Robotic vacuum with removable portable vacuum and semi-automated environment mapping
US7113847B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47L2201/04
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A robotic vacuum cleaner (10) with a self-propelled controller (12) with a vacuum source (36, 38) and a dirt receptacle (32), a self-propelled cleaning head (14) with a suction inlet (24), and an interconnecting hose (16) is provided. The controller and cleaning head cooperatively traverse a surface area in tandem when the interconnecting hose is connected between the cleaning head and the controller. In one embodiment, the controller includes a power source (56) making the robotic vacuum autonomous. In another embodiment, the controller includes a power cord dispense/retract assembly (168) to provide access to utility power. In another aspect, the controller includes a portable vacuum (20) that is removed for manual operations. In still another aspect, a method of semi-automated environment mapping for a self-propelled robotic vacuum is provided. With respect to the method, the robotic vacuum also includes a remote control (18).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.