Autonomous cleaning robot

Abstract

The autonomous cleaning robot comprises a main body (3); a rotating cleaning brush (7) movable and rotating about a brush rotation axis (A1); a suction unit provided with a suction motor and configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet (5); a waste collection device (12) comprising a waste collection container (13) configured to allow passage of the airflow generated by the suction unit; and a filtration device (14) comprising a filtration portion (15) disposed in the waste collection container (13) and configured to filter the airflow passing through the waste collection container (13), the filtration portion (15) having a tubular shape and a central longitudinal axis (A3) parallel to the brush rotation axis (A1) Figure 10

Description

Title of the invention: Autonomous cleaning robot technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of autonomous cleaning devices, and more particularly to the field of robot vacuum cleaners that can move autonomously on a surface to be cleaned and that can vacuum up dust and waste present on the surface to be cleaned, which can for example be tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet or a rug, and possibly wash the surface to be cleaned simultaneously with a vacuuming operation. State of the art

[0002] Autonomous cleaning robots have become commonplace nowadays, making it possible to clean entire surfaces of a home without any user assistance, provided these surfaces are flat, i.e., on the same level. They thus offer users considerable time savings for other activities.

[0003] Document FR3124935 discloses an autonomous cleaning robot comprising:

[0004] - a main body having a lower face configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet opening into the underside of the main body, the main body defining a suction chamber fluidly connected to the suction inlet,

[0005] - a rotating cleaning brush housed in the suction chamber and mounted mobile rotating around a brush rotation axis,

[0006] - a suction unit which is housed at least partially in the main body and which is configured to generate an airflow through the suction opening,

[0007] - a waste collection device comprising a waste collection container located upstream of the suction unit and configured to allow the airflow generated by the suction unit to pass through it and to retain waste carried by the airflow, and

[0008] - a filtration device comprising a filtration part disposed in the waste collection container and configured to filter the airflow passing through the waste collection container.

[0009] The filtration device described in document FR3124935 comprises a filtration portion having a generally parallelepiped shape and having a first flat face, referred to as the upstream face, and a second flat face, referred to as the upstream face, which is located opposite the first flat face. The filtration device is more particularly configured so that the airflow, flowing through the filtration part, flows from the first flat face to the second flat face.

[0010] Such a configuration of the filtration device, combined with the fact that the internal volume of the waste collection container is relatively small (in order to limit the size of the autonomous cleaning robot), implies the use of a small filtration device, and in particular one with a small first flat surface. However, the use of such a filtration device is likely to cause rapid clogging of the filtration section (depending on the type of waste vacuumed up), and therefore impair the cleaning performance of the autonomous cleaning robot. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks.

[0012] The technical problem underlying the invention consists in particular of providing an autonomous cleaning robot which is simple in structure, economical, reliable and compact, while exhibiting increased cleaning performance.

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to an autonomous cleaning robot comprising:

[0014] - a main body having a lower face configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet opening into the underside of the main body, the main body defining a suction chamber fluidly connected to the suction inlet,

[0015] - a rotating cleaning brush housed in the suction chamber and mounted mobile rotating around a brush rotation axis,

[0016] - a suction unit which is housed at least partially in the main body and which is configured to generate an airflow through the suction opening, the suction unit comprising a suction motor equipped with a motor shaft,

[0017] - a waste collection device comprising a waste collection container located upstream of the suction unit and configured to allow the airflow generated by the suction unit to pass through it and to retain waste carried by the airflow, and

[0018] - a filtration device comprising a filtration part disposed in the waste collection container and configured to filter the airflow passing through the waste collection container,

[0019] the filtration part has an overall tubular shape and has a central longitudinal axis, and the central longitudinal axis of the filtration part extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush.

[0020] Such an orientation and shape of the filtration part ensures a more homogeneous circulation of the airflow within the waste collection container, and therefore a more homogeneous and slower clogging of the filtration part, which makes it possible to preserve the cleaning performance of the autonomous cleaning robot according to the present invention for a longer period and to significantly increase the time interval between two successive cleaning operations of the filtration device.

[0021] Such a configuration of the filtration part thus makes it possible to maintain satisfactory cleaning performance without the need for the use of a high-powered suction unit, and therefore while preserving the autonomy of the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0022] Moreover, such an orientation and such a shape of the filtration part gives the autonomous cleaning robot according to the present invention increased compactness in the vertical direction, without harming the filtration performance of the filtration device.

[0023] The autonomous cleaning robot of the present invention is designed, like the majority of autonomous cleaning robots, to efficiently clean floors when moving along a direction parallel to the robot's longitudinal axis and in a predetermined direction of movement. The direction of movement parallel to the robot's longitudinal axis and the predetermined direction of movement define a principal direction of movement for the autonomous cleaning robot of the present invention. Thus, a front or rear portion of the robot's main body is identified with respect to the robot's principal direction of movement.

[0024] In this document, the term filtration device, also called filter element or filter, refers to a device comprising a filtration part capable of separating, from an airflow passing through the filtration part, all or part of the particles and dust carried by the airflow.

[0025] The autonomous cleaning robot may also have one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the brush rotation axis extends transversely to the main direction of movement of the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device is configured such that the airflow through the filtration part flows from an external peripheral surface of the filtration part to an internal peripheral surface of the filtration part.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the external peripheral surface of the filtration part extends at a distance from the internal walls of the waste collection container located opposite said external peripheral surface. Such a configuration of the filtration part promotes the circulation of airflow around the filtration section, and therefore ensures an even more homogeneous clogging of the filtration section.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device is arranged in the waste collection container such that at least part of the airflow through the waste collection container flows at least partly around the filtration part before flowing through the filtration part.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the filtration unit is substantially coaxial with the motor axis. Such a configuration of the filtration unit and the suction motor limits pressure losses for the airflow within the autonomous cleaning robot, and thus contributes to providing increased cleaning performance to the autonomous cleaning robot according to the present invention.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the central longitudinal axis of the filtration part is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the autonomous cleaning robot rests on a horizontal surface.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration part has a cylindrical or frustoconical shape.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration portion comprises a first end portion having a first cross-section, and a second end portion, opposite the first end portion, having a second cross-section that is smaller than the first cross-section and located opposite the suction motor. Such a frustoconical shape of the filtration portion allows for a more homogeneous distribution of the airflow over the height of the filtration device and for more homogeneous clogging between the motor-side end and the free end of the filtration device. On a cylindrical filter, the retained particles accumulate on the motor-side end portion of the filter, resulting in less homogeneous filter clogging.Furthermore, this truncated cone shape of the filter element maximizes the diameter of the filtration device, while allowing large particles (dust bunnies, cotton balls, etc.), which would otherwise tend to get stuck at the engine-side end of the filter, to slide towards the smaller diameter free end of the filter. This free end provides more space between the periphery of the filter and the waste collection container housing, facilitating the release of these large particles. Conversely, it is difficult to maximize the diameter of a cylindrical filter (and therefore its capacity) without hindering the flow of large particles around the filter.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device includes a sealing element configured to seal the second end portion of the filtration part.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device delimits an internal volume which is located downstream of the filtration part, with respect to the direction of flow of the airflow, and includes an air outlet opening which is fluidly connected to the internal volume.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air outlet opening is substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the filtration section. Such a configuration of the filtration section further limits the pressure losses for the airflow within the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air outlet opening is configured to be fluidly connected, for example directly, to an air intake port of the suction unit.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration element is a filter medium, for example a pleated filter medium, such as a sheet of pleated filter media having accordion-like folds and configured in the shape of a tube or a truncated cone. This embodiment makes it possible, for a given size, to increase the filtration capacity of the filtration device. The sheet of filter media comprises one or more layers of filter media made of fibers, for example cellulose, glass, or synthetic material, woven or non-woven.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device is removable from the waste collection container. Such a configuration of the filtration device makes it easier to clean the latter.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container has a passage opening through which the filtration part is able to be introduced into and removed from the waste collection container.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the passage opening is configured to be oriented towards a lateral edge of the main body.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration part is configured to be removed from the waste collection container in a withdrawal direction that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the filtration part.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection device is removably mounted on the main body.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration device comprises a perforated tubular support configured to support the filtration element and around which the filtration element is mounted. Such a perforated tubular support provides support internal to the filtration part, to prevent the filtration part from deforming inwards due to the suction depression downstream of the filtration part.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the perforated tubular support extends substantially coaxially with the filtration part.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the autonomous cleaning robot includes a connecting channel fluidly linking the suction chamber to an air inlet opening provided on the waste collection container, the connecting channel opening into a rear part of the suction chamber.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container comprises an internal upper wall extending above and away from the filtration section and defining, together with the filtration section, an upper flow passage. The waste collection container further comprises an upper deflector extending at least partially opposite the air inlet opening, and for example also above the air inlet opening, and configured to deflect the airflow exiting the connecting channel towards the upper flow passage. The upper deflector may, for example, comprise a curved upper deflection surface having an aerodynamic profile, such as an aircraft wing profile.Such a configuration of the waste collection container ensures an even more homogeneous flow of air within the waste collection container, and in particular a circulation of the airflow around the filtration part, which ensures a more homogeneous distribution of the particles or dust retained by the filtration part around the filtration part and therefore improves filtration efficiency.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting channel comprises an air outlet that is open upwards and corresponds to the air inlet opening provided on the waste collection container. The upper deflector extends opposite and above the air outlet, and the upper deflector is extended rearward by the inner upper wall of the collection container. Such a configuration of the waste collection container ensures an even more homogeneous flow of air within the container, and in particular, better airflow circulation around the filtration section. This ensures a more homogeneous distribution of the particles or dust retained by the filtration section, thus improving filtration efficiency.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper deflector is located above the central longitudinal axis of the filtration section. In other words, the upper deflector is located above a horizontal plane passing through the central longitudinal axis of the filtration section.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the inner upper wall of the waste collection container is substantially flat and is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the autonomous cleaning robot rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the inner upper wall of the waste collection container extends rearward beyond the central longitudinal axis of the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the invention, the link channel is configured to extend substantially vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot rests on a horizontal surface.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper deflector extends upwards from a front inner wall of the connecting channel. Advantageously, the front inner wall of the connecting channel extends vertically or at an angle of inclination with respect to the vertical that is less than 10°.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the invention, the air inlet opening has an oblong cross-section extending in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the filtration section. This configuration of the air inlet opening ensures even more homogeneous airflow within the waste collection container.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, the autonomous cleaning robot includes a wet cleaning device comprising at least one mop holder, and at least one mop mounted removably on the at least one mop holder and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one mop support is mounted movable relative to the main body in a displacement movement comprising a translational component extending in a displacement plane which is substantially perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the main body.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one mop support is mounted movable in translation relative to the main body along a direction of support displacement extending substantially perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane of the main body.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the invention, the autonomous cleaning robot comprises a cleaning fluid reservoir, and the wet cleaning device comprises a plurality of fluid outlets configured to be fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir and configured to supply cleaning fluid to at least one mop mounted on at least one mop holder. Advantageously, the fluid outlets are located at the front of at least one mop holder, and in particular in front of at least one mop.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wet cleaning device comprises:

[0059] - two mop supports, each of which is mounted to move in translation by relative to the main body along a support displacement direction extending substantially perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane of the main body, the two mop supports being mounted movable relative to each other between a close configuration in which the two mop supports are close to each other and a distant configuration in which the two mop supports are far apart, and

[0060] - two mops mounted removably respectively on the two supports of mop and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

[0061] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one mop support is configured to vibrate relative to the main body, and is therefore mounted vibrating relative to the main body.

[0062] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, at least one mop is passive.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wet cleaning device is movable vertically between an active position in which the wet cleaning device is configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned and an inactive position in which the wet cleaning device is configured to be located away from the surface to be cleaned.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction mouth is located in a front part of the main body.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wet cleaning device is disposed in a rear part of the main body.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the autonomous cleaning robot comprises two drive wheels configured to roll on the surface to be cleaned and arranged on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the main body, the two drive wheels being mounted to rotate freely on the main body respectively around two axes of rotation which are substantially parallel.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste collection container is disposed at least in part between the two drive wheels.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention, the suction unit includes a fan which is coupled to the suction motor and which is configured to generate the airflow through the suction mouth. Brief description of the figures

[0069] The objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of two particular embodiments of the invention presented by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0070] Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of an autonomous cleaning robot according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0071] Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the autonomous cleaning robot [Fig.1], showing mops equipping the autonomous cleaning robot in a close-up configuration.

[0072] Fig. 3 is a perspective view from below of the autonomous cleaning robot of Fig. 1, showing the mops in a distant configuration.

[0073] [Fig.4] is a bottom view of the autonomous cleaning robot of [Fig.1], showing the mops in the close-up configuration.

[0074] Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the autonomous cleaning robot of Fig. 1, showing the mops in the remote configuration.

[0075] Fig. 6 is a side view of the autonomous cleaning robot of Fig. 1.

[0076] Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of the autonomous cleaning robot. [Fig.l], showing mop holders equipping the autonomous cleaning robot in a close-up configuration.

[0077] Fig. 8 is a perspective view from below of the autonomous cleaning robot of Fig. 1, showing the mop supports in a distant configuration.

[0078] Figure 9 is a truncated perspective view of the autonomous cleaning robot. [Fig.l].

[0079] Fig. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the autonomous cleaning robot of Fig. 1.

[0080] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the autonomous cleaning robot of Fig. 1.

[0081] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view, along a horizontal cutting plane, of a waste collection device belonging to the autonomous cleaning robot of Fig. 1.

[0082] Fig. 13 is a truncated perspective view of an autonomous cleaning robot according to a second embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0083] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown. To facilitate reading the drawings, the same elements bear the same reference numerals from one figure to another.

[0084] It should be noted that in this document, the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lower" and "upper" used to describe the autonomous cleaning robot or the body main ones refer to the autonomous cleaning robot in use when it rests on its wheels on a flat and horizontal floor to be cleaned.

[0085] In this document, the term “median longitudinal plane” means a vertical plane that is parallel to the principal direction of movement and that divides the main body into two substantially equal parts, left and right.

[0086] Unless otherwise stipulated, the term "substantially" means, in this document, "exactly or to within 10% or to within 10°".

[0087] Figures 1 to 12 represent an autonomous cleaning robot 2, and more particularly a robot vacuum cleaner, configured to move autonomously over a surface to be cleaned.

[0088] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 comprises a main body 3 having a lower face 4 which is configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned, and a suction mouth 5 which is provided in a front part 3.1 of the main body 3 and which opens into the lower face 4 of the main body 3. Advantageously, the suction mouth 5 is elongated and extends substantially perpendicularly to a main direction of movement D1 of the autonomous cleaning robot 2.

[0089] As shown in [Fig. 10], the main body 3 delimits a suction chamber 6 which opens into the lower face 4 of the main body 3 via the suction mouth 5.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 3, viewed from above in a substantially vertical orientation, has a general D-shaped form and comprises a rear edge that is curved and, viewed from above in a substantially vertical orientation, has an arc-shaped form. However, the main body 3 could have a completely different shape, and for example, a general circular or rectangular shape.

[0091] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 further comprises a rotating cleaning brush 7 housed in the suction chamber 6 and mounted to rotate about a brush rotation axis Al which extends perpendicularly to the main direction of movement DI. Advantageously, the brush rotation axis Al is substantially horizontal when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 rests on a horizontal surface.

[0092] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 also includes a drive mechanism (not visible in the figures) which is configured to drive the rotating cleaning brush 7 around the brush rotation axis AL

[0093] As shown more particularly in Figures 2 to 8, the autonomous cleaning robot 2 comprises two drive wheels 8 which are configured to roll on the surface to be cleaned. The two drive wheels 8 are mounted to rotate freely relative to the main body 3, and have axes of rotation which are parallel, and advantageously coaxial, and extending perpendicularly to the main direction of movement Dl. Advantageously, the two driving wheels 8 are arranged on either side of a median longitudinal plane P of the main body 3.

[0094] The two drive wheels 8 are advantageously motorized independently of each other. Thus, the autonomous cleaning robot 2 comprises two rotating drive mechanisms 9 housed in the main body 3 and each configured to rotate one of the two drive wheels 8. Each rotating drive mechanism 9 has a drive motor rotationally coupled to the respective drive wheel 8 and disposed, for example, in a respective lateral part of the main body 3. Depending on the control of the two aforementioned drive motors, the main body 3 can pivot to the left, to the right, or on its own axis, move forward, or move backward.

[0095] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the autonomous cleaning robot 2 includes additional wheels 10 mounted freely in rotation relative to the main body 3, and for example two additional wheels 10 arranged on the front part 3.1 of the main body 3.

[0096] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 further includes a suction unit 11 which is housed in the main body 3. The suction unit 11 includes a suction motor 11.1, provided with a motor shaft A2, and a fan 11.2 which is coupled to the suction motor 11.1 and which is configured to generate an airflow through the suction mouth 5.

[0097] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 also includes a waste collection device 12 (see Figures 9 and 10) which is mounted, for example removably, on the main body 3. The waste collection device 12 comprises a waste collection container 13 located upstream of the suction unit 11, and configured to allow the airflow generated by the fan 11.2 to pass through it and to retain waste carried by the airflow. Advantageously, the waste collection container 13 is disposed at least partially between the two drive wheels 8.

[0098] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 further comprises a filtration device 14 (see Figures 9 to 12) including a filtration element 15 disposed in the waste collection container 13 and configured to filter the airflow passing through the waste collection container 13. Advantageously, the filtration element 15 is a filter medium and, for example, a pleated filter medium, such as a sheet of pleated filter media having accordion folds. The sheet of pleated filter media comprises, for example, one or more layers of filter media made of fibers, for example, cellulose, glass, or synthetic fibers, the fibers being woven or non-woven. The filtration element 15 may, for example, be of the HEPA type.

[0099] The filtration unit 15 has a generally tubular shape and a central longitudinal axis A3 that extends parallel to the brush rotation axis A1, and is therefore configured to extend substantially horizontally when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 rests on a horizontal surface. Advantageously, the central longitudinal axis A3 of the filtration unit 15 is coaxial with the motor axis A2.

[0100] As shown in [Fig.10], the filtration device 14 is configured such that the airflow through the filtration part 15 flows from an external peripheral surface 16.1 of the filtration part 15 to an internal peripheral surface 16.2 of the filtration part 15.

[0101] Advantageously, the external peripheral surface 16.1 of the filtering part 15 extends at a distance from the internal walls of the waste collection container 13 located opposite said external peripheral surface 16.1. Thus, the filtering device 14 is arranged in the waste collection container 13 such that, at least as long as the quantity of waste accumulated in the waste collection container 13 does not exceed a predetermined level, the airflow through the waste collection container 13 flows at least partly around the filtering part 15 before flowing through the filtering part 15.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the filtration portion 15 has a frustoconical shape and comprises a first end portion 15.1 having a first cross-section, and a second end portion 15.2, opposite the first end portion 15.1, having a second cross-section that is smaller than the first cross-section and is located opposite the suction motor 11.1. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the filtration portion 15 could have a cylindrical shape. Advantageously, the filtration device 14 comprises a sealing element 17 configured to seal the second end portion 15.2 of the filtration portion 15.

[0103] As shown in [Fig. 11], the filtration device 14 delimits an internal volume 18 which is located downstream of the filtration part 15, with respect to the direction of flow of the airflow, and includes an air outlet opening 19 which is fluidly connected to the internal volume 18. Advantageously, the air outlet opening 19 is substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis A3 of the filtration part 15, and is configured to be directly fluidly connected to an air inlet port 21 of the suction unit 11.

[0104] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the filtration device 14 is removable from the waste collection container 13. For this purpose, the waste collection container 13 more specifically comprises a passage opening 22 through which the filtration part 15 is able to be inserted into and removed from the waste collection container 13. Advantageously, the passage opening 22 is configured to be oriented towards a lateral edge of the main body 3, and the filtering part 15 is configured to be withdrawn from the waste collection container 13 in a withdrawal direction which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis A3 of the filtering part 15.

[0105] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 further includes a connecting channel 24 fluidly linking the suction chamber 6 to the waste collection container 13, and more particularly to an air inlet opening 25 provided on the waste collection container 13. As shown in [Fig. 10], the connecting channel 24 opens into a rear portion of the suction chamber 6. Advantageously, the connecting channel 24 is configured to extend substantially vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 rests on a horizontal surface, and the median longitudinal plane P of the main body 3 intersects with the connecting channel 24. The connecting channel 24 may, for example, have an oblong passage section extending in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis A3 of the filtration portion 15.Similarly, the air inlet opening 25 also has a passage section which is oblong and which extends in a direction of extension which is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis A3 of the filtration part 15.

[0106] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, and as shown in [Fig. 10], the waste collection container 13 has a flat inner upper wall 13.1 configured to extend horizontally when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 rests on a horizontal surface. The inner upper wall 13.1 of the waste collection container 13 extends rearward from the autonomous cleaning robot 2 beyond the central longitudinal axis A3, and extends above and away from the filtering part 15, such that the inner upper wall 13.1 and the filtering part 15 define an upper flow passage 26 between them.

[0107] The waste collection container 13 further comprises an upper deflector 27 which extends at least partially opposite the air inlet opening 25 and above the air inlet opening 25 and which is configured to deflect, towards the upper flow passage 26, the airflow exiting the connecting channel 24. Advantageously, the upper deflector 27 is located above the central longitudinal axis A3 of the filtration part 15, i.e. above a horizontal plane passing through the central longitudinal axis A3.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the connecting channel 24 has an air outlet which is open upwards and which corresponds to the air inlet opening 25 provided on the waste collection container 13, and the upper deflector 27 extends opposite and above the air outlet and is extended rearward by the inner upper wall 13.1 of the collection container 13. Advantageously, the upper deflector 27 extends upwards a front inner wall 24.1 of the connecting channel 24. The front inner wall 24.1 of the connecting channel 24 can, for example, extend vertically or with an angle of inclination with respect to the vertical which is less than 10°.

[0109] The upper deflector 27 may, for example, have a curved upper deflection surface with an aerodynamic profile, such as an aircraft wing profile. The presence of such an upper deflector 27 promotes the circulation of airflow around the filtering part 15 before it flows through the filtering part 15.

[0110] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 also includes a power supply battery 28 configured to electrically power the autonomous cleaning robot 2. Advantageously, the power supply battery 28 is rechargeable and is housed in the main body 3.

[0111] As shown in particular in [Fig.2], the autonomous cleaning robot 2 further includes a wet cleaning device 29 which is disposed in a rear part 3.2 of the main body 3. Advantageously, the wet cleaning device 29 is disposed opposite the rotating cleaning brush 7 with respect to the axes of rotation of the drive wheels 8.

[0112] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the wet cleaning device 29 is movable vertically between an active position (see Figures 1 and 6) in which the wet cleaning device 29 is configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned and an inactive position (see Figures 2 and 10) in which the wet cleaning device 29 is configured to be located at a distance from the surface to be cleaned. Thus, the active position corresponds to a lowered position of the wet cleaning device 29, and the inactive position corresponds to a raised position of the wet cleaning device 29.

[0113] As shown in [Fig. 10], the main body 3 delimits a housing of reception 31 which is open downwards, i.e. which opens into the lower face 4 of the main body 3, and the wet cleaning device 29 has a support housing 32 which is mounted to be moved in translation in the reception housing 31.

[0114] The wet cleaning device 29 also includes one or more mop holders 33 attached to the support housing 32, and furthermore one or more mops 34 each removably attached to a respective mop holder 33. Each mop 34 is more specifically configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned when the wet cleaning device 29 is in the active position.

[0115] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the wet cleaning device 29 comprises two mop holders 33 which are arranged side by side, and two mops 34 mounted removably respectively on the two mop supports 33. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the wet cleaning device 29 could comprise a single mop support 33, and a single mop 34 having a width corresponding substantially to the width of the main body 3.

[0116] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the two mop supports 33 are each mounted to move in translation relative to the main body 3 along a support displacement direction D2 which extends perpendicularly to the main displacement direction DI of the autonomous cleaning robot 2, and parallel to the axes of rotation of the two drive wheels 8. However, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, each of the mop supports 33 could be mounted vibrating relative to the main body 3, or even be immobile relative to the support housing 32 (the or each of the mops 34 would then be passive).

[0117] Advantageously, the mop supports 33 are mounted movable relative to each other between a close configuration (see [Fig.7]) in which the two mop supports 33 are close to each other, and therefore in which the two mops 34 are also close to each other, and a far configuration (see [Fig.8]) in which the two mop supports 33 are far from each other, and therefore in which the two mops 34 are also far from each other.

[0118] The wet cleaning device 29 also includes a displacement mechanism 35 configured to move the mop supports 33 in translation along the direction of support movement D2 and alternately between the close and distant configurations. Thus, the displacement mechanism 35 is configured to move the two mop supports 33 in translation in opposite phases.

[0119] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 also includes a cleaning fluid reservoir 36 which is configured to supply cleaning fluid to the two mops 34. The cleaning fluid reservoir 36 is mounted, for example in a removable manner, on the main body 3, and can for example be located in the rear part 3.2 of the main body 3.

[0120] The wet cleaning device 29 further includes a plurality of liquid outlet ports 37 which are configured to be fluidly connected to the cleaning liquid reservoir 36 and which are configured to supply cleaning liquid to the mops 34 mounted on the mop supports 33.

[0121] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the liquid outlet orifices 37 are aligned along an alignment direction that extends perpendicularly to the main direction of movement DI of the autonomous cleaning robot 2, and are regularly spaced from each other. Advantageously, the liquid outlets 37 are located at the front of the mop holders 33, and for example at the front of the mops 34, and are configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned.

[0122] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 further includes a control unit 38 (see [Fig.6]) configured to control the operation of the autonomous cleaning robot 2, and in particular to control the movements of the main body 3, for example, according to random or methodical movements, and to control the movements of the wet cleaning device 29 between the active and inactive positions.

[0123] The control unit 38 is configured, in particular, to control the aforementioned rotating drive mechanisms (which are configured to rotate the drive wheels 8) based on data received from various sensors located on the main body 3, such as proximity sensors, contact sensors, and / or drop sensors. The control unit 38 may, for example, include an electronic board configured to receive and process this various data.

[0124] Figure 13 represents an autonomous cleaning robot 2 according to a second mode an embodiment of the invention which differs from the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 12 essentially in that the filtration part 15 is made of a tubular foam, for example of polyurethane, and in that the filtration device 14 comprises a perforated tubular support 39 configured to support the filtration part 15 and around which the filtration part 15 is mounted. Such a perforated tubular support 39 provides internal support to the filtration part 15, to prevent the filtration part 15 from deforming inwards due to the suction pressure downstream of the filtration part 15. Advantageously, the perforated tubular support 39 extends substantially coaxially with the filtration part 15.

[0125] The perforated tubular support 39 can for example be integral with the filtration part 15 and the sealing member 17.

[0126] It should be noted that the filtration device 14 equipping the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 12 could also be equipped with a perforated tubular support similar to the perforated tubular support 39 shown in [Fig. 13], and that the second embodiment of the invention could be devoid of such a perforated tubular support.

[0127] According to an embodiment not shown in the figures, the filtration part 15 could include at least one rolled, and unpleated layer, made from a mass of non-woven fibers and shaped into a tube or truncated cone.

[0128] Of course, the invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which have been given only by way of example. Modifications remain possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without going outside the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) comprising: - a main body (3) having a lower face (4) configured to be oriented towards a surface to be cleaned and a suction inlet (5) opening into the lower face (4) of the main body (3), the main body (3) delimiting a suction chamber (6) fluidly connected to the suction inlet (5), - a rotating cleaning brush (7) housed in the suction chamber (6) and mounted to rotate about a brush rotation axis (A1), - a suction unit (11) which is housed at least partially in the main body (3) and which is configured to generate an airflow through the suction inlet (5), the suction unit (11) comprising a suction motor (11.1) provided with a motor shaft (A2),- a waste collection device (12) comprising a waste collection container (13) located upstream of the suction unit (11) and configured to be traversed by the airflow generated by the suction unit (11) and to retain waste transported by the airflow, and - a filtration device (14) comprising a filtration part (15) disposed in the waste collection container (13) and configured to filter the airflow flowing through the waste collection container (13), characterized in that the filtration part (15) has a generally tubular shape and has a central longitudinal axis (A3), in that the central longitudinal axis (A3) of the filtration part (15) extends substantially parallel to the brush rotation axis (A1),and in that the autonomous cleaning robot (2) comprises a connecting channel (24) fluidly linking the suction chamber (6) to an air inlet opening (25) provided on the waste collection container (13), the connecting channel (24) opening into a rear part of the suction chamber (6).

2. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 1, wherein the filtration device (14) is configured such that the airflow passing through the filtration portion (15) flows from an external peripheral surface (16.1) of the portion filtration (15) to an internal peripheral surface (16.2) of the filtration part (15).

3. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 2, wherein the external peripheral surface (16.1) of the filtration part (15) extends at a distance from the internal walls of the waste collection container (13) located opposite said external peripheral surface (16.1).

4. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filtration device (14) is disposed in the waste collection container (13) such that at least a part of the airflow through the waste collection container (13) flows at least in part around the filtration part (15) before flowing through the filtration part (15).

5. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the central longitudinal axis (A3) of the filtration part (15) is substantially coaxial with the motor axis (A2).

6. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the central longitudinal axis (A3) of the filtration part (15) is configured to extend substantially horizontally when the autonomous cleaning robot (2) rests on a horizontal surface.

7. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the filtration part (15) has a frustoconical shape.

8. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 7, wherein the filtration part (15) comprises a first end portion (15.1) having a first cross-section, and a second end portion (15.2), opposite the first end portion (15.1), having a second cross-section which is smaller than the first cross-section and which is located opposite the suction motor (11.1).

9. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the filtration device (14) delimits an internal volume (18) which is located downstream of the filtration part (15), relative to the direction of airflow, and includes an air outlet opening (19) which is fluidly connected to the internal volume (18).

10. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filtration device (14) is removable from the waste collection container (13).

11. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the waste collection container (13) has a passage opening (22) through which the filtration part (15) is able to be introduced into and removed from the waste collection container (13).

12. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the waste collection device (12) is removably mounted on the main body (3).

13. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the filtration device (14) comprises a perforated tubular support (39) configured to support the filtration part (15) and around which the filtration part (15) is mounted.

14. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the waste collection container (13) has an internal upper wall (13.1) which extends above and away from the filtering part (15) and which delimits, with the filtering part (15), an upper flow passage (26), the waste collection container (13) further having an upper deflector (27) which extends at least in part opposite the air inlet opening (25) and which is configured to deflect, towards the upper flow passage (26), the airflow exiting the connecting channel (24).

15. Autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which includes a wet cleaning device (29) comprising at least one mop holder (33), and at least one mop (34) removably mounted on the at least one mop holder (33) and configured to be in contact with the surface to be cleaned.

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