Cleaning device

Abstract

To provide a rotary brush type cleaning device capable of improving dust collection performance.SOLUTION: A cleaning device includes a rotary brush provided with a brush part rotatably supported by a frame body, an opening for causing part of the brush part to be exposed to the outside of the frame body, a storage part for storing dust, and a guide part extending from the opening to the storage part along a region through which the brush part passes for guiding conveyance of dust by the brush part. At least part of the brush part exposed from the opening is configured to come in contact with a cleaning target surface and be bent when the cleaning device moves on the cleaning target surface. The storage part is provided on the downstream side of the opening in the rotation direction of the rotary brush. When the position where the tip of the bent brush part starts to slide on the cleaning target surface is represented as a first position, and the position where the tip of the brush part that has started to slide on the downstream side of the first position in the rotation direction of the rotary brush decelerates is represented as a second position on the cleaning target surface, the tip on an opening side of the guide part is positioned between the first position and the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device that captures dust. [Background technology]

[0002] A rotating brush type cleaning device is known that uses a rotating brush to collect dust on a surface to be cleaned such as a floor by collecting it (see Patent Document 1). This type of cleaning device has an opening for taking in dust and the like in the forward direction of the cleaning device, a rotating brush exposed to the outside from the opening for collecting dust, a guide for guiding the collected dust, and a storage section for storing the dust that has moved along the guide. The guide is provided with a guide tip that is provided in contact with or close to the floor surface, and an inclined surface that extends from the guide tip and inclines along the circumferential surface of the rotating brush. Dust that is collected by the rotating brush and rides up from the floor surface to the guide tip is transported by the rotating brush on the inclined surface of the guide, and is guided to the storage section and collected. The rotating brush type cleaning device is configured so that the operation from collecting dust to storing it is completed within the frame of the cleaning device, and does not include a separate frame with a motor that generates suction force or an air flow path as in suction type cleaning devices, and therefore has a simple structure. In addition, it has features such as no exhaust gas being emitted and excellent quietness. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5555340 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, while rotating brush type cleaning devices are effective at collecting relatively large dust particles (bread crumbs, rice grains, paper scraps, large grains of sand), relatively small dust particles (such as fine grains of sand) tend to slip under the guide, making them difficult to collect.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a rotating brush type cleaning device capable of improving the dust collection performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a cleaning device for collecting dust on a surface to be cleaned, comprising: A frame body, A rotating brush rotatably supported by the frame and provided with a brush portion; A driving means for rotating the rotary brush; an opening for exposing a portion of the brush unit to the outside of the frame; A storage section that stores the dust; a guide portion extending from the opening toward the storage portion along an area through which the brush portion passes and guiding the transportation of the dust by the brush portion; having At least a part of the brush portion exposed through the opening is configured to bend upon contact with the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning device moves over the surface to be cleaned, The storage portion is provided downstream of the opening in a rotation direction of the rotary brush, When a position where the tip of the bent brush part starts to slide on the surface to be cleaned is defined as a first position, and a position where the tip of the brush part that has started to slide decelerates downstream of the first position in the rotation direction of the rotating brush is defined as a second position, The tip of the guide portion on the opening side is located between the first position and the second position. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rotating brush type cleaning device capable of improving the dust collection performance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary brush type cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a rotary brush type cleaning device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a guide portion according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the rotation of the rotating brush and the movement of dust according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the rotation of the rotating brush and the movement of dust according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows a rotating brush with a brush part having low stiffness and a short length. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2. [Figure 8] Diagram showing how to evaluate climbing performance [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a guide portion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary brush type cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second guide portion according to a third embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a first guide portion according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second guide portion according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a second guide portion according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 15] A diagram explaining areas V1 to V4. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary brush type cleaning device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary brush type cleaning device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary brush type cleaning device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in the embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, etc. of the members once described in the following description will be the same as those described at the beginning, unless otherwise specified.

[0010] <Example 1> (Overall composition) The overall configuration of the cleaning device will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a rotating brush type cleaning device 1 according to embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the cleaning device 1.

[0011] The cleaning device 1 is a cleaning device that collects dust on a surface to be cleaned. The cleaning device 1 has a frame 8 that constitutes the device main body, and a handle 10 provided on the frame 8. The handle 10 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction when the cleaning device 1 is placed on a horizontal surface, and the direction of the horizontal component of the direction in which the handle 10 is inclined (the direction indicated by the arrow D2 in FIG. 1) is the rear, and the opposite direction (the direction indicated by the arrow D1 in FIG. 1) is the front. A user stands behind the cleaning device 1 while holding the handle 10, and can move the cleaning device 1 forward (in the D1 direction) on the surface to be cleaned F by pushing the cleaning device 1 forward, and can move the cleaning device 1 backward (in the D2 direction) by pulling the cleaning device 1 backward. The cleaning device 1 is a manual cleaning device that can capture dust and the like on the surface to be cleaned F and clean the surface to be cleaned F by moving on the surface to be cleaned F.

[0012] The cleaning device 1 includes a frame 8, an opening 2, a rotating brush 3, a motor 3M, a battery 7, a storage section 4, It has a guide portion 4B, wheels 6 and 16.

[0013] The opening 2 is provided in the front part of the frame 8, and exposes a part of the rotating brush 3 to the outside of the frame 8, allowing dust and the like to be taken in.

[0014] The rotating brush 3 is rotatably supported by the frame 8, and rotates to sweep in dust and the like from the surface to be cleaned F. The rotating brush 3 has a rotating shaft 3B and a brush part 3A consisting of a plurality of bristles provided on the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 3B. At least a part of the brush part 3A exposed from the opening 2 is configured to bend upon contact with the surface to be cleaned F when the cleaning device 1 moves over the surface to be cleaned F. A driving force of a motor 3M as a driving means is transmitted to the rotating shaft 3B by a driving transmission means (not shown), and the rotating shaft 3B and the brush part 3A rotate in the direction of an arrow R1. Here, the rotation direction indicated by the arrow R1 is a counterclockwise direction in a cross section perpendicular to the rotating shaft 3B and in which the front of the cleaning device 1 is to the left as shown in FIG. 1. A battery 7 supplies power to the motor 3M. Note that the driving means for rotating the rotating brush 3 is not limited to a motor. For example, the rotating brush 3 may be rotated by transmitting the rotation of the wheels 6 when the cleaning device 1 moves over the surface F to be cleaned to the rotating brush 3 by a transmission means for transmitting a rotational force.

[0015] The storage section 4 is provided downstream of the opening 2 in the rotation direction R1 of the rotating brush 3, and stores the dust G that is swept in by the rotating brush 3. A guide section 4B is provided in front of the storage section 4 to guide the dust G swept in by the brush section 3A to the storage section 4. The guide section 4B extends from the opening 2 toward the storage section 4 along the area through which the brush section 3A passes, and guides the transport of the dust G by the brush section 3A. The dust G guided by the guide section 4B is collected in the storage section 4 through the opening 4A. The storage section 4 is detachable from the frame 8. The amount of dust G that can be collected by the cleaning device 1 is restored by removing the storage section 4 from the frame 8, discarding the dust G collected in the storage section 4, and reattaching the empty storage section 4 to the frame 8.

[0016] The wheels 16 are provided at the front of the frame 8, and the wheels 6 are provided at the rear of the frame 8. The wheels 16 and 6 support the cleaning device 1 so that it can move relative to the surface to be cleaned F. The wheels 6 and 16 are a plurality of support means capable of supporting the cleaning device 1 relative to the surface to be cleaned F. The wheels 16 and 6 roll to allow the cleaning device 1 to move smoothly on the surface to be cleaned F. The front wheels 16 are provided below the storage section 4, and the rear wheels 6 are provided on the opposite side of the wheels 16 in the moving direction of the cleaning device 1 (directions indicated by arrows D1 and D2) across the handle 10 on the frame 8. In addition, in the moving direction of the cleaning device 1 when it moves smoothly due to the rolling of the wheels 16 and 6, the direction in which the rotating brush 3 is provided is the front, and the opposite side is the rear. The direction from the rear to the front is indicated by arrow D1, and the direction from the front to the rear is indicated by arrow D2.

[0017] In addition, the cleaning device 1 may be supported by the wheels 6 and the rotating brush 3, instead of the wheels 6 and the wheels 16. In that case, the wheels 16 may not be provided. In this case, the support means capable of supporting the cleaning device 1 on the surface to be cleaned F are the wheels 6 and the rotating brush 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, the cleaning device 1 is supported on the surface to be cleaned F by the brush part 3A of the rotating brush 3 provided at the front and the wheels 6 provided at the rear. If the bristles of the brush part 3A have a relatively high hardness, a gap can be secured between the bottom of the tip of the guide part 4B and the surface to be cleaned F (the tip of the guide part 4B floats above the surface to be cleaned F). Even if the hardness of the bristles of the brush part 3A is low, the cleaning device 1 can be supported on the surface to be cleaned F by the bottom part 80 of the front part of the frame 8 and the wheels 6 provided at the rear, as shown in FIG. 17. In this case, since the bottom 80 of the frame 8 slides against the surface to be cleaned F during use, it is preferable that the bottom 80 be made of a resin material with a small friction coefficient. It is preferable to reduce the surface area of ​​the frame 8 from the viewpoint of reducing friction. In order to stabilize the posture of the cleaning device 1 during use while reducing the sliding area, for example, the bottoms of both sides of the frame 8 in the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction D1 may be shaped to protrude downward, forming the bottoms 80 that support the cleaning device 1 together with the wheels 6. In this case, the cleaning device 1 is supported at three points, the bottoms 80 of both sides and the wheels 6, so that the posture is stable. In addition, when the bottom of the frame 8 is used as a support structure for the cleaning device 1, the wheels 6 may not be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, downward protruding parts 81 and 82 may be provided at the front and rear of the bottom of the frame 8, and the cleaning device 1 may be supported against the surface F to be cleaned by these protruding parts 81 and 82. In this case, the protrusions 81, 82 are formed to have an arc-shaped cross section, and at least the sliding portion with the surface to be cleaned F is made of a low-friction material such as resin, so that the cleaning device 1 can be supported so as to be able to move smoothly on the surface to be cleaned F while the guide part 4B is lifted off the surface to be cleaned F. The cleaning device 1 can be supported by the wheels 6 and 16 on a hard surface to be cleaned F such as flooring, but the wheels may sink in on a soft surface to be cleaned F such as a carpet. By forming the protrusions 81, 82 with a relatively large width on the bottom of the frame 8, the cleaning device 1 can be supported so as to be able to move smoothly even on a soft surface to be cleaned F such as a carpet.

[0018] (Guide section configuration) FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the dotted line P in FIG. 1, and shows the configuration of the guide part 4B of the cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment. The guide part 4B is fixed to the lower part of the opening 4A of the storage part 4, and the upper surface of the guide part 4B is an inclined surface 4S that inclines along the circumferential surface of the rotating brush 3. The inclined surface 4S extends from the guide tip 4P, which is the tip on the opening 2 side, to the opening 4A of the storage part 4. Here, the circumferential surface of the rotating brush 3 is a virtual surface that can be defined by the trajectory drawn by the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A when the rotating brush 3 rotates. The circumferential surface of the rotating brush 3 can also be said to be a virtual outer circumferential surface of the area through which the brush part 3A passes. The inclined surface 4S inclines downward in the D1 direction. When the rotating brush 3 rotates, the distance between the inclined surface 4S and the rotation axis 3B and the length of the bristles of the brush part 3A are set so that the rotating brush 3 rotates while the inclined surface 4S and the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A are in contact with each other.

[0019] The distance d1 between the tangential plane contacting the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 6 and the bottom surface 4T of the guide part 4B is greater than 0. When the surface to be cleaned F is flat, the surface to be cleaned F and the tangential plane of the wheels 16 and 6 approximately coincide with each other. Therefore, when the distance d1 is greater than 0, the bottom surface 4T of the guide part 4B does not come into contact with the surface to be cleaned F when the cleaning device 1 is supported by the wheels 16 and 6 and moves over the surface to be cleaned F.

[0020] The end of the guide part 4B in the D1 direction is formed with a guide tip 4P that tapers in the D1 direction, and serves as a dust collector. When the cleaning device 1 moves in the D1 direction, dust G on the surface to be cleaned F approaches the cleaning device 1 in the direction DG1, which is the opposite direction to the D1 direction. The dust G approaching the cleaning device 1 rides up the inclined surface 4S from the guide tip 4P, is carried upward along the inclined surface 4S by the brush part 3A, is led to the opening 4A of the storage part 4, and is collected in the storage part 4.

[0021] The smaller the radius of curvature R of the cross-sectional shape of the guide tip 4P, the easier it is for dust G to climb up from the guide tip 4P onto the inclined surface 4S, but the component strength and step-surmounting performance tend to decrease. In the first embodiment, R=0.6 mm and the distance d1=0.5 mm. A step-surmounting performance of 1.1 mm, which will be described later, was achieved. ABS resin or the like can be used as the material for the guide portion 4B.

[0022] (Guide and brush position relationship) FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotating brush 3 and the movement of dust G when the cleaning device 1 moves in the direction D1.

[0023] The brush portion 3A of the rotating brush 3 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 with the rotation of the rotating shaft 3B, and comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned F. In a region V1 upstream in the rotation direction R1 from the position where the brush portion 3A comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned F, the tips of the bristles of the brush portion 3A do not receive resistance from the surface to be cleaned F, and the brush portion 3A rotates together with the rotation of the rotating shaft 3B.

[0024] In region V2, which is downstream of region V1 in the direction of rotation R1, the tips of the bristles of brush part 3A come into contact with the surface to be cleaned F and decelerate due to friction from the surface to be cleaned F, causing the bristles of brush part 3A to bend and accumulating elastic energy. The position (first position) at which the tips of the bent brush part 3A start to slide on the surface to be cleaned F is defined as sliding start point A. At sliding start point A, the bristles of brush part 3A start to slide on the surface to be cleaned F and elastic energy is released, causing the tips of the bristles of brush part 3A to rapidly accelerate in the direction of rotation R1.

[0025] In region V3, which is downstream of slippage start point A in the rotation direction R1, the speed of the bristles of the brush part 3A is the fastest. After that, the bristles of the brush part 3A almost stop bending, and the tip of the brush part 3A, which began to slip at slippage start point A, slows down to a position (second position) which is defined as deceleration point B. At deceleration point B, the speed of the bristles of the brush part 3A suddenly decelerates.

[0026] In region V4, which is downstream of deceleration point B in the rotation direction R1, the tips of the bristles of brush portion 3A come into contact with inclined surface 4S of guide portion 4B and are subjected to frictional force, while rotating almost in unison with the rotation of rotating shaft 3B, transporting dust G on inclined surface 4S upward.

[0027] The guide tip 4P is within the region V3. In other words, the guide tip 4P is located downstream of the slip start point A (first position) and upstream of the deceleration point B (second position) in the rotation direction R1. That is, the tip of the opening side (opening 2 side) of the guide part 4B is located between the first position and the second position. Therefore, the dust G reaches the guide tip 4P while being carried on the cleaning target surface F by the bristles of the brush part 3A moving at high speed, and therefore, the dust G easily overcomes the guide tip 4P. This makes it easier for the rotating brush 3 to sweep the dust G toward the storage part 4.

[0028] 5 is a diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotating brush 3 and the movement of dust G when the cleaning device 1 advances in the direction D2. The rotating brush 3 rotates in the direction of the arrow R1, and the behavior of the brush portion 3A of the rotating brush 3 is almost the same as when the cleaning device 1 advances in the direction D1, but the movement of the dust G is different. Because the cleaning device 1 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow D2, the movement direction DG2 of the dust G relative to the cleaning device 1 is opposite to the movement direction DG1 of the dust G when the cleaning device 1 advances in the direction D1 shown in FIG.

[0029] 3, the direction of movement DG1 (opposite to D1) of the dust G relative to the cleaning device 1 is the same as the direction of movement (opposite to D1) of the brush part 3A relative to the cleaning device 1 when it comes into contact with the dust G. Therefore, the dust G is sent out by the brush part 3A so as to be pushed toward the guide part 4B.

[0030] On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 5, the relative movement direction DG2 of the dust G with respect to the cleaning device 1 (opposite direction to D2) and the relative movement direction of the brush part 3A with respect to the cleaning device 1 when contacting the dust G (same direction as D2) are opposite directions. Therefore, the dust G is repelled by the brush part 3A toward the guide part 4B. Among the repelled dust G, the dust G that has climbed over the guide tip 4P is transported upward on the inclined surface 4S by the brush part 3A and collected in the storage part 4. The dust G that has not climbed over the guide tip 4P is repelled by the brush part 3A toward the guide part 4B again in the same manner as above, since the cleaning device 1 moves in the direction of D2. In this way, the dust G is repeatedly repelled by the brush part 3A toward the guide part 4B, so that the dust G becomes easier to climb over the guide tip 4P, and as a result, a high collection rate is realized.

[0031] In this way, in the cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment, when the rotating brush 3 rotates and moves on the surface to be cleaned F, a region V2 is formed in which the bristles of the brush part 3A in contact with the surface to be cleaned bend and decelerate due to friction with the surface to be cleaned F. Then, downstream of the region V2, a region V3 is formed in which a wide gap occurs between the bristles on the upstream side and the downstream side in the rotation direction. This gap is wider than the gap between the bristles of the brush part 3A when the brush part 3A is not in contact with the surface to be cleaned F. In the region V3, the elastic energy accumulated by the bending of the bristles is released, and the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A move rapidly from the start point to the end point of the region V3. Since the moving speed (angular velocity) of the bristles in the region V3 is faster than the angular velocity of the rotating shaft 3B, it is easier to scoop up dust G compared to a cleaning device configured such that the bristles always rotate at approximately the same angular velocity as the rotating shaft 3B.

[0032] The positional relationship between the guide portion 4B and the rotating brush 3 can also be determined from the viewpoint described below. This will be described with reference to FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, when the cleaning device 1 is supported by a plurality of support means (wheels 6 and 16, or wheels 6 and the rotating brush 3) capable of supporting the cleaning device 1 on the surface to be cleaned F, a virtual surface that contacts the plurality of support means is defined as a virtual surface S. When there is no surface to be cleaned F, a path drawn by the tip of the brush portion 3A as the rotating brush 3 rotates is defined as a virtual circle 3C. The portion of the virtual circle 3C that is below the virtual surface S is indicated by a broken line. When the cleaning device 1 is actually installed on the surface to be cleaned F, the surface to be cleaned F will be located at the position of the virtual surface S, so the tip of the brush portion 3A does not actually pass through the broken line portion of the virtual circle 3C. The position on the virtual surface S where the distance from the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 3B is the smallest is defined as a first position A. Additionally, a position where the imaginary plane S and the imaginary circle 3C intersect downstream of the first position A in the rotation direction R1 of the rotating brush 3 is defined as a second position B. Additionally, a position where the imaginary plane S and the imaginary circle 3C intersect upstream of the first position A in the rotation direction R1 of the rotating brush 3 is defined as a position C. When the cleaning device 1 is actually installed on a surface F to be cleaned, the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A rotating in the rotation direction R1 first come into contact with the surface F to be cleaned at position C, and begin to bend as the cleaning device 1 continues to rotate.

[0033] The upstream side of position C in the direction of rotation R1 is region V1, the area between positions C and A is region V2, the area between positions A and B is region V3, and the downstream side of position B in the direction of rotation R1 is region V4.

[0034] In the cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment, the distance between the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 3B and the imaginary plane S at the first position A is shorter than the length of the bristles of the brush part 3A. As a result, as shown in Fig. 15, the bristles of the brush part 3A are bent before and after the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A pass the first position A, and the bending is largest near the first position A. Therefore, even if the speed of the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A is stopped or is slower than the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 3B due to friction between the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A and the surface to be cleaned F, the tips of the bristles start to slide near the first position A. The guide tip 4P, which is the tip of the guide part 4B on the opening 2 side, is located between the first position A and the second position B.

[0035] Region V1 can also be described as a region in which the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A do not come into contact with the surface to be cleaned F, and the angular velocity of the base of the bristles of the brush part 3A, which are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 3B, is approximately equal to the angular velocity at which the tips of the bristles rotate.

[0036] Region V2 can also be described as a region where the distance between the rotating shaft 3B and the surface to be cleaned F is shorter than the length of the bristles of the brush part 3A, where the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A receive frictional force from the surface to be cleaned F and the angular velocity of the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A is slower than the angular velocity of the bases of the bristles. In other words, in region V2, the rotation angle of the tips of the bristles lags behind the rotation angle of the bases of the bristles fixed to the rotating shaft 3B.

[0037] At the first position (slip starting point) A, the elastic energy stored in the bristles of the brush part 3A exceeds a threshold value. Region V3 can also be said to be the region where the distance between the rotation shaft 3B and the surface to be cleaned F is shorter than the length of the bristles of the brush part 3A, where the angular velocity of the tips of the bristles of the brush part 3A is faster than the angular velocity of the base of the bristles due to the released elastic energy. In other words, the rotation angle of the tips of the bristles, which was lagging behind the rotation angle of the base of the bristles, catches up with the rotation angle of the base of the bristles.

[0038] The second position (deceleration point) B can be said to be a point where the length of the bristles of the brush part 3A and the distance between the rotating shaft 3B and the surface to be cleaned F become equal again. Assuming that there is no guide part 4B, the rotation angle of the root of the bristles and the rotation angle of the tip of the bristles become almost equal at the deceleration point B, as in the region V1, and the bristles of the brush part 3A are almost not bent. In the first embodiment, since the guide tip 4P is located upstream of the deceleration point B in the rotation direction, the tip of the bristles of the brush part 3A starts to contact the inclined surface 4S of the guide part 4B before reaching the deceleration point B. In the first embodiment, in the region V4 downstream of the deceleration point B in the rotation direction, the bristles of the brush part 3A are not bent significantly and are not subjected to friction as in the regions V2 and V3, and the distance between the rotating shaft 3B and the inclined surface 4S is set so that the brush part 3A rotates together with the rotating shaft 3B.

[0039] (Rotary brush configuration) The Young's modulus, thickness, and length of the fibers constituting the bristles of the brush portion 3A of the rotating brush 3 are selected so as to widen the region V3 from the slip start point A to the deceleration point B. FIG. 6(A) is a diagram explaining the behavior of the brush portion 31A having bristles with low rigidity. If the rigidity of the bristles of the brush portion 3A is low, the elastic energy stored in the bristles is small, and therefore the region V3 where the tips of the bristles accelerate in the direction of rotation is not formed. FIG. 6(B) is a diagram explaining the behavior of the brush portion 32A having short bristles. If the bristles of the brush portion 3A are short, the region V3 will also be short.

[0040] Considering these points, it is preferable that the Young's modulus of the fibers constituting the bristles of the brush portion 3A of the rotating brush 3 is about 1000 to 4000 MPa (material is nylon, polyethylene terephthalate (hereinafter PET), etc.), the thickness is 30 um to 100 um, and the length is about 6 mm to 20 mm. The density of the bristles of the brush portion 3A is 10 to 50 KF / inch 2 For normal use, the density is low, 10~30KF / inch. 2 In good condition.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the rotating shaft 3B is made of stainless steel with a diameter of 6 mm, the material of the brush part 3A is PET, the length of the brush part 3A is 12 mm, the thickness is 80 um, and the density is 20 KF / inch. 2 The outer diameter of the rotating brush 3 was 30 mm, and the shaft rotation speed was 50 rpm. In this case, the rotation speed of the tip of the brush part 3A was 78.5 mm / sec. It is desirable to set this rotation speed faster than the speed (about 30 mm / sec) at which the user pushes the cleaning device 1 by hand in the D1 direction.

[0042] (Verification of effectiveness) The dust collection rate and the overcoming performance were evaluated for Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. FIG.

[0043] In Comparative Example 1, the position of the guide tip 4P was disposed within region V4 downstream of the deceleration point B in the rotation direction R1 of the rotating brush 3. The radius of curvature R of the guide tip 4P was set to R = 0.6 mm, the same as in Example 1. In Comparative Example 2, the position of the guide tip 4P was disposed within region V4 as in Comparative Example 1. The radius of curvature R of the guide tip 4P was set to R = 0.3 mm, which is smaller than in Example 1.

[0044] When evaluating the recovery rate of dust G, mold silica sand No. 65 was used as dust G. Foamed laminated vinyl floor sheet HS manufactured by Toli Co., Ltd. was used as the surface to be cleaned F. The recovery rate was calculated by scattering silica sand on the surface to be cleaned F using a tea strainer, measuring the weight (Y) of the scattered silica sand and the weight (X) of the silica sand remaining on the surface to be cleaned F after the cleaning device 1 has scanned the surface to be cleaned F. The recovery rate was defined as follows: Recovery rate (%) = 100 × (1-X / Y)

[0045] Regarding the climbing performance, as shown in Fig. 8, a resin plate with a thickness t was placed on the surface F to be cleaned to create a step F2, and the cleaning device 1 was moved in the direction D1 to determine whether it could climb over the step F2 created by the resin plate. The same test was conducted while increasing the thickness t of the step F2 created by the resin plate from 0.1 mm in increments of 0.1 mm, and the maximum thickness t that could be climbed over and progressed was recorded.

[0046] (result) The results are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0047] The recovery rate of Example 1 was the highest at 60%, which was higher than that of Comparative Example 2 in which the guide tip 4P was sharpened. This is thought to be the effect of locating the position of the guide tip 4P between the slip start point A and the deceleration point B (area V3). In terms of the climbing performance, Comparative Example 2 in which the curvature radius R of the guide tip 4P was reduced was lower than the other configurations. In general, a climbing performance of 1.0 mm or more is preferable because it is less likely to get caught on seams in flooring materials, etc.

[0048] According to the first embodiment, it was found that the recovery rate can be improved without deteriorating the climbing performance by making the guide tip 4P sharp.

[0049] In the configuration of Example 1, dust can be collected even if the cleaning device 1 is moved in the D2 direction. When the collection rate was evaluated by moving in the D2 direction and limiting it to dust with a particle size of 0.5 mm or less, the collection rate was 90% or more. Dust with a particle size of 0.5 mm or more had difficulty passing under the guide portion 4B. Regarding the climbing performance, when the cleaning device 1 moves in the D2 direction, the sharp part of the guide tip 4P does not face the moving direction, and the cleaning device 1 does not hit a step, so it can climb over a step of 5 mm or more without any problem.

[0050] As described above, according to the rotary brush type cleaning device 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to improve both the collection rate and the climbing performance.

[0051] <Example 2> Example 2 is an example that differs from Example 1 in the configuration of a guide portion 4B, and has a higher recovery rate than Example 1. Portions common to Example 1 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0052] (Guide composition) 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the cleaning device 1 according to the second embodiment, similar to that shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is that the guide tip 4P is in contact with the surface F to be cleaned. In other words, the distance d1 between the bottom surface 4T of the guide portion 4B and the surface F to be cleaned is 0 mm. In Example 1, the wheels 16 and 6 are provided at the front and rear of the cleaning device 1, respectively, and the wheels 16 and 6 support the cleaning device 1 at a constant distance from the surface to be cleaned F. The distance between the tangent plane of the wheels 16 and 6 and the guide tip 4P is greater than 0, so that the distance d1 (0.5 mm in Example 1) is ensured between the guide tip 4P and the surface to be cleaned F. In Example 2, in the configuration in which the cleaning device 1 is supported by the front and rear wheels 6 and 16 as in Example 1, the guide part 4B may be provided so that the distance d1 between the bottom surface 4T of the guide part 4B and the surface to be cleaned F is 0 mm. Also, the wheels 16 may not be provided at the front, and the cleaning device 1 may be supported by the bottom surface 4T of the guide tip 4P and the wheels 6 at the rear of the cleaning device 1 against the surface to be cleaned F.

[0053] The radius of curvature R of the guide tip 4P is 0.6 mm, which is the same as in Example 1. As the material of the guide portion 4B, it is preferable to select a material that has a small coefficient of friction between the surface to be cleaned F and the bottom surface 4T and has excellent sliding properties. As such a material, for example, polyacetal (POM) or the like can be used. As the material of the guide portion 4B, an elastic body that can be deformed by contacting a step may be selected. This can improve the climbing performance. As such a material, for example, a blend of EPDM and SBR or the like can be used.

[0054] (Verification of effectiveness) The dust collection rate and the crossing performance were evaluated for Example 2. Two types of materials were evaluated: a resin (POM) and an elastomer (a blend of EPDM and SBR) as the material for the guide portion 4B of Example 2.

[0055] The results are shown in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0056] As described above, the recovery rate was improved in Example 2 compared to Example 1. On the other hand, Example 1 had higher crossover performance.

[0057] In addition, an experiment was conducted by moving the cleaning device 1 of Example 2 in the D2 direction, and as a result, dust particles with a particle size of 0.1 mm or more had difficulty passing under the guide portion 4B. Regarding the climbing performance, when the cleaning device 1 moves in the D2 direction, the sharp part of the guide tip 4P does not face the moving direction, and the cleaning device 1 does not hit a step, so it can climb over a step of 5 mm or more without any problem.

[0058] <Example 3> In the third embodiment, a configuration of a self-propelled cleaning device that can achieve a high recovery rate by scanning in one direction while suppressing a decrease in the climbing performance will be described. Note that the same reference numerals will be used to designate parts common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a cleaning device 100 according to a third embodiment. The cleaning device 100 is a self-propelled cleaning device that collects dust while moving on a surface F to be cleaned. The cleaning device 100 has two openings for taking in dust and the like. The frame 8 of the cleaning device 100 is The cleaning device 100 has an opening 2 (hereinafter referred to as a first opening 2 in the third embodiment) for taking in dust G on the front side (one side in the moving direction D) in the moving direction (advancement direction) D of the cleaning device 100. The frame 8 also has a second opening 12 on the rear side in the moving direction (the other side in the moving direction D) for taking in dust G. The moving direction D of the cleaning device 100 is a direction from the other side to one side of the frame 8.

[0060] The cleaning device 100 has a rotating brush 3 (hereinafter, referred to as the first rotating brush 3 in the third embodiment) rotatably supported on the frame 8 in the first opening 2, as in the first embodiment. The cleaning device 100 also has a second rotating brush 13 rotatably supported on the frame 8 in the second opening 12, which rotates to sweep in dust G from the surface to be cleaned F. A storage section 4 is disposed between the first rotating brush 3 and the second rotating brush 13. The first opening 2 exposes a part of the first rotating brush 3 to the outside of the frame 8, and the second opening 12 exposes a part of the second rotating brush 13 to the outside of the frame 8. At least a part of the part of the first brush section 3A exposed from the first opening 2 is configured to bend in contact with the surface to be cleaned F when the cleaning device 100 moves over the surface to be cleaned F. Furthermore, at least a part of the portion of the second brush part 13A exposed from the second opening 12 is configured to come into contact with the surface to be cleaned F and bend when the cleaning device 100 moves over the surface to be cleaned F.

[0061] The storage section 4 is provided between the first opening 2 and the second opening 12 in the movement direction D of the cleaning device 100. The storage section 4 has an opening 4A (hereinafter, referred to as the first opening 4A in the third embodiment) facing the first rotating brush 3, and a second opening 14A facing the second rotating brush 13. The storage section 4 is provided downstream of the first opening 2 in the rotation direction R1 of the first rotating brush 3, and downstream of the second opening 12 in the rotation direction R2 of the second rotating brush 13.

[0062] Below the first opening 4A, a guide portion 4B (hereinafter, referred to as the first guide portion 4B in the third embodiment) is provided, which has an inclined surface 4S (hereinafter, referred to as the first inclined surface 4S in the third embodiment) that is inclined downward in the direction D along the circumferential surface of the first rotating brush 3. Also, below the second opening 14A, a second guide portion 14B is provided, which has a second inclined surface 14S (see FIG. 11) that is inclined downward in the opposite direction to the direction D along the circumferential surface of the second rotating brush 13. The first guide portion 4B extends from the first opening 2 toward the storage portion 4 along the area through which the first brush portion 3A passes, and guides the transport of dust G by the first brush portion 3A. The second guide portion 14B extends from the second opening 12 toward the storage portion 4 along the area through which the second brush portion 13A passes, and guides the transport of dust G by the second brush portion 13A.

[0063] The first rotating brush 3 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 (counterclockwise) by a motor 3M and a drive transmission means (not shown) as in the first embodiment, scoops up dust G from the surface to be cleaned F toward the first guide portion 4B, and sweeps the dust G toward the first opening 4A to store it in the storage section 4. The second rotating brush 13 rotates in the direction of arrow R2 (clockwise) by a motor 13M and a drive transmission means (not shown), scoops up dust G from the surface to be cleaned F toward the second guide portion 14B, and sweeps the dust G toward the second opening 14A to store it in the storage section 4. The rotation direction R1 of the first rotating brush 3 and the rotation direction R2 of the second rotating brush 13 are opposite to each other.

[0064] The cleaning device 100 has wheels 16 and 6 at the front and rear of the frame 8 along the moving direction D, and the wheels 6 and 16 are rotated by a motor 5M. The cleaning device 100 is a self-propelled cleaning device that can move on the surface F to be cleaned at a constant speed (e.g., about 10 mm / sec) by the wheels 6 and 16 rotating with the power of the motor 5M. Power is supplied to the motors 3M, 13M, and 5M from a battery 7. Note that the configuration of the wheels is not limited to the above example, as long as the frame 8 of the cleaning device 100 can be supported so that the cleaning device 100 can move in the direction D while maintaining a constant distance d1 from the surface F to be cleaned. For example, wheels that are driven in accordance with the movement of the cleaning device 100, rather than being rotated by a drive source, may be used. Rotating rollers may be used as the wheels. Furthermore, cleaning device 100 may have a mechanism for changing the direction of movement by turning or the like, in addition to the mechanism for moving in direction D.

[0065] (Structure of the First Guide) The configuration of the first guide portion 4B is the same as the shape of the guide portion 4B of Example 1 shown in Figure 3, but the distance d1 between the surface to be cleaned F and the bottom surface 4T of the guide tip 4P (hereinafter referred to as the first guide tip 4P in Example 3) is set to 2.0 mm, which is larger than that of Example 1, to prioritize climbing performance.

[0066] (Structure of the 2nd Guide) 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the second guide portion 14B. The second guide portion 14B has a second inclined surface 14S that is inclined downward in the opposite direction to the D direction along the circumferential surface of the second rotating brush 13, formed below the second opening 14A of the storage portion 4. The distance d2 between the bottom surface 14T of the second guide tip 14P and the surface to be cleaned F is set to 1.0 mm.

[0067] (Configuration of the first rotating brush) The configuration of the first rotating brush 3 is the same as in Example 1. The shaft rotation speed of the rotating shaft 3B of the first rotating brush 3 is also 50 rpm, the same as in Example 1. In this case, the rotation speed of the tip of the brush part 3A (hereinafter, referred to as the first brush part 3A in Example 3) is 78.5 mm / sec. The speed at which the cleaning device 1 moves on the surface to be cleaned F is 10 mm / sec in the D direction. In this case, the relative movement speed of the surface to be cleaned F with respect to the cleaning device 100 is 10 mm / sec in the -D direction. In addition, in the vicinity of the surface to be cleaned F, the relative movement speed of the tip of the first brush part 3A with respect to the cleaning device 100 is 78.5 mm / sec in the -D direction, which is the same direction as the relative movement direction of the surface to be cleaned F. Therefore, the surface to be cleaned F and the tip of the first brush part 3A rub against each other at a relative speed of 68.5 mm / sec.

[0068] (Configuration of the second rotating brush) The material and shape of the second rotating brush 13 are both the same as those of the first rotating brush 3. The rotation speed of the rotating shaft 13B of the second rotating brush 13 is also 50 rpm, the same as in Example 1. In this case, the rotation speed of the tip of the second brush part 13A is 78.5 mm / sec. The relative movement speed of the surface to be cleaned F with respect to the cleaning device 100 is 10 mm / sec in the -D direction. In addition, near the surface to be cleaned F, the relative movement speed of the tip of the second brush part 13A with respect to the cleaning device 100 is 78.5 mm / sec in the D direction, which is the opposite direction to the relative movement direction of the surface to be cleaned F. Therefore, the surface to be cleaned F and the tip of the second brush part 13A rub against each other at a relative speed of 88.5 mm / sec.

[0069] (Horizontal positional relationship between the first guide and the first rotating brush) The relative horizontal positional relationship and directional relationship between the first guide part 4B, the first rotating brush 3, the surface to be cleaned F, and the dust G are the same as when the cleaning device 1 moves in the moving direction D1 in the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 3).

[0070] (Horizontal positional relationship between the second guide and the second rotating brush) The relative horizontal positional relationship and the relationship of the moving directions of the second guide part 14B, the second rotating brush 13, the surface to be cleaned F, and the dust G are reversed from the case where the cleaning device 1 moves in the moving direction D2 in the first embodiment (shown in FIG. 5). A second inclined surface 14S that slopes downward in the -D direction along the circumferential surface of the second rotating brush 13 is formed below the second opening 14A of the storage part 4. The distance d2 between the bottom surface 14T of the second guide tip 14P and the surface to be cleaned F is 1.0 mm.

[0071] (Verification of effectiveness) The dust collection rate and the ability to overcome the dust were evaluated for Example 3. The collection rate was evaluated by moving the cleaning device 100 once in the direction D, and After the silica sand was collected from the surface to be cleaned F by both of the cleaning brushes 13, the weight X of the silica sand remaining on the surface to be cleaned F was measured, and the recovery rate defined in the same manner as in Example 1 was calculated.

[0072] (result) The results are shown in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0073] In Example 3, the dust that could not be collected by the first rotating brush 3 can be collected by the second rotating brush 13, so the collection rate is higher than in Examples 1 and 2. The clearance performance is 2.6 mm because the distance d1 between the first guide portion 4B and the surface to be cleaned F is set to 2 mm, which is larger than in Examples 1 and 2. In general, when the clearance performance is 2.0 mm or more, it is difficult to get caught even on floor materials with many projections and recesses, such as tatami mats. The configuration of Example 3 can improve the collection rate without reducing the clearance performance by making the guide tip 4P sharp.

[0074] The feature of the third embodiment is that by combining the recovery mechanisms of the first rotating brush 3 and the second rotating brush 13, a synergistic effect is achieved as described below.

[0075] (Synergy) Dust G that has slipped under the first guide portion 4B can be collected by the second rotating brush 13 and the second guide portion 14B. Therefore, a high collection rate can be achieved without adopting a configuration for improving the collection rate in the first guide portion 4B, such as contacting the first guide tip 4P with the surface to be cleaned F, abutting it strongly against the surface to be cleaned, or reducing the radius of curvature R. Therefore, a configuration for improving the climbing performance, such as making the first guide tip 4P not in contact with the surface to be cleaned F or increasing the radius of curvature R, can be adopted while suppressing a decrease in the collection rate, thereby achieving both the collection rate and the climbing performance.

[0076] <Example 4> In the fourth embodiment, a configuration will be described that realizes a recovery rate and climbing performance equal to or greater than those of the third embodiment. The fourth embodiment is characterized by the configurations of the first guide portion 4B, the second guide portion 14B, and the second rotating brush 13. Detailed descriptions of the same configurations as those of the first to third embodiments will be omitted.

[0077] (Structure of the First Guide) FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the first guide portion 4B of the fourth embodiment. In the cleaning device 100 of the fourth embodiment, the first guide portion 4B is not a member fixed to the frame body 8, but is connected to the frame body 8 via a spring 4K as an elastic member, and is configured to be movable relative to the frame body 8 by the expansion and contraction of the spring 4K. The spring 4K connects the upper part of the first guide portion 4B to a part of the frame body 8 above the first guide portion 4B. FIG. 12(A) shows a state in which the cleaning device 100 moves in the direction of the arrow D and the first guide tip 4P hits (contacts) the step F2. The step F2 is an example of an object (obstacle) that exists in the moving direction of the cleaning device 100. FIG. 12(B) shows a state in which the first guide tip 4P hits the step F2 and the spring 4K contracts, causing the first guide portion 4B to move (retract) in a direction approaching the frame body 8 above (arrow R3 direction). By moving the guide portion 4B in the direction of the arrow R3, the first guide tip 4P is lifted, and the distance between the bottom surface 4T of the first guide portion 4B and the surface to be cleaned F increases, allowing the step F2 to be overcome. After the first guide tip 4P overcomes the step F2 and there is no longer anything hitting the first guide tip 4P, the first guide portion 4B returns to its original position again due to the restoring force of the spring 4K. In this way, when the first guide portion 4B abuts against the step F2 that exists in the traveling direction, the first guide portion 4B can move in a direction to escape the step F2 due to the expansion and contraction of the spring 4K. This improves the climbing performance.

[0078] In addition, the characteristics of the spring 4K and the mass, shape, etc. of the first guide part 4B are set so that the distance d1 between the bottom surface 4T of the first guide part 4B and the surface to be cleaned F is 0 mm as in Example 2 (FIG. 9) when the first guide tip 4P does not contact the step F2. That is, when there is no object that hits the first guide tip 4P and the first guide part 4B returns to its original position by the restoring force of the spring 4K, the first guide tip 4P is in contact with the surface to be cleaned F. In addition, as in Example 1, the distance d1 between the bottom surface 4T of the first guide part 4B and the surface to be cleaned F may be set to be greater than 0 when the first guide tip 4P does not contact the step F2. The radius of curvature R of the first guide tip 4P is set to 0.6 mm. As in Example 2, it is preferable to select a material for the first guide part 4B that has a small friction coefficient and excellent sliding properties on the lower surface that contacts the floor, such as polyacetal (POM).

[0079] The distance d1 between the bottom surface 4T of the first guide portion 4B and the surface to be cleaned F may be greater than 0. In that case, the first guide portion 4B may be made of an elastic body.

[0080] (Positional relationship between the first guide and the first rotating brush) The positional relationship between the first guide part 4B and the first rotating brush 3 is the same as in Example 2. That is, the first guide tip 4P, which is the tip of the first opening side (first opening 2 side) of the first guide part 4B, is located between the first position (slip start point A) and the second position (deceleration point B).

[0081] (Configuration of the first rotating brush) The configuration of the first rotating brush 3 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0082] (Structure of the second guide and positional relationship of the second rotating brush) 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the second guide portion 14B of Example 4. A second inclined surface 14S that slopes downward in the -D direction along the circumferential surface of the second rotating brush 13 is formed at the bottom of the second opening 14A of the storage portion 4, and the distance d2 between the second guide tip 14P and the surface to be cleaned F is 1.0 mm. In other words, the distance d1 (0 mm) between the bottom surface 4T of the first guide portion 4B and the surface to be cleaned F is smaller than the distance d2 (1.0 mm) between the bottom surface 14T of the second guide portion 14B and the surface to be cleaned F.

[0083] The second rotating brush 13 shown in FIG. 13 rotates in the direction of the arrow R2 (clockwise in a cross section where the direction D is to the right) with the rotation of the rotating shaft 13B, and the tip of the second brush part 13A abuts against the surface to be cleaned F. As described in the first embodiment, the moving speed of the tip of the second brush part 13A changes depending on the region V1, region V2, region V3, and region V4 in which the position of the tip of the second brush part 13A exists. The slip start point A and the deceleration point B in FIG. 13 are also similar to those described in the first embodiment. That is, the position (third position) where the tip of the bent second brush part 13A starts to slip on the surface to be cleaned F on the surface to be cleaned F is defined as the slip start point A. In addition, the position (fourth position) where the tip of the second brush part 13A that started to slip at the third position is decelerated downstream of the third position in the rotation direction R2 of the second rotating brush 13 is defined as the deceleration point B.

[0084] When the second brush portion 13A is in the vicinity of the surface to be cleaned F, the relative movement direction of the bristles of the second brush portion 13A with respect to the cleaning device 100 is the direction D, and the movement direction of the dust G with respect to the cleaning device 100 is the direction D. The moving direction is the -D direction. Therefore, the dust G moves relatively toward the second brush part 13A, and the second brush part 13A repels the dust G in the opposite direction to the coming direction. At the deceleration point B, the second brush part 13A is more likely to bounce the dust G upward as shown by the arrow G1. In the regions V2 and V3 upstream of the deceleration point B in the rotation direction R2 of the second rotating brush 13, the direction in which the second brush part 13A repels the oncoming dust G tends to have a large horizontal component as shown by the arrow G2.

[0085] Considering the above, it is preferable to dispose the position of the second guide tip 14P (tip on the second opening side (second opening 12 side)) downstream (region V4) in the rotation direction R2 of the second rotating brush 13 from the deceleration point B (fourth position). As shown by the arrow G1, the dust G that has climbed over the second guide tip 14P is transported upward on the second inclined surface 14S with the movement of the second brush part 13A and is guided to the storage part 4 through the second opening 14A. In this recovery mechanism, unlike the first guide tip 4P, there is little need to design the second guide tip 14P to be sharp in order to improve the recovery rate. It is preferable that the distance d2 between the bottom surface 14T of the second guide part 14B and the surface to be cleaned F is greater than 0 in order to allow the dust G approaching from the front to pass through. In other words, the second guide tip 14P does not abut against the surface to be cleaned F. On the other hand, the smaller the distance d2, the easier it is for the dust G to climb over the tip of the second guide part 14B. In consideration of these points, in the fourth embodiment, d2 was set to 1.0 mm.

[0086] (Configuration of the second rotating brush) The second rotating brush 13 is desirably designed so that dust G, which has been flicked off in the direction of arrow G1 by certain bristles of the second brush portion 13A, is unlikely to come into contact with other bristles of the second brush portion 13A in front of the bristles (downstream in the rotation direction R2) before reaching the second inclined surface 14S. If the flicked off dust G comes into contact with other bristles in front, the dust G will fall onto the surface to be cleaned F, making it difficult for the dust G to reach the second inclined surface 14S. For this reason, the density of the second brush portion 13A is set to 15 KF / inch 2 It is desirable to set it low, such as below.

[0087] Also, as shown in FIG. 14, the distance between the second inclined surface 14S and the peripheral surface of the second brush part 13A (the path drawn by the tips of the bristles) may be wider at the second guide tip 14P. For example, the distance between the second inclined surface 14S and the peripheral surface of the second brush part 13A is set to a distance such that the tips of the bristles of the second brush part 13A come into contact with the second inclined surface 14S at a location other than the second guide tip 14P, causing the bristles to bend slightly. In the vicinity of the second guide tip 14P, the distance between the second inclined surface 14S and the tips of the bristles of the second brush part 13A increases as the distance approaches the second guide tip 14P. This makes it possible to widen the entrance for the dust G to jump into and ride up the second inclined surface 14S, and the dust G that is blown off in the direction of the arrow G1 flies below the tips of the bristles of the second brush part 13A and easily reaches the second inclined surface 14S. In this case, the density of the second brush portion 13A is set to 20 KF / inch 2 It is also possible to set it higher as above.

[0088] (Verification of effectiveness) For Example 4, the dust collection rate and the climbing performance were evaluated in the same manner as in Example 3. In order to clarify the effect of the retraction mechanism (spring 4K) of the first guide portion 4B, two configurations were evaluated: one in which the retraction mechanism was fixed (disabled), and the other in which the retraction mechanism was movable (enabled).

[0089] (result) The results are shown in Table 4. [Table 4]

[0090] "Example 4 (fixed)" shows the result of a configuration in which the retraction mechanism is fixed (disabled). "Example 4 (movable)" shows the result of a configuration in which the retraction mechanism is movable (enabled). In "Example 4 (fixed)", the collection performance is further improved from Example 3, but the climbing performance is equivalent to Example 1. In "Example 4 (movable)", a high collection rate is achieved as in "Example 4 (fixed)", and the climbing performance is greatly improved. In general, when the climbing performance is 5.0 mm or more, even large unevenness such as braille blocks can be climbed. Note that the cleaning device 100 of Example 4 can achieve a high collection rate not only when the cleaning device 100 moves in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 10, but also when it moves in the opposite direction (-D direction) of the arrow D. If the second guide portion 14B is formed of a deformable elastic material such as rubber, the climbing performance can be further improved. The configuration of Example 4 can be applied not only to the self-propelled cleaning device, but also to the manual cleaning devices of Examples 1 and 2.

[0091] Example 4 can achieve high jumping performance while improving the recovery rate through the synergistic effect described below.

[0092] (Synergy Effect 1) For the same reason as in the third embodiment, the first guide portion 4B does not need to strongly abut against the surface to be cleaned F, and there is no need to select a material for the first guide portion 4B taking into consideration the sliding resistance with the surface to be cleaned F, so the material options are expanded. For example, the first guide portion 4B can be made of a deformable elastic material. Also, the first guide portion 4B may be configured to abut against the surface to be cleaned F by the elastic force of the spring 4K (d1=0 mm). In this case, too, when the first guide tip 4P hits the step F2, the spring 4K contracts and the first guide portion 4B can easily overcome the step F2. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both a high collection rate by contacting the bottom surface 4T of the first guide portion 4B with the surface to be cleaned F and high climbing performance.

[0093] (Synergy Effect 2) Since the first rotating brush 3 collects large dust particles, the dust particles G moving toward the second guide portion 14B are mainly small in particle size. Therefore, the distance d2 between the bottom surface 14T of the second guide portion 14B and the surface to be cleaned F can be reduced. By reducing the distance d2, the dust particles G easily climb over the second guide tip 14P and onto the second inclined surface 14S, so that the probability of the dust particles G being collected by the second rotating brush 13 increases. As a result, the collection rate of the cleaning device 100 as a whole can be increased. In order for the dust particles G that have slipped through the first guide portion 4B to pass under the second guide portion 14B and be collected by the second rotating brush 13, it is preferable that the distance d2 between the bottom surface 14T of the second guide portion 14B and the surface to be cleaned F is greater than the distance d1 between the bottom surface 4T of the first guide portion 4B and the surface to be cleaned F. More preferably, the distance d2 is greater than the distance d1 and the distance d2 between the first guide portion 4B and the surface to be cleaned. It is preferable that the radius of curvature R of the tip 4P of the nozzle be larger than the sum of the radius of curvature R of the tip 4P of the nozzle.

[0094] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A cleaning device for collecting dust on a surface to be cleaned, comprising: A frame body, A rotating brush rotatably supported by the frame and provided with a brush portion; A driving means for rotating the rotary brush; an opening for exposing a portion of the brush unit to the outside of the frame; A storage unit for storing dust; a guide portion extending from the opening toward the storage portion along an area through which the brush portion passes and guiding the transportation of the dust by the brush portion; having At least a part of the brush portion exposed through the opening is configured to bend upon contact with the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning device moves over the surface to be cleaned, The storage portion is provided downstream of the opening in a rotation direction of the rotary brush, When a position where the tip of the bent brush part starts to slide on the surface to be cleaned is defined as a first position, and a position where the tip of the brush part that has started to slide decelerates downstream of the first position in the rotation direction of the rotating brush is defined as a second position, A cleaning device, characterized in that a tip end of the guide portion on the opening side is located between the first position and the second position. (Configuration 2) 2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion is made of an elastic material. (Configuration 3) The guide portion has an inclined surface extending from a tip end of the opening side to the storage portion, The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tip of the brush portion and the inclined surface are in contact with each other. (Configuration 4) The cleaning device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the guide portion is connected to the frame body via an elastic body, and when a tip of the guide portion abuts against an object present in the traveling direction of the cleaning device, the guide portion is movable in a direction away from the object by the expansion and contraction of the elastic body. (Configuration 5) The cleaning device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the distance between the bottom surface of the guide portion and the surface to be cleaned is greater than zero. (Configuration 6) The cleaning device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the distance between the bottom surface of the guide portion and the surface to be cleaned is zero. (Configuration 7) A cleaning device that collects dust while moving over a surface to be cleaned, A frame body, a first rotating brush rotatably supported on one side of the frame in the moving direction of the cleaning device and provided with a first brush portion; a second rotating brush rotatably supported on the other side of the frame in the moving direction of the cleaning device and provided with a second brush portion; A driving means for rotating the first rotating brush and the second rotating brush; a first opening for exposing a portion of the first rotating brush to an outside of the frame; a second opening for exposing a portion of the second rotating brush to the outside of the frame; a storage section that is provided between the first opening and the second opening in a moving direction of the cleaning device and that stores dust; a first guide portion that extends from the first opening toward the storage portion along an area through which the first brush portion passes and guides the transport of the dust by the first brush portion; a second guide portion extending from the second opening toward the storage portion along an area through which the second brush portion passes and guiding the transport of the dust by the second brush portion; having At least a part of the first brush part exposed through the first opening and at least a part of the second brush part exposed through the second opening are configured to bend in contact with the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning device moves over the surface to be cleaned, A cleaning device characterized in that the storage portion is provided downstream of the first opening in a rotation direction of the first rotating brush and downstream of the second opening in a rotation direction of the second rotating brush. (Configuration 8) 8. The cleaning device according to configuration 7, wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the first guide portion and the surface to be cleaned is smaller than a distance between a bottom surface of the second guide portion and the surface to be cleaned. (Configuration 9) When a position where the tip of the bent first brush part starts to slide on the surface to be cleaned is defined as a first position, and a position where the tip of the first brush part that has started to slide decelerates downstream of the first position in the rotation direction of the first rotating brush is defined as a second position, 9. The cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein a tip end of the first guide portion on the side of the first opening is located between the first position and the second position. (Configuration 10) When the position where the tip of the bent second brush part starts to slide on the surface to be cleaned is defined as a third position, and the position where the tip of the second brush part that has started to slide decelerates downstream of the third position in the rotation direction of the second rotating brush is defined as a fourth position, The cleaning device according to configuration 8 or 9, wherein a tip end of the second guide portion on the second opening side is located downstream of the fourth position in a rotation direction of the second rotating brush. (Configuration 11) The cleaning device according to any one of configurations 8 to 10, wherein the first guide portion is made of an elastic body. (Configuration 12) The cleaning device according to any one of configurations 8 to 11, wherein the first guide portion is connected to the frame body via an elastic body, and when a tip end of the first guide portion abuts against an object present in a moving direction of the cleaning device, the first guide portion is movable in a direction away from the object by expansion and contraction of the elastic body. (Configuration 13) The cleaning device is a self-propelled cleaning device, 13. The cleaning device according to any one of configurations 8 to 12, wherein the moving direction of the cleaning device is a direction from the other side to the one side of the frame. (Configuration 14) A cleaning device for collecting dust on a surface to be cleaned, comprising: A frame body, A rotating brush having a rotating shaft rotatably supported by the frame and a brush portion fixed to the rotating shaft; A driving means for rotating the rotary brush; an opening for exposing a portion of the brush unit to the outside of the frame; A storage unit for storing dust; a guide portion provided from the opening to the storage portion along an area through which the brush portion passes, the guide portion guiding the transportation of the dust by the brush portion; a plurality of support means for supporting the cleaning device relative to the surface to be cleaned; having a virtual surface is a virtual surface that is in contact with the plurality of support means when the plurality of support means support the cleaning device; When there is no surface to be cleaned, the tips of the bristles of the brush part are moved with the rotation of the rotating brush. The trajectory of the edge is assumed to be a virtual circle. a first position is a position on the virtual plane where the distance between the virtual plane and the outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft is smallest, When a position where the virtual surface and the virtual circle intersect downstream of the first position in the rotation direction of the rotating brush is defined as a second position, a distance between an outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft and the imaginary surface at the first position is shorter than a length of bristles of the brush portion; A cleaning device, characterized in that a tip end of the guide portion on the opening side is located between the first position and the second position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1: cleaning device, 2: opening, 3: rotating brush, 3A: brush part, 3M: motor, 4: storage part, 4B: guide part, 4P: guide tip, 8: frame, A: first position, B: second position, F: surface to be cleaned, G: dust

Claims

1. A cleaning device that collects dust on a surface to be cleaned, A frame body, a rotating brush rotatably supported by the frame and provided with a brush portion; a driving means for rotating the rotary brush; a storage section that stores the dust; a guide portion that guides the dust transported by the brush portion; and a part of the brush section is exposed to the outside of the frame through an opening provided in the frame, and at least a part of the part of the brush section exposed through the opening is configured to come into contact with the surface to be cleaned and bend when the cleaning device moves over the surface to be cleaned; the guide portion extends from the opening toward the storage portion along a region through which the brush portion passes; the storage portion is provided downstream of the opening in the rotation direction of the rotary brush, When the position where the tip of the bent brush part starts to slide on the surface to be cleaned is defined as a first position, and the position where the tip of the brush part that has started to slide, downstream of the first position in the rotation direction of the rotating brush, decelerates, The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the opening-side tip of the guide portion is located between the first position and the second position.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is made of an elastic material.

3. the guide portion has an inclined surface extending from a tip end on the opening side to the storage portion, The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the tip of the brush portion and the inclined surface are in contact with each other.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide portion is connected to the frame body via an elastic member, and when the tip of the guide portion abuts against an object present in the direction of travel of the cleaning device, the guide portion can move in a direction away from the object by expanding and contracting the elastic member.

5. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the bottom surface of the guide portion and the surface to be cleaned is greater than 0. Cleaning equipment.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the bottom surface of the guide portion and the surface to be cleaned is zero.

7. A cleaning device that collects dust while moving over a surface to be cleaned, A frame body, a first rotating brush rotatably supported on one side of the frame in the direction of movement of the cleaning device and provided with a first brush portion; a second rotating brush rotatably supported on the other side of the frame in the direction of movement of the cleaning device and provided with a second brush portion; a driving means for rotating the first rotary brush and the second rotary brush; a storage section that stores the dust; a first guide portion that guides the transport of the dust by the first brush portion; a second guide portion that guides the transport of the dust by the second brush portion; and a first opening provided in the frame, a portion of the first rotary brush exposed to the outside of the frame, and a second opening provided in the frame, the second rotary brush exposed to the outside of the frame; At least a portion of the first brush part exposed through the first opening and at least a portion of the second brush part exposed through the second opening are configured to bend upon contact with the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning device moves over the surface to be cleaned, the storage portion is provided between the first opening and the second opening in the movement direction of the cleaning device, and is provided downstream of the first opening in the rotation direction of the first rotating brush and downstream of the second opening in the rotation direction of the second rotating brush, A cleaning device characterized in that the first guide portion extends from the first opening toward the storage portion along the area through which the first brush portion passes, and the second guide portion extends from the second opening toward the storage portion along the area through which the second brush portion passes.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 7 , wherein a distance between a bottom surface of the first guide portion and the surface to be cleaned is smaller than a distance between a bottom surface of the second guide portion and the surface to be cleaned.

9. When the position where the tip of the bent first brush part starts to slide on the surface to be cleaned is defined as a first position, and the position where the tip of the first brush part that has started to slide, downstream of the first position in the rotation direction of the first rotating brush, decelerates, The cleaning device according to claim 8 , wherein a tip end of the first guide portion on the first opening side is located between the first position and the second position.

10. When the position where the tip of the bent second brush part starts to slide on the surface to be cleaned is defined as a third position, and the position where the tip of the second brush part that has started to slide decelerates downstream of the third position in the rotation direction of the second rotating brush is defined as a fourth position, The cleaning device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a tip end of the second guide portion on the second opening side is located downstream of the fourth position in the rotation direction of the second rotating brush.

11. The cleaning device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first guide portion is made of an elastic material.

12. The cleaning device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the first guide portion is connected to the frame body via an elastic body, and when the tip of the first guide portion abuts against an object present in the direction of travel of the cleaning device, the first guide portion can move in a direction away from the object by expanding and contracting the elastic body.

13. the cleaning device is a self-propelled cleaning device, 10. The cleaning device according to claim 8, wherein the cleaning device moves in a direction from the other side to the one side of the frame.

14. A cleaning device that collects dust on a surface to be cleaned, A frame body, a rotary brush having a rotary shaft rotatably supported by the frame and a brush portion fixed to the rotary shaft; a driving means for rotating the rotary brush; a storage section that stores the dust; a guide portion that guides the dust transported by the brush portion; a plurality of support means for supporting the cleaning device relative to the surface to be cleaned; and A part of the brush part is exposed to the outside of the frame body through an opening provided in the frame body, The guide portion is provided from the opening to the storage portion along a region through which the brush portion passes, a virtual surface that contacts the plurality of support means when the plurality of support means support the cleaning device; When there is no cleaning target surface, a path drawn by the tips of the bristles of the brush part as the rotary brush rotates is defined as a virtual circle; a first position is a position on the virtual plane where the distance between the virtual plane and the outer circumferential surface of the rotation shaft is smallest; When a position where the imaginary plane and the imaginary circle intersect downstream of the first position in the rotation direction of the rotary brush is defined as a second position, a distance between the outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft and the virtual plane at the first position is shorter than a length of bristles of the brush part; The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the opening-side tip of the guide portion is located between the first position and the second position.

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