Cleaning device for a household appliance

Abstract

A household cleaning device comprises a base section with a drive mechanism designed to move the cleaning device along a floor; a cleaning device for cleaning a surface in the household; and a support arm to hold the cleaning device on the base section at a predetermined height above the floor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cleaning device for a household. In particular, the invention relates to a cleaning device for autonomous household cleaning.

[0002] A floor cleaning robot is designed to clean floor surfaces in a home. It is configured to move across the floor and clean it as it goes. For example, it can use a vacuum to remove dust and light dirt particles. A mopping robot can wet clean the floor using a damp cloth or pad. Combination devices are also available, which can be used for wet or dry cleaning in various situations.

[0003] The floor area of ​​a household can be kept clean using such an autonomous robot. However, objects that rise above the floor cannot be cleaned. For example, dust or other dirt can accumulate on a sideboard, which is unsightly and can make the household appear neglected.

[0004] CN 107 865 618 A proposes a cleaning robot designed to vacuum a room ceiling in a household.

[0005] Further cleaning devices are known in DE 20 2017 100064 and CN 108 283 470.

[0006] One of the problems underlying the present invention is to provide an improved cleaning device for household use. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device for a household comprises a base section with a drive device configured to move the cleaning device on a floor; a cleaning device for cleaning a surface in the household; and a support arm to hold the cleaning device on the base section at a predetermined height above the floor.

[0008] The support arm allows the cleaning device to clean objects or surfaces located above the floor. This can improve overall hygiene in a household. Dust removed from the home can also contain allergens, such as dust mite droppings or pollen, so the improved cleaning can also reduce health risks for residents. The basic section can essentially be taken from a well-known floor cleaning robot, allowing the cleaning device to be manufactured cost-effectively and with a short development time.

[0009] The support arm can include a vertical section with a vertical drive mechanism to adjust the height of the cleaning device above the ground. The vertical section is preferably telescopic in design. The telescope can be multi-stage, allowing for a low minimum height and a high maximum height. Telescopic elements can be mounted to each other with low friction and precision using sliding joints. These elements can be made of a rigid and lightweight material such as aluminum or fiber-reinforced plastic. Such materials are readily available and inexpensive, for example, as tubing, and can be easily assembled into a telescopic vertical section. When the telescope is retracted, the cleaning device can more easily pass under vertical obstacles, such as tables. The retracted telescope does not require any additional horizontal space.The vertical drive can include, for example, a toothed belt drive, a spindle drive, a cable drive, or a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

[0010] The support arm can also include a horizontal section attached to the vertical section, with the cleaning device attached to the horizontal section. This allows the cleaning device to extend beyond the horizontal outline of the base section and thus reach a horizontally distant surface or object. For example, a horizontal surface extending away from a lateral boundary of the base section or the support arm can be cleaned. Such a surface might be enclosed by a table, chair, cabinet, shelf, or sideboard. The combination of a vertical section with a horizontal section attached perpendicular to it can improve the reach of the cleaning device, particularly of horizontal surfaces.

[0011] The support arm is preferably dimensioned so that the cleaning device can work on horizontal surfaces that a person can typically see. This can be based on a person of average height, for example, approximately 1.80 m, or an assumed maximum height of approximately 2.05 m. The height of the cleaning device can be determined based on the average height of people in the area where the device is to be used. For example, a taller cleaning device can be provided for the American market than for the Philippine market.

[0012] The horizontal section preferably includes a horizontal drive to change the horizontal position of the cleaning device. Preferably, this allows the horizontal distance between the cleaning device and the vertical section of the support arm to be changed. The cleaning device can be moved to a predetermined distance from the object to be cleaned by means of the horizontal drive, in order to achieve a sufficiently high cleaning effect against dust or dirt particles without sucking in small objects such as paper clips or jewelry. A telescopic mechanism can also be provided in the horizontal direction. Options and embodiments can be selected according to those mentioned for the vertical section.

[0013] In a first variant, the cleaning device includes a suction unit for extracting dust or dirt from a predetermined area. The suction unit can be located in the base section and connected via a suction channel to a suction nozzle at the far end of the support arm. The suction channel can be integrated with the vertical and / or horizontal section. In a telescopic solution, the suction channel can run within the telescopic elements. Powering the suction unit close to the base section is straightforward. The suction channel can be lightweight, and the suction unit itself can be heavy, resulting in a favorable low center of gravity for the cleaning device. This can improve its stability when stationary or moving.A grid or net may be arranged in front of or inside the suction mouth, preferably having a mesh size that allows normal dirt to pass through, but prevents the suction of small everyday objects such as erasers, paper clips or toy figures.

[0014] In a second variant, the cleaning device includes a duster. The duster can consist of a rigid or flexible handle (or several such handles) to which bristles are attached, usually made of plastic, silk, or feathers. The bristles are typically long, for example, approximately 5 cm or longer, and preferably soft, so that scratching of even a delicate surface, such as one made of soft plastic, is prevented. The bristles may branch out at the ends furthest from the handle, thus providing large surfaces for picking up or trapping dust.

[0015] The duster can further include a drive mechanism for moving the duster about a rotational axis. In one embodiment, the duster can be rotated about its longitudinal or extensional axis. The rotation preferably occurs continuously, at least over several full revolutions.

[0016] In another embodiment, the duster comprises a flexible rod extending transversely to the axis of rotation, to which the bristles are attached. Preferably, the movement about the axis of rotation is oscillating. The angle of rotation can be limited to a predetermined fraction of a full circle, for example, approximately 30° or approximately 60°. The flexible rod can be elastically deflected by the oscillating movement, allowing the duster to cover a larger area than is predetermined by the angular range.

[0017] The invention further comprises a high-voltage generator for electrostatically charging the duster. This allows electrostatic forces to be advantageously used to pick up and bind dust and other particles with the duster. The voltage used can be selected to minimize any health risks to a person or pet in the vicinity of the cleaning device.

[0018] In another embodiment, a receptacle for the duster is provided. A suction unit is connected to the receptacle to extract dust from a duster located within it. The duster can preferably be moved onto or into the receptacle. The receptacle can, for example, comprise a vertical hollow cylinder similar to a pipe section, into which the duster is axially inserted. Dust extracted from the duster can be collected in a filter. The suction unit can optionally also be used to clean an object or the floor in the vicinity of the cleaning device.

[0019] It is further preferred that the cleaning device includes a sensor for scanning its surroundings. The sensor is mounted opposite the base section by means of the support arm. A control device can be provided to control the cleaning device depending on the scanning data.

[0020] The sensor is preferably mounted high above the floor, providing an improved overview of the cleaning device's surroundings. This allows for better control of the cleaning device's movement across the floor or the movement of its support arm. Collisions with the cleaning device, for example with a wall, a person, or a piece of furniture, can be more effectively avoided. The elevated position also allows for better monitoring of the cleaning device's operation. The sensor preferably operates without contact and is further preferably configured to perform three-dimensional scanning. For this purpose, the sensor can, in particular, include a stereo camera, a depth camera, a radar sensor, or a LiDAR sensor. The three-dimensional scanning enables a more accurate model of the household, or a room within it, in which the cleaning device is located.For example, a 3D map of the household can be created using a SLAM algorithm.

[0021] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a system comprises a cleaning device as described herein and another household appliance, wherein the cleaning device and the other household appliance are communicatively connected. The household appliance is configured to move around the household in response to the cleaning device's scanning. The other household appliance can, for example, be a robotic vacuum cleaner or a robotic mop. Other embodiments are also possible. A communication link between the cleaning device and the other household appliance can have a limited range, ensuring that both devices are located in the same household or even in the same room. In this way, an autonomous cleaning team of coordinating cleaning devices or household appliances can be formed, with the capabilities of the individual devices preferably complementing each other.

[0022] In another embodiment, the cleaning device can transmit scans of the environment to a central location where enhanced resources are available to determine a three-dimensional model of the environment. This model, or aspects of it, can then be made accessible to other household appliances. The central location could, for example, be a server or a cloud service.

[0023] Embodiments of the invention are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a system with a cleaning device; Figure 2 shows alternative cleaning devices for a cleaning device; and Figure 3 shows a device for cleaning a duster of a cleaning device.

[0024] Figure 1Figure 100 shows a system 100 with a cleaning device 105, another cleaning device 110, and a central unit 115. Devices 105 and 110 are located in a shared household 120, which can be a private household such as an apartment or house. The household 120 can comprise different rooms, and devices 105 and 110 can be located in the same room. The optional central unit 115 is not tied to a predetermined location and can be located inside or outside the household 121.

[0025] The cleaning device 105 is designed to clean an area in the household 120 that extends to a predetermined height above a floor 125. The cleaning device 105 comprises a base section 130 and a support arm 135, which in this case includes a vertical section 140 and a horizontal section 145. The vertical section 140 has a lower end attached to the base section 130 and an upper end to which the horizontal section 145 is attached.

[0026] The vertical section 140 preferably has a vertical drive 150 with which the height of the horizontal section 145 above the ground 125 can be controlled. The horizontal section 145 preferably includes a horizontal drive 145 in a similar manner to control the horizontal distance of a remote end from the vertical section 140. A cleaning device 160 (not shown) is preferably attached to this remote end. Optionally, a counterweight 165 can be provided on the other side of the vertical section 140 to improve the balance of the horizontal section 145.

[0027] The vertical section 140 and the horizontal section 145 are preferably each constructed as a two- or multi-stage telescope. Individual sections of a telescope can be inserted into one another to change the length of the section 140, 145. The drives 150, 155 can be implemented in any way, for example, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically.

[0028] A control device 170 of the cleaning device 105 preferably comprises a processing unit 175, a drive unit 180, and a sensor 185. A communication unit 190 is also preferably provided. The sensor 185 is preferably mounted as high as possible above the ground 125 at a location on the cleaning device 105 that provides a good overview of the surroundings. For example, the sensor 185 can be mounted at an upper end of the vertical section 140, at any point along the horizontal section 145, or on the counterweight 165. Multiple sensors 185 can also be provided. In the illustration of Figure 1 For example, another sensor 185 is provided at the base section 130. The sensors 185 can include, for example, a radar sensor, a LiDAR sensor, a camera, a stereo camera, or an ultrasonic sensor. Other sensors are also possible.

[0029] The processing unit 175 is preferably configured to scan the environment of the cleaning device 105 using the sensors 185. Based on the scan, a model of a section of the household 120 can be created. With respect to this model, the cleaning device 105 can be moved horizontally across the floor 125 using the drive unit 180. An object or surface in the area of ​​the cleaning device 105 can be processed using the cleaning device 160. For this purpose, the cleaning device 160 can be controlled vertically by means of the vertical drive 150 and horizontally by means of the horizontal drive 155 relative to the object.

[0030] Optionally, the created model can be transmitted via the communication device 190 to the other household appliance 110. Based on the model and optionally its own sensory scans of its environment, this appliance can better control its movement across the floor 125 or its cleaning activities within the household 120. In yet another embodiment, the model can be transmitted from the cleaning device 105 to the central unit 115 and from there to the other household appliance 110. The central unit 115 can receive sensory scans from various devices 105, 110 within the household 120 and process them into a common three-dimensional model. The created model can then be made available, in whole or in part, to household appliances 105, 110 within the household 120. In yet another embodiment, sensor values ​​from a sensor 185 are transmitted from a device 105, 110 instead of a model.The model of the budget 120 can then be created at the central location 115.

[0031] Figure 2 shows alternative exemplary cleaning devices 160 for a cleaning device 105. The cleaning devices 160 are each designed to pick up dust or particulate soiling from an object or, in particular, a horizontal surface in a household 120.

[0032] Figure 2aFigure 1 shows a first embodiment in which the cleaning device 160 comprises a suction nozzle 205. The suction nozzle 205 is connected to a suction unit 215 by means of a suction channel 210. The suction unit 215 can be located in the area of ​​the horizontal section 145. However, it is preferred that the suction unit 215 is located on the vertical section 140 or, more preferably, on the base section 130. The suction channel 210 can then extend along the horizontal section 145 and, if applicable, along the vertical section 140. If a section 140 or 145 is a telescopic arrangement, the suction channel 210 can be formed concentrically inside the respective section 140 or 145. The suction unit 215 located on the base section 130 can also be used for cleaning the floor 125. In different embodiments, the suction mouth 205 can be rotated or swivelled in different directions.A suitable drive 220 can be provided for this purpose.

[0033] Figure 2b Figure 1 shows a second embodiment of the cleaning device 160, which includes a duster 225. The duster 225 preferably comprises a flexible rod 230 extending along a longitudinal axis of the duster 225, and bristles 235 attached to the rod 230, extending away from the longitudinal axis. The bristles are preferably at least approximately 5 centimeters long and can be made of a plastic or a natural material such as silk or feathers. Instead of the rod 230, another type of support can also be used, for example, a plate, a clamp, or a frame.

[0034] A motor 240 can be configured to rotate the duster 225 about a rotational axis. The rotational axis can essentially correspond to the longitudinal axis of the duster 225 or the extension direction of the rod 230. The rotational speed or direction of rotation of the motor 240 can be controlled.

[0035] Furthermore, a high-voltage generator 245 is provided to electrostatically charge the duster 225. This can be used particularly in conjunction with bristles 235 made of plastic. The charging voltage can be in the range of several hundred to several thousand volts. The high-voltage generator 245 can preferably be activated or deactivated by the control device 170. The charging voltage can also be varied by the control device 170. The high-voltage source 245 can be located relatively close to the duster 225 to avoid a long high-voltage cable.

[0036] Figure 2cFigure 2 shows a third embodiment in which the motor 240 is configured to move the duster 225 in an oscillating motion. The axis of rotation around which the duster 225 is turned can be perpendicular to the flexible rod 230. The oscillating rotation can occur over a predetermined angular range, for example, approximately 60 degrees. The plane in which the oscillation takes place can be oriented, for example, horizontally or vertically. In one embodiment, the motor 240 is integrated with the drive 220.

[0037] Figure 3 Figure 300 shows a device 300 for cleaning a duster 225 of a cleaning device 260 for a cleaning unit 105. The device 300 can, for example, be attached to the base section 130 of the cleaning unit 105 and is designed to hold a duster 225 and remove dust or dirt particles.

[0038] The device 300 includes a receptacle 305 for receiving the duster 225. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 305 comprises a vertical tube section into which the duster 225 can be axially inserted. For this purpose, the duster 225 can be brought into a vertical orientation by means of the drive 220. The horizontal section 145 can be rotated relative to the base section 130 so that it lies above the device 300. A suitable horizontal distance between the cleaning device 160 and the vertical section 145 can be adjusted. The vertical drive 150 can then be actuated to insert the duster 225 from above into the receptacle 305.

[0039] To remove dirt from the duster 225, a suction unit 310 can be provided, which may be integrated with the suction unit 215. It preferably comprises a blower 315 and a filter 320. The blower 315 can be controlled to create an airflow through the intake and the filter 320. This allows dust to be detached from the duster 225 and collected in the filter 320. During cleaning, the high-voltage generator 245 is preferably switched off. In the invention, the high-voltage generator 245 is used to generate a high voltage in the area of ​​the intake 305 or the filter 320 in order to detach dust from the duster 225. Reference sign

[0040] 100 System 105 Cleaning device 110 Other household appliance 115 Central point 120 Household 125 Floor 130 Base section 135 Support arm 140 Vertical section 145 Horizontal section 150 Vertical drive 155 Horizontal drive 160 Cleaning device 165 Counterweight 170 Control device 175 Processing device 180 Drive device 185 Sensor 190 Communication device 205Suction mouth 210Suction channel 215Suction mechanism 220Drive 225Feather duster 230Wand 235Bristles 240Motor 245High voltage generator 300 Device 305 Recording 310 Suction unit 315 Blower 320 Filter

Claims

1. Cleaning device (105) for a household (120), wherein the cleaning device (105) comprises the following: - a base section (130) with a drive facility (180), which is configured to drive the cleaning device (105) on a floor (125); - a cleaning apparatus (160) for cleaning a surface in the household (120), wherein the cleaning apparatus (160) has a duster (225); and - a support arm (135) for holding the cleaning apparatus (160) on the base section (130) at a predetermined height above the floor (125); characterised by - a high-voltage generator (245) for electrostatically charging the duster (225).

2. Cleaning device (105) according to claim 1, wherein the support arm comprises a vertical section (140) which includes a vertical drive (150) for changing the height of the cleaning apparatus (160) above the floor (125).

3. Cleaning device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support arm comprises a horizontal section (145) which is attached to the vertical section (140), wherein the cleaning apparatus (160) is attached to the horizontal section (145).

4. Cleaning device (105) according to claim 3, wherein the horizontal section (140) comprises a horizontal drive (155) for changing a horizontal position of the cleaning apparatus (160).

5. Cleaning device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive (240) for moving the duster (225) about an axis of rotation.

6. Cleaning device (105) according to claim 5, wherein the duster (225) comprises a flexible rod (230) which extends transversely to the axis of rotation, and the movement takes place in an oscillating manner.

7. Cleaning device (105) according to one of claims 5 to 6, further comprising a receptacle (305) for the duster (225) and a suction mechanism (310) connected to the receptacle (305) for suction of the dust from a duster (225) located in the receptacle (305).

8. Cleaning device (105) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor (185) for scanning a periphery of the cleaning device (105); wherein the sensor (185) is attached relative to the base section (130) by means of the support arm (135); and a control apparatus (170) for controlling the cleaning device (105) as a function of the scan.

9. System (100), comprising a cleaning device (105) according to one of the preceding claims and a further household appliance (110), wherein the cleaning device (105) and the further household appliance (110) are communicatively connected to one another; wherein the household appliance (110) is configured to move in the household (120) as a function of the cleaning device (105) scan.

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