Mobile robots and mobile home appliances

Abstract

This application provides a mobile robot and a mobile home appliance. The mobile robot includes a chassis and a body mounted on the chassis. Rollers are mounted on the bottom of the chassis, and a walking mechanism is mounted on the chassis. The walking mechanism includes walking wheels, a suspension supporting the walking wheels, and a drive motor driving the walking wheels to rotate. The drive motor is mounted on the suspension, and the suspension is movably mounted on the chassis. The mobile robot also includes a lifting mechanism for raising the suspension to lift the walking wheels off the ground. The mobile robot provided in this application, by mounting the walking wheels of the walking mechanism on the suspension, and movably mounting the suspension on the chassis, and in the event of a power outage or malfunction, allows the suspension to be raised via the lifting mechanism. Since the walking wheels are mounted on the suspension, they can be lifted off the ground, and the entire robot can be moved using the rollers for convenient movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of mobile home appliance technology, and more specifically, relates to a mobile robot and a mobile home appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, mobile robots on the market, especially medium or large-sized ones such as portable air conditioners and portable refrigerators, are often quite heavy. To ensure safe operation, most of these robots are equipped with hill-climbing capability, meaning that in the event of a power outage or malfunction, the drive motor of the walking mechanism locks and fixes the robot in place. When these robots need to be moved, especially after a malfunction, they also need to be moved for repairs. However, their weight and the fact that the drive motor locks in case of malfunction or power outage make movement difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a mobile robot and a mobile home appliance to solve the problems in the prior art where the mobile robot is heavy and the drive motor locks up in the event of a malfunction or power outage, making it difficult to move.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application embodiment is as follows: a mobile robot is provided, including a chassis, with rollers installed at the bottom of the chassis and a walking mechanism installed on the chassis; the walking mechanism includes walking wheels, a suspension supporting the walking wheels, and a drive motor driving the walking wheels to rotate, the drive motor being installed on the suspension, and the suspension being movably installed on the chassis; the mobile robot further includes a lifting mechanism for lifting the suspension to drive the walking wheels to rise and move off the ground.

[0005] In an alternative embodiment, the lifting mechanism includes a traction member for pulling the suspension and a handle connected to one end of the traction member, the other end of the traction member being connected to the suspension, and the handle extending out of the chassis.

[0006] In an alternative embodiment, the lifting mechanism further includes a guide for guiding the movement of the traction member, the guide being mounted on the chassis.

[0007] In one alternative embodiment, the suspension is provided with a hook, and the lifting mechanism includes a ferrule that locks the end of the traction member to form a hanging ring, which is connected to the suspension.

[0008] In one alternative embodiment, there are two walking mechanisms, which are respectively located on opposite sides of the chassis.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, there are two traction members, each connected to one of the two suspensions, and both traction members are connected to the pull handle.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the lifting mechanism includes a lever that pushes the suspension upward, the lever being rotatably mounted on the chassis, and one end of the lever being connected to the suspension.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, one end of the suspension is hinged to the chassis, and the lifting mechanism is connected to the other end of the suspension.

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, the traveling wheel is mounted on one end of the suspension near the lifting mechanism.

[0013] In an alternative embodiment, the walking mechanism further includes a transmission assembly connecting the drive motor and the walking wheel, the transmission assembly being mounted in the suspension.

[0014] In an alternative embodiment, the walking mechanism further includes a support mounted on the chassis, and the suspension is hinged to the support.

[0015] Another objective of this application is to provide a mobile home appliance, including a body and a mobile robot as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the mobile robot is disposed at the bottom of the body.

[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the pull handle is slidably mounted on the top of the body.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the mobile robot provided in this application embodiment are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the mobile robot in this application embodiment, by mounting the walking wheels of the walking mechanism on the suspension, and the suspension being movably mounted on the chassis, and setting a lifting mechanism, can lift the suspension through the lifting mechanism when there is a power outage or malfunction. Since the walking wheels are mounted on the suspension, they can be driven to rise and leave the ground. At the same time, the entire robot is moved by the rollers to facilitate movement.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the mobile home appliance provided in this application embodiment are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the mobile home appliance in this application embodiment uses the mobile robot of the above embodiment and has the technical effects of the mobile robot, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or exemplary technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of a portable home appliance provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of the portable home appliance shown.

[0022] Figure 3 For along Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along line AA;

[0023] Figure 4 For along Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the middle BB line;

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the walking mechanism and lifting mechanism Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the walking mechanism and lifting mechanism Figure 2 .

[0026] The main markings in the attached figures are as follows:

[0027] 200 - Portable home appliances;

[0028] 100 - Mobile Robot;

[0029] 10-Chassis; 11-Rollers;

[0030] 20-Traveling mechanism; 21-Suspension; 211-Hook; 212-Connecting block; 22-Traveling wheel; 23-Drive motor; 24-Transmission assembly; 241-Gear set; 25-Bracket; 251-Connecting seat; 26-Connecting shaft;

[0031] 30-Lifting mechanism; 31-Traction component; 311-Hanging ring; 32-Pull handle; 33-Guide component; 331-Fixed pulley; 34-Clad sleeve;

[0032] 201-Body. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects to be solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0034] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0035] In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly specified. "Several" means one or more, unless otherwise expressly specified. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. The terms "center," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0036] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this specification, references to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or simply "embodiment" mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0038] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 The mobile home appliance 200 provided in this application will now be described. The mobile home appliance 200 includes a body 201 and a mobile robot 100. The body 201 is mounted on the mobile robot 100, and the mobile robot 100 supports and drives the body 201 to move.

[0039] The mobile robot 100 includes a chassis 10, a walking mechanism 20, and a lifting mechanism 30.

[0040] The chassis 10 is the bottom support structure of the mobile robot 100, and the bottom of the chassis 10 is equipped with rollers 11, so that the chassis 10 can be supported by the rollers 11 and the mobile robot 100 can be moved easily.

[0041] Please see Figures 3 to 5 The walking mechanism 20 is mounted on the chassis 10. The walking mechanism 20 can cooperate with the rollers 11 to support the chassis 10. When the walking mechanism 20 is running, it can push the chassis 10 to move, so as to achieve automatic movement. The body 201 is mounted on the chassis 10, and the chassis 10 supports the body 201.

[0042] The walking mechanism 20 includes walking wheels 22, a suspension 21, and a drive motor 23. The drive motor 23 drives the walking wheels 22 to rotate, enabling automatic walking movement. The drive motor 23 has a locking function so that it can be locked when the mobile robot 100 is fixed or powered off, ensuring safety. The walking wheels 22 are mounted on the suspension 21, which supports them. The suspension 21 also supports the drive motor 23, facilitating its installation and use. Furthermore, the suspension 21 also facilitates the installation and use of the walking mechanism 20.

[0043] The suspension 21 is movably mounted on the chassis 10, allowing it to rise and fall on the chassis 10. During normal use, under the influence of gravity, the suspension 21 drives the wheels 22 to remain on the ground. When the drive motor 23 drives the wheels 22 to rotate, automatic movement is achieved. When the suspension 21 rises, it lifts the wheels 22 off the ground, leaving only the rollers 11 supporting the chassis 10 for easier movement.

[0044] Furthermore, the suspension 21 is movably mounted on the chassis 10. When the ground is uneven, the suspension 21 can float and rise to adapt to different ground heights, ensuring that the wheels 22 on the suspension 21 remain in contact with the ground. And when encountering obstacles,

[0045] The lifting mechanism 30 is used to lift the suspension 21. When the suspension 21 rises, it can drive the traveling wheels 22 to rise and move. Therefore, in the event of a power outage requiring relocation or a malfunction requiring movement, the lifting mechanism 30 can lift the suspension 21 to prevent it from locking up, allowing the traveling wheels 22 to leave the ground. This way, only the rollers 11 support the chassis 10, facilitating movement. Alternatively, the chassis 10 can be tilted so that the two rollers 11 touch the ground, facilitating movement.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, the mobile robot 100 provided in this application embodiment has the following advantages: the walking wheel 22 of the walking mechanism 20 is mounted on the suspension 21, and the suspension 21 is movably mounted on the chassis 10. A lifting mechanism 30 is also provided. In the event of a power outage or malfunction, the suspension 21 can be lifted by the lifting mechanism 30. Since the walking wheel 22 is mounted on the suspension 21, it can be driven to rise and leave the ground, thereby facilitating movement.

[0047] Compared with the prior art, the mobile home appliance 200 provided in this application embodiment uses the mobile robot 100 of the above embodiment and has the technical effects of the mobile robot 100, which will not be repeated here.

[0048] In one embodiment, see Figures 3 to 5 One end of the suspension 21 is hinged to the chassis 10, and the lifting mechanism 30 is connected to the other end of the suspension 21. In this way, the lifting mechanism 30 only needs to push the other end of the suspension 21 to rise, which can drive the traveling wheel 22 to rise, making it more convenient and less labor-intensive. It should be noted that one end and the other end of the suspension 21 are the opposite ends of the suspension 21.

[0049] Understandably, the suspension 21 can also be slidably mounted on the chassis 10, so that the suspension 21 can be raised and lowered and slid as a whole on the chassis 10.

[0050] In one embodiment, one end of the suspension 21 is hinged to the chassis 10, and the lifting mechanism 30 is connected to the other end of the suspension 21. The travel wheel 22 is mounted on the end of the suspension 21 near the lifting mechanism 30. This way, when the lifting mechanism 30 lifts the suspension 21, the other end of the suspension 21 only needs to rise a small distance to lift the travel wheel 22, making it more convenient to use. Understandably, the travel wheel 22 can also be mounted in other positions on the suspension 21, such as in the middle of the suspension 21.

[0051] In one embodiment, the walking mechanism 20 further includes a transmission component 24, which is installed in the suspension 21. The transmission component 24 connects the drive motor 23 and the walking wheel 22 to enable transmission connection through the transmission component 24, so as to reduce speed and increase driving torque. In addition, the transmission component 24 also facilitates the connection between the drive motor 23 and the walking wheel 22, as well as the position layout of the drive motor 23 and the walking wheel 22.

[0052] In one embodiment, the transmission component 24 can be a gear set 241. Using a gear set 241 for transmission offers high efficiency and high transmission accuracy, facilitating the drive motor 23 to drive the traveling wheel 22 to rotate. Understandably, the transmission component 24 can also use a belt drive structure, a sprocket drive structure, a toothed belt drive structure, etc.

[0053] In one embodiment, see Figures 3 to 6 The walking mechanism 20 also includes a bracket 25, which is mounted on the chassis 10 and supported by the chassis 10. The suspension 21 is hinged to the bracket 25. The bracket 25 is provided and hinged to the suspension 21, and the bracket 25 is connected to the chassis 10 to facilitate a stable hinged connection between the suspension 21 and the chassis 10.

[0054] In one embodiment, the suspension 21 has a connecting block 212 at one end, and the bracket 25 has connecting seats 251 at both ends of the connecting block 212. The traveling mechanism 20 also includes a connecting shaft 26, which passes through the connecting block 212, and its two ends are connected to the two connecting seats 251 respectively, so as to hinge one end of the suspension 21 to the bracket 25. Understandably, the suspension 21 can also be hinged to the bracket 25 via a hinge.

[0055] In one embodiment, the connecting block 212 is located at one end of the suspension 21 and near the bottom of the suspension 21, so that a portion of the weight of the suspension 21 can be supported on the bracket 25 by the connecting block 212, thus stably supporting the suspension 21 and ensuring that the walking mechanism 20 is stably supported on the chassis 10.

[0056] In one embodiment, the shape of the suspension 21 is adapted to the overall shape of the gear set 241 and the drive motor 23 so that the drive motor 23 can accommodate the gear set 241.

[0057] In one embodiment, the bracket 25 can be configured as a cover to cover the suspension 21, which can provide a certain degree of protection for the suspension 21.

[0058] In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism 30 includes a traction member 31 and a pull handle 32. The traction member 31 connects the pull handle 32 to the suspension 21. The pull handle 32 extends out of the chassis 10 and is provided for the user to hold and pull the traction member 31, thereby pulling the suspension 21 to lift it and prevent it from locking up. Using the traction member 31 and the pull handle 32 to lift the suspension 21 results in a simple structure, convenient installation and use, and low cost. Of course, the lifting mechanism 30 may also exclude the pull handle 32, in which case the traction member 31 must be pulled directly during use.

[0059] Understandably, the lifting mechanism 30 may also adopt other structures, such as using a lever, such as rotating the lever on the chassis 10, so that by rotating one end of the lever, the other end of the lever pushes the suspension 21 to rise, thereby lifting the suspension 21.

[0060] In one embodiment, the traction member 31 can be a rope, belt, chain, or other structure.

[0061] In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism 30 further includes a guide 33 mounted on the chassis 10. The guide 33 is used to guide the movement of the traction member 31. The guide 33 is provided to guide the movement of the traction member 31, which facilitates flexible pulling of the traction member 31 and also facilitates the positional layout of the traction member 31.

[0062] In one embodiment, the guide 33 includes a fixed pulley 331 by which the traction member 31 is moved. Understandably, the guide 33 may also use a guide sleeve to protect and guide the movement of the traction member 31.

[0063] In one embodiment, the suspension 21 is provided with a hook 211, and the traction member 31 is connected to the hook 211. The hook 211 is provided on the suspension 21 to facilitate the connection of the traction member 31 to the suspension 21, making the connection convenient.

[0064] In one embodiment, one end of the traction member 31 is provided with a hanging ring 311. By hanging the hanging ring 311 on the hook, the traction member 31 can be connected to the suspension 21, which is convenient.

[0065] In one embodiment, when one end of the suspension 21 is hinged to the chassis 10 and the hook 211 is located at the other end of the suspension 21, the traction member 31 can be connected to the other end of the suspension 21 when it is connected to the hook 211.

[0066] In one embodiment, the hook 211 is located at the other end of the suspension 21 and near the bottom of the suspension 21, so that when the suspension 21 is lifted by pulling the traction member 31, it is easier to pull the traction member 31 to lift the suspension 21.

[0067] In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism 30 further includes a retaining sleeve 34 that locks the end of the traction member 31 to form a hanging ring 311 at the end of the traction member 31. This hanging ring 311 is easy to install, simple to manufacture, and has a low cost. It is understood that the hanging ring 311 can also be installed separately and mounted on the end of the traction member 31.

[0068] In one embodiment, the ferrule 34 can be a double-hole aluminum sleeve, which is low in cost and easy to assemble. Understandably, the ferrule 34 can also use other snap-fit ​​connectors.

[0069] In one embodiment, the traction component 31 can be made of steel wire rope, which has high strength, good wear resistance, long service life, and low cost. Of course, the traction component 31 can also use other rope structures, such as nylon rope, etc.

[0070] In one embodiment, there are two walking mechanisms 20, each located on opposite sides of the chassis 10. That is, the two walking mechanisms 20 drive the two wheels 22 to rotate, thus enabling the movement of the mobile robot 100. Furthermore, by using two walking mechanisms 20, the difference in rotational speed between the wheels 22 of the two walking mechanisms 20 allows the mobile robot 100 to turn. It is understandable that only one walking mechanism 20 can be used; a single walking mechanism 20 can also drive the mobile robot 100 to move. Of course, the number of walking mechanisms 20 can also be different, such as three, four, etc.

[0071] In one embodiment, when there are two traveling mechanisms 20, there are two traction members 31, each connected to one of the two suspensions 21, and both traction members 31 are connected to a pull handle 32. Thus, pulling the pull handle 32 pulls both traction members 31, raising the suspensions 21 of the two traveling mechanisms 20 synchronously. It is understood that the suspensions 21 of the two traveling mechanisms 20 can be fixedly connected, allowing both suspensions 21 to be raised using only one traction member 31.

[0072] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4When there are two traveling mechanisms 20 and two traction members 31, the handle 32 is U-shaped, with both ends of the U-shaped handle 32 connected to the two traction members 31 respectively, for easy connection and to facilitate pulling the handle 32. Understandably, the handle 32 can also be set in other shapes, as long as it can be connected to the two traction members 31.

[0073] In one embodiment, the body 201 can be the main functional structure of the portable home appliance 200. For example, when the portable home appliance 200 is a portable refrigerator, the body 201 can be the refrigerator's cabinet; when the portable home appliance 200 is a portable air conditioner, the body 201 can be the air conditioner's main body, and so on.

[0074] In one embodiment, the handle 32 is mounted on the top of the body 201, which facilitates pulling the handle 32. This is particularly useful when tilting the robot 100. After holding the handle 32 to pull the traction member 31 and raise the suspension 21 of the walking mechanism 20, the handle 32 can be used to tilt the body 201, thereby tilting the robot 100 for movement. Alternatively, the handle 32 can also be mounted on the chassis 10. This allows pulling the handle 32 first to pull the traction member 31, raising the suspension 21 of the walking mechanism 20, and then pushing the body 201 to tilt the robot 100 as a whole.

[0075] In one embodiment, the roller 11 can be a swivel wheel for easy steering. Of course, the roller 11 can also use other wheel sets, with steering achieved through the difference in rotational speed between the rollers 11.

[0076] In one embodiment, the length of the traction member 31 is greater than the lifting stroke of the suspension 21. Thus, when the lever 32 is pulled, it is necessary to pull it for a certain stroke first to tension the traction member 31 before lifting the suspension 21. This allows the suspension 21 to rise and fall and float easily when the walking mechanism 20 is running, so as to adapt to uneven ground and avoid the suspension 21 from getting stuck.

[0077] The mobile robot 100 in this embodiment uses a traction member 31 in conjunction with a fixed pulley 331. By manually pulling the handle 32, the suspension 21 can be raised to prevent it from sliding down and locking the mobile robot 100 in place by the walking mechanism 20. This facilitates tilting the mobile robot 100 and makes it easy to move. The lifting mechanism 30 using the traction member 31 and the handle 32 is simple in structure, low in cost, easy to repair, and saves time and effort.

[0078] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A mobile robot comprising a chassis, the bottom of which is provided with a plurality of wheels, and a walking mechanism mounted on the chassis; characterized in that: The walking mechanism comprises walking wheels, a suspension supporting the walking wheels, and a driving motor driving the walking wheels to rotate, the driving motor is mounted on the suspension, and the suspension is movably mounted on the chassis; the mobile robot further comprises a lifting mechanism for lifting the suspension to drive the walking wheels to move upward and away from the ground; The lifting mechanism comprises a traction member and a handle, the traction member is used for pulling the suspension, the handle is used for being held by a user, one end of the handle is connected with the traction member, and the other end of the traction member is connected with the suspension, and the handle extends out of the chassis; The lifting mechanism further comprises a guide member for guiding the traction member to move, and the guide member is mounted on the chassis; One end of the suspension is hingedly connected with the chassis, the lifting mechanism is connected with the other end of the suspension, and the walking wheels are mounted on the end of the suspension close to the lifting mechanism.

2. The mobile robot of claim 1, wherein: The suspension is provided with a hook, the lifting mechanism comprises a clamping sleeve, the clamping sleeve locks the end of the traction member to form a hanging ring, and the hanging ring is connected with the suspension.

3. The mobile robot of claim 1, wherein: The walking mechanism comprises two walking mechanisms, and the two walking mechanisms are respectively arranged on opposite sides of the chassis.

4. The mobile robot of claim 1, wherein: The traction member comprises two traction members, the two traction members are respectively connected with the two suspensions, and the two traction members are connected with the handle.

5. The mobile robot of claim 1, wherein: The lifting mechanism comprises a lever for pushing the suspension to move upward, the lever is rotatably mounted on the chassis, and one end of the lever is connected with the suspension.

6. The mobile robot of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: The walking mechanism further comprises a transmission assembly connecting the driving motor and the walking wheels, and the transmission assembly is mounted in the suspension.

7. The mobile robot of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: The walking mechanism further comprises a support mounted on the chassis, and the suspension is hingedly connected with the support.

8. A mobile home appliance comprising a body, characterized in that The mobile household appliance further comprises the mobile robot according to any one of claims 1-7, and the mobile robot is arranged at the bottom of the body.

9. The mobile home appliance of claim 8, wherein: The handle is slidably mounted on the top of the body.

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