TWI631924B - Electrical sweeping device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electric sweeping device includes: an autonomous sweeping unit that autonomously moves on the surface being swept to capture dust; and a base unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous sweeping unit. The autonomous sweeping unit includes: a first The main body casing has a first suction port; a secondary battery stores electric power supplied from the charging electrode; a first dust collection container stores dust sucked from the first suction port; and an electric blower uses the The electric power supplied by the secondary battery is driven to cause a negative pressure to act on the first dust collection container. The base unit includes a second body case, and the second body case has a suction and an autonomous cleaning unit. The second suction port of the other dust which is different from the collected dust.

Description

Electrical sweeping device

This application is based on the benefit of the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-180758 filed on September 14, 2015 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-181013 filed on September 14, 2015, and claims Benefits, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an electric cleaning device.

There is known a sweeping device including a dust control product such as dust-mop and a dust collection device that sucks dust collected by the dust product into a dust collection container.

In addition, in recent years, a so-called robot cleaner, which is an autonomous electric vacuum cleaner that autonomously moves on the surface to be cleaned and traps dust, is known. In order to clean the entire living room, the robot vacuum cleaner requires an operation time of tens of minutes to hours. Therefore, the robot vacuum cleaner has high convenience in terms of autonomously cleaning a living room without a person at home, and on the other hand, in the case of using, for example, cleaning debris that is dropped when a child eats a snack, In applications such as immediately cleaning a part of the living room, power and convenience are reduced. Uses such as cleaning up the dregs dropped by children when eating snacks In this method, a method for cleaning dust using components other than an autonomous electric vacuum cleaner, such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool, can quickly deal with the situation.

However, even when the method for cleaning dust using components other than the autonomous cleaning unit, such as a mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool, can be dealt with quickly, there is still a need for a dustpan or the like for handling the dust after cleaning. The problem of spending additional time.

In addition, as an autonomous type electric cleaning device, there is known an electric type cleaning unit that combines an autonomous type cleaning unit that autonomously moves on the surface to be cleaned to collect dust, and a base unit that stores dust discarded from the autonomous type cleaning unit Device. In order to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit to the base unit, such an electric cleaning device connects the autonomous cleaning unit to the base unit in the form of a fluid. The base unit includes: a dust transfer pipe connected to the first dust collection container of the autonomous sweeping unit and connected in the form of a fluid; a second dust collection container accumulates dust discarded from the first dust collection container through the dust transfer pipe; And the second electric blower causes the suction negative pressure to act on the dust transfer pipe through the second dust collection container.

A base unit of an existing electric sweeping device includes a filter separation type dust collection container (second dust collection container) using a filter that filters dust from the air and separates it. When the accumulation amount of dust increases, the filter becomes clogged and the suction negative pressure becomes weak, and the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous sweeping unit gradually decreases. In addition, even after the dust is separated from the filter-type dust container, that is, when the dust has not accumulated, when inhaling dust such as the filter surface of the filter, for example, When a large amount of powder is clogged in the mesh of the filtering surface, dust may not be transferred from the autonomous cleaning unit. On the other hand, it is expected that the autonomous cleaning unit can be used continuously without worry or maintenance for a long time of several days to several weeks, that is, in a state called maintenance free. That is, regardless of the nature of the dust, it is expected that the function of transferring dust from the autonomous cleaning unit to the base unit can be exerted as long as possible.

[Prior Art Literature]

[Patent Literature]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-210361

[Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0011677

The embodiment provides an electric cleaning device in which, by effectively utilizing a charging function including an autonomous cleaning unit and being installed in a living room, it is possible to quickly perform autonomous cleaning using the autonomous cleaning unit and use of the autonomous cleaning unit. After cleaning parts such as mop, broom, and floor with a sweeping tool, it is easy to deal with the dust.

An embodiment provides an electric sweeping device, the electric sweeping device comprising: an autonomous sweeping unit that autonomously moves on a surface to be cleaned to collect dust; and A base unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous cleaning unit, the autonomous cleaning unit includes: a first body casing having a first suction port; a secondary battery that stores electric power supplied by the charging electrode; a first A dust collection container accumulates dust sucked from the first suction port; and an electric blower driven by electric power supplied from the secondary battery to apply a negative pressure to the first dust collection container, the base unit It includes a second body casing, and the second body casing has a second suction inlet that sucks in other dust that is different from the dust captured by the autonomous cleaning unit.

In addition, as needed, the base unit includes: a dust transfer pipe connected to the autonomous cleaning unit and connected to the first dust collection container in the form of a fluid; and a second dust collection container that accumulates the dust Dust transferred from the first dust container by a transfer tube; and a second electric blower for inhaling negative pressure to the dust transfer tube via the second dust container, the second dust container includes A multi-stage centrifugal separation unit, the multi-stage centrifugal separation unit includes: a first centrifugal separation unit that centrifugally separates dust flowing from the dust transfer pipe from the air; and a second centrifugal separation unit The dust in the first centrifugal separator is separated from the air.

1.1A‧‧‧Electrical cleaning device

2‧‧‧ autonomous cleaning unit

3‧‧‧ Charging electrode

5.5A‧‧‧Base Unit

6, 36‧‧‧ first suction port

11‧‧‧The first body shell

11a‧‧‧ bottom surface

12‧‧‧The first dust container

13‧‧‧The first electric blower

15‧‧‧Mobile

16‧‧‧Driver

17‧‧‧ Robot Control Department

18‧‧‧ secondary battery

19, 47‧‧‧ Charging terminals

21‧‧‧base

22‧‧‧ Dust Recovery Department

25‧‧‧ Dust transfer tube

26‧‧‧ Leverage

29‧‧‧Power cord

31‧‧‧ middle brush

32‧‧‧Driver for intermediate brush

33‧‧‧Side Brush

35‧‧‧Side brush drive unit

37‧‧‧ Dust container mouth

38‧‧‧ container body

39‧‧‧ Connection Department

41, 122‧‧‧Abandoned mouth

42‧‧‧Discarded cover

45‧‧‧Drive Wheel

46‧‧‧ round

48‧‧‧ brush base

49‧‧‧ Linear cleaning body

61‧‧‧Highland Department

62‧‧‧Low Platform

63‧‧‧ walking face

65‧‧‧Second suction port

66‧‧‧Second body case

66a‧‧‧wall

68‧‧‧Second dust collection container

69‧‧‧Second electric blower

71‧‧‧concave part

72‧‧‧Position confirmation detection section

73‧‧‧First sensor section

75‧‧‧Second sensor section

76, 140, 140a, 140b ‧‧‧ Intake air path

77‧‧‧ downstream wind road

78‧‧‧Wind road switching mechanism

79‧‧‧ hook

81‧‧‧The first centrifuge

82‧‧‧Second Centrifugal Division

83‧‧‧ Centrifugal separation department

85‧‧‧Exhaust air duct

86‧‧‧Top cover

87‧‧‧ Upper cover of second separation section

91‧‧‧The first centrifuge

92‧‧‧ Dust container (cup of the second dust container)

92a‧‧‧ open end

93‧‧‧The first filter department

95‧‧‧ Dust Capture Cup

97‧‧‧ Dust collection room

98‧‧‧ Suction port

101‧‧‧Large diameter section

102‧‧‧inclined

103‧‧‧ Trail

105‧‧‧inclined surface

106‧‧‧ Skeleton

107‧‧‧Frame

108‧‧‧The first screen filter

109‧‧‧First opening

111‧‧‧ second opening

112‧‧‧Second Screen Filter

113, 145, 145a, 145b ‧‧‧ transit wind road

115‧‧‧Second Centrifugal Chamber

116‧‧‧cylindrical wall

117‧‧‧conical truncated wall

118‧‧‧ entrance

119‧‧‧Inner tube

121‧‧‧ exhaust port

125‧‧‧ Dust capture umbrella

125a‧‧‧ One of the faces

125b‧‧‧ another side

126‧‧‧Fine dust collection room

127‧‧‧Second exhaust port

128‧‧‧ recess

131‧‧‧ lever support

132‧‧‧shaft cover

133‧‧‧ cover body

135‧‧‧ Coil Spring

143‧‧‧Base Control Department

146‧‧‧Switch institutions

A, B‧‧‧ arrows

C, C3, C4‧‧‧ Centerline

E‧‧‧Commercial AC Power

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electric cleaning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an electric cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a perspective view showing a bottom surface of an autonomous cleaning unit of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a perspective view showing a base unit of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a second dust container of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view of a second centrifugal separation section of a second dust container of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a connection portion between an autonomous cleaning unit and a base unit of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a connecting portion between an autonomous cleaning unit and a base unit of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the electric cleaning device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Be explained.

[First Embodiment]

A first embodiment of the electric cleaning device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electric cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electric cleaning device 1 of this embodiment includes an autonomous cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves on the surface to be cleaned to collect dust; and a base unit 5 having a charging electrode 3 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. .

The electric cleaning device 1 moves the autonomous cleaning unit 2 over the entire area of the surface to be cleaned in the living room to collect dust autonomously, and then returns the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the base unit 5 and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 Wait until the next cleaning.

The base unit 5 is arranged at any place in the living room. When the autonomous type cleaning unit 2 needs to be charged or when the cleaning of the living room is finished, it returns to the base unit 5 and switches to the standby state or the charging state. The position where the base unit 5 is electrically connected to the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is capable of being charged is referred to as the home position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. In addition, returning the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the base unit 5 and returning the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the base unit 5 to switch to the standby state or the charging state are referred to as return home.

Here, first, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a so-called robot cleaner. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 includes: a first body casing 11 having a first suction port 6; a secondary battery 18 provided in the first body casing 11; a dust collection container 12 (first dust collection container), The dust sucked in from the first suction port 6 is accumulated; the electric blower 13 is driven by the power supplied from the secondary battery 18 to apply a negative pressure to the dust collection container 12; and the moving part 15 moves the first body case freely 11 is supported on the surface to be cleaned; the driving section 16 is driven by the power supplied by the secondary battery 18 to operate the moving section 15; and the robot control section 17 controls the driving section 16 to make the first section on the surface to be cleaned A body case 11 moves autonomously.

The first body case 11 is, for example, a disc-shaped box made of synthetic resin, and can be easily swiveled around the surface to be cleaned. A horizontally long first suction port 6 is opened on the bottom surface of the first body casing 11.

The first suction port 6 has a width dimension of about two thirds of the width dimension of the first body casing 11, that is, the diameter dimension. The first suction port 6 is connected to the electric blower 13 in a fluid form through the dust collection container 12.

The dust collection container 12 is disposed on the first body casing 11. The dust collection container 12 accumulates the dust sucked in from the first suction port 6 by the suction negative pressure generated by the electric blower 13. A filter that collects and collects dust can be applied to the dust collection container 12, and air and dust can be separated by inertia separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclone separation) or straight-in separation to accumulate dust and allow air to pass through. Device, etc.

The moving portion 15 supports the first body case 11 with at least three wheels. The moving part 15 includes a pair of left and right driving wheels (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the first body case 11, and a driven wheel (not shown) provided on the bottom surface of the first body case 11.

The autonomous cleaning unit 2 rotates a pair of driving wheels in the same direction as each other. Turn forward or backward, and turn clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating a pair of drive wheels in opposite directions. The driven wheel is, for example, a caster which can rotate freely.

The driving unit 16 includes a pair of motors that drive a pair of driving wheels, respectively. The driving unit 16 drives a pair of driving wheels independently.

The robot control unit 17 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) that stores various calculation programs, parameters, and the like executed by the microprocessor. The robot control unit 17 is electrically connected to the electric blower 13 and the driving unit 16. The robot control unit 17 controls the electric blower 13 so that negative pressure acts on the first suction port 6, and the robot control unit 17 controls the drive unit 16 to cause the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to autonomously walk.

The secondary battery 18 is a power source of the electric blower 13, the driving unit 16, and the robot control unit 17. The secondary battery 18 is electrically connected to a charging terminal 19 provided on a bottom surface of the first body case 11. The secondary battery 18 is charged by a charging terminal 19 connected to the charging electrode 3 of the base unit 5.

The base unit 5 is installed in an arbitrary place on the cleaned surface of the living room. The base unit 5 includes: a second body housing 66 having a second suction inlet 65 that sucks in other dusts different from the dust captured by the autonomous sweeping unit 2; a charging electrode 3; a power cord 29, which supplies power from a commercial AC power source E guides the charging electrode 3; and the suction air path 140 connects the second suction port 65 to the first suction port 6 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the base unit 5.

The second body casing 66 is a box of a suitable shape that can be placed on the surface to be cleaned of the living room. The second body case 66 has A suitable shape for interference.

The second suction port 65 is suitable for the purpose of sucking in components other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as dust collected by a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool, or attached to the mop, broom, and the floor cleaning tool itself. Use of dust. Therefore, the second suction port 65 is disposed at a lower portion of the second body case 66 and has, for example, a suitable width along the surface to be cleaned and a suitable height along a perpendicular line to the surface to be cleaned.

The suction air path 140 may be a state in which the second suction port 65 is directly connected to the dust container 12 without passing through the first suction port 6 (suction air path 140 a), and the second suction port is connected through the first suction port 6. 65. Any of the aspects (suction air path 140b) connected to the dust collection container 12.

The suction air passage 140 (140a, 140b) is provided in the second body casing 66. One end of the suction air path 140 (140a, 140b) is connected to the second suction port 65.

The other end portion of the suction air passage 140a is arranged at a suitable place connected to the dust collection container 12 of the autonomous type cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous type cleaning unit 2 is returned. It is preferable to provide a cover (not shown) that is opened in the dust collection container 12 as the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to its position and connects the dust collection container 12 and the suction air passage 140a.

The other end portion of the suction air path 140b is disposed at a suitable place connected to the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the home position.

The charging electrode 3 is provided on the second body case 66. The charging electrode 3 is disposed at a suitable place where the electrical connection can be established when the charging electrode 3 comes into contact with the charging terminal 19 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to its original position.

Electric cleaning device 1 When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the home position, the charging terminal 19 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is brought into contact with the charging electrode 3 of the base unit 5 and an electrical connection is established to perform the secondary battery 18 Charging. At this time, the electric cleaning device 1 connects the second suction port 65 of the base unit 5 to the autonomous cleaning unit in the form of a fluid through the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 or through the dust collection container 12 without passing through it. 2 的 electric blower 13.

In addition, the electric sweeping device 1 operates by a direct instruction to the autonomous sweeping unit 2 or a sensor (not shown) that senses that the mop, broom, and floor sweeping tool itself approaches the second suction port 65. The electric blower 13 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is operated. The negative pressure generated by the operation of the electric blower 13 passes through the dust collection container 12, the first suction port 6, and the suction air path 140 to act on the second suction port 65 of the base unit 5, and sucks in from the second suction port 65. dust. The dust sucked in from the second suction port 65 is a component other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as dust collected by a mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool, or dust attached to the mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool itself.

The electric cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above can collect components other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 by using the second suction port 65 of the base unit 5, such as mops, brooms, and floor cleaning tools. Dust, or dust attached to the mop, broom, floor cleaning tool itself. Such a dust suction function of the electric cleaning device 1 is suitable for cleaning dust such as dross dropped by a child when eating a snack when a part of the living room is to be partially cleaned. That is, the electric cleaning device 1 operates autonomously by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 When the entire living room is cleaned, it takes tens of minutes to hours. On the other hand, parts other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool are used to partially clean the living room. When cleaning is carried out on the spot, dust that has been cleaned within a few tens of seconds to minutes can be sucked from the second suction port 65 and accumulated.

In addition, the electric cleaning device 1 of this embodiment is connected to the second suction port 65 of the base unit 5 by connecting the suction system (the electric blower 13, the dust collection container 12, and the first suction port 6) of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the base unit 5. Dust extraction can provide immediate dust extraction without increasing the number of parts.

[Second Embodiment]

A second embodiment of the electric cleaning device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an electric cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

It should be noted that in this embodiment, the same components as those of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electric cleaning device 1A of this embodiment includes: an autonomous cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves on the surface to be cleaned to collect dust; and a base unit 5A having a charging electrode 3 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 .

The electric sweeping device 1A moves the autonomous sweeping unit 2 over the entire area of the cleaned surface in the living room to collect dust autonomously, and then returns the autonomous sweeping unit 2 to the base unit 5A and the autonomous sweeping unit 2 Wait until the next cleaning.

The base unit 5A is arranged at any place in the living room. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the base unit 5A when it needs to be charged or when the cleaning of the living room has been completed, and changes to the standby state or the charging state. The position where the base unit 5A is electrically connected to the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is in a state capable of being charged is referred to as the home position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. In addition, returning the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the base unit 5A, and returning the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the base unit 5A to switch to the standby state or the charging state is referred to as home.

The base unit 5A is installed at an arbitrary place on the cleaned surface of the living room. The base unit 5A includes: a second body housing 66 having a second suction inlet 65 that sucks in other dusts different from the dust captured by the autonomous sweeping unit 2; a charging electrode 3; a power cord 29, which draws power from a commercial AC power source E guides the charging electrode 3; the second dust collecting container 68 stores the dust sucked in from the second suction port 65; the second electric blower 69 causes a negative pressure to act on the second dust collecting container 68; and the base control unit 143 The two electric blowers 69 are controlled so that negative pressure acts on the second suction port 65.

The second dust collection container 68 is provided in the second body casing 66. The second dust collection container 68 accumulates the dust sucked in from the second suction port 65 by the suction negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 69. In the second dust container 68, a filter that filters and traps dust can be applied, and a separation device that separates air from dust by inertial separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclone separation) or straight-through separation to store dust and allow air to pass Wait. Since the second dust collecting container 68 does not move with the autonomous cleaning unit 2 like the dust collecting container 12, and is stored in the fixed base unit 5A, it is easy to secure a larger capacity than the dust collecting container 12.

Since the second electric blower 69 can obtain power directly from the commercial AC power supply E, it can have a larger output than the electric blower 13 driven by the secondary battery 18.

The base control unit 143 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) that stores various calculation programs, parameters, and the like executed by the microprocessor. The base control unit 143 is electrically connected to the second electric blower 69. The base control unit 143 controls the second electric blower 69 so that a negative pressure acts on the second suction port 65.

Regardless of whether the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the home position, the electric sweeping device 1A senses the proximity of the mop, broom, and floor sweeping tool itself to the second suction port 65 by direct instructions to the base unit 5A The second electric blower 69 is operated by the operation of a sensor (not shown). The negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 69 passes through the second dust collection container 68 to act on the second suction port 65, and sucks dust from the second suction port 65. The dust sucked in from the second suction port 65 is a component other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as dust collected by a mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool, or dust attached to the mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool itself.

In addition, the base unit 5A includes a relay air path 145, and the dust collection container 12 is connected to the second dust collection container 68 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the base unit 5A.

The relay air path 145 may be a state in which the dust collecting container 12 and the second dust container 68 are directly connected without passing through the first suction port 6 (the relay air path 145a), and via the first Any one of the aspects (relay air passage 145b) of connecting the dust collection container 12 and the second dust collection container 68 with one suction port 6.

The relay air passage 145 (145a, 145b) is provided in the second body casing 66. One end portion of the relay air passage 145 (145a, 145b) is connected to the second dust collection container 68.

The other end portion of the relay air passage 145a is disposed at a suitable place connected to the dust collection container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the home position. Preferably, a cover (not shown) is provided in the dust collecting container 12 to be opened as the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to its position, and the dust collecting container 12 is connected to the relay air passage 145a.

The other end portion of the relay air passage 145b is disposed at a suitable place connected to the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the home position.

Electrical cleaning device 1A When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the home position, the charging terminal 19 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is brought into contact with the charging electrode 3 of the base unit 5A, and the electrical connection is established to perform the secondary battery 18 Charging. At this time, the electric cleaning device 1A fluidly collects the dust collecting container of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 through the first suction port 6 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 or the second dust collecting container 68 of the base unit 5A without passing through it. The second electric blower 69 is connected to the base unit 5A, and then the second electric blower 69 is operated. The negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 69 passes through the second dust collecting container 68 and the relay air path 145 (the relay air path 145a or the relay air path 145b) to act on the autonomous cleaning unit 2 The dust container 12 transfers dust from the dust container 12 to the second dust container 68.

In addition, the electric cleaning device 1A is added from the dust collecting container 12 to the second In the case where the dust collection container 68 has a function of transferring dust, it is preferable to provide a negative pressure acting on the second dust collection container 68 on the second suction port 65 side or a dust collection container 12 on the autonomous cleaning unit 2.的 开关 机构 146。 The switching mechanism 146.

The electric sweeping device 1A of the present embodiment configured as described above can collect components other than the autonomous sweeping unit 2 by using the second suction port 65 of the base unit 5A, such as mops, brooms, and floor sweeping tools. Dust, or dust attached to the mop, broom, floor cleaning tool itself. Such a dust suction function of the electric cleaning device 1A is suitable for cleaning dust such as dregs dropped by a child when eating a snack when a part of the living room is to be partially cleaned. That is, in the case where the electric cleaning device 1A autonomously operates and cleans the entire living room, it takes tens of minutes to an hour as a base. On the other hand, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is used. When other parts such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool are used to partially clean the living room, the dust that has been cleaned within a few tens of seconds to a minute can be sucked from the second suction port 65 and accumulated.

In addition, the electric cleaning device 1A of this embodiment can provide the function of immediately sucking dust by the base unit 5A alone.

Furthermore, the electric cleaning device 1A of the present embodiment can transfer and collect the dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the base unit 5A, so that a large amount of dust can be continuously stored for a longer period of time, and the maintenance interval can be maintained. Long term.

Therefore, the electric cleaning device 1 and the electric cleaning device 1A according to the present embodiment utilize the charging function including the autonomous type cleaning unit 2 and effectively place the charging device. The base unit 5 and the base unit 5A in the living room can be used for autonomous cleaning of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and parts other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as mop, broom, and floor cleaning tools for rapid local cleaning. Easily dispose of cleaned dust.

[Third Embodiment]

Next, a third embodiment of the electric cleaning device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9.

3 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the electric cleaning device 1 according to this embodiment includes an autonomous cleaning unit 2 that autonomously moves on the surface to be cleaned to capture dust on the surface to be cleaned; and a base unit 5 Charging electrode 3 of autonomous cleaning unit 2. The electric cleaning device 1 allows the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to move autonomously across the entire area of the surface to be cleaned in the living room to capture dust, and then returns the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the base unit 5 and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 The collected dust is transferred to the base unit 5 side and collected.

In addition, the position where the so-called autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the base unit 5 is the home position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 which is returned to the base unit 5. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the home position when charging is required or when cleaning of the living room has been completed. In addition, the position of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the base unit 5 is the relative position between the autonomous cleaning unit 2 that moves autonomously and the base unit 5 that can be installed at any place. Relationship.

In addition, an arrow A in FIG. 3 is a forward direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and an arrow B is a backward direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. The width direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a direction orthogonal to the arrows A and B.

The autonomous cleaning unit 2 advances and detaches from the base unit 5 and walks autonomously in the living room. On the other hand, when it returns to the base unit 5, it retreats and is connected to the base unit 5.

The autonomous cleaning unit 2 is a so-called robot cleaner. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 includes: a first body casing 11 having a hollow disk shape; a first dust collecting container 12 detachably disposed at a rear portion of the first body casing 11; and a first electric blower 13 housed in The first body casing 11 is connected to the first dust container 12; the moving part 15 moves the autonomous cleaning unit 2 on the surface to be cleaned; the driving part 16 drives the moving part 15; the robot control part 17, The driving unit 16 controls to autonomously move the first body case 11 on the surface to be cleaned, and the secondary battery 18 serves as a power source.

The base unit 5 is installed at an arbitrary position on the surface to be cleaned. The base unit 5 includes: a base 21 for raising the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to a position (home position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3; a dust recovery unit 22 integrated with the base 21; a dust transfer pipe 25 for autonomous The type cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 in a position (home position) relationship, and is airtightly connected to the first dust collection container 12 of the autonomous type cleaning unit 2; a lever 26 protruding from the dust transfer pipe 25; and The power cord 29 derives power from a commercial AC power source.

Next, the autonomous cleaning unit of the third embodiment of the present invention is Detailed instructions.

4 is a perspective view showing a bottom surface of an autonomous cleaning unit of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a center brush 31 provided on the bottom surface 11 a of the first body case 11; The driving portion 32 drives the intermediate brush 31; the left and right side brushes 33 are provided on the bottom surface 11a of the first body casing 11; and the left and right side brush driving portions 35 cause the side brushes 33, respectively. drive.

The disc-shaped first body case 11 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and can be easily swiveled around the surface to be cleaned. A horizontally long first suction port 36 is provided at the center in the width direction of the rear half of the bottom surface 11a.

The first suction port 36 has a width dimension of about two thirds of the width dimension of the first body casing 11, that is, the diameter dimension. The first suction port 36 is connected to the first electric blower 13 in a fluid form through the first dust collection container 12.

The first body case 11 has a dust container port 37 on the bottom surface 11 a. The dust container port 37 is disposed at a portion further behind the first suction port 36 and covering the lower portion of the first dust container 12. The dust container opening 37 is opened in a rounded rectangular shape to expose a portion of the first dust collection container 12 installed in the first body case 11.

The first dust collection container 12 accumulates the dust sucked in from the first suction port 36 by the suction negative pressure generated by the first electric blower 13. In the first dust container 12, a filter that filters and traps dust from the air can be applied, or the dust can be separated from the air by inertial separation such as centrifugal separation (cyclone separation) or straight-through separation. And the accumulated separation device. The first dust collection container 12 is disposed further behind the first suction port 36 and at the rear of the first body casing 11. The first dust collecting container 12 includes a container body 38 which is detachably provided in the first body casing 11 and accumulates dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2; and a connecting portion 39 is mounted on the first body casing 11 In the state, it is exposed from the dust container port 37; the waste port 41 is provided in the connecting portion 39 and discards the dust in the container body 38; and the waste cover 42 opens and closes the waste port 41.

The moving portion 15 includes a pair of left and right driving wheels 45 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first body case 11, and a turning wheel 46 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first body case 11.

A pair of driving wheels 45 protrudes from the bottom surface 11 a of the first body casing 11, and is grounded to the surface to be cleaned in a state where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is placed on the surface to be cleaned. In addition, the pair of driving wheels 45 is disposed at a substantially central portion in the front-rear direction of the first body case 11, and avoids the front of the first suction port 36 and approaches the left and right side portions of the first body case 11. Configuration. The rotation shafts of the pair of driving wheels 45 are arranged on a straight line extending in the width direction of the first body case 11. The autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves forward or backward by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in the same direction, and rotates clockwise or counterclockwise by rotating the left and right drive wheels 45 in opposite directions. .

The turning wheel 46 is a driven wheel that can rotate freely. It is arrange | positioned at the substantially center part and front part of the width direction of the 1st main body case 11.

The driving section 16 is a pair of motors connected to a pair of driving wheels 45, respectively. The drive unit 16 drives the left and right drive wheels 45 independently.

The robot control unit 17 includes a microprocessor (not shown) and a storage device (not shown) that stores various calculation programs, parameters, and the like executed by the microprocessor. The robot control section 17 is electrically connected to the first electric blower 13, the intermediate brush driving section 32, the driving section 16, and the side brush driving section 35.

The secondary battery 18 is a power source for the first electric blower 13, the intermediate brush driving section 32, the driving section 16, the side brush driving section 35, and the robot control section 17. The secondary battery 18 is arranged, for example, between the turning wheel 46 and the first suction port 36. The secondary battery 18 is electrically connected to a pair of charging terminals 47 arranged on the bottom surface 11 a of the first body case 11. The secondary battery 18 is charged by a charging terminal 47 connected to the charging electrode 3 of the base unit 5.

The intermediate brush 31 is provided at the first suction port 36. The intermediate brush 31 is a shaft-shaped brush that is rotatable about a rotation center line extending in the width direction of the first body case 11. The intermediate brush 31 includes, for example, a long shaft portion (not shown), and a plurality of brushes (not shown) extending along the radial direction of the shaft portion and arranged in a spiral shape toward the long side direction of the shaft portion. The intermediate brush 31 protrudes downward from the first suction port 36 than the bottom surface 11 a of the first body casing 11, and brings the brush into contact with the surface to be cleaned with the autonomous cleaning unit 2 placed on the surface to be cleaned.

The intermediate brush driving portion 32 is housed in the first body case 11.

The pair of side brushes 33 are arranged on the left and right sides with respect to the advancing direction of the intermediate brush 31, and collect dust from the surface to be cleaned on the side of the wall that the intermediate brush 31 does not reach and guide the dust to the first suction port 36 Assistant cleaning body. Each side brush 33 includes: a brush base 48 having a rotation center slightly inclined forward with respect to a vertical line of a surface to be cleaned; And the linear cleaning body 49 protrudes radially toward the radial direction of the brush base 48, for example, it is three.

The left and right brush bases 48 are disposed forward of the first suction port 36 and the left and right drive wheels 45 and rearward of the swivel wheel 46, and are disposed closer to the left and right sides than the first suction port 36. In addition, the center line of rotation of each brush base portion 48 is slightly tilted forward with respect to the vertical line of the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, the linear cleaning body 49 swivels along a surface inclined forward with respect to the surface to be cleaned. The front end side of the linear cleaning body 49 swiveled further forward than the brush base 48 is pressed toward the surface to be cleaned, and the front end side of the linear cleaning body 49 swiveled further back than the brush base 48 is farther away from the scanned surface.

The plurality of linear cleaning bodies 49 are arranged radially from the brush base 48 at regular intervals in three directions, for example. Furthermore, the side brush 33 may include four or more linear cleaning bodies 49 for each brush base 48. Each linear cleaning body 49 includes a plurality of bundles of bristles as a cleaning member on the front end side. Furthermore, the bristles draw a trajectory that expands more outward than the outer peripheral edge of the first body case 11 and rotates.

Each side brush driving portion 35 includes a rotation shaft of a brush base portion 48 that projects downward and is connected to the side brush 33. Each of the side brush driving units 35 rotates the side brush 33 so as to collect dust on the surface to be cleaned from the first suction port 36.

Next, the base unit 5 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

5 is a perspective view showing a base unit of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 5, the base 21 of the base unit 5 of this embodiment faces the base. The front side of the ground unit 5 protrudes and expands in a rectangular shape. The base 21 includes a high-level portion 61 connected to the bottom of the dust recovery portion 22, and a low-level portion 62 protruding from the high-level portion 61. The low platform portion 62 and the high platform portion 61 extend in a band shape toward the width direction of the base unit 5. An inlet of the charging electrode 3 and the dust transfer tube 25 is arranged on the stage portion 61.

The autonomous cleaning unit 2 reaches the return position with the attitude that the pair of drive wheels 45 are raised to the lower stage portion 62 and the first dust collecting container 12 is arranged above the upper stage portion 61.

The base 21 includes a concave-convex running surface 63 that reduces the respective grounding area of the pair of driving wheels 45 when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is moved to a position (home position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. The running surface 63 is a plurality of linear irregularities, a grid-like irregularities, or a plurality of hemispherical irregularities provided on a part of the base 21.

The dust recovery unit 22 includes a second body casing 66 having a second suction inlet 65 that sucks in other dusts different from the dust captured by the autonomous cleaning unit 2, and a second dust collection container 68 that accumulates through the dust transfer pipe 25 The dust discarded from the first dust container 12; the second electric blower 69 is housed in the second body casing 66 and connected to the second dust container 68; and the power cord 29 guides electricity from a commercial AC power source The second electric blower 69 and the charging electrode 3.

The second body casing 66 is disposed at the rear of the base unit 5 and extends above the base 21. The second body casing 66 is a suitably shaped box that can be placed on the swept surface of the living room, and includes a wall surface with a height relative to the installation surface. 66a. The second body case 66 has a suitable shape that does not interfere even when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned.

The second body case 66 is in the depth direction (when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned The direction of travel) is short and long in the width direction. The second body casing 66 is provided with a second dust collecting container 68 in one half of the width direction, specifically the right half, and the other half in the width direction, specifically the left. The second part houses the second electric blower 69.

The front wall of the second body casing 66 includes a circular arc-shaped concave lower portion 71 corresponding to the rear end portion of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. The entrance of the dust transfer pipe 25 is provided over the recessed lower portion 71 from the elevated portion 61 of the base 21. A homing confirmation detection unit 72 is provided in the concave portion 71 and detects whether the autonomous cleaning unit 2 has reached a position (homing position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.

The home position confirmation detection unit 72 is a so-called object sensor that detects a relative distance from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 using visible light or infrared light. The homing confirmation detection section 72 includes a first sensor section 73 that detects a relative distance from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in the front direction of the dust recovery section 22, and a second sensor section 75 that The relative distance to the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is detected in the height direction of the main body housing 66.

The second suction port 65 is suitable for the purpose of sucking in components other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as dust collected by a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool, or attached to the mop, broom, and the floor cleaning tool itself. Use of dust. The second suction port 65 is provided at a lower portion of a right wall surface of the second body case 66 as a wall surface 66a having a height with respect to the installation surface. The second suction port 65 has a suitable width along the installation surface and a suitable height along the normal direction of the surface to be cleaned.

The pair of charging electrodes 3 are arranged while sandwiching the dust transfer tube 25. In addition, each The charging electrode 3 is disposed on the front side of the left and right edges of the concave lower portion 71.

The second dust collection container 68 is detachably mounted on the right side of the dust recovery unit 22 and is exposed.

The second electric blower 69 applies a suction negative pressure to the dust transfer pipe 25 or the second suction port 65 via the second dust collection container 68.

In addition to the dust transfer pipe 25, the second body casing 66 is also provided with: a suction air path 76, which connects the second suction port 65 and the second dust container 68 in the form of a fluid; and a downstream air path 77, which The second dust collecting container 68 is connected to the second electric blower 69 in the form of a fluid.

The dust transfer pipe 25 and the suction air path 76 are both connected to the suction side (upstream side) of the second dust container 68. That is, the negative pressure generated by the second electric blower 69 acts on any one of the dust transfer pipe 25 and the suction air path 76 via the second dust collection container 68. Therefore, the base unit 5 includes an air path switching mechanism 78 that establishes a fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 25 and the second dust container 68 while transferring dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and blocks the suction air path 76 and the second dust container. 68, or when the negative pressure is applied to the second suction port 65, the fluid connection between the dust transfer pipe 25 and the second dust container 68 is blocked, and the fluid connection between the suction air path 76 and the second dust container 68 is established.

The dust transfer tube 25 is air-tightly connected to the connection portion 39 of the first dust container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 in a position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.于 废 口 41。 In the waste port 41.

The lever 26 disposed at the entrance of the dust transfer pipe 25 is included in the dust recovery The hook 79 extends upward in the front direction of the portion 22.

6 is a cross-sectional view of a second dust container of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view of a second centrifugal separation section of a second dust container of an electric cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second dust container 68 of the electric cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a multi-stage centrifugal separation unit 83 including a first centrifugal separation unit 81. , The dust flowing in from the dust transfer pipe 25 or the second suction port 65 is centrifuged from the air; and the second centrifugal separation unit 82 separates the dust passing through the first centrifugal separation unit 81 from the air.

The first centrifugal separation unit 81 centrifuges the coarse dust from the air introduced into the second dust collection container 68. The second centrifugal separation section 82 centrifugally separates fine dust from the air passing through the first centrifugal separation section 81. In addition, the coarse dust mainly refers to fibrous dust such as lint or hair dust, or high-quality dust such as sand particles, and the so-called fine dust is particulate or powdery dust with a small mass.

In addition, the second dust collection container 68 includes an exhaust air passage 85 that sends air that has passed through the second centrifugal separation unit 82 to the second electric blower 69, and a top cover 86 that covers the exhaust air passage 85.

The first centrifugal separation unit 81 is disposed on one side of the second dust collection container 68, specifically, the lower half side. The second centrifugal separation part 82, the second separation part upper cover 87, the exhaust air passage 85, and the top cover 86 are arranged on the other side of the second dust collection container 68, specifically, the upper half side. The first centrifugal separation section 81 and the second centrifugal separation section 82 are The cylindrical second dust collection containers 68 are arranged adjacent to each other and overlap each other in the height direction.

The first centrifugal separation unit 81, the second separation unit upper cover 87, and the top cover 86 cooperatively adjust the appearance of the second dust collection container 68 to a substantially cylindrical shape.

The first centrifugal separation unit 81 separates dust from the dust-containing air by a centrifugal separation method (cyclone type). The first centrifugal separation section 81 includes a cup-shaped dust collection container 92 (the cup of the second dust collection container 68) as a casing of the first centrifugal separation chamber 91, and a cylindrical first filter section 93 disposed in the collection container. Inside the dust container 92; and a dust catching cup 95, which is disposed in the dust container 92 and connected to the first filter portion 93.

The dust collecting container 92 is a casing of the lower half of the second dust collecting container 68, and also serves as a casing of the first centrifugal separation chamber 91 and the dust collecting chamber 97. An air inlet 98 is provided on a side wall of the dust collection container 92. The suction port 98 is connected to the dust transfer pipe 25 and the suction air path 76 in a fluid form.

In addition, the dust collecting container 92 includes a large-diameter portion 101 disposed at the open end portion, an inclined portion 102 connected to the large-diameter portion 101 and narrowed to a small diameter, and a small-diameter portion 103 connected to the inclined portion 102 and approximately The same diameter dimension reaches the bottom wall.

The inclined portion 102 that is a connection portion between the large-diameter portion 101 and the small-diameter portion 103 has an inclined surface 105 narrowing from the large-diameter portion 101 toward the small-diameter portion 103 inside the dust collecting container 92.

The small-diameter portion 103 is connected to the bottom wall of the dust container 92.

The first filter portion 93 is housed in the dust collection container 92 and is arranged substantially concentrically. The annular space that separates the first filter section 93 from the dust collection container 92 is a first centrifugal separation chamber 91 that allows suction from the dust collection container 92 The dust-containing air flowing into the first centrifugal separation unit 81 from the air port 98 swirls to separate coarse dust.

The first filter portion 93 is fixed to the second centrifugal separation portion 82 and protrudes into the dust collection container 92 and extends toward the bottom wall of the dust collection container 92. The first filter unit 93 connects and relays the first centrifugal separation chamber 91 and the second centrifugal separation unit 82 in the form of a fluid. The first filter portion 93 includes a frame body 107 having a plurality of skeletons 106 arranged in a cylindrical shape that are separated from each other, and a first mesh filter 108 that surrounds the frame body 107 in a cylindrical shape. around. The first opening 109 between the skeletons 106 of the frame 107 allows air to flow from the first centrifugal separation chamber 91 to the second centrifugal separation section 82. On the side of the first filter portion 93, in detail, the first screen filter 108 faces the air inlet 98.

The first screen filter 108 prevents the coarse dust from flowing from the first period after the swirling flow in the first centrifugal separation chamber 91 is not fully developed, such as immediately after the second electric blower 69 is started or the transition is stopped. The centrifugal separation section 81 flows into the second centrifugal separation section 82 side.

The first filter unit 93 does not necessarily require the first screen filter 108 to the extent that coarse dust can be prevented from flowing into the downstream side. For example, in the case where the frame 107 of the first filter portion 93 has a mesh shape fine enough to prevent the passage of coarse dust, or has holes that are small enough to prevent the passage of coarse dust, the first Sieve filter 108.

The dust-capturing cup 95 is provided in an end portion of the first filter portion 93 near the bottom wall of the dust collection container 92, that is, a protruding end portion or a lower end portion. Bottom cylindrical dust catch The cup 95 has a bottom wall connected to the first filter portion 93 and a side wall extending toward the bottom wall of the dust collection container 92. That is, the dust catching cup 95 is opened toward the bottom wall of the dust collecting container 92. The side wall of the dust catching cup 95 faces the inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container 92 with a gap. The dust capturing cup 95 has a diameter larger than that of the first filter portion 93 and has a second opening 111 in a bottom wall connected to the first filter portion 93.

A space separating the dust-collecting cup 95 and the dust-collecting container 92 is a dust-collecting chamber 97 that stores dust separated by the first centrifugal separation unit 81. The air in the dust collection chamber 97 returns to the first centrifugal separation chamber 91 through the second opening 111.

A second screen filter 112 is provided on the second opening 111. The second sieve filter 112 may be thick enough so that coarse (fiber-like fibers such as lint or wool) dust flowing into the dust collecting chamber 97 does not return to the first centrifugal separation chamber 91.

When the dust collecting container 92 is detached from the second dust collecting container 68, the first filter portion 93 and the dust catching cup 95 are detached from the dust collecting container 92 along with the second centrifugal separation portion 82.

The second centrifugal separation section 82 centrifugally separates fine dust from the dust-containing air passing through the first centrifugal separation section 81. The second centrifugal separation section 82 includes a relay air passage 113 to guide the air passing through the first centrifugal separation chamber 91, and a second centrifugal separation chamber 115 to separate fine dust from the air flowing from the relay air passage 113; and The air duct 85 directs the air flowing from the second centrifugal separation chamber 115 after the fine dust is separated to the second electric blower 69.

The second centrifugal separation unit 82 is detachably connected to the dust collection container 92 and blocks the open end 92 a of the dust collection container 92. The second centrifugal separation section 82 The center line C of the filter 92 supports the first filter portion 93 and the dust catching cup 95.

The second separation portion upper cover 87 corresponding to the casing of the second centrifugal separation portion 82 has a cylindrical shape. A plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 115 are arranged inside the second separation unit upper cover 87 in a ring shape. A ring-shaped relay air passage 113 is arranged inside the plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 115 arranged in a ring shape. Further, an exhaust air passage 85 is arranged inside the annular intermediate air passage 113 and on the extension of the centerline C of the dust collection container 92 or at the center of the cylindrical second centrifugal separation unit 82. In other words, the second centrifugal separation section 82 is a circular arrangement of the second centrifugal separation chamber 115, the annular transfer air path 113, and the exhaust air path 85 from the upper cover 87 side of the second separation part. Triple structure.

The relay air path 113 guides the air (dust-containing air) flowing in from the first filter section 93 away from the dust collection container 92 and guides the air (dust-containing air) to the second centrifugal separation chamber 115.

The plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 115 are arranged in a substantially annular shape along the inner periphery of the cylindrical second separation portion upper cover 87 or surrounding the relay air passage 113. Each of the second centrifugal separation chambers 115 includes a cylindrical wall 116 for generating a swirling flow, and a truncated cone-shaped wall 117 for generating a spiral flow.

The cylindrical wall 116 and the truncated cone wall 117 have center lines arranged substantially on the same line. This center line, that is, the center line of the second centrifugal separation chamber 115 is arranged parallel to the center line C of the cylindrical second dust container 68. Furthermore, the center line of the second centrifugal separation chamber 115 may be gathered on the side of the first centrifugal separation unit 81 and inclined radially so as to draw an extended conical surface by the second centrifugal separation unit 82. Furthermore, when viewed from the whole of the plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 115, the cylindrical shape is The center lines of the wall 116 and the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 are arranged in a circle around the center line C of the second dust container 68.

In addition, the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 has an upper bottom having a large diameter and a lower bottom having a smaller diameter than the upper bottom. The upper bottom of the truncated-cone-shaped wall 117 is disposed on a side remote from the first centrifugal separation section 81, and the lower bottom is disposed on a side close to the first centrifugal separation section 81. The cylindrical-shaped wall 116 has substantially the same diameter as the upper bottom of the truncated-cone-shaped wall 117 and is connected to the upper bottom of the truncated-cone-shaped wall 117.

The cylindrical wall 116 is disposed on a side farther from the first centrifugal separation part 81 than the frustum-shaped wall 117. A dust-containing air introduction port 118 is provided on a side wall of the cylindrical wall 116. The introduction port 118 is disposed on the side of the cylindrical wall 116 and on the center side of the second dust container 68, and is connected to the relay air path 113.

In addition, the cylindrical wall 116 has a bottom plate at a portion farthest from the first centrifugal separation portion 81. The bottom plate of the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 is provided with a tubular inner tube 119 extending along the center line in the cylindrical wall 116. An inner side of the inner cylinder 119 is an exhaust port 121 for discharging clean air separated from the dust-containing air by the second centrifugal separation chamber 115. The exhaust port 121 is connected to an exhaust air path 85. The outer side of the inner cylinder 119 guides the entrance 118. The annular space that separates the inner cylinder 119 and the cylindrical wall 116 causes the dust-containing air flowing from the introduction port 118 to swirl.

Further, the portion of the cylindrical wall 116 closest to the first centrifugal separation portion 81 is opened and is connected to the opening of the upper bottom of the truncated cone-shaped wall 117.

The diameter of the frustum-shaped wall 117 decreases as it approaches the first centrifugal separation portion 81. The upper bottom of the truncated-cone-shaped wall 117 has an opening connected to the inside of the cylindrical-shaped wall 116. The spiral flow is generated in the frustum-shaped wall 117 by introducing a swirling flow generated between the cylindrical-shaped wall 116 and the inner tube 119. The lower bottom of the truncated cone-shaped wall 117 has a waste port 122 connected to the inside of the dust container 92.

The second centrifugal separation chamber 115 introduces dust-containing air from the introduction port 118. The dust-containing air flowing from the introduction port 118 into the second centrifugal separation chamber 115 swirls along the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 116, and then generates a vortex spiral flow toward the waste port 122 along the inner surface of the truncated cone-shaped wall 117. , And the fine dust is separated from the air. The separated fine dust is discharged from the waste port 122 to the dust collection container 92 side. The clean air from which dust is separated flows on the center line of the second centrifugal separation chamber 115, that is, on the center lines of the cylindrical wall 116 and the truncated cone-shaped wall 117, and flows out of the exhaust port 121 to the exhaust through the inner cylinder 119 Wind Road 85.

A dust catching umbrella 125 is provided at the front end of the waste port 122 of the second centrifugal separation chamber 115. The dust-capturing umbrella 125 also serves as a partition that divides the first centrifugal separation section 81 and the second centrifugal separation section 82, and is provided at the root of the first filter section 93. The outer diameter of the dust capturing umbrella 125 is smaller than the second centrifugal separation portion 82 and larger than the first filter portion 93. The dust-capturing umbrella 125 has one surface 125 a that guides the fine dust discharged from the waste port 122 of the second centrifugal separation chamber 115 to the dust collection container 92, and the other surface 125 b that extends and inclines toward the dust collection container 92.

In addition, the dust-collecting umbrella 125 abuts the inclined portion 102 of the dust-collecting container 92 and blocks the dust-collecting container 92. The large-diameter portion 101, the inclined portion 102, and the dust-capturing umbrella 125 of the dust-collecting container 92 partition a fine dust-collecting chamber 126 that stores dust discharged from the second centrifugal separation chamber 115. The fine dust collecting chamber 126 is an inner surface of the large-diameter portion 101 and an inclined portion. The inclined surface of 102 and one of the surfaces 125a of the dust-capturing umbrella 125 are held in a substantially wedge-shaped space that is farther away from the second centrifugal separation chamber 115, that is, farther away from the second centrifugal separation chamber 115. The mouth 122 becomes narrower.

The diameter of the other surface 125b of the dust-capturing umbrella 125 is larger than that of the first filter portion 93 and the dust-capturing cup 95, and the diameter increases toward the first filter portion 93 and the dust-capturing cup 95.

The exhaust air passage 85 is reduced in diameter from the outermost peripheral portion connected to the exhaust port 121 so as to cover the second centrifugal separation chamber 115, and faces the center portion side of the second centrifugal separation portion 82, and the dust collection container 92 Enter the center of the transit wind path 113 on the centerline C of the vehicle. In addition, the exhaust air passage 85 goes from a portion surrounded by the plurality of second centrifugal separation chambers 115 to a direction that intersects with an extension of the centerline C of the dust collection container 92 (centerline of the second dust collection container 68). It is bent and reaches the second exhaust port 127 provided on the side wall of the second centrifugal separation section 82. The exhaust air passage 85 is a portion farthest from the first centrifugal separation portion 81, and a portion adjacent to the top cover 86 includes a recessed portion 128 recessed toward the first centrifugal separation portion 81. The exhaust air path 85 collects air flowing from the exhaust port 121 of the second centrifugal separation chamber 115 toward the center side of the second dust collecting container 68, and temporarily points the first centrifugal separation portion 81 through the recess 128, and thereafter The direction of the flow is changed to a substantially right angle and discharged to the second exhaust port 127. The second exhaust port 127 is connected to the downstream air path 77.

When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 returns to the home position of the base unit 5, the charging terminal 47 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 of the base unit 5. At this time, the dust transfer pipe 25 of the base unit 5 is connected to the first dust container 12 的 连接 部 39。 The connecting portion 39. Subsequently, the base unit 5 drives the second electric blower 69 to suck air, thereby moving the dust from the first dust container 12 to the second dust container 68. The second dust collection container 68 separates the coarse dust from the air by the first centrifugal separation unit 81 and accumulates it in the dust collection chamber 97. The second dust collection container 68 separates and accumulates fine dust from the air passing through the first centrifugal separation unit 81 by the second centrifugal separation unit 82 and accumulates the fine dust in the fine dust collection chamber 126.

In addition, regardless of whether the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is returned to the home position or not, the base unit 5 senses the approach of the mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool itself to the second suction port 65 by direct instruction. The second electric blower 69 is operated by the operation of a fan (not shown). The negative pressure generated by the operation of the second electric blower 69 acts on the second suction port 65 of the base unit 5 through the second dust collection container 68, and sucks dust from the second suction port 65. The dust sucked in from the second suction port 65 is a component other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as dust collected by a mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool, or dust attached to the mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool itself.

8 and 9 are vertical cross-sectional views showing a connection part between an autonomous cleaning unit and a base unit of an electric cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 and 9 show how the autonomous cleaning unit 2 approaches the position where the charging electrode 3 is electrically connected, that is, the home position. When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 leaves the base unit 5, it is in the reverse state from FIG. 9 to FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and FIG. 4, the first dust collection container 12 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 according to this embodiment includes a container body 38, which is detachably provided in the first A main body casing 11 stores dust collected by the autonomous cleaning unit 2; a connecting portion 39 is exposed from the dust container opening 37 in a state of being mounted on the first main body casing 11; a waste opening 41 is provided at the connecting portion 39 The dust in the container body 38 is discarded; and the lid 42 is discarded to open and close the discarding port 41.

The connection portion 39 is formed integrally with the container body 38. The connecting portion 39 is exposed in a rounded rectangular shape corresponding to the dust container mouth 37. When the first dust container 12 is attached to the first body case 11, the connection portion 39 is fitted into the dust container port 37. The connecting portion 39 has a flush outer peripheral edge portion on the outer surface of the first body case 11, and has a concave lower portion on the peripheral edge portion of the waste opening 41. A waste opening 41 is arranged in the center of the recessed portion. A waste cover 42 is disposed below the recess.

In addition, in a state where the first dust container 12 is mounted on the first body case 11, the connecting portion 39 may be disposed at a portion facing the dust container port 37. In this case, the connection portion 39 is disposed inside the first body case 11 and can be seen from the dust container opening 37. The dust transfer pipe 25 preferably has a protruding length that can reach the connecting portion 39 through the dust container opening 37.

In a state where the first dust collecting container 12 is mounted on the first body case 11, the waste opening 41 opens toward the lower part of the autonomous cleaning unit 2.

In the relationship of the position (home position) where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, the waste port 41 is disposed closer to the base unit 5 than the center of the autonomous cleaning unit 2. That is, when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 moves backward to approach the base unit 5 and raises a pair of drive wheels 45 to the base 21 of the base unit 5, the waste port 41 approaches the dust recovery unit 22 of the base unit 5.

The waste cover 42 is exposed on the exterior of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and is flush with the outer surface of the first body casing 11. The waste cover 42 includes a lever support 131 to which the lever 26 of the base unit 5 is hooked. It should be noted that, similarly to the connecting portion 39, the waste cover 42 can be disposed at a position facing the dust container opening 37 in a state of being mounted on the first body case 11. In this case, the waste cover 42 is disposed inside the first body case 11 and can be seen from the dust container opening 37.

On the other hand, the lever 26 of the base unit 5 of this embodiment is hooked on the waste cover 42 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 on the way from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the position (home position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. When the autonomous cleaning unit 2 reaches a position (returning position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, the waste cover 42 is opened to connect the waste port 41 and the dust transfer pipe 25 in a fluid form (FIG. 9).

The waste cover 42 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 and the lever 26 of the base unit 5 swing around a rotation center line C3 that intersects the direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the position where it is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. The rotation centerline C4 of the waste cover 42 and the rotation centerline C3 of the lever 26 are preferably orthogonal to the direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 toward the position (home position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3.

The centerline C3 of rotation of the lever 26 is in the direction from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the position (returning position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, and the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is arranged in the opening edge portion of the dust transfer tube 25 to arrive for the first time The edge portion is the front end portion of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25.

In addition, the rotation centerline C3 of the lever 26 moves freely in the direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 toward the position (home position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Ground is supported. That is, the hook 79 is moved in the direction of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the position (returning position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 by the rotation centerline C3 of the lever 26, and the return control of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 may not be performed. The unevenness of the positional accuracy is affected by the hook support 131.

Further, the rotation centerline C3 of the lever 26 is covered by a shaft guard 132 provided in a direction from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to a position (home position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3, Among the opening edge portions of the dust transfer tube 25, the edge portion of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25 that is the edge portion where the autonomous cleaning unit 2 first arrives is the front end portion of the opening edge of the dust transfer tube 25.

The rotation center line C4 of the waste cover 42 is arranged on the far side of the waste cover 42 in a direction from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the position (home position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. In addition, the rotation centerline C4 of the waste cover 42 is disposed farther from the lever support 131 in a direction from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to a position (return position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. Further, the rotation centerline C4 of the waste cover 42 is disposed in the waste cover 42 in a direction in which the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 (returning position), or is disposed in contact with the waste port 41 or The separated cover body 133 is farther away.

With the arrangement of the rotation centerline C3 of the levers 26 and the rotation centerline C4 of the waste cover 42, the waste cover 42 is used to guide dust from the container body 38 of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the dust transfer when opened by the lever 26. The inclined surface of the tube 25 (Fig. 9).

In addition, the waste cover 42 receives an elastic force of the coil spring 135 in the closing direction. The waste cover 42 is opened by the self-propelled cleaning unit 2 with a driving force greater than the elastic force of the coil spring 135 toward a position (returning position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3. The coil spring 135 saves energy when the waste cover 42 is opened by the lever 26, and on the other hand, releases energy when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is disengaged from the base unit 5 and the lever 26 is disengaged from the lever support 131. And the waste cover 42 is closed.

The lever 26 receives an elastic force of a coil spring (not shown) in the upright direction (FIG. 8). The lever 26 is lowered because the urging force of the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to a position (return position) electrically connected to the charging electrode 3 is greater than the elastic force of the coil spring. The coil spring stores energy by being squeezed when the waste cover 42 is opened by the lever 26. On the other hand, when the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is disengaged from the base unit 5 and the lever 26 is disengaged from the lever support 131, the energy is released. Stand the lever 26 up.

The electric cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above includes a multi-stage centrifugal separation unit 83 including a first centrifugal separation unit 81 and dust flowing in from the dust transfer pipe 25. Centrifugal separation from air; and a second centrifugal separation section 82 that separates the dust passing through the first centrifugal separation section 81 from the air, whereby even if the amount of dust accumulated increases, the separation performance is maintained with almost no reduction, and further The suction negative pressure is maintained, so that the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 can be maintained. In addition, the electric cleaning device 1 includes a multi-stage centrifugal separation unit 83, so that even if a large amount of powder is sucked in at once, the suction performance is not suddenly damaged and maintained, so that the dust transferred from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 can be maintained. ability.

Furthermore, the electric cleaning device 1 according to this embodiment has a base unit 5 The second suction inlet 65 can suck in components other than the autonomous cleaning unit 2 such as dust collected by a mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool, or dust attached to the mop, broom, and floor cleaning tool itself. Such a dust suction function of the electric cleaning device 1 is suitable for cleaning dust such as dross dropped by a child when eating a snack when a part of the living room is to be partially cleaned. That is, in the case where the electric cleaning device 1 autonomously operates and sweeps the entire living room, the electric cleaning device 1 requires a time ranging from tens of minutes to an hour. On the other hand, the autonomous cleaning unit 2 is used. When other parts such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool are used to partially clean the living room, the dust that has been cleaned within a few tens of seconds to a minute can be sucked from the second suction port 65 and accumulated.

Furthermore, since the electric cleaning device 1 of the present embodiment uses the multi-stage centrifugal separation unit 83 to store dust sucked in from the second suction port 65 of the base unit 5, it is easy to maintain the suction force of the second suction port 65.

When the cleaning target of the second suction port 65 is set to a sweeping tool that sweeps dust with a corresponding width, such as a mop, a broom, and a floor sweeping tool, the second suction port is enlarged even along the installation surface. The size of 65 and the corresponding height dimension can also reliably suck the dust cleaned by a cleaning tool such as a mop, a broom, and a floor cleaning tool without negatively reducing the suction negative pressure for a long period of time.

Therefore, according to the electric cleaning device 1 of this embodiment, the ability to transfer dust from the autonomous cleaning unit 2 to the base unit 5 can be maintained for a long period of time, Inhaling a large amount of powder is also easy to maintain the function of transferring dust.

According to the third embodiment, it is possible to provide an electric cleaning device capable of maintaining the capability of transferring dust from the autonomous cleaning unit to the base unit for a long period of time, and easily maintaining the function of transferring dust even if a large amount of powder is sucked in at once.

Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the present invention has the following features.

An electric sweeping device comprising: an autonomous sweeping unit that autonomously moves on a surface to be swept to capture dust; and a base unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous sweeping unit; the autonomous sweeping unit comprising: The first body casing has a first suction port; a secondary battery stores power supplied from the charging electrode; a first dust container stores dust collected from the first suction port; and an electric blower uses a The electric power supplied by the secondary battery is driven to cause a negative pressure to act on the first dust container. The base unit includes a second body case, and the second body case has a suction and the autonomous cleaning. The second suction inlet of other dust different from the dust captured by the unit.

2. The electric cleaning device according to 1, wherein the base unit includes: a suction air path, and when the autonomous cleaning unit is returned to the base unit, The second suction port is connected to the first suction port or the first dust collection container.

3. The electric cleaning device according to 1 or 2, wherein the base unit includes: a second dust container, which accumulates dust sucked in from the second suction port; and a second electric blower, which applies a negative pressure to the air cleaner. The second dust container is described.

4. The electric cleaning device according to 3, wherein the base unit includes: a transfer air path, and when the autonomous type cleaning unit is returned to the base unit, the first dust container and the The second dust collecting container is connected.

5. The electric cleaning device according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the base unit includes a dust transfer pipe connected to the autonomous cleaning unit and connected to the first dust container in a fluid form. A second dust container that stores dust discarded from the first dust container through the dust transfer pipe; and a second electric blower that inhales negative pressure to the second dust container through the second dust container A dust transfer tube, the second dust collection container includes a multi-stage centrifugal separation section, and the multi-stage centrifugal separation section includes a first centrifugal separation section for centrifugally separating the dust flowing in from the dust transfer tube from the air ; And a second centrifugal separation section, which will pass through the first The dust in the centrifuge is separated from the air.

6. An electric sweeping device comprising: an autonomous sweeping unit that autonomously moves on the surface being swept to capture dust; and a base unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous sweeping unit; the autonomous sweeping unit comprising: A first body casing having a first suction port; a secondary battery that stores power supplied by the charging electrode; a first dust collection container that stores dust sucked in from the first suction port; and a first electric blower, A negative pressure is applied to the first dust collection container by driving with power supplied from the secondary battery. The base unit includes a dust transfer tube, which is connected to the autonomous cleaning unit and communicates with the fluid in the form of a fluid. The first dust collecting container is connected; the second dust collecting container accumulates dust discarded from the first dust collecting container through the dust transfer pipe; and the second electric blower passes through the second dust collecting container. The suction negative pressure is applied to the dust transfer tube, and the second dust collection container includes a multi-stage centrifugal separation unit, and the multi-stage centrifugal separation unit includes: a first centrifugal separation , The dust from the dust transfer pipe flowing air from the centrifugal separation; and a second centrifugal separation unit, through the first The dust in the centrifuge is separated from the air.

7. The electric cleaning device according to 6, wherein the base unit includes a second body casing having a second body casing that sucks in other dust different from the dust captured by the autonomous cleaning unit. Two suction ports.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments or modifications thereof are included in the scope or gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the scope of patent application and its equivalent scope.

Claims (9)

An electric sweeping device includes: an autonomous sweeping unit that autonomously moves on the surface being swept to capture dust; and a base unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous sweeping unit. The autonomous sweeping unit includes: a first The main body casing has a first suction port; a secondary battery stores electric power supplied from the charging electrode; a first dust collection container stores dust sucked from the first suction port; and an electric blower uses the The electric power supplied by the secondary battery is driven to cause a negative pressure to act on the first dust collection container. The base unit includes a second body case, and the second body case has a suction and an autonomous cleaning unit. The second suction port of the other dust that is different from the captured dust; wherein the base unit includes a suction air path, and the return position of the autonomous cleaning unit to the base unit is the suction path A second suction port is connected to the first suction port, or the suction air path connects the second suction port to the first dust collection container. The electric sweeping device according to item 1 of the scope of patent application, wherein the base unit includes: a second dust collecting container that accumulates dust sucked in from the second suction inlet; and a second electric blower that applies a negative pressure to The second dust container. The electrical sweeping device according to item 2 of the scope of patent application, wherein the base unit includes: a transfer air path, and the return air path will return to the home position of the autonomous sweep unit to the base unit. The first dust container is connected to the second dust container. The electric sweeping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base unit includes a dust transfer pipe connected to the autonomous sweeping unit and is in fluid form with the first sweeping unit. A dust collection container is connected; a second dust collection container accumulates the dust discarded from the first dust collection container through the dust transfer pipe; and a second electric blower makes the suction negative through the second dust collection container. Pressure acts on the dust transfer tube, the second dust collection container includes a multi-stage centrifugal separation section, and the multi-stage centrifugal separation section includes a first centrifugal separation section for dust flowing in from the dust transfer tube Centrifugal separation from air; and a second centrifugal separation section, which separates dust passing through the first centrifugal separation section from the air. An electric sweeping device includes: an autonomous sweeping unit that autonomously moves on the surface being swept to capture dust; and a base unit having a charging electrode of the autonomous sweeping unit. The autonomous sweeping unit includes: a first The main body casing has a first suction port; a secondary battery stores electric power supplied from the charging electrode; a first dust collection container stores dust sucked from the first suction port; and an electric blower uses the The electric power supplied by the secondary battery is driven to cause a negative pressure to act on the first dust container. The base unit includes a second body casing. The second body casing has a suction and an autonomous type on a lower wall surface. A second suction port for cleaning other dusts different from the dust captured by the unit. The electrical sweeping device according to item 5 of the scope of patent application, wherein the base unit includes: a suction air path, and the return position of the autonomous sweeping unit to the base unit, the suction air path A second suction port is connected to the first suction port, or the suction air path connects the second suction port to the first dust collection container. The electric sweeping device according to item 5 of the scope of patent application, wherein the base unit includes: a second dust collecting container that accumulates dust sucked in from the second suction port; and a second electric blower that applies a negative pressure to The second dust container. The electric sweeping device according to item 7 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the base unit includes: a transfer air path, and the return air path will be at the return position of the autonomous sweep unit to the base unit. The first dust container is connected to the second dust container. The electric sweeping device according to any one of items 5 to 8 of the scope of patent application, wherein the base unit includes: a dust transfer pipe, which is connected to the autonomous sweeping unit and is in fluid form with the first sweeping unit. A dust collection container is connected; a second dust collection container accumulates the dust discarded from the first dust collection container through the dust transfer pipe; and a second electric blower makes the suction negative through the second dust collection container. Pressure acts on the dust transfer tube, the second dust collection container includes a multi-stage centrifugal separation section, and the multi-stage centrifugal separation section includes a first centrifugal separation section for dust flowing in from the dust transfer tube Centrifugal separation from air; and a second centrifugal separation section, which separates dust passing through the first centrifugal separation section from the air.