Robot vacuum cleaner with at least one fixed side cleaning member

Abstract

To provide a robot cleaner whose structure is simple and economical, capable of cleaning a surface to be cleaned efficiently, quickly, and easily.SOLUTION: A robot cleaner 2 includes: a body 3 having an underside configured so as to face a surface to be cleaned and a suction opening opened on the underside of the body 3 and extending in a transverse direction relative to a main moving direction of the robot cleaner; and a first side cleaning member 16 attached to the front part of the body 3 in a fixed manner and disposed adjacent to a first side end part of the body 3. The first side cleaning member 16 is flexible and includes a first cleaning part 21 configured so as to direct dust that comes in contact with the first cleaning part 21 when the robot cleaner 2 moves in the main moving direction toward the suction opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaner type cleaning devices, and more specifically, to the field of robotic vacuum cleaners that can autonomously move on the surface to be cleaned and can suck up dust and dirt present on the surface to be cleaned, such as tiles, parquet, laminate, carpet, or rug.

Background Art

[0002] Robotic vacuum cleaners, more commonly known as robotic vacuum cleaners, are now common and can clean the entire surface of a house without the help of a user as long as the surface is flat, i.e., at the same level. This saves the user a lot of time for other activities.

[0003] A robotic vacuum cleaner includes · A main body having a lower side configured to face the surface to be cleaned, a suction port that opens towards the lower side of the main body and extends laterally in the moving direction of the robotic vacuum cleaner, and a receiving housing fluid-connected to the suction port; · Two drive wheels rotatably attached to the main body and configured to roll on the surface to be cleaned; · A main cleaning brush rotatably attached to the receiving housing around a rotation axis extending laterally in the moving direction of the robotic vacuum cleaner; · A first side cleaning brush and a second side cleaning brush respectively adjacent to the first side edge and the second side edge of the main body, and rotatably attached to the front part of the main body around a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis that are perpendicular when the two drive wheels are on the surface to be cleaned; · A drive mechanism configured to rotate the first and second side cleaning brushes; and includes them in a known manner.

[0004] The first and second side cleaning brushes are used, for example, to lift debris present near walls that the robot vacuum cleaner is moving along, specifically pushing it into the robot vacuum cleaner's path, so that the robot vacuum cleaner can pick it up.

[0005] However, some debris rejected by the first and second side cleaning brushes may be discarded in areas already cleaned by the robot vacuum cleaner. These areas, however, will not be re-cleaned by the robot vacuum cleaner if it is driven systematically rather than randomly. Therefore, the quality of cleaning performed by such a robot vacuum cleaner may not be satisfactory to the user.

[0006] In addition, because the first and second side cleaning brushes rotate at a relatively high speed and are regularly rubbed against obstacles, the first and second side cleaning brushes wear out quickly and need to be replaced regularly.

[0007] Furthermore, since some of the mechanical components belonging to the aforementioned drive mechanism are located on either side of the two ends of the main cleaning brush, the length of the main cleaning brush and suction port is inevitably limited (which is undesirable unless the footprint of the robot vacuum cleaner increases), limiting the width of the surface that the robot vacuum cleaner can clean during each of its movements, and thus increasing the cleaning time for a given surface.

[0008] Such an arrangement of mechanical components belonging to the drive mechanism also requires the main cleaning brush and suction opening to be kept away from the side edges of the body, which makes it difficult for the robot vacuum cleaner to clean surfaces very close to obstacles or walls it encounters.

[0009] In addition, the first and second side cleaning brushes are ineffective on carpets. In fact, only the main cleaning brush is able to beat the fibers of the carpet or rug and suck up the dust that is held in by these fibers.

[0010] In addition, cables, cords, or other long, flexible items can get tangled in the first and second side cleaning brushes, potentially affecting the operation and integrity of the robot vacuum cleaner. [Overview of the project]

[0011] This invention aims to correct these shortcomings.

[0012] The fundamental technical problem of the present invention is, in particular, to provide a robotic vacuum cleaner that is simple and economical in structure, while also enabling efficient, quick, and easy cleaning of the surface to be cleaned.

[0013] For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a robotic vacuum cleaner, A body having a lower side configured to face the surface to be cleaned, a suction port opening toward the lower side of the body and extending laterally in the main direction of movement of the robot vacuum cleaner, and a receiving housing fluidly connected to the suction port, A rotating cleaning brush is mounted on a receiving housing so as to be able to rotate around a rotation axis that extends laterally in the main direction of movement of the robot vacuum cleaner, A first side cleaning member is attached to the front of the main body and positioned adjacent to the first side edge of the main body, the first side cleaning member having a flexible first cleaning component.

[0014] The first side cleaning member is fixed to the main body, and the first cleaning component is configured to guide the debris that comes into contact with the first cleaning unit as the robot vacuum cleaner moves along the main direction of movement to the suction opening.

[0015] Such a configuration of the passive first side cleaning member allows for a substantially simplified robotic vacuum cleaner, firstly, because a drive mechanism capable of driving the first side cleaning member is not required, and secondly, it significantly reduces the power consumption of the robotic vacuum cleaner and the frequency of replacement of the first side cleaning member. Accordingly, the manufacturing and operating costs of the robotic vacuum cleaner according to the present invention are substantially limited.

[0016] Furthermore, since the first cleaning component is configured to guide the debris encountered by the first cleaning component as the robot vacuum cleaner moves along the main direction of movement into the suction opening, the robot vacuum cleaner according to the present invention provides effective cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, including the vicinity of obstacles encountered by the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0017] In addition, because there is no drive mechanism that can drive the first side cleaning member, i.e., no mechanical parts adjacent to each end of the rotating cleaning brush, the length of the rotating cleaning brush and the suction port can be increased, making it possible to process surfaces to be cleaned more quickly.

[0018] The robotic vacuum cleaner that is the subject of this invention, like most robotic vacuum cleaners, is designed to effectively clean the floor when moving in a direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the robotic vacuum cleaner and in a predetermined direction of movement. The direction of movement parallel to the longitudinal axis of the robotic vacuum cleaner and the predetermined direction of movement define the aforementioned main direction of movement of the robotic vacuum cleaner that is the subject of this invention. Thus, the front or rear of the body of the robotic vacuum cleaner is identified with respect to the main direction of movement of the robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0019] A robotic vacuum cleaner may, either alone or in combination, have one or more of the following features:

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the robot vacuum cleaner further comprises a second side cleaning member attached to the front of the main body and positioned adjacent to a second side edge of the main body, the second side cleaning member having a second cleaning component that is fixed to the main body and flexible, and the first and second cleaning components are configured to guide any debris that comes into contact with the first and second cleaning components toward the suction opening when the robot vacuum cleaner is moving in the main direction of movement.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the front edge of the first cleaning component and the central longitudinal surface of the main body is greater than the distance between the rear edge of the first cleaning component and the central longitudinal surface of the main body. Advantageously, the distance between the front edge of the second cleaning component and the longitudinal middle surface of the main body is greater than the distance between the rear edge of the second cleaning component and the longitudinal middle surface of the main body.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second cleaning parts converge toward each other toward the rear of the main body. In other words, the leading edges of the first and second cleaning parts are spaced apart by a first separation distance, and the trailing edges of the first and second cleaning parts are spaced apart by a second separation distance less than the first separation distance. Such a configuration of the first and second cleaning parts facilitates the guidance of debris encountered toward the suction opening, further improving the cleaning efficiency of the robot vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. Such a configuration of the first and second cleaning parts also allows for the guidance of airflow beneath the robot vacuum cleaner from the front toward the suction opening, facilitating the suction of debris encountered by the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first side cleaning member is elongated and generally extends along the first extension direction. Advantageously, the second side cleaning member is elongated and generally extends along the second extension direction. Advantageously, the first and second extension directions converge toward each other toward the rear of the main body.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cleaning component is twisted along a first extension direction. Advantageously, the second cleaning component is twisted along a second extension direction. Such configurations of the first and second cleaning components allow for variations in the inclination of the first and second cleaning components with respect to the horizontal direction, in particular to obtain a high opening angle for the first and second cleaning components, which involves shortened first and second cleaning components. In particular, these configurations bring the rotating cleaning brush closer to the front edge of the body and the end of the rotating cleaning brush closer to the side edge of the body, thus further improving the cleaning efficiency of the robotic vacuum cleaner according to the present invention.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cleaning part generally has a flat shape. The first cleaning part can also have a wall or strip shape. Advantageously, the second cleaning part generally has a flat shape or has a wall or strip shape.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second cleaning parts are symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal central plane of the main body. These provisions further improve the cleaning efficiency of the robot cleaner according to the present invention.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the robot cleaner, especially when its drive wheels are placed on a horizontal plane, at least a part of the first cleaning part is inclined with respect to the horizontal and inclined with respect to the vertical. Advantageously, when the robot cleaner, especially when its drive wheels are placed on a horizontal plane, at least a part of the second cleaning part is inclined with respect to the horizontal and inclined with respect to the vertical.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cleaning part has an inclination that varies along the first cleaning part with respect to the horizontal. Advantageously, the second cleaning part has an inclination that varies along the second cleaning part with respect to the horizontal.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cleaning part has an inclination with respect to the horizontal, which increases towards the trailing edge of the first cleaning part. Advantageously, the second cleaning part has an inclination with respect to the horizontal, which increases towards the trailing edge of the second cleaning part.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cleaning part includes a first front wall portion that is inclined downward and outward in the lateral direction from the main body. Advantageously, the second cleaning part includes a second front wall portion that is inclined downward and outward in the lateral direction from the main body.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first front wall portion is formed of a plurality of bristles or tufts of bristles, or is formed of a flexible material. Advantageously, the second front wall portion is formed of a plurality of bristles or tufts of bristles, or is formed of a flexible material.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first front wall portion is inclined at an angle of inclination of 30°-60° with respect to the horizontal, preferably 35°-45°. Preferably, the second front wall portion is inclined at an angle of inclination of 30°-60° with respect to the horizontal, preferably 35°-45°.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cleaning part comprises a first rear wall portion that is inclined with respect to the horizontal by an inclination angle between 70° and 90°, preferably between 80° and 90°. Advantageously, the second cleaning part comprises a second rear wall portion that is inclined with respect to the horizontal by an inclination angle between 70° and 90°, preferably between 80° and 90°.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first rear wall portion is inclined outward in a downward and lateral direction from the main body. Advantageously, the second rear wall portion is inclined outward in a downward and lateral direction from the main body.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first rear wall portion is recessed from the first side edge of the main body. Advantageously, the second rear wall portion is set back from the second side edge of the main body.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the first cleaning component protrudes laterally from a first lateral edge of the body. Advantageously, at least a portion of the second cleaning component protrudes laterally from a second lateral edge of the body. These provisions enable the robotic vacuum cleaner to effectively clean surfaces along walls, while also allowing the robotic vacuum cleaner to move along these walls without contacting them, for example.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first front wall portion protrudes laterally from the first side edge of the main body. Advantageously, the second front wall portion protrudes laterally from the second side edge of the main body.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first side cleaning member has a first mounting portion fixed to a first receiving groove provided on the main body, and the first cleaning component is supported by the first mounting portion. Advantageously, the second side cleaning member has a second mounting portion fixed to a second receiving groove provided on the main body, and the second cleaning component is supported by the second mounting portion.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first receiving groove generally extends along the first groove direction. Advantageously, the first groove direction is inclined at an angle of 20°–40°, for example, 25°–35°, with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the body, and advantageously at approximately 30°.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second receiving groove generally extends along the second groove direction. Advantageously, the second groove direction is inclined at an angle of 20°–40°, for example, 25°–35°, with respect to the median longitudinal plane of the body, and advantageously at approximately 30°.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the directions of the first and second grooves converge toward each other toward the rear of the main body.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or second groove directions extend substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane of the body.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or second receiving grooves are provided on the lower surface of the main body or on an element constituting the main body, for example, on the front bumper of a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first receiving groove is twisted along the direction of the first groove. Advantageously, the second receiving groove is twisted along the direction of the second groove.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first and second receiving grooves has a flat or twisted bottom wall.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a robotic vacuum cleaner includes a first side cleaning member and at least a first deformation surface configured to deform, for example, the first cleaning part, such that when the robotic vacuum cleaner is in a horizontal plane, at least a portion of the first cleaning part is inclined with respect to the horizontal and inclined with respect to the vertical. Advantageously, the robotic vacuum cleaner includes a second side cleaning member and at least one second deformation surface configured to deform, for example, the second cleaning part, such that when the robotic vacuum cleaner is in a horizontal plane, at least a portion of the second cleaning part is inclined with respect to the horizontal and inclined with respect to the vertical.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one first deformation surface is configured to deform a first side cleaning member and, for example, a first cleaning part, such that the first cleaning part has an inclination that changes along the first cleaning part with respect to the horizontal. Advantageously, at least one second deformation surface is configured to deform a second cleaning member and, for example, a second cleaning part, such that the second cleaning part has an inclination that changes along the second cleaning part with respect to the horizontal.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body includes a first deformable member, such as a deformable rib, which has at least one first deformable surface. The first deformable member can be provided, for example, on the underside of the main body.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first receiving groove comprises at least one first deformation surface. Advantageously, the second receiving groove comprises at least one second deformation surface.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one first deformation surface is formed by at least one of the bottom wall and / or side wall of a first receiving groove. Advantageously, at least one second deformation surface is formed by at least one of the bottom wall and / or side wall of a second receiving groove.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first side cleaning member is located in front of the axis of rotation of the rotating cleaning brush and, advantageously, in front of the leading edge of the suction opening.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second side cleaning member is located in front of the axis of rotation of the rotating cleaning brush and, advantageously, in front of the leading edge of the suction opening.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first side cleaning member is positioned so as to be set back from the front edge of the main body. Advantageously, the second side cleaning member is also set back from the front edge of the main body.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first side cleaning member protrudes from the underside of the main body by a first projection height that is substantially constant along the first side cleaning member. Advantageously, a second side cleaning member protrudes from the underside of the main body by a second projection height that is substantially constant along the second side cleaning member and substantially identical to the first projection height. These configurations ensure contact between each of the first and second side cleaning members and the floor being cleaned along the entire length of each of the first and second cleaning components.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first side cleaning member is formed by a first side cleaning brush. Advantageously, the second side cleaning member is formed by a second side cleaning brush.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cleaning portion comprises at least a first row of bristles or tufts of bristles. Advantageously, the second cleaning portion comprises at least a second row of bristles or tufts of bristles.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cleaning component is formed by an elastically deformable first cleaning lamella. Advantageously, the second cleaning component is formed by an elastically deformable second cleaning lamella.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main body has a typical D shape when viewed from above.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first cleaning component has a first lower elongated edge that extends along the entire length of the first cleaning component and is configured to contact the surface being cleaned when the robotic vacuum cleaner is on the surface being cleaned. Advantageously, the second cleaning component has a second lower elongated edge that extends along the entire length of the second cleaning component and is configured to contact the surface being cleaned when the robotic vacuum cleaner is on the surface being cleaned.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge and the first end of the rotating cleaning brush are located at substantially the same distance from the first side edge of the body. Advantageously, the rear end of the second lower elongated edge and the second end of the rotating cleaning brush are located at substantially the same distance from the second side edge of the body.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of a first lower elongated edge is positioned adjacent to the first end of a rotating cleaning brush. Advantageously, the rear end of a second lower elongated edge is positioned adjacent to the second end of a rotating cleaning brush.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge is positioned adjacent to the first side edge of the suction opening. Advantageously, the rear end of the second lower elongated edge is positioned adjacent to the second side edge of the suction opening.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the axis of rotation of the rotating cleaning brush is substantially horizontal when the robotic vacuum cleaner is on a horizontal plane. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0064] The object, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, in accordance with the following description of specific embodiments of the invention presented as non-limiting examples. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a robotic vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of the robot vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the robot vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the robot vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a disassembled perspective view of the robot vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1, viewed from below. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a detailed, enlarged-scale view of Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partial bottom view of the robot vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view from below of the robot vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a detailed, enlarged-scale view of Figure 4. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a detailed, enlarged-scale view of Figure 4. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the first cleaning member belonging to the robot vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the first cleaning member belonging to the robot vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0065] Only the elements necessary to understand the present invention are shown. To facilitate interpretation of the drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same reference throughout all drawings.

[0066] Please note that in this book, the terms “horizontal,” “vertical,” “bottom,” “top,” “height,” “top,” and “top” used to describe a robot vacuum cleaner or its body refer to the usage scenario when the robot vacuum cleaner is cleaning with its wheels on a flat, level floor.

[0067] Figure 1-12 shows a robotic vacuum cleaner 2 configured to move autonomously over the surface to be cleaned.

[0068] The robotic vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a body 3 having a lower side 4 configured to face the surface to be cleaned, and a suction opening 5 opening into the lower side 4 of the body 3. The suction opening 5 is elongated and extends laterally, more specifically perpendicularly, to the main direction of movement D of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. Advantageously, the suction opening 5 has a generally rectangular shape and therefore has substantially parallel leading edge 5.1 and trailing edge 5.2.

[0069] The main body 3 further comprises a receiving housing 6 which is fluid-connected to the suction opening 5.

[0070] According to the illustrated embodiment, the front portion 31 of the main body 3 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the rear portion 32 of the main body 3 has a generally semicircular shape when viewed from above. Therefore, the main body 3 has a general D shape when viewed from above. However, the main body 3 can have any other shape when viewed from above, such as a circular or rectangular shape.

[0071] The robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a rotating cleaning brush 7 rotatably mounted in a receiving housing 6 around a rotation axis A that extends laterally, more specifically vertically, in the primary direction of movement D. Advantageously, when the robot vacuum cleaner 2 is on a horizontal plane, the rotation axis A of the rotating cleaning brush 7 is substantially horizontal.

[0072] The robot vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a drive mechanism (not shown) configured to rotate a cleaning brush 7 that rotates around a rotation axis A.

[0073] More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the robot vacuum cleaner 2 is mounted rotatably to the main body 3 and has two drive wheels 8 that substantially parallel and advantageously converge the axis of rotation B.

[0074] The two drive wheels 8 are configured to protrude from the lower side 4 of the body 3 and are positioned on either side of the central longitudinal plane P of the body 3. Advantageously, the two drive wheels 8 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the central longitudinal plane P of the body 3.

[0075] It is advantageous that the two drive wheels 8 are motorized independently of each other. Therefore, the robot vacuum cleaner 2 comprises two rotary drive mechanisms 9 housed in the main body 3, each configured to rotate its respective drive wheel via the two drive wheels 8. Each rotary drive mechanism 9 is rotatably coupled to its respective drive wheel and comprises a drive motor located, for example, on each side of the main body 3 or at the rear 32 of the main body 3. Depending on the control of the two aforementioned drive motors, the main body 3 can rotate left, right, or by itself, and move forward or backward.

[0076] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 has additional wheels 11 that are freely and rotatably mounted to the main body 3 and positioned on the front 31 of the main body 3 and, for example, between the front edge 3.10 of the main body 3 and the front edge 5.1 of the suction opening 5. Advantageously, there are two additional wheels, and they are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central plane P of the main body 3.

[0077] The robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a suction unit (not shown in the diagram) housed in the main body 3. The suction unit includes an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor to generate airflow through the suction opening 5 and the receiving housing.

[0078] The robot vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a dust collection device (not shown in the diagram) located upstream of the suction unit, through which the airflow generated by the fan passes when the robot vacuum cleaner 2 is operating.

[0079] The robot vacuum cleaner 2 also includes a power battery 15 configured to supply power to various electrical components housed in the main unit 3. Advantageously, the power battery 15 is rechargeable and housed in the main unit 3.

[0080] The robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a control device 13 configured to control the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner 2, and in particular to control the movement of the main body 3 according to, for example, random or methodological movements.

[0081] In particular, the control device 13 is configured to control the aforementioned rotary drive mechanism based on data received from various sensors located on the main body 3, such as proximity sensors, contact sensors, and / or drop sensors. The control device 13 may include, for example, an electronic card configured to receive and process this various data.

[0082] The robot vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises a transmitter / receiver 14 configured to communicate with a docking station configured to house the robot vacuum cleaner 2, particularly during the charging phase of the power battery 15.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 includes a first side cleaning member 16 and a second side cleaning member 17 fixed to the main body 3. The first side cleaning member 16 and the second side cleaning member 17 are located at the front 31 of the main body 3 and are positioned adjacent to the first side edge 3.11 and the second side edge 3.12 of the main body 3, respectively. Advantageously, the first and second side cleaning members 16 and 17 are located in front of the front edge 5.1 of the suction opening 5 and are set back from the front edge 3.10 of the main body 3.

[0084] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first and second lateral cleaning members 16 and 17 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central longitudinal surface P of the main body 3.

[0085] Advantageously, the first side cleaning member 16 protrudes from the lower side 4 of the main body 3 by a first projection height that is substantially constant along the first side cleaning member 16, and the second side cleaning member 17 protrudes from the lower side 4 of the main body 3 by a second projection height that is substantially constant along the second side cleaning member 17 and substantially the same as the first projection height.

[0086] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first and second side cleaning members are elongated and extend generally along the first extension direction DE1 and the second extension direction DE2, respectively.

[0087] The first side cleaning member 16 is elongated and has a first mounting portion 18 fixed to a first receiving groove 19 provided in the main body 3, and a first cleaning part 21 fixed to the first mounting portion 18 and protruding from the first receiving groove 19. Similarly, the second side cleaning member 17 is elongated and has a second mounting portion 22 attached to a second receiving groove 23 provided in the main body 3, and a second cleaning part 24 attached to the second mounting portion 22 and protruding from the second receiving groove 23. Advantageously, the first and second extension directions DE1 and DE2 are defined by the extension directions of the first and second fastening parts 18 and 22, respectively.

[0088] Advantageously, each of the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 is flexible and generally has a flat shape.

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, each of the first and second receiving grooves 19, 23 has a T-shaped cross-section, and each of the first and second mounting parts 18, 22 has a generally rectangular cross-section. However, the first and second receiving grooves 19, 23, and the first and second fastening parts 18, 22 can have any other cross-sectional shape.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1-12, the first and second receiving grooves 19 and 23 are provided on the lower side 4 of the main body 3 and extend generally along the first and second groove directions DR1 and DR2, respectively, which converge toward each other in the direction of the rear part 32 of the main body 3. The first groove direction DR1 and the second groove direction DR2 are inclined with respect to the central longitudinal section P of the main body 3 by inclination angles β1 and β2, respectively, which are 20°-40°, for example 25°-35°, and preferably about 30°.

[0091] As shown in detail in Figure 3, the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 are elongated and converge toward each other towards the rear 32 of the main body 3. In other words, the leading edges 210 and 240 of the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 are separated by a first separation distance, and the trailing edges 211 and 241 of the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 are separated by a second separation distance which is smaller than the first separation distance.

[0092] Therefore, the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 are configured to guide and direct any debris that comes into contact with either of the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 to the suction opening 5 as the robot vacuum cleaner 2 moves along the main movement direction D.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1-12, when the robot vacuum cleaner 2 has its drive wheels 8 on a horizontal plane, the first and second extension directions DE1 and DE2 are substantially horizontal. However, each of the first and second extension directions DE1 and DE2 can be inclined with respect to the horizontal by an inclination angle between, for example, ±20°, and preferably ±10°. Each of the first and second extension directions DE1 and DE2 is inclined with respect to the median longitudinal plane P of the main body 3 by an inclination angle between 20° and 40°, for example, between 25° and 35°, and preferably by an inclination angle of about 30°.

[0094] The first and second extension directions DE1 and DE2 may be substantially parallel to the first and second groove directions DR1 and DR2, respectively, or may be slightly inclined to the first and second groove directions DR1 and DR2, respectively.

[0095] The first and second cleaning parts 21, 24 may be formed by elastically deformable first cleaning lamellae and second cleaning lamellae, respectively (see Figures 2, 3, 6, and 11 in particular). However, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the first and second cleaning parts 21, 24 may be formed by one or more first rows of bristles or tufts of bristles extending along a first extension direction DE1, and one or more second rows of bristles or tufts of bristles extending along a second extension direction DE2 (see Figures 4, 7, 9, 10, and 12 in particular). According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the first side cleaning member 16 and the second side cleaning member 17 then form a first side cleaning brush and a second side cleaning brush fixed to the body 3.

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first cleaning part 21 and the second cleaning part 24 are twisted along the first extension direction DE1 and the second extension direction DE2, respectively, such that the first cleaning part 21 has a horizontal inclination that changes along the first cleaning part 21, and the second cleaning part 24 has a horizontal inclination that changes along the second cleaning part 24. Advantageously, the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 are twisted such that the horizontal inclination of the first cleaning part 21 increases toward the trailing edge 211 of the first cleaning part 21, and the horizontal inclination of the second cleaning part 24 increases toward the trailing edge 241 of the second cleaning part 24.

[0097] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first cleaning part 21 includes a first front wall portion 21.1 that slopes downward and laterally outward from the main body 3, and the second cleaning part 24 includes a second front wall portion 24.1 that slopes downward and laterally outward from the main body 3. The first and second front portions 21.1 and 24.1 are inclined with respect to the horizontal by inclination angles α1 and α2, respectively, which are between 30 and 60°, and preferably between 35 and 45°.

[0098] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first cleaning part 21 includes a first rear wall portion 21.2 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal by an inclination angle α3 of 70°-90°, preferably 80°-90°, and the second cleaning part 24 also includes a second rear wall portion 24.2 that is inclined with respect to the horizontal by an inclination angle α4 of 70°-90°, preferably 80-90°. Advantageously, the first rear wall portion 21.2 is inclined outward downward and laterally from the main body 3, and the second rear wall portion 24.2 is inclined outward downward and laterally from the main body 3.

[0099] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first front wall portion 21.1 protrudes laterally from the first side edge 3.11 of the main body 3, and the first rear wall portion 21.2 is set back from the first side edge 3.11 of the main body 3. Similarly, the second front wall portion 24.1 protrudes laterally from the second side edge 3.12 of the main body 3, and the second rear wall portion 24.2 is set back from the second side edge 3.12 of the main body 3.

[0100] Advantageously, the first mounting portion 18 is set back from the first side edge 3.11 of the main body 3, and the second mounting portion 22 is also set back from the second side edge 3.12 of the main body 3. These configurations prevent the first and second mounting portions 18 and 22, which are generally more rigid than the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24, from coming into contact with obstacles encountered by the robot vacuum cleaner, degrading these obstacles, or blocking the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0101] As shown in Figure 3, the first cleaning part 21 includes a first lower elongated edge 25 that extends along the entire length of the first cleaning part 21 and is configured to contact the surface being cleaned when the robot vacuum cleaner 2 is stationary over the surface being cleaned, and the second cleaning part 24 includes a second lower elongated edge 26 that extends along the entire length of the second cleaning part 24 and is configured to contact the surface being cleaned when the robot vacuum cleaner 2 is stationary over the surface being cleaned.

[0102] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge 25 and the first end 7.1 of the rotating cleaning brush 7 are located at substantially the same distance from the first side edge 3.11 of the body 3, and the rear end of the second lower elongated edge 26 and the second end 7.2 of the rotating cleaning brush 7 are located at substantially the same distance from the second side edge 3.12 of the body 3. Advantageously, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge 25 is positioned adjacent to the first end 7.1 of the rotating cleaning brush 7, and the rear end of the second lower elongated edge 26 is positioned adjacent to the second end 7.2 of the rotating cleaning brush 7.

[0103] As described above, the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 are twisted along the first and second extension directions DE1 and DE2, respectively. Such twisting of the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 can be achieved in various ways.

[0104] For this purpose, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 may include, for example, one or more first deformation surfaces configured to deform the first side cleaning member 16 such that the first cleaning portion 21 twists along the first extension direction DE1 and therefore has a changing inclination with respect to the horizontal along the first cleaning portion 21, and one or more second deformation surfaces configured to deform the second side cleaning member 17 such that the second cleaning portion 24 twists along the second extension direction DE2 and therefore has a changing inclination with respect to the horizontal along the second cleaning portion 24.

[0105] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 1-12, the bottom wall and side wall of the first receiving groove 19 twist to form the first deformation surface, and the bottom wall and side wall of the second receiving groove 23 twist to form the second deformation surface.

[0106] According to alternative embodiments of the present invention not shown in the figures, the bottom walls of the first and second receiving grooves 19 and 23 can be flat, and only the side wall of the first receiving groove 19 can form the aforementioned first deformation surface, and only the side wall of the second receiving groove 23 can form the aforementioned second deformation surface. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the robot vacuum cleaner 2 may have a single first deformation surface formed by one of the side walls of the first receiving groove 19 and a single second deformation surface formed by one of the side walls of the second receiving groove 23.

[0107] According to another embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the main body 3 may include a first deformation member, such as a deformation rib, provided on the lower side 4 of the main body 3 and having a first deformation surface, and a second deformation member, such as a deformation rib, provided on the lower side 4 of the main body 3 and having a second deformation surface.

[0108] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the robot vacuum cleaner 2 may lack first and second deformation surfaces, and the first and second cleaning parts 21 and 24 may be molded to twist.

[0109] According to one embodiment of the present invention not shown in the figures, the rear end of the first lower elongated edge 25 may be positioned adjacent to the first side edge of the suction opening 5, and the rear end of the second lower elongated edge 26 may be positioned adjacent to the second side edge of the suction opening 5.

[0110] According to one embodiment not shown in the figures, the first and second cleaning parts 21, 24 may be flat (and not twisted), and each may have a constant inclination with respect to the horizontal along one of the first and second extending directions DE1, DE2, respectively.

[0111] According to another embodiment not shown in the figures, the first and second receiving grooves 19, 23 can be substantially parallel to the median longitudinal plane P of the body 3.

[0112] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and illustrated, which are provided only as examples. Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly with respect to the configuration of various elements, or by substituting technical equivalents.

Claims

1. Robot vacuum cleaner (2), A main body (3) having a lower side (4) configured to face the surface to be cleaned, a suction opening (5) opening in the lower side (4) of the main body (3) and extending laterally with respect to the main movement direction (D) of the robot vacuum cleaner, and a receiving housing (6) fluidly connected to the suction opening (5), A rotating cleaning brush (7) is rotatably mounted on the receiving housing (6) with respect to a rotation axis (A) that extends laterally with respect to the main movement direction (D) of the robot vacuum cleaner (2), The first side cleaning member (16) is attached to the front part (31) of the main body (3), positioned adjacent to the first side end (3.11) of the main body (3), and has a flexible first cleaning part (21), and comprises: The first side cleaning member (16) is fixed to the main body (3), and when the robot vacuum cleaner (2) moves in the main movement direction (D), the first cleaning component (21) is configured to direct the debris that comes into contact with the first cleaning component (21) toward the suction opening (5). The first cleaning part (21) has an inclination that changes along the first cleaning part (21) with respect to the horizontal, The first side cleaning member (16) is extended, and extends generally along the first extension direction (DE1), A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) characterized in that the first cleaning component (21) is twisted along the first extension direction (DE1).

2. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the front edge of the first cleaning part (21) and the central longitudinal plane (P) of the main body (3) is greater than the distance between the rear edge of the first cleaning part (21) and the central longitudinal plane (P) of the main body (3).

3. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first cleaning part (21) has a substantially flat shape.

4. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the robot vacuum cleaner (2) is stationary on a horizontal plane, at least a portion of the first cleaning part (21) is inclined horizontally and vertically.

5. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first cleaning part (21) comprises a first front wall portion (21.1) that is inclined downward and laterally outward from the main body (3).

6. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 5, wherein the first front wall portion (21.1) is inclined at an angle of inclination (α1) of 30-60° with respect to the horizontal.

7. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first cleaning part (21) is provided with a first rear wall portion (21.2) that is inclined at an angle of inclination (α3) of 70-90° with respect to the horizontal.

8. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least a portion of the first cleaning part (21) protrudes laterally from the first side edge (3.11) of the main body (3).

9. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first side cleaning member (16) has a first mounting portion (18) fixed to a first receiving groove (19) provided in the main body (3), and the first cleaning part (21) is supported by the first mounting portion (18).

10. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first side cleaning member (16) is positioned in front of the rotation axis of the rotating cleaning brush.

11. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first side cleaning member (16) is formed by a first side cleaning brush.

12. The robotic vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first cleaning component (21) is formed by an elastically deformable first cleaning lamella.

13. The second side cleaning member (17) is attached to the front portion (31) of the main body (3), positioned adjacent to the second side edge (3.12) of the main body (3), fixed to the main body (3), and has a flexible second cleaning part (24), further comprising the second side cleaning member (17), The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first and second cleaning parts (21, 24) are configured to direct the debris that comes into contact with the first and second cleaning parts (21, 24) toward the suction opening (5) when the robot vacuum cleaner (2) is moving along the main direction of movement (D).

14. The robot vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 13, wherein the first and second cleaning parts (21, 24) converge toward each other toward the rear (32) of the main body (3).

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