The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 12, 2019
Filed:
Apr. 22, 2015
Toshiba Lifestyle Products & Services Corporation, Kawasaki-shi, JP;
Masatoshi Tanaka, Seto, JP;
Atsushi Morishita, Hadano, JP;
Hiromitsu Ichikawa, Owariasahi, JP;
Hiromitsu Murata, Kasugai, JP;
Yukio Machida, Owariasahi, JP;
TOSHIBA LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS & SERVICES CORPORATION, Kawasaki-shi, JP;
Abstract
A vacuum cleaner includes link mechanisms that connect a bumper to be movable in a relatively horizontal direction with respect to a case main body. A coil spring energizes the bumper in a direction separated from the case main body. Obstacle sensors are arranged at positions facing the bumper in the case main body, and detect an obstacle by detecting movement of the bumper, due to contact with the obstacle, in at least one of a direction opposite to an energizing direction of the coil spring and a direction crossing such a direction. A controller controls the drive of a driving wheel based on detection of the obstacle by the obstacle sensor to allow the main body case to travel autonomously. The vacuum cleaner can detect an obstacle brought into contact with the bumper in a wide range with a simple configuration.