Mobile robot having body sensor

Abstract

In exemplary embodiments, a robot cleaner with improved safety features comprises a driving part for movably supporting a cleaner body and supplying a driving force for operating the cleaner body; a suction part mounted on the cleaner body to draw in dust from a surface being cleaned; a body sensor mounted on the cleaner body to perceive any approach or contact of at least a part of human body or pet; and a control part for turning on and off the driving part according to a signal detected by the body sensor.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 2005-18488, filed Mar. 7, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of automated cleaning devices, and in some exemplary embodiments, to a body sensor for such devices. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Among general household affairs, a cleaning work is usually performed by a vacuum cleaner. However, even with the vacuum cleaner, the cleaning work is very laborious because a user has to carry the vacuum cleaner to every nook and corner. [0006] Accordingly, research has been conducted in the field of robot cleaners capable of automatically determining and performing desired operations with minimal external guidance. In general, a robot cleaner automatically travels along a predetermine...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In certain embodiments, the present invention may solve one or more of the above problems and / or disadvantages and may provide one or more of the advantages described herein.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, a robot cleaner has a safety device which suspends driving of dangerous parts upon approach or contact of a body thereto, thereby improving safety.

Problems solved by technology

However, even with the vacuum cleaner, the cleaning work is very laborious because a user has to carry the vacuum cleaner to every nook and corner.

However, a person or pet (hereinbelow, referred to as ‘body’) in the cleaning area may collide with the robot cleaner as it automatically moves along, and may be injured by the collision.

Nevertheless, obstacle sensors typically perceive only obstacles in front, that is, in the movement path of the robot cleaner.

Therefore, although a part of body, such as a limb, may approach or contact the bottom of the robot cleaner as it faces the surface being cleaned, obstacle sensors often do not perceive the body.

Since the robot cleaner comprises dangerous parts such as a driving motor for operating the robot cleaner and wheels on the bottom portion, the body may be injured by contacting these and other parts.

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