Autonomous cleaning robot equipped with waste deflector

Abstract

The autonomous cleaning robot comprises a suction chamber (6), a waste collection container, a connecting flow path (17) fluidly connecting the suction chamber (6) and the waste collection container, and a first deflection surface (25.1) and a second deflection surface (26.1) located on either side of the inlet opening of the connecting flow path (17), respectively, the first and second deflection surfaces (25.1, 26.1) being configured to be oriented toward the surface to be cleaned and extending transversely to the main displacement direction (D) of the autonomous cleaning robot (2), and each of the first and second deflection surfaces (25.1, 26.1) being inclined such that the distance between the surface to be cleaned and the deflection surface increases toward the inlet opening of the connecting flow path (17).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of robotic vacuum cleaners that are capable of autonomously displacing over a surface to be cleaned, sucking up dust and waste present on the surface to be cleaned (which may for example be a tile, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug) and, optionally, cleaning the surface to be cleaned simultaneously with the suction action. [Background technology]

[0002] Nowadays, autonomous cleaning robots have become commonplace and can clean the entire floor of a house without the user's assistance, as long as the floor is flat, i.e., at the same height, thereby saving the user a lot of time and allowing them to do other tasks.

[0003] Autonomous cleaning robots a main body including a lower surface configured to face a surface to be cleaned and a suction port opening into the lower surface of the main body, the main body defining a suction chamber in fluid communication with the suction port; two drive wheels configured to roll on the surface to be cleaned and rotatably mounted on the body about two substantially parallel rotation axes; a rotary cleaning brush housed in the suction chamber and rotatably attached around a brush rotation axis; a suction unit at least partially housed within the main body and configured to generate an airflow through a suction port; a waste collection device including a waste collection container arranged upstream of the suction unit and configured to be traversed by the airflow generated by the suction unit, the waste collection container holding waste to be transported by the airflow; and a connecting passageway providing fluid communication between the suction chamber and a waste collection container.

[0004] When certain types of waste, such as rice grains or lentils, are sucked into the suction chamber from the side edge of the suction port, they collide with the upper wall of the suction chamber configured to face the surface to be cleaned, and then are discharged from the suction chamber through the suction port by gravity. Therefore, they may not be sucked into the connecting channel or collected in the waste collection container. Therefore, such autonomous cleaning robots cannot efficiently collect large and medium-sized waste on the surface to be cleaned. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks.

[0006] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide an autonomous cleaning robot that is simple, economical, and compact in structure, yet exhibits high cleaning performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides a main body including a lower surface configured to face a surface to be cleaned and a suction port opening into the lower surface of the main body, the main body defining a suction chamber in fluid communication with the suction port; a rotary cleaning brush housed in the suction chamber and rotatably attached around a brush rotation axis; a suction unit at least partially housed within the body and configured to generate an airflow through a suction opening; a waste collection device including a waste collection container disposed upstream of the suction unit and configured to be traversed by the airflow generated by the suction unit and to hold waste to be transported by the airflow; a connecting flow path fluidly connecting the suction chamber and the waste collection container, the connecting flow path having an inlet opening that opens into the suction chamber.

[0008] The suction chamber includes a waste deflector having a first deflection portion and a second deflection portion arranged on either side of the inlet opening of the connecting flow path, the first and second deflection portions each configured to be oriented toward the surface to be cleaned and including a first deflection surface and a second deflection surface extending transversely, for example substantially perpendicularly, to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot, the first deflection surface being inclined so that the distance between the surface to be cleaned and the first deflection surface increases in the direction of the inlet opening of the connecting flow path, for example from the first end of the rotating cleaning brush toward the inlet opening of the connecting flow path, and the second deflection surface being inclined so that the distance between the surface to be cleaned and the second deflection surface increasing in the direction of the inlet opening of the connecting flow path, for example from the second end of the rotating cleaning brush toward the inlet opening of the connecting flow path.

[0009] This configuration of the waste deflector makes it possible, in particular, to efficiently guide waste entering the suction chamber from the side of the suction chamber toward the inlet opening of the connecting channel (especially via the continuous rebounding of the waste against the first and second deflection surfaces), where the waste is then sucked and guided toward the waste collection container. This configuration of the waste deflector ensures efficient collection of waste present on the surface to be cleaned, without requiring a high-powered suction unit and thus maintaining the autonomy of the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0010] The autonomous cleaning robot of the present invention, like many autonomous cleaning robots, is designed to effectively clean a floor surface when displaced in a predetermined displacement direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the autonomous cleaning robot. The displacement direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the autonomous cleaning robot and the predetermined displacement direction define a primary displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot of the present invention. Thus, the front or rear of the body of the autonomous cleaning robot is identified with respect to the primary displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0011] The autonomous cleaning robot may further have one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waste deflector is configured to prevent the waste from rotating within the suction chamber.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first deflection surface extends from a first side edge of the suction port to the inlet opening of the connecting flow path, and the second deflection surface extends from a second side edge of the suction port to the inlet opening of the connecting flow path.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second deflection surfaces is configured to tilt with respect to the horizontal at an angle of between 2° and 20°, advantageously between 2° and 10°, for example about 5°, when the autonomous cleaning robot is resting on a horizontal surface. Such tilting makes it possible to limit the height of the autonomous cleaning robot according to the invention.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface has a width measured parallel to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot, which width increases towards the inlet opening of the connecting flow path.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first deflection surface and the second deflection surface is substantially planar.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the autonomous cleaning robot further includes a lower deflector located rearward of the brush rotation axis and extending at least partially opposite the inlet opening of the connecting flow path, the lower deflector including a lower deflection surface that partially defines the suction chamber and configured to deflect waste thrown rearward by the rotating cleaning brush upward and toward the connecting flow path, above the lower deflection surface.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second deflection surfaces are each positioned opposite the lower deflector, e.g., the lower deflection surface. Therefore, waste entering the suction chamber from the side of the suction chamber is continuously bounced off the lower deflector and either the first or second deflection surface, gradually transported to the inlet opening of the connecting channel, where it is sucked up and guided toward the waste collection container. This configuration of the waste deflector further improves the cleaning performance of the autonomous cleaning robot according to the present invention.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower deflector is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the brush axis of rotation.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower deflector extends substantially the entire length of the rotating cleaning brush, such a configuration of the lower deflector limits the risk of large waste material being expelled from the suction chamber, thus facilitating suction of this waste material through the connecting channel.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower deflector forms the trailing edge of the suction port, which allows the depth of the autonomous cleaning robot according to the present invention to be limited while facilitating the guidance of the suctioned waste into the connecting channel.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower deflection surface is inclined backward and upward and configured to incline relative to the horizontal at an angle comprised between 20° and 55°, advantageously between 25° and 45°, for example about 37°, when the autonomous cleaning robot is resting on a horizontal surface. Such an inclination of the lower deflection surface further facilitates guiding the aspirated waste into the waste collection container while limiting the height and depth of the autonomous cleaning robot according to the present invention.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower deflection surface is planar.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the autonomous cleaning robot further includes an upper deflector extending at least partially opposite the outlet opening of the connecting flow path, the upper deflector having an upper deflection surface configured to deflect waste exiting upward from the connecting flow path backward toward the waste collection container.

[0025] This configuration of the lower deflector, upper deflector and connecting flow path makes it possible to effectively guide waste thrown by the rotating cleaning brush within the suction chamber towards the waste collection container, particularly through the continuous rebounding of the waste against the lower deflector, the inner walls of the connecting flow path and the upper deflector, thereby ensuring efficient collection of waste present on the surface to be cleaned, particularly large and medium-sized waste.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper deflection surface is configured to deflect waste exiting upward from the connecting channel backwards towards a lower portion of the waste collection container.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower deflector and the upper deflector are arranged at least partially opposite each other.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper deflection surface is curved and aerodynamically shaped, e.g., having a gently curving profile like an aircraft wing. This configuration of the upper deflection surface limits turbulence within the waste collection container and ensures optimal capture of waste within the waste collection container.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, the upper deflection surface is substantially planar and slopes upward and rearward. The upper deflection surface may, for example, have substantially the same slope as the lower deflection surface.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction chamber includes a rear deflector having a first rear deflection portion and a second rear deflection portion, each of which is located on either side of the inlet opening of the connecting flow channel and configured to extend substantially vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot is resting on a horizontal surface, the first rear deflection portion and the second rear deflection portion respectively including a first rear deflection surface and a second rear deflection surface facing the rotating cleaning brush, the first rear deflection surface being inclined such that the distance between the brush rotation axis and the first rear deflection surface increases towards the inlet opening of the connecting flow channel, for example from the first end of the rotating cleaning brush towards the inlet opening of the connecting flow channel, and the second rear deflection surface being inclined such that the distance between the brush rotation axis and the second rear deflection surface increases towards the inlet opening of the connecting flow channel, for example from the second end of the rotating cleaning brush towards the inlet opening of the connecting flow channel. Therefore, waste entering the suction chamber from the side of the suction chamber is continuously deflected by one of the first and second rear deflection surfaces and the rotating cleaning brush, and gradually transported to the inlet opening of the connecting channel, where it is sucked up and guided toward the waste collection container. Such a configuration of the waste deflector can further improve the cleaning performance of the autonomous cleaning robot according to the present invention.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction chamber is located opposite the rotating cleaning brush and includes a rear chamber wall extending substantially parallel to the brush rotation axis, the rear chamber wall being located at a distance from a vertical plane containing the brush rotation axis, and configured to extend substantially vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower deflector extends to the rear chamber wall, for example from the trailing edge of the suction port to the rear chamber wall.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second rear deflection surfaces extend on either side of the rear chamber wall. Advantageously, each of the first and second rear deflection surfaces extends to the rear chamber wall.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second rear deflection surfaces is substantially planar.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first rearward deflection surface extends from a first side edge of the suction port to the rear chamber wall, and the second rearward deflection surface extends from a second side edge of the suction port to the rear chamber wall.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second rearward deflection surfaces is inclined with respect to a vertical transverse plane perpendicular to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal central plane of the body) by an inclination angle comprised between 2° and 20°, advantageously between 2° and 10°, for example about 4°. Such an inclination makes it possible to limit the depth of the autonomous cleaning robot according to the invention.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting channel has a generally cylindrical shape and is configured to extend substantially vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot is resting on a horizontal surface. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting flow path is configured to extend vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot is resting on a horizontal surface, and is configured to be inclined at an angle of 10° or less, for example, 5° or less, relative to the vertical when the autonomous cleaning robot is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting channels have a circular or oval cross section.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waste guide channel is located behind the brush rotation axis.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting channel opens towards the rear of the suction chamber, which makes it easier to guide the aspirated waste towards the waste collection container.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting channel is located longitudinally between the suction chamber and the waste collection container.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the body has a longitudinal center plane that intersects the connecting channel.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting channel includes a front wall and a rear wall that are substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart by a spacing distance, so that waste material picked up by the connecting channel is continuously bounced off the front and rear walls of the connecting channel and effectively guided towards the waste collection container.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the spacing distance is comprised between 15 mm and 40 mm, advantageously between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example about 20 mm, which ensures increased suction and guidance of waste into the waste collection container while limiting the depth of the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of the largest dimension of the connecting channel, measured parallel to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot, to the smallest distance between the outer circumferential surface of the rotating cleaning brush and the rear chamber wall is comprised between 1 and 2.5, advantageously between 1.5 and 2, for example about 1.7. Such a ratio further limits the risk that certain waste materials are expelled from the suction chamber before being sucked into the connecting channel.

[0046] In other words, the ratio of the maximum dimension of the connecting flow path measured parallel to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot to the difference between the separation distance and the brush radius of the rotating cleaning brush is comprised between 1 and 2.5, advantageously between 1.5 and 2.5, for example about 1.7.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the largest dimension of the connecting channel measured parallel to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot corresponds to the spacing distance between the front and rear walls of the connecting channel.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the maximum dimension of the connecting channel corresponds to the inner diameter of the connecting channel when the connecting channel has a circular cross section.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting flow path has a first maximum dimension measured parallel to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot and a second maximum dimension measured perpendicular to the longitudinal central plane of the body, the first maximum dimension being smaller than the second maximum dimension.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating cleaning brush has a brush diameter comprised between 30 mm and 60 mm, advantageously between 35 mm and 45 mm, for example about 41 mm.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating cleaning brush comprises: a brush body having a central longitudinal axis and configured to be rotationally driven about a brush rotation axis in a predetermined rotational direction, the brush rotation axis being substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the brush body; At least one row of bristles is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the brush body and extends at least a portion of the length of the brush body.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer diameter of the brush body is between 20 mm and 40 mm, for example, about 33 mm. The difference between the outer diameter of the brush body and the brush diameter is equivalent to twice the free length of the bristles.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the free length of the bristles is between 3 mm and 8 mm, advantageously about 4 mm.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating cleaning brush has a rotational speed, in operation, comprised between about 1000 rpm and 5000 rpm.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an autonomous cleaning robot is configured to roll over a surface to be cleaned and includes two drive wheels rotatably mounted on a body about two substantially parallel axes of rotation, respectively.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the autonomous cleaning robot further includes a wet cleaning device including at least one mop support attached to the body and at least one mop removably attached to the at least one mop support and configured to contact the surface to be cleaned.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wet cleaning device is located at the rear of the main body.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the autonomous cleaning robot includes a cleaning liquid reservoir, and the wet cleaning device includes at least one liquid discharge orifice configured to be fluidly connected to the cleaning liquid reservoir and configured to supply cleaning liquid to at least one mop attached to the at least one mop support.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the autonomous cleaning robot includes a power battery configured to electrically power the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction unit includes a suction motor and a fan coupled to the suction motor and configured to generate an air flow through the suction port.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waste collection device is removably attached to the main body.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction port is located at the front of the main body.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the brush rotation axis extends transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction port has an elongated shape and extends in an extension direction that is transverse, for example perpendicular, to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the autonomous cleaning robot includes a partition wall configured to at least partially separate the connecting flow path and the waste collection container.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper deflection surface is spaced from the upper end of the partition wall and together with the partition wall defines a connecting passageway in fluid communication between the connecting flow channel and the waste collection container.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating cleaning brush is configured to discharge waste towards the rear of the suction chamber at a discharge angle comprised between 0° and 20°, for example measured in the longitudinal center plane of the body, such discharge angle being defined by the minimum discharge trajectory of waste discharged by the rotating cleaning brush and the maximum discharge trajectory of waste discharged by the rotating cleaning brush.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction chamber is at least partially defined by a cylindrical surface having a circular cross section and a longitudinal axis substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation of the brush, advantageously with a difference between the radius of the cylindrical surface and the brush radius of the rotating cleaning brush comprised between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waste collection container is located at the rear of the suction chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0070] The objects, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an autonomous cleaning robot according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the autonomous cleaning robot of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a partial bottom perspective view of the autonomous cleaning robot of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the autonomous cleaning robot of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the autonomous cleaning robot of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the autonomous cleaning robot of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail of FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a top perspective view of the autonomous cleaning robot of FIG. 1, showing the wet cleaning device removed from the main body. [Figure 9] 9 is a partial bottom perspective view of the autonomous cleaning robot of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial bottom view of the front of the autonomous cleaning robot of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of an autonomous cleaning robot according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0071] Only the elements necessary for understanding the invention are shown, and to make the drawings easier to read, the same elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0072] In this specification, the terms "horizontal," "vertical," "lower," "upper," and "lower" used to describe the autonomous cleaning robot or its main body refer to the state of use when the autonomous cleaning robot is resting on its wheels on a flat, horizontal surface to be cleaned.

[0073] As used herein, the term "brush diameter" refers to the outer diameter of the rotary cleaning brush measured at the free ends of the bristles. In other words, the brush diameter corresponds to the diameter of a circle centered on the longitudinal central axis of the brush body and inscribed by the rotary cleaning brush.

[0074] In this specification, the terms "forward" and "rearward" are defined relative to the autonomous cleaning robot's primary direction of displacement.

[0075] In this specification, the term "longitudinal mid-plane" denotes a longitudinal section parallel to the main direction of displacement and dividing the body into two substantially equal parts.

[0076] 1 to 10 show an autonomous cleaning robot 2, more specifically a robotic vacuum cleaner, configured to autonomously displace over a surface to be cleaned.

[0077] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 comprises a body 3 including a bottom surface 4 configured to face the surface to be cleaned, and a suction opening 5 provided in a front part 3.1 of the body 3 and opening into the bottom surface 4 of the body 3. Advantageously, the suction opening 5 is elongated and extends in an extension direction perpendicular to the main displacement direction D of the autonomous cleaning robot 2.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6, the body 3 defines a suction chamber 6 that opens towards the underside 4 of the body 3 via a suction port 5 .

[0079] 1 to 10, the body 3 has a general D-shape when viewed from above in a substantially vertical orientation. However, the body 3 can also have a completely different shape, for example a circular or rectangular general shape.

[0080] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 further comprises a rotating cleaning brush 7 housed within the suction chamber 6 and rotatably mounted about a brush rotation axis A1 extending transversely, more particularly perpendicularly, to the main displacement direction D. Advantageously, the brush rotation axis A1 is substantially horizontal when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0081] The rotating cleaning brush 7 is configured to discharge waste towards the rear of the suction chamber 6 at a discharge angle between 0° and 20° measured in the longitudinal central plane P of the main body 3. Such a discharge angle is determined by a minimum discharge trajectory for the waste discharged by the rotating cleaning brush 7 and a maximum discharge trajectory for the waste discharged by the rotating cleaning brush 7, in particular depending on the type of floor (whether it is a hard floor such as tile or a soft floor, for example, carpet) and the type of waste (for example, grains such as rice grains or lentils). In Figure 7, the trajectory of the waste discharged by the rotating cleaning brush 7 according to the minimum discharge trajectory and the maximum discharge trajectory is shown by a dotted line.

[0082] The waste discharge angle and waste discharge speed depend, inter alia, on the rotational speed, brush diameter, bristles type, bristles free length, and type of surface to be cleaned of the rotating cleaning brush 7. The rotational speed and the diameter of the rotating cleaning brush 7 determine the tangential velocity at the periphery of the rotating cleaning brush 7, in other words, the tangential velocity at the bristle tips. The type and free length of the bristles determine the flexibility of the bristles, which also influences the discharge angle and waste discharge speed.

[0083] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10, the rotary cleaning brush 7 has a central longitudinal axis and comprises a brush body 8 configured to be driven in rotation about the brush axis of rotation A1 in a predetermined rotational direction, as shown by the counterclockwise rotating arrow in Figure 7. Advantageously, the brush axis of rotation A1 is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the brush body 8.

[0084] The rotating cleaning brush 7 further comprises one or more rows of bristles 9, for example two rows of bristles 9, provided on the outer circumferential surface of the brush body 8 and extending over at least a portion of the length of the brush body 8. According to a variant of the invention, the rotating cleaning brush 7 may further comprise, instead of the rows of bristles 9, one or more cleaning strips, for example elastically deformable or rigid, provided on the outer circumferential surface of the brush body 8.

[0085] The rotating cleaning brush 7 may have a brush diameter comprised between 30 mm and 60 mm, advantageously between 35 mm and 45 mm, for example about 41 mm, and the brush body 8 may have an outer diameter comprised between 20 mm and 40 mm, for example about 33 mm. The difference between the outer diameter of the brush body 8 and the brush diameter corresponds to twice the free length of the bristles. The bristles may have a free length of between 3 mm and 8 mm, for example about 4 mm. The bristles are, for example, made of nylon and advantageously have a diameter of between 0.15 mm and 0.25 mm.

[0086] In operation, the rotating cleaning brush 7 according to the present invention has a conventional rotation speed comprised between about 1000 and 5000 revolutions per minute, ie between about 104.7 and 523.6 radians per second.

[0087] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 also includes a drive mechanism (not shown) configured to rotate the brush body 8 around the brush rotation axis A1.

[0088] 1 to 10, the suction chamber 6 is at least partially bounded by a cylindrical surface having a circular cross section and a longitudinal axis substantially coaxial with the brush rotation axis A1. Advantageously, the difference between the radius of the cylindrical surface and the brush radius R of the rotating cleaning brush 7 is comprised between 0.5 and 2 mm.

[0089] As shown in more detail in Figures 2 to 4, the autonomous cleaning robot 2 consists of two drive wheels 11 configured to roll on the surface to be cleaned. The two drive wheels 11 are rotatably mounted relative to the body 3 and have parallel, advantageously parallel, axes of rotation. Advantageously, the axes of rotation of the drive wheels 11 extend perpendicular to the main displacement direction D.

[0090] The two drive wheels 11 are configured to protrude from the underside 4 of the body 3 and are arranged on either side of the longitudinal central plane P of the body 3. Advantageously, the two drive wheels 11 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central plane P of the body 3 and are side wheels of the autonomous cleaning robot 2.

[0091] The two drive wheels 11 are advantageously motor-driven independently of each other. Thus, the autonomous cleaning robot 2 comprises two rotational drive mechanisms 12 housed in the main body 3, each configured to rotationally drive a respective one of the two drive wheels 11. Each rotational drive mechanism 12 includes a drive motor rotatably coupled to a respective one of the two drive wheels 11, and is disposed, for example, on each side of the main body 3. By controlling the two drive motors mentioned above, the main body 3 can rotate left, right, or on itself, and move forward or backward.

[0092] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10, the autonomous cleaning robot 2 comprises additional wheels 13 rotatably mounted relative to the body 3, for example two additional wheels 13 arranged at the front part 3.1 of the body 3. Advantageously, all additional wheels 13 are located in front of the rotation axes of the two drive wheels 11, and the autonomous cleaning robot 2 does not have any additional wheels located behind the rotation axes of the two drive wheels 11.

[0093] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 further includes a suction unit 14 housed in the main body 3. The suction unit 14 includes a suction motor and a fan coupled to the suction motor and configured to generate an airflow through the suction port 5.

[0094] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 also includes a waste collection device 15 (see FIG. 6) removably attached to the main body 3. The waste collection device 15 includes a waste collection container 16 disposed upstream of the suction unit 14. The waste collection container 16 is configured to hold waste that is traversed by and transported by the airflow generated by the fan during operation of the autonomous cleaning robot 2.

[0095] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 further includes a connecting channel 17 that fluidly connects the suction chamber 6 and the waste collection container 16. The connecting channel 17 has a generally cylindrical shape and is configured to extend vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is resting on a horizontal surface. However, the connecting channel 17 may be configured to be inclined with respect to the vertical by an angle of 10° or less, for example, 5° or less, when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0096] 1 to 10, the connecting channel 17 has a rectangular cross-section, but can also have a circular cross-section. As shown in particular in Figure 10, the connecting channel 17 has a first maximum dimension measured parallel to the main displacement direction D of the autonomous cleaning robot 2 and a second maximum dimension measured perpendicular to the longitudinal mid-plane P of the body 3, the first maximum dimension being smaller than the second maximum dimension.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the connecting flow passage 17 opens toward the rear of the suction chamber 6, and the longitudinal center plane P of the main body 3 intersects with the connecting flow passage 17.

[0098] 1 to 10, the connecting channel 17 comprises a front wall 17.1 and a rear wall 17.2 that are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a spacing distance D1 comprised between 15 mm and 40 mm, advantageously between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example about 20 mm. Advantageously, the waste collection container 16 comprises a bottom wall 16.1 that is set back relative to the upper end of the rear wall 17.2 of the connecting channel 17.

[0099] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 includes a lower deflector 18 located rearward of the brush rotation axis A1 and extending at least partially opposite the inlet opening of the connecting channel 17.

[0100] 1 to 10, the lower deflector 18 is elongated and extends parallel to the brush rotation axis A1. Advantageously, the lower deflector 18 extends over the entire length of the rotating cleaning brush and forms the rear edge 5.1 of the suction opening 5.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10, the distance between a first vertical plane including the leading edge of the lower deflector 18 and a second vertical plane including the trailing edge of the lower deflector 18 is less than the spacing distance D1.

[0102] The lower deflector 18 has a lower deflection surface 19 that partially defines the suction chamber 6 and is configured to deflect waste thrown backward by the rotating cleaning brush 7 onto the lower deflection surface 19 upwards towards the connecting channel 17. Advantageously, the lower deflection surface 19 is flat.

[0103] The lower deflection surface 19 is inclined backward and upward and is configured to be inclined at an angle comprised between 20° and 55°, advantageously between 25° and 45°, relative to the horizontal plane, for example, approximately 37° when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is resting on a horizontal plane.

[0104] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 further comprises an upper deflector 21 extending at least partially opposite the outlet opening of the connecting channel 17. Advantageously, the lower deflector 18 and the upper deflector 21 are arranged at least partially opposite each other.

[0105] The upper deflector 21 includes an upper deflection surface 22 configured to deflect waste exiting upward from the connecting channel 17 rearward toward the bottom of the waste collection container 16. The upper deflection surface 22 may, for example, be curved or have an aerodynamic shape, such as the shape of an aircraft wing. According to one variation of the invention, the upper deflection surface 22 may be planar and have substantially the same rearward and upward slope as the lower deflection surface.

[0106] 1 to 10, the autonomous cleaning robot 2 includes a partition wall 20 configured to at least partially separate the connecting flow channel 17 and the waste collection container 16. The upper deflection surface 22 is located away from the upper end of the partition wall 20 and together with the partition wall 20 defines a connecting passageway that fluidly connects the connecting flow channel 17 and the waste collection container 16. Advantageously, the partition wall 20 extends from the bottom wall 16.1 of the waste collection container 16.

[0107] 1 to 10, the suction chamber 6 includes a rear chamber wall 23 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) arranged opposite the rotating cleaning brush 7 and extending substantially parallel to the brush rotation axis A1. The rear chamber wall 23 is positioned at a distance D2 from a vertical plane P1 containing the brush rotation axis A1 and is configured to extend substantially vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is resting on a horizontal surface. The distance D2 can be, for example, between 30 mm and 40 mm, e.g., approximately 34 mm. Advantageously, the lower deflector 18 extends to the rear chamber wall 23, and the rear wall 17.2 of the connecting channel 17 extends in line with the rear chamber wall 23.

[0108] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the lower deflector 18 and therefore the lower deflecting surface 19 extends from the rear edge 5.1 of the suction port 5 to the rear chamber wall 23.

[0109] The ratio of the spacing distance D1 to the minimum distance between the outer circumferential surface of the rotating cleaning brush 7 and the rear chamber wall 23 is comprised between 1 and 2.5, advantageously between 1.5 and 2, for example about 1.7. In other words, the ratio of the spacing distance D1 to the difference between the separation distance D2 of the rotating cleaning brush 7 and the brush radius R is comprised between 1 and 2.5, advantageously between 1.5 and 2.5, for example about 1.7.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 7, the rear end 5.1 of the suction port 5 is located at an edge distance D3 from a vertical plane P1 containing the brush rotation axis A1. Advantageously, the edge distance D3 corresponds to the distance between the front edge of the lower deflector 18 and the vertical plane P1 containing the brush rotation axis A1. The spacing distance D1 is greater than the difference between the spacing distance D2 and the edge distance D3, but is smaller than the spacing distance D2. Advantageously, the edge distance D3 is smaller than the brush radius R of the rotating cleaning brush 7. The edge distance D3 can be, for example, between 15 mm and 25 mm, and is, for example, approximately 19 mm.

[0111] 1 to 10, the suction chamber 6 includes a waste deflector 24 with a first deflection section 25 and a second deflection section 26 located on either side of the inlet opening of the connecting channel 17. The first deflection section 25 and the second deflection section 26 include a first deflection surface 25.1 and a second deflection surface 26.1, respectively, that are configured to be oriented toward the surface to be cleaned. Advantageously, the first deflection surface 25.1 extends from a first side edge of the suction port 5 to the inlet opening of the connecting channel 17, and the second deflection surface 26.1 extends from a second side edge of the suction port 5 to the inlet opening of the connecting channel 17.

[0112] Each of the first and second deflection surfaces 25.1 and 26.1 is arranged opposite the lower deflector 18, more particularly the lower deflection surface 19. Advantageously, each of the first and second deflection surfaces 25.1 and 26.1 is planar and extends transversely, for example perpendicularly, to the main displacement direction D of the autonomous cleaning robot 2. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10, the first and second deflection surfaces 25.1 and 26.1 have a width, measured parallel to the main displacement direction of the autonomous cleaning robot, which width increases towards the inlet opening of the connecting channel 17.

[0113] The first deflection surface 25.1 is inclined so that the distance between the surface to be cleaned and the first deflection surface 25.1 increases from the first end of the rotating cleaning brush 7 towards the inlet opening of the connecting flow path 17, and the second deflection surface 26.1 is inclined so that the distance between the surface to be cleaned and the second deflection surface 26.1 increases from the second end of the rotating cleaning brush 7 towards the inlet opening of the connecting flow path 17.

[0114] Advantageously, each of the first deflection surface 25.1 and the second deflection surface 26.1 is configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal at an angle of between 2° and 20°, advantageously between 2° and 10°, for example about 5°, when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0115] The suction chamber 6 also includes a rear deflector 27 located on either side of the inlet opening of the connecting flow path 17 and comprising a first rear deflection portion 28 and a second rear deflection portion 29, each configured to extend substantially vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0116] The first and second rear deflection portions 28, 29 respectively comprise a first rear deflection surface 28.1 and a second rear deflection surface 29.1 facing the rotating cleaning brush 7 and located on either side of the rear chamber wall 23. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first rear deflection surface 28.1 extends from a first side edge of the suction opening 5 to the rear chamber wall 23, and the second rear deflection surface 29.1 extends from a second side edge of the suction opening 5 to the rear chamber wall 23. Advantageously, each of the first and second rear deflection surfaces 28.1, 29.1 is substantially planar.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 10, the first rear deflection surface 28.1 is inclined so that the distance between the brush rotation axis A1 and the first rear deflection surface 28.1 increases from the first end of the rotating cleaning brush 7 toward the inlet opening of the connecting flow passage 17, and the second rear deflection surface 29.1 is inclined so that the distance between the brush rotation axis A1 and the second rear deflection surface 29.1 increases from the second end of the rotating cleaning brush 7 toward the inlet opening of the connecting flow passage 17.

[0118] Advantageously, each of the first rear deflection surface 28.1 and the second rear deflection surface 29.1 is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal central plane P of the body 3 by an inclination angle comprised between 2° and 20°, advantageously between 2° and 10°, for example approximately 4°.

[0119] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 also includes a power battery 31 configured to power the autonomous cleaning robot 2. Advantageously, the power battery 31 is rechargeable and housed in the body 3.

[0120] In particular, as shown in Figure 2, the autonomous cleaning robot 2 further comprises a wet cleaning device 32 arranged at the rear part 3.2 of the main body 3. Advantageously, the wet cleaning device 32 is arranged on the opposite side of the rotating cleaning brush 7 with respect to the rotation axes of the two drive wheels 11.

[0121] 1 to 10, the wet cleaning device 32 includes two mop supports 33 arranged side by side and located behind the rotation axes of the two drive wheels 11. Advantageously, the two mop supports 33 are arranged on either side of the longitudinal central plane P of the main body 3 and are configured to extend substantially horizontally when the main body 3 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0122] Advantageously, the power supply battery 31 is at least partially, for example entirely, disposed above one of the mop supports 33, and the suction unit 14 is at least partially, for example entirely, disposed above the other of the mop supports 33. In this manner, the suction unit 14 and the power supply battery 31 are disposed on either side of the longitudinal central plane P of the main body 3.

[0123] 1 to 10, the two mop supports 33 are each translatably mounted to the body 3 in a translation direction T extending transversely, and advantageously perpendicularly, to the main displacement direction D of the autonomous cleaning robot 2. Advantageously, the mop supports 33 are mounted movably relative to one another between a close configuration in which the two mop supports 33 are close to one another and a spaced configuration in which the two mop supports 33 are spaced apart from one another.

[0124] The wet cleaning device 32 also includes a translational drive mechanism 34 configured to translate the mop supports 33 in a translational direction T, alternately between a close configuration and a far configuration. The translational drive mechanism 34 is therefore configured to translate the two mop supports 33 in opposite phases. Advantageously, the translational drive mechanism 34 is at least partially disposed above the mop supports 33.

[0125] The wet cleaning device 32 further includes two mops 35 removably attached to the two mop supports 33, respectively. The mops 35 are configured to contact the surface to be cleaned, more specifically, to exert a pressing force on the surface to be cleaned, when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is placed on the surface to be cleaned.

[0126] Advantageously, when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is resting on the surface to be cleaned, the rear of the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is configured to rest directly on the surface to be cleaned by the two mops 35 .

[0127] 8 , the wet cleaning device 32 is removably attached to the main body 3, which includes a receiving housing 36 in which the wet cleaning device 32 is at least partially received. The wet cleaning device 32 is advantageously configured to be removed from the main body 3 by a translational movement of the main body 3 directed toward the rear.

[0128] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 also includes a cleaning liquid reservoir 37, which is, for example, removably attached to the body 3. Advantageously, the cleaning liquid reservoir 37 and the waste collection container 16 are superimposed and fixed to one another. The autonomous cleaning robot 2 can therefore include, for example, a removable reservoir comprising a first receiving part forming the cleaning liquid reservoir 37 and a second receiving part forming the waste collection container 16. Nevertheless, according to one variant of the invention, the cleaning liquid reservoir 37 can be separated from the waste collection device 15 and, for example, provided directly in the wet cleaning device 32.

[0129] The wet cleaning device 32 further includes a plurality of liquid discharge orifices 38 configured to be in fluid communication with the cleaning liquid reservoir 37 and configured to supply cleaning liquid to a mop 35 attached to the mop support 33. Advantageously, the liquid discharge orifices 38 are located forward of the mop support 33, e.g., forward of the mop 35, and configured to face towards the surface to be cleaned.

[0130] The autonomous cleaning robot 2 also includes a cleaning liquid supply circuit (not described in detail) provided on the main body 3 and configured to fluidly connect the liquid discharge orifice 38 to a cleaning liquid reservoir 37. The cleaning liquid supply circuit may include, for example, a distributor 39 (see FIG. 6) housed in the main body 3.

[0131] Figure 11 shows an autonomous cleaning robot 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which differs essentially from the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 10 in that the upper deflection surface 22 of the upper deflector 21 has a radius of curvature and extends, for example, over less than 1 / 4 of the circumference, the cleaning liquid reservoir 37 is offset relative to the waste collection container 16 so that the cleaning liquid reservoir 37 and the waste collection container 16 are not overlapping, and the waste collection container 16 has an upper wall that is substantially planar and configured to extend horizontally when the autonomous cleaning robot 2 is resting on a horizontal surface.

[0132] According to one variant of the invention not shown, the wet cleaning device 32 may comprise a floor treatment element other than a mop, configured to perform mechanical, chemical, thermal or radiant treatment of the floor surface.

[0133] According to another variant of the invention, not shown, the wet cleaning device 32 can comprise at least one passive mop fixedly attached to the body 3 .

[0134] According to yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, not shown, the autonomous cleaning robot 2 may not include the wet cleaning device 32 .

[0135] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and shown only by way of example: modifications are possible, particularly with regard to the arrangement of the various elements or by substituting technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. a main body (3) having a lower surface (4) configured to face a surface to be cleaned, and a suction port (5) opening toward the lower surface (4) of the main body (3), the main body (3) defining a suction chamber (6) in fluid communication with the suction port (5); a rotating cleaning brush (7) accommodated in the suction chamber (6) and rotatably mounted around a brush rotation axis (A1); a suction unit (14) at least partially housed within the body (3) and configured to generate an air flow through the suction port (5); a waste collection device (15) arranged upstream of the suction unit (14), configured to be crossed by the air flow generated by the suction unit (14), and including a waste collection container (16) for holding waste to be transported by the air flow; a connecting channel (17) fluidly connecting the suction chamber (6) and the waste collection container (16), the connecting channel (17) having an inlet opening opening into the suction chamber (6); An autonomous cleaning robot (2) comprising: the suction chamber (6) includes a waste deflector (24) having a first deflection portion (25) and a second deflection portion (26) arranged on either side of the inlet opening of the connecting channel (17); the first deflection portion (25) and the second deflection portion (26) respectively include a first deflection surface (25.1) and a second deflection surface (26.1); the first deflection surface (25.1) and the second deflection surface (26.1) are configured to be oriented towards the surface to be cleaned and extend transversely to a main displacement direction (D) of the autonomous cleaning robot (2); the first deflection surface (25.1) is inclined so that the distance between the surface to be cleaned and the first deflection surface (25.1) increases towards the inlet opening of the connecting channel (17); The second deflection surface (26.1) is inclined so that the distance between the surface to be cleaned and the second deflection surface (26.1) increases towards the inlet opening of the connecting channel (17).

2. 2. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) of claim 1, wherein each of the first deflection surface (25.1) and the second deflection surface (26.1) is configured to tilt with respect to the horizontal by an angle comprised between 2° and 20° when the autonomous cleaning robot (2) is resting on a horizontal surface.

3. 3. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein each of the first deflection surface (25.1) and the second deflection surface (26.1) has a width measured parallel to a main displacement direction (D) of the autonomous cleaning robot (2), the width increasing towards the inlet opening of the connecting channel (17).

4. 4. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the first deflection surface (25.1) and the second deflection surface (26.1) is substantially planar.

5. 5. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a lower deflector (18) located rearward of the brush rotation axis (A1) and extending at least partially opposite the inlet opening of the connecting channel (17), the lower deflector (18) having a lower deflection surface (19) that partially defines the suction chamber (6), the lower deflection surface (19) being configured to deflect waste thrown rearward by the rotating cleaning brush (7) upwards and towards the connecting channel (17) above the lower deflection surface (19).

6. 6. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 5, wherein each of the first deflection surface (25.1) and the second deflection surface (26.1) is positioned opposite the lower deflector (18).

7. 7. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the lower deflector (18) forms the trailing edge (5.1) of the suction port (5).

8. 8. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) of claim 5, wherein the lower deflection surface (19) is inclined backward and upward and is configured to incline relative to the horizontal by an angle comprised between 20° and 55° when the autonomous cleaning robot (2) is resting on a horizontal surface.

9. 9. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) of claim 1, further comprising an upper deflector (21) extending at least partially opposite the outlet opening of the connecting flow path (17), the upper deflector (21) having an upper deflecting surface (22) configured to deflect waste exiting upward from the connecting flow path (17) backward toward the waste collection container (16).

10. 10. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 5 and claim 9, wherein the lower deflector (18) and the upper deflector (21) are arranged at least partially opposite each other.

11. The suction chamber (6) includes rear deflectors (27) located on both sides of the inlet opening of the connecting flow channel (17) and having a first rear deflection portion (28) and a second rear deflection portion (29), each of which is configured to extend substantially vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot (2) is placed on a horizontal surface, the first rear deflection portion (28) and the second rear deflection portion (29) respectively including a first rear deflection surface (28.1) and a second rear deflection surface (29.1) facing the rotating cleaning brush (7), 11. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 1, wherein the first rearward deflection surface (28.1) faces a cleaning brush (7), and the first rearward deflection surface (28.1) is inclined such that the distance between the brush rotation axis (A1) and the first rearward deflection surface (28.1) increases towards the inlet opening of the connecting channel (17), and the second rearward deflection surface (29.1) is inclined such that the distance between the brush rotation axis (A1) and the second rearward deflection surface (29.1) increases towards the inlet opening of the connecting channel (17).

12. 12. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to claim 11, wherein each of the first rearward deflection surface (28.1) and the second rearward deflection surface (29.1) is inclined at an inclination angle comprised between 2° and 20° with respect to a vertical transverse plane perpendicular to a main displacement direction (D) of the autonomous cleaning robot (2).

13. 13. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) of claim 1, wherein the connecting channel (17) has a generally cylindrical shape and is configured to extend substantially vertically when the autonomous cleaning robot (2) is resting on a horizontal surface.

14. 14. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the connecting channel (17) opens towards the rear of the suction chamber (6).

15. 15. The autonomous cleaning robot (2) of claim 1, further comprising a wet cleaning device (32) including at least one mop support (33) attached to the body (3) and at least one mop (35) removably attached to the at least one mop support (33) and configured to contact the surface to be cleaned.

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