Self-propelled cleaning device

Abstract

To reduce abrasion of wheels in a self-propelled cleaning device which can be transported by a user.SOLUTION: A self-propelled cleaning device (1) includes: first wheels (2) to be used for autonomous traveling; and second wheels (3) to be used for transportation. The second wheels are positioned to be higher than the first wheels so as not to have contact with the ground in an autonomous traveling state and also arranged at edges of a bottom surface of the self-propelled cleaning device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a self-propelled cleaning device that is transportable by a user. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques relating to vacuum cleaners that are designed to be movable using wheels for movement, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner that aims to prevent the vacuum cleaner from being damaged by steps when moving. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-236599 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-described conventional techniques do not take into consideration wear on the wheels of the vacuum cleaner. An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to realize a self-propelled cleaning device that can be carried by a user and that reduces wear on the wheels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a self-propelled cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with a first wheel used for autonomous driving and a second wheel used for transportation, and the second wheel is positioned higher than the first wheel so that the second wheel does not come into contact with the ground when the device is autonomously driving, and the second wheel is positioned on the edge of the bottom surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, wear on the second wheel due to autonomous driving can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a self-propelled cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure during autonomous traveling. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a bottom view of an example of a self-propelled cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a self-propelled cleaning device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure in a state during transportation. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the back surface of the example self-propelled cleaning device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is maintained facing the contact surface of the self-propelled cleaning device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a self-propelled cleaning device showing an example of a handle brake according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a self-propelled cleaning device showing an example of a pedal brake according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the self-propelled cleaning device when the pedal brake suppresses the rotation of the second wheel according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a self-propelled cleaning device equipped with a pedal brake according to a reference example. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the self-propelled cleaning device according to the reference example when the pedal brake suppresses the rotation of the second wheel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Embodiment 1] The self-propelled cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0009] (Outline of the self-propelled cleaning device 1) First, an overview of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The self-propelled cleaning device 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to reduce wear on the wheels of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 during autonomous driving. The upper diagram in FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 during autonomous driving. The lower diagram in FIG. 1 is a rear view showing an example of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 during autonomous driving. L1 in FIG. 1 indicates the contact surface with the self-propelled cleaning device 1 when the self-propelled cleaning device 1 is autonomously driving. Also, FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing an example of the self-propelled cleaning device 1.

[0010] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the self-propelled cleaning device 1 has a first wheel 2 used for autonomous driving and a second wheel 3 used for transportation. When the self-propelled cleaning device 1 is autonomously driving, the second wheel 3 is positioned higher than the first wheel 2 so that the second wheel 3 does not come into contact with the ground surface L1. With the above configuration, the self-propelled cleaning device 1 can drive autonomously without the second wheel used for transportation coming into contact with the ground. This reduces wear on the second wheel 3 due to autonomous driving.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of a self-propelled cleaning device 1 during transportation. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in this example, the second wheels 3 are arranged on the bottom surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 closer to the rear of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 than the first wheels 2. Specifically, the second wheels 3 are arranged on the edge of the bottom surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. The edge of the bottom surface is the edge on the rear side of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. As shown in FIG. 3, a user tilts the self-propelled cleaning device 1 and transports the self-propelled cleaning device 1 with the second wheels 3 for transportation on the ground. When the self-propelled cleaning device 1 is being transported, the first wheels 2 for autonomous traveling do not contact the ground surface L1. With the above configuration, wear on the first wheels 2 for autonomous traveling due to transportation of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 can be reduced.

[0012] (Configuration of self-propelled cleaning device 1) Next, the configuration of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. The self-propelled cleaning device 1 cleans the surface it comes into contact with while autonomously traveling. Direction D1 shown in Fig. 1 indicates the traveling direction of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the self-propelled cleaning device 1 is equipped with a first wheel 2, a second wheel 3, rubber legs 4, a handle 5, and a cleaning mechanism 6.

[0013] ≪1st wheel 2≫ The first wheel 2 is a wheel used for the autonomous travel of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. When the self-propelled cleaning device 1 is traveling autonomously, the first wheel 2 comes into contact with the ground surface L1.

[0014] 1 and 2, the first wheel 2 may be provided along the edge of the bottom surface of the side surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. In this example, one first wheel 2 is provided along the edge of the bottom surface of each side surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1.

[0015] 2, the self-propelled cleaning device 1 may have first wheels 2 on the bottom surface in addition to the first wheels 2 provided along the edges of the bottom surface of each side surface. In this example, one first wheel 2 is provided on the bottom surface of the front side of the self-propelled cleaning device 1, and two first wheels 2 are provided on the bottom surface of the rear side. These first wheels 2 come into contact with the ground surface L1 when the self-propelled cleaning device 1 is autonomously traveling. The number of first wheels 2 is not particularly limited.

[0016] ≪Second wheel 3≫ The second wheels 3 are wheels used for transporting the self-propelled cleaning device 1. The second wheels 3 are arranged on the edge of the bottom surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the edge of the bottom surface may be the edge on the rear side of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. Alternatively, the second wheels 3 may be on the edge of the bottom surface on which the second wheels 3 are arranged, on the edge on the front side of the self-propelled cleaning device 1, or on both the edge on the rear side and the edge on the front side. In this example, two second wheels 3 are provided on the edge of the bottom surface on the rear side, but the number of second wheels 3 is not particularly limited.

[0017] <Rubber feet 4> The rubber feet 4 are used to maintain the position of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 so that the back surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 faces the contact surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the second wheels 3 and the rubber feet 4 are arranged on the back surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. The second wheels 3 and the rubber feet 4 may also be arranged on the front surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1, as long as they are arranged on the same surface, either the back surface or the front surface. FIG. 4 is a side view of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 in a state in which the back surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 faces the contact surface L1 of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the second wheels 3 and the rubber feet 4 protrude from the back surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. The second wheels 3 and the rubber feet 4 come into contact with the contact surface L1, thereby maintaining the position of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 so that the back surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 faces the contact surface L1. According to the above configuration, it is possible to assist the user in performing maintenance work on the mechanism provided on the bottom surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1.

[0018] <Handle 5> The handle 5 is used by the user to carry the self-propelled cleaning device 1. The user carries the self-propelled cleaning device 1 by grasping the handle 5 of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 and pulling it.

[0019] ≪Cleaning mechanism 6≫ The cleaning mechanism 6 cleans the contact surface L1 with the self-propelled cleaning device 1. The cleaning mechanism 6 may include, for example, a brush, a blade, or the like used for cleaning. As shown in FIG. 2, in this example, the cleaning mechanism 6 is disposed on the bottom surface of the self-propelled cleaning device 1. The cleaning mechanism 6 comes into contact with the contact surface L1 when the self-propelled cleaning device 1 is traveling autonomously. Furthermore, the cleaning mechanism 6 does not come into contact with the contact surface L1 when the self-propelled cleaning device 1 is being transported.

[0020] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0021] The self-propelled cleaning device 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a brake device (handle brake 7, pedal brake 8) that controls the second wheels 3 used for transportation. The above configuration reduces the possibility of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 tipping over due to the rotation of the second wheels 3. The self-propelled cleaning device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0022] (Brake device example 1: Handle brake 7) The brake device provided in the self-propelled cleaning device 1 according to this example is a handle brake 7 that is manually operated by a user. According to the above configuration, the user can manually operate the handle brake 7 that controls the second wheel 3.

[0023] (Handle Brake 7 Configuration) The configuration of the handle brake 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a self-propelled cleaning device 1 equipped with a handle brake 7. The left diagram in Fig. 5 shows the self-propelled cleaning device 1 in a state where the handle brake 7 is not operated by a user. The right diagram in Fig. 5 shows the self-propelled cleaning device 1 in a state where the handle brake 7 is operated by a user. As shown in Fig. 5, the handle brake 7 includes a grip 71, a wire 72, a pull-up portion 73, and a brake portion 74.

[0024] <Grip 71 and Wire 72> Grip 71 and pull-up portion 73 are connected via wire 72. When a user grips grip 71, pull-up portion 73 is pulled up by wire 72. Grip 71 may be provided on handle 5, and a portion of wire 72 may be disposed inside handle 5.

[0025] <Pulling section 73> The pull-up portion 73 is arranged so that it can be inserted between the two brake portions 74. A force is applied to the two brake portions 74 so that they move closer to each other. The pull-up portion 73 adjusts the distance from one end to the other of the two brake portions 74 by being inserted between the two brake portions 74.

[0026] <Brake section 74> A braking portion 75 is provided at the end of the brake portion 74. The braking portion 75 comes into contact with the second wheel 3 to suppress the rotation of the second wheel 3. For example, the braking portion 75 can be made of rubber.

[0027] 5, when the grip 71 is not gripped by the user, the pull-up portion 73 is inserted between the two brake portions 74, and the brake portion 75 is in contact with the second wheel 3. In other words, when the grip 71 is not gripped, the rotation of the second wheel 3 is suppressed.

[0028] 5, when the user grips the grip 71, the pull-up portion 73 is pulled up. When the pull-up portion 73 is pulled up, the two brake portions 74 move closer to each other. As a result, the braking part 75 and the second wheel 3 transition from a contact state to a non-contact state. That is, the inhibition of rotation of the second wheel 3 is released. When transporting the self-propelled cleaning device 1 according to this example by the second wheel 3, the user needs to hold the grip 71 at all times during transport.

[0029] (Brake example 2: Pedal brake 8) The brake device provided in the self-propelled cleaning device 1 according to this example is a pedal brake 8 that is operated by a user stepping on it with their foot. According to the above configuration, the user can operate the pedal brake 8 that controls the second wheel 3 by stepping on it with their foot.

[0030] (Configuration of self-propelled cleaning device 1) The configuration of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 according to this example will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view of an example of a self-propelled cleaning device 1 equipped with a pedal brake 8. As shown in Fig. 6, the self-propelled cleaning device 1 is equipped with a second wheel 3, a pedal brake 8, a fork 9, and an axle 30. For ease of explanation, in this example, the configuration of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 other than the second wheel 3, the pedal brake 8, and the axle 30 will be referred to as a main body 10. A recess 11 is formed in the main body 10 in an area adjacent to the pedal brake 8.

[0031] <Axle 30> The axle 30 is the axis of rotation of the two second wheels 3, and the second wheels 3 rotate around the axle 30 with the axle 30 as the center.

[0032] <Fork 9> The fork 9 connects the body 10 to the axle 30 .

[0033] <<Pedal Brake 8 Configuration>> The pedal brake 8 includes a pedal 81, a support 82, an axle 83, and a brake unit 84. A braking unit 85 is provided at the end of the brake unit 84. The braking unit 85 comes into contact with the second wheel 3 to suppress rotation of the second wheel 3. For example, the braking unit 85 can be made of rubber.

[0034] The shaft 83 is connected to the axle 30 via a support 82. The shaft 83 is disposed above the axle 30 in the vertical direction.

[0035] The brake unit 84 is fixed to the shaft 83 at one end different from the end where the braking unit 85 is provided. The pedal 81 also has one end fixed to the shaft 83. By stepping on the pedal 81, the user can rotate the shaft 83 around its own central axis and move the brake unit 84 fixed to the shaft 83 so that the braking unit 85 comes into contact with the second wheel 3. The contact of the braking unit 85 with the second wheel 3 suppresses the rotation of the second wheel 3.

[0036] In the above configuration, the pedal brake 8 can also be described as being disposed on the axle 30. The fork 9 and the axle 30 are rotatably connected to each other. Therefore, if the main body 10 changes in inclination with the axle 30 as the fulcrum while the rotation of the second wheel 3 is restricted, the change does not affect the positional relationship between the pedal brake 8 disposed on the axle 30 and the second wheel 3. In other words, no deviation occurs in the contact position between the second wheel 3 and the braking unit 85. The positional relationship between the pedal brake 8 and the second wheel 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 9. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 when the pedal brake 8 restricts the rotation of the second wheel 3.

[0037] The upper and middle views of Fig. 7 show the state of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 when a change in inclination occurs in the main body 10 with the axle 30 as the fulcrum while the pedal brake 8 is suppressing the rotation of the second wheel 3. The upper view of Fig. 7 is a partial side view showing the state of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 before a change in inclination occurs in the main body 10. The middle view of Fig. 7 is a partial side view showing the state of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 after a change in inclination occurs in the main body 10. The lower view of Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 shown in the middle view of Fig. 7.

[0038] The upper diagram in Fig. 7 shows contact position T1 between the second wheel 3 and the braking unit 85 before a change in the tilt of the main body 10 occurs. The middle diagram in Fig. 7 shows contact position T2 between the second wheel 3 and the braking unit 85 after a change in the tilt of the main body 10 occurs. As shown in the upper and middle diagrams in Fig. 7, even if a change in the tilt of the main body 10 occurs, contact position T1 and contact position T2 are in the same position. In other words, no change occurs in the contact position between the second wheel 3 and the braking unit 85.

[0039] As shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 7 , in order to avoid contact between the main body 10 and the pedal brake 8 when the tilt of the main body 10 changes, a recess 11 is formed in the main body 10 so that the pedal brake 8 can fit into the recess 11. To prevent the pedal brake 8 from tipping over, the pedal brake 8 and the main body 10 may be connected by a wire or the like. For example, one end of the wire may be connected to a reel so that it can be wound up by the reel. With the above configuration, the length of the wire can be varied. Therefore, even when the tilt of the main body 10 changes, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the pedal brake 8 is pulled by the wire, causing a shift in the contact position between the second wheel 3 and the braking unit 85.

[0040] (Reference example) As an example of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 equipped with the pedal brake 8, a self-propelled cleaning device 1a equipped with a pedal brake 8a according to a reference example will be described. FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the self-propelled cleaning device 1a equipped with the pedal brake 8a. As shown in FIG. 8, the self-propelled cleaning device 1a is equipped with a second wheel 3a, an axle 30a, and a pedal brake 8a. For ease of explanation, in this reference example as well, the components of the self-propelled cleaning device 1a other than the second wheel 3a, the pedal brake 8a, and the axle 30a will be referred to as a main body 10a.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the self-propelled cleaning device 1a when the pedal brake 8a restricts the rotation of the second wheel 3a.

[0042] The upper and lower figures in Fig. 9 show the state of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 when the body 10a changes its tilt with the axle 30a as the fulcrum while the pedal brake 8a is restricting the rotation of the second wheel 3a. The upper figure in Fig. 9 is a partial side view showing the state of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 before the body 10a changes its tilt. The lower figure in Fig. 9 is a partial side view showing the state of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 after the body 10a changes its tilt.

[0043] The upper diagram of FIG. 9 shows contact position T3 between the second wheel 3a and the braking unit 85a before a change in tilt occurs in the main body 10a. The lower diagram of FIG. 9 shows contact position T4 between the second wheel 3a and the braking unit 85a after a change in tilt occurs in the main body 10a. As shown in the upper and lower diagrams of FIG. 9, when a change in tilt occurs in the main body 10a, contact position T3 and contact position T4 become different positions. That is, a change in the contact position between the second wheel 3a and the braking unit 85a occurs, for example, a shift in the contact position occurs.

[0044] Such a deviation in the contact position may interfere with the intended operation of the user during transportation, and may also cause the pedal brake 8a to release the restriction on the rotation of the second wheel 3a.

[0045] That is, the configuration of the self-propelled cleaning device 1 including the pedal brake 8 can reduce the deviation in the contact position between the second wheel 3 and the braking part 85. Also, it can reduce the interference with the intended operation of the user during transportation caused by the deviation. Also, it can reduce the possibility that the pedal brake 8 will release the restriction on the rotation of the second wheel 3 caused by the deviation.

[0046] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] (summary) The self-propelled cleaning device according to aspect 1 of the present disclosure comprises a first wheel used for autonomous driving and a second wheel used for transportation, and when autonomously driving, the second wheel is positioned higher than the first wheel so that the second wheel does not touch the ground, and the second wheel is positioned on the edge of the bottom surface.

[0048] A self-propelled cleaning device according to aspect 2 of the present disclosure is similar to aspect 1 in that it is provided with rubber feet, and the second wheel and the rubber feet may be arranged on the same plane on either the back or front of the self-propelled cleaning device.

[0049] A self-propelled cleaning device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the self-propelled cleaning device of the first or second aspect, which may further include a brake device that controls the second wheel.

[0050] A self-propelled cleaning device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure may be the self-propelled cleaning device of the third aspect, wherein the brake device is a handle brake that is manually operated by a user.

[0051] A self-propelled cleaning device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure may be the self-propelled cleaning device of the third aspect, wherein the brake device is a pedal brake that is operated by a user stepping on it with their foot. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Self-propelled cleaning device 2 1st wheel 3 2nd wheel 4 rubber feet 7 Handle brake (brake device) 8 Pedal brake (brake device)

Claims

1. a first wheel used for autonomous driving; and a second wheel used for transportation, the second wheel is disposed at a higher position than the first wheel so that the second wheel does not come into contact with the ground during autonomous traveling; The second wheel is disposed on the edge of the bottom surface. A self-propelled cleaning device characterized by:

2. The self-propelled cleaning device is provided with rubber feet, The second wheel and the rubber feet are disposed on the same plane on either the rear surface or the front surface of the self-propelled cleaning device. The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 1 .

3. The self-propelled cleaning device is provided with a brake device that controls the second wheel.

3. The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The brake device is a handle brake that is manually operated by a user.

4. The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 3.

5. The brake device is a pedal brake that is operated by the user's foot.

4. The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 3.

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