JP2013230295A - Self-travelling electronic appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a piece of self-travelling electronic appliance that can accurately detect a surrounding environment of the housing without depending on a change in the external environment during the self-travelling and on the influence of a heat source inside the housing.SOLUTION: A piece of self-travelling electronic appliance includes: a housing; a travelling part for running the housing; an environment sensor for detecting a surrounding environment; and a sliding member that is slidable relative to the housing. The environment sensor is installed inside the slidable member in which a gap with a prescribed interval is formed between the housing and the sensor.

Description

  The present invention relates to a self-propelled electronic device including a self-propelled cleaner and a self-propelled ion generator. More specifically, for example, the present invention relates to a self-propelled electronic device including an environmental sensor that detects an ambient environment such as a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

  In recent years, a self-propelled electronic device having a temperature sensor and having a function of monitoring the ambient temperature is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The self-propelled cleaner of Patent Document 1 includes a temperature sensor composed of a thermistor or the like that detects the ambient temperature on the front side of the upper surface of the cleaner body, and detects the distance from the object using an obstacle sensor (sonic sensor). In this case, the temperature is corrected using the ambient temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

JP 2007-122327 A

  However, in the self-propelled cleaner described in Patent Document 1, since the temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature is provided outside the housing, the self-propelled cleaner is self-propelled in the room, and is operated by an air conditioner or a warm air machine. When approaching an air source such as, a temperature sensor installed outside the housing may be directly affected by the wind coming from these air sources, and the temperature of the surrounding environment may not be detected accurately. In addition, if the self-propelled cleaner approaches a high heat source such as a stove or heater, the temperature sensor may be damaged by the high heat from the high heat source. There is a risk that it will not be possible.

  On the other hand, when an environmental sensor such as a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor is installed inside the housing instead of outside the housing, the drive parts inside the housing such as circuit board components or motors constituting the power supply circuit and the drive system circuit For example, the ambient environment such as temperature or humidity may not be accurately detected. In particular, in the case of a self-propelled electronic device, the internal space may be limited as compared with a general vacuum cleaner, and since these heats are trapped inside the housing, there is a high possibility that an environmental sensor malfunctions. In addition, unlike general vacuum cleaners operated by the user, self-propelled electronic devices operate while avoiding collisions with obstacles according to their own judgment. In some cases, the influence of heat from the drive unit may fluctuate greatly, and temperature correction is not easy.

  In view of the circumstances peculiar to such self-propelled electronic devices, the present invention is not affected by changes in the external environment during self-running and the influence of the heat source inside the housing, for example, the ambient environment of the housing such as temperature or humidity. The object is to provide a self-propelled electronic device capable of accurately detecting the above.

  The present invention includes a housing, a traveling unit that travels the housing, an environmental sensor that detects an ambient environment, and a sliding member that is slidable with respect to the housing. The present invention provides a self-propelled electronic device provided inside the sliding member in which a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the housing and the housing.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a self-propelled electronic device that can accurately detect the surrounding environment of the housing, such as temperature or humidity, regardless of changes in the external environment during self-running and the influence of a heat source inside the housing. realizable.

It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the self-propelled electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is AA arrow sectional drawing of the self-propelled electronic device shown by FIG. It is a bottom view of the self-propelled electronic device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a state where the lid of the housing is opened and the dust collecting unit is taken out. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the top plate, control board, etc. of the housing | casing of the self-propelled electronic device shown by FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the self-propelled electronic device shown by FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows the state which removed the top plate, control board, etc. of the housing | casing of the self-propelled electronic device shown by FIG. It is a BB arrow directional cross-sectional view of the bumper shown by FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the self-propelled electronic device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the top plate, control board, etc. of the housing | casing of the self-propelled electronic device shown by FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the self-propelled electronic device shown in FIG. 9.

  The present invention includes a housing, a traveling unit that travels the housing, an environmental sensor that detects an ambient environment, and a sliding member that is slidable with respect to the housing. The present invention provides a self-propelled electronic device provided inside the sliding member in which a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the housing and the housing.

In the self-propelled electronic device according to the present invention, the term “self-propelled” refers to a housing that houses the drive unit, a drive wheel that drives the housing, a control unit that controls rotation, stop, and rotation direction of the drive wheel, and the like. And an electronic device in which the control unit independently determines the direction of travel, stop, and travel and autonomously travels, and an example is shown by an embodiment using the drawings described later.
An “environmental sensor” is a sensor that detects a surrounding state of a self-propelled electronic device that changes during self-propelled operation. For example, the environmental sensor is a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an odor sensor, or the like.
The “sliding member” is, for example, a front side plate that functions as a movable bumper that softens a collision at the time of collision of a self-propelled electronic device. In this example, the “gap” is a gap portion between the side plate fixed to the housing and the bumper.

  In the self-propelled electronic device according to the present invention, the environmental sensor may include at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an odor sensor.

  In this way, the ambient temperature, humidity, and / or odor around the casing can be accurately detected regardless of changes in the external environment during self-running and the influence of the heat source inside the casing.

  In the self-propelled electronic device according to the present invention, the environmental sensor may be provided at a central portion inside the sliding member.

  In this way, since the environmental sensor is provided in the central part inside the sliding member, even if wind from a fan source such as a fan or an air conditioner directly hits the device during self-running, the casing or sliding Since it is shielded by the member and does not reach the inner central part of the sliding member, it is difficult to be influenced by the environment from the outside, and accurate detection of the surrounding environment of the housing can be realized. In addition, a collision with an obstacle during self-propelled operation causes water to spill on the top surface of the self-propelled electronic device or an object to drop, which may cause a malfunction due to water intrusion into the electronic circuit of the environmental sensor. It is also possible to prevent malfunctions due to environmental sensor shielding due to objects.

  In the self-propelled electronic device according to the present invention, the sliding member may be formed to be slidable in the lateral direction with respect to the housing.

  In this way, the impact when the self-propelled electronic device collides with the obstacle can be absorbed by the sliding of the sliding member. Is compressed or expanded, air enters and exits through the gap, and the surrounding environment can be accurately detected.

  In the self-propelled electronic device according to the present invention, the self-propelled electronic device may be a vacuum cleaner or an ion generator.

  In this way, since the self-propelled electronic device is a vacuum cleaner or an ion generator, the housing is not affected by the presence of a heat generation source existing on the path of self-running or the irregular operation state of the device. A vacuum cleaner or ion generator capable of accurately detecting the surrounding environment of the body can be realized.

[First Embodiment]
<Configuration of self-propelled vacuum cleaner>
Next, as a self-propelled electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a self-propelled cleaner 1 will be described below as an example. This case is merely an example, and the self-propelled electronic device naturally includes the concept described above.

The self-propelled electronic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a self-propelled cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the self-propelled cleaner 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the self-propelled cleaner 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing a state in which the lid 3 of the housing 2 is opened and the dust collecting part is taken out. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the top plate 2b, the control board and the like of the housing 2 of the self-propelled cleaner 1 shown in FIG. 1 are removed. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the self-propelled cleaner 1 shown in FIG.

  The self-propelled cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention sucks air containing dust on the floor surface F and exhausts the air from which dust is removed while self-propelling the floor surface F at the place where it is installed. This is a self-propelled cleaner that cleans the floor F.

The self-propelled cleaner 1 includes a disk-shaped housing 2, and inside or outside the housing 2, a rotating brush 9, a side brush 10, a dust collection box 30, an air blower having an electric blower 22, a pair of Components such as a drive unit 29, a rear wheel 26 and a front wheel 27, and a control unit including various sensors are provided.
In this self-propelled cleaner 1, a portion where the front wheel 27 is disposed is a front portion, a portion where the rear wheel 26 is disposed is a rear portion, and a portion where the dust collection box 30 is disposed is an intermediate portion.

  In the first embodiment, the drive unit of the present invention corresponds to the electric blower 22, the ion generator 28, the travel motor 51, the drive motor M, and the like. The traveling unit of the present invention is realized by the traveling motor 51, the drive wheel 29, the rear wheel 26, and the front wheel 27. The environmental sensor of the present invention corresponds to the humidity sensor 53, the temperature sensor 56, and / or the odor sensor 52. The sliding member of the present invention corresponds to the bumper 2d, and the gap of the present invention corresponds to the gap SL.

  The housing 2 opens and closes when the dust collection box 30 is taken in and out of the housing 2 and the bottom plate 2a having a suction port 6 formed at a position near the boundary with the intermediate portion in the front portion. A top plate 2b having a lid portion 3 at an intermediate portion, and a bottom plate 2a and a side plate 2c having an annular shape in plan view provided along the outer periphery of the top plate 2b are provided. The bottom plate 2a is formed with a plurality of holes for projecting the lower portions of the front wheel 27, the pair of drive wheels 29 and the rear wheel 26 from the inside of the housing 2 to the outside, and the boundary between the front portion and the middle portion of the top plate 2b. An exhaust port 7 is formed in the vicinity. The side plate 2c is divided into two parts in the front-rear direction, and the front part of the side plate 2c functions as a bumper 2d that can slide back and forth.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the inside of the housing 2, a front storage chamber R <b> 1 that stores a motor unit (blower unit) 20 having an electric blower 22 in the front part, an ion generator 28 (see FIG. 5), and the like. And has an intermediate storage chamber R2 for storing the dust collection box 30 in the intermediate portion, and a rear storage chamber R3 for storing the control board 15, the battery 14, the charging terminal 4 and the like of the control portion in the rear portion, A suction passage 11 and an exhaust passage 12 are provided near the boundary between the front portion and the intermediate portion. The suction path 11 communicates the suction port 6 and the intermediate storage chamber R2, and the exhaust path 12 communicates the intermediate storage chamber R2 and the front storage chamber R1. Each of the storage chambers R1, R2, R3, the suction path 11 and the exhaust path 12 is partitioned by a partition wall 39 provided inside the housing 2 and constituting these spaces.

The pair of drive wheels 29 are fixed to a pair of rotation shafts that intersect at right angles with the center line C passing through the center of the case 2 that is circular in plan view. When the pair of drive wheels 29 rotate in the same direction, the case 2 The housing 2 rotates around the center line C when the drive wheels 29 move forward and backward and rotate in the opposite direction.
The pair of rotating shafts are coupled so that rotational force can be obtained individually from a pair of motors (not shown), and each motor is fixed to the bottom plate 2a of the housing 2 directly or via a suspension mechanism.

The front wheel 27 is made of a roller, contacts the step appearing on the path, and the bottom of the bottom plate 2a of the housing 2 so that the drive wheel 29 is slightly lifted from the floor F where the driving wheel 29 contacts the ground so that the housing 2 can easily get over the step. The part is rotatably provided.
The rear wheel 26 is a free wheel, and is rotatably provided on a part of the bottom plate 2a of the housing 2 so as to be in contact with the floor surface F to which the driving wheel 29 is grounded.
In this way, the pair of driving wheels 29 is disposed in the middle in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing 2, the front wheels 27 are lifted from the floor surface F, and the weight of the self-propelled cleaner 1 is set to the pair of driving wheels 29 and the rear wheels 26. The weight is distributed in the front-rear direction with respect to the housing 2 so that it can be supported. Thereby, the dust in front of the course can be guided to the suction port 6 without being blocked by the front wheel 27.

  The suction port 6 is an open surface of the concave portion 8 formed on the bottom surface of the housing 2 (the lower surface of the bottom plate 2a) so as to face the floor surface F. A rotating brush 9 that rotates about a first axis parallel to the bottom surface of the housing 2 is provided in the recessed portion 8, and a second rotation perpendicular to the bottom surface of the housing 2 is provided on the left and right sides of the recessed portion 8. A side brush 10 that rotates about an axis is provided. The rotating brush 9 is formed by implanting a brush spirally on the outer peripheral surface of a roller that is a rotating shaft. The side brush 10 is formed by providing a brush bundle radially at the lower end of the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft of the rotating brush 9 and the rotating shaft of the pair of side brushes 10 are pivotally attached to a part of the bottom plate 2a of the housing 2, and a drive motor M (see FIG. 5), pulley, It is connected via a power transmission mechanism including a belt and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a floor surface detection sensor 13 for detecting the floor surface F is disposed between the bottom surface of the housing 2 and the front wheel 27, and a similar floor is disposed in front of the side portions of the left and right drive wheels 29. A surface detection sensor 19 is arranged. When the downstairs are detected by the floor surface detection sensor 13, the detection signal is transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit controls the pair of drive wheels 29 to stop. In addition, when the floor detection sensor 13 breaks down, the floor detection sensor 19 can detect the descending stair and stop the pair of drive wheels 29, so that the self-propelled cleaner 1 falls to the descending stair. It is prevented. Further, when the floor surface detection sensor 19 detects the descending staircase, the detection signal may be transmitted to the control unit, and the control unit may control the drive wheel 29 to travel avoiding the descending staircase.

The control board 15 is provided with a control circuit that controls each element such as the drive wheel 29, the rotating brush 9, the side brush 10, and the electric blower 22 in the self-propelled cleaner 1.
A charging terminal 4 for charging the battery 14 is provided at the rear end of the side plate 2 c of the housing 2. The self-propelled cleaner 1 that cleans the room while self-propelled returns to the charging stand 40 installed indoors. Thereby, the charging terminal 4 contacts the terminal part 41 provided in the charging stand 40, and the battery 14 is charged. The charging stand 40 connected to a commercial power source (outlet) is usually installed along the side wall S in the room.
The battery 14 is charged from the charging stand 40 via the charging terminal 4 and supplies power to each element such as the control board 15, the drive wheel 29, the rotating brush 9, the side brush 10, the electric blower 22, and various sensors.

The dust collection box 30 is usually stored in the intermediate storage chamber R2 above the axis of the rotation shaft of the pair of drive wheels 29 in the housing 2, and the dust collected in the dust collection box 30 is collected. When discarding the dust collection box, as shown in FIG. 4, the lid 3 of the housing 2 can be opened and the dust collection box 30 can be taken in and out.
The dust collection box 30 includes a dust collection container 31 having an opening, a filter unit 33 that covers the opening of the dust collection container 31, and a cover unit 32 that covers the filter 33 and the opening of the dust collection container 31. ing. The cover part 32 and the filter part 33 are pivotally supported by the opening edge of the front side of the dust collecting container 31 so that rotation is possible.
In the state where the dust collection box 30 is stored in the intermediate storage chamber R <b> 2 of the casing 2, the inflow path 34 that communicates with the suction path 11 of the casing 2 and the casing 2 are disposed at the front portion of the side wall of the dust collection container 31. An exhaust passage 35 communicating with the exhaust passage 12 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit for controlling the operation of the entire self-propelled cleaner 1 stores a control board 15 having a control circuit composed of a CPU 15a and other electronic components (not shown), and a travel map 18a. The storage unit 18, the motor driver 22 a for driving the electric blower 22, the motor driver 51 a for driving the traveling motor 51 of the drive wheel 29, and the exhaust port 7 in the casing 2 are provided so as to be rotatable. Louver 17 and control unit 17a for driving it, odor sensor 52 and its control unit 52a, humidity sensor 53 and its control unit 53a, human sensor 54 and its control unit 54a, contact sensor 55 and its control unit 55a, A temperature sensor 56 and its control unit 56a are provided.

The CPU 15a is a central processing unit, and individually transmits control signals to the motor drivers 22a and 51a and the control unit 17a based on the program data stored in advance in the storage unit 18, and the electric blower 22, the traveling motor 51, and the louver. 17 is driven and controlled, and a series of cleaning operation and ion emission operation are performed.
In addition, the CPU 15a accepts a condition setting relating to the operation of the self-propelled cleaner 1 by the user from an operation panel (not shown) and stores it in the storage unit 18. The storage unit 18 can store a travel map 18 a around the installation location of the self-propelled cleaner 1. The travel map 18a is information relating to travel such as the travel route and travel speed of the self-propelled cleaner 1, and is stored in the storage unit 18 by the user in advance, or during the cleaning operation of the self-propelled cleaner 1 itself. Can be recorded automatically.

  The odor sensor 52 detects odor around the outside of the housing 2. As the odor sensor 52, for example, a semiconductor type or catalytic combustion type odor sensor can be used. In order to detect the odor around the outside of the self-propelled cleaner 1, for example, the odor sensor 52 is disposed on the inner side surface of the bumper 2d of the housing 2. The CPU 15a is connected to the odor sensor 52 via the control unit 52a, and obtains odor information around the outside of the housing 2 based on an output signal from the odor sensor 52.

  The humidity sensor 53 detects the humidity around the outside of the housing 2. As the humidity sensor 53, for example, a capacitance type or electric resistance type humidity sensor using a polymer moisture sensitive material can be used. In order to detect the relative humidity around the outside of the self-propelled cleaner 1, for example, a humidity sensor 53 is disposed on the inner side surface of the bumper 2d of the housing 2. The CPU 15a is connected to the humidity sensor 53 via the control unit 53a, and obtains humidity information around the outside of the housing 2 based on an output signal from the humidity sensor 53.

  In the travel map 18a, a location where an odor above a predetermined threshold at a location where the self-propelled cleaner 1 is installed and a location where the humidity is higher than the predetermined threshold may be stored in advance as specific locations. In this way, the CPU 15a can determine that this specific location is a location determined based on the surrounding environment of the housing 2. That is, like the odor sensor 52 and the humidity sensor 53, the travel map 18a serves as an environment detection device that detects the surrounding environment of the housing 2.

  As the human sensor 54, for example, a human sensor that detects the presence of a person using infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, visible light, or the like can be used. In order to detect the presence of a person around the outside of the self-propelled cleaner 1, for example, the human sensor 54 is disposed in a state exposed from the side plate 2c or the top plate 2b of the housing 2 to the outside. The CPU 15a is connected to the human sensor 54 through the control unit 54a, and obtains presence information of people around the outside of the housing 2 based on an output signal from the human sensor 54.

  The contact sensor 55 is disposed, for example, at the front portion of the side plate 2c of the housing 2 in order to detect that the self-propelled cleaner 1 has come into contact with an obstacle during traveling. The CPU 15a is connected to the contact sensor 55 via the control unit 55a, and obtains presence information of obstacles around the outside of the housing 2 based on an output signal from the contact sensor 55.

  The temperature sensor 56 detects the temperature around the outside of the housing 2. As the temperature sensor 56, for example, a temperature sensor such as a thermocouple or a thermistor can be used. In the first embodiment, a digital temperature sensor, TMP175 or TMP75 is used. In order to detect the temperature around the outside of the self-propelled cleaner 1, for example, a temperature sensor 56 is disposed on the inner side surface of the bumper 2d of the housing 2. The CPU 15a is connected to the temperature sensor 56 via the control unit 56a, and obtains temperature information around the outside of the housing 2 based on an output signal from the temperature sensor 56.

  In the self-propelled cleaner 1 configured as described above, the electric blower 22, the ion generator 28, the driving wheel 29, the rotating brush 9, and the side brush 10 are driven by a cleaning operation command. As a result, in a state where the rotary brush 9, the side brush 10, the drive wheel 29 and the rear wheel 26 are in contact with the floor surface F, the casing 2 self-propells within a predetermined range and removes dust on the floor surface F from the suction port 6. Inhale air containing. At this time, the dust on the floor surface F is scraped up by the rotation of the rotating brush 9 and guided to the suction port 6. Further, the dust on the side of the suction port 6 is guided to the suction port 6 by the rotation of the side brush 10.

  Air containing dust sucked into the housing 2 from the suction port 6 passes through the suction passage 11 of the housing 2 and the inflow passage 34 of the dust collection box 30 as indicated by an arrow A1 in FIG. It flows into the dust collecting container 31. The airflow that has flowed into the dust collecting container 31 passes through the filter portion 33, flows into the space between the filter portion 33 and the cover portion 32, and is discharged to the exhaust passage 12 of the housing 2 through the discharge passage 35. The At this time, the dust contained in the airflow in the dust collecting container 31 is captured by the filter unit 33, so that the dust accumulates in the dust collecting container 31.

The airflow flowing into the exhaust passage 12 of the housing 2 from the dust collection box 30 flows into the front storage chamber R1 as shown by the arrow A2 in FIG. 2, and flows through the first exhaust passage 24a and the second exhaust passage 24b. (See FIG. 5). The airflow flowing through the second exhaust path 24b includes ions released by the ion generator 28. Then, as shown by an arrow A3 in FIG. 2, an airflow containing ions is exhausted obliquely upward at the rear from the exhaust port 7 provided on the upper surface of the housing 2. Thereby, cleaning on the floor surface F is performed, and indoor sterilization and deodorization are performed by ions contained in the exhaust of the self-propelled cleaner 1. At this time, exhaust is performed obliquely upward from the exhaust port 7 to the rear, so that the dust on the floor surface F is prevented from being rolled up, and the cleanliness of the room can be improved. Note that the ions emitted from the ion generator 28 may be either negative ions or positive ions, or both. When both negative ions and positive ions are released, there is a particularly excellent air purification, sterilization or deodorization effect.
A part of the airflow flowing through the second exhaust path 24b may be guided to the recess 8. In this way, since ions are included in the airflow guided from the suction port 6 to the suction path 11, the inside of the dust collection container 31 of the dust collection box 30 and the filter unit 33 can be sterilized and deodorized.

  Further, the self-propelled cleaner 1 has the left and right drive wheels 29 forwardly rotated in the same direction and moved forward, moved backward in the same direction and moved backward, and rotated in the opposite directions, thereby centering on the center line C. Turn. For example, when the self-propelled cleaner 1 reaches the periphery of the cleaning area or collides with an obstacle on the course, the driving wheel 29 stops and the left and right driving wheels 29 rotate in opposite directions to each other. change. Thereby, the self-propelled cleaner 1 can be self-propelled while avoiding obstacles in the entire installation place or the entire desired range.

In addition, the self-propelled cleaner 1 is grounded at three points, the left and right drive wheels 29 and the rear wheel 26, so that the weight of the self-propelled cleaner 1 is balanced so that the rear wheel 26 does not lift from the floor F even if it suddenly stops during forward movement. Allocated. Therefore, it is prevented that the self-propelled cleaner 1 stops suddenly before the descending stairs while moving forward, and the self-propelled cleaner 1 is tilted forward and falls to the descending stairs. The drive wheels 29 are formed by fitting rubber tires having grooves into the wheels so that they do not slip even when suddenly stopped.
Further, since the dust collection box 30 is disposed above the rotation shaft of the drive wheel 29, the weight balance of the self-propelled cleaner 1 is maintained even if the weight increases due to dust collection.

The self-propelled cleaner 1 can execute a unique operation based on information obtained from the odor sensor 52, the humidity sensor 53, the travel map 18a, and the human sensor 54. For example, the self-propelled cleaner 1 can stay for a certain period of time at a specific location determined based on the surrounding environment detected by the environment detection device, and can release an airflow including ions from the exhaust port 7.
The self-propelled cleaner 1 returns to the charging stand 40 when cleaning is completed. Thereby, the charging terminal 4 contacts the terminal part 41 and the battery 14 is charged.

  Self-propelled cleaner 1 can drive electric blower 22 and ion generator 28 in the state where it returned to charging stand 40. As a result, an airflow containing ions is released obliquely upward and rearward from the exhaust port 7, and the airflow containing ions rises along the side wall and circulates along the indoor ceiling wall and the opposite side wall. As a result, ions spread throughout the room, and the sterilization effect and deodorization effect can be improved. Thus, self-propelled cleaner 1 can also perform ion discharge operation alone.

  An operation unit is provided on the upper surface of the self-propelled cleaner 1, and a cleaning operation and an ion emission operation can be performed by the operation unit. In addition, a receiving unit may be provided in the housing 2 and a transmitter that transmits a command signal to the receiving unit may be provided so that the remote controller can be operated. In addition, a command signal may be transmitted to the self-propelled cleaner 1 from a mobile phone called a smartphone via an Internet line and a router provided in the room so that it can be remotely operated.

<Temperature sensor mounting position>
Next, the attachment position of the temperature sensor 56 will be described. In the following description, a case where the temperature sensor 56 is attached will be described as an example of the environmental sensor, but other environmental sensors can be attached in the same manner.
Inside the casing 2, a temperature sensor 56 and the like are provided on the inner side surface of the bumper 2d.

  FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the top plate 2b, the control board 15 and the like of the housing of the self-propelled cleaner 1 shown in FIG. 1 are removed. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the bumper 2d shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a temperature sensor 56 is attached to the inner side surface of the bumper 2d. In addition to the temperature sensor 56, an odor sensor 52 and a humidity sensor 53 may be attached. The bumper 2d is configured with a certain gap SL between the bumper 2d and the case 2 on both the left and right sides of the case 2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, an air passage AR is formed through a gap SL on the side of the bumper 2d. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the bumper 2d is connected to the bottom plate 2a and the top plate 2b. Since the air passage AR is also formed through the gap SL, the air inside the bumper 2d is continuously ventilated through the gap SL, so that heat does not accumulate and accurate temperature detection is possible.

Further, since the temperature sensor 56 is shielded from the outside by the bumper 2d and the top plate 2b, it is possible to accurately detect the temperature around the housing 2 without being affected by an external environment such as an air source.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the temperature sensor 56 is provided at a position isolated from various motors and the power source / drive circuit, and thus is not easily affected by these heats. Therefore, the surrounding environment can be accurately detected regardless of the operating state of the self-propelled cleaner 1.

In the first embodiment, the temperature sensor 56 is disposed on the right side of the bumper 2d. However, the temperature sensor 56 may be disposed on the left side. Moreover, the temperature sensor 56 may be provided in the center part inside the bumper 2d. By doing so, the surrounding environment can be accurately detected without being affected by the external environment. Although it is conceivable to provide the temperature sensor 56 on the housing side, it is likely to be influenced by the temperature on the housing side, so that it is difficult to detect accurately. However, when there is no temperature change on the housing side and there is no influence on the temperature sensor provided on the housing side, a temperature sensor may be provided on the housing side. In this case, the structure in which the temperature sensor is provided in the housing can be realized by a simpler structure than that provided in the bumper 2d.
Further, the bumper 2d may be configured to be slidable with respect to other portions of the housing 2. By being configured in this way, in addition to being able to absorb the impact when the self-propelled cleaner 1 collides with an obstacle by sliding of the bumper 2d, the casing 2 can be obtained by sliding of the bumper 2d. Since the internal air is compressed or expanded, the air enters and exits through the gap SL, and the surrounding environment can be accurately detected.

[Second Embodiment]
<Configuration of self-propelled ion generator>
Next, as a self-propelled electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, a self-propelled ion generator 201 will be described below as an example. This case is merely an example, and the self-propelled electronic device naturally includes the concept described above.

The self-propelled electronic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings.
In addition, it is similar to the self-propelled cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment, and corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a self-propelled ion generator 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the top plate 2b, the control board and the like of the housing 2 of the self-propelled ion generator 201 shown in FIG. 9 are removed. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the self-propelled ion generator 201 shown in FIG.

  A charging stand 40 is installed at a predetermined position in a room from which air containing ions is released. By connecting the charging stand 40 and the self-propelled ion generator 201, the self-propelled ion generator 201 is supplied with electric power from the charging stand 40 in contact with the charging stand 40 and generates self-propelled ions. A battery (not shown) of the machine 201 is charged. Further, the self-propelled ion generator 201 performs an ion generation function while traveling away from the charging stand 40 automatically.

  The self-propelled ion generator 201 of the present invention performs sterilization and the like by sucking ambient air and exhausting the air containing the generated ions while self-propelling the floor surface F at the place where it is installed. It is. The self-propelled ion generator 201 of the present invention has a function of autonomously returning to the charging stand 40 when the capacity of the battery is reduced or processing such as predetermined deodorization is completed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the self-propelled ion generator 201 includes a disk-shaped casing 2, and an ion generator 28, a controller 213, a battery, and a motor driver 22a are provided inside or outside the casing 2. , A plurality of driving wheels 215, rear wheels and front wheels, an exhaust port 241, a suction port 242, a receiving unit 292, a suction port lid 209 that opens and closes the suction port 242, and a suction port that drives the suction port lid 209 There are provided a lid driving unit 210, an exhaust port lid 211 for opening and closing the exhaust port 241, an exhaust port lid driving unit 212 for driving the exhaust port cover 211, and a control unit 213 for controlling each part in an integrated manner. Other components are provided.
In FIG. 9, a portion where the receiving unit 292 and a front wheel (not shown) are arranged is called a front portion, and a portion where a rear wheel (not shown) is arranged is called a rear portion.

  In the second embodiment, the drive unit of the present invention corresponds to the electric blower 22, the ion generating device 28, the travel motor 51, the suction port lid drive unit 210, the exhaust port lid drive unit 212, the drive motor M, and the like. The traveling unit of the present invention is realized by the traveling motor 51 and the drive wheel 215. The environmental sensor of the present invention corresponds to the humidity sensor 53, the temperature sensor 56, and / or the odor sensor 52. The sliding member of the present invention corresponds to the bumper 2d.

As in the case of the self-propelled electronic device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing 2 includes a bottom plate 2a and a side plate 2c, a bumper 2d, a side plate 2c, and a bumper 2d that form a chassis. It is comprised from the top plate 2b of the planar view circular shape which plugs up an upper part. The bumper 2d may be configured to be slidable with respect to other parts of the housing 2 as a movable bumper.
The suction port 242 is formed slightly rearward of the center of the top plate 2b, and the exhaust port 241 is formed slightly forward of the center of the top plate 2b.
The suction port 242 and the exhaust port 241 are provided with a movable suction port lid 209 and an exhaust port lid in order to prevent dust and foreign matter from entering from the suction port 242 and the exhaust port 241 when charging is not performed. 211 can be opened and closed.

  In addition, the self-propelled ion generator 201 turns in a stationary state by a pair of drive wheels 215 rotating forward in the same direction, moving forward, moving backward in the same direction, moving backward, and rotating in opposite directions. To do. For example, when the self-propelled ion generator 201 reaches the peripheral edge of the room or collides with an obstacle on the path, the driving wheel 215 stops and the pair of driving wheels 215 rotate in directions opposite to each other. change. Thereby, the self-propelled ion generator 201 self-propells while avoiding an obstacle over the entire installation place or the entire desired range.

In addition, the self-propelled ion generator 201 detects a signal emitted from a transmission unit (not shown) of the charging base 40 by the receiving unit 292 and recognizes the direction in which the charging base 40 is present. When the set time of the automatic operation timer that has been set has elapsed or when the set time of the set automatic operation timer has elapsed, the battery automatically proceeds almost linearly in a certain direction of the charging stand 40 and returns to the charging stand 40.
Further, in the present invention, when a signal from the charging stand 40 cannot be detected when returning, the self-propelled ion generator 201 is temporarily stopped and rotated once (360 ° rotation) on the spot. It is also possible to confirm whether or not a signal from the charging stand 40 is detected and detect the direction in which the charging stand 40 exists.
When a signal is detected, it recognizes that the charging stand 40 exists in the front direction of the receiving part 292 when it is detected, and it travels linearly toward the charging stand 40. However, if there is an obstacle, it moves in the direction of the charging stand 40 while avoiding it.

Hereinafter, each component shown in FIG. 11 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 213 that controls the operation of the entire self-propelled ion generator 201 includes a control board having a control circuit composed of a control unit and other electronic components (not shown), and a travel map 18a. , A motor driver 22a for driving the electric blower 22, a motor driver 51a for driving the traveling motor 51 of the drive wheel 215, a suction port lid 209 for opening and closing the suction port 242, and a suction port A suction port cover driving unit 210 for driving the cover 209, an exhaust port cover 211 for opening and closing the exhaust port 241, an exhaust port driving unit 212 for driving the exhaust port cover 211, an odor sensor 52 and its control unit 52a, Humidity sensor 53 and its control unit 53a, human sensor 54 and its control unit 54a, contact sensor 55 and its control unit 5a, configured with a temperature sensor 56 and its control unit 56a or the like. The details of each component are the same as that of self-propelled cleaner 1 concerning a 1st embodiment.

Also in the self-propelled ion generator 201 of the second embodiment, the temperature sensor 56 is disposed on the inner side surface of the bumper 2d shown in the Y part of FIG. 10, as in the self-propelled cleaner 1 of the first embodiment. . Moreover, you may provide in the center part inside the bumper 2d. In this way, it is possible to accurately detect the ambient temperature, humidity, and / or odor.
In addition to the self-propelled cleaner 1 and the self-propelled ion generator 201, in the general self-propelled electronic device, the same effect can be obtained by installing an environmental sensor at the same position.

1: Self-propelled cleaner 2: Housing 2a: Bottom plate 2b: Top plate 2c: Side plate 2d: Bumper 3: Cover part 4: Charging terminal 6: Suction port 7: Exhaust port 8: Recess 9: Rotating brush 10: Side Brush 11: Suction path 12: Exhaust path 13: Floor detection sensor 14: Battery 15: Control board 15a: CPU
17: Louver 17a: Control unit 18: Storage unit 18a: Travel map 19: Floor detection sensor 20: Motor unit 22: Electric blower 22a: Motor driver 24a: First exhaust path 24b: Second exhaust path 26: Rear wheel 27 : Front wheel 28: Ion generator 29: Drive wheel 30: Dust collection box 31: Dust collection container 32: Cover part 33: Filter part 34: Inflow path 35: Discharge path 39: Partition wall 40: Charging stand 41: Terminal part 51 : Traveling motor 51a: motor driver 52: odor sensor 52a: control unit 53: humidity sensor 53a: control unit 54: human sensor 54a: control unit 55: contact sensor 55a: control unit 56: temperature sensor 56a: control unit 201: Self-propelled ion generator 209: Suction port lid 210: Suction port lid drive unit 211: Exhaust port lid 212: Vent lid drive unit 213: control unit 215: drive wheel 241: exhaust port 242: suction port 292: reception unit AR: air passage C: center line F: floor M: drive motor R1: front storage chamber R2: middle Storage room R3: Rear storage room S: Side wall SL: Clearance

Claims (5)

A housing, a traveling unit that travels the housing, an environmental sensor that detects an ambient environment, and a sliding member that is slidable with respect to the housing;
The environmental sensor is a self-propelled electronic device provided inside the sliding member in which a gap of a predetermined interval is formed between the environmental sensor and the housing.   The self-propelled electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor includes at least one of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an odor sensor.   The self-propelled electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor is provided at a central portion inside the sliding member.   The self-propelled electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sliding member is formed to be slidable in a lateral direction with respect to the housing.   The self-propelled electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the self-propelled electronic device is a vacuum cleaner or an ion generator.