U.S. patent application number 15/165027 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for brush entanglement prevention apparatus in autonomous robotic vacuums.
The applicant listed for this patent is Neato Robotics, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ho Chong CHEUNG, Matthew Allison HERRON, Charles Albert PITZER.
Application Number | 20160345792 15/165027 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56098445 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160345792 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HERRON; Matthew Allison ; et
al. |
December 1, 2016 |
BRUSH ENTANGLEMENT PREVENTION APPARATUS IN AUTONOMOUS ROBOTIC
VACUUMS
Abstract
An apparatus draws or leads hair and other potential
entanglement debris away from the hub of a brush assembly in a
vacuum as the brush rotates during vacuuming, thus avoiding or
reducing entanglement and attendant problems, and obviating or
reducing the need for manual removal of the entanglement. The
apparatus has a profile which draws hair and other entanglement
debris away from a hub of the brush assembly, or prevents it from
reaching the hub, thus enabling the brush/brush assembly to
continue to rotate freely. In one implementation, the apparatus
attaches to a vacuum brush in an autonomous robotic vacuum.
Inventors: |
HERRON; Matthew Allison;
(Belmont, CA) ; CHEUNG; Ho Chong; (Sunnyvale,
CA) ; PITZER; Charles Albert; (Newark, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Neato Robotics, Inc. |
Newark |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56098445 |
Appl. No.: |
15/165027 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62167818 |
May 28, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/24 20130101;
A47L 9/0477 20130101; A47L 11/4041 20130101; A47L 2201/06 20130101;
A47L 2201/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 11/40 20060101
A47L011/40; A47L 11/24 20060101 A47L011/24 |
Claims
1. A brush entanglement prevention apparatus comprising: a first
endpiece having a first, beveled side; a second endpiece; and an
insert fitting between said first and second endpieces, said insert
having a generally circular portion with a beveled insert side
having a contour matching that of the first, beveled side of the
first endpiece, the insert further having an extension that extends
from the beveled insert side and extends through the first endpiece
into an opening in an elongate brush assembly, such that the first
beveled side of the first endpiece faces the elongate brush
assembly; the first endpiece having a second, complementary side
facing the insert, the second, complementary side having a surface
generally fitting around the beveled insert side; the arrangement
being such that the first, beveled side of the first endpiece
prevents entanglement of hair that otherwise would prevent rotation
of the brush assembly.
2. A brush entanglement prevention apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the extension includes raised portions which facilitate
attachment of the brush entanglement prevention apparatus with the
brush assembly.
3. A brush entanglement prevention apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the first and second endpieces have attachment portions
enabling the endpieces to be snapfit together, with the insert
being enclosed therebetween.
4. A brush entanglement prevention apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the extension includes an opening therethrough, and the
apparatus further comprises a bar passing through the opening and
providing rigidity to the extension.
5. A brush entanglement prevention apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the second endpiece has an opening in a center portion
thereof, and the apparatus further comprises a bushing extending
through the opening and secured to the second endpiece through the
opening.
6. A brush assembly comprising: a central portion; a brush mounted
on the central portion; and a brush entanglement prevention
apparatus comprising: a first endpiece having a first, beveled
side; a second endpiece; and an insert fitting between said first
and second endpieces, said insert having a generally circular
portion with a beveled insert side having a contour matching that
of the first, beveled side of the first endpiece, the insert
further having an extension that extends from the beveled insert
side and extends through the first endpiece into an opening in the
central portion, such that the first beveled side of the first
endpiece faces the brush assembly; the first endpiece having a
second, complementary side facing the insert, the second,
complementary side having a surface generally fitting around the
beveled insert side; the arrangement being such that the first,
beveled side of the first endpiece prevents entanglement of hair
that otherwise would prevent rotation of the brush assembly.
7. A brush assembly according to claim 6, wherein the brush
includes bristled portions and non-bristled portions.
8. A brush assembly according to claim 7, wherein the bristled
portions and non-bristled portions are arranged in double
serpentine fashion around the central portion.
9. A brush assembly according to claim 6, wherein the central
portion includes an opening at least one end thereof, and wherein
the extension includes raised portions which facilitate attachment
of the brush entanglement prevention apparatus with the central
portion.
10. A brush assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first and
second endpieces have attachment portions enabling the endpieces to
be snapfit together, with the insert being enclosed
therebetween.
11. A brush assembly according to claim 6, wherein the extension
includes an opening therethrough, and the apparatus further
comprises a bar passing through the opening and providing rigidity
to the extension.
12. A brush assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second
endpiece has an opening in a center portion thereof, and the
apparatus further comprises a bushing extending through the opening
and secured to the second endpiece through the opening.
13. An autonomous robotic cleaning device comprising; a body; first
motive apparatus to propel the body, the motive apparatus including
a motor and wheels; navigation structure to direct the body
according to predetermined paths or according to real-time
directions; and cleaning apparatus attachable to the body to clean
a floor in an environment; the cleaning apparatus including a brush
assembly attachable to the body, the brush assembly comprising: a
central portion; a brush mounted on the central portion; and a
brush entanglement prevention apparatus comprising: a first
endpiece having a first, beveled side; a second endpiece; and an
insert fitting between said first and second endpieces, said insert
having a generally circular portion with a beveled insert side
having a contour matching that of the first, beveled side of the
first endpiece, the insert further having an extension that extends
from the beveled insert side and extends through the first endpiece
into an opening in the central portion, such that the first beveled
side of the first endpiece faces the brush assembly; the first
endpiece having a second, complementary side facing the insert, the
second, complementary side having a surface generally fitting
around the beveled insert side; the arrangement being such that the
first, beveled side of the first endpiece prevents entanglement of
hair that otherwise would prevent rotation of the brush assembly;
the cleaning apparatus further including second motive apparatus to
power the brush assembly.
14. An autonomous robotic device according to claim 13, wherein the
brush includes bristled portions and non-bristled portions.
15. An autonomous robotic device according to claim 14, wherein the
bristled portions and non-bristled portions are arranged in double
serpentine fashion
16. An autonomous robotic device according to claim 13, wherein the
extension includes raised portions which facilitate attachment of
the brush entanglement prevention apparatus with the brush
assembly.
17. An autonomous robotic device according to claim 13, wherein the
first and second endpieces are snapfit together, with the insert
being enclosed therebetween.
18. An autonomous robotic device according to claim 13, wherein the
extension includes an opening therethrough, and the apparatus
further comprises a bar passing through the opening and providing
rigidity to the extension.
19. An autonomous robotic device according to claim 13, wherein the
second endpiece has an opening in a center portion thereof, and the
apparatus further comprises a bushing extending through the opening
and secured to the second endpiece through the opening.
20. An autonomous robotic device according to claim 13, wherein the
second motive apparatus includes gearing to engage with the first
motive apparatus.
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/167,818, filed May 28, 2015,
incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Aspects of the present invention relate to entanglement
prevention in brush assemblies in autonomous robotic vacuums.
[0003] Autonomous robotic vacuums often work in rooms on a
schedule, when the user is not present. As such a vacuum traverses
an environment, the vacuum picks up dirt, dust, lint, hair, and
other debris and collects it in an onboard bin. In environments
where substantial amounts of hair fall on the ground, brushes on
board an autonomous robotic vacuum pick up the hair. Such pick up
is known to cause clogging of the brush assembly, and in particular
the hub on which the brush(es) is/are mounted, potentially
preventing the brush(es) from rotating, and thus keeping the vacuum
from operating properly. As such vacuums tend to be battery
operated, the battery can run down before the vacuum finishes
traversing the environment. Alternatively, if the vacuum keeps
moving with the clogged brush assembly, proper cleaning cannot
occur.
[0004] When the user returns, s/he may not know that there has been
an entanglement. In that situation, the user may simply recharge
the vacuum and set it again to operate when the user is away.
However, the vacuum will not clean, because the entanglement still
is there. As a result, the user will come home and find that the
vacuum has not performed its intended tasks.
[0005] If the user examines the vacuum, s/he may see the
entanglement. The user then has to remove the entanglement
manually. However, in some circumstances the user may not see the
entanglement, around the hub, very clearly. Also, even if the user
does see the entanglement, it may not be easy to remove. Over time,
the buildup of hair and debris could cause fatal damage to the
robotic vacuum.
[0006] It would be desirable to provide an approach which avoids
entanglement in the first instance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present
invention to provide an apparatus which draws or leads hair and
other potential entanglement debris away from the hub of a brush
assembly as the brush rotates during vacuuming, thus avoiding or
reducing entanglement and attendant problems, and obviating or
reducing the need for manual removal of the entanglement.
[0008] In one aspect, an effect of the entanglement prevention
apparatus is to enable the brush to be closer to the hub, enabling
the brush to clean more effectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an entanglement prevention
apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is another exploded view of an entanglement
prevention apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the
invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 is another view of an entanglement prevention
apparatus, as related to a brush assembly, in accordance with one
aspect of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is yet another view of an entanglement prevention
apparatus, as related to a brush assembly, in accordance with one
aspect of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an entanglement prevention
apparatus, as related to a brush assembly, in accordance with one
aspect of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is another exploded view of an entanglement
prevention apparatus, as related to a brush assembly, in accordance
with one aspect of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is yet another exploded view of an entanglement
prevention apparatus, as related to a brush assembly, in accordance
with one aspect of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] As now will be described in detail with respect to one or
more embodiments, in one aspect the invention provides an apparatus
which attaches to a vacuum brush, enabling the brush to rotate
freely. The apparatus has a profile which draws hair and other
entanglement debris away from a hub of the brush assembly, or
prevents it from reaching the hub, thus enabling the brush/brush
assembly to continue to rotate freely.
[0017] In one aspect of the invention, any number of autonomous
robotic vacuums which operate with a brush assembly may employ the
entanglement prevention apparatus described herein. One example of
a robotic device which has vacuuming as one of its functions is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,555,363, commonly assigned with the
present application. The contents of this patent are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0018] Looking at FIG. 1, an entanglement prevention apparatus 100
is constituted by a first endpiece 110 and a second endpiece 160.
In an embodiment, the endpieces 110 and 160 may be snapfit or
otherwise attached to each other. Between the two endpieces 110,
160 sits an insert 120 which is shaped to fit closely with endpiece
110; a bar 130 providing support to insert 120; a washer 140; and a
bushing 150. In an embodiment, bar 130 and washer 140 may be press
fit or otherwise attached to insert 120. In an embodiment, bushing
150 may be press fit or otherwise attached to second endpiece 160.
The overall assembly of apparatus 100 is such that, when attached
to a brush assembly as will be discussed in more detail herein, the
insert 120, with bar 130 and washer 140, spins freely within the
apparatus.
[0019] Each of the components of apparatus 100 now will be
discussed in more detail. In an embodiment, first endpiece 110 may
be generally circular in cross section, except for a tongue-shaped
extension 112 which in some circumstances can facilitate holding
the structure fast to a brush housing assembly. In an embodiment,
the endpiece 110 may be made of plastic. Other materials which
facilitate snap fitting or other attachment to second endpiece 160
also are possible.
[0020] Endpiece 110 has a first side 114 and a second, opposite
side 116. Sides 114 and 116 are sized to accommodate insert 120, as
now will be discussed.
[0021] In an embodiment, insert 120 has a generally circular
portion 122 and an extension 124 which is shaped to engage with the
above-mentioned brush assembly. In an embodiment, extension 124 may
have raised portions 126 which facilitate firmer engagement with
the brush assembly. Circular portion 122 has a first surface,
facing extension 124, with a first radius, and a second surface, on
an opposite of the first surface, having a second, larger radius.
In an embodiment, the progression from the first radius to the
second radius is smooth and generally continuous. As a result, the
circular portion 122 has a profile which variously may be known to
ordinarily skilled artisans as a bevel, a chamfer, a taper, a
slanted or angled surface, or a truncated cone. Each of these terms
can have meanings which are synonymous or which are slightly
different from each other. In the description herein, for
convenience, the shape will be referred to as a bevel. However,
this term should be understood to be shorthand for any of the
several terms just mentioned, with corresponding definitions being
applicable. Thus, for example, in the context of the present
disclosure, something that is referred to as a chamfer will be
understood also to be a bevel, a taper, a slanged or angled
surface, or a truncated cone. Calling a structure one of these
names does not prevent it from being known under one of the other
names.
[0022] The bevel profile of circular portion 122 fits in a
complementary fashion with a corresponding concave profile of side
116 of endpiece 110. The fitting is such that, when endpieces 110
and 160 are mated (snap fit) to each other, insert 120 rotates
freely within the assembly comprising endpieces 110 and 160. Also,
the profile of side 114 complements the shape of circular portion
122. Side 114's profile, the smaller part of the bevel profile,
faces the brush assembly, as will be seen. Elements 130, 140, and
150, which will be discussed in more detail below, facilitate the
free rotation of insert 120.
[0023] Bar 130, which in an embodiment is metal, fits in an opening
in insert 120. Bar 130 may be force fit into insert 120, or
otherwise may be firmly attached or adhered to insert 120. In an
embodiment, washer 140 may have an opening corresponding to that of
a diameter of bar 130, and may facilitate rotation of bar 130
within insert 120.
[0024] Bushing 150, which in an embodiment also is metal, has a
flanged portion 152 and a cylindrical portion 154. Cylindrical
portion 154 may fit into an opening in second endpiece 160. This
fit may be a force fit or a press fit, or other kind of attachment
or adherence that puts bushing securely in the second endpiece 160.
An end of bar 130 may slide into an opening in bushing 150. The
metal to metal contact between bar 130 and bushing 150 reduces
friction, and enables the bar 130 to rotate freely within the
bushing 150. Alternatively, for example, bushing 150 may be made of
nylon, plastic, or other material which produces relatively little
friction when in contact with bar 130. As another alternative,
bearings may replace bushing 150. As yet another alternative, bar
130 may be made of a material other than metal. However, where
torqueing of extension 124 in insert 120 potentially is an issue,
having the bar 130 be made of more rigid material can be
desirable.
[0025] Second endpiece 160 may be made of a material which
facilitates a press fit or a snap fit with first endpiece 110. On a
side opposite the side of endpiece 160 into which bushing 150 fits,
there may be extensions, 162, 164 which facilitate attachment of
apparatus 100 into a larger structure, such as an underside of a
vacuum, which in an embodiment is an autonomous robotic vacuum.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of apparatus 100 in an
opposite direction or orientation, so that certain portions of
elements 110-160 are more visible. In particular, side 116 of first
endpiece 110 is more visible, as is the surface on that side which
complements the upper surface of circular portion 122. Cylindrical
mating surface 118 also is visible. The lip on that mating surface
surrounds circular portion 122 as that portion nests within first
endpiece 110.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a hole in the middle of insert 120, into which
bar 130 fits. In an embodiment, washer 140 seats in the underside
of insert 120, and is attached so that bar 130 is secure within
extension 124 of insert 120. As with the previous embodiment,
washer 140 may facilitate rotation of bar 130 within insert 120.
The other side of second endpiece 160 also is more visible in FIG.
2, with extensions 162, 164 more visible.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows a brush assembly 300 which includes brush 310,
apparatus 100, and end cap 350. In an embodiment, brush 310
includes bristled portions 320 and non-bristled portions 330, for
cleaning of different types of surfaces, different types of debris,
and the like. In an embodiment, bristled portions 320 and/or
non-bristled portions 330 are attached in serpentine fashion in
brush 310. Such a configuration may facilitate collection of
gathered debris for direction toward a dustbin within the robotic
vacuum. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which these portions 320, 330
are attached in a double serpentine configuration. Such a
configuration also can facilitate guidance of debris toward a
dustbin or other receptacle on board a robotic vacuum such as may
be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,555,363.
[0029] In FIG. 3, apparatus 100 is attached to brush 310 as part of
the overall brush assembly 300. In an embodiment, extension 124 of
insert 120 of apparatus 100 fits into an opening (not seen in this
figure, but visible in FIGS. 5 and 7, for example) at the center of
the brush assembly 300. In an embodiment, end cap 350 is attached
to brush 310 on an opposite side from apparatus 100. End cap 350
may be configured to attach to motive structure, for example, in an
autonomous robotic vacuum or other cleaning apparatus, so as to
facilitate rotation of the brush assembly 300 by motive force. Such
attachment may require a different configuration for end cap 350
than for apparatus 100. In an embodiment, end cap 350 may have the
same structure, configuration, and operation as apparatus 100. In
an embodiment, rotation of the brush may come through attachment,
either directly or via some kind of gearing arrangement, to motive
wheels, again as may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,555,363.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows a side view of brush assembly 300, making it
easier to see end cap 350 as juxtaposed with apparatus 100. The
double serpentine configuration of bristled and non-bristled
portions 320, 330 in an embodiment also is more apparent.
[0031] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of apparatus 100 as it fits
into brush assembly 300. As alluded to earlier, extension 124 of
insert 120 fits through first endpiece 110 into an opening
(unnumbered) in brush 310 so as to attach firmly within the
opening, through press fit, force fit, or other manner of
adherence, while enabling the subassembly comprising insert 120,
bar 130, and washer 140 to continue to rotate freely through
bushing 150, thus enabling free rotation of brush assembly 300 at
that end. The extensions on the side of second endpiece 160 may
facilitate attachment of that assembly within an autonomous robotic
vacuum. Such attachment will not impede free rotation of the insert
120 within apparatus 100, however. The brush assembly opening into
which extension 124 fits is central to the brush assembly.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows a different, side view of what FIG. 5 shows,
including an exploded view of apparatus 100, to show how parts
110-160 come together and go into brush assembly 300.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows yet a different view of brush assembly 300,
with an assembled version of apparatus 100 and insert 120
juxtaposed with an opening in brush assembly 300.
[0034] It has been discovered that the bevel shape of first
endpiece 110, into which insert 120 fits, tends to effectively
guide hair and other potential entanglement debris away from the
hub in which brush assembly 300 is mounted, or prevent such debris
from reaching the hub in the first place. As a result, debris will
not wrap around any portion of the bushing or bearing mechanism,
potentially fouling it. Hair or fibers have difficulty going from a
smaller diameter to a larger diameter along the bevel as the
assembly rotates. The bevel creates a barrier to keep fiber or hair
from impinging on the bushing or bearing, preventing clogging. The
effect of this structure is to enable the brush 310 to be
positioned more closely to the hub on which brush assembly 300 is
mounted, enabling a longer brush which can clean more surface
during a pass of the robotic device. As a result, the brush 310 can
clean more effectively within the overall robotic vacuum structure
(actually, closer to the outer edges of that structure), in part
because of the brush proximity to the hub.
[0035] What has been described here is a brush assembly for use in
an autonomous robotic device with various capabilities. The robotic
device's autonomy is in contrast to a remote control operation of
the device. Autonomy enables the robotic device to operate without
supervision or external influence, for example, to clean the
environment, or zones within the environment in which the robot is
operating. The entanglement prevention feature described herein
works well with an autonomous robotic device which may operate, for
example, on a schedule when the owner/user/operator is unavailable
(for example, in the case of a home robotic vacuum, away from
home). Entanglement prevention means that, for example, while the
owner/user/operator is unavailable, the autonomous robotic device
may operate with lessened risk of non-functionality, or battery
drain, or the like because of fouling or other impeding of rotation
of the brush assembly.
[0036] The brush assembly, of which the entanglement prevention
apparatus described herein is a part, may be part of a home robotic
vacuum, but also may be configured as a cartridge which a user may
select from among several types of cleaning cartridges or modules
(e.g. waxers, dusters, buffers, mops, or other types of cleaners).
That is, an autonomous robotic device employing a brush assembly
with the entanglement prevention apparatus described herein may be
configured to receive different kinds of cleaning cartridges or
modules, so as to perform as a floor cleaning product which
performs different types of cleaning, not just vacuuming. A
non-limiting example of such a cartridge configuration again may be
seen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,555,363.
[0037] Although the invention has been described in language
specific to structural features and/or methodological steps, it is
to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
specific features or steps disclosed. Rather, the specific features
and steps are disclosed as preferred forms of implementing the
invention, which is to be defined by the claims.
* * * * *