Self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner in which a cleaner body is pivotably mounted to a brush assembly is provided. The self-propelling apparatus includes a sensor unit having a wheel part that pivots in the opposite direction to a moving direction of the vacuum cleaner, a connection part connected with the wheel part and fixed to the brush assembly by one end thereof and a switch part turned on and off according to the connection part, and generating progression and retrogression signals according to pivoting motion of the wheel part, and an interception unit generating an interception signal when the cleaner body is in an upright posture, and a driving unit moving the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the progression and retrogression signals.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of Korean Patent Application No. 2005-35382, filed Apr. 28, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, capable of automatically driving the vacuum cleaner forward and backward.

2. Description of the Related Art

An example of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,747, the vacuum cleaner in which, when an operator grips a handle and moves a cleaner body forward or backward, such an action of the operator is transmitted to a driving module through a linkage mechanism connected to the handle so that the vacuum cleaner is automatically driven forward and backward. U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,084 discloses another vacuum cleaner capable of automatically moving forward and backward as the operator's action is transmitted to a transmission through a cable connected to the handle. Yet another vacuum cleaner is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. H5-68656, the vacuum cleaner automatically moving forward and backward by detecting torque applied to a driving wheel and rotating a running motor forward and backward. Using the self-propelling apparatus as described in the above examples, once driven forward or backward, the vacuum cleaner automatically keeps the forward or backward motion without further application of a force. Therefore, the cleaning work becomes convenient, especially, even on an uneven surface, such as carpet, hindering smooth travel of the vacuum cleaner due to high resistance.

However, in such vacuum cleaners disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,747 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,084, while being transmitted through a connection means such as the linkage mechanism or the cable, the operator's intention for driving vacuum cleaner forward and backward may be misunderstood or failed. This may cause malfunction of the self-propelling apparatus, thereby deteriorating reliability of the apparatus. Also, the connection means such as the linkage mechanism or the cable complicates the structure and increases the manufacturing cost of the apparatus.

Furthermore, a torque detector as employed in Japanese Patent Publication No. H5-68656 induces problems of the complex structure and the high manufacturing cost. In addition, repetitive use of the electric torque detector may deteriorate reliability and durability of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to solve at least the above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide a self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner capable of correctly transmitting an operator's intention of moving the vacuum cleaner forward and backward.

A second aspect of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner for a vacuum cleaner, improved in reliability and durability.

A third aspect of the present invention is to provide a simply structured vacuum cleaner.

In order to achieve the above-described aspects of the present invention, there is provided a self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner in which a cleaner body is pivotably mounted to a brush assembly, comprising a sensor unit mounted to the brush assembly and having a wheel part which pivots in the opposite direction to a moving direction of the vacuum cleaner to generate progression and retrogression signals according to pivoting motion of the wheel part; and a driving unit moving the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the progression and retrogression signals.

The sensor unit comprises a connection part connected with the wheel part and fixed to the brush assembly by one end thereof; and a switch part turned on and off according to the connection part. The wheel part comprises a wheel contacted with a surface being cleaned; a housing supporting the wheel; and a housing shaft disposed on an upper portion of the housing, and pivots in contact with the surface being cleaned by inertia and friction with the surface being cleaned.

The connection part comprises a link member including a first via-hole for insertion of the housing shaft and a second via-hole for pivotable mounting to the brush assembly; a resilient member disposed between the link member and the housing and fit around the housing shaft; a first connection member fit with the housing shaft through the first via-hole so as to restrain escape of the link member from the housing shaft; and a second connection member fit with the brush assembly through the second via-hole so that the link member can pivot on the brush assembly.

The switch part comprises a first switch disposed on the right of the link member and pressed by a right side of the link member to thereby generate a progression signal; and a second switch disposed on the left of the link member and pressed by a left side of the link member to thereby generate a retrogression signal. The switch part further comprises a switch cover for shielding and fixing the first and the second switches to the brush assembly.

The driving unit comprises a power part mounted to the brush assembly; and a circuit part processing the progression and retrogression signals and an interception signal so as to operate and stop the power part.

The self-propelling apparatus may further comprise an interception unit which generates the interception signal when the cleaner body is in an upright posture, and wherein the interception unit comprises a lever mounted to the cleaner body; and a third switch mounted to the brush assembly and pressed by the lever when the cleaner body is in the upright posture.

Another aspect of the present invention is achieved by providing a self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner in which a cleaner body is pivotably mounted to a brush assembly, comprising a sensor unit including a wheel part which pivots in the opposite direction to a moving direction of the vacuum cleaner, a connection part connected with the wheel part and fixed to the brush assembly by one end thereof and a switch part turned on and off according to the connection part, and generating progression and retrogression signals according to pivoting motion of the wheel part, and an interception unit generating an interception signal when the cleaner body is in an upright posture, and a driving unit moving the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the progression and retrogression signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The above aspect and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein;

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-propelling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a brush assembly, without an upper cover, and a main body slantingly connected to the brush assembly;

FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view of a sensor unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a link member disposed in a neutral position between a first switch and a second switch;

FIG. 5 shows the link member as rotated and pressing the first switch;

FIG. 6 shows the link member as rotated and pressing the second switch; and

FIG. 7 shows a main body in an upright posture so that a lever presses a third switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing figures.

In the following description, same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. The matters defined in the description such as a detailed construction and elements are nothing but the ones provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention can be carried out without those defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.

Referring to FIG. 1, a vacuum cleaner 100 comprising a cleaner body 110, a brush assembly 120, and a self-propelling apparatus 130 is shown.

The cleaner body 110 is mounted to the brush assembly 120 to pivot in directions A and B illustrated as arrows. The cleaner body 110 has, at an upper portion thereof, a handle 111 having an on/off switch 111a. Additionally, the cleaner body 110 comprises therein a dust separator 112 and a dust receptacle 113.

The brush assembly 120 is disposed at a lower portion of the cleaner body 110 to draw in dust from a surface being cleaned. For this, the brush assembly 120 comprises a lower frame 121 having a suction port 121a (FIG. 2), an upper cover 122 for shielding the lower frame 121, and a main wheel 123 rotatably mounted on each side of the brush assembly 120.

As an operator drives the vacuum cleaner 100 on the surface being cleaned forward and backward as shown by arrows C and D, the dust on the surface being cleaned is drawn into the dust separator 112 through the suction port 121a (FIG. 2) separated in the dust separator 112, and collected in the dust receptacle 113.

With reference to FIG. 2, once applied with a force forward or backward by the operator, the vacuum cleaner 100 is continuously propelled forward or backward without further application of the force. To this end, the self-propelling apparatus 130 comprises a driving unit 200, a sensor unit 300, and an interception unit 400.

The driving unit 200 includes a power part 210 and a circuit part 220.

The power part 210 comprises a propelling motor 211, a gearbox 212, and left and right auxiliary wheels 213a and 213b. The propelling motor 211 rotates the left and right auxiliary wheels 213a and 213b forward and backward. The gearbox 212 decelerates the propelling motor 211 at an appropriate ratio and transmits the decelerated speed of the propelling motor 211 to the left and right auxiliary wheels 213a and 213b.

The circuit part 220 processes signals generated in first and second switches 331 and 332 (FIG. 3), which are implemented by a micro switch, and a third switch 420 to thereby operate or stop the power part 210. More specifically, the circuit part 220 rotates the propelling motor 211 forward upon transmission of a progression signal generated in the first switch 331 (FIG. 3) thereto. As a retrogression signal generated in the second switch 332 (FIG. 3) is transmitted to the circuit part 220, the propelling motor 211 is rotated backward. As an interception signal generated in the third switch 420 is transmitted to the circuit part 220, the circuit part 220 stops the propelling motor 211 regardless of generation of the progression and the retrogression signals of the first and the second switches 331 and 332 (FIG. 3).

Referring to FIG. 3, the sensor unit 300 comprises a wheel part 310, a connection part 320, and a switch part 330.

The wheel part 310 operates in contact with the surface being cleaned. The wheel part pivots in response to movement of the vacuum cleaner 100 due to inertia and friction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, for example, when the vacuum cleaner 100 moves in an arrowed direction C, the wheel part 310 pivots in an arrowed direction E, which is substantially opposite to direction to the arrowed direction C. When the vacuum cleaner 100 moves in an arrowed direction D, the wheel part 310 pivots in an arrowed direction F, that is, substantially opposite to the arrowed direction D. For this, the wheel part 310 comprises a wheel 311, a housing 312, a housing shaft 313, and a wheel shaft 314.

The wheel 311 directly contacts with the surface being cleaned. The housing 312 is formed as a frame of a flattened-U shape for enclosing and supporting the wheel 311 on the wheel shaft 314 so that the wheel 311 can rotate about the wheel shaft 314. The housing shaft 313 is disposed on an upper portion of the housing 312 and has a connection recess 313a for coupling with a first connection member 323 in the center thereof.

The connection part 320 comprises a link member 321, a resilient member 322, the first connection member 323, and a second connection member 324. The link member 321 is comprised of a bent section whereon a first via-hole 321a is formed and a straight section whereon a second via-hole 321b is formed. The link member 321 can be connected with the wheel part 310 through inserting the housing shaft 313 into the first via-hole 321a. As the second connection member 324 is inserted into the second via-hole 321b, the link member 321 is connected with the brush assembly 120 (FIG. 2) for pivotal movement of the link member 321 about the second connection member 324.

The resilient member 322 may be implemented by a coil spring disposed between the link member 321 and the housing 312 and fit around the housing shaft 313. By the resilient member 322, the housing shaft 313 being passed through the first via-hole 321a of the link member 321 is able to elastically ascend and descend according to a height of the surface being cleaned in arrowed directions G and H.

The first connection member 323 is inserted in the connection recess 313a of the housing shaft 313 through the first via-hole 321a so that the link member 321 is not released from the housing shaft 313 in the arrowed direction G The second connection member 324 is connected to the brush assembly 120, passing through the second via-hole 321b. A screw or a rivet may be used for the first and the second connection members 323 and 324.

FIGS. 4 through 6 are views for explaining the pivoting operation of the link member 321, wherein illustration of a switch cover 333 is omitted. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the switch part 330 is turned on and off by the connection part 320 and thereby generates the progression signal and the retrogression signal. To this end, the switch part 330 includes the first switch 331, the second switch 332, and the switch cover 333.

The first switch 331 is disposed on the right of the link member 321 and has a first switch projection 331a, which is normally biased to an extended position. As the wheel 311 is pivoted in the arrowed direction E about the second connection member 324, the first switch projection 331a is pressed by a right side S1 of the link member 321. When the first switch projection 331a is thus pressed as shown in FIG. 5, the first switch 331 is turned on to generate the progression signal and the progression signal is transmitted to the circuit part 220.

The second switch 332 is disposed on the left of the link member 321 and has a second switch projection 332a, which is normally biased to an extended position. As the wheel 311 is pivoted in the arrowed direction F about the second connection member 324, the second switch projection 332a is pressed by a left side S2 of the link member 321. When the second switch projection 332a is thus pressed as shown in FIG. 6, the second switch 332 is turned on to generate the retrogression signal and the retrogression signal is transmitted to the circuit part 220.

The switch cover 333 shields above the first and the second switches 331 and 332 and fixes the switches 331 and 332 to the brush assembly 120 (FIG. 2). However, the first and the second switches 331 and 332 may be directly fixed to the brush assembly 120 (FIG. 2) without the switch cover 333. The switch cover 333 includes a second connection member insertion hole 333a for penetration of the second connection member 324. After inserting the second connection member 324 into the second connection member insertion hole 333a, the second connection member 324 pivotably mounts the link member 321 to the brush assembly 120 (FIG. 2).

The interception unit 400 comprises a lever 410 and the third switch 420 in order to generate the interception signal, as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 7, the lever 410 is mounted to the cleaner body 110. The lever 410 presses the third switch 420 only when the cleaner body 110 is erected (FIG. 1). However, the lever 410 does not press the third switch 420 when the cleaner body 110 is pivoted with respect to the brush assembly 120 in the arrowed direction B as shown in FIG. 2.

The third switch 420 is mounted to the brush assembly 120 and is pressed by the lever 410 when the cleaner body 110 is erected (FIG. 1). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the third switch 420 has a third switch projection 420a which is pressed by the lever 410 when the cleaner body 110 is erected. As the third switch projection 420a is pressed by the lever 410, the third switch is turned on and thereby generates the interception signal. Upon transmission of the interception signal to the circuit part 220, the circuit part 220 stops the propelling motor 211 regardless of generation of the progression and the retrogression signals.

The interception unit 400 is dispensable in the self-propelling apparatus 130. However, since the cleaner body 110 is usually inclined by the operator during the cleaning work, it is preferable to equip the interception unit 400 capable of detecting the inclination of the cleaner body 110 so that the self-propelling apparatus 130 is operated only upon detection of the inclination of the cleaner body 110.

Hereinbelow, the operation of the self-propelling apparatus 130 will be described.

Referring to FIG. 1, when the operator moves forward the vacuum cleaner 100 in the arrowed direction C, the wheel part 310 is rotated about the wheel shaft 314 and is pivoted about the second connection member 324 in the direction E, that is, opposite to the moving direction of the vacuum cleaner 100 by inertia and friction of the wheel part 310 with the surface being cleaned. With reference to FIG. 4, the link member 321 connected with the wheel part 310 is also pivoted in the arrowed direction E, thereby being moved to a position shown in FIG. 5 from a position shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the right side S1 of the link member 321 presses the first switch projection 331a of the first switch 331. The first switch 331 generates the progression signal and as shown in FIG. 2, the progression signal is transmitted to the circuit part 220. The circuit part 220 rotates forward the propelling motor 211. Forward rotation oft he propelling motor 211 is transmitted to the left and the right auxiliary wheels 213a and 213b, thereby propelling the vacuum cleaner 100 forward in the arrowed direction C. Thus, once movement in the arrowed direction C is initiated by the operator, the vacuum cleaner 100 can be kept moving in the arrowed direction C by the self-propelling apparatus 130 without the operator having to keep propelling the vacuum cleaner 100 forward. If the operator forcibly seizes or stops the vacuum cleaner 100 from moving forward in the arrowed direction C, the link member 321 is pivoted in the arrowed direction F from the position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 4 so that the first switch projection 331a is no longer pressed. Accordingly, the first switch 331 quits generating and transmitting the progression signal to the circuit part 220 so that the circuit part 220 stops rotation of the propelling motor 211, and the forward running of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the arrowed direction C by the self-propelling apparatus 130 is stopped.

With reference to FIG. 1, when the operator moves backwards the vacuum cleaner 100 in the arrowed direction D, the wheel part 310 is rotated about the wheel shaft 314 and is pivoted about the second connection member 324 in the arrowed direction F, that is, opposite to the moving direction of the vacuum cleaner 100 by inertia and friction with the surface being cleaned. With reference to FIG. 4, the link member 321 connected with the wheel part 310 is also pivoted in the arrowed direction F, thereby being moved to a position shown in FIG. 6 from a position shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the left side S2 of the link member 321 presses the second switch projection 332a of the second switch 332. The second switch 332 generates the retrogression signal and as shown in FIG. 2, the retrogression signal is transmitted to the circuit pat 220. The circuit part 220 rotates backward the propelling motor 211. Backward rotation of the propelling motor 211 is transmitted to the left and the right auxiliary wheels 213a and 213b, thereby propelling the vacuum cleaner 100 backward in the arrowed direction D. Thus, once movement in the arrowed direction D is initiated by the operator, the vacuum cleaner 100 can be kept moving in the arrowed direction D by the self-propelling apparatus 130 without the operator having to keep propelling the vacuum cleaner 100 backward. If the operator forcibly seizes or stops the vacuum cleaner 100 from moving backward in the arrowed direction D, the link member 321 is pivoted in the arrowed direction E from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 6 so that the second switch projection 332a is no longer pressed. Accordingly, the second switch 332 quits generating and transmitting the retrogression signal to the circuit part 220 so that the circuit part 220 stops rotation of the propelling motor 211, and the backward running of the vacuum cleaner 100 in the arrowed direction D by the self-propelling apparatus 130 is stopped.

When the cleaner body 110 is in the upright posture as shown in FIG. 7, the lever 410 presses the third switch projection 420a. The third switch 420 generates the interception signal. As the interception signal is transmitted to the circuit part 220, the circuit part 220 stops the propelling motor 211 regardless of generation of the progression and the retrogression signals of the first and the second switches 331 and 332. Therefore, the vacuum cleaner 100 is not automatically moved forward and backward only upon initial application of the force of moving the vacuum cleaner 100 forward and backward.

Above all, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operator's action for moving the vacuum cleaner 100 forward or backward is transmitted through the wheel part 310 which is in direct contact with the surface being cleaned. Accordingly, the operator's intention can be correctly delivered, thereby improving reliability.

Second, since the sensor unit 300 is mechanically structured, reliability and durability thereof can be enhanced in spite of repeated use.

Third, since the structure does not demand a dedicated connection member, such as a linkage mechanism and cable, and a torque detector, simplified structure and low manufacturing cost can be implemented.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner in which a cleaner body is pivotably mounted to a brush assembly, comprising:

a sensor unit mounted to the brush assembly and having a wheel part which pivots in the opposite direction to a moving direction of the vacuum cleaner to generate progression and retrogression signals according to pivoting motion of the wheel part; and

a driving unit moving the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the progression and retrogression signals.

2. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit comprises:

a connection part connected with the wheel part and fixed to the brush assembly by one end thereof; and

a switch part turned on and off according to the connection part.

3. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wheel part comprises:

a wheel contacted with a surface being cleaned;

a housing supporting the wheel; and

a housing shaft disposed on an upper portion of the housing, and wherein the wheel part pivots by inertia and friction due to contact of the wheel part with the surface being cleaned.

4. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 3, wherein the connection part comprises:

a link member including a first via-hole for insertion of the housing shaft and a second via-hole for pivotable mounting to the brush assembly;

a resilient member disposed between the link member and the housing and fit around the housing shaft;

a first connection member fit with the housing shaft through the first via-hole so as to restrain escape of the link member from the housing shaft; and

a second connection member fit with the brush assembly through the second via-hole so that the link member can pivot on the brush assembly.

5. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 4, wherein the switch part comprises:

a first switch disposed on the right of the link member and pressed by a right side of the link member to thereby generate a progression signal; and

a second switch disposed on the left of the link member and pressed by a left side of the link member to thereby generate a retrogression signal.

6. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 5, wherein the switch part further comprises a switch cover for shielding and fixing the first and the second switches to the brush assembly.

7. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the driving unit comprises:

a power part mounted to the brush assembly; and

a circuit part processing the progression and retrogression signals and an interception signal so as to operate and stop the power part.

8. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an interception unit which generates the interception signal when the cleaner body is in an upright posture, and

wherein the interception unit comprises:

a lever mounted to the cleaner body; and

a third switch mounted to the brush assembly and pressed by the lever when the cleaner body is in the upright posture.

9. A self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner in which a cleaner body is pivotably mounted to a brush assembly, comprising:

a sensor unit including a wheel part which pivots in the opposite direction to a moving direction of the vacuum cleaner, a connection part connected with the wheel part and fixed to the brush assembly by one end thereof and a switch part turned on and off according to the connection part, and generating progression and retrogression signals according to pivoting motion of the wheel part;

an interception unit generating an interception signal when the cleaner body is in an upright posture; and

a driving unit moving the vacuum cleaner in accordance with the progression and retrogression signals.

10. A self-propelling apparatus for a vacuum cleaner, comprising:

a wheel part that pivots in a first direction in response to forward movement of the vacuum cleaner and a second direction in response to backward movement of the vacuum cleaner;

a first switch on a first side of said wheel part, said first switch being activated by said wheel part when pivoted in said first direction so that said first switch generates a progression signal;

a second switch on a second side of said wheel part, said second switch being activated by said wheel part when pivoted in said second direction so that said second switch generates a retrogression signal; and

a propelling motor for moving the vacuum cleaner forward in response to said progression signal and backward in response to said retrogression signal.

11. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a circuit part processing said progression and retrogression signals and transmitting said progression and retrogression signals to said propelling motor.

12. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a third switch for generating an interception signal when the vacuum cleaner is in an upright posture.

13. The self-propelling apparatus of claim 12, wherein said propelling motor stops moving the vacuum cleaner in response to said interception signal regardless of generation of said progression and retrogression signals.