DE102020133682A1 - Movable cleaning robot - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a movable cleaning robot (100), in particular one that moves up and down stairs. The cleaning robot (100) comprises a housing (8), a first lifting device (1) and a cleaning device (5). The first lifting device (1) comprises a first linear chain (8) on which a rotary element (10, 20) is arranged and which is movably arranged on the housing (8) for raising and/or lowering the rotary element (10, 20).

Description

The invention relates to a movable cleaning robot, in particular a cleaning robot that moves up and down stairs.

Such cleaning robots are known in the prior art.

For example, from the KR 10 1016775 B1 a cleaning robot for stairs that can clean stairs independently. The cleaning robot has a front and a rear slide, which require the robot to be at least as high as the stair step to be climbed. However, such an overall height prevents cleaning under pieces of furniture with a low clearance height.

From the DE 10 2016 111819 A1 another cleaning robot for stairs is known. This cleaning robot works with a front lifting mechanism, comprising a swivel arm, and a rear lifting mechanism, comprising a vertical lifting mechanism. The vertical lifting gear is designed as a scissor lifting gear with two crossing articulated levers. As an alternative to this, two articulated levers pivoting in opposite directions are proposed. These solutions have the disadvantage that both the front and the rear elevator require a lot of space. In particular, the scissor lift system and the articulated lever system take up the entire installation space in the vertical direction. Thus, the robot cleaner cannot be used to clean floor surfaces where there is little space in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the pivoting movement of the pivoting arm, with which the robot is to be lifted to the next level, is intended to shift the robot's center of gravity, which, because of the length of the lever, requires a disproportionately high expenditure of force. With regard to the rear lifting gear, the problem with both the solution with the scissor lifting gear and the solution with the articulated levers is that moving it from the rest position requires a great deal of effort. Furthermore, moving the cleaning robot when climbing stairs can be shaky.

In particular, the present invention is based on the object of proposing a mobile cleaning robot that is particularly compact and space-saving, so that cleaning a floor area under pieces of furniture is possible, but is also set up to climb stairs in a stable manner and with relatively little effort for the lifting movement to drive.

This problem is solved by the combination of features of the independent claim. The dependent claims relate to advantageous developments and aspects of the invention.

A stair-moving cleaning robot is proposed, which comprises a housing, a first lifting device and a cleaning device. The first lifting device includes a first linear chain. A rotary element is arranged on the first linear chain, with the first linear chain being movably arranged on the housing in order to raise and/or lower the rotary element. The first linear chain advantageously acts as a lifting element.

The first lifting device offers the advantage of a compact structure, as a result of which the movable cleaning robot according to the invention can be made more compact and space-saving, in particular compared to a cleaning robot with a different type of lifting device. This is made possible by the fact that the first rigid chain of the first lifting device requires little storage space when retracted, as a result of which the cleaning robot can be built with a low overall height. This means that the cleaning robot can also be used to clean floor surfaces with height restrictions, such as under pieces of furniture with a low clearance height. Furthermore, the first linear chain can be accommodated in the housing due to its compact design. Thus, the first lifting device can be protected from potential collisions by the housing. The space saving achieved through the use of the first rigid chain in the first lifting device also means that other components of the cleaning robot can also be accommodated in the housing. Thus, it is possible for an exterior surface of the housing to be free of components, particularly components that are fragile and/or bulky. In addition, the first linear chain requires less effort for a lifting movement of the cleaning robot than other lifting elements. In particular, the first linear chain can provide the lifting force required to erect itself from the retracted position (rest position or zero position). The use of the first linear chain in the first lifting device also has the advantage that the torque for the lifting movement is independent of an extension height. As a result, the movement of the first linear chain is not influenced by the step height and/or the stair geometry. The cleaning robot can therefore also drive on spiral staircases. In addition, the stability of the cleaning robot when driving up stairs can be improved due to the structure and the kinematics of the rigid chain.

It should be noted that the term "movable" means that the cleaning robot is movable. Furthermore, the term “robot” means that the cleaning robot can move independently (autonomously) and carry out the cleaning of a floor surface to be cleaned in an automated manner.

As already described, the first linear chain of the first lifting device acts as a lifting element. It is to be understood that, in order to climb a staircase, the cleaning robot comprises not only the first lifting device with the first linear chain, but also at least one further lifting device with at least one lifting element. However, for the above-mentioned advantages to occur in the cleaning robot, the at least one further lifting device does not have to be designed like the first lifting device. This means that it is sufficient if only one of the lifting elements is designed as a linear chain. In other words, it can be said that the cleaning robot of the present invention can have a lifting device arrangement with a plurality of lifting devices, which includes a first lifting device, which includes a first linear chain, on which a rotary element is arranged and which is used to raise and/or lower the Rotating element is movably arranged on the housing. The term “plurality of lifting devices” here means that the lifting device arrangement comprises at least two lifting devices.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the rotation element is designed as a freely rotatable rotation element, in particular as a freely rotatable wheel or freely rotatable ball. In the context of the invention, “freely rotatable” means in particular that the rotary element can be rotated on a surface when the rotary element contacts the floor and the cleaning robot moves. This means that the freely rotatable rotation element is not set up to set the cleaning robot in motion. Thus, the freely rotatable rotation element can be used (only) as a support element. The term “rotatable” can be replaced by the term “rotatable” within the scope of the invention, particularly in combination with the feature of the rotating element designed as a sphere. The difference between a freely rotating wheel and a freely rotating ball is that the freely rotating wheel can only rotate about one axis, whereas the ball can rotate about any number of axes.

According to an alternative advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotating element is designed as a drive wheel. Within the scope of the invention, a drive wheel is set up to set the cleaning robot in motion. That is, the driving property of the driving wheel refers to the driving wheel serving as a driving member of the cleaning robot. For this purpose, an electric motor is advantageously attached to the drive wheel in such a way that the drive wheel can be rotated by the electric motor.

The drive wheel can in particular be designed as a conventional wheel. A conventional wheel is a wheel which has a running surface whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation of the conventional wheel.

The movement of the cleaning robot is preferably controlled via the rotational speeds of the drive wheels.

The movable cleaning robot preferably also includes a second lifting device. The second lifting device comprises a first linear chain, on which a rotary element is arranged and which is movably arranged on the housing for raising and/or lowering the rotary element. The advantages described with reference to the first lifting device also relate to the second lifting device.

The first lifting device and the second lifting device are particularly preferably the only lifting devices of the movable cleaning robot. In other words, the mobile cleaning robot comprises only the first lifting device and the second lifting device for lifting the cleaning robot, in particular for climbing stairs.

The rotary element of the first linear chain of the first lifting device is preferably designed as a freely rotatable rotary element, with the rotary element of the first linear chain of the second lifting device being designed as a drive wheel.

The first lifting device is preferably arranged in front of the second lifting device in a forward direction of the movable cleaning robot. In other words, the first lifting device of the cleaning robot for/when driving up stairs or placing the rotary element arranged on the first rigid chain on a step to drive up the stairs is advantageously arranged closer to the step compared to the second lifting device.

Advantageously, the forward direction is to be understood as the main movement direction of the cleaning robot, in which the cleaning robot can essentially be moved as a unit in order to drive up a flight of stairs. If the cleaning robot has a front end, a rear end, a right end and a left end, then corresponds to the forward direction of the cleaning robot prefers the direction from the rear end to the front end. If a coordinate system with a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a vertical axis analogous to the axes of a vehicle has been stored on the cleaning robot, in particular in a control device of the cleaning robot, the forward direction of the cleaning robot corresponds to the positive direction of the longitudinal axis. The forward direction is preferably horizontal. More preferably, the forward direction corresponds to a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating element(s) and parallel to the surface on which the rotating element(s) is/are rotatable.

Furthermore, the mobile cleaning robot preferably comprises at least one freely rotatable rotary element and/or at least one drive wheel, which is/are fixed to the housing, i.e. the at least one freely rotatable rotary element and/or the at least one drive wheel cannot be moved relative to the housing is/are arranged. In this case, the at least one freely rotatable rotary element and/or the at least one drive wheel can perform a rotary movement/rotary movement. The at least one freely rotatable rotation element fixedly arranged on the housing can, like the freely rotatable rotation element arranged on a respective linear chain, also be designed as a freely rotatable wheel or freely rotatable ball.

The at least one drive wheel fixedly arranged on the housing is advantageously arranged in front of the first lifting device in a forward direction of the movable cleaning robot. In other words, the at least one drive wheel of the cleaning robot, which is fixed to the housing, is advantageously arranged closer to the stair step in comparison to the first lifting device for/when raising a staircase or placing the rotary element arranged on the first linear chain on a stair step for raising the staircase.

Furthermore, the at least one freely rotatable rotation element fixedly arranged on the housing is advantageously arranged behind the first lifting device in the forward direction of the movable cleaning robot. In other words, the first lifting device of the cleaning robot for/when driving up a staircase or placing the rotary element arranged on the first linear chain on a step for driving up the staircase is advantageously closer to the step in comparison to the at least one freely rotatable rotary element fixedly arranged on the housing arranged.

Furthermore, the at least one freely rotatable rotation element fixedly arranged on the housing is advantageously arranged in front of the second lifting device in the forward direction of the movable cleaning robot. In other words, the at least one freely rotatable rotary element of the cleaning robot, which is fixed to the housing, is advantageously closer to the stair step for/when driving up a staircase or placing the rotary element arranged on the first linear chain on a step to ascend the staircase compared to the second lifting device arranged.

A respective lifting device preferably also includes a second rigid chain. A corresponding rotary element, i.e. a rotary element of the same type as the rotary element of the first linear chain of the respective lifting device, is arranged on the second linear chain. In other words, the first lifting device can preferably have a first linear chain and a second linear chain, with a freely rotatable rotation element being arranged on each linear chain. Correspondingly, the second lifting device can preferably have a first linear chain and a second linear chain, with a drive wheel being arranged on each linear chain.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one freely rotatable rotating element fixed to the housing is arranged between the first lifting device and the second lifting device. Furthermore, the first lifting device is arranged between the at least one drive wheel fixedly arranged on the housing and the at least one freely rotatable rotation element fixedly arranged on the housing. In other words, according to the particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one drive wheel fixed to the housing on a first axis, the rotating element(s) on the first linear chain and/or the second linear chain of the first lifting device on a second axis, the at least one freely rotatable rotation element fixed to the housing on a third axis and the rotation element/rotation elements on the first linear chain and/or the second linear chain of the second lifting device on a fourth axis. The first axle is preferably the front axle, with the fourth axle being the rear axle. It should be noted that the second axis and the fourth axis are height-adjustable axes, since the corresponding rotation elements can be raised and lowered by means of linear chains.

The first linear chain and the second linear chain of the respective lifting device are preferably connected by means of a common drive device movable. In other words, the first linear chain and the second linear chain of the first lifting device can preferably be movable by means of a first drive device. Correspondingly, the first linear chain and the second linear chain of the second lifting device can preferably be movable by means of a second drive device.

The drive device of a respective lifting device preferably comprises an electric motor and two drive shafts. The electric motor is arranged between the first rigid chain and the second rigid chain and is connected to each rigid chain via a drive shaft. In particular, each drive shaft can be coupled to a motor shaft via a coupling device. Furthermore, a gear is advantageously provided for each linear chain, which is connected to the corresponding drive shaft and set up to convert a rotary movement of the corresponding drive shaft into a linear movement of the corresponding linear chain, so that both linear chains are lowered or raised together.

Alternatively, the drive device can preferably comprise an electric motor and a toothed belt. The electric motor is arranged on the side of the housing. The electric motor is coupled to the first rigid chain by means of a first gear. The electric motor is coupled to the second linear chain via the toothed belt and a second gear. A rotary movement of the electric motor can be transmitted to the second gear by means of the toothed belt, with the gear being set up to convert the rotary movement of the electric motor into a linear movement of the second linear chain, so that both linear chains can be run down or up together.

Both drive devices for the first lifting device and the second lifting device are preferably of the same design or of the same type. However, it is also possible for one lifting device to be driven by one of the drive devices described above and for the other lifting device to be driven by the other drive device.

The movable cleaning robot preferably includes a guide device for guiding a respective rigid chain. The guiding device preferably comprises a telescope (telescopic device). The guide device ensures that the linear chain in question is guided when it is lowered.

The telescope is advantageously arranged on the housing, in particular perpendicular to an underside of the housing. In order to guide the respective linear chain, the telescope is set up to be moved along with the linear chain. For this purpose, the telescope is advantageously connected to the linear chain. This means that in this case the telescope does not have an active drive (e.g. electric motor), but the telescope is set in motion by the movement of the linear chain. However, it is also possible for the telescope to have an active drive, so that the telescope contributes to the raising and/or lowering of the rotary element arranged on the respective rigid chain. The telescope has a retracted position, which advantageously corresponds to the retracted position of the rigid chain, and an extended position, which advantageously corresponds to the extended position of the rigid chain.

The guiding device of a respective linear chain particularly preferably comprises only one telescope. In other words, the guide device of a respective linear chain can be designed as a telescope.

However, it is also possible for the guide device to include a scissor lifting system in addition to the telescope. A first end of the scissors lifting system is arranged on the housing and a second end of the scissors lifting system is arranged on the respective linear chain, in particular on an end of the linear chain on the rotating element side. It should be noted that the scissor lift system is not set up to raise and lower the rotating element arranged on the linear chain. In other words, the scissor lifting system is not driven by an active drive (e.g. electric motor), but is set in motion by the movement of the linear chain.

The cleaning robot particularly preferably includes a guide device for each linear chain. In other words, a number of guiding devices corresponds to a number of linear chains, with each linear chain of the cleaning robot being assigned a guiding device.

If a respective lifting device comprises a first linear chain and a second linear chain, both the first linear chain and the second linear chain can preferably be guided by connecting the first linear chain and the second linear chain of the respective lifting device to one another by means of a rigid connecting element. The rigid connecting element can be designed as a rod, for example. In other words, the first linear chain and the second linear chain of a respective lifting device can be preferred wise be rigidly connected to each other. The rigid connection of the first rigid chain to the second rigid chain, eg at the ends of the rigid chains on the rotating element side, can be provided in addition or as an alternative to a previously described guiding device for the first rigid chain or to a previously described guiding device for the second rigid chain.

If a respective lifting device comprises a first rigid chain and a second rigid chain, according to an alternative formulation a guiding device of the first rigid chain can comprise a rigid connecting element and the second rigid chain, wherein a guiding device of the second rigid chain can comprise the rigid connecting element and the first rigid chain.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first linear chain and/or the second linear chain of a respective lifting device can be transposed in a magazine. This is particularly advantageous if a minimum overall height of the cleaning robot is to be achieved. Furthermore, this configuration offers the advantage that the smallest possible distance between the first linear chain and the second linear chain of a respective lifting device can be achieved.

Alternatively or in addition to the magazine, the first linear chain and/or the second linear chain of a respective lifting device, in particular the first lifting device, can be arranged on the housing, particularly preferably at an angle or parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cleaning robot. The longitudinal axis is parallel to a forward direction of the cleaning robot. Thus, a longer chain length for the first linear chain and/or the second linear chain of the respective lifting device is possible.

However, it is also conceivable that the first linear chain and/or the second linear chain of a respective lifting device is arranged on the housing perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning robot.

A respective linear chain of a respective lifting device, advantageously each linear chain of the cleaning robot, is arranged in a displaceable manner, in particular on the housing. Furthermore, each linear chain of a respective lifting device, preferably each linear chain of the cleaning robot, has a retracted position (first end position) and an extended position (second end position). In the retracted position, the respective rigid chain extends essentially parallel to a surface of the housing on which the rigid chain is arranged. This means in particular that the part of the rigid chain that is parallel to this surface of the housing is larger than the part of the rigid chain that is perpendicular to the surface. In the extended position, the part of the linear chain that is perpendicular to the surface of the housing is longer than that in the retracted position.

Furthermore, the cleaning robot includes a control device that is set up to control the cleaning device and/or the movement of a respective linear chain, in particular all linear chains, and/or the driving of the drive wheels and thus the movement of the cleaning robot.

Each drive wheel of the movable cleaning robot is preferably designed as an omnidirectional wheel. If the cleaning robot has at least four drive wheels configured as omnidirectional wheels, the cleaning robot can move in any direction and rotate the cleaning robot about an axis perpendicular to the surface on which the cleaning robot is moving. In particular, the omnidirectional wheels are designed as Mecanum wheels. Other types of omnidirectional wheels such as the Liddiard wheel are also possible. An omnidirectional wheel is a wheel that has rollers whose axes of rotation are at an angle to the axis of rotation of the omnidirectional wheel (main wheel). A Mecanum wheel is designed in particular in such a way that several rotatably mounted barrel-shaped rollers are mounted on its circumference at an angle to the axis of the entire wheel. These rollers have no direct drive and are free to rotate around their slanted bearing axis.

The cleaning robot can preferably be designed as a vacuum robot. Here, the cleaning device is designed as a suction device. However, it is also possible for the cleaning device to have two or more, in particular different, cleaning devices, so that a large number of cleaning jobs can be carried out using the movable cleaning robot.

• 1 eine vereinfachte schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Reinigungsroboters gemäß einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit Blickrichtung von oben auf den Reinigungsroboter,
• 2 eine vereinfachte schematische Ansicht eines Bereichs des Reinigungsroboters aus 1,
• 3 eine vereinfachte schematische Ansicht eines weiteren Bereichs des Reinigungsroboters aus 1,
• 4 eine vereinfachte schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Antriebsvorrichtung des Reinigungsroboters gemäß dem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,
• 5 eine vereinfachte schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Antriebsvorrichtung eines Reinigungsroboters gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 6 eine vereinfachte schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Bereichs eines Reinigungsroboters gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung,
• 7 eine vereinfachte schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Reinigungsroboters gemäß einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung mit Blickrichtung von oben auf den Reinigungsroboter,
• 8 eine vereinfachte schematische Draufsicht eines Reinigungsroboters gemäß einem fünften Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung, und
• 9-12 stark vereinfachte Seitenansichten eines Reinigungsroboters 100 gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in unterschiedlichen Phasen während des Befahrens einer Treppe.

Further details, advantages and features of the present invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing, in which identical or functionally identical components are each provided with the same reference symbols. It shows:

• 1 a simplified schematic perspective view of a cleaning robot according to a first embodiment of the present invention looking down on the cleaning robot,
• 2 Figure 12 shows a simplified schematic view of a portion of the cleaning robot 1 ,
• 3 shows a simplified schematic view of another area of the cleaning robot 1 ,
• 4 a simplified schematic perspective view of a drive device of the cleaning robot according to the first embodiment,
• 5 a simplified schematic perspective view of a drive device of a cleaning robot according to a second embodiment of the present invention,
• 6 a simplified schematic perspective view of a portion of a cleaning robot according to a third embodiment of the present invention,
• 7 a simplified schematic perspective view of a cleaning robot according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention looking down on the cleaning robot,
• 8th a simplified schematic plan view of a cleaning robot according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and
• 9-12 highly simplified side views of a cleaning robot 100 according to the present invention in different phases while climbing a staircase.

In the following, with reference to the 1 until 4 a movable cleaning robot 100, in particular one that travels up and down stairs, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

How out 1 As can be seen, the cleaning robot 100 comprises a housing 8 in which a first lifting device 1, a second lifting device 2, a cleaning device 5 and a control device 6 are at least partially accommodated. The control device 6 is set up to control the first lifting device 1, the second lifting device 2 and the cleaning device 5 accordingly.

In this embodiment, the cleaning device 5 is designed as a suction device. Thus, the cleaning robot 100 is a vacuum robot. However, the cleaning device 5 can have another cleaning device or a multiplicity of different cleaning devices, so that a multiplicity of cleaning work can be guaranteed by means of the movable cleaning robot 100 .

As also in 1 can be seen, the first lifting device 1 comprises a first linear chain 11 and a second linear chain 12. A rotational element in the form of a freely rotatable rotational element 10 is arranged on the linear chains 11, 12 in each case. Each linear chain 11, 12 is arranged to be displaceable on the housing 8 in order to raise and/or lower the corresponding rotary element 20. The freely rotatable rotation elements 20 are each designed in particular as a sphere.

Correspondingly, the second lifting device 2 comprises a first linear chain 21 and a second linear chain 22. A rotary element in the form of a drive wheel 20 is arranged on the linear chains 21, 22 in each case. Each linear chain 11, 12 is arranged to be displaceable on the housing 8 in order to raise and/or lower the corresponding drive wheel 20.

The raising of the freely rotatable rotary elements 10 and the drive wheels 20 causes the cleaning robot 100 to be lowered, wherein the lowering of the freely rotatable rotary elements 10 and the drive wheels 20 leads to a raising of the cleaning robot 100 when the freely rotatable rotary elements 10 and the drive wheels 20 hit the ground to contact.

The first lifting device 1 and the second lifting device 2 are particularly preferably the only lifting devices of the movable cleaning robot 100. In other words, the cleaning robot 100 comprises only the first lifting device 1 and the second lifting device 2 for lifting the cleaning robot 100.

Furthermore, the cleaning robot 100 comprises a freely rotatable rotary element 4 and a drive wheel 3 which are fixedly arranged on the housing 8 . The freely rotatable rotation element 4 is designed as a freely rotatable wheel and the drive wheel 3 as a conventional wheel. The arranged on the push chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 drive wheels 20 are also designed as conventional wheels. A conventional wheel is a wheel that has a running surface whose axis of rotation coincides with the axis of rotation of the entire wheel.

The movement of the cleaning robot 100 is preferably controlled via the rotational speeds of the drive wheels 20 arranged on the linear chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 and of the drive wheel 3 arranged fixedly on the housing.

Out of 1 it also follows that the first lifting device 1 in a forward direction 600 of the cleaning robot 100 in front of the second lifting device device 2 is arranged. Advantageously, the forward direction is to be understood as the main direction of movement, in which the cleaning robot 100 can essentially be moved as a unit in order to drive up a flight of stairs. In particular, the forward direction 600 corresponds to a direction from a rear end 82 to a front end 81 of the housing 8. In 1 a right end 83 and a left end 84 of the housing 8 are also shown. The forward direction 600 of the cleaning robot 100 is parallel to a longitudinal axis 105 of the cleaning robot 100. Furthermore, FIG 1 a transverse axis 106 of the cleaning robot 100 is drawn in, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 105 .

That is, in the forward direction 600 of the cleaning robot 100, the first lifter 1 is the front lifter and the second lifter 2 is the rear lifter. In other words, the first lifting device 1 is the lifting device whose rotating elements, namely the freely rotatable rotating elements 10, can be placed on a step of a staircase in front of the rotating elements of the second lifting device 2, namely the drive wheels 20.

The drive wheel 3 fixedly arranged on the housing 8 is arranged in front of the first lifting device 1 in the forward direction 600 of the cleaning robot 100 . Furthermore, the freely rotatable rotary element 4 fixedly arranged on the housing 8 is arranged behind the first lifting device 1 and in front of the second lifting device 2 in the forward direction 600 of the cleaning robot 100 .

Thus, the freely rotatable rotation element 4 fixedly arranged on the housing 8 is positioned between the first lifting device 1 and the second lifting device 2 . Furthermore, the first lifting device 1 is positioned between the drive wheel 3 fixedly arranged on the housing 8 and the freely rotatable rotation element 4 fixedly arranged on the housing 8 . In particular, the drive wheel 3 that is fixed to the housing 8 is on a first axis 101, the freely rotatable rotary elements 10 that are arranged on the linear chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 are on a second axis 102, the freely rotatable rotary element 4 that is fixed to the housing 8 on a third axis 103 and arranged on the push chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 drive wheels 20 are arranged on a fourth axis 104. In this case, the first axle 101 is the front axle, with the fourth axle 104 being the rear axle. It should also be noted that the second axis 102 and the fourth axis 104 are height-displaceable axes.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first linear chain 11 and the second linear chain 12 of the first lifting device 1 and the first linear chain 21 and the second linear chain 22 of the second lifting device 2 are arranged on the housing 8 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 105 of the cleaning robot 100 . This means that in this exemplary embodiment, the rigid chains 11 , 12 , 21 , 22 are arranged on the housing 8 in such a way that their longitudinal axes are parallel to the transverse axis 106 of the cleaning robot 100 .

A distance 110 between the front end 81 of the housing 8 and the second lifting device 2, in particular the second axis 104, in the longitudinal axis 105 of the cleaning robot 100 is advantageously less than or equal to a stair tread or a step width of a stair.

To guide the linear chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 and the linear chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 when lowering, the cleaning robot 100 has a guiding device 7 for each linear chain 11, 12, 21, 22.

Like the 2 , 3 can be seen, all guide devices 7 are preferably designed as telescopes 70 .

The telescopes 70 are each fastened to the housing 8 via one end and connected via the other end to the end of the corresponding linear chain on the side of the rotating element. The telescopes 70 do not have an active drive. The telescopes are thus moved by the push chains 11, 12, 21, 22 during a movement of the push chains 11, 12, 21, 22. In both 2 , 3 are the telescopes 70 and the linear chains 11, 12, 21, 22 in an extended position.

In order to move the first linear chain 11 and the second linear chain 12 of the first lifting device 1 and the first linear chain 21 and the second linear chain 22 of the second lifting device 2, the cleaning robot 100 comprises a drive device 9 for each lifting device 1, 2. The drive device 9 is in 4 shown.

For the sake of simplicity, the drive device 9 for the first lifting device 1 is described below. However, the drive device for the second lifting device 2 can be of the same design.

How out 4 As can be seen, the drive device 9 comprises an electric motor 90 and two drive shafts 93. The electric motor 90 is arranged between the first rigid chain 11 and the second rigid chain 12 of the first lifting device 1. Furthermore, the electric motor 90 is connected to the first linear chain 11 via a drive shaft 93 and to the second linear chain 12 via a further drive shaft 93 . In particular, can each drive shaft 93 may be coupled to a motor shaft of the electric motor 90 via a clutch device 94 . Furthermore, a first gear 91 is provided, which is connected to the drive shaft 93 and set up to convert a rotary movement of the drive shaft 93 into a linear movement of the first linear chain 11 . Accordingly, a second gear 92 is provided, which is connected to the additional drive shaft 93 and set up to convert a rotational movement of the additional drive shaft 93 into a linear movement of the second rigid chain 12 . The first gear 91 and the second gear 92 are set up in such a way that the first linear chain 11 and the second linear chain 12 are lowered or raised together. In 4 only a part, in particular a part on the engine side, of the first gear 91 and the second gear 92 is shown in each case. Furthermore, the first gear 91 and the second gear 92 each have a part on the rigid chain side. For example, the motor-side parts of the first gear 91 and the second gear 92 can each have an engaging element, eg a gear wheel. The part of the first gear mechanism 91 on the rigid chain side can comprise an engagement area of the first linear chain 11 and the part of the second gear mechanism 92 on the rigid chain side can comprise an engagement area of the second linear chain 12, the engagement areas being in engagement with the engagement elements.

In 5 a drive device 9 is shown in a cleaning robot 100 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of simplicity, the drive device 9 is described with reference to the first lifting device 1 . However, the second lifting device 2 can also be driven by a drive device of the same design.

In this exemplary embodiment, the drive device 9 comprises an electric motor 90 and a toothed belt 95. The electric motor 90 is arranged on the housing 8 at the side. The electric motor 90 is coupled to the first rigid chain 11 of the first lifting device 1 by means of a first gear 91 . The electric motor 90 is coupled to the second linear chain 12 of the first lifting device 1 via the toothed belt 95 and a second gear 92 . A rotational movement of the electric motor 90 can be transmitted to the second gear 92 by means of the toothed belt 95 . The second gear 92 is set up to convert the rotary movement of the electric motor 90 into a linear movement of the second linear chain 12, so that both linear chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 12 are lowered or raised together. In 5 only a part, in particular a part on the engine side, of the first gear 91 and the second gear 92 is shown in each case. The first gear 91 and the second gear 92 also each have a rigid chain-side part. For example, the motor-side parts of the first gear 91 and the second gear 92 can each have an engaging element, eg a gear wheel. The part of the first gear mechanism 91 on the rigid chain side can comprise an engagement area of the first linear chain 11 and the part of the second gear mechanism 92 on the rigid chain side can comprise an engagement area of the second linear chain 12, the engagement areas being in engagement with the engagement elements.

In 6 1 shows a portion of a cleaning robot 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

In this exemplary embodiment, the first linear chain 21 and the second linear chain 22 , in particular the ends of the first linear chain 21 and the second linear chain 22 on the rotating element side, of the second lifting device 2 are connected to one another by means of a rigid connecting element 71 . The rigid connecting element 71 can be designed as a rod, for example. In other words, the first linear chain 21 and the second linear chain 22 of the second lifting device 2 are rigidly connected to one another. The rigid connection of the first rigid chain 21 to the second rigid chain 22 can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the guide device 7 in the cleaning robot 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

Accordingly, in addition or as an alternative to the previously described guide device 7 in the cleaning robot 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the first rigid chain 11 and the second rigid chain 12 of the first lifting device 1 can be connected to one another by means of a further rigid connecting element 71 .

The remaining structure of the cleaning robot 100 according to the third exemplary embodiment preferably corresponds to that of the cleaning robot 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

In 7 a cleaning robot 100 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown.

The cleaning robot 100 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment differs from the cleaning robot 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment in that the linear chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 are arranged parallel to the forward direction 600 in the cleaning robot 100 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. This means that the push chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis 105 of the cleaning robot 100. The longitudinal axes of the rigid chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 are each perpendicular to the first axis 101. However, it is also possible for the rigid chains 11, 12 to be arranged at an angle to the first axis 101.

This arrangement of the push chains 11, 12 can be of great advantage if a width of the housing 8 at the point of the first axis 101 is smaller than the stroke of the push chains 11, 12. As a result, a greater chain length for the push chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 is possible without the push chains 11, 12 having to be turned over. A magazine into which the linear chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 could be folded can thus be dispensed with.

Another difference between the cleaning robots 100 of the first exemplary embodiment and the fourth exemplary embodiment is that, in the fourth exemplary embodiment, the drive device 9 for driving the linear chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 has, in addition to the electric motor 90, only one drive shaft 93, only one coupling device 94 , via which the drive shaft 93 is connected to the electric motor 90 and only includes the first gear 91 . The first gear 91 is set up in such a way that both linear chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 can be moved together in the same direction. This means in particular that the 4 shown first gear 91 is adapted accordingly, so that its motor-side part has two engagement elements.

The drive device 9 for driving the linear chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 can, like the drive device 9 of 4 or 5 be trained.

It should also be noted that the push chains 11 , 12 of the first lifting device 1 , in particular their ends on the rotating element side, can be rigidly connected to one another as an alternative or in addition to the guide device 7 .

In 8th a cleaning robot 100 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown.

The structure of the cleaning robot 100 according to the fifth embodiment basically corresponds to that of the cleaning robot 100 according to the first embodiment.

As can be seen from the comparison between these cleaning robots 100, the cleaning robots 100 of these exemplary embodiments differ from one another in that two drive wheels 3 are fixedly arranged on the housing 8 on the first axis 101 of the cleaning robot 100 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

Another difference is that the drive wheels 3 on the first axle 101 and the drive wheels 20 arranged on the push chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 are designed as omnidirectional wheels, in particular as Mecanum wheels, and not as conventional wheels.

A distance 111 between the drive wheels 3 in a direction parallel to the transverse axis 106 of the cleaning robot 100 is equal to a distance 112 between the drive wheels 20 in the direction parallel to the transverse axis 106 of the cleaning robot 100 .

The operation of the mobile cleaning robot 100 according to the present invention for climbing a staircase 500 is based on FIG 9 until 12 described.

First, the cleaning robot 100 has to approach the stairs 500 . In order to overcome the first step 501 of the staircase 500, the push chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 and the push chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 are lowered. For this purpose, the drive devices 9 are controlled by the control device 6 in order to bring the linear chains 11, 12 and 21 and 22 from their respective retracted position into their respective extended position. In the retracted position of the lifting devices 1, 2, the cleaning robot 100 is in its folded position. The lowering of the linear chains 11, 12, 21, 22 has the result that the cleaning robot 100 is lifted, so that finally the freely rotatable rotation element 4 fixed to the housing 8 and the drive wheel 3 fixed to the housing 8 are at the same height are located, which is greater than or equal to the height of the first step 501. This state of the cleaning robot 100 is in 10 shown. 9 shows a state of the cleaning robot 100 in which the rigid chains 11, 12, 21, 22 are partially extended.

Thereafter, the cleaning robot 100 moves forward so that the drive wheel 3 fixed to the housing 8 is positioned over the first step 501 of the staircase 500 and contacts the surface of the first step 501 . For this purpose, the drive wheels 20 arranged on the push chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 are driven. In order to also position the freely rotatable rotary elements 10 arranged on the push chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 on the first stage 501, the push chains 11, 12 of the first lifting device 1 are firstly raised, ie from their respective extended position to their respective lige retracted position introduced. This state is in 11 shown. On the other hand, all drive wheels 3, 10 of the cleaning robot 100 are driven, so that the cleaning robot 100 moves forward. This state is in 12 shown.

Finally, in order to position the drive wheels 20 arranged on the push chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 on the first stage 501, the push chains 21, 22 of the second lifting device 2 are first raised. Thus, the cleaning robot 100 can now be moved forward by driving the drive wheels 3 fixedly arranged on the housing 8 until the complete cleaning robot 100 is located on the first stage 501 . By suitably driving the drive wheels 3, 20, the cleaning robot 100 can move arbitrarily on the first stage 501 until the first stage 501 is cleaned. When the cleaning process of the first stage 501 is completed, the above-described operation of the cleaning robot 100 is repeated so that the cleaning robot 100 is finally positioned on the second stage 502 . When descending the stair 500, the reverse procedure can be followed.

In addition to the above written description of the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the graphic representation of the invention in FIGS 1 until 12 referenced.

Reference List

1

first lifting device

2

second lifting device

3

drive wheel

4

freely rotatable rotation element

5

cleaning device

6

control device

7

guiding device

8th

Housing

9

drive device

10

freely rotatable rotation element

11

first linear chain of the first lifting device

12

second linear chain of the first lifting device

20

drive wheel

21

first linear chain of the second lifting device

22

second linear chain of the second lifting device

70

telescope

71

rigid fastener

81

front end

82

rear end

83

right end

84

left end

90

electric motor

91

first gearbox

92

second gearbox

93

drive shaft

94

coupling device

95

timing belt

100

cleaning robot

101

first axis

102

second axis

103

third axis

104

fourth axis

105

longitudinal axis

106

transverse axis

110

Distance

111

Distance

112

Distance

500

Stairs

501

first stage

502

second step

600

forward direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• KR 101016775 B1 [0003]
• DE 102016111819 A1 [0004]

Claims (11)

Movable cleaning robot (100), in particular one that moves up stairs, comprising: • a housing (8), • a first lifting device (1) which comprises a first linear chain (8) on which a rotary element (10, 20) is arranged and which is movably arranged on the housing (8) for raising and/or lowering the rotary element (10, 20). is and • a cleaning device (5). Movable cleaning robot claim 1 , wherein the rotation element is designed as a freely rotatable rotation element (10), in particular a freely rotatable wheel or freely rotatable ball, or a drive wheel (20). Movable cleaning robot (100) according to claim 1 , further comprising a second lifting device (2), which comprises a first linear chain (21), on which a rotary element (20) is arranged and which is movably arranged on the housing (8) for raising and/or lowering the rotary element (20), the rotary element of the first linear chain (11) of the first lifting device (1) being designed as a freely rotatable rotary element (10) and the rotary element of the first linear chain (21) of the second lifting device (2) being designed as a drive wheel (20). Movable cleaning robot (100) according to claim 3 , wherein the first lifting device (1) is arranged in a forward direction (600) of the movable cleaning robot (100) in front of the second lifting device (2). Movable cleaning robot (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one freely rotatable rotation element (4) and/or at least one drive wheel (3), the freely rotatable rotation element (4) and/or the drive wheel (3) being fixed to the housing (8) is/are arranged. Movable cleaning robot (100) according to claim 5 , wherein the at least one drive wheel (3) is arranged in a forward direction (600) of the movable cleaning robot (100) in front of the first lifting device (1) and/or the at least one freely rotatable rotation element (4) is arranged in the forward direction (600) of the movable Cleaning robot (100) is arranged behind the first lifting device (1) and in front of the second lifting device (2). Movable cleaning robot (100) according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the first lifting device (1) is arranged between the at least one freely rotatable rotary element (4) which is fixedly arranged on the housing (8) and the at least one drive wheel (3) which is fixedly arranged on the housing (8). , and/or wherein the at least one freely rotatable rotation element (4), which is fixedly arranged on the housing (8), is arranged between the first lifting device (1) and the second lifting device (2). Movable cleaning robot (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a respective lifting device (1, 2) further comprises a second linear chain (12, 22) on which a rotary element (10, 20) is arranged, the first linear chain (11, 21) and the second linear chain (12, 22) of the respective lifting device (1, 2) can be moved by means of a common drive device (9). Movable cleaning robot (100) according to claim 8 , wherein the drive device (9) comprises an electric motor (90) and two drive shafts (93), the electric motor (90) being arranged between the first linear chain (11, 21) and the second linear chain (12, 22) and having each linear chain (11, 21, 12, 22) is connected via a drive shaft (93), or wherein the drive device (9) comprises an electric motor (90) and a toothed belt (95), the electric motor (90) on the housing (8) is arranged laterally and is connected to the second linear chains (12, 22) by means of the toothed belt (95). Movable cleaning robot (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide device (7) for guiding a respective linear chain (11, 12, 21, 22), wherein the guide device (7) comprises a telescope (70). Movable cleaning robot (100) according to one of Claims 8 until 10 , wherein the first linear chain (11, 21) and the second linear chain (12, 22) of a respective lifting device (1, 2) are connected to one another by means of a rigid connecting element (71).

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