U.S. patent application number 11/318494 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for automatic cleaning device.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG Electronics Inc.. Invention is credited to Oh-hyun Baek.
Application Number | 20060248676 11/318494 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36698853 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060248676 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baek; Oh-hyun |
November 9, 2006 |
Automatic cleaning device
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an automatic cleaning device having a dirt
receptacle sensor unit to sense the presence of a dirt receptacle.
The dirt receptacle is detachably mounted in an installation
chamber defined in a body of the automatic cleaning device.
Inventors: |
Baek; Oh-hyun; (Namdong-gu,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
LG Electronics Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36698853 |
Appl. No.: |
11/318494 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 2201/00 20130101;
A47L 9/1436 20130101; A47L 9/1472 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/319 |
International
Class: |
E01H 1/08 20060101
E01H001/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 4, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0037628 |
Claims
1. An automatic cleaning device comprising: a dirt receptacle
sensor unit to sense the presence of a dirt receptacle inside an
installation chamber defined in a body of the automatic cleaning
device.
2. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the dirt receptacle
is detachably mounted in the installation chamber to be connected
with a fan motor.
3. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the dirt receptacle
includes: a through-hole connected with a fan motor; and an
insertion through-hole for the insertion of a dirt suction
pipe.
4. The device as set forth in claim 3, wherein the dirt receptacle
further includes a filter received in the dirt receptacle to be
connected with a distal end of the suction pipe.
5. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein, after sensing the
absence of the dirt receptacle inside the installation chamber, the
dirt receptacle sensor unit inputs the sensed result to a
controller, so that the controller stops the operation of the
automatic cleaning device.
6. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the dirt receptacle
sensor unit includes: a mounting recess defined in an inner lower
surface of the installation chamber; and a micro switch received in
the mounting recess to be switched on/off in accordance with the
installation/removal of the dirt receptacle.
7. The device as set forth in claim 3, wherein the dirt receptacle
sensor unit includes: a magnet attached around a circumference of
the through-hole; and a magnetic sensor mounted to a suction side
of the fan motor to be magnetically attracted by the magnet, the
magnetic sensor sensing the presence of the dirt receptacle based
on a magnetic field produced by the magnet.
8. The device as set forth in claim 7, wherein the dirt receptacle
sensor unit further includes a sealing member made of a synthetic
rubber material, and attached to an outer surface of the magnetic
sensor that will be attached to the magnet.
9. The device as set forth in claim 3, wherein the dirt receptacle
sensor unit includes: a magnet attached around a circumference of
the insertion through-hole; an insertion recess formed in an inner
lower surface of the installation chamber to receive the magnet;
and a magnetic sensor mounted in the insertion recess around the
suction pipe to be magnetically attracted by the magnet, the
magnetic sensor sensing the presence of the dirt receptacle based
on a magnetic field produced by the magnet.
10. The device as set forth in claim 9, wherein the dirt receptacle
sensor unit further includes a sealing member made of a synthetic
rubber material and attached to an upper surface of the magnetic
sensor that will be attached to the magnet.
11. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the dirt receptacle
sensor unit includes: a sensor mounting recess formed in an inner
lower surface of the installation chamber; and an optical sensor
mounted in the sensor mounting recess to sense the presence of the
dirt receptacle by the use of emitted and received light.
12. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the optical sensor
includes: a light emitting element received in an inner lower
surface of the sensor mounting recess to emit light to the dirt
receptacle; and a light receiving element located to surround the
light emitting element to receive the light if the light, emitted
from the light emitting element, is reflected by the bottom of the
dirt receptacle to the light receiving element, thereby sensing the
presence of the dirt receptacle.
13. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the optical sensor
includes: an insertion protrusion formed at the bottom of the dirt
receptacle to be inserted into the sensor mounting recess; a light
emitting element mounted in a lateral location of the sensor
mounting recess to correspond to a location on the circumference of
the insertion protrusion; and a light receiving element mounted in
another lateral location of the sensor mounting recess opposite to
the light emitting element and adapted to sense the presence of the
dirt receptacle if light is emitted from the emitting element and
is reflected by the insertion protrusion to be introduced into the
light receiving element.
14. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the optical sensor
includes: an insertion protrusion formed at the bottom of the dirt
receptacle to be inserted into the sensor mounting recess; a light
emitting element mounted in a lateral location of the sensor
mounting recess to correspond to a location on the circumference of
the insertion protrusion; and a light receiving element mounted to
surround the light emitting element, and adapted to sense the
presence of the dirt receptacle if light is emitted from the light
emitting element and is reflected by an outer circumference of the
insertion protrusion to be introduced into the light receiving
element.
15. The device as set forth in claim 5, wherein the dirt receptacle
sensor unit further includes an absence informer electrically
connected to the controller in a signal transmission manner, the
informer outputting the absence of the dirt receptacle to the
outside if the dirt receptacle is taken out of the installation
chamber.
16. The device as set forth in claim 15, wherein the absence
informer includes a sound generator electrically connected to the
controller in a signal transmission manner, to output a sound to
indicate the absence of the dirt receptacle based on signals
inputted from the controller.
17. The device as set forth in claim 15, wherein the absence
informer includes an output display electrically connected to the
controller in a signal transmission manner, to output an image to
indicate the absence of the dirt receptacle based on signals
inputted from the controller.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an automatic cleaning
device, and, more particularly, to an automatic cleaning device
having a dirt receptacle sensor unit to sense the presence of a
dirt receptacle.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, an automatic cleaning device is a self-running
vacuum cleaner. The automatic cleaning device automatically finds
its way back to its charging station to recharge when needed. If
the cleaning hasn't been completed when the automatic cleaning
device needs to be charged, the automatic cleaning device continues
cleaning when charging is finished.
[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating the general configuration of a conventional automatic
cleaning device.
[0006] As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional automatic cleaning
device comprises: a body 100; a fan motor 200 mounted in the body
100 to generate a suction force; and a dirt receptacle 300
containing a filter 301 therein. The dirt receptacle 300 is
detachably mounted in an installation chamber 101 defined in the
body 100. The installation chamber 101 is connected with the fan
motor 200, and thus, the dirt receptacle 300 is connected with the
fan motor 200.
[0007] The conventional automatic cleaning device further
comprises: a suction pipe 400; a suction head 500; and a brush 600.
The suction pipe 400 is penetrated through the bottom of the dirt
receptacle 300 to be connected with the filter 301. The suction
head 500 is coupled to a lower end of the suction pipe 400 to
suction dust and dirt from the floor. The brush 600 is located in
the bottom of the suction head 500 so that it is exposed to the
outside to come into contact with the floor.
[0008] The body 100 is provided at the bottom thereof with a
plurality of wheels exposed to the outside. The wheels include a
drive wheel 700 for the self-running of the body 100 and a
plurality of auxiliary wheels 701 to assist the operation of the
drive wheel 700.
[0009] Also, a controller 102 is mounted in the body 100 to control
the traveling direction of the automatic cleaning device. With the
above-described configuration, the automatic cleaning device
travels in a predetermined direction in accordance with operation
of the controller 102, so that it suctions dust and dirt from the
floor via the suction head 500 into the suction pipe 400 during the
driving of the fan motor 200. Subsequently, the suctioned dust and
dirt are caught while passing through the filter 301. Thereby, the
conventional automatic cleaning device is adapted to clean a room
while discharging filtered air.
[0010] However, the above-described prior art has a problem in that
it has no function of sensing the presence of the dirt receptacle.
When a user forgets to put the dirt receptacle into the
installation chamber of the body after emptying the dirt
receptacle, or the dirt receptacle is unintentionally separated
from the installation chamber due to external factors, such as
shock, the conventional automatic cleaning device may continue
cleaning without knowing the absence of the dirt receptacle. This
causes the suctioned dust and dirt to be directly discharged into
the room without passing through the filter of the dirt receptacle,
resulting in room contamination. Furthermore, the dust and dirt may
be suctioned into other elements of the device, causing the
automatic cleaning device to breakdown.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of
the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to
provide an automatic cleaning device having a dirt receptacle
sensor unit to sense the presence of a dirt receptacle.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
automatic cleaning device having a dirt receptacle sensor unit
which can sense the presence of a dirt receptacle with a simplified
structure, allow the dirt receptacle to be coupled to a body of the
device with an increased coupling strength by the use of a magnetic
force, and achieve an increase in the air-tightness of the
connecting region between the dirt receptacle and the dirt
receptacle sensor unit.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
an automatic cleaning device having a dirt receptacle sensor unit,
which is capable of allowing a user to easily recognize the
presence of a dirt receptacle.
[0014] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an automatic
cleaning device comprising: a body; a fan motor to generate a
suction force; an installation chamber defied in the body to be
connected with the fan motor; a dirt receptacle detachably mounted
in the installation chamber, the dirt receptacle having a
through-hole connected with the fan motor, an insertion
through-hole for the insertion of a dirt suction pipe, and a filter
received in the dirt receptacle to be connected with a distal end
of the suction pipe; and a dirt receptacle sensor unit to sense the
presence of the dirt receptacle inside the installation chamber,
whereby if the dirt receptacle sensor unit senses the absence of
the dirt receptacle inside the installation chamber, the dirt
receptacle sensor unit inputs the sensed result to a controller, so
that the controller stops the operation of the automatic cleaning
device.
[0015] Preferably, the dirt receptacle sensor unit may include: a
mounting recess defined in an inner lower surface of the
installation chamber; and a micro switch received in the mounting
recess to be switched on/off in accordance with
installation/removal of the dirt receptacle.
[0016] Preferably, the dirt receptacle sensor unit may include: a
magnet attached around a circumference of the through-hole; and a
magnetic sensor mounted to a suction side of the fan motor to be
magnetically attracted by the magnet, the magnetic sensor sensing
the presence of the dirt receptacle based on a magnetic field
produced by the magnet.
[0017] Preferably, the dirt receptacle sensor unit may further
include a sealing member made of a synthetic rubber material, and
attached to an outer surface of the magnetic sensor that will be
attached to the magnet.
[0018] Preferably, the dirt receptacle sensor unit may include: a
magnet attached around a circumference of the insertion
through-hole; an insertion recess formed in an inner lower surface
of the installation chamber to receive the magnet; and a magnetic
sensor mounted in the insertion recess around the suction pipe to
be magnetically attracted by the magnet, the magnetic sensor
sensing the presence of the dirt receptacle based on a magnetic
field produced by the magnet.
[0019] Preferably, the dirt receptacle sensor unit may further
include a sealing member made of a synthetic rubber material and
attached to an upper surface of the magnetic sensor that will be
attached to the magnet.
[0020] Preferably, the dirt receptacle sensor unit may include: a
sensor mounting recess formed in an inner lower surface of the
installation chamber; and an optical sensor mounted in the sensor
mounting recess to sense the presence of the dirt receptacle by the
use of emitted and received light.
[0021] Preferably, the optical sensor may include: a light emitting
element received in an inner lower surface of the sensor mounting
recess to emit light to the dirt receptacle; and a light receiving
element located to surround the light emitting element to receive
the light if the light, emitted from the light emitting element, is
reflected by the bottom of the dirt receptacle to the light
receiving element, thereby sensing the presence of the dirt
receptacle.
[0022] Preferably, the optical sensor may include: an insertion
protrusion formed at the dirt receptacle to be inserted into the
sensor mounting recess; a light emitting element mounted in a
lateral location of the sensor mounting recess to correspond to a
location on the circumference of the insertion protrusion; and a
light receiving element mounted in another lateral location of the
sensor mounting recess opposite to the light emitting element, and
adapted to sense the presence of the dirt receptacle if light is
emitted from the light emitting element and is reflected by the
insertion protrusion of the dirt receptacle to be introduced into
the light receiving element.
[0023] Preferably, the optical sensor may include: an insertion
protrusion formed at the bottom of the dirt receptacle to be
inserted into the sensor mounting recess; a light emitting element
mounted in a lateral location of the sensor mounting recess to
correspond to a location on the circumference of the insertion
protrusion; and a light receiving element mounted to surround the
light emitting element, and adapted to sense the presence of the
dirt receptacle if light is emitted from the light emitting element
and is reflected by an outer circumference of the insertion
protrusion to be introduced into the light receiving element.
[0024] Preferably, the dirt receptacle sensor unit may further
include an absence informer electrically connected to a controller
in a signal transmission manner, the informer outputting the
absence of the dirt receptacle to the outside if the dirt
receptacle is taken out of the installation chamber.
[0025] Preferably, the absence informer may have a sound generator
electrically connected to the controller in a signal transmission
manner, to output a sound to indicate the absence of the dirt
receptacle based on signals inputted from the controller.
[0026] Preferably, the absence informer may have an output display
electrically connected to the controller in a signal transmission
manner, to output an image to indicate the absence of the dirt
receptacle based on signals inputted from the controller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The above and other objects, features and other advantages
of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating the general configuration of a conventional automatic
cleaning device;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of circle A of FIG.
2;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an enlarged section view illustrating separation
of a dirt receptacle of FIG. 3,;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of circle B of FIG.
5;
[0034] FIG. 7 is an enlarged section view illustrating separation
of a dirt receptacle of FIG. 6;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
third embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of circle C of FIG.
8;
[0037] FIG. 10 is an enlarged section view illustrating separation
of a dirt receptacle of FIG. 9;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of circle D of FIG.
11;
[0040] FIG. 13 is an enlarged section view illustrating separation
of a dirt receptacle of FIG. 12;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 15 is an enlarged sectional view of circle E of FIG.
14;
[0043] FIG. 16 is an enlarged section view illustrating separation
of a dirt receptacle of FIG. 15;
[0044] FIG. 17 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 18 is an enlarged sectional view of circle F of FIG.
17;
[0046] FIG. 19 is an enlarged section view illustrating separation
of a dirt receptacle of FIG. 18;
[0047] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic
cleaning device in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0048] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic
cleaning device in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] Now, preferred embodiments of an automatic cleaning device
according to the present invention will be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged
sectional view of circle A of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an enlarged section
view illustrating separation of a dirt receptacle of FIG. 3.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the automatic cleaning device
according to the first embodiment of the present invention
comprises: a body 2; a fan motor 3 to generate a suction force; an
installation chamber 10 defined in the body 2; a dirt receptacle 20
detachably mounted in the installation chamber 10; and a dirt
receptacle sensor unit 30 to sense the presence of the dirt
receptacle 20.
[0052] The installation chamber 10 is defined in the body 2 at a
position connected with the fan motor 3. Thus, the dirt receptacle
20, which is mounted in the installation chamber 10, is connected
with the fan motor 3.
[0053] The dirt receptacle 20 has a through-hole 21, so that the
dirt receptacle 20 is connected with the fan motor 3 via the
through-hole 21 when the dirt receptacle 20 is detachably mounted
in the installation chamber 10. The dirt receptacle 20 further has
an insertion through-hole 22 for the insertion of a dirt suction
pipe 4. Also, a filter 23 is mounted in the dirt receptacle 20, so
that a distal end of the suction pipe 4 is fitted into the filter
23 to be connected with the interior of the filter 23.
[0054] If air, containing dust and dirt, is introduced via the
suction pipe 4 in accordance with a suction force generated from
the fan motor 3, the dirt receptacle 20 having the above-described
configuration is able to filter the dust and dirt contained in the
air by use of the filter 23.
[0055] The through-hole 21 is a passage to deliver the filtered air
to the suction side of the fan motor 3, and the insertion
through-hole 22 is a passage to guide the insertion of the suction
pipe 4 and to connect the distal end of the suction pipe 4 to the
filter 23.
[0056] The dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 is mounted in the
installation chamber 10 to sense the presence of the
dirt-receptacle 20. The sensed result is inputted into a controller
5, which is mounted in the body 2.
[0057] If the dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 senses the absence of
the dirt receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber 10 and
inputs the sensed result into the controller 5, the controller 5
stops the operation of the automatic cleaning device. Thereby, the
dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 serves to prevent the automatic
cleaning device from continuing cleaning without knowing the
absence of the dirt receptacle 20.
[0058] The dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 includes: a mounting
recess 31a defined in an inner lower surface of the installation
chamber 10; and a micro switch 32a received in the mounting recess
31a to be switched on/off as the bottom of the dirt receptacle 20
comes into contact with the inner lower surface of the installation
chamber 10.
[0059] If the dirt receptacle 20 is put into the installation
chamber 10 and the bottom of the dirt receptacle 20 presses the
micro switch 32a, the micro switch 32a is switched on. Thereby, the
dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 is able to sense the presence of the
dirt receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber 10.
[0060] Conversely, if the dirt receptacle 20 is taken out of the
installation chamber 10 and a push force applied to the micro
switch 32a is removed, the micro switch 32a is switched off.
Thereby, the dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 is able to sense the
absence of the dirt receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber
10.
[0061] FIG. 5 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged
sectional view of circle B of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an enlarged section
view illustrating separation of a dirt receptacle of FIG. 6.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the automatic cleaning device
according to the second embodiment of the present invention
comprises: the body 2; the fan motor 3; the installation chamber 10
defined in the body 2 to be connected with the fan motor 3; the
dirt receptacle 20 detachably mounted in the installation chamber
10; and the dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 to sense the presence of
the dirt receptacle 20.
[0063] The dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 is mounted in the
installation chamber 10 so that it senses the absence of the dirt
receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber 10 and inputs the
sensed result into the controller 5. The dirt receptacle sensor
unit 30 of the present embodiment includes: a magnet 31b attached
around the circumference of the through-hole 21 formed at the dirt
receptacle 20; and a magnetic sensor 32b mounted to the suction
side of the fan motor 3 to be magnetically attracted by the magnet
31b. If a magnetic field is produced by the magnet 31b,
accordingly, the magnetic sensor 32b is able to sense the presence
of the dirt receptacle 20.
[0064] Specifically, if the dirt receptacle 20 is put into the
installation chamber 10, the magnetic sensor 32b is attracted by
the magnetic field of the magnet 31b attached around the
through-hole 21 of the dirt receptacle 20, thereby sensing the
presence of the dirt receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber
10.
[0065] Conversely, if the dirt receptacle 20 is taken out of the
installation chamber 10, the magnet 31b escapes from the effective
range of the magnetic sensor 32b, making it impossible for the
magnetic sensor 32b to sense the magnetic field of the magnet 31b.
Thereby, the magnetic sensor 32b is able to sense the absence of
the dirt receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber 10.
[0066] Preferably, an outer surface of the magnetic sensor 32b is
made of a metal material so that the magnetic sensor 32b is
magnetically attached to the magnet 31b. Such a magnetic attachment
between the magnet 31b and the magnetic sensor 32b has the effect
of mounting the dirt receptacle 20 into the installation chamber 10
with an increased coupling strength.
[0067] A sealing member 33b, made of a synthetic rubber material,
is attached to the outer surface of the magnetic sensor 32b prior
to attaching the magnet 31b to the magnetic sensor 32b. As the
magnet 31b is magnetically attached to the outer surface of the
magnetic sensor 32b, the sealing member 33b is pressed, thereby
serving to prevent the leakage of air between the magnet 31b and
the magnetic sensor 32b.
[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged
sectional view of circle C of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an enlarged
section view illustrating separation of a dirt receptacle of FIG.
9.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the automatic cleaning device
according to the third embodiment of the present invention
comprises: the body 2; the fan motor 3; the installation chamber 10
defined in the body 2 to be connected with the fan motor 3; the
dirt receptacle 20 detachably mounted in the installation chamber
10; and the dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 to sense the presence of
the dirt receptacle 20.
[0070] The dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 is mounted in the
installation chamber 10 so that it senses the absence of the dirt
receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber 10 and inputs the
sensed result into the controller 5. The dirt receptacle sensor
unit 30 of the present embodiment includes: a magnet 31c attached
around the circumference of the insertion through-hole 22 formed at
the bottom of the dirt receptacle 20; an insertion recess 32c
formed in the inner lower surface of the installation chamber 10 to
receive the magnet 31c; and a magnetic sensor 33c mounted in the
insertion recess 32c around the suction pipe 4 to be magnetically
attracted by the magnet 31c. Thereby, if a magnetic field is
produced by the magnet 31c, the magnetic sensor 33c is able to
sense the presence of the dirt receptacle 20.
[0071] Specifically, if the dirt receptacle 20 is put into the
installation chamber 10, the magnetic sensor 33c is attracted by
the magnetic field of the magnet 31c attached around the insertion
through-hole 22 of the dirt receptacle 20, thereby sensing the
presence of the dirt receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber
10.
[0072] Conversely, if the dirt receptacle 20 is taken out of the
installation chamber 10, the magnet 31c escapes from the effective
range of the magnetic sensor 33c, making it impossible for the
magnetic sensor 33c to sense the magnetic field of the magnet 31c.
Thereby, the magnetic sensor 33c is able to sense the absence of
the dirt receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber 10.
[0073] An outer surface of the magnetic sensor 33c is preferably
made of a metal material so that the magnetic sensor 33c is
magnetically attached to the magnet 31c. Such a magnetic attachment
between the magnet 31c and the magnetic sensor 33c has the effect
of mounting the dirt receptacle 20 into the installation chamber 10
with an increased coupling strength.
[0074] A sealing member 34c is attached to the outer surface of the
magnetic sensor 33c prior to attaching the magnet 31c to the
magnetic sensor 33c. The sealing member 34c is made of a synthetic
rubber material, and is located beneath the magnet 31c. As the
magnet 31c is magnetically attached to the outer surface of the
magnetic sensor 33c, the lower sealing member 34c is pressed,
thereby serving to prevent the leakage of air between the magnet
31c and the magnetic sensor 33c.
[0075] FIG. 11 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an enlarged
sectional view of circle D of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is an enlarged
section view illustrating separation of a dirt receptacle of FIG.
12.
[0076] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the automatic cleaning device
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention
comprises: the body 2; the fan motor 3; the installation chamber 10
defined in the body 2 to be connected with the fan motor 3; the
dirt receptacle 20 detachably mounted in the installation chamber
10; and the dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 to sense the presence of
the dirt receptacle 20.
[0077] The dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 is mounted in the
installation chamber 10 so that it senses the absence of the dirt
receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber 10 and inputs the
sensed result into the controller 5. The dirt receptacle sensor
unit 30 of the present embodiment includes: a sensor mounting
recess 31d formed in the inner lower surface of the installation
chamber 10; and an optical sensor 32d mounted in the sensor
mounting recess 31d to sense the presence of the dirt receptacle 20
by the use of emitted and received light.
[0078] The optical sensor 32d has: a light emitting element 321a
received in the inner lower surface of the sensor mounting recess
31d to emit light into the dirt receptacle 20, and a light
receiving element 322a located to surround the light emitting
element 321a to receive the light if the light emitted from the
light receiving element 322a is reflected by the bottom of the dirt
receptacle 20.
[0079] If the dirt receptacle 20 is put into the installation
chamber 10, the light, such as an ultraviolet ray, is emitted from
the light emitting element 321a, and is reflected by the bottom of
the dirt receptacle 20, thereby being introduced into the light
receiving element 322a mounted around the light emitting element
321. Thereby, the presence of the dirt receptacle 20 inside the
installation chamber 10 is sensed.
[0080] Conversely, if the dirt receptacle 20 is taken out of the
installation chamber 10, the light, emitted from the light emitting
element 321a, fails to be introduced into the light receiving
element 322a since the dirt receptacle 20 does not reflect the
emitted light. Thereby, the dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 is able
to sense the absence of the dirt receptacle 20 inside the
installation chamber 10.
[0081] FIG. 14 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is an enlarged
sectional view of circle E of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is an enlarged
section view illustrating separation of a dirt receptacle of FIG.
15.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the automatic cleaning device
according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention
comprises: the body 2; the fan motor 3; the installation chamber 10
defined in the body 2 to be connected with the fan motor 3; the
dirt receptacle 20 detachably mounted in the installation chamber
10; and the dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 to sense the presence of
the dirt receptacle 20.
[0083] The dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 is mounted in the
installation chamber 10 so that it senses the absence of the dirt
receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber 10 and inputs the
sensed result into the controller 5. The dirt receptacle sensor
unit 30 of the present embodiment includes: the sensor mounting
recess 31d formed in the inner lower surface of the installation
chamber 10; and the optical sensor 32d mounted in the sensor
mounting recess 31d to sense the presence of the dirt receptacle 20
by the use of emitted and received light.
[0084] The optical sensor 32d of the present embodiment has: an
insertion protrusion 321b formed at the bottom of the dirt
receptacle 20 to be inserted into the sensor mounting recess 31d; a
light emitting element 322b mounted in a lateral location of the
sensor mounting recess 31d to correspond to a location on the
circumference of the insertion protrusion 321b; and a light
receiving element 323b mounted in another lateral location of the
sensor mounting recess 31d opposite to the light emitting element
322b. In accordance with whether the insertion protrusion 321b of
the dirt receptacle 20 intercepts the light emitted from the light
emitting element 322b or not, the light receiving element 323b is
able to sense the presence or absence of the dirt receptacle
20.
[0085] If the dirt receptacle 20 is put into the installation
chamber 10, and thus, the insertion protrusion 321b is inserted
into the sensor mounting recess 31d, the light, such as an
ultraviolet ray, is emitted from the light emitting element 322b,
but is not introduced into the light receiving element 323b since
the insertion protrusion 321 intercepts the emitted light. Thereby,
the presence of the dirt receptacle 20 inside the installation
chamber 10 is sensed.
[0086] Conversely, if the dirt receptacle 20 is taken out of the
installation chamber 10, and thus, the insertion protrusion 321b
disappears from the sensor mounting recess 31d, the light, emitted
from the light emitting element 322b, is introduced into the light
receiving element 323b. Thereby, the dirt receptacle sensor unit
30d is able to sense the absence of the dirt receptacle 20 inside
the installation chamber 10.
[0087] FIG. 17 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view
illustrating an automatic cleaning device in accordance with a
sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an enlarged
sectional view of circle F of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is an enlarged
section view illustrating separation of a dirt receptacle of FIG.
18.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the automatic cleaning device
according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention
comprises: the body 2; the fan motor 3; the installation chamber 10
defined in the body 2 to be connected with the fan motor 3; the
dirt receptacle 20 detachably mounted in the installation chamber
10; and the dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 to sense the presence of
the dirt receptacle 20.
[0089] The dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 is mounted in the
installation chamber 10 so that it senses the absence of the dirt
receptacle 20 inside the installation chamber 10 and inputs the
sensed result into the controller 5. The dirt receptacle sensor
unit 30 of the present embodiment includes: the sensor mounting
recess 31d formed in the inner lower surface of the installation
chamber 10; and the optical sensor 32d mounted in the sensor
mounting recess 31d to sense the presence of the dirt receptacle 20
by the use of emitted and received light.
[0090] The optical sensor 32d of the present embodiment has: an
insertion protrusion 321c formed at the bottom of the dirt
receptacle 20 to be inserted into the sensor mounting recess 31d; a
light emitting element 322c mounted in a lateral location of the
sensor mounting recess 31d to correspond to a location on the
circumference of the insertion protrusion 321c; and a light
receiving element 323c mounted to surround the light emitting
element 322c. In accordance with whether the light emitted from the
light emitting element 322c is reflected by an outer circumference
of the insertion protrusion 321c or not, the light receiving
element 323c is able to sense the presence or absence of the dirt
receptacle 20.
[0091] If the dirt receptacle 20 is put into the installation
chamber 10 and thus, the insertion protrusion 321c is inserted into
the sensor mounting recess 31d, the light, such as an ultraviolet
ray, is emitted from the light emitting element 322c, and is
introduced into the light receiving element 323c after being
reflected by the outer circumference of the insertion protrusion
321c. Thereby, the presence of the dirt receptacle 20 inside the
installation chamber 10 is sensed.
[0092] Conversely, if the dirt receptacle 20 is taken out of the
installation chamber 10 and thus, the insertion protrusion 321c
disappears from the sensor mounting recess 31d, the light, emitted
from the light emitting element 322c is not reflected by the
insertion protrusion 321c, thereby failing to be introduced into
the light receiving element 323c. Thereby, the dirt receptacle
sensor unit is able to sense the absence of the dirt receptacle 20
inside the installation chamber 10.
[0093] FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic
cleaning device in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the
present invention.
[0094] As shown in FIG. 20, in the seventh embodiment of the
present invention, the dirt receptacle sensor unit 30 of the
automatic cleaning device further includes an absence informer 40
electrically connected to the controller 5 in a signal transmission
manner. If the dirt receptacle 20 is taken out of the installation
chamber 10, the informer 40 outputs the absence of the dirt
receptacle 20 to the outside.
[0095] The absence informer 40 has a sound generator 41
electrically connected to the controller 5 in a signal transmission
manner. The sound generator 41 outputs a sound to indicate the
absence of the dirt receptacle 20 based on signals inputted from
the controller 5.
[0096] In operation of the absence informer 40 having the
above-described configuration, if the dirt receptacle sensor unit
30 senses the absence of the dirt receptacle 20 and inputs the
sensed result to the controller 5, the controller 5 operates the
sound generator 41, for example, a speaker, to output a voice or
sound to the outside, thereby allowing a user to easily recognize
the absence of the dirt receptacle 20.
[0097] FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic
cleaning device in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 21, similar to the seventh embodiment, the
dirt receptacle sensor unit of the present embodiment further
includes the absence informer 40 electrically connected to the
controller 5 in a signal transmission manner, so that it outputs
the absence of the dirt receptacle 20 when the dirt receptacle 20
is taken out of the installation chamber 10.
[0099] The absence informer 40 of the present embodiment has an
output display 42 electrically connected to the controller 5 in a
signal transmission manner. The output display 42 outputs an image
to indicate the absence of the dirt receptacle 20 based on signals
inputted from the controller 5.
[0100] In operation of the absence informer 40 having the
above-described configuration, if the dirt receptacle sensor unit
30 senses the absence of the dirt receptacle 20 and inputs the
sensed result to the controller 5, the controller 5 operates the
output display 42, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD)
window, mounted at the body 2 of the automatic cleaning device, to
output information indicating the absence of the dirt receptacle
20, thereby allowing a user to easily recognize the absence of the
dirt receptacle 20 in a visual manner.
[0101] In an operating example of the output display 42, it
displays letters, which indicate the absence of the dirt receptacle
20, on the LCD window provided at the outer surface of the body 2.
The output display 42 has a function of blinking the LCD window or
the displayed letters.
[0102] As apparent from the above description, the present
invention provides an automatic cleaning device having the
following effects.
[0103] Firstly, according to the present invention, the automatic
cleaning device has a function of sensing the presence of a dirt
receptacle. This effectively prevents the automatic cleaning device
from continuing cleaning without knowing the absence of the dirt
receptacle when the dirt receptacle is separated from the automatic
cleaning device due to user carelessness or external shock.
[0104] Secondly, the present invention provides a dirt receptacle
sensor unit, which can effectively sense the presence of the dirt
receptacle with a simplified structure. The dirt receptacle sensor
unit of the present invention further can serve to achieve an
increased coupling strength of the dirt receptacle by the use of a
magnetic force. This has the effect of enabling more stable
cleaning by the automatic cleaning device and preventing
unintentional separation of the dirt receptacle due to external
factors, such as shock.
[0105] Thirdly, according to the present invention, the dirt
receptacle sensor unit is configured so that it can be securely
coupled to the dirt receptacle by the use of a magnetic force while
achieving air-tightness at the connecting region therebetween. As a
result, the dirt receptacle sensor unit can completely prevent not
only unintentional separation of the dirt receptacle, but also the
leakage of air from the connecting region. Preventing the leakage
of air, consequently, has the effect of increasing the suction
force of a fan motor.
[0106] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
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