Self-propelled cleaning device

Abstract

Prevent the blade from biting into the pile of the rug. 【Solution means】The self-propelled cleaning device (1A) includes a hopper (10), a blade (30), and a slider (20). The blade (30) and the slider (20) have an adjustment mechanism (31, 22) that changes the protruding amount of the first end (33) from the slider (20) according to the shape of the pile of the rug on the surface to be cleaned (F).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-propelled cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vacuum cleaner including a pressing means for elastically pressing a suction port body communicating with the suction side of an electric blower against a surface to be cleaned.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in a self-propelled cleaning device that moves a brush while moving on a surface to be cleaned and sweeps dust from the surface to be cleaned into a hopper, there is a device in which a blade for feeding dust into the hopper without leaving any is provided between the brush and the hopper. On a surface to be cleaned where a carpet or other flooring is laid, the blade may bite into the pile of the flooring and prevent the self-propelled cleaning device from moving.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention aims to prevent the blade from biting into the pile of the flooring.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a self-propelled cleaning device according to an aspect of the present invention is a self-propelled cleaning device that moves a brush while moving on a surface to be cleaned to clean the surface to be cleaned, and includes a hopper for storing dust swept up by the brush, and a blade that extends in a first direction inclined toward the surface to be cleaned side from the moving direction of the self-propelled cleaning device to cover the surface to be cleaned between the brush and the hopper, and a slider that is connected to the hopper and holds the blade with a first end of the blade protruding toward the surface to be cleaned, and the blade and the slider have an adjustment mechanism for changing the protruding amount of the first end from the slider according to the shape of the pile of the carpet on the surface to be cleaned.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the blade from biting into the pile of the carpet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 〔Embodiment 1〕 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram used to explain a self-propelled cleaning device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The self-propelled cleaning device 1A shown in FIG. 1 moves the brush 50 while moving on the surface F to be cleaned to clean the surface F to be cleaned. In FIG. 1, some of the component parts of the self-propelled cleaning device 1A are not shown. In FIG. 1, the self-propelled cleaning device 1A is assumed to travel in the moving direction R1.

[0011] The surface F to be cleaned includes a floor surface having a covering such as a carpet or a rug. The covering has a bundle of fibers on its surface, and the shapes of the pile are various. The shape of the pile includes the length of the pile. When the covering is a carpet, the shape of the pile also includes the shape of the pile (cut pile, loop pile, etc.) attached to the base fabric of the carpet.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the self-propelled cleaning device 1A includes a hopper 10, a slider 20, a blade 30, an elastic member 40, and a brush 50. The brush 50 is, for example, a rotary brush, and sweeps up the dust on the surface F to be cleaned. The hopper 10 stores the dust swept up by the brush 50. The hopper 10 has a storage portion 15 for storing dust, and a connecting portion 11 projects from the bottom surface of the storage portion 15 toward the surface F to be cleaned.

[0013] The slider 20 and the blade 30 are disposed between the brush 50 and the hopper 10, and extend in a first direction R2 inclined toward the surface F to be cleaned from the moving direction R1 of the self-propelled cleaning device 1A. The angle θ formed by the moving direction R1 and the first direction R2 is an acute angle.

[0014] The slider 20 is slidably connected to the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10 in the first direction R2. The slider 20 is biased in the first direction R2 by an elastic member 40. The elastic member 40 is, for example, a compression spring.

[0015] The blade 30 has a first end 33 facing the surface F to be cleaned. The blade 30 has a second end 34 on the opposite side of the first end 33. The blade 30 is arranged such that the second end 34 faces the hopper 10. The blade 30 has a first surface 35 extending along a first direction R2 from the second end 34 to the first end 33. The first surface 35 of the blade 30 covers the surface F to be cleaned between the brush 50 and the hopper 10. R3 is the width direction of the first surface 35 and is perpendicular to the first direction R2.

[0016] The blade 30 has a lock lever 31. The slider 20 has a plurality of holding portions 22. When the lock lever 31 of the blade 30 is connected to any one of the holding portions 22 of the slider 20 from the width direction R3, the blade 30 is held by the slider 20. The slider 20 holds the blade 30 with the first end 33, which is the tip of the blade 30, protruding toward the surface F to be cleaned. The slider 20 and the blade 30 have an adjustment mechanism for changing the protruding amount of the first end 33 of the blade 30 from the slider 20 according to the shape of the pile of the carpet on the surface F to be cleaned. The lock lever 31 and the holding portion 22 are an example of the adjustment mechanism.

[0017] The blade 30 has rollers 32 at both ends in the width direction R3 of the first surface 35. When the first end 33 of the blade 30 abuts against the surface F to be cleaned, the rollers 32 abut against the surface F to be cleaned. The rotation axis of the roller 32 extends in the width direction R3, and reduces the frictional force applied to the first end 33 when the blade 30 moves in the moving direction R1 on the surface F to be cleaned.

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the slider 20. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the blade 30. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the slider 20 holding the blade 30 is connected to the hopper 10.

[0019] Reference numeral 1000A in Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10. Reference numeral 1000B in Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10 as viewed from the tip side. Reference numeral 2000A in Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the slider 20. Reference numeral 2000B in Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of reference numeral 2000A. Reference numeral 3000A in Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the blade 30. Reference numeral 3000B in Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of reference numeral 3000A.

[0020] As shown by reference numeral 1000A in Fig. 2, the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10 has a plurality of screw holes 12 and a first boss 13. As shown by reference numeral 2000A in Fig. 3, the slider 20 has a plurality of through holes 21, a plurality of holding portions 22, a through hole 23, and a second boss 24.

[0021] The plurality of screw holes 12 shown by reference numeral 1000A in Fig. 2 and the plurality of through holes 21 shown by reference numeral 2000A in Fig. 3 are arranged side by side in the width direction R3. As shown in Fig. 5, a fastening member 14 such as a screw or a bolt is inserted into the through hole 21 from a surface 25 having the second boss 24 of the slider 20. The fastening member 14 passing through the through hole 21 is inserted into the screw hole 12 of the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10. For example, an internal thread is cut in the screw hole 12 of the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10. The slider 20 is connected to the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10 by screwing the fastening member 14 passing through the through hole 21 with the internal thread of the screw hole 12.

[0022] The through hole 21 of the slider 20 is an elongated hole whose opening extends in the first direction R2. The slider 20 connected to the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10 can slide in the first direction R2 along the opening shape of the through hole 21.

[0023] When the slider 20 is connected to the connecting portion 11 of the hopper 10, the first boss 13 of the connecting portion 11 is inserted into the through hole 23 of the slider 20. The height of the first boss 13 is higher than the hole height of the through hole 23, and the tip of the first boss 13 protrudes from the through hole 23 to the surface 25.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5, the first boss 13 protruding from the through-hole 23 to the surface 25 faces the second boss 24 of the slider 20. One end of the elastic member 40 is connected to the first boss 13 inserted through the through-hole 23, and the other end is connected to the second boss 24 of the slider 20. Thereby, the slider 20 is biased in the first direction R2. The blade 30 held by the slider 20 is also biased in the first direction R2 by the elastic member 40. Thereby, even when the surface to be cleaned F is recessed by the weight of the self-propelled cleaning device 1A, the first end 33 of the blade 30 approaches the surface to be cleaned F, and the dust on the surface to be cleaned F can be scooped up onto the first surface 35.

[0025] As shown by reference numeral 3000B in FIG. 4, flange portions 36 extend from both side ends of the first surface 35 of the blade 30. Rollers 32 are provided at positions near the first end 33 of the flange portion 36. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the slider 20 is disposed between the flange portions 36 provided at both side ends of the first surface 35.

[0026] The lock lever 31 shown by reference numerals 3000A and 3000B in FIG. 4 is slidably provided in the width direction R3 of the first surface 35. The lock lever 31 has, for example, a U shape, the first lever 31A abuts against the first surface 35, and the second lever 31B passes through a through-hole 37 provided in the flange portion 36 of the blade 30.

[0027] As shown by reference numeral 2000B in FIG. 3, a plurality of holding portions 22 are provided on both side surfaces of the slider 20 and are arranged along the first direction R2. The plurality of holding portions 22 and the lock lever 31 constitute an adjustment mechanism for changing the protruding amount L (FIG. 5) of the first end 33 from the slider 20 according to the shape of the pile of the carpet on the surface to be cleaned F. The number of the holding portions 22 provided on both side surfaces of the slider 20 is not limited to three. The distance from the end portion 26 on the first direction R2 side of the slider 20 to each of the plurality of holding portions 22 is equal to or less than the distance from the lock lever 31 of the blade 30 to the first end 33.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 5, when the slider 20 is disposed between the flange portions 36 of the blade 30, if the second lever 31B of the lock lever 31 is inserted into any one of the plurality of holding portions 22, the lock lever 31 is connected to the holding portion 22, and the protruding amount L of the first end 33 from the slider 20 is determined. The longer the pile of the rug on the surface F to be cleaned is, the more the lock lever 31 is connected to the holding portion 22 located at a position farther from the end portion 26 of the slider 20, and the protruding amount L of the first end 33 from the slider 20 is reduced, the blade 30 bites into the rug, and it becomes difficult to prevent the movement of the self-propelled cleaning device 1A. Among the plurality of holding portions 22, the holding portion 22 located closest to the end portion 26 of the slider 20 is used when the surface F to be cleaned is a hard floor or when the rug has no pile attached to the base fabric.

[0029] 〔Embodiment 2〕 Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a self-propelled cleaning device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 6, the self-propelled cleaning device 1B according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention includes a control unit 100, a detection unit 200, a traveling unit 300, a brush driving unit 400, an adjustment mechanism 500, and a storage unit 600 in addition to the configuration of the self-propelled cleaning device 1A according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] The control unit 100 comprehensively controls each function of the self-propelled cleaning device 1B. The control unit 100 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 600 records information and is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The control unit 100 can, for example, read software for executing each function from the storage unit 600, expand it to the RAM (Random Access Memory), and execute it.

[0032] The detection unit 200 detects the force applied from the surface F to be cleaned to the first end 33 of the blade 30. The detection unit 200 is, for example, a force sensor.

[0033] The traveling unit 300 is various mechanisms for driving the self-propelled cleaning device 1B, and includes wheels, a drive motor for driving the wheels, a steering mechanism for switching the moving direction R1, and the like. The brush drive unit 400 rotates the brush 50 shown in FIG. 1 in the direction R4.

[0034] The adjustment mechanism 500 changes the protruding amount L (FIG. 5) of the first end 33 from the slider 20 according to the shape of the pile of the carpet on the surface F to be cleaned. The adjustment mechanism 500 of the self-propelled cleaning device 1B includes, for example, a first adjustment unit that switches the blade 30 between a state of being connected to the slider 20 and a state of not being connected by moving the lock lever 31 in the width direction R3, and a second adjustment unit that moves the blade 30 in a direction parallel to the first direction R2.

[0035] By executing the software, the control unit 100 functions as at least a travel control unit 101 and a determination unit 102. The travel control unit 101 controls the travel unit 300 to move the self-propelled cleaning device 1B. The determination unit 102 determines the protruding amount L of the first end 33 from the slider 20 based on the detection result of the detection unit 200. The control unit 100 controls the adjustment mechanism 500 to drive the blade 30 so that the protruding amount L of the first end 33 from the slider 20 becomes the value determined by the determination unit 102, and adjusts the protruding amount L of the first end 33 from the slider 20.

[0036] The control unit 100 may store the protruding amount L of the first end 33 from the slider 20 determined by the determination unit 102 in the storage unit 600. When the user cleans the same surface F to be cleaned, the protruding amount L may be read from the storage unit 600 and the protruding amount L may be automatically adjusted by the adjustment mechanism 500.

[0037] 〔Modification example〕 In the above-described embodiment, the lock lever 31 is provided on the blade 30, and the plurality of holding portions 22 are provided on the slider 20. However, the adjustment mechanism may be a mechanism in which the plurality of holding portions 22 are provided on one of the blade 30 and the slider 20, and the other of the blade 30 and the slider 20 is connected to any one of the plurality of holding portions 22, and is not limited to the above mechanism. For example, the lock lever 31 may be provided on the slider 20, and the plurality of holding portions 22 may be provided on the blade 30. Further, when providing a plurality of holding portions 22 on the slider 20, the position where the plurality of holding portions 22 are provided is not limited to the side surface of the slider 20. For example, the holding portion 22 may be provided so as to protrude from the surface 25.

[0038] In the above-described embodiment, the brush 50 is a rotary brush that rotates in the direction R4, but any brush may be used as long as it can sweep up dust from the surface F to be cleaned into the hopper 10. The brush 50 may be, for example, a disk brush, a roll brush, or a reciprocating brush.

[0039] 〔Summary〕 The self-propelled cleaning device according to Aspect 1 of the present invention is a self-propelled cleaning device that moves a brush while moving on a surface to be cleaned to clean the surface to be cleaned, and includes a hopper for storing dust swept up by the brush, and a blade that extends in a first direction inclined toward the surface to be cleaned side from the moving direction of the self-propelled cleaning device to cover the surface to be cleaned between the brush and the hopper, and a slider that is connected to the hopper and holds the blade in a state where a first end of the blade protrudes toward the surface to be cleaned, and the blade and the slider have an adjustment mechanism for changing a protruding amount of the first end from the slider according to the shape of the pile of the carpet on the surface to be cleaned.

[0040] According to the above configuration, the blade and the slider have an adjustment mechanism and change the protruding amount of the first end from the slider according to the shape of the pile of the carpet on the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, in the self-propelled cleaning device, it is possible to prevent the blade from biting into the pile of the carpet.

[0041] In the self-propelled cleaning device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, in the above Embodiment 1, the adjustment mechanism is provided on one of the blade and the slider, has a plurality of holding portions arranged in the first direction, and the other of the blade and the slider is connected to any one of the plurality of holding portions, so that the protruding amount is preferably changed.

[0042] According to the above configuration, in the adjustment mechanism, a plurality of holding portions arranged in the first direction are provided on one of the blade and the slider, and the other of the blade and the slider is connected to any one of the holding portions. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism of the self-propelled cleaning device can be realized by a mechanical configuration.

[0043] In the self-propelled cleaning device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, in the above Embodiment 1 or 2, the slider is preferably connected to the hopper so as to be slidable in the first direction and is biased in the first direction by an elastic member.

[0044] According to the above configuration, the slider is biased in the first direction by an elastic member. When the slider is biased in the first direction, the blade held by the slider is also biased in the first direction, and the blade can be brought close to the surface to be cleaned even when the surface to be cleaned is concave. Thereby, the blade can scoop up dust from the surface to be cleaned.

[0045] Also, in the self-propelled cleaning device, the blade that contacts the surface to be cleaned is more severely worn than the slider and the hopper. By biasing the slider with an elastic member and not directly biasing the blade, no replacement work of the elastic member occurs when replacing the blade.

[0046] In the self-propelled cleaning device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the above aspect 2, the blade has a second end facing the hopper on the opposite side of the first end, and has a first surface extending in the first direction from the second end to the first end. The slider has a plurality of the holding portions arranged in the first direction, and the blade is preferably slidable in the width direction of the first surface and has a lock lever connected to the holding portion from the width direction.

[0047] According to the above configuration, the lock lever is connected to the holding portion from the width direction. Therefore, the connection between the slider and the blade is not released by the force applied to the first end of the blade from the surface to be cleaned.

[0048] In the self-propelled cleaning device according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects 1 to 4, the blade has a second end facing the hopper on the opposite side of the first end, and has a first surface extending in the first direction from the second end to the first end. It is preferable that rollers that contact the surface to be cleaned are provided at both ends in the width direction of the first surface when the first end of the blade contacts the surface to be cleaned.

[0049] According to the above configuration, rollers are provided on both surfaces in the width direction of the first surface of the blade. Thereby, the friction applied to the first end of the blade is reduced, and the blade can be prevented from being damaged.

[0050] The self-propelled cleaning device according to aspect 6 of the present invention further includes a detection unit that detects a force applied to the first end from the surface to be cleaned, and a control unit that determines the protruding amount based on the detection result of the detection unit in any one of the above aspects 1 to 5.

[0051] According to the above configuration, the force applied to the first end from the surface to be cleaned is detected, and the protruding amount is determined based on the detection result of the detection unit. Thereby, it is possible to notify the user of the protruding amount suitable for the surface to be cleaned or to automatically adjust the protruding amount.

[0052] 〔Supplementary Notes〕 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope indicated in the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0053] 1A, 1B Self-propelled cleaning device 10 Hopper 11 Connecting part 13 First boss 20 Slider 22 Holding part 24 Second boss 30 Blade 31 Lock lever 32 Roller 40 Elastic member 50 Brush 100 Control unit 102 Determination unit 200 Detection unit 500 Adjustment mechanism L Projection amount R1 Moving direction R2 First direction R3 Width direction

Claims

1. A self-propelled cleaning device that moves a brush while moving over a surface to be cleaned to clean the surface, a hopper for storing the garbage swept up by the brush; a blade extending in a first direction inclined toward the surface to be cleaned from a moving direction of the self-propelled cleaning device to cover the surface to be cleaned between the brush and the hopper; a slider connected to the hopper and configured to hold the blade with a first end of the blade protruding toward the surface to be cleaned; the blade and the slider have an adjustment mechanism for changing the amount of protrusion of the first end from the slider in accordance with the shape of the pile of a rug on the surface to be cleaned; A self-propelled cleaning device, wherein the adjustment mechanism is provided on one of the blade and the slider and has a plurality of retaining portions aligned in the first direction, and the other of the blade and the slider is connected to any one of the plurality of retaining portions to change the amount of protrusion.

2. A self-propelled cleaning device that moves a brush while moving over a surface to be cleaned to clean the surface, a hopper for storing the garbage swept up by the brush; a blade extending in a first direction inclined toward the surface to be cleaned from a moving direction of the self-propelled cleaning device to cover the surface to be cleaned between the brush and the hopper; a slider connected to the hopper and configured to hold the blade with a first end of the blade protruding toward the surface to be cleaned; the blade and the slider have an adjustment mechanism for changing the amount of protrusion of the first end from the slider in accordance with the shape of the pile of a rug on the surface to be cleaned; The blade is a second end opposite the first end and facing the hopper; and a first surface extending in the first direction from the second end to the first end; A self-propelled cleaning device, wherein rollers are provided on both widthwise ends of the first surface, which come into contact with the surface to be cleaned when the first end of the blade comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned.

3. 3. The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the slider is connected to the hopper so as to be slidable in the first direction, and is biased in the first direction by an elastic member.

4. The blade has a second end opposite the first end and facing the hopper, and has a first surface extending in the first direction from the second end to the first end; The slider has a plurality of the holding portions arranged in the first direction, The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein the blade is slidable in a width direction of the first surface, and has a lock lever connected to the holding portion from the width direction.

5. The blade is a second end opposite the first end and facing the hopper; and a first surface extending in the first direction from the second end to the first end; The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 1 , wherein rollers are provided on both widthwise ends of the first surface, the rollers coming into contact with the surface to be cleaned when the first end of the blade comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned.

6. a detection unit that detects a force applied to the first end from the surface to be cleaned; The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a control unit that determines the amount of protrusion based on a detection result of the detection unit.

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