ROBOT VACUUM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vacuum robot according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The robot vacuum cleaner for autonomous cleaning has a housing defining an interior space and a fan for generating a suction airflow. The suction airflow mobilizes dirt particles on the floor through a suction port located on the housing and transports them to a container located inside the housing. To guide the suction airflow, the robot vacuum cleaner has a suction channel that connects the suction port to the fan via the container.

[0003] A large number of vacuum robots of the type described above are already known in the prior art. Typically, vacuum robots of this type have a drive system arranged in the interior of the housing, by means of which rollers, which are usually arranged on the underside of the housing, can be driven in order to set the vacuum robot in motion. To further improve the cleaning of the floor surface, the known vacuum robots usually have a main brush which is arranged in an area close to the suction mouth. As a rule, vacuum robots of the type described above also have sensors by means of which obstacles in the room, in particular furniture, can be detected. By means of a control device arranged in the interior of the vacuum robot, the direction of travel of the vacuum robot is adjusted depending on the spatial geometry detected by the sensors.

[0004] A problem with conventional robot vacuums is that they fail to capture dirt particles in the edges and corners of the room. State-of-the-art solutions already exist, such as robot vacuums with rotating side brushes. However, these have the problem that the side brushes require an additional motor. An additional motor requires more electrical power, which in turn puts a strain on the robot vacuum's battery and results in a shorter battery life per cleaning cycle. Rotating side brushes also pose the problem that the bristle tufts of the side brushes can become tangled and stuck in deep carpets. Furthermore, side brushes limit the robot vacuum's mobility, for example, when negotiating carpets.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art to improve edge cleaning with the help of an increased airflow. The suction opening of the robot vacuum is enlarged so that it extends as close as possible to the outer edge of the robot vacuum's housing, allowing the suction flow to reach the edges and corners of the room and vacuum up the dirt located there. However, due to a relatively large suction opening, the increased suction power is usually not sufficient to achieve satisfactory results in edge and corner areas. Furthermore, increased suction power requires more electrical power from the robot vacuum, which ultimately results in a shorter battery life per cleaning cycle.

[0006] EP 3 178 362 A1 discloses a vacuum robot with a central suction port, which is laterally connected to two edge suction elements via two flexible tube elements. WO 2018 / 217980 A1 discloses a vacuum robot with a central suction port, at the lateral edge regions of which suction channels are arranged, which open into an edge region of the vacuum robot's housing. EP 3 679 848 A1 discloses a vacuum robot with two movable suction channels, which are arranged laterally on the housing of the vacuum robot and improve the edge and corner cleaning of the vacuum robot.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a vacuum robot in which the cleaning of edge and corner areas is optimized compared to the prior art.

[0008] The above object is achieved by a vacuum robot of the type described above with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the associated subclaims.

[0009] The vacuum robot according to the invention is characterized by a secondary air duct that opens into a suction opening located in a region of an outer edge of the housing. The secondary air duct is fluidly connected to the blower via the interposition of the container, so that the suction air flow generated by the blower acts not only on the suction opening of the suction duct but also on the suction opening of the secondary air duct. Thus, dirt particles can be picked up at the suction opening of the secondary air duct under the action of the suction air flow and transported directly or indirectly to the container by means of the secondary air duct.

[0010] The vacuum robot according to the invention has many advantages. The additional suction opening provided according to the invention specifically increases cleaning performance in the edge or corner areas of a room without having to disproportionately enlarge the suction opening compared to an enlarged suction opening from the prior art. Accordingly, the additional electrical energy required to generate a suction air flow to feed the suction opening and the suction opening is significantly lower according to the present invention, so that the battery life per cleaning process is only slightly reduced compared to a vacuum robot without improved edge and corner cleaning. Compared to vacuum robots known from the prior art with improved edge and corner cleaning, the battery life of the vacuum robot according to the invention is significantly increased.The secondary air duct can, for example, be formed by a pipe, with one end of the pipe located near the outer edge of the housing forming the intake opening. The pipe can have a round or rectangular cross-section. Of course, the secondary air duct can also be constructed in other ways.

[0011] By providing the secondary air duct according to the invention, the arrangement of side brushes can be dispensed with, thus eliminating wear and tear on the side brushes and the associated maintenance and replacement costs. Furthermore, the need for an additional motor for the side brushes is also eliminated, and the mobility of the vacuum robot according to the invention is increased compared to a vacuum robot with side brushes.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the secondary air duct opens into the suction port, meaning that the dirt particles are transported indirectly from the secondary air duct to the container, namely via the suction port and the suction duct. In other words, the dirt particles are captured at the suction opening and transported to the container via the secondary air duct, the suction port, and the suction duct. This embodiment requires few structural changes compared to a conventional vacuum robot without edge and corner cleaning, so that the vacuum robot according to the invention is characterized by simple and inexpensive production.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the secondary air duct is open on a side facing the floor surface. This counteracts the risk of the secondary air duct becoming blocked by dirt or small objects.

[0014] According to a particularly advantageous further development of the vacuum robot according to the invention, the secondary air duct does not open into the suction duct, but directly into the container. This means that the secondary air duct leads directly to the container, i.e., directly and without the interposition of other components. Accordingly, the container—in contrast to the "indirect" alternative described above—has two connecting cross-sections: one connecting cross-section to the suction duct and one connecting cross-section to the secondary air duct. This design has the advantage that the secondary air duct can be fluidically activated or deactivated directly at the container, as needed, thus avoiding flow losses.

[0015] Further developing the vacuum robot according to the invention, it comprises at least one adjustment device, at least one adjustment element, and an adjustment drive, wherein a flow cross-section of the suction channel and / or a flow cross-section of the secondary air channel can be at least partially, preferably completely, closed and / or opened by means of the adjustment element. Accordingly, the flow cross-sections of the suction channel or the secondary air channel can be influenced depending on where the suction power is required.

[0016] If the secondary air duct opens into the container, an adjustment element can be provided that can close or open the flow cross-section of the secondary air duct. The flow cross-section of the secondary air duct can be opened in corners and edges, while it is closed in flat areas. This allows the available suction power of the robot vacuum to be individually adjusted to the prevailing conditions.

[0017] If the adjustment device is used on robot vacuum cleaners whose secondary air duct opens into the container, other possibilities are opened up: For example, when driving around corners and edges, the flow cross-section of the suction duct can be completely closed off by a corresponding adjustment element, so that the entire suction air flow from the fan flows through the secondary air duct and the suction power of the robot vacuum cleaner is optimized in the corners and edges. When cleaning outside of the corners and edges, the flow cross-section of the secondary air duct can be closed off by a corresponding adjustment element and the flow cross-section of the suction duct can be opened up, thus ensuring improved surface cleaning. Partition walls or other wall sections, as well as furniture, can also be considered peripheral areas of a room.

[0018] Alternatively, it can also be provided that when driving around corners and edges, the flow cross-section of the suction channel is only partially closed and the flow cross-section of the secondary air channel is opened so that dirt is collected through both channels.

[0019] A movable flap or a slider can serve as an adjustment element, for example.

[0020] The described embodiment is also particularly advantageous if the adjusting element is formed by a template arranged on the container, which can be adjusted between a secondary position and a main position, wherein the template, when in its main position, at least partially, preferably completely, clears the flow cross-section of the suction channel and, when in its secondary position, clears the flow cross-section of the secondary air channel. Advantageously, the adjusting element can also assume at least one intermediate position, preferably any desired plurality of intermediate positions, between the main position and the secondary position. The advantage of the template according to the invention is that it can be used as a single component to adjust both flow cross-sections.

[0021] It is particularly expedient if the template is designed to be as flat as possible, similar to a sheet of metal, with a center plane of the template running parallel to a wall of the container. Such a template results in only minimal loss of space within the vacuum robot. The template can be made of plastic, cardboard, or other materials that are at least substantially, preferably completely, impermeable to air. Advantageously, the template has a cutout in the form of an opening that corresponds to the flow cross-section of the suction channel and a cutout that corresponds to the flow cross-section of the secondary air channel. The adjustment element can be moved parallel to the center plane of the template by means of the adjustment drive. Moving the template in a horizontal or vertical direction has proven practical.

[0022] By moving the template to the main position, the template is positioned such that the cutout assigned to the suction channel coincides with the flow cross-section of the suction channel, so that the suction channel is completely unblocked. In this position, the template blocks the flow cross-section of the secondary air channel. If the template is in the secondary position, the cutout corresponding to the secondary air channel coincides with the flow cross-section of the secondary air channel and the secondary air channel is completely unblocked. In the secondary position, the template can - depending on the desired design - either completely or partially block the flow cross-section of the suction channel. It is also conceivable that the flow cross-section is completely unblocked when the template is in its secondary position.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the robot vacuum cleaner has at least one sensor for detecting data relating to the distance of an outer edge of the robot vacuum cleaner from at least one wall of the room, as well as a control device for processing the detected data and controlling the adjustment device depending on the detected data. In this way, the adjustment of the adjustment element is completely automatic: If the sensor detects a distance to a wall that indicates a sufficient distance from the wall, the template remains in the main position and the dust particles are captured via the suction nozzle.However, as soon as the sensor measures a distance to a wall that indicates that the robot vacuum cleaner has reached the edge of the room, the control unit processes the data accordingly and controls the adjustment element accordingly, so that the flow cross-section of the secondary air duct is released.

[0024] If at least one sensor detects a short distance to two walls, the robot vacuum cleaner is approaching a corner area.

[0025] Advantageously, the robot vacuum's control unit can access floor plan data of the room to divide the cleaning run into two sections: one for cleaning the corners and edges, and one for cleaning an interior area. This minimizes the frequency of switching the adjustment element from the main position to the secondary position and vice versa.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the secondary air duct projects beyond the housing so that the suction opening can reach as close as possible to edge and corner areas.

[0027] In this regard, it is further advantageous if the secondary air duct is at least partially made of plastic or rubber and is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, thus avoiding damage to the surroundings, such as walls or furniture, and allowing the secondary air duct to be folded or deflected around obstacles. In an alternative embodiment, the secondary air duct can also be made at least partially of other flexible materials.

[0028] The underlying problem is also solved by a method having the features of claim 10. The method according to the invention is characterized in that data relating to a distance of an outer edge of the vacuum robot from at least one wall of the room is detected by means of a sensor, and the detected data is processed by means of a control device. Furthermore, the control device controls the adjustment device depending on the detected data, so that the adjustment element is adjusted such that a flow cross-section of the suction channel and / or a flow cross-section of the secondary air channel of the vacuum robot is / are at least partially closed and / or opened.

[0029] The method according to the invention can be carried out particularly easily using the household or commercial appliance according to the invention. The resulting advantages have already been explained above.

[0030] Two embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are described in more detail below. It shows: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a vacuum robot according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a section through the vacuum robot according to Figure 1 , Figure 3 a front view of an adjustment element from Figure 1 , Figure 4 a three-dimensional bottom view of another vacuum robot according to the invention, Figure 5 a bottom view of the vacuum robot according to Figure 4 , Figure 6 a section of a front view of the vacuum robot according to Figure 4 . Figure 7 a three-dimensional bottom view of another vacuum robot according to the invention, Figure 8 a bottom view of the vacuum robot according to Figure 7 , and Figure 9 shows a section of a front view of the vacuum robot according to Figure 7 .

[0031] An example of implementation that is shown in the Figures 1 to 3 shown relates to a vacuum robot according to the invention 1 with a housing 2,that has an interior 3 limited. The housing 2 is D-shaped in plan view, but can also be round or shaped differently. In the interior 3 the vacuum robot 1 is a container 4 arranged in which the vacuum robot 1 The robot vacuum cleaner also has 1 a fan 5 to generate a suction air flow and a suction mouth 6 at one in the Figure 2 indicated floor area 7 facing underside 8 of the housing 2. The suction mouth 6 is connected by means of a suction channel 9 and with the container interposed 4 flow-wise with the fan 5 connected so that dirt particles are sucked into the suction port by the suction air flow 6 absorbed and through the suction channel 9 to the container 4 be transported.

[0032] According to the invention, the vacuum robot 1 has Figures 1 to 3 a secondary air duct 10, which also uses the container 4 flow-wise with the fan 5 The secondary air duct 10 has a suction opening 11 located in the area of ​​an outer edge 12 of the housing 2, especially in a lower corner area 13 of the housing 2, In the corner area 13 of the housing 2 The dirt particles are thus removed by means of a suction air flow from the suction channel 9 independent suction air flow of the secondary air duct 10 at the suction opening 11 captured and directed into housing 2.

[0033] The secondary air duct 10 runs in a top view in a first section obliquely starting from the corner area 13up to the suction channel 9 and from there parallel to the suction channel 9 to the container 4. In other words, the secondary air duct 10 runs from the container 4 in direction of travel 14 of the vacuum robot 1 and then bends diagonally towards the corner area 13 away.

[0034] The vacuum robot according to the invention 1 has an adjustment device 15 with an adjustment element 16 and an adjustment drive, whereby in the figures only the adjustment element 16 can be seen. The adjustment element 16 is between the container 4 and the suction channel 9 and the secondary air duct 10 arranged and can be adjusted so that a flow cross-section 17 of the suction channel 9 and / or a flow cross-section 18 the secondary air duct 10 In this example, the adjustment element 16in the form of a flat, elongated stencil 19 with a rectangular cross-section and a width B, a height H and a thickness D formed, whereby the cross section of the template 19 in Figure 3 shown. The template 19 has a guide on each of its two short sides 20 by means of which they are inside the housing 2 can be moved up and down vertically. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the guides are designed so that the template can be moved horizontally.

[0035] The adjustment element 16 has two openings 21, 22 of which the first opening 21 the flow cross-section 17 of the suction channel 9 and the second opening 22 the flow cross-section 18 the secondary air duct 10Depending on the respective position of the adjustment element 16 the flow cross-section 17 of the suction channel 9 and / or the flow cross-section 18 the secondary air duct 10 partially or completely closed or released.

[0036] Furthermore, the vacuum robot 1 according to the invention has a sensor (not shown in the figures) for detecting a distance to at least one wall of a room and a control device 23 for processing the data recorded by the sensor and for controlling the adjustment device 15 depending on the data recorded by the sensor. If the robot vacuum 1 near edges and corners, this is detected and the template 19 adjusted so that the flow cross-section 18 the secondary air duct 10is released and improved corner and edge cleaning is provided. It goes without saying that distances to furniture or other fixtures are also detected by the sensor, so that the adjustment element 16 when approaching such areas, it is also adjusted accordingly.

[0037] Two variants can be distinguished here: According to the first variant, the flow cross-section 17 of the suction channel 9 when driving on corners and edges using the template 19 closed and only the flow cross-section 18 the secondary air duct 10 released. This variant provides very high suction power in the secondary air duct 10, which optimizes corner and edge cleaning.

[0038] According to the second variant, the flow cross-section 17of the suction channel 9 when driving at corners and edges is only closed to a certain extent and the flow cross-section 18 of the secondary air duct 10. Consequently, both at the suction mouth 6 as well as at the suction opening 11 Dirt is picked up and corner and edge cleaning is improved.

[0039] If the vacuum robot 1 is outside of corners and edge areas, this is detected by the sensor and the template 19 positioned so that the flow cross-section 18 the secondary air duct 10 is closed. The total power of the fan 5 is used to generate the suction flow in the suction channel 9 available, ensuring improved surface cleaning. It goes without saying that the robot vacuum cleaner can also have multiple sensors.

[0040] Another embodiment of a vacuum robot according to the invention 1'is in the Figures 4 to 6 The main components of the robot vacuum cleaner 1' correspond to the main components of the vacuum robot 1 from the Figures 1 to 3 , which is why the same reference symbols are used for these components. Figure 4 It can be seen that in the suction mouth 6 a brush 24 which supports the absorption of dirt.

[0041] In contrast to the vacuum robot 1 according to the Figures 1 to 3 the vacuum robot has 1' according to the Figures 4 to 6 a secondary air duct 10', which, starting from its suction opening 11' to the suction mouth 6 and flows there. The secondary air duct 10' consists of a channel, one end of which is the suction opening 11' The suction opening 11' is located in the area of ​​the outer edge 12 of the housing 2' the vacuum robot 1', again in a lower corner area13 of the housing 2, where the secondary air duct 10' about the housing 2' This is good in the Figure 6 to recognize. In the Figure 6 It can also be seen that the housing 2' in vertical section has a slightly rounded contour, so that a width of the housing 2' on the bottom 8 the vacuum robot 1' is smaller than a width of the same in a middle area above it 25. Thus, the secondary air duct 10' is located at the bottom 8 of the vacuum robot 1' via the housing 2' over, but not over a maximum projection of the housing 2'. Because the secondary air duct 10' over the housing 2' on the bottom 8 the vacuum robot 1' protrudes, a maximum approach of the suction opening 11' to the edges, corners and furniture of a room.

[0042] Since the secondary air duct 10' in the suction mouth 6 it is indirectly connected to the one not included in the Figures 4 to 6 shown container. This means that the air drawn from the suction opening 11' The collected dust particles are first sucked into the suction mouth 6 and from there, transported into the container via the suction channel, which is also not shown in the figures. Furthermore, the secondary air channel 10' in this example is always active, and its flow cross-section 18' cannot be closed. Thus, no additional adjustment device is required.

[0043] Alternatively, however, an adjustment device with an adjustment element can be provided which is suitable for closing and opening the flow cross-section of the secondary air duct.

[0044] In another alternative, the secondary air duct can be designed to be open towards the floor surface, thus counteracting the risk of blockages.

[0045] Furthermore, the secondary air duct 10' must be designed in such a way that it runs in a V-shape from the suction mouth 6 to the suction opening 11' in order to ensure optimal air flow through the duct.

[0046] A further embodiment of a vacuum robot 1' according to the invention is shown in the Figures 7 to 9 The vacuum robot 1 essentially corresponds to the embodiment according to the Figures 4 to 6 with the difference that the secondary air duct 10 protrudes from the housing 2 of the vacuum robot 1. This allows the suction opening 11' to be as close as possible to the edges, corners, and furniture of a room. List of reference symbols

[0047] 1 Vacuum robot 2 Housing 3 Interior 4 Container 5 Blower 6 Suction mouth 7 Floor surface 8 Underside 9 Suction channel 10 Secondary air channel 11 Suction opening 12 Outer edge 13 Corner area 14 Direction of travel 15 Adjustment device 16 Adjustment element 17 Flow cross-section of suction channel 18 Flow cross-section of secondary air channel 19 Template 20 Guide 21 First opening 22 Second opening 23 Control device 24 Brush 25 Middle area BWidth HHeight DDickness

Claims

1. Robotic vacuum cleaner (1, 1') for autonomous cleaning of floor surfaces (7) of a room, comprising - a housing (2, 2') which delimits an interior (3), - a container (4) arranged in the interior (3) of the housing (2, 2') for receiving dirt particles, - a fan (5) for generating a suction air flow, - at least one suction mouth (6) arranged on the housing (2, 2') and - a suction channel (9) which fluidically connects the suction mouth (6) to the fan (5) with the container (4) interposed between them, wherein dirt particles can be picked up at the suction mouth (6) under the effect of the suction air flow and conveyed to the container (4) by means of the suction channel (9), wherein a secondary air channel (10, 10') leads suction opening (11, 11') arranged in a region of an outer edge (12) of the housing (2), wherein the secondary air channel (10, 10') is fluidically connected to the fan (5) with the container (4) interposed between them, so that the suction air flow generated by means of the fan (5) acts not only on the suction mouth (6) of the suction channel (9) but also on the suction opening (11, 11') of the secondary air channel (10, 10') and in this way dirt particles can be picked up at the suction opening (11, 11') of the secondary air channel (10, 10') under the effect of the suction air flow and conveyed directly or indirectly to the container (4) by means of the secondary air channel (10, 10'), characterised by an adjusting device (15) comprising at least one adjusting element (16) and an adjusting drive, wherein by means of the adjusting element (16) a flow cross-section (17) of the suction channel (9) and / or a flow cross-section (18, 18') of the secondary air channel (10, 10') can be closed and / or opened at least partially, preferably completely.

2. Robotic vacuum cleaner (1') according to claim 1, characterised in that the secondary air channel (10') leads into the suction mouth (6).

3. Robotic vacuum cleaner (1') according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the secondary air channel (10') is open at a side facing the floor surface (7).

4. Robotic vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the secondary air channel (10) leads into the container (4).

5. Robotic vacuum cleaner (1, 1') according to claim 1, characterised in that the adjusting element (16) is formed by a template (19) arranged on the container (4), which template is adjustable between a secondary position and a main position, wherein the template (19) at least partially, preferably completely, opens the flow cross-section (17) of the suction channel (9) when in its main position and at least partially, preferably completely, opens the flow cross-section (8) of the secondary air channel (10, 10') when in its secondary position.

6. Robotic vacuum cleaner (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one sensor for capturing data relating to a distance of an outer edge of the robotic vacuum cleaner (1, 1') to at least one wall of the room and by a control device (23) for processing the captured data and for controlling the adjusting device (15) depending on the captured data.

7. Robotic vacuum cleaner (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secondary air channel (10') protrudes beyond the housing (2').

8. Robotic vacuum cleaner (1, 1') according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secondary air channel (10, 10') consists at least partially of plastics or rubber.

9. Method for operating a robotic vacuum cleaner (1, 1') according to at least claim 6, wherein - data relating to a distance of an outer edge of the robotic vacuum cleaner (1, 1') to at least one wall of the room are captured by means of a sensor; - the captured data are processed by means of a control device (23) and the control device (23) controls the adjusting device (15) depending on the captured data, so that the adjusting element (16) is adjusted such that a flow cross-section (17) of the suction channel (9) and / or a flow cross-section (18) of the secondary air channel (10, 10') of the robotic vacuum cleaner (1, 1') is / are at least partially closed and / or opened.