AUTOMATIC CLEANER

Abstract

An automatic cleaner, which includes a casing including a suction port through which,a foreign substance is suctioned, a moving device that moves the casing, and a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing. The side brush assembly includes a brush rotating to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, to the suction port. A rotation shaft of the brush is moved according to a movement of the side brush assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 National Stage entry of International Application No. PCT/KR2012/007578, filed on Sep. 21, 2012, and claims priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0096101 (filed on Sep. 23, 2011) and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0128241 (filed on Dec. 2, 2011), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an automatic cleaner.

Cleaners may suction and remove a foreign substance from a cleaning surface. Recently, automatic cleaners for performing an automatic cleaning operation have been introduced. Automatic cleaners are moved by the driving force of a motor powered by a battery, to suction and remove a foreign substance from a floor.

In general, a moving device is installed on a casing which defines the appearance of an automatic cleaner. The moving device moves the automatic cleaner in a predetermined direction to suction a foreign substance from a floor. To this end, a suction port is disposed in the bottom of the casing to suction a foreign substance from a floor. A main brush, which directly contacts a foreign substance to suction the foreign substance through the suction port, may be disposed on the suction port.

However, the automatic cleaner suctions only a foreign substance located in a region under the casing, specifically, under the suction port. Thus, it may be difficult to effectively clean a region outside the footprint of the suction port.

To address this issue, a side brush may be disposed on the bottom of the casing. At any one time, at least one portion of the side brush extends outside the footprint of the casing. The side brush rotates relative to the casing to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, specifically, outside the footprint of the suction port, toward the suction port.

However, such automatic cleaners have the following limitations.

As described above, since a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the suction port can be suctioned through the suction port by means of rotation of the side brush, as the length of the side brush is increased, a cleaning area of the automatic cleaner is substantially increased. However, when the length of the side brush is increased, the side brush may be damaged while the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation or is stored. In addition, when the length of the side brush is increased, the automatic cleaner requires a large storage space. Thus, it may be inconvenient to store the automatic cleaner.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an automatic cleaner includes a casing including a suction port in a bottom portion of the casing through which a foreign substance is suctioned; a moving device that moves the casing; and a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing, wherein the side brush assembly includes a brush rotating to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, to the suction port, and a rotation shaft of the brush is moved according to a movement of the side brush assembly.

The side brush assembly may further include a movable member movably installed on the casing, and the brush may be rotatably installed on the movable member.

When the movable member is moved, an overlap area of the movable member and the casing may be varied.

When the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be located in a first position. When the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved to a second position.

While the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may stay in the second position.

While the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved between the first and second positions.

When the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved.

The brush may be rotated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, and the movable member may be moved when the casing approaches a wall with a predetermined distance.

The automatic cleaner may further include a first driving member that generates driving force to move the movable member; and a second driving member that generates driving force to rotate the brush.

The first driving member and the second driving member may be disposed on the casing.

The first driving member may be disposed on the casing, and the second driving member may be disposed on the movable member and be moved together with the movable member.

The movable member may be installed on the casing and be allowed to linearly move.

The movable member may be installed on the casing and be allowed to rotate about a rotation shaft.

The side brush assembly may be provided in plurality. When one of the side brush assemblies is adjacent to a wall, the movable member of the side brush assembly adjacent to the wall may be moved.

In another embodiment, an automatic cleaner includes a casing including a suction port through which a foreign substance is suctioned; a moving device that moves the casing; a main brush contacting a foreign substance through the suction port and removing the foreign substance; a main driving member that provides driving force to rotate the main brush; a movable member movably installed on the casing; a first driving member that provides driving force to move the movable member; and a brush rotatably installed on the movable member to direct a foreign substance to the suction port.

When the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be located in a first position. When the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member may be moved to a second position.

The automatic cleaner may further include a second driving member for driving the brush, wherein the second driving member is operated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation.

The automatic cleaner may further include a first sensing part for sensing the first position of the movable member; and a second sensing part for sensing the second position of the movable member.

The first driving member may be operated when the casing approaches a wall.

When the first driving member is operated, an overlap area of the movable member and the casing may be varied.

According to the embodiments, a side brush assembly can be withdrawn out of a casing, so as to effectively clean a corner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom of an automatic cleaner according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of the automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a second embodiment.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fifth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the bottom of an automatic cleaner according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an automatic cleaner 100 (hereinafter, referred to as a cleaner for convenience in description) according to one embodiment includes a casing 110 that defines the appearance of cleaner 100. Casing 110 may have a flat polyhedral shape, but is not limited thereto. Casing 110 accommodates various components constituting cleaner 100. For example, a suction member (not shown) for suctioning a foreign substance, and a collecting member (not shown) for collecting the suctioned foreign substance may be disposed in casing 110.

A suction port 111 is disposed in a bottom portion of casing 110. Suction port 111 functions as an inlet through which a foreign substance is suctioned into casing 110, particularly, into the collecting member by the suction member. Suction port 111 is formed by partially cutting the bottom portion of casing 110.

Seating recesses 113 are disposed in the bottom portion of casing 110. Seating recesses 113 are formed by upwardly recessing a portion of the bottom of casing 110. Although two seating recesses 113 are shown in FIG. 1 being disposed at each side of suction port 111, the number of seating recesses 113 are not limited thereto.

A main brush 120 is disposed inside of casing 110 on an area corresponding to suction port 111. Main brush 120 passes through suction port 111 to contact a foreign substance on a cleaning target surface and remove the foreign substance. Main brush 120 is exposed downward through suction port 111 and is rotatable. A main driving member 130 provides driving force for rotating main brush 120.

Casing 110 is provided with a moving device 140 for moving casing 110. Moving device 140 may include a driving motor (not shown) disposed in casing 110, and wheels rotated by the driving motor.

One or more side brush assemblies 150 may be installed on the bottom of casing 110. In at least one embodiment, side brush assembly 150 is provided in plurality on the bottom of casing 110.

Side brush assemblies 150 are movably installed on casing 110. For example, side brush assemblies 150 may be rotated to be selectively located at a lower side or outside of casing 110. Side brush assemblies 150 are configured such that the suction member suctions, through suction port 111, a foreign substance located outside the footprint of suction port 111.

Side brush assembly 150 may include a movable member 151 and a brush 152 rotatably installed on movable member 151.

In particular, movable member 151 may have an approximately polyhedral shape corresponding to seating recess 113. Movable member 151 may be disposed on the bottom surface of casing 110 and be rotatable about a vertical rotation shaft 151A (shown in FIG. 3). Since brush 152 is connected to movable member 151, which will be described later in detail, movable member 151 may be referred to as a brush holder.

Brush 152 may be rotatably installed on movable member 151. Specifically, brush 152 moves a foreign substance located outside of suction port 111 to the lower side of suction port 111. Brush 152 may include a plurality of bristles 153 spaced apart from each other by a preset angle. The number and position of bristles 153 are not specifically limited.

Side brush assembly 150 may also include a leg member 154.

Leg member 154 is disposed on a bottom surface of movable member 151. Leg member 154 spaces brush 152 from a cleaning target surface. Thus, brush 152 is prevented from tightly contacting a cleaning target surface during a cleaning operation, and is thus protected from damage and freely rotatable. To this end, the bottom surface of leg member 154 is substantially lower than the bottom surface of brush 152.

Side brush assembly 150 may include a first driving member 155 and a second driving member 156.

The first driving member 155 provides driving force for rotating movable member 151. First driving member 155 may be disposed in casing 110. First driving member 155 may directly transmit driving force to movable member 151, or indirectly transmit driving force to movable member 151 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown).

According to a movement of movable member 151 relative to casing 110, side brush assembly 150 is selectively located in one of a first position (refer to FIG. 3) and a second position (refer to FIG. 4). Side brush assembly 150 is located under casing 110 in the first position. In this case, a vertical projection of movable member 151 is located within a vertical projection of casing 110 (that is the moveable member 151 is within the footprint of casing 110). A portion of side brush assembly 150 is located outside the footprint of casing 110 in the second position. When side brush assembly 150 is moved between the first and second positions, a rotation shaft 152A of brush 152 may be horizontally moved.

When side brush assembly 150 is located in the second position, a portion of a vertical projection of movable member 151 is located outside of a vertical projection of casing 110, and the rest of the vertical projection of movable member 151 is located within the vertical projection of casing 110. That is, a vertical overlap area between movable member 151 and casing 110 may be varied according to a movement of side brush assembly 150. A vertical overlap area between movable member 151 and casing 110 is greater when side brush assembly 150 is in the first position than in the second position.

When side brush assembly 150 is in the second position, movable member 151 is seated in seating recess 113. When side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, a vertical projection of brush 152 is also located within the vertical projection of casing 110. When side brush assembly 150 is in the second position, a vertical projection of brush 152 is located on both the inside and outside of the vertical projection of casing 110. Alternatively, when side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, a portion of the vertical projection of brush 152 may be located outside of the vertical projection of casing 110.

Specifically, side brush assembly 150 may be selectively located in one of the first and second positions according to whether cleaner 100 is performing a cleaning operation. The cleaning operation may be an operation of the suction member. When cleaner 100 is not in the cleaning operation, side brush assembly 150 is in the first position. When cleaner 100 is in the cleaning operation, side brush assembly 150 is moved to the second position. That is, with respect to first driving member 155, the start of an operation of first driving member 155 for moving side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position may be synchronized with the start of the operation of the suction member. Additionally, the start of an operation of first driving member 155 for moving side brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position may be synchronized with the stop of the operation of the suction member. For convenience in description, an operation direction of first driving member 155 for moving side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position is referred to as a forward direction, and an operation direction of first driving member 155 for moving side brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position is referred to as a backward direction.

When side brush assembly 150 is provided in plurality on casing 110, movable members 151 of a portion of side brush assemblies 150 may be moved. For example, movable member 151 of side brush assembly 150 adjacent to a wall may be selectively moved from the first position to the second position.

Second driving member 156 provides driving force for rotating brush 152. For example, second driving member 156 may be disposed in casing 110 to transmit driving force to brush 152 through a separate driving force transmission member (not shown), or be disposed on movable member 151 to directly transmit driving force to brush 152. When second driving member 156 is disposed on movable member 151, second driving member 156 may be moved together with movable member 151.

The start and stop of an operation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of the suction member. In other words, the start and stop of the operation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start of a forward rotation of first driving member 155 and the stop of a backward rotation of first driving member 155.

Side brush assembly 150 may include a first switch 157 and a second switch 158.

First switch 157 and second switch 158 control operations of first driving member 155. In particular, when first driving member 155 rotates in the forward direction to move side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position, first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping first driving member 155. When first driving member 155 rotates in the backward direction to move side brush assembly 150 from the second position to the first position, second switch 158 generates a signal for stopping first driving member 155. For example, movable member 151 may turn first and second switches 157 and 158 on/off to generated signals.

Hereinafter, an operation of an automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to the first embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, when cleaner 100 is not in the cleaning operation, that is, when cleaner 100 is stored or charged, side brush assembly 150 is in the first position. Thus, side brush assembly 150 is substantially located under casing 110 and is thus not exposed outside the footprint of casing 110. Accordingly, a space for storing cleaner 100 can be decreased. Furthermore, when brush 152 is located under casing 110, the possibility of damage to brush 152 can be decreased while cleaner 100 is stored.

In this state, when the cleaning operation is started, an operation of a suction device is started to suction a foreign substance through suction port 111. In addition, moving device 140 is operated to move cleaner 100, thereby performing the cleaning operation.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the operation of the suction device is started, first driving member 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction. Accordingly, side brush assembly 150 is moved from the first position to the second position. In particular, when the operation of the suction device is started for the cleaning operation, first driving member 155 starts to rotate in the forward direction. Thus, first driving member 155 moves side brush assembly 150 from the first position to the second position.

When side brush assembly 150 arrives at the second position, first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward rotation of first driving member 155. Accordingly, the forward rotation of first driving member 155 is stopped, and thus, side brush assembly 150 stays in the second position.

When the operation of the suction device is started, second driving member 156 starts to rotate. Accordingly, brush 152 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside of suction port 111 to the lower side of suction port 111. The foreign substance, moved to the lower side of suction port 111 by brush 152, is suctioned by the suction device.

When the cleaning operation is ended, the operation of the suction device is ended. When cleaner 100 is located in a predetermined position such as a storing position or a charging position, the operation of moving device 140 is also ended.

When the operation of the suction device is ended, first driving member 155 starts to rotate in the backward direction. Accordingly, side brush assembly 150 is moved from the second position to the first position. When side brush assembly 150 arrives at the first position, second switch 158 generates a signal to stop the backward rotation of first driving member 155. When the backward rotation of first driving member 155 is stopped, the rotation of second driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation of brush 152 is also stopped.

Since side brush assembly 150 is in the first position, side brush assembly 150, particularly, brush 152 is prevented from being exposed outside the footprint of cleaner 100. Thus, side brush assembly 150 is prevented from being damaged while cleaner 100 is charged or stored.

Hereinafter, an automatic cleaner according to a second embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to the second embodiment. Like reference numerals denote like elements in the first and second embodiments, and a description of the same components as those of the first embodiment will be omitted in the second embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, while cleaner 100 performs a cleaning operation, side brush assemblies 150 are continually moved between first and second positions. That is, during the cleaning operation, side brush assembly 150 is not immobilized in the second position but is reciprocated along a predetermined trace between the first and second positions. Thus, a larger area can be cleaned by means of the reciprocation of side brush assembly 150.

In the above embodiment, the start of the forward rotation of a first driving member 155 and the start of the backward rotation thereof are synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of a suction member, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thus, for example, the forward rotation of first driving member 155 may be started after the operation of the suction member is started. In addition, the backward rotation of first driving member 155 may be stopped before the operation of the suction member is stopped.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the start and stop of the rotation of a second driving member 156 are synchronized with the start of the forward rotation of first driving member 155 and the stop of the backward rotation thereof, respectively, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Thus, for example, the start of the rotation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the stop of the forward rotation of first driving member 155. In addition, for example, the stop of the rotation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start of the backward rotation of first driving member 155.

In addition, operations of first and second driving members 155/156 may be linked with an operation of a main driving member. For example, the start of the forward rotation of first driving member 155 may be synchronized with the start of an operation of the main driving member. In addition, the start of the backward rotation of first driving member 155 may be synchronized with the stop of the operation of the main driving member. In addition, the start and stop of the rotation of second driving member 156 may be synchronized with the start and stop of the operation of the main driving member.

Furthermore, when casing 110 approaches a wall with a predetermined distance, first driving member 155 may be operated to move movable member 151.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are bottom views illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a third embodiment.

The current embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for a linear motion of side brush assemblies. Thus, a characterized part according to the current embodiment will be principally described.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a side brush assembly 160 according to the third embodiment may include a movable member 161 and a brush 162 rotatably disposed on movable member 161. Brush 162 includes a plurality of bristles 163. Movable member 161 may include a leg member 164.

Movable member 161 may linearly move in a back and forth direction.

When cleaner 100 is not in a cleaning operation, that is, when cleaner 100 is stored or charged, side brush assembly 160 is in a first position. Thus, side brush assembly 160 is substantially located underneath a casing 110 and is thus not exposed outside the footprint of casing 110. Accordingly, a space for storing cleaner 100 can be decreased. Furthermore, when brush 162 is located under casing 110, the possibility of damage to brush 162 can be decreased while cleaner 100 is stored.

In this state, when the cleaning operation is started, an operation of a suction device is started to suction a foreign substance through a suction port 111. In addition, a moving device 140 is operated to move cleaner 100, thereby performing the cleaning operation.

When the operation of the suction device is started, a first driving member 155 starts to operate in a forward direction. Accordingly, side brush assembly 160 is moved from the first position to a second position. In particular, when the operation of the suction device is started for the cleaning operation, first driving member 155 starts to operate in the forward direction. Thus, first driving member 155 linearly moves side brush assembly 160 from the first position to the second position.

When side brush assembly 160 arrives at the second position, a first switch 157 generates a signal for stopping the forward operation of first driving member 155. Accordingly, the forward operation of first driving member 155 is stopped, and thus, side brush assembly 160 stays in the second position.

When the operation of the suction device is started, a second driving member 156 starts to operate. Accordingly, brush 162 is rotated to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of suction port 111 to the lower side of suction port 111. The foreign substance, moved to the lower side of suction port 111 by brush 162, is suctioned by the suction device.

When the cleaning operation is ended, the operation of the suction device is ended. When cleaner 100 is located in a predetermined position such as a storing position or a charging position, the operation of moving device 140 is also ended.

When the operation of the suction device is ended, first driving member 155 starts to operate in a backward direction. Accordingly, side brush assembly 160 is moved from the second position to the first position. When side brush assembly 160 arrives at the first position, a second switch 158 generates a signal to stop the backward operation of first driving member 155. When the backward operation of first driving member 155 is stopped, the operation of second driving member 156 is stopped. Accordingly, the rotation of brush 162 is also stopped.

Since side brush assembly 160 is in the first position, side brush assembly 160, particularly, brush 162 is prevented from being exposed outside the footprint of cleaner 100. Thus, side brush assembly 160 is prevented from being damaged while cleaner 100 is charged or stored.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fourth embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, a side brush assembly 170 according to the fourth embodiment, that is, a movable member 171 is linearly movable in a lateral direction (a left and right direction) of a casing 110. In other words, side brush assembly 170, that is, movable member 171 may be linearly movable in a direction parallel to a rotation shaft of a wheel constituting a moving device 140. Other components constituting side brush assembly 170, that is, a leg member 174 and a brush 172 including bristles 173 may be the same as those of the first embodiment. Also, a first driving member 155 for moving movable member 171, a second driving member 156 of rotating brush 172, and first and second switches 157 and 158 for controlling operations of first driving member 155 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view illustrating operations of side brush assemblies of an automatic cleaner according to a fifth embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, a side brush assembly 180 according to the fifth embodiment, that is, a movable member 181 is linearly movable in a diagonal direction of a casing 110. In other words, movable member 181 may be linearly movable in a direction crossing a rotation shaft of a wheel constituting a moving device 140.

When casing 110 has a circular shape, it may be difficult to clean an area located at approximately 45° about the center of casing 110.

Since a corner of a cleaning region is located at approximately 45° about the center of casing 110, movable member 181 is moved in a line inclined at about 45° from the rotation shaft of the wheel constituting moving device 140, thereby effectively cleaning the corner.

A component constituting side brush assembly 180, that is, a brush 182 including bristles 183 may be the same as that of the first embodiment. Also, a first driving member 155 for moving movable member 181, a second driving member 156 of rotating brush 182, and first and second switches 157 and 158 for controlling operations of first driving member 155 may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. An automatic cleaner comprising:

a casing comprising a suction port in a bottom portion of the casing through which a foreign substance is suctioned;

a moving device that moves the casing; and

a side brush assembly movably installed on the casing,

wherein the side brush assembly comprises a brush rotating to move a foreign substance located outside the footprint of the casing, to the suction port, and a rotation shaft of the brush is moved according to a movement of the side brush assembly.

22. The automatic cleaner of claim 21, wherein the side brush assembly further comprises a movable member movably installed on the casing, and

the brush is rotatably installed on the movable member.

23. The automatic cleaner of claim 22, wherein when the movable member is moved, an overlap area of the movable member and the casing is varied.

24. The automatic cleaner of claim 22, wherein when the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member is located in a first position, and

when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member is moved to a second position.

25. The automatic cleaner of claim 24, wherein while the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member stays in the second position.

26. The automatic cleaner of claim 24, wherein while the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member is moved between the first and second positions.

27. The automatic cleaner of claim 22, wherein when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member is moved.

28. The automatic cleaner of claim 22, wherein the brush is rotated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, and

the movable member is moved when the casing approaches a wall with a predetermined distance.

29. The automatic cleaner of claim 22, further comprising:

a first driving member that generates driving force to move the movable member; and

a second driving member that generates driving force to rotate the brush.

30. The automatic cleaner of claim 29, wherein the first driving member and the second driving member are disposed on the casing.

31. The automatic cleaner of claim 29, wherein the first driving member is disposed on the casing, and

the second driving member is disposed on the movable member and is moved together with the movable member.

32. The automatic cleaner of claim 22, wherein the movable member is installed on the casing and is allowed to linearly move.

33. The automatic cleaner of claim 22, wherein the movable member is installed on the casing and is allowed to rotate about a rotation shaft.

34. The automatic cleaner of claim 22, wherein the side brush assembly is provided in plurality, and

when one of the side brush assemblies is adjacent to a wall, the movable member of the side brush assembly adjacent to the wall is moved.

35. An automatic cleaner comprising:

a casing comprising a suction port through which a foreign substance is suctioned;

a moving device that moves the casing;

a main brush contacting a foreign substance through the suction port and removing the foreign substance;

a main driving member that provides driving force to rotate the main brush;

a movable member movably installed on the casing;

a first driving member that provides driving force to move the movable member; and

a brush rotatably installed on the movable member to direct a foreign substance to the suction port.

36. The automatic cleaner of claim 35, wherein when the automatic cleaner is not in a cleaning operation, the movable member is located in a first position, and

when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation, the movable member is moved to a second position.

37. The automatic cleaner of claim 36, further comprising a second driving member to drive the brush,

wherein the second driving member is operated when the automatic cleaner is in a cleaning operation.

38. The automatic cleaner of claim 36, further comprising:

a first sensing part to sense the first position of the movable member; and

a second sensing part to sense the second position of the movable member.

39. The automatic cleaner of claim 35, wherein the first driving member is operated when the casing approaches a wall.

40. The automatic cleaner of claim 35, wherein when the first driving member is operated, an overlap area of the movable member and the casing is varied.