Running and working robot not susceptible to damage at a coupling unit between running unit and working unit

• US 5,991,951 A
• Filed: 06/02/1997
• Issued: 11/30/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 06/03/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Moneual Incorporated (Hong-Seok Park, MBA)
• Original Assignee: Minolta Corporation Limited (Konica Minolta Inc.)
• Inventors: Kubo, Naoki, Matsuo, Takashi
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Randall E.
• Application Number:
  US08/867,590
• Time in Patent Office: 911 Days
• Field of Search: 15/49.1, 15/50.1, 15/52.1, 15/87, 15/325, 15/339, 15/340.1, 15/340.3, 15/340.4, 15/98
• US Class Current: 15/50.1
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/16 the tools being disc brushes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/283 the tools being disc brushes
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4005 Arrangements of batteries or cells; Electric power supply arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4011 Regulation of the cleaning machine by electric means; Control systems and remote control systems therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4038 Disk shaped surface treating tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4052 Movement of the tools or the like perpendicular to the cleaning surface
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4061 Steering means; Means for avoiding obstacles; Details related to the place where the driver is accommodated
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4083 Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 11/4088 Supply pumps; Spraying devices; Supply conduits
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 2201/00 Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation

Abstract

A running and working robot for performing a prescribed work while it runs includes a body with a running unit, and a working unit for working, and the body is coupled to the working unit by means of a coupling member with a buffer member. As a result, even when an excessive force or shock is given to the coupling portion between the working unit and the body, damage to the coupling portion can be prevented.

Claims

1. A running and working robot for performing a prescribed work while running, comprising:

a body including running means; and

a working unit including working means for working;

wherein said body is coupled to said working unit by a buffer member, and wherein said buffer has a rectangular ring-shape.

2. A running and working robot for performing a prescribed work while running, comprising:

a body including running means; and

a working unit including working means for working;

wherein said body is coupled to said working unit by a buffer member, and

wherein said body and said working unit are supported by a support member, and

wherein said buffer member comprises a rectangular columnar buffer, said buffer member being provided at a position where said body and said working unit oppose each other.

3. A running and working robot which is used for cleaning a floor, comprising:

a body including running means;

a working unit including working means for working, wherein said body is coupled to said working unit by a buffer member having a ring shape; and

a tank for holding cleaning liquid at said body, the cleaning liquid being fed to the working unit by means of a pipe passing through a central hole in said buffer member.

4. A running and working robot for performing a prescribed work while running comprising:

a body including running means;

a working unit including working means for working, wherein said body is coupled to said working unit by a buffer member having a ring shape; and

a power source provided in said body for operating the working unit, wherein power is supplied through a central hole of said buffer member.

5. A cleaning robot for cleaning a running surface while it runs, comprising:

a running unit having a driving mechanism for running;

a working unit having a working brush for cleaning said running surface; and

a coupling mechanism for coupling the working unit and the running unit rotatably in a direction to expose a working surface of the working unit so that an operator can access the working surface, said coupling mechanism including a buffer member for preventing shock between the running unit and the working unit when the working unit is rotated,

wherein said coupling mechanism has an axial portion for axially supporting the working unit with respect to the running unit, and a lock portion for locking the working unit at a working position.

6. The running and working robot according to claim 5, wherein said buffer member is made of solid material.