U.S. patent application number 17/636215 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-15 for robotic vacuum cleaner and a method in a robotic vacuum cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Aktiebolaget Electrolux. The applicant listed for this patent is Aktiebolaget Electrolux. Invention is credited to Anders Haegermarck, Andreas Klintemyr.
Application Number | 20220287523 17/636215 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006391854 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220287523 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klintemyr; Andreas ; et
al. |
September 15, 2022 |
ROBOTIC VACUUM CLEANER AND A METHOD IN A ROBOTIC VACUUM CLEANER
Abstract
A robotic vacuum cleaner having a nozzle arranged in a portion
of a housing facing a surface to be cleaned. The nozzle has a
leading edge portion having channels leading to the suction opening
at two different heights from the surface.
Inventors: |
Klintemyr; Andreas;
(Stockholm, SE) ; Haegermarck; Anders; (Trangsund,
SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Aktiebolaget Electrolux |
Stockholm |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Aktiebolaget Electrolux
Stockholm
SE
|
Family ID: |
1000006391854 |
Appl. No.: |
17/636215 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
September 1, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2020/074341 |
371 Date: |
February 17, 2022 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 2201/00 20130101;
A47L 9/0488 20130101; A47L 9/0411 20130101; A47L 9/0477
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/04 20060101
A47L009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 5, 2019 |
SE |
1900147-8 |
Claims
1-64. (canceled)
65. A robotic vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing; a drive
arrangement being configured to drive the vacuum cleaner in a drive
direction along a surface to be cleaned; a vacuum producing unit; a
debris receptacle; and a nozzle arranged in a portion of the
housing facing the surface to be cleaned, wherein the nozzle
comprises: a frame having a leading edge portion, a trailing edge
portion behind the leading edge portion with respect to a direction
of travel, and side edges joining the leading edge portion to the
trailing edge portion to thereby define a suction opening in fluid
communication with the vacuum producing unit and the debris
receptacle, wherein the leading edge portion comprises: a bottom
surface facing the surface to be cleaned, at least one first
channel extending in the drive direction through the leading edge
portion to the suction opening and located a first distance above
the bottom surface when the robotic vacuum cleaner is in an
operative position on the surface to be cleaned and, at least one
second channel extending in the drive direction through the leading
edge portion to the suction opening and located a second distance
above the bottom surface when the robotic vacuum cleaner is in an
operative position on the surface to be cleaned and extending to
the suction opening, wherein the second distance is greater than
the first distance.
66. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 65, wherein the
first distance is less than 5 millimeters from the surface to be
cleaned when the robotic vacuum cleaner is in an operative position
on the surface to be cleaned.
67. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 66, wherein the
second distance is more than 5 millimeters from the surface to be
cleaned when the robotic vacuum cleaner is in an operative position
on the surface to be cleaned.
68. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 67, wherein the
second distance is more than 7 millimeters from the surface to be
cleaned when the robotic vacuum cleaner is in an operative position
on the surface to be cleaned.
69. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 65, wherein the
bottom surface is located below the remainder of the nozzle when
the robotic vacuum cleaner is in an operative position on the
surface to be cleaned.
70. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 69, wherein the
bottom surface is located below the housing when the robotic vacuum
cleaner is in an operative position on the surface to be
cleaned.
71. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 65, further
comprising a rotatable elongated brush roll arranged inside the
housing and extending along the nozzle, the rotatable elongated
brush roll comprising radially extending members extending from
inside the housing to at least a level of the bottom surface when
the robotic vacuum cleaner is in an operative position on the
surface to be cleaned.
72. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 71, wherein a
first radially extending member of the radially extending members
comprises a resilient lip and a second radially extending member of
the radially extending members comprises bristles.
73. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 65, further
comprising a rotatable side brush attached to the housing at a
location offset from the suction opening in a direction
perpendicular to the drive direction, wherein the rotatable side
brush is configured to rotate about a vertical axis extending away
from the surface to be cleaned when the robotic vacuum cleaner is
in an operative position on the surface to be cleaned.
74. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 73, wherein at
least one second channel is comprises an aperture adjacent to a
side edge of the frame, and the rotatable side brush comprises
bristles that are dimensioned to pass proximate to the aperture
during rotation of the rotatable side brush when the robotic vacuum
cleaner is in an operative position on the surface to be
cleaned.
75. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 74, wherein the
bristles are dimensioned to pass between the aperture and the
surface to be cleaned when the robotic vacuum cleaner is in an
operative position on the surface to be cleaned.
76. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 65, wherein the
suction opening is elongated extending in a direction perpendicular
to the drive direction, the at least one second channel comprises a
first aperture located at one end of the elongated suction
opening.
77. The robotic vacuum cleaner according to claim 65, wherein the
suction opening is elongated extending in a direction perpendicular
to the drive direction, the at least one second channel comprises a
first aperture located at one end of the elongated suction opening,
and a second aperture located at a second end of the elongated
suction opening.
78. A method for operating a robotic vacuum cleaner having a
housing, a drive arrangement being configured to drive the vacuum
cleaner in a drive direction along a surface to be cleaned, a
vacuum producing unit, a debris receptacle, an elongated suction
opening extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the drive
direction, the suction opening being located behind opening
comprising a leading edge of a nozzle having bottom surface and at
least one channel located at a lateral end of the elongated suction
opening and located above the bottom surface when the robotic
vacuum cleaner is in an operative position on the surface to be
cleaned, the method comprising: driving the robotic vacuum cleaner
along a cleaning path; detecting or encountering a debris particle
that is larger than a distance between the surface to be cleaned
and the bottom surface of the nozzle; using the nozzle to push the
debris particle along the drive direction forward of the vacuum
cleaner and simultaneously turning the robotic vacuum cleaner to
align the debris particle with one of the at least one channel;
receiving the debris particle through the one of the at least one
channel; sucking the debris particle through the suction opening;
and depositing the debris particle in the debris receptacle
79. The method according to claim 78, wherein turning the robotic
vacuum cleaner comprises following a spiral path.
80. The method according to claim 78, wherein turning the robotic
vacuum cleaner comprises following a zigzag path and/or a random
path.
81. The method according to claim 78, wherein turning the robotic
vacuum cleaner comprises following a random path.
82. The method according to claim 78, wherein receiving the debris
particle through the one of the at least one channel comprises
directing the debris particle through the one of the at least one
channel using a rotating side brush.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a robotic vacuum
cleaner.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A robotic vacuum cleaner forms of a self-propelling unit
provided with a drive arrangement comprising a control system
configured to control a movement of the robotic vacuum cleaner
along a surface to be cleaned. The control system may comprise one
or more sensors providing input to assist in controlling the
movement of the robotic vacuum cleaner. A vacuum producing unit of
the robotic vacuum cleaner is arranged in fluid communication with
an opening of a nozzle inlet facing the surface to be cleaned.
Debris sucked or otherwise propelled into the opening is directed
into a debris receptacle of the robotic vacuum cleaner. The debris
receptacle is emptied, or replaced, when filled with debris to a
certain degree.
[0003] Since a robotic vacuum cleaner is to move freely about a
surface to be cleaned it would be limited in its movements by an
electric cord. Thus, a robotic vacuum cleaner is battery powered
and the cleaning capability of a robotic vacuum cleaner has to be
designed with the capacity of the on-board battery in mind.
Accordingly, the drive arrangement, the capacity of the vacuum
producing unit, the use of various rotating brushes, etc. affect
consumption of electric power and thus, the design of a robotic
vacuum cleaner.
[0004] Thus, the vacuum, or suction, produced by the vacuum
producing unit should be produced with as low electric energy
consumption as possible while maintaining good cleaning
efficiency.
[0005] Also, todays cleaners assume likewise spreading of particles
over the length of the nozzle width and are thereby having openings
in the nozzle to allow for this. This may reduce the overall
cleaning performance since opening up the nozzle leads to air
leakage.
SUMMARY
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
robotic vacuum cleaner, a nozzle and a method having potential to
effectively clean fine dust and particles as well as cleaning
larger debris than dust, such larger particles and small stones,
into the robotic vacuum cleaner.
[0007] The present invention is described in the independent
claims.
[0008] According to an aspect of the invention, a robotic vacuum
cleaner comprising a housing, a drive arrangement being configured
to drive the vacuum cleaner along a surface to be cleaned, a vacuum
producing unit, a debris receptacle, and a nozzle inlet arranged in
a portion of the housing facing the surface to be cleaned. The
nozzle inlet comprises a frame structure forming an opening, the
opening being arranged in fluid communication with the debris
receptacle and the vacuum producing unit being arranged in in fluid
communication with the opening. The frame structure has a leading
edge portion and opposite thereto a trailing edge portion, the
leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion border to the
opening. The frame structure comprises a base portion extending
substantially in parallel with the surface to be cleaned. The first
level is arranged closer to the surface to be cleaned than the
second level.
[0009] Since the nozzle inlet comprises the base portion extending
at the first level and the channel formed between the distance
members has the delimiting surface extending at the second level, a
larger air flow is produced in the channel by the vacuum producing
unit than at the base portion and the distance members at the first
level.
[0010] It is understood that the first level is arranged closer to
the surface to be cleaned than the second level in use of the
robotic vacuum cleaner. The robotic vacuum cleaner may be a
self-propelling unit. The drive arrangement may comprise one or
more wheels, of which at least one wheel is directly or indirectly
driven by an electric drive motor. The drive arrangement may
further comprise a control system configured to control the
electric drive motor to move the robotic vacuum cleaner about the
surface to be cleaned. The control system may comprise one or more
sensors to provide input assisting in controlling the movement of
the robotic vacuum cleaner. The at least one sensor may be of one
or more different kinds, such as e.g. an infrared sensor, a laser
sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a contact sensor. The vacuum
producing unit may comprise a fan driven by an electric fan motor.
The opening may be arranged in fluid communication with the debris
receptacle via a debris conduit system. The vacuum producing unit
may be arranged in fluid communication with the opening via the
debris conduit system and optionally also the debris receptacle,
i.e. the vacuum producing unit in some embodiments may create a
suction from the opening of the nozzle inlet via the debris conduit
system to the debris receptacle. In use of the robotic vacuum
cleaner the leading edge portion of the frame structure travels
ahead of the trailing edge portion in most cleaning situations. The
robotic vacuum cleaner may comprise one or more rotatable brushes
assisting in propelling debris towards, or into, the opening of the
nozzle inlet. The rotatable brushes may be driven by one or more
electric brush motors. Besides controlling the drive motor, the
control system may also control the fan motor and/or the one or
more brush motors. The robotic vacuum cleaner may comprise one or
more rechargeable batteries configured to power the drive
arrangement including the control system and the various electric
motors.
[0011] According to embodiments, the first level may extends at
distance of less than 2 mm from the surface to be cleaned. In this
manner the vacuum producing unit may produce a substantial suction
force in an area around the base portion of the frame structure,
which base portion is arranged at the first level, and no
protruding element, such as a resilient ridge, extending along a
portion of the opening may be required to reduce the amount of air
flowing into the opening. Moreover, with the first level extending
at a distance of less than 2 mm from the surfaced to be cleaned,
the larger air flow in the channel may be attained. It is
understood that the first level may extend at a distance of less
than 2 mm from the surface to be cleaned in use of the robotic
vacuum cleaner. The distance between the first level and the
surface to be cleaned is measured when the robotic vacuum cleaner
is standing on a firm surface such as a hardwood flooring.
[0012] According to embodiments, the base portion may be that part
of the nozzle inlet which extends closest to the surface to be
cleaned. In this manner the nozzle inlet may not require any
protruding element, such as a resilient ridge, extending along a
portion of the opening to produce sufficient suction in an area
around the base portion.
[0013] According to embodiments, the nozzle inlet may form part of
the housing or alternatively, may be attached to the housing, and
wherein the base portion may extend closest to the surface to be
cleaned of the nozzle inlet and the housing.
[0014] According to embodiments, a bottom surface of each of the
distance members may form a smooth transition between the second
level and the first level. Since the distance members are comprised
in the leading edge portion of the frame structure, in this manner
the leading edge portion may slide over a vertical transition of
the surface to be cleaned, such as when the robotic vacuum cleaner
transits from a bare floor surface onto a carpet or over a
doorsill.
[0015] According to embodiments, the nozzle inlet may comprise at
least one cross brace extending from at least one of the distance
members to the trailing edge. In this manner elongated objects,
such as cables, may be prevented from being caught in the
opening.
[0016] According to embodiments, the at least one cross brace forms
part of the base portion and extends at the first level. In this
manner the cross brace may prevent the trailing edge from abutting,
in the opening, against a vertical transition of the surface to be
cleaned, such as a carpet edge. This could otherwise prevent the
robotic vacuum cleaner from continuing traveling forwardly.
[0017] According to embodiments, the robotic vacuum cleaner may
comprise a rotatable elongated brush roll arranged inside the
housing and extending along the nozzle inlet, the rotatable
elongated brush roll comprising radially extending members
extending from inside the housing at least to the first level. In
this manner the elongated brush roll may assist in propelling in
particular larger debris, such as sand and small stones, into the
opening.
[0018] According to embodiments, a first radially extending member
of the radially extending members may comprise a resilient lip and
a second radially extending member of the radially extending
members may comprise bristles.
[0019] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a housing, a drive arrangement being configured to drive
the vacuum cleaner along a surface to be cleaned. The robotic
vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum producing unit, a debris
receptacle. The robotic vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle arranged
in a portion of the housing facing the surface to be cleaned. The
nozzle comprises a frame structure forming a suction opening. The
opening being arranged in fluid communication with the debris
receptacle. The vacuum producing unit being arranged in fluid
communication with the opening. The frame structure has a leading
edge portion or front edge and opposite thereto a trailing edge
portion. The leading edge portion and the trailing edge portion
border to the suction opening.
[0020] The leading edge portion forming a first channel on a first
distance between the leading edge portion and the surface to be
cleaned. The leading edge portion comprises a second channel. Where
the leading edge portion in the second channel is on a second
distance between the leading edge portion and the surface to be
cleaned which is increased compared to the first distance.
[0021] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner wherein
the first distance extends at distance less than 5 mm from the
surface to be cleaned.
[0022] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner wherein
the second distance extends at distance more than 5 mm from the
surface to be cleaned.
[0023] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner wherein
the second distance extends a distance more than 7 mm from the
surface to be cleaned.
[0024] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner wherein
the base portion is that part of the nozzle which extends closest
to the surface to be cleaned.
[0025] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
the nozzle forms part of the housing or is attached to the housing.
Wherein the base portion extends closest to the surface to be
cleaned of the nozzle and the housing.
[0026] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
the nozzle comprises at least one cross brace extending from the
leading edge portion to the trailing edge portion.
[0027] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a rotatable elongated brush roll arranged inside the
housing and extending along the nozzle. The rotatable elongated
brush roll comprising radially extending members extending from
inside the housing at least to the first level.
[0028] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
a first radially extending member of the radially extending members
comprises a resilient lip. A second radially extending member of
the radially extending members comprises bristles.
[0029] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a rotatable side brush comprising bristles and the
aperture is arranged close to the end of the bristles.
[0030] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
the rotatable side brush comprising bristles extending radially to
a rotation axis of the rotatable side brush and extending
substantially in parallel with the surface to be cleaned. The
bristles extend to, and beyond, a lateral portion of the housing
and over a side portion of the nozzle. The aperture is arranged in
or close to the side portion.
[0031] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner comprising a front edge extending along a suction opening.
The front edge comprises a first section with a first distance
between the front edge and a surface to be cleaned. And a second
section with a second distance, which is longer than the first
distance.
[0032] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner wherein the second distance is more than 2 times longer
than the first distance, preferably more than 3 times longer than
the first distance.
[0033] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the first section of the front edge is arranged
closest to the surface to be cleaned.
[0034] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the second section is arranged at one or two
locations along the front edge.
[0035] According to embodiments a nozzle, wherein the first section
is arranged at one or more locations along the front edge,
preferably 1, 2 or 3 locations.
[0036] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the second section is arranged near the one or
both ends of the suction opening, preferably the suction opening is
an elongated opening.
[0037] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the first section extends along more than 75% of
the front edge, preferably more than 90% of the front edge.
[0038] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the suction opening is an elongated opening
extending next to the front edge.
[0039] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the second section comprises an aperture.
[0040] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the second section comprises 1 or 2 apertures.
[0041] According to embodiments a nozzle for a robotic vacuum
cleaner wherein the aperture in the second section is arranged
adjacent to one end of the elongated suction opening or the 2
apertures in the second section are arranged adjacent to each end
of the elongated suction opening.
[0042] According to embodiments a robotic vacuum cleaner comprising
a housing (4), a drive arrangement (6) being configured to drive
the vacuum cleaner (2) along a surface to be cleaned. The robotic
vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum producing unit, a debris
receptacle, and a nozzle arranged in a portion of the housing
facing the surface to be cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a nozzle as described above.
[0043] According to embodiments a robotic vacuum cleaner comprising
a housing, a drive arrangement being configured to drive the vacuum
cleaner along a surface to be cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner
comprises a vacuum producing unit, a debris receptacle, and a
nozzle arranged in a portion of the housing facing the surface to
be cleaned. The nozzle comprises an elongated suction opening. The
suction opening being arranged in fluid communication with the
debris receptacle. The vacuum producing unit being arranged in
fluid communication with the suction opening. The front edge being
arranged along one side of the elongated suction opening. Between
the front edge and the surface to be cleaned an air channel is
created. The front edge comprises an aperture.
[0044] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
air flow in the aperture is increased compared to the air flow in
the other part of the air channel.
[0045] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
the aperture allows a larger particle to pass under the front edge
compared to the other part of the front edge into the suction
opening.
[0046] According to embodiments a robotic vacuum cleaner comprising
a housing, a drive arrangement being configured to drive the vacuum
cleaner along a surface to be cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a vacuum producing unit, a debris receptacle, and a
nozzle arranged in a portion of the housing facing the surface to
be cleaned. The nozzle comprises an elongated suction opening. The
suction opening being arranged in fluid communication with the
debris receptacle and the vacuum producing unit being arranged in
fluid communication with the suction opening. The nozzle comprising
a front edge extending along the elongated suction opening. The
front edge comprises a first section with a first distance between
the front edge and a surface to be cleaned. The front edge
comprises a second section with a second distance, which is longer
than the first distance.
[0047] According to embodiments a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
the second distance is more than 2 times longer than the first
distance, preferably more than 3 times higher than the first
distance.
[0048] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
the section of the front edge arranged closest to the surface to be
cleaned is the first section.
[0049] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner wherein
the second section is arranged at one or two locations along the
front edge.
[0050] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
the second section is arranged near the one or both ends of the
elongated opening.
[0051] According to embodiments a robotic vacuum cleaner comprising
a housing. The robotic vacuum cleaner comprises a drive arrangement
being configured to drive the vacuum cleaner along a surface to be
cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum producing
unit, a debris receptacle. The robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a
nozzle arranged in the housing facing the surface to be cleaned.
The nozzle comprises a front edge, and a suction opening. The
suction opening being arranged in fluid communication with the
debris receptacle and the vacuum producing unit. The front edge
comprises an aperture.
[0052] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum, wherein the
opening is elongated extending in a direction perpendicular to the
drive direction of the robotic vacuum cleaner, and the aperture is
arranged adjacent to one end of the elongated opening.
[0053] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
the aperture is arranged at the right or left side of the
nozzle.
[0054] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
one aperture is arranged at the right side of the nozzle. A second
aperture is arranged at the left side of the nozzle.
[0055] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
a side brush is arranged at one end of the nozzle. The aperture is
arranged at the same end.
[0056] According to embodiments the robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein
the aperture is arranged adjacent to the end of the bristles of the
side brush.
[0057] According to embodiments a method in a robotic vacuum
cleaner, such as described above, comprising the step [0058]
driving the robotic vacuum cleaner along a cleaning path; [0059]
detecting or encountering a debris particle; [0060] debris particle
of size suitable for passing between the first section of the front
edge and the surface being cleaned is sucked into the suction
opening and further into the debris receptacle; [0061] debris
particle (80) of a size not suitable for passing between the first
section of the front edge is pushed forward of the vacuum cleaner;
[0062] turning the robotic vacuum cleaner so that at least one of
the second section or aperture is towards the outside of the
robotic vacuum cleaner in the turn; [0063] pushing the debris
particle along the front edge radially outwards during the turning;
[0064] when the debris particle is in front of the second section
or aperture the particle is sucked through the second section or
aperture and into the suction opening and further into the debris
receptacle;
[0065] According to embodiments a method in a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the robotic vacuum cleaner is in a cleaning
mode.
[0066] According to embodiments a method in a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the cleaning mode comprises following a spiral
path.
[0067] According to embodiments a method in a robotic vacuum
cleaner, wherein the cleaning mode comprises following a zigzag
path and/or a random path.
[0068] According to embodiments a method in a robotic vacuum
cleaner wherein the robotic vacuum cleaner drives in a path to move
larger particles along the leading edge portion towards the second
section/aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] Various aspects of the invention, including its particular
features and advantages, will be readily understood from the
example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description
and the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0070] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a top view and a perspective bottom
view of a robotic vacuum cleaner according to embodiments,
[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates a nozzle inlet of the robotic vacuum
cleaner shown in FIG. 2,
[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial enlargement of the nozzle inlet
shown in FIG. 3, and
[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial enlargement of an area of FIG.
2.
[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates a robotic vacuum cleaner and moving
path
[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom side of a robotic vacuum
cleaner, such as in FIG. 1 or 2
[0076] FIG. 8 illustrates a front side of a robotic vacuum cleaner,
such as in FIG. 1 or 2.
[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates a robotic vacuum cleaner, such as in FIG.
1 or 2, and moving path
[0078] FIG. 10a-b illustrates a robotic vacuum cleaner and moving
path
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0079] Aspects of the present invention will now be described more
fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known
functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in
detail for brevity and/or clarity.
[0080] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a top view and a perspective bottom
view of a robotic vacuum cleaner 2 according to embodiments. The
robotic vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a housing 4, a drive arrangement
6 configured to drive the vacuum cleaner 2 along a surface to be
cleaned, a vacuum producing unit 8 (schematically illustrated), a
debris receptacle 10, and a nozzle 12 arranged in a portion of the
housing 4 facing the surface to be cleaned.
[0081] The drive arrangement 6 ensures that the robotic vacuum
cleaner is a self-propelling unit. The drive arrangement 6
comprises two wheels 18 driven by electric drive motors 20,
(schematically illustrated). The drive arrangement 6 comprises
non-driven supporting wheels 22. The drive arrangement 6 also
comprises a control system 24 (schematically illustrated)
configured to control the electric drive motors 20. The control
system 24 comprises sensors 26 assisting in controlling the
movement of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2.
[0082] The debris receptacle 10 is arranged in the housing 4. One
side portion 32 of the debris receptacle 10 forms an outer surface
portion of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. Thus, the debris
receptacle 10 is easily accessible and removable by a user for
emptying thereof. The nozzle 12 is elongated and extends in
parallel with a rotation axis of the two driven wheels 18. Thus,
the nozzle extends across a travelling direction of the robotic
vacuum cleaner 2 for broad cleaning coverage.
[0083] The nozzle 12 comprises a frame structure 28 forming an
opening 30. The opening 30 is arranged in fluid communication with
the debris receptacle 10 and the vacuum producing unit 8 is
arranged in fluid communication with the opening 30. Thus, the
vacuum producing unit 8 may produce a suction force at the opening
30 to transport debris from an area around the opening 30 via a
debris conduit system to the debris receptacle 10.
[0084] The robotic vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a rotatable side
brush 14 comprising bristles 34 extending radially to a rotation
axis 16 of the rotatable side brush 14 and extending substantially
in parallel with the surface to be cleaned. The bristles 34 extend
to, and beyond, a lateral portion 35 of the housing 4 and over a
side portion 36 of the nozzle 12. The bristles 34 have been
illustrated schematically in FIG. 2. In practice the bristles 34
may be considerably thinner than illustrated and the rotatable side
brush 14 may be provided with a considerably larger number of
bristles 34 than illustrated. The robotic vacuum cleaner 2
comprises a rotatable elongated brush roll 38 arranged inside the
housing 4 and extending along the nozzle 12 including the side
portion 36 of the nozzle 12.
[0085] FIG. 3 illustrates the nozzle 12 of the robotic vacuum
cleaner 2 shown in FIG. 2 in greater detail. In these embodiments,
the nozzle 12 is comprised in a removable lid 40 configured to be
positioned in the housing of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. In
alternative embodiments, the nozzle 12 may be formed directly in
the housing.
[0086] As mentioned above, the nozzle 12 comprises a frame
structure 28 forming an opening 30. The frame structure 28 has a
leading edge portion (front edge) 42 and opposite thereto a
trailing edge portion 44. The leading edge portion 42 and the
trailing edge portion 44 border to the opening 30. The frame
structure 28 comprises a base portion 46, which in use of the
robotic vacuum cleaner extends substantially in parallel with the
surface to be cleaned at a first level.
[0087] The leading edge portion 42 comprises at least two distance
members 48 forming there between a channel 50 to the opening 30. In
these embodiments the leading edge portion 42 comprises five
distance members 48, 48'. In alternative embodiments the leading
edge portion may comprise less than five distance members, e.g.
three or four distance members, or more than five distance members,
e.g. 6-10 distance members, alternatively no distance members.
[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial enlargement of the nozzle 12
shown in FIG. 3. The channel 50 has a delimiting surface 52
extending at a second level substantially in parallel with the
first level. In use of the robotic vacuum cleaner the first level
is arranged closer to the surface to be cleaned than the second
level.
[0089] If no distance members are used the delimiting surface 52
extends all along the leading edge portion 42.
[0090] In this embodiment, each distance member 48 has a
substantially triangular cross section extending substantially in
parallel with the first plane. Each distance member 48 extends
between the first level and the second level with a top 54 of the
substantially triangular cross section facing outwardly from the
opening 30 and a base 56 of the substantially triangular cross
section extending in parallel with the opening 30. Side surfaces 58
of the distance members 48 extend substantially from the top 54 to
the base 56 of the substantially triangular cross section. At least
a portion of the side surfaces 58 extend substantially
perpendicularly to the base portion 46 and to the delimiting
surface 52 of the channel 50.
[0091] The trailing edge portion 44 forms part of the base portion
46 and part of the side portion 36 of the nozzle 12. In these
embodiments the side portion 36 extends at the second level.
Accordingly, at the base portion 46 the trailing edge portion 44
extends at the first level and at the side portion 36 the trailing
edge portion 44 extends at the second level. In alternative
embodiments the entire trailing edge portion 44 may extend at the
first level.
[0092] It is clearly visible in FIGS. 3 and 4 that the delimiting
surface 52 extends at a different level than the base portion 46,
i.e. at the second level. Also at a lateral end 47 of the nozzle
inlet 12 and at the trailing edge portion 44 of the side portion
36, the side portion 36 may extend at the second level.
Alternatively, the lateral end 47 and the trailing edge portion 44
of the side portion 36 may extend at the first level. As also
clearly visible in FIGS. 3 and 4, the leading edge portion 42
comprises a number of portions extending at the second level,
namely delimiting surfaces 52 of channels formed between the
distance members 48 as well at end portions of the opening 30 next
to the outer distance members 48'.
[0093] The nozzle 12 comprises at least one cross brace 62
extending from at least one of the distance members 48 to the
trailing edge 44. The at least one cross brace 62 forms part of the
base portion 46 and extends at the first level.
[0094] The substantially triangular cross section of two adjacent
distance members 48 reduce the cross section of the channel 50
formed there between towards the opening 30. Thus, one of the side
surfaces 58 of a first of the at least two distance members 48 and
one thereto opposing side surface 58 of a second of the at least
two distance members 48 forms a funnel towards the opening 30.
[0095] A bottom surface 60 of each of the distance members 48 forms
a smooth transition between the second level and the first
level.
[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlargement of the encircled area V of
FIG. 2 with the rotatable side brush removed for the sake of
clarity. As discussed in connection with FIG. 2, the robotic vacuum
cleaner 2 comprises a rotatable elongated brush roll 38 arranged
inside the housing 4 and extending along the nozzle inlet 12. The
rotatable elongated brush roll 38 comprises radially extending
members 64', 64'' extending from inside the housing 40 at least to
the first level. In these embodiments, a first radially extending
member 64' of the radially extending members comprises a resilient
lip and a second radially extending member 64'' of the radially
extending members comprises bristles. Alternatively, all radially
extending members 64', 64'' may comprise resilient lips or
bristles.
[0097] In use of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2, the base member 46
at the first level may extend at a distance of less than 2 mm from
the surface to be cleaned. In use of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2,
the base portion 46 may be that part of the nozzle 12, which
extends closest to the surface to be cleaned. In use of robotic
vacuum cleaner 2, the nozzle 12 may form part of the housing 4 or
alternatively, may be attached to the housing 4, and wherein the
base portion 46 may extend closest to the surface to be cleaned of
the nozzle 12 and the housing 4.
[0098] FIG. 6 illustrates a robotic vacuum cleaner 2 moving along a
wall. The enlarged portion illustrates a particle 80 in front of
the robotic vacuum cleaner which is too large to enter between the
leading edge portion/front edge and the surface to be cleaned. The
particle 80 will stay in front of the leading edge portion. During
turning of the robotic vacuum cleaner the particle will move
relative to the leading edge portion towards the outside of the
robotic vacuum cleaner. An aperture 51 (as described in Fig above)
is arranged at the end of the nozzle. Since the aperture 51
provides a larger opening the particle may pass and enter the
nozzle and further to the dust receptacle.
[0099] A second particle 81 is also illustrated. This particle is
moved be the bristles of the side brush towards the nozzle 12. If
the particle is too big to enter between the leading edge
portion/front edge and the surface to be cleaned. The particle 81
will stay in front of the robotic vacuum cleaner or leading edge
portion.
[0100] The aperture 51 provides a larger opening and the particle
may pass and enter the nozzle and further to the dust
receptacle.
[0101] FIG. 7 illustrates the bottom side of a robotic vacuum
cleaner, such as one described above. The robotic vacuum cleaner 2
comprises a nozzle having a front edge 42 and an opening 12. Inside
the opening, a rotatable brush 38 may be arranged. The robotic
vacuum cleaner also comprises a side brush 14. The front edge
comprises an aperture 51.
[0102] FIG. 8 illustrates the front of a robotic vacuum cleaner,
such as one described above, eg in FIG. 7. The front shows sensors
26 connected to a control system as described above. The front edge
42 comprises a first section S1 arranged with one distance to the
surface to be cleaned, and a second section S2 with a second
distance to the surface to be cleaned which is higher than the
first distance. The second section S2 comprise an aperture (51).
The second section S2 thereby provides a larger opening for
allowing larger particles to enter the nozzle and the robotic
vacuum cleaner.
[0103] FIG. 9 illustrates a robotic vacuum cleaner, such as one
described above from above and a moving pattern during cleaning.
The robotic vacuum cleaner comprises a side brush arranged at the
side always facing the outside of the turning. A particle 80 is
trapped in front of the robotic vacuum cleaner because it is too
large to pass between the front edge and the surface to be cleaned.
When turning the robotic vacuum cleaner the particle 80 will move
relative the robotic vacuum cleaner, along the front edge towards
the outside of the turn. By having an aperture 51 with a height
larger than the height over the rest of the front edge the particle
80 may pass the aperture and thereby be cleaned.
[0104] FIG. 10a illustrates front of a robotic vacuum cleaner 2,
such as one described above. The robotic vacuum cleaner in this
embodiment do not have a side brush, however sensors, drive means,
control means etc are similar to a robotic vacuum cleaner as
described above, e.g. in FIG. 1-2. The robotic vacuum cleaner
comprises a front edge 42 having a first section S1 and a second
section S2. In this embodiment the first section mainly extends
between two parts of the second section. The second section
comprises an aperture, in this embodiment each part of the second
section comprises an aperture 51. The second section and the
aperture 51 is arranged in each end of the opening 30 (see FIG.
10b)
[0105] FIG. 10b illustrates front of a robotic vacuum cleaner 2,
such as one described above. The figure illustrates a preferred
moving path of a robotic vacuum cleaner of the claimed type,
especially when no side brush is attached to the robotic vacuum
cleaner. A particle 80 trapped in front of the robotic vacuum
cleaner due to that its size is too big to pass between the front
edge and the surface to be cleaned, eg pass in the first section
S1. An S-form moving pattern may make it possible to clean even
these larger particles. When turning the robotic vacuum cleaner the
particle 80 will move along the front edge towards the outside of
the turn. By having an aperture large enough to allow the particle
80 to pass the particle 80 will be cleaned.
[0106] If the moving pattern of the robotic vacuum cleaner during
cleaning is based on turning always in the same direction, e.g
spiral cleaning, it may be enough with only one aperture arranged
at the side always facing the outside of the curve. If the moving
pattern during cleaning is turning at both left and right, e.g.
random cleaning, it is preferred to arrange one aperture at each
side of the robotic vacuum cleaner, e.g. both sides of the
elongated opening.
[0107] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a housing (4), a
drive arrangement (6) being configured to drive the vacuum cleaner
(2) along a surface to be cleaned. A robotic vacuum cleaner (2)
comprising a vacuum producing unit (8), a debris receptacle (10). A
robotic vacuum cleaner (2) comprising and a nozzle (12) arranged in
a portion of the housing (4) facing the surface to be cleaned. The
nozzle (12) comprises a frame structure (28) forming a suction
opening (30). The suction opening (30) being arranged in fluid
communication with the debris receptacle (10). The vacuum producing
unit (8) being arranged in fluid communication with the suction
opening (30). The frame structure (28) has a leading edge
portion/front edge (42) and opposite thereto a trailing edge
portion (44). The leading edge portion (42) and the trailing edge
portion (44) border to the suction opening (30). The leading edge
portion (42) forming a first channel (50) on a first distance
between the leading edge portion and the surface to be cleaned. The
leading edge portion (42) comprises a second channel (51, S2) where
the leading edge portion in the second channel is on a second
distance between the leading edge portion and the surface to be
cleaned. The second distance is longer than the first distance. The
second distance is increased compared to the first distance.
[0108] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) wherein the first distance
extends at distance less than 5 mm from the surface to be cleaned,
preferably 1.5-5 mm
[0109] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) wherein the second distance
extends at distance more than 5 mm from the surface to be cleaned,
preferably 8-15 mm, or more
[0110] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) wherein the second distance
extends a distance more than 7 mm from the surface to be
cleaned.
[0111] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) wherein the base portion (46)
is that part of the nozzle (12) which extends closest to the
surface to be cleaned.
[0112] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) wherein the nozzle (12) forms
part of the housing (4). Or the nozzle is attached to the housing
(4). The base portion (46) extends closest to the surface to be
cleaned of the nozzle (12) and the housing (4).
[0113] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) wherein the nozzle (12)
comprises at least one cross brace (62) extending from the leading
edge portion to the trailing edge portion (44).
[0114] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a rotatable
elongated brush roll (38) arranged inside the housing (4). The
brush extending along the nozzle (12). The rotatable elongated
brush roll (38) comprising radially extending members (64', 64'')
extending from inside the housing (4) at least the first
distance.
[0115] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2), wherein a first radially
extending member (64') of the radially extending members comprises
a resilient lip. A second radially extending member (64'') of the
radially extending members comprises bristles.
[0116] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a rotatable side
brush 14 comprising bristles 34. The aperture is arranged close to
the end of the bristles.
[0117] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2), wherein the rotatable side
brush 14 comprising bristles 34. The bristles extending radially to
a rotation axis 16 of the rotatable side brush 14. The bristles
extending substantially in parallel with the surface to be cleaned.
The bristles 34 extend to, and beyond, a lateral portion 35 of the
housing 4. The bristles extends over a side portion 36 of the
nozzle 12. The aperture is arranged in or close to the side portion
36.
[0118] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a front
edge (24) extending along a suction opening (30). The front edge
(42) comprises a first section (S1) with a first distance between
the front edge and a surface to be cleaned. The front edge
comprises a second section (S2) with a second distance. The second
distance is longer than the first distance.
[0119] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the second
distance is more than 2 times longer than the first distance,
preferably more than 3 times longer than the first distance.
[0120] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the first
section of the front edge is arranged closest to the surface to be
cleaned.
[0121] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the second
section is arranged at one or two locations along the front
edge.
[0122] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the first
section is arranged at one or more locations along the front edge,
preferably 1, 2 or 3 locations.
[0123] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the second
section is arranged near the one or both ends of the suction
opening. Preferably the suction opening is an elongated
opening.
[0124] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the first
section extends along more than 75% of the front edge. Preferably
more than 90% of the front edge.
[0125] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the suction
opening is an elongated opening extending next to the front
edge.
[0126] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner wherein the second
section comprises an aperture (51).
[0127] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the second
section comprises 1 or 2 apertures (51).
[0128] A nozzle for a robotic vacuum cleaner wherein the aperture
in the second section is arranged adjacent to one end of the
elongated suction opening. Alternatively the 2 apertures in the
second section are arranged adjacent to each end of the elongated
suction opening.
[0129] A robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a housing (4). The
robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a drive arrangement (6) being
configured to drive the vacuum cleaner (2) along a surface to be
cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum producing
unit (8), a debris receptacle (10). The robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a nozzle (12) arranged in a portion of the housing (4)
facing the surface to be cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a nozzle as described above.
[0130] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a housing (4). The
robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a drive arrangement (6) being
configured to drive the vacuum cleaner (2) along a surface to be
cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum producing
unit (8), a debris receptacle (10) The robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a nozzle (12) arranged in a portion of the housing (4)
facing the surface to be cleaned. The nozzle (12) comprises an
elongated suction opening (30). The suction opening (30) being
arranged in fluid communication with the debris receptacle (10).
The vacuum producing unit (8) being arranged in fluid communication
with the suction opening (30). The front edge (42) being arranged
along one side of the elongated suction opening (30). Between the
front edge and the surface to be cleaned an air channel (50) is
created. The front edge (42) comprises an aperture (51).
[0131] A robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein air flow in the aperture
(51) is increased compared to the air flow in the other part of the
air channel.
[0132] A robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the aperture (51) allows a
larger particle to pass under the front edge compared to the other
part of the front edge into the suction opening.
[0133] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a housing (4). The
robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a drive arrangement (6) being
configured to drive the vacuum cleaner (2) along a surface to be
cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum producing
unit (8), a debris receptacle (10). The robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a nozzle arranged in a portion of the housing (4) facing
the surface to be cleaned. The nozzle comprises an elongated
suction opening (30). The suction opening (30) being arranged in
fluid communication with the debris receptacle (10). The vacuum
producing unit (8) being arranged in fluid communication with the
suction opening (30. The nozzle comprising a front edge extending
along the elongated suction opening (30). The front edge comprises
a first section with a first distance between the front edge and a
surface to be cleaned the front edge comprises a second section
with a second distance, which is longer than the first
distance.
[0134] A robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the second distance is
more than 2 times longer than the first distance, preferably more
than 3 times higher than the first distance.
[0135] A robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the section of the front
edge arranged closest to the surface to be cleaned is the first
section.
[0136] A robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the second section is
arranged at one or two locations along the front edge.
[0137] A robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the second section is
arranged near the one or both ends of the elongated opening.
[0138] A robotic vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a housing (4). The
robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a drive arrangement (6) being
configured to drive the vacuum cleaner (2) along a surface to be
cleaned. The robotic vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum producing
unit (8), a debris receptacle (10). The robotic vacuum cleaner
comprising a nozzle arranged in the housing (4) facing the surface
to be cleaned. The nozzle comprises a front edge, and a suction
opening (30). The suction opening (30) being arranged in fluid
communication with the debris receptacle (10) and the vacuum
producing unit (8). The front edge comprises an aperture (51).
[0139] A robotic vacuum cleaner wherein the opening is elongated
extending in a direction perpendicular to the drive direction of
the robotic vacuum cleaner. The aperture is arranged adjacent to
one end of the elongated suction opening.
[0140] A robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the aperture is arranged
at the right or left side of the nozzle and/or right or left side
of the elongated suction opening.
[0141] A robotic vacuum cleaner wherein one aperture is arranged at
the right side of the nozzle. A second aperture is arranged at the
left side of the nozzle.
[0142] A robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein a side brush (14) is
arranged at one end of the nozzle. The aperture is arranged at the
same end.
[0143] A robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the aperture is arranged
adjacent to the end of the bristles of the side brush.
[0144] A method in a robotic vacuum cleaner such as described above
comprising the step [0145] driving the robotic vacuum cleaner along
a cleaning path; [0146] detecting or encountering a debris
particle; [0147] debris particle of size suitable for passing
between the first section of the front edge and the surface being
cleaned is sucked into the suction opening and further into the
debris receptacle; [0148] debris particle (80) of a size not
suitable for passing between the first section (S1) of the front
edge is pushed forward of the vacuum cleaner; [0149] turning the
robotic vacuum cleaner so that at least one of the second section
or aperture (51) is towards the outside of the robotic vacuum
cleaner in the turn; [0150] pushing the debris particle along the
front edge (42) radially outwards during the turning; [0151] when
the debris particle is in front of the second section or aperture
the particle is sucked through the second section or aperture and
into the suction opening and further into the debris
receptacle;
[0152] A method in a robotic vacuum cleaner wherein the robotic
vacuum cleaner is in a cleaning mode.
[0153] A method in a robotic vacuum cleaner wherein the cleaning
mode comprises following a spiral path.
[0154] A method in a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the cleaning
mode comprises following a zigzag path and/or a random path.
[0155] A method in a robotic vacuum cleaner, wherein the robotic
vacuum cleaner drives in a path to move larger particles along the
leading edge portion towards the second section/aperture.
[0156] This invention should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. A person skilled in the art will
realize that different features of the embodiments disclosed herein
may be combined to create embodiments other than those described
herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention,
as defined by the appended claims. Although the invention has been
described with reference to example embodiments, many different
alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for
those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that
the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and
that the invention is defined only by the appended claims.
[0157] As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is
open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements,
steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence
or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps,
components, functions or groups thereof.
* * * * *