Dust-sucking robot equipped with at least one stationary side cleaning element

Abstract

The vacuum cleaning robot (2) comprises a main body (3) having a bottom face (4) configured to face a surface to be cleaned, a suction opening (5) opening into the bottom face (4) of the main body (3) and extending transversely to a main movement direction (D) of the vacuum cleaning robot, and a first side cleaning element (16) fixedly mounted on a front portion (31) of the main body (3) and located in the vicinity of a first side edge (3.11) of the main body (3), said first side cleaning element (16) having a first cleaning portion (21) which is flexible and configured to direct waste coming into contact with the first cleaning portion (21) when the vacuum cleaning robot (2) is moved in the main movement direction (D) towards the suction opening (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cleaning devices of the vacuum cleaner type, and more specifically, to the field of vacuuming robots that are capable of moving autonomously on a surface to be cleaned and of sucking up dust and waste present on the surface, such as, tiles, parquet flooring, laminate, carpet, or mat. Background Technology

[0002] Robotic vacuum cleaners, more commonly known as robotic vacuums, have become commonplace. They can clean the entire surface of a house without any user assistance, as long as the surfaces are flat, i.e., on the same level. Therefore, they save users a significant amount of time for other activities.

[0003] Robotic vacuum cleaners include, in known ways:

[0004] The robot includes a main body having a bottom surface configured to face the surface to be cleaned; a suction port extending laterally to the bottom surface of the main body and in the direction of movement of the robot vacuum; and a receiving housing fluidly connected to the suction port.

[0005] Two motorized wheels, rotatably mounted on the main body, are configured to roll on the surface to be cleaned.

[0006] The main cleaning brush is rotatably mounted in the receiving housing about a rotating axis that extends transversely to the direction of movement of the vacuum robot.

[0007] A first side cleaning brush and a second side cleaning brush are located near the first and second side edges of the main body, respectively. The first and second side cleaning brushes are rotatably mounted on the front of the main body around a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis, respectively. When both motorized wheels are placed on the surface to be cleaned, the first and second rotation axes are vertical.

[0008] A drive mechanism configured to drive the first and second side cleaning brushes to rotate.

[0009] The first and second side cleaning brushes can project waste, for example, that exists near the wall along which the vacuum cleaner moves, away from the wall, and in particular into the vacuum cleaner's path of movement, so that the vacuum cleaner can suck up the waste.

[0010] However, some of the waste projected by the first and second side cleaning brushes may end up in areas already cleaned by the robot vacuum. If the robot vacuum is controlled by ordered rather than random movement, these areas will not be cleaned again. Therefore, the cleaning quality performed by this type of robot vacuum may not satisfy the user.

[0011] In addition, considering that the first and second side cleaning brushes rotate at relatively high speeds and that they frequently rub against obstacles, the first and second side cleaning brushes wear out quickly and must be replaced regularly.

[0012] Furthermore, since some mechanical components belonging to the aforementioned drive mechanism are located on either side of the main cleaning brush, the length of the main cleaning brush and the suction port is necessarily limited (unless the size of the vacuum robot increases, which is undesirable). This limits the width of the surface that the vacuum robot can clean during each of its movements, thereby increasing the cleaning time for a given surface.

[0013] This arrangement of the mechanical components belonging to the drive mechanism also requires moving the main cleaning brush and suction port away from the side edge of the body, making it difficult to clean surfaces near obstacles or walls encountered by the robot vacuum.

[0014] Furthermore, the first and second side cleaning brushes are ineffective on carpets and rugs. In fact, only the main cleaning brush can pat the fibers of the carpet or rug and suck up the dust that remains on those fibers.

[0015] In addition, cables, shoelaces, or other thin, flexible items can easily get tangled around the first and second side cleaning brushes, which can impair the operation and integrity of the robot vacuum. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The present invention aims to overcome these shortcomings.

[0017] The fundamental technical problem of this invention is to provide a vacuuming robot that is simple in structure, economical, and allows for efficient, fast, and easy cleaning of surfaces.

[0018] Therefore, the subject of this invention is a vacuum cleaner robot, which includes:

[0019] The main body has a bottom surface configured to face the surface to be cleaned; a suction port extending laterally to the bottom surface of the main body and in the main direction of movement of the vacuum robot; and a receiving housing fluidly connected to the suction port.

[0020] A rotating cleaning brush, rotatably and movable within a receiving housing about a rotating axis extending transversely to the main direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner, and

[0021] A first side cleaning element is mounted to the front of the body and located near the first side edge of the body. The first side cleaning element has a flexible first cleaning portion.

[0022] The first cleaning element is fixed relative to the main body, and the first cleaning part is configured to guide the waste that comes into contact with the first cleaning part to the suction port when the vacuum robot moves along the main direction of movement.

[0023] This passive construction of the first-side cleaning element significantly simplifies the vacuum cleaner robot by eliminating the need for a drive mechanism to operate it, and also significantly reduces the robot's power consumption and the frequency of replacement of the first-side cleaning element. Therefore, the manufacturing and usage costs of the vacuum cleaner robot according to the present invention are substantially limited.

[0024] Furthermore, since the first cleaning section is configured to direct waste encountered by the first cleaning section toward the suction port when the vacuum robot moves along the main direction of movement, the vacuum robot according to the invention provides effective cleaning of surfaces to be cleaned, including near obstacles encountered by the vacuum robot.

[0025] Furthermore, there is no drive mechanism to drive the first side cleaning element, and therefore no mechanical parts are present near the corresponding end of the rotating cleaning brush. This allows for an increase in the length of the rotating cleaning brush and the suction port, thereby enabling faster cleaning of the surface.

[0026] Like most robotic vacuum cleaners, the robotic vacuum cleaner of this invention is designed to effectively clean floors when moving along a direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner and along a predetermined direction of movement. The direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner and the predetermined direction of movement define the aforementioned main direction of movement of the robotic vacuum cleaner of this invention. Therefore, the front or rear portion of the robotic vacuum cleaner body is identified relative to the main direction of movement of the vacuum cleaner.

[0027] Vacuum robots may also have one or more of the following features, either individually or in combination.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum robot further includes a second side cleaning element mounted on the front of the main body and located near the second side edge of the main body. The second side cleaning element is fixed relative to the main body and has a flexible second cleaning portion. The first and second cleaning portions are configured to guide waste that comes into contact with the first and second cleaning portions as the vacuum robot moves along the main direction of movement toward the suction port.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the distance between the front edge of the first cleaning portion and the intermediate longitudinal plane of the body is greater than the distance between the rear edge of the first cleaning portion and the intermediate longitudinal plane of the body. Advantageously, the distance between the front edge of the second cleaning portion and the intermediate longitudinal plane of the body is greater than the distance between the rear edge of the second cleaning portion and the intermediate longitudinal plane of the body.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first and second cleaning portions converge towards each other at the rear of the body. In other words, the front edges of the first and second cleaning portions are spaced apart by a first interval distance, and the rear edges of the first and second cleaning portions are spaced apart by a second interval distance smaller than the first interval distance. This configuration of the first and second cleaning portions facilitates the directing of waste encountered by the first and second cleaning portions towards the suction port, which further improves the cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner robot according to the invention. This configuration of the first and second cleaning portions also allows airflow below the vacuum cleaner robot to be directed from the front of the vacuum cleaner robot towards the suction port, which facilitates the suction of waste encountered by the vacuum cleaner robot.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first side cleaning element is elongated and extends generally along a first extending direction. Advantageously, the second side cleaning element is elongated and extends generally along a second extending direction. Advantageously, the first and second extending directions converge towards the rear of the body.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning portion is twisted along a first extending direction. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion is twisted along a second extending direction. This configuration of the first and second cleaning portions can change the inclination of the first and second cleaning portions relative to the horizontal direction, particularly achieving a large opening angle between the first and second cleaning portions, and thus reducing the length of the first and second cleaning portions. In particular, these arrangements enable the rotating cleaning brush to be closer to the front edge of the body, and also enable the end of the rotating cleaning brush to be closer to the side edge of the body, thereby further improving the cleaning efficiency of the vacuum robot according to the invention.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning portion has a generally flat shape. The first cleaning portion may also have a wall or strip shape. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion has a generally flat shape, or has a wall or strip shape.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second cleaning portions are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central longitudinal plane of the main body. These arrangements can further improve the cleaning efficiency of the vacuum cleaner robot according to the present invention.

[0035] According to embodiments of the invention, when the vacuum robot (particularly via its motorized wheels) is placed on a horizontal surface, at least a portion of the first cleaning section is tilted relative to both the horizontal and vertical directions. Advantageously, when the vacuum robot (particularly via its motorized wheels) is placed on a horizontal surface, at least a portion of the second cleaning section is tilted relative to both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning portion has an inclination that varies along the horizontal direction. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion has an inclination that varies along the horizontal direction.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning portion has an inclination that increases toward its rear edge relative to the horizontal direction. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion has an inclination that increases toward its rear edge relative to the horizontal direction.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning portion has a first front wall portion that slopes downward and laterally outward from the body. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion has a second front wall portion that slopes downward and laterally outward from the body.

[0039] According to embodiments of the invention, the first front wall portion is formed of a plurality of bristles or bristle tufts, or of a flexible material. Advantageously, the second front wall portion is formed of a plurality of bristles or bristle tufts, or of a flexible material.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first front wall portion is inclined at an angle between 30° and 60° and advantageously between 35° and 45° relative to the horizontal direction. Advantageously, the second front wall portion is inclined at an angle between 30° and 60° and advantageously between 35° and 45° relative to the horizontal direction.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning portion has a first rear wall portion that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction at an angle between 70° and 90°, and advantageously between 80° and 90°. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion has a second rear wall portion that is inclined relative to the horizontal direction at an angle between 70° and 90°, and advantageously between 80° and 90°.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first rear wall portion slopes downward from the body and laterally outward. Advantageously, the second rear wall portion slopes downward from the body and laterally outward.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first rear wall portion is disposed rearward from a first side edge of the body. Advantageously, the second rear wall portion is disposed rearward from a second side edge of the body.

[0044] According to embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the first cleaning portion protrudes laterally relative to a first side edge of the body. Advantageously, at least a portion of the second cleaning portion protrudes laterally relative to a second side edge of the body. These arrangements enable the robotic vacuum cleaner to effectively clean surfaces, particularly those positioned along walls, while allowing the robotic vacuum cleaner to travel along these walls without contacting them.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first front wall portion protrudes laterally relative to a first side edge of the body. Advantageously, the second front wall portion protrudes laterally relative to a second side edge of the body.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first side cleaning element has a first fixing portion, which is fixed in a first receiving groove disposed on the main body, and the first cleaning portion is supported by the first fixing portion. Advantageously, the second side cleaning element has a second fixing portion, which is fixed in a second receiving groove disposed on the main body, and the second cleaning portion is supported by the second fixing portion.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first receiving groove generally extends along the first groove direction. Advantageously, the first groove direction is inclined at an angle of about 30° relative to the intermediate longitudinal plane of the body, between 20° and 40°, for example between 25° and 35°.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second receiving groove generally extends along the second groove direction. Advantageously, the second groove direction is inclined at an angle of approximately 30° relative to the intermediate longitudinal plane of the body, between 20° and 40°, for example between 25° and 35°.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second grooves converge toward the rear of the body.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or second groove directions extend substantially parallel to the intermediate longitudinal plane of the body.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or second receiving slots are disposed on the lower side of the main body or on the elements constituting the main body, for example, on the front anti-collision member of the vacuum robot.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first receiving groove is twisted along the direction of the first groove. Advantageously, the second receiving groove is twisted along the direction of the second groove.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the first and second receiving slots has a flat or twisted bottom wall.

[0054] According to embodiments of the invention, the vacuum cleaner robot has at least one first deformable surface configured to deform a first side cleaning element, and for example, to deform a first cleaning portion, such that when the vacuum cleaner robot is placed on a horizontal surface, at least a portion of the first cleaning portion is inclined relative to both the horizontal and vertical directions. Advantageously, the vacuum cleaner robot has at least one second deformable surface configured to deform a second side cleaning element, and for example, to deform a second cleaning portion, such that when the vacuum cleaner robot is placed on a horizontal surface, at least a portion of the second cleaning portion is inclined relative to both the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one first deformable surface is configured to deform a first-side cleaning element, for example, to deform a first cleaning portion, such that the first cleaning portion has an inclination that varies along the first cleaning portion relative to the horizontal direction. Advantageously, at least one second deformable surface is configured to deform a second-side cleaning element, for example, to deform a second cleaning portion, such that the second cleaning portion has an inclination that varies along the second cleaning portion relative to the horizontal direction.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the body has a first deformable member, such as a deformable rib, which includes at least one first deformable surface. The first deformable member may, for example, be disposed on the underside of the body.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first receiving groove has at least one first deformable surface. Advantageously, the second receiving groove has at least one second deformable surface.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one first deformable surface is formed by the bottom wall and / or at least one side wall of the first receiving groove. Advantageously, at least one second deformable surface is formed by the bottom wall and / or at least one side wall of the second receiving groove.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first side cleaning element is located in front of the rotation axis of the rotating cleaning brush and advantageously in front of the front edge of the suction port.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the invention, the second side cleaning element is located in front of the rotation axis of the rotating cleaning brush and advantageously in front of the front edge of the suction port.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first side cleaning element is disposed rearward from the front edge of the body. Advantageously, the second side cleaning element is disposed rearward from the front edge of the body.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the invention, a first side cleaning element protrudes from the underside of the body at a first protrusion height, which is substantially constant along the first side cleaning element. Advantageously, a second side cleaning element protrudes from the underside of the body at a second protrusion height, which is substantially constant along the second side cleaning element and substantially equal to the first protrusion height. These arrangements ensure that each of the first and second side cleaning elements contacts the surface to be cleaned along the entire length of the corresponding cleaning portion of the first and second cleaning portions.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first side cleaning element is formed by a first side cleaning brush. Advantageously, the second side cleaning element is formed by a second side cleaning brush.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning portion has at least one first row of bristles or bristle tufts. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion has at least one second row of bristles or bristle tufts.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning portion is formed of a first cleaning sheet that is elastically deformable. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion is formed of a second cleaning sheet that is elastically deformable.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when viewed from above, the main body has a generally D-shaped form.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first cleaning portion has a first lower elongated edge that extends along the entire length of the first cleaning portion and is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned when the vacuuming robot is placed on the surface to be cleaned. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion has a second lower elongated edge that extends along the entire length of the second cleaning portion and is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned when the vacuuming robot is placed on the surface to be cleaned.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge and the first end of the rotating cleaning brush are located at substantially the same distance from the first side edge of the body. Advantageously, the rear end of the second lower elongated edge and the second end of the rotating cleaning brush are located at substantially the same distance from the second side edge of the body.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge is located near the first end of the rotating cleaning brush. Advantageously, the rear end of the second lower elongated edge is located near the second end of the rotating cleaning brush.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge is located near the first side edge of the suction port. Advantageously, the rear end of the second lower elongated edge is located near the second side edge of the suction port.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the vacuum robot is placed on a horizontal surface, the rotation axis of the rotating cleaning brush is substantially horizontal. Attached Figure Description

[0072] The objects, aspects, and advantages of the invention can be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, presented as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0073] Figure 1 This is a top-view perspective view of the vacuum cleaner robot according to the present invention.

[0074] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of a vacuum cleaner robot from below.

[0075] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0076] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0077] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of a vacuum cleaner robot from below.

[0078] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A magnified view showing the details.

[0079] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A close-up view of a robotic vacuum cleaner from below.

[0080] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A partial 3D view of a vacuum cleaner robot from below.

[0081] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A magnified view showing the details.

[0082] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 A magnified view showing the details.

[0083] Figure 11 It belongs to Figure 1 A perspective view of a first embodiment of the first cleaning element of a vacuum robot.

[0084] Figure 12 It belongs to Figure 1 A perspective view of a second embodiment of the first cleaning element of a vacuum robot. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Only elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. For ease of reading the drawings, the same elements are referred to by the same reference numerals in different figures.

[0086] It should be noted that in this document, the terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “lower,” “upper,” “height,” “top,” and “above” used to describe the vacuum robot or its body refer to the use of the vacuum robot by placing it on a flat and level surface to be cleaned via its wheels.

[0087] Figures 1 to 12 A vacuuming robot 2 is shown, which is configured to move autonomously on the surface to be cleaned.

[0088] The vacuum cleaner robot 2 includes a body 3 having a bottom surface 4 configured to face the surface to be cleaned and a suction port 5 leading to the bottom surface 4 of the body 3. The suction port 5 is elongated and extends laterally, and more specifically, perpendicularly to the main direction of movement D of the vacuum cleaner robot 2. Advantageously, the suction port 5 has a generally rectangular shape, and therefore has a substantially parallel front edge 5.1 and a rear edge 5.2.

[0089] The main body 3 also includes a receiving housing 6, which is fluidly connected to the suction port 5.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, when viewed from above, the front portion 31 of the main body 3 has a generally rectangular shape, and the rear portion 32 of the main body 3 has a generally semi-circular shape. Therefore, when viewed from above, the main body 3 has a generally D-shaped appearance. However, when viewed from above, the main body 3 can have any other shape, such as a circle or a rectangle.

[0091] The vacuum robot 2 also includes a rotating cleaning brush 7, which is rotatably mounted in the receiving housing 6 about a rotation axis A extending transversely, and more specifically, perpendicularly, to the main direction of movement D. Advantageously, when the vacuum robot 2 is placed on a horizontal surface, the rotation axis A of the rotating cleaning brush 7 is substantially horizontal.

[0092] The vacuum robot 2 also includes a drive mechanism (not visible in the figure) configured to drive the rotating cleaning brush 7 to rotate around the rotation axis A.

[0093] More specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the vacuum robot 2 includes two motorized wheels 8, which are rotatably mounted relative to the main body 3 and have substantially parallel and advantageously coincident rotation axes B.

[0094] Two motorized wheels 8 are configured to protrude from the lower side 4 of the main body 3 and are positioned on both sides of the longitudinal plane P of the main body 3. Advantageously, the two motorized wheels 8 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal mid-plane P of the main body 3.

[0095] The two motorized wheels 8 are advantageously motorized independently of each other. Therefore, the vacuum robot 2 includes two rotary drive mechanisms 9 housed in the main body 3, each configured to drive the corresponding motorized wheel to rotate via the two motorized wheels 8. Each rotary drive mechanism 9 has a drive motor rotatably connected to the corresponding motorized wheel and is disposed, for example, in the corresponding side or rear 32 of the main body 3. Under the control of the two drive motors, the main body 3 can rotate left, right, or toward itself, and move forward or backward.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the vacuum robot 2 has an additional wheel 11, which is mounted to rotate freely relative to the main body 3 and is disposed on the front part 31 of the main body 3, for example, between the front edge 3.10 of the main body 3 and the front edge 5.1 of the suction port 5. Advantageously, there are two additional wheels, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central longitudinal plane P of the main body 3.

[0097] The vacuum robot 2 also includes a suction unit (not visible in the figure) housed in the main body 3. The suction unit includes a motor and a fan connected to the motor to generate airflow through the suction port 5 and the receiving housing.

[0098] The vacuum robot 2 also includes a waste collection device (not visible in the figure), which is located upstream of the suction unit, and when the vacuum robot 2 is running, the airflow generated by the fan passes through the waste collection device.

[0099] The vacuum robot 2 also includes a power battery 15 configured to provide power to various electrical components housed in the main body 3. Advantageously, the power battery 15 is rechargeable and is housed in the main body 3.

[0100] The vacuum robot 2 also includes a control device 13 configured to control the operation of the vacuum robot 2, particularly to control the movement of the body 3, for example, based on random or ordered movement.

[0101] The control device 13 is specifically configured to control the aforementioned rotary drive mechanism based on data received from various sensors disposed on the main body 3, such as proximity sensors, contact sensors, and / or drop sensors. The control device 13 may, for example, have a circuit board configured to receive and process this various data.

[0102] The vacuum robot 2 also has a transmitter / receiver 14 configured to communicate with a docking station configured to house the vacuum robot 2, particularly during the charging phase of the power battery 15 of the vacuum robot 2.

[0103] like Figure 2As shown, the vacuum robot 2 includes a first side cleaning element 16 and a second side cleaning element 17 fixed relative to the main body 3. The first and second side cleaning elements 16 and 17 are located on the front portion 31 of the main body 3 and are respectively disposed near the first side edge 3.11 and the second side edge 3.12 of the main body 3. Advantageously, the first and second side cleaning elements 16 and 17 are located in front of the front edge 5.1 of the suction port 5 and are disposed rearward from the front edge 3.10 of the main body 3.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the first and second side cleaning elements 16 and 17 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the middle longitudinal plane P of the main body 3.

[0105] Advantageously, the first side cleaning element 16 protrudes from the lower side 4 of the body 3 at a first protrusion height, which is substantially constant along the first side cleaning element 16, and the second side cleaning element 17 protrudes from the lower side 4 of the body 3 at a second protrusion height, which is substantially constant along the second side cleaning element 17 and substantially equal to the first protrusion height.

[0106] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the first and second side cleaning elements are elongated and generally extend along a first extension direction DE1 and a second extension direction DE2, respectively.

[0107] The first side cleaning element 16 has a first fixing portion 18 and a first cleaning portion 21. The first fixing portion 18 is elongated and fixed in a first receiving groove 19 provided on the main body 3. The first cleaning portion 21 is fixed to the first fixing portion 18 and protrudes from the first receiving groove 19. Similarly, the second side cleaning element 17 has a second fixing portion 22 and a second cleaning portion 24. The second fixing portion 22 is elongated and fixed in a second receiving groove 23 provided on the main body 3. The second cleaning portion 24 is fixed to the second fixing portion 22 and protrudes from the second receiving groove 23. Advantageously, the first and second extending directions DE1 and DE2 are defined by the extending directions of the first and second fixing portions 18 and 22, respectively.

[0108] Advantageously, each of the first and second cleaning portions 21, 24 is flexible and has a generally flat shape.

[0109] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, each of the first and second receiving slots 19, 23 has a T-shaped cross-section, and each of the first and second fixing portions 18, 22 has a generally rectangular cross-section. However, the first and second receiving slots 19, 23 and the first and second fixing portions 18, 22 may have any other cross-sectional shape.

[0110] according to Figures 1 to 12In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second receiving slots 19 and 23 are disposed on the lower side 4 of the main body 3 and generally extend along the first and second slot directions DR1 and DR2, respectively, which converge toward the rear 32 of the main body 3. The first and second slot directions DR1 and DR2 are inclined at angles β1 and β2, respectively, relative to the intermediate longitudinal plane P of the main body 3, with angles β1 and β2 being between 20° and 40°, for example between 25° and 35°, and advantageously approximately 30°.

[0111] More specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the first and second cleaning portions 21 and 24 are elongated and converge toward each other toward the rear portion 32 of the body 3. In other words, the front edges 210 and 240 of the first and second cleaning portions 21 and 24 are spaced apart by a first interval distance, and the rear edges 211 and 241 of the first and second cleaning portions 21 and 24 are spaced apart by a second interval distance smaller than the first interval distance.

[0112] Therefore, the first and second cleaning sections 21 and 24 are configured to guide and direct waste that comes into contact with either of the first and second cleaning sections 21 and 24 to the suction port 5 when the vacuum robot 2 moves along the main travel direction D.

[0113] according to Figures 1 to 12 In the illustrated embodiment, when the vacuum robot 2 is placed on a horizontal surface by its motor wheels 8, the first and second extension directions DE1, DE2 are substantially horizontal. However, each of the first and second extension directions DE1, DE2 can be tilted relative to the horizontal direction at an angle of, for example, between ±20°, advantageously between ±10°. Each of the first and second extension directions DE1, DE2 is also advantageously tilted relative to the intermediate longitudinal plane P of the body 3 at an angle of, for example, between 25° and 35°, advantageously about 30°.

[0114] The first and second extension directions DE1 and DE2 may be substantially parallel to the first and second groove directions DR1 and DR2, respectively, or may be slightly inclined relative to the first and second groove directions DR1 and DR2, respectively.

[0115] The first and second cleaning portions 21 and 24 can be formed from elastically deformable first and second cleaning sheets, respectively (see in detail). Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 11 However, according to a variant embodiment of the invention, the first and second cleaning portions 21, 24 may be formed by one or more first rows of bristles or bristle clusters extending along the first extension direction DE1 and one or more second rows of bristles or bristle clusters extending along the second extension direction DE2 (see in particular). Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 According to this variant embodiment of the invention, the first and second side cleaning elements 16, 17 then form first and second side cleaning brushes fixed relative to the body 3.

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first and second cleaning portions 21 and 24 are twisted along the first and second extending directions DE1 and DE2, respectively, such that the first cleaning portion 21 has an inclination relative to the horizontal direction that varies along the first cleaning portion 21, and the second cleaning portion 24 has an inclination relative to the horizontal direction that varies along the second cleaning portion 24. Advantageously, the first and second cleaning portions 21 and 24 are twisted such that the inclination of the first cleaning portion 21 relative to the horizontal direction increases towards the rear edge 211 of the first cleaning portion 21, and the inclination of the second cleaning portion 24 relative to the horizontal direction increases towards the rear edge 241 of the second cleaning portion 24.

[0117] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first cleaning portion 21 has a first front wall portion 21.1 that slopes downward and laterally outward from the main body 3, and the second cleaning portion 24 has a second front wall portion 24.1 that slopes downward and laterally outward from the main body 3. The first and second front portions 21.1 and 24.1 are inclined at angles α1 and α2 relative to the horizontal direction, respectively, with each angle between 30° and 60°, advantageously between 35° and 45°.

[0118] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first cleaning portion 21 has a first rear wall portion 21.2, which is inclined at an angle α3 between 70° and 90°, and advantageously between 80° and 90°, relative to the horizontal direction. The second cleaning portion 24 has a second rear wall portion 24.2, which is also inclined at an angle α4 between 70° and 90°, and advantageously between 80° and 90°, relative to the horizontal direction. Advantageously, the first rear wall portion 21.2 is inclined downward and laterally outward from the body 3, and the second rear wall portion 24.2 is inclined downward and laterally outward from the body 3.

[0119] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first front wall portion 21.1 protrudes laterally relative to the first side edge 3.11 of the main body 3, and the first rear wall portion 21.2 is disposed rearward from the first side edge 3.11 of the main body 3. Similarly, the second front wall portion 24.1 protrudes laterally relative to the second side edge 3.12 of the main body 3, and the second rear wall portion 24.2 is disposed rearward from the second side edge 3.12 of the main body 3.

[0120] Advantageously, the first fixing portion 18 is disposed rearward from the first side edge 3.11 of the body 3, and the second fixing portion 22 is also disposed rearward from the second side edge 3.12 of the body 3. These arrangements prevent the first and second fixing portions 18 and 22, which are generally more rigid than the first and second cleaning portions 21 and 24, from contacting obstacles encountered by the vacuum cleaner and causing such obstacles to damage or obstruct the vacuum cleaner.

[0121] like Figure 3 As shown, the first cleaning portion 21 has a first lower elongated edge 25 that extends over the entire length of the first cleaning portion 21 and is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned when the vacuum robot 2 is placed on the surface to be cleaned, and the second cleaning portion 24 has a second lower elongated edge 26 that extends over the entire length of the second cleaning portion 24 and is configured to contact the surface to be cleaned when the vacuum robot 2 is placed on the surface to be cleaned.

[0122] According to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge 25 and the first end 7.1 of the rotating cleaning brush 7 are located at substantially the same distance from the first side edge 3.11 of the body 3, and the rear end of the second lower elongated edge 26 and the second end 7.2 of the rotating cleaning brush 7 are located at substantially the same distance from the second side edge 3.12 of the body 3. Advantageously, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge 25 is located near the first end 7.1 of the rotating cleaning brush 7, and the rear end of the second lower elongated edge 26 is located near the second end 7.2 of the rotating cleaning brush 7.

[0123] As previously described, the first and second cleaning portions 21 and 24 are twisted along the first and second extending directions DE1 and DE2, respectively. This twisting of the first and second cleaning portions 21 and 24 can be achieved in various ways.

[0124] For this purpose, the vacuum robot 2 may, for example, have one or more first deformable surfaces and one or more second deformable surfaces. The first deformable surfaces are configured to deform the first side cleaning element 16 such that the first cleaning portion 21 is twisted along the first extension direction DE1 and thus has an inclination relative to the horizontal direction that varies along the first cleaning portion 21. The second deformable surfaces are configured to deform the second side cleaning element 17 such that the second cleaning portion 24 is twisted along the second extension direction DE2 and thus has an inclination relative to the horizontal direction that varies along the second cleaning portion 24.

[0125] according to Figures 1 to 12 In the embodiment shown, the bottom wall and side wall of the first receiving groove 19 are twisted to form the aforementioned first deformed surface, and the bottom wall and side wall of the second receiving groove 23 are twisted to form the aforementioned second deformed surface.

[0126] According to a variant embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the bottom wall of each of the first and second receiving slots 19 and 23 may be flat, only the side wall of the first receiving slot 19 may form the aforementioned first deformable surface, and only the side wall of the second receiving slot 23 may form the aforementioned second deformable surface. According to yet another variant embodiment of the invention not shown in the figures, the vacuuming robot 2 may have a single first deformable surface formed by one of the side walls of the first receiving slot 19 and a single second deformable surface formed by one of the side walls of the second receiving slot 23.

[0127] According to another variant embodiment of the invention not shown in the figure, the body 3 may have a first deformable member, such as a deformable rib, disposed on the lower side 4 of the body 3 and including a first deformable surface, and a second deformable member, such as a deformable rib, disposed on the lower side 4 of the body 3 and including a second deformable surface.

[0128] According to another variant of the invention, the vacuum robot 2 may not have the first and second deformable surfaces, and the first and second cleaning parts 21, 24 may be shaped into a twisted form.

[0129] According to an embodiment of the invention not shown in the figure, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge 25 may be located near the first side edge of the suction port 5, and the rear end of the second lower elongated edge 26 may be located near the second side edge of the suction port 5.

[0130] According to an embodiment not shown in the figure, the first and second cleaning portions 21, 24 may be flat (rather than twisted), and each cleaning portion has a certain inclination relative to the horizontal direction, which is constant along the corresponding directions of the first and second extending directions DE1, DE2.

[0131] According to another embodiment not shown in the figure, the first and second receiving slots 19 and 23 can be substantially parallel to the middle longitudinal plane P of the main body 3.

[0132] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and shown above, which are given by way of example only. In particular, some modifications may be made in the configuration of various elements or by substitution with equivalent techniques, which do not depart from the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner robot (2), comprising: The body (3) has a bottom surface (4) configured to face the surface to be cleaned; a suction port (5) which leads to the bottom surface (4) of the body (3) and extends laterally to the main direction of movement (D) of the vacuum robot; and a receiving housing (6) which is fluidly connected to the suction port (5). A rotating cleaning brush (7) is rotatably mounted in the receiving housing (6) about a rotation axis (A), the rotation axis extending transversely to the main direction of movement (D) of the vacuum robot (2), and A first side cleaning element (16) is mounted to the front (31) of the body (3) and located near the first side edge (3.11) of the body (3), the first side cleaning element (16) having a flexible first cleaning portion (21). The first side cleaning element (16) is fixed relative to the main body (3), and the first cleaning part (21) is configured to guide the waste that comes into contact with the first cleaning part (21) when the vacuum robot (2) moves along the main direction of movement (D) toward the suction port (5). The first cleaning portion (21) is characterized by having an inclination relative to the horizontal direction that varies along the first cleaning portion (21). The first cleaning portion (21) includes a first front wall portion (21.1) that slopes downward and laterally outward from the body (3), the first front wall portion (21.1) being inclined at an angle (α1) between 30° and 60° relative to the horizontal direction.

2. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The distance between the front edge of the first cleaning part (21) and the middle longitudinal plane (P) of the body (3) is greater than the distance between the rear edge of the first cleaning part (21) and the middle longitudinal plane (P) of the body (3).

3. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first side cleaning element (16) is elongated and generally extends along a first extension direction (DE1).

4. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 3, wherein, The first cleaning portion (21) is twisted along the first extension direction (DE1).

5. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first cleaning portion (21) has a generally flat shape.

6. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the vacuum robot (2) is placed on a horizontal surface, at least a portion of the first cleaning part (21) is tilted relative to the horizontal and vertical directions.

7. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first cleaning portion (21) includes a first rear wall portion (21.2) inclined at an angle (α3) between 70° and 90° relative to the horizontal direction.

8. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least a portion of the first cleaning portion (21) protrudes laterally relative to the first side edge (3.11) of the body (3).

9. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first side cleaning element (16) includes a first fixing part (18), which is fixed in a first receiving groove (19) disposed on the main body (3), and the first cleaning part (21) is supported by the first fixing part (18).

10. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first side cleaning element (16) is located in front of the rotation axis of the rotating cleaning brush.

11. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first side cleaning element (16) is formed by the first side cleaning brush.

12. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first cleaning portion (21) is formed of a first cleaning sheet that can be elastically deformed.

13. The vacuum robot (2) according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a second side cleaning element (17) mounted on the front (31) of the body (3) and located near the second side edge (3.12) of the body (3), the second side cleaning element (17) being fixed relative to the body (3) and having a flexible second cleaning portion (24), the first cleaning portion (21) and the second cleaning portion (24) being configured to direct waste that comes into contact with the first cleaning portion (21) and the second cleaning portion (24) toward the suction port (5) as the vacuum robot (2) moves along the main direction of movement (D).

14. The vacuum cleaner robot (2) according to claim 13, wherein, The first cleaning portion (21) and the second cleaning portion (24) converge toward each other toward the rear part (32) of the main body (3).

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