U.S. patent application number 11/589773 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-24 for vacuum cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Shigenori Hato, Yasuhiro Oka.
Application Number | 20070113373 11/589773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37605497 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070113373 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hato; Shigenori ; et
al. |
May 24, 2007 |
Vacuum cleaner
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner in accordance with the present invention is
provided with a left cover 40 and a right cover 41, which cover a
suction port body, so as to be movable in the right and left
direction to facilitate cleaning by expanding the suction port body
when the side of a wall, a corner of a room, and the like are
cleaned. When the vacuum cleaner approaches a wall etc., the right
cover 41 moves so as to project to the outside from a bumper 3. A
part of the suction port body 2 expands to the side, and an
expansion space A covered by the right cover 41 is formed on the
right-hand side of the suction port body. Dust and dirt on a floor
surface facing to this space are sucked through a main suction port
20. Also, side suction ports 34 made of a flexible material are
communicatingly formed in both end portions at the right and the
left of a dust suction chamber 18 of the suction port body 2 so
that dust and dirt is also sucked through the side suction port 34
when the side of wall is cleaned. The side suction port 34 is
formed so as to project to the side from the overall width of a
cleaner body, so that dust and dirt at the side are easily sucked
for cleaning when the vacuum cleaner runs along the side of wall
etc.
Inventors: |
Hato; Shigenori;
(Kishiwada-shi, JP) ; Oka; Yasuhiro; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Assignee: |
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
Osaka-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
37605497 |
Appl. No.: |
11/589773 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/354 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 2201/04 20130101;
A47L 2201/00 20130101; A47L 9/02 20130101; A47L 9/04 20130101; A47L
5/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/354 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/28 20060101
A47L005/28; A47L 9/02 20060101 A47L009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 21, 2005 |
JP |
2005-335513 |
Nov 21, 2005 |
JP |
2005-336070 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner in which a suction port body having a suction
port is provided on the front side of a cleaner body, and an
expanding means for expanding the suction port body toward the side
is provided.
2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the expanding
means expands the suction port body toward the side when the side
of wall is cleaned.
3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the suction
port body has a rotating brush, and the suction port communicating
with a dust collection section is formed on a wall surface of a
dust suction chamber of the suction port body accommodating the
rotating brush.
4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the expanding
means is configured so that a part of the suction port body is
projected from the cleaner body to expand the dust suction chamber
to the side.
5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein a suction port
variable means is provided to displace the suction port in a
projecting direction in association with an expansion of the
suction port body.
6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein an obstacle
detector is provided to detect an obstacle located at the side of
the cleaner body so that when the vacuum cleaner approaches a wall,
the expanding means projects a part of the suction port body from
the cleaner body.
7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein an obstacle
detector is provided to detect an obstacle located at the front and
at the side of the cleaner body so that when the vacuum cleaner
approaches a corner of a room, the expanding means projects a part
of the suction port body from the cleaner body.
8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein when the vacuum
cleaner goes away from the side of wall or when cleaning at the
side of wall is finished, the expansion means retracts a part of
the suction port body into the cleaner body.
9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the expanding
means is side suction ports provided in both end portions at the
right and left of a dust suction chamber of the suction port body
so as to extend to the side.
10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the side
suction port is formed of a flexible material.
11. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein the side
suction port is formed so as to project to the side from the
overall width of the cleaner body.
12. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein a rotating
brush is accommodated in the dust suction chamber so as to be
rotatable around a horizontal shaft, and bearing portions at both
ends of the rotating brush each are covered by a dust-proof cover
to prevent dust and dirt having been sucked through the side
suction port from intruding into the bearing portion.
13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 9, wherein a bumper is
provided so as to cover the front and the side of the cleaner body,
the bumper being attached to the cleaner body so as to be movable
in a front and rear direction and in a right and left direction,
and the side suction port provided on a same surface as a side
surface of the bumper moves in association with a movement in the
right and left direction of the bumper.
14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum
cleaner has a running means for running the vacuum cleaner on a
floor surface and a steering means for controlling the running
direction to make it possible for the vacuum cleaner to run
automatically.
15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein when the
vacuum cleaner goes away from the side of wall or when cleaning at
the side of wall is finished, the expansion means retracts a part
of the suction port body into the cleaner body.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that
performs cleaning while running automatically.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] As a technique for cleaning the corners of wall surfaces in
the conventional vacuum cleaner, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2004-350713 has disclosed a self-propelled vacuum cleaner in which
a suction port body is provided so as to be movable in the
transverse direction with respect to the advancing direction to
clean a corner portion using the suction port body projecting from
a cleaner body.
[0003] Also, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-6857 has disclosed
a vacuum cleaner in which a corner brush that can project and
retract from a main suction port toward the direction crossing the
running direction of cleaner body is provided, and the corner brush
is provided with a corner suction port for sucking dust and dirt on
the floor surface. In this vacuum cleaner, the main suction port
sucks dust and dirt on the floor surface and the corner suction
port sucks dust and dirt on the floor surface at the side of an
obstacle, by which the floor surface can be cleaned surely. Also,
even if the corner brush comes into contact with the obstacle, the
corner brush retracts toward the rear of the cleaner body, so that
the obstacle etc. can be prevented from being damaged. Problems to
be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, the self-propelled vacuum cleaner described in
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-350713 has a disadvantage that
since the suction port body is moved in the transverse direction
when a corner portion is cleaned, a part of the floor surface under
the cleaner body cannot be cleaned at the time of corner cleaning,
so that the surface to be cleaned cannot be cleaned surely.
[0005] Also, in the vacuum cleaner described in Japanese Patent
Laid-Open No. 2005-6857, the corner brush is provided so as to be
capable of projecting and retracting with respect to the cleaner
body by being turnably supported on the cleaner body. In the
projecting and retracting operation, a driving means such as a
motor for reeling is necessary, which presents a disadvantage of
high cost. Also, since a suction path from the corner brush is
provided separately from a suction path from the main suction port,
a space required for the suction path increases, which presents a
disadvantage of a large equipment size.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above
circumstances, and accordingly an object thereof is to provide a
compact vacuum cleaner capable of easily cleaning a portion near a
wall or at a corner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] To achieve the above-object, in the present invention, a
suction port body having a suction port is provided on the front
side of a cleaner body, and an expanding means for expanding the
suction port body toward the side is provided. Accordingly, the
suction port body itself is not moved, and a part of the suction
port body is expanded to the side by using the expanding means. By
this expansion, the region capable of being cleaned by the suction
port body is widened to the side of wall, so that the side of wall
can be cleaned.
[0008] The suction port body has a rotating brush, and the suction
port communicating with a dust collection section is formed on a
wall surface of a dust suction chamber of the suction port body
accommodating the rotating brush. Therefore, the expanding means is
configured so that a part of the suction port body is projected
from the cleaner body to expand the dust suction chamber to the
side. That is to say, a case or a cover of the suction port body
constituting the dust suction chamber is made expandable and
contractible to the side. The case or the cover is a member
constituting a part of the suction port body. When the side of wall
is cleaned, the dust suction chamber is expanded by extending this
member. At the time of ordinary cleaning such that a central
portion of a room is cleaned, this member is contracted, and is not
projected from the cleaner body. Therefore, this member does not
collide with an obstacle, and therefore does not hinder the running
of the cleaner body.
[0009] A suction port variable means is provided to displace the
suction port in the projecting direction in association with the
expansion of the suction port body. The suction port variable means
displaces the suction port by widening the suction port or by
shifting the position thereof. When apart of the suction port body
projects to one direction, the suction port is also displaced in
one direction, and the suction port comes close to the expanded
region. Thereby, a sufficient suction force can be obtained in the
expanded region.
[0010] An obstacle detector is provided to detect an obstacle
located at the front and at the side of the cleaner body so that
the vacuum cleaner approaching the side of wall or a corner of room
can be detected. At the time of this detection, the expanding means
projects a part of the suction port body from the cleaner body.
Also, when the vacuum cleaner goes away from the side of wall or
when cleaning at the side of wall is finished, the expansion means
retracts apart of the suction port body into the cleaner body.
Therefore, the suction port body does not hinder the running of the
cleaner body. The finish of cleaning of the side of wall is judged
from a change of running of cleaner body from advance to retreat or
from advance to turning.
[0011] Also, as the expanding means, side suction ports extending
from the suction port body toward the side are provided, by which
the region capable of being cleaned by the suction port body can be
expanded to the side of wall. That is to say, in the present
invention, a semicylindrical space which is open to the floor
surface and the cylinder center axis of which is directed in the
right and left direction is formed, and this space is used as the
dust suction chamber. In the front wall surface of the dust suction
chamber, a main suction port is formed to suck dust and dirt from
the floor surface together with air. Also, the side suction ports
are communicatingly formed in both end portions at the right and
the left of the dust suction chamber. When the floor at the side of
wall or at a corner of room is cleaned, the side suction port is
used. At this time, the side suction ports are also communicatingly
formed in the right and left end portions of the dust suction
chamber. Therefore, a suction system for sucking dust and dirt from
the main suction port and a suction system for sucking dust and
dirt from the side suction ports join to each other, so that the
suction system can be simplified.
[0012] If the side suction port is formed of a flexible material,
even if the side suction port collides with the wall, the wall
surface is not damaged. Also, since the side suction port projects
to the side from the overall width of the cleaner body, when the
vacuum cleaner runs at a corner of room or at the side of wall,
dust and dirt at the side can easily be sucked for cleaning. At
this time, even in the case where the side suction port collides
with the wall, the wall surface is not damaged because the side
suction port is formed of a flexible material.
[0013] In the dust suction chamber, the side suction port is
communicatingly formed at the side, and the rotating brush is
supported by bearing portions, so that fine dust and dirt having
been sucked through the side suction port may intrude into the
bearing portion. Therefore, the bearing portions at both ends of
the rotating brush each are covered by a dust-proof cover to
prevent the dust and dirt having been sucked through the side
suction port from intruding into the bearing portion.
[0014] In the case where a bumper is provided so as to cover the
front and the side of the cleaner body, and the bumper is attached
to the cleaner body so as to be movable in the front and rear
direction and in the right and left direction, the configuration
can be made such that the side suction port is provided on the same
surface as the side surface of the bumper and is moved in
association with the movement in the right and left direction of
the bumper. According to this configuration, even if the bumper
collides with the wall surface and moves to the inside in the right
and left direction, the side suction port follows, and therefore
the side suction port is prevented from being left alone and
damaging the wall surface.
[0015] As described above, according to the present invention, a
part of the suction port body is projected from the cleaner body to
expand the region capable of being cleaned, whereby the side of
wall, furniture, or the like can be cleaned. Since only a part of
the suction port body has to be moved, a moving mechanism can be
made simple as compared with the case where the whole of the
suction port body is moved. Also, a space necessary for moving the
suction port body is not needed, and the size of the cleaner body
can be reduced.
[0016] Also, since the side suction ports are communicatingly
formed in both end portions at the right and the left of the
suction port body, dust and dirt at the side of wall or at a corner
of room can be sucked for cleaning through the side suction port.
At this time, the side suction ports are also communicatingly
formed in the right and left end portions of the dust suction
chamber. Therefore, the suction system for sucking dust and dirt
from the main suction port and the suction system for sucking dust
and dirt from the side suction ports join to each other, so that
the suction system can be simplified.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-propelled vacuum
cleaner in accordance with a first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the self-propelled vacuum
cleaner;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the self-propelled vacuum
cleaner;
[0020] FIG. 4 shows a suction port body, FIG. 4(A) being a side
sectional view at the time when an opening/closing body is in an
open posture, and FIG. 4(B) being a side sectional view at the time
when an opening/closing body is in a closed posture;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a vacuum cleaner at the time when a
portion near a wall is cleaned;
[0022] FIG. 6 is views schematically showing the construction of an
expanding means of a suction port body, FIG. 6(A) showing an
ordinary state of the suction port body, FIG. 6(B) showing a state
in which the suction port body is expanded in the right direction,
and FIG. 6(C) showing a state in which the suction port body is
expanded in the left direction;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a suction port body, FIG. 7(A)
showing an ordinary state of the suction port body, FIG. 7(B)
showing a state in which the suction port body is expanded in the
right direction, and FIG. 7(C) showing a state in which the suction
port body is expanded in the left direction;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a view showing the interior of a suction port body
at the time when the suction port body is expanded in the right
direction;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a self-propelled vacuum
cleaner in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a suction port body;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a front sectional view of the suction port body
shown in FIG. 10; and
[0028] FIG. 12 is a front sectional view of a suction port body,
showing a modification of the second embodiment.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0029] FIGS. 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of the present
invention. An embodiment of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with the
present invention will be explained by taking a self-propelled
vacuum cleaner, which moves in a self-standing manner in a
surrounded space in which obstacles such as room walls, furniture,
and beds are present, as an example.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, this vacuum cleaner includes a
cleaner body 1, a suction port body 2 for sucking dust and dirt on
the floor surface, a bumper 3 disposed on the front side of the
cleaner body 1, a dust collector 4 serving as a dust collecting
section mounted detachably on the cleaner body 1, and a steering
means for controlling a running means running on the floor surface
and the running direction.
[0031] In the cleaner body 1, a semicylindrical accommodation
concave portion 7 is formed on the upper surface of an oval casing,
and a capsule-form dust collector 4 is mounted detachably in the
accommodation concave portion 7. In the accommodation concave
portion 7, an introduction port 8 is formed to introduce dust and
dirt sucked together with air from the suction port body 2 to the
dust collector side, and also an exhaust port 10 is formed to
exhaust the air coming from the dust collector 4 to a motor-driven
blower 9 at the rear part of the casing. The dust collector 4 is
connected to the introduction port 8 on the upstream side in the
air flow direction, and is connected to the exhaust port 10 on the
downstream side.
[0032] The dust collector 4 is housed detachably in the
accommodation concave portion 7 formed on the upper surface of the
cleaner body 1. The dust collector 4 is of a cyclone type. Intake
air containing dust and dirt that is sucked from the suction port
body 2 into a dust collection chamber 4a swirls in the dust
collection chamber 4a. Dust and dirt is separated from air by a
filter of an exhaust cylinder 4b. The dust and dirt are accumulated
in the dust collection chamber 4a. The air sucked is exhausted to
the outside of the dust collection chamber 4a.
[0033] The bumper 3 is attached so as to be moved in the front and
rear direction and the right and left direction by a spring (not
shown) to ease a shock produced when the front portion of the
cleaner body 1 collides with an obstacle, a wall surface, or the
like. Thus, the cleaner body 1 including the bumper 3 takes a
rectangular front-side shape. The suction port body 2 is disposed
on the front side of the cleaner body 1. The cleaner body 1 can
approach the side of a wall, the side of furniture, and the corner
of room to facilitate the cleaning of these places.
[0034] Also, under the accommodation concave portion 7, there is
provided a control section 12 provided with a control circuit board
etc. for controlling driving wheels 11 for running the cleaner body
1 and the motor-driven blower 9. On the front surface and the side
surface of the bumper 3, obstacle detecting sensors 13 are provided
to detect an obstacle in the surroundings. Also, on the front side
of the dust collector 4 as well, an obstacle detecting sensor 13 is
disposed. The obstacle detecting sensor 13 is a reflective type
optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, and detects the presence of
an obstacle in a noncontact manner.
[0035] A running means for running the cleaner body 1 consists of
the driving wheels 11 and motors for turning the driving wheels.
The right and left driving wheels 11 turn independently. The motor
for each of the driving wheels 11 is controlled by the control
section 12. Therefore, the driving wheels 11 and the control
section 12 constitute the steering means for controlling the
running direction. The control section 12 controls the driving of
the motors while detecting an obstacle at the front and at the side
based on a detection signal sent from the obstacle detecting sensor
13. Therefore, the cleaner body 1 can run straight and turn while
keeping away from obstacles. Also, the cleaner body 1 can move
along the side of wall.
[0036] Next, the suction port body 2 is explained. As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the suction port body 2, which has a cleaning means
for cleaning the floor surface, is disposed in a concave portion 14
formed on the front bottom surface of the cleaner body 1, and the
rear end portion thereof is supported on the cleaner body 1 so as
to be swayable around a vertical shaft 15 (refer to FIG. 10). Also,
in the rear end portion of the suction port body 2, shock absorbers
16 (refer to FIG. 10) are provided on both sides, right and left,
with the vertical shaft 15 being held there between to ease a shock
when the suction port body 2 comes into contact with a rear surface
14a of the concave portion 14. Thereby, the suction port body 2 can
sway around the vertical shaft 15 with respect to the cleaner body
1 in the sway range of about 30 degrees. Therefore, the cleaner
body 1 can run straight while keeping its balance in the right and
left direction.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, the suction port body 2 is formed with a
suction flow path 17 enclosed by a lower case 2b and an upper case
2a. The front bottom surface of the lower case 2b is concaved, and
a space having a semicircular cross section is used as a dust
suction chamber 18. In the dust suction chamber 18, a rotating
brush 19, which serves as the cleaning means, is housed so as to be
rotatable around a horizontal shaft 19a. In the front wall surface
of the dust suction chamber 18, a main suction port 20 is formed to
suck dust and dirt from the floor surface together with air. The
main suction port 20 is located in the center in the right and left
direction of the front wall surface.
[0038] The rotating brush 19, in which bristles are arranged in a
spiral form on the circumferential surface, is driven by a motor
and a belt (neither is shown) provided on the suction port body 2.
The motor may be disposed on the cleaner body side near the
vertical shaft 15, which is the turning center of the suction port
body 2, to drive the rotating brush 19 by transmitting the power on
the cleaner body side with a belt. The driving of the rotating
brush 19 is controlled so that the direction of rotation thereof is
reverse to the advancing direction of the driving wheels 11.
Therefore, the rotating brush 19 strikes the floor surface to cause
dust and dirt to float, and the floating dust and dirt are guided
to the center side in the right and left direction.
[0039] Also, a partitioning wall is formed at the central position
in the right and left direction of the dust suction chamber 18, and
the main suction port 20 is formed near the partitioning wall. The
dust and dirt conveyed to the center side by the rotating brush 19
is sucked into the suction flow path l7 through the main suction
port 20.
[0040] The main suction port 20 is formed in the tangential
direction on the front upper side of the dust suction chamber 18,
and communicates with the suction flow path 17. In the dust suction
chamber 18, therefore, a swirl flow is generated by the rotation of
the rotating brush 10 so that the dust sucking capability is
enhanced along with the suction flow in the tangential direction
acting on the main suction port 20 due to the driving of the
motor-driven blower 9.
[0041] Further, on the front side of the main suction port 20, a
front suction port 22 is formed which is open in the floor surface
and communicates with the suction flowpath 17 so that the dust and
dirt at the side of a front wall can be sucked. The downstream side
of the suction flow path 17 communicates with the introduction port
8 in the accommodation concave portion 7 through a flexible elbow
tube 23. The elbow tube 23 is located on one side in the right and
left direction.
[0042] The dust and dirt having been sucked through the main
suction port 20 and the front suction port 22 are introduced
together with air from the elbow tube 23 into the dust collector 4
through the introduction port 8 after passing through the suction
flow path 17. The dust and dirt having flown into the dust
collector 4 are separated from the air by the swirl flow in the
dust collection chamber 4a, and the dust and dirt are collected in
the dust collection chamber 4a. The air is exhausted to the outside
of the chamber by the motor-driven blower 9 after passing through
the exhaust cylinder 4b and the exhaust port 10.
[0043] The front suction port 22 is open in almost the overall
width in the right and left direction at the front end of the
suction port body 2, and an opening/closing body 27 for opening and
closing the front suction port 22 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4,
the opening/closing body 27 is formed by a plate-shaped member
supported on the suction port body 2 so as to be turnably
opened/closed around a horizontal shaft 28. At the lower end of the
opening/closing body 27, an auxiliary wheel 29 is provided so as to
be turnable around a horizontal shaft. The auxiliary wheel 29
rotates in contact with the floor surface and closes the front
suction port 22 when the opening/closing body 27 is in a closing
posture, and leaves from the floor surface and opens the front
suction port 22 when the opening/closing body 27 is in an opening
posture. The opening/closing body 27 with the auxiliary wheel 29
makes it possible for the cleaner body 1 to run while going up onto
a height difference of floor surface smoothly. Moreover, the
auxiliary wheel 29 is utilized as a closing means of the front
suction port 22, so that the number of parts can be reduced.
[0044] Also, on the front surface of the opening/closing body 27, a
protrusion 30 that comes into contact with the bumper 3 when the
bumper 3 retracts is formed in the right and left direction. If the
protrusion 30 comes into contact with the bumper 3, the
opening/closing body 27 turns around the horizontal shaft 28 to
open the front suction port 22. Also, the front end surface of the
opening/closing body 27 is formed with an inclined surface 31
inclined downward from the front end toward the rear end so that
the cleaner body 1 can easily get over a height difference of floor
surface.
[0045] The suction port body 2 is configured so as to be capable of
expanding in the right and left direction. Specifically, as shown
in FIG. 5, a part of the suction port body 2 projects from the
cleaner body 1 to either one side in the right and left direction.
Thereby, the suction port body 2 is expanded to the side from the
cleaner body 1, so that the suction port body 2 can be brought
close to the side of wall or furniture.
[0046] As an expanding means for expanding the suction port body 2
toward the side, as shown in FIG. 6, covers 40 and 41 covering the
suction port main body, which consists of the upper case 2a and the
lower case 2b of the suction port body 2, are provided so as to be
movable in the right and left direction, and a moving section 42
for moving the covers 40 and 41 is provided. It is to be noted that
the right and left are directions at the time when the cleaner body
1 is viewed from the front side.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, the covers 40 and 41 are separated from
each other to form the left cover 40 and the right cover 41. The
covers 40 and 41 are supported on the suction port main body so as
to be slidable in the right and left direction, and constitutes a
part of the suction port body 2. The covers 40 and 41 cover a
portion ranging from the upper surface of the upper case 2a to the
front surface, the side surface, and the rear surface of the lower
case 2b. Between the covers 40 and 41 and the side surface of the
suction port body 2, a clearance is provided to allow the covers 40
and 41 to move. The lower ends of the covers 40 and 41 are located
at a position higher than the floor surface. Also, the upper
surfaces of the covers 40 and 41 are located at a position lower
than the lower end of the bumper 3 so that the covers 40 and 41 can
move in a clearance between the bumper 3 and the floor surface. The
left cover 40 is formed with an elongated hole 43 for inserting the
elbow tube 23 therethrough. The left cover 40 can be moved in the
right and left direction without being hindered by the elbow tube
23.
[0048] The moving section 42 consists of a cam 44, a motor (not
shown), and a spring 45. The egg-shaped cam 44 is disposed between
the left cover 40 and the right cover 41, and is always in contact
with the covers 40 and 41. A rotating shaft 46 of the cam 44 is
rotatably supported on the upper case 2a, and is rotated by the
motor. When the cam 44 is rotated, the covers 40 and 41 move in the
same direction in association with each other according to the
shape of the cam 44. The motor is controlled by the control section
12. When the cleaner body 1 approaches the side of wall or
furniture, the control section 12 moves the covers 40 and 41 in the
direction such that the covers 40 and 41 are brought close to the
side of wall etc.
[0049] Between the covers 40 and 41, a pair of right and left
springs 45 are provided. One end of each of the springs 45 is
attached to the cover 40 or 41, and the other end thereof is
attached to a pillar 47 erected on the upper case 2a. The covers 40
and 41 are urged by the springs 45 so as to come to the center. The
rotating shaft 46 and the pillars 47 are located on the centerline
CL perpendicular to the right and left direction. This center line
CL is in variable with respect to the cleaner body 1 and the
suction port body 2.
[0050] Also, a suction port variable means is provided to displace
the main suction port 20 in the right and left direction in
association with the expansion of the suction port body 2. As shown
in FIGS. 6 and 8, a pair of right and left shutters 50 and 51 are
provided in the main suction port 20 of the suction port body 2.
Each of the shutters 50 and 51 is movably supported on the inside
of the lower case 2b, and is moved in the same direction by a motor
or a solenoid. These elements constitute the suction port variable
means. The clearance between the shutters 50 and 51 is set so as to
be always constant. Even if the shutters So and 51 move, the
opening area of the main suction port 20 is unchanged; however, the
position of the main suction port 20 shifts to the right or the
left.
[0051] The driving of the shutters 50 and 51 is controlled by the
control section 12 so that the shutters 50 and 51 move in the same
direction in association with the covers 40 and 41. The covers 40
and 41 and the shutters 50 and 51 move in either of the right
direction and the left direction with the centerline CL being the
reference.
[0052] In the case where the side of wall or the side of furniture
is cleaned using the above-described vacuum cleaner, when the
cleaner body 1 runs, for example, along the side of wall etc. on
the right hand side and approaches the wall etc., the wall etc. are
detected by the obstacle detecting sensor 13 at the side. Then, the
control section 12 moves the covers 40 and 41 and the shutters 50
and 51 in the right direction. As shown in FIGS. 6(B) and 7(B), the
cam 44 rotates, and the right cover 41 is moved in the right
direction by being pushed by the cam 44. The left cover 40 is moved
in the right direction by being pulled by the springs 45. At the
same time, the shutters 50 and 51 move in the right direction.
[0053] The right cover 41 is located on the outside of the bumper
3, and projects from the cleaner body 1. In other words, a part of
the suction port main body expands to the side. If the right cover
41 shifts in the right direction with respect to the suction port
body 2 in this manner, the right cover 41 is located closer to the
wall etc. than the cleaner body 1. An expansion space A covered by
the right cover 41 is formed on the right-hand side of the suction
port main body, and therefore the region capable of being cleaned
is expanded to the side. Dust and dirt on the floor surface facing
to this expansion space A is sucked from the main suction port 20
together with air. Since the main suction port 20 is displaced in
the right direction and approaches the expansion space A, even if a
part of the suction port body 2 is expanded, a sufficient suction
force can be obtained. Therefore, the side of wall etc. can be
cleaned automatically without bringing the cleaner body 1 close to
the side of wall etc.
[0054] Inversely, when the cleaner body 1 approaches the side of
wall etc. on the left-hand side, as shown in FIGS. 6(C) and 7(C),
the left cover 40 is moved in the left direction by being pushed by
the cam 44 in the same way. The right cover 41 is moved in the left
direction by being pulled by the springs 45. At the same time, the
shutters 50 and 51 move in the left direction. An expansion space A
covered by the left cover 40 is formed on the left-hand side of the
suction port main body, and the main suction port 20 is also
displaced in the left direction. Thereby, dust and dirt on the
floor surface facing to this expansion space A is sucked, so that
the side of wall etc. can be cleaned.
[0055] If a part of the suction port body 2 is expanded in either
of the right direction and the left direction, the region capable
of being cleaned while the cleaner body 1 advances can be shifted
in the right or left direction, so that the side of wall etc. can
be cleaned easily.
[0056] When the cleaner body 1 approaches the side of wall etc.,
the wall etc. are detected by the obstacle detecting sensor 13. The
distance from the cleaner body 1 to the wall at the time of
detection is set so as to be larger than the length of projection
of the cover 40, 41 from the bumper 3, so that the cover 40, 41 can
be prevented from colliding with the wall at the time of
projection. Also, if the obstacle detecting sensor 13 is used as a
distance measuring sensor, the distance to the wall can be found.
Therefore, the control section 12 controls the rotation of the cam
44 according to the distance to the wall, thus controlling the
moving distances of the covers 40 and 41 and the shutters 50 and
51. When the cleaner body 1 approaches the wall, the moving
distances of the covers 40 and 41 are decreased. By doing this,
too, the covers 40 and 41 can be prevented from colliding with the
wall.
[0057] When the vacuum cleaner advances, the front suction port 22
is closed by the opening/closing body 27. At this time, the dust
and dirt struck by the rotating brush 19 float, being sucked
through the main suction port 20 together with air, and are
introduced into the dust collector 4. The dust and dirt are
collected in the dust collection chamber 4a.
[0058] When the bumper 3 collides with a wall etc., the bumper 3
retracts and comes into contact with the protrusion 30 of the
opening/closing body 27, by which the opening/closing body 27 is
turned upward around the horizontal shaft 28. Then, the auxiliary
wheel 29 that has closed the front suction port 22 is turned upward
to open the front suction port 22.
[0059] If the blower 9 and the rotating brush 19 are driven in this
state, the dust and dirt are introduced to the central portion by a
swirl flow generated by the rotating brush 19, and are sucked
through the main suction port 20. The dust and dirt at the side of
wall are also sucked through the front suction port 22.
[0060] When the vacuum cleaner goes away from the side of wall, the
external force is removed from the bumper 3. Therefore, the bumper
3 is restored to the original front position by a spring, not
shown, and accordingly, the opening/closing body 27 is also turned
in the closed direction by the gravity or a spring, not shown. The
auxiliary wheel 29 closes the front suction port 22.
[0061] Since dust and dirt can be sucked together with air through
the front suction port 22 located at the front of the main suction
port 20, even in the case where the cleaner body 1 collides with a
wall etc. and cannot advance further, the dust and dirt at the side
of wall can be sucked easily through the front suction port 22, so
that the cleaning efficiency can be enhanced. Also, since the front
suction port 22 is provided with the opening/closing body 27, when
the central portion of the room is cleaned, the front suction port
22 is closed, by which the suction capability of the main suction
port 20 can be enhanced.
[0062] When the vacuum cleaner approaches a wall or furniture while
advancing along the side of wall etc., the obstacle detecting
sensor 13 on the front surface detects the wall etc. During this
advance, either one of the covers 40 and 41 is in a projecting
state. The cleaning body 1 has a possibility of turning when
approaching the wall etc. at the front. Therefore, the control
section 12 carries out control so that when the obstacle detecting
sensors 13 on the front surface and the side surface detect a wall
etc., the projecting cover 40, 41 is retracted. The shutters 50 and
51 return to the original positions in association with the
retraction of the cover 40, 41. Therefore, when the cleaner body 1
turns, the covers 40 and 41 are in a state of being housed in the
cleaner body 1, and hence do not hinder the turning motion.
[0063] Also, when the vacuum cleaner advances along the side of
wall and approaches a wall etc. at the front, the cleaning of the
side of wall etc. finishes. When the vacuum cleaner retreats
without turning, if the front obstacle detecting sensor 13 detects
that the cleaner body 1 is moving away from the front wall, the
control section 12 carries out control so that the cover 40, 41 and
the shutter 50, 51 are returned to the original position even if
the side obstacle detecting sensor 13 detects a side wall etc.
Therefore, when the cleaner body 1 retreats, the cover 40, 41 does
not project, and hence does not hinder the travel of the cleaner
body 1.
[0064] By projecting and retracting a part of the suction port body
2 from the cleaner body 1 as described above, the mechanism of the
moving section 42 can be simplified, and also a large space is not
needed. Thereby, the construction can be made such that the
rectangular suction port body 2 is provided on the front side of
the cleaner body 1 formed into a square shape. Usually, the suction
port body 2 lies in the cleaner body 1 and does not project to the
outside, and hence does not become a hindrance when the cleaner
body 1 runs.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the configuration may be such
that side suction ports 34 are provided on both sides, right and
left, of the suction port main body, and each of the side suction
ports 34 is formed by an L-shaped nozzle made of rubber etc. to
suck dust and dirt at the side. Even if the side suction ports 34
are provided, the cover can be provided so as to cover the side
suction port 34.
[0066] Also, the rotating brush may be made movable in the right
and left direction by a motor or a solenoid, or may be made capable
of being expanded or contracted in the right and left direction.
Also, the suction capability at the side of wall etc. can be
enhanced by moving or expanding the rotating brush in either
direction of right and left in association with the cover and the
shutter.
[0067] Also, the covers may be moved independently instead of being
moved in association with each other. A driving section such as a
motor is provided for each of the covers so that only the cover on
the wall side is projected when the cleaner body approaches the
side of wall etc. Also, the cover is not divided into two, and one
cover for covering the whole of the suction port body may be
provided. One cover is moved in the right and left direction.
Alternatively, the lower case that forms the dust collection
chamber may be made capable of being expanded or contracted, and a
cover movable in the right and left direction is attached to the
lower case. This cover is projected to the outside of the bumper to
expand the dust collection chamber.
[0068] As the driving section of the cover, a link mechanism or a
rack-and-pinion mechanism may be used in place of the cam. In this
case, the moving distance of the cover is controlled according to
the distance to the wall etc. to prevent the cover from colliding
with the wall etc.
Second Embodiment
[0069] FIGS. 9 to 11 show a second embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, as the expanding means, the side
suction ports 34 extending from the suction port main body toward
the side are provided to expand the region capable of being cleaned
by the suction port 34 to the side of wall.
[0070] The suction port body 2 is provided with the side suction
ports 34 on both sides, right and left, of the dust suction chamber
18. Each of the side suction ports 34 is made of a flexible
material such as rubber, and is formed by an L-shaped tubular
nozzle whose lower surface is open. A proximal end portion 34a of
the side suction port 34 is formed into a bellows shape so as to be
deformed and absorb a shock even when the cleaner body 1 collides
with a wall surface at the time of cleaning. The side suction ports
34 are communicatingly connected to both end portions at the right
and left of the dust suction chamber 18, and a suction path through
which dust and dirt flow into the suction flow path l7 after
passing through the main suction port 20 in the center of the dust
suction chamber 18 is formed.
[0071] The both end portions at the right and left of the dust
suction chamber 18 are bearing portions of the rotating brush 19.
The bearing portion is covered by a dust-proof cover 39 to prevent
the dust and dirt having been sucked through the side suction port
34 from intruding into the bearing portion. The dust-proof cover
39, which is also used as a bearing, has a tubular construction
whose outer end side is closed, and the shaft 19a of the rotating
brush 19 is supported in the dust-proof cover 39 so as to be fitted
therein.
[0072] Communicating portions at both ends, right and left, of the
side suction port 34 and the dust suction chamber 18 are provided
so that the opening area is smaller than that of other portions and
hence so that the flow rate is high because the bearing portion of
the rotating brush 19 is present. Therefore, the dust and dirt
having been sucked through the side suction port 34 pass through
the dust suction chamber 18 and are sucked to a suction path 25
through the main suction port 20 efficiently.
[0073] Also, the side suction port 34 is projected to the side from
the side surface of the cleaner body 1, and is projected to the
side to the same degree as the transverse width of the bumper 3 or
slightly to easily remove dust and dirt at the side of wall etc.
Since the side suction port 34 is formed of a flexible material
such as rubber, even if the side suction port 34 is projected to
the side from the bumper 3, the vacuum cleaner can run while the
side suction port 34 is deflected.
[0074] Thus, the suction path 25 for separating and collecting the
dust and dirt having been sucked through the main suction port 20
together with air follows the above-described path. Also, for the
suction flow path 17 of the suction port body 2, the front suction
port 22 forms a path 17c having an arcuate shape, in the side view,
toward the rear, and a rear flow path 17d is formed so as to be
open to the main suction port 20 in an intermediate portion and
widen in the right and left direction on the rear end side. The
flexible elbow tube 23 is connected to the end portion of the rear
flow path 17d. The elbow tube 23 forming a part of the suction path
17 is formed of a flexible rubber elastic material, and apart
thereof is formed into a bellows shape, so that even when the
suction port body 2 turns around the vertical shaft 15, the path of
the suction path 17 can be secured.
[0075] The running means for running the cleaner body 1 includes
the driving wheels 11 and the auxiliary wheel 29. The driving
wheels 11 rotate independently, and are configured so as to make
straight running and turning possible by controlling each of the
driving wheels 11. Therefore, the driving wheels 11 and the control
section 12 for controlling the driving wheels 11 constitute the
steering means for controlling the running direction.
[0076] According to the above-described configuration, when the
vacuum cleaner runs along the side of wall, dust and dirt at the
side of wall can be sucked for cleaning by the side suction port
34. At this time, since the side suction ports 34 are
communicatingly formed in the right and left end portions of the
dust suction chamber 18, a suction system for sucking dust and dirt
from the main suction port 20 and a suction system for sucking dust
and dirt from the side suction ports 34 join to each other. Since
the suction system is simplified, a suction system that is compact
as a whole can be formed.
[0077] Also, the side suction port 34 can be projected to the side
from the overall width of the cleaner body 1. If the side suction
port 34 is projected to the side from the cleaner body 1, dust and
dirt at the side of wall can easily be sucked for cleaning when the
vacuum cleaner runs along the side of wall. At this time, in the
case where the side suction port 34 collides with a wall, the wall
surface is not damaged because the side suction port 34 is made of
a flexible material.
[0078] The dust and dirt having been sucked through the side
suction port 34 are sucked to the dust suction chamber 18 side. At
this time, since the rotating brush 19 is provided with the
dust-proof cover 39, even if fine dust and dirt are going to
intrude into the bearing portion of the rotating brush 19 through
the side suction port 34, the intrusion of fine dust and dirt can
be prevented by the dust-proof cover 39.
[0079] FIG. 12 shows a modification of the second embodiment. In
this modification, the side suction port 34 is disposed on the same
surface as the side surface of the bumper 3, and is connected by an
interlock mechanism 60 so as to move in association with the
movement in the right and left direction of the bumper 3.
[0080] The bumper 3 is attached to the cleaner body 1 so as to be
movable in the front and rear direction and the right and left
direction, and is urged to the outside by a spring 61. The
interlock mechanism 60 has a connecting body 62 for connecting the
bumper 3 to the side suction port 34. The side suction port 34 can
be formed of a flexible material as in the case of the
above-described embodiments. However, in the case where the bumper
3 and the side suction port 34 are connected to each other by the
connecting body 62, the flexibility is unnecessary.
[0081] In the above-described configuration, since the side suction
port 34 disposed on the same surface as the side surface of the
bumper 3 moves in association with the movement in the right and
left direction of the bumper 3, even if the bumper 3 collides with
a wall surface and moves to the inside in the right and left
direction, the side suction port 34 follows in association with the
movement of the bumper 3 by means of the connecting body 62.
Therefore, the side suction port 34 is prevented from being left
alone and damaging the wall surface.
[0082] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the
main suction port, the front suction port, and the side suction
ports are provided in the suction port body has been explained.
However, the suction port body may be configured so that the front
suction port is not formed. Also, in the above-described
embodiments, explanation has been given by taking a self-propelled
vacuum cleaner as an example. However, the present invention can be
applied to a manually-operated vacuum cleaner.
* * * * *