Aktiebolaget Electrolux

Bjorn Riise

Anders Haegermarck

Lars G Kilstrom

Mendel Kleiner

Autonomous surface cleaning apparatus

The present invention discloses a proximity sensing system and an autonomous device, like a vacuum-cleaner, being provided with a pair of independent driven wheels (17, 18). The device contains for the proximity orientation and guiding a microprocessor system and a sonar system which includes at least an ultrasonic transmitter and an ultrasonic receiver. An additional mechanical touch sensor is also used in the form of a forward directed bumper (16) carrying the transmitter as well as receiving microphone units. The mechanical bumper actuates at least one touch sensor if the device makes contact with an obstacle in the course of the moving device. The transmitter is a stripe-shaped ultrasound transducer (10) which is positioned at the front of the device and transmits ultrasonic waves with a narrow vertical distribution within a wide sector in front of the device. The receiver includes a number of microphone units (12) provided with hollow pipes (12a, 12b) for the sound. The microphone units (12) together with the transmitter form an efficient sonar system for detecting echoes reflected from objects in the forward course of the moving device.

System and device for a self orienting device

A self-guiding vacuum cleaner having a chassis (10) supporting a brush nozzle (50) facing the floor and having a nozzle opening (51) communicating with a chamber (16) in which a dust container (17) is arranged, the chamber being connected to the inlet side of a fan unit (33). The vacuum cleaner has a drive system for driving the vacuum cleaner on the floor, the drive system including at least two drive wheels (35) which are also arranged to guide the vacuum cleaner on the floor by relative motion of the wheels. The chassis (10) and the nozzle (50) are provided with cooperating means (48, 49) by means of which the nozzle (50) is such supported in the chassis for vertical movement.

Growing community of inventors

Sollentuna, Sweden

Bjorn Riise