.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another example of the self-propelled cleaner 10. According to the technique of this embodiment, the dust box 40 is stored in the front part of the main body 11, and the front part of the top surface 12 is constituted by the cover 41 of the dust box 40, so that the appearance of the top surface 12 is divided into the front part and the rear part. . Therefore, in the rear part of the upper surface 12 where the cover 41 is not provided, there is a LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) used for measuring the distance to an obstacle, the position of the obstacle, etc. External devices 27 such as sensors, lamps, and drive recorders can be mounted.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the area around the locking portion 49 provided on the cover 41 of the dust box 40. When the dust box 40 is stored in the storage section 30 and the cover 41 is closed, the locking section 49b provided on the back surface of the cover 41 engages from the front side with the lower end of the locked section 34b provided on the main body 11. match. Thereby, the cover 41 and the dust box 40 are fixed to the main body 11. At this time, the protrusion 53b provided on the rear surface of the cover 41 behind the shaft 50 pushes down the elastic portion 35b provided on the main body 11, and is urged upward by the elastic portion 35b. Since the rear part of the shaft 50 is biased upward, a rotational force in the direction in which the cover 41 closes can be applied to the cover 41, thereby increasing the airtightness within the main body 11 and improving the suction performance. can.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the area around the locking portion 49 when the cover 41 of the dust box 40 is opened. The locking portion 49b is made of a flexible material such as a thermoplastic resin, and when the cover 41 is rotated upward, the locking portion 49b is bent and moved toward the front, thereby locking the locked portion. 34b is disengaged. Since the upper part of the locked part 34b is inclined so as to face obliquely upward, the stress applied to the locked part 49b can be reduced.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the periphery of the locking portion 49 when the locking portion 49 of the cover 41 of the dust box 40 is disengaged from the locked portion 34. When the locking portion 49b and the locked portion 34b are disengaged, the cover 41 and the accommodating portion 43 are integrally pushed upward by the restoring force when the elastic portion 35b returns to its natural length. Thereby, the dust box 40 can be easily removed from the main body 11, thereby improving convenience for the user.

[Configuration of step sensor]
FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the self-propelled cleaner 10. This figure shows a state in which the covers of the step sensors 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d are removed. The level difference sensor 24 includes a first level difference sensor 24a and a second level difference sensor 24b, which are provided near both front side ends of the bottom surface 13 of the main body 11, respectively. The second level difference sensor 24b is provided at a position in front of the first level difference sensor 24a and faces diagonally forward. As a result, the second level difference sensor 24b can also have the function of detecting the level difference between the front and left ground surfaces, so the number of installed level difference sensors can be reduced, and the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 can be manufactured. Cost can be reduced. Moreover, since the brush 15 is provided on one protrusion 14a and the step sensor 24b is provided on the other protrusion 14b, cleaning performance can be improved while maintaining safety.

The first step sensor 24a is arranged to extend in the left-right direction of the housing. Therefore, the width of the housing in the front-rear direction can be reduced.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the area around the step sensor 24. As shown in FIG. The step sensors 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d each include a light emitting element 25 that emits light such as a laser beam, and a light receiving element 26 that detects light reflected by a floor surface or the like. The light emitting element 25 emits light directly below. The light receiving element 26 receives light incident obliquely from the front. As a result, it is possible to efficiently receive the light reflected on the floor surface, improving measurement accuracy, and it is also possible to detect steps in front more quickly, thereby increasing the safety of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10. be able to.

[Configuration of intake duct]
FIG. 24 shows the positional relationship of the configuration around the intake duct portion. An air flow path is formed in the intake duct section 60 between a suction motor 61 for sucking dust and a storage section 43 for storing the dust sucked by the suction motor 61. The air that is sucked from the suction port 19 by the suction force generated by the suction motor 61 and passes through the storage section 43 flows into the flow path of the intake duct section 60 from the inflow port 64 and is exhausted to the outside by the suction motor 61. . A control circuit 62 for controlling the suction motor 61 and a battery unit 63 for supplying power to the control circuit 62 and the suction motor 61 are provided near the air flow path formed in the intake duct section 60. . Thereby, the control circuit 62 and the battery unit 63 can be cooled by the intake air. Note that a rechargeable secondary battery is used as the battery unit 63.

The control circuit 62 and the battery unit 63 are provided at opposing positions across the flow path formed in the intake duct portion 60. In the example shown in the figure, the control circuit 62 is provided above the flow path, and the battery unit 63 is provided below the flow path. Thereby, the core components can be arranged with high density, so that the size, weight, and manufacturing cost of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 can be reduced. Further, by providing the heavier battery unit 63 below the flow path, the center of gravity of the main body 11 can be lowered, so that the stability of the self-propelled cleaner 10 can be improved.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the intake duct section 60. The intake duct section 60 is made of a flame retardant material such as polyphenylene ether (PPE) containing a flame retardant, and has a shape that surrounds the control circuit 62 and the battery unit 63. As a result, parts that may generate heat can be consolidated and held by the intake duct section 60, so the size, weight, and manufacturing cost of the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 can be reduced, and safety can be improved. can be increased. Furthermore, even if flammable dust is accommodated in the accommodation section 43, heat-generating components such as the control circuit 62 and battery unit 63 are arranged to be isolated from the accommodation section 43, thereby further increasing safety. I can do it. The intake duct section 60 may be formed of any kind of flame-retardant material, such as polyethylene with added flame retardants, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, It may be formed from a thermoplastic resin such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, acrylic resin, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, modified polyphenylene ether, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyether ether ketone.

FIG. 26 is a side view central cross-sectional view of the self-propelled cleaner 10. In the self-propelled vacuum cleaner 10 of this embodiment, the suction motor 61 is disposed at a position perpendicular to the dust box 40, so an L-shaped flow path 66 bent at right angles is formed in the intake duct portion 60. . Thereby, the main body 11 can be downsized. The suction motor 61 may be disposed according to the shape and size of the main body 11, and may be disposed at a position facing the dust box 40, for example. In this case, a straight flow path is formed in the intake duct portion 60.

The present invention has been described above based on examples. Those skilled in the art will understand that these examples are merely illustrative, and that various modifications can be made to the combinations of their components and treatment processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. be.

The technology of this embodiment can be applied to any type of vacuum cleaner, such as a stick type, canister type, and handheld type, in addition to self-propelled vacuum cleaners. Moreover, it is possible to apply two or more of the techniques of the above embodiments in any combination.

A vacuum cleaner according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a main body of the vacuum cleaner, a storage portion for storing sucked dust, and a container for covering the storage portion when the storage portion is stored inside the main body. and a cover, and the cover and the accommodating portion are configured to be integrally attached to and detached from the main body. According to this aspect, it is possible to easily attach and detach the container containing dust, thereby improving convenience for the user.

The second aspect is that in the first aspect, when the accommodating part is stored inside the main body, the locking part provided on the cover engages with the locked part provided on the main body. The accommodating portion and the cover are configured to be fixed to the main body. According to this aspect, the accommodating portion and the cover can be integrally fixed to the main body.

In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the main body includes a suction port for sucking dust, a storage portion for storing the storage portion, and a connection to the suction port provided in the storage portion. a first opening, the accommodating part includes a second opening that connects to the first opening when the accommodating part is stored in the accommodating part, and the second opening faces diagonally downward. It is configured so that it can be installed as follows. According to this aspect, the airtightness between the first opening and the second opening can be improved, so that the suction performance can be improved.

In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the cover is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the accommodating part within a range where the rotation angle with respect to the upper surface of the accommodating part is an acute angle. It is composed of According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce dust spilling from the second opening.

In a fifth aspect, in the third aspect, the cover is attached to the top surface of the storage portion within a range where the rotation angle with respect to the top surface of the storage portion is smaller than the angle at which the cover and the opening surface of the second opening are parallel to each other. It is configured to be rotatably supported on the shaft. According to this aspect, it is possible to further reduce dust spilling from the second opening.

In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the accommodating section is provided in an opening for discharging dust accommodated in the accommodating section to the outside when the accommodating section is removed from the main body. an opening/closing part, a button provided on the top surface of the storage part that is operated to open the opening/closing part, and an opening/closing mechanism for opening the opening/closing part when the button is operated. It is something. According to this aspect, erroneous button operations can be prevented and the appearance of the vacuum cleaner can be improved.

A container according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is a container for accommodating dust sucked by a vacuum cleaner, and includes a accommodating part for accommodating the suctioned dust, and a accommodating part including the main body of the vacuum cleaner. a cover for covering the accommodating part in a state stored inside the main body, and the cover and the accommodating part are configured to be integrally attached to and removed from the main body. According to this aspect, since the container can be easily attached and detached, the convenience for the user can be improved.

10 Self-propelled vacuum cleaner 11 Main body 12 Top surface 13 Bottom surface 14a, 14b Projection part 15 Brush 16 Operation part 17 Drive wheel 18 Auxiliary wheel 19 Suction port 20 Chassis 21 Infrared sensor 22 Infrared sensor 23 Ultrasonic sensor 24 Level difference sensor 25 Light emitting element 26 Light receiving element 27 External device 30 Storage part 31 First opening 32 Third opening 33 Recessed part 34 Locked part 35 Elastic part 40 Dust box 41 Cover 42 Notch part 43 Storage part 44 Filter 45 Locking part 46 Second opening 47 Button 48 Opening 49 Locking part 50 Shaft 51 Shaft 52 Rib 53 Projection 60 Intake duct part 61 Suction motor 62 Control circuit 63 Battery unit 64 Inflow port 66 Flow path

Claims (5)

The main body of the vacuum cleaner,
a housing section for housing the sucked dust;
a cover for covering the accommodating part in a state where the accommodating part is stored inside the main body,
The main body includes a suction port for sucking dust, a storage portion for storing the storage portion, and a first opening provided in the storage portion and connected to the suction port,
The accommodating section includes a second opening that connects to the first opening when the accommodating section is accommodated in the accommodating section, and the accommodating section has a second opening that is connected to the first opening when the accommodating section is housed in the accommodating section. has a downstream opening, the cover is pivotally supported above the downstream opening, and a filter pivotally supported in the downstream opening so as to be openable and closable is pivotally supported below the downstream opening ,
The first opening is inclined so as to face obliquely upward,
The second opening is inclined so as to face diagonally downward,
The second opening and the downstream opening face each other,
The vacuum cleaner is characterized in that the cover and the filter are pivotally supported near a surface of the accommodating portion where the downstream opening is formed. When the cover and the accommodating part are integrally attached to and removed from the main body, and the accommodating part is housed inside the main body, the locking part provided on the cover is attached to the locking part provided on the main body. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the housing part and the cover are fixed to the main body by engaging with the part. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable relative to the upper surface of the accommodating portion within a range where the rotation angle relative to the upper surface of the accommodating portion is an acute angle. . The cover is axially rotatable relative to the upper surface of the accommodating portion within a range in which a rotation angle relative to the upper surface of the accommodating portion is smaller than an angle at which the cover and the opening surface of the second opening are parallel to each other. 4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the vacuum cleaner is supported. The accommodating part is
an opening/closing part provided at an opening for discharging dust contained in the housing part to the outside when the housing part is removed from the main body;
A claim comprising: a button provided on the upper surface of the accommodating part that is operated to open the opening/closing part; and an opening/closing mechanism that opens the opening/closing part when the button is operated. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of items 1 to 4.