DE102011000816A1 - Automatic movable apparatus e.g. automatic movable household suction robot for cleaning floor, has display areas controlled by activation of display areas one after other to indicate operation state of apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an automatically movable device (1), in particular automatically movable floor dust collecting device, with a in the outer surface (8) formed display area (7), which provides a light indicator. In order to improve the design, in particular with regard to the display, it is proposed that a plurality of display areas (7) are formed next to each other in the circumferential direction and that a control of the display areas (7) is carried out to clarify a working state of the device (1) by successive activation serve the display areas (7).

Description

The invention relates to an automatically movable device, in particular automatically movable floor dust collecting device, with a trained in the outer surface display area, which provides a light indicator.

Automatically movable devices of the type in question are known, in particular in the form of automatically movable suction and / or cleaning devices for cleaning floors, in addition in a further embodiment as automatically movable transport devices or lawnmowers. These devices usually have a display area, in particular arranged in an outer surface of the device, which display area indicates, for example. Status information of the device displays. The user of the device is given such a visual indication, for example, to inform about the current status of the device. In particular, self-propelled floor cleaning devices have complex applications that can take a variety of operating conditions, which can also be subject to a variety of errors. Via the display area, information about the state of the device can be transmitted to the user in a graphic manner. Known solutions typically provide seven-segment displays, liquid crystal displays or individual LEDs. These known solutions prove to be unergonomic and not intuitive. Any text messages, for example on liquid crystal displays, are difficult for the user to read off, if this is not directly above the device. For better readability, the user must bend down to the device in most cases.

In view of the above-described prior art, a technical problem of the invention is seen in designing a device of the type in question, in particular with regard to the display improved.

This problem is initially and essentially solved in that in the circumferential direction a plurality of display areas are formed side by side and that a control of the display areas is made, which serve to illustrate a working condition of the device by successive activation of the display areas, this further in the sense of flare the display areas. Preferably, the plurality of display areas on the outer surface of the device continuously or alternatively only when they are activated form a pattern on the outer surface of the device. Each display area may in this case preferably be activated independently of the other display areas, ie. h be lit up. Thus, more preferably, by temporally offset control of the display areas moving pattern can be generated, which moving pattern are further preferably used to transmit information, for example, about the operating state of the device. The display system thus created is preferably used to symbolize operating states by temporal and / or spatial variations of the luminous behavior of the individual display areas for the user in an intuitive manner. Thus, for example, an error state of the device can be symbolized by simultaneous, fast and hard-modulated flashing of all display areas. Overall, according to the proposed solution, an information transmission to the user according to control of a plurality of side-by-side display areas in the form of a pattern that is easily recognizable by the user even if this is not directly on the device, according to further on distance is perceptible , As a result of the display regions, which are preferably formed in the circumferential direction next to one another, the "all-around distance measurement" function of a device with a rotating optical distance meter can be symbolized by the successive display areas lighting up one after the other in the circumferential direction. The device function shown is immediately understandable to the user.

Further features of the invention are explained below, also in the description of the figures, often in their preferred association with the subject matter of claim 1 or with features of further claims. But they can also be in an assignment to only individual features of claim 1 or the respective further claim or each independently of importance.

Thus, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the display areas are arranged in a group, more preferably in the circumferential direction offering a self-contained or at least halfway closed display area. In this regard, it is possible to omit individual segments, in particular display areas, so as to create space, for example, for control panels, charging contacts, exhaust, etc. Nevertheless, for the user at least subjectively results in an approximately closed display area.

The display areas are formed in an embodiment in the circumferential direction next to each other in the region of a circumferential housing wall of the device. Preferred is an embodiment in which the display areas are formed on an upper side of the device, more preferably on a plane, in particular in the operating position to the ground to be traveled parallel plane. It turns out accordingly with respect to a central Vertical axis of the device, around which rotates in a possible embodiment, a distance sensor, a concentric pattern of display areas. In this regard, square or rectangular arrangements of the display areas are conceivable, in particular under central enforcement of the central device vertical axis. In a preferred embodiment, the design of the pattern follows the plan shape of the device.

In a further preferred embodiment, two or more display areas in the radial direction are formed one behind the other, this in a further preferred embodiment with concentric arrangement of two or more circumferentially adjacent to each other formed display areas. To symbolize an all-round scan, in an embodiment with, for example, three display areas formed one behind the other in the radial direction one after the other in the circumferential direction, all display areas arranged radially to one another illuminate. A driving movement of the device is, for example, symbolized by changing illumination of the display areas in the direction of travel corresponding radial orientation. Also, all display areas, eg. To display an error message, according to appropriate control regularly or irregularly light up alternately.

The display areas are summarized in one embodiment in the form of an annular or annular portion-shaped surface, more preferably such that the outer surface side of the device delimited against each other, areal luminous areas arise. The demarcation is sharp in one embodiment, i. H. there is also a clear separation of the individual display areas visible to the user.

In an alternative embodiment, the display area is given by a light spot appearing on a continuous surface, in particular according to projecting against the outer surface as a diffuse appearing light spot, wherein in the circumferential direction and / or in the radial direction juxtaposed display areas or light spots, as further preferred, formed overlapping each other could be. Preferably, these light spots or the light spots to be activated form a pattern on the outer surface of the device, wherein each one of these light spots can be lit independently of the others.

In a preferred embodiment, a display area illuminates with a single color, alternatively in different colors. By appropriate selection of the active color, the display of the operating state can be supported, for example, a red color for a fault condition and a green color for the proper operating condition. The individual display areas can either be completely switched on or off (digital circuit) or dimmed over several brightness levels. Both options are preferably also used to support the display of the operating state. For example. For example, a fast, digitally switched flashing may indicate an error condition. A slow dimming between light and dark can indicate to the user that a proper operating condition exists. For dimming the display areas, the operating current or the operating voltage of the light source is regulated in one embodiment. In this regard, it is also advisable to carry out a control via a pulse width modulation.

Preferably, light sources are used which are the same size as the display areas to be illuminated. Can be used in this regard electroluminescent films, LEDs or planar OLED elements. LEDs or OLEDs can be monochrome or multicolored, e.g. B. RGB LEDs. To generate any overlaps, the flat light sources are arranged overlapping. In this regard, point light sources are preferred. Accordingly, light sources which are punctiform in comparison to the size of the display area to be illuminated are preferably used. At the same time, the installation space conditions, for example, require a flat design in automatically movable devices. Can be used here LEDs or incandescent. Also deflected by light guides light sources are possible in this regard. Especially when illuminating the display areas with LEDs, these are arranged on a circuit board below the display area, the problem by means of a point light source to illuminate a flat field is achieved in that the light source, which sits inside the device (that is viewed from the outside behind the device outer surface) , which illuminates the device outer surface by means of a light source associated with the optical element for beam forming. Preferably, a lens is provided for this purpose. This optical element preferably completely surrounds the light-emitting region of the light source. In this case, the optical element, in particular the lens, transforms the characteristic of the emitted light in such a way that the light source, in particular the LED in the plane of the outer surface in the display area, illuminates a light spot which has a significantly larger diameter than the light source itself. Even without a lens projected the light source has a circular light spot on the outer surface of the device, which, however, is significantly smaller than the interposition of a lens, so that a larger distance between the display area and light source, for example. LED would be required for the same diameter, resulting in a larger space.

By using an LED with circular radiation, a rotationally symmetrical lens and a coaxial arrangement of lens and LED, a circular spot of light is achieved. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a non-rotationally symmetrical lens (for example with a cylindrical portion), an LED with a non-circular characteristic or a staggered arrangement so that arbitrarily shaped light spots are produced, for example elliptical or freeform contours.

At the device outer surface is preferably located on the inside of a diffuser layer (ground glass). This causes the decoupled light to be diffused, so that the user can not recognize the individual structural points. In an advantageous embodiment, the diffuser layer is formed by painting the device wall; a rough surface also fulfills this function. This can be generated, for example, by injection molding the device wall and roughening the corresponding surface in the tool.

By using small LEDs, for example in SMD technology, an overall very flat solution can be achieved. If several LEDs are positioned next to each other with their lens-type densities, the illuminated spots of light overlap.

In a preferred embodiment, the lenses are positioned on a circuit board. It is advisable to fix the lenses on the circuit board by means of joining elements, which are part of the lens. Preferably, the lenses are produced by injection molding, more preferably by using polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) or a comparable transparent plastic. It is advisable, in addition to the optical surfaces with other form elements to form, for example. Contact surfaces of the lenses on the circuit board or fasteners, such as snap hooks.

By appropriate shaping of the lenses rotationally symmetric light spots are generated. By alternative shaping of the lenses, a non-rotationally symmetrical emission characteristic can be achieved. In addition to round spot shapes, it is also possible, for example, to illuminate ellipsoidal, polygonal or star-shaped areas accordingly. A limitation by free-form lines is possible. Preferably, shapes are chosen which are symmetrical or follow another technical rule. In this regard, asymmetrical or random shapes are also conceivable.

Alternatively, to solve the problem of illuminating a planar field with a point light source, an optical fiber is inserted between the point light source (LED) and the display area. This picks up the light emitted by the point light source, conducts it in the direction of the display surface and distributes it evenly across the display surface. Thus, a laterally emitting LED (side LED) is preferably provided, which feeds into a plate-shaped light guide, which light guide has the floor plan of an outer surface to be illuminated.

Below, the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrates only exemplary embodiments, explained in more detail. It shows

1 an automatically movable device in the form of a ground dust collecting device in a perspective view, a first embodiment of the formation of display areas concerning;

2 a schematic vertical sectional view through a display area with a side emitting LED and the display area associated light guide;

3 in perspective view individual segments of optical fiber groups;

4 Assembly diagrams of the optical fiber groups to form a closed, circular waveguide component;

5 one of the 1 corresponding representation, however, concerning an alternative embodiment of the display areas;

6 the schematic vertical section through a display area according to 5 ;

7 one of the 6 corresponding representation, but concerning a further embodiment.

Shown and described is first with reference to 1 a machine 1 in the form of a ground dust collecting device, further in the form of a self-propelled household vacuum robot. This has a chassis, which underside, the floor to be cared for 2 facing, electric motor driven Verfahrräder 3 and preferably carries a projecting beyond the lower edge of the chassis floor, also driven by an electric motor brush. The chassis is covered by a device hood 4 , where the device 1 has a circular floor plan. Regarding the design of the device 1 As a ground dust collecting device is, for example, on the DE 102 42 257 A1 directed.

The electrical supply of the individual electrical components of the device 1 , as for the electric motor of the Verfahrräder 3 , for the electric drive of the brush, possibly for a suction fan and beyond for the further provided electronics in the device 1 to control the same and more preferred to display working states of the device via a not shown, rechargeable accumulator.

The device 1 is in the illustrated embodiment with a distance / obstacle detection in the form of a non-contact sensor 5 comprising a light beam emitting device and a light beam receiving device. This sensor 5 is the top of the device hood 4 of the device 1 arranged and about a vertical axis x, which at the same time the central vertical axis of the device 1 represents rotatable. The sensor 5 preferably consists of a triangulation system, by means of which an all-around distance measurement (over 360 ° about the axis x, arrow r in 1 ) can be carried out.

On the preferred in the operating state of the device 1 levels parallel to the ground 2 aligned top 6 the device hood 4 are in a concentric pattern to the vertical axis x a plurality of display areas 7 intended. These are arranged side by side in three concentric circles and sharply separated from each other, with respect to a circle segment, the display areas provided here 7 are arranged at the same time in the radial direction one behind the other.

In the in 1 illustrated embodiment, a continuous pattern is shown, ie the top 6 of the device 1 is used throughout to arrange display areas 7 ,

All display areas 7 are individually activated, ie are each individually activated and deactivated, the activated state of a display area 7 a lighting of the same causes.

The display system thus created is preferably used for operating states by temporal, local and / or color variations of the luminous behavior of the individual areal display areas 7 symbolize for the user in an intuitive manner, this according to appropriate, preferably programmatic control of the individual display areas 7 , Thus, for example, a movement of the device 1 in the direction of travel a by an alternating illumination of the display areas arranged one after the other in the radial direction 7 be symbolized in the travel direction a. An error condition of the device 1 can by a fast and hard-modulated flashing of all display areas 7 simultaneously or alternately, further, for example, also be symbolized at irregular intervals. In 1 are three display areas 7 , which form a center ray of the pattern, activated, ie they light up. In each case, the three display areas connected one behind the other in the radial direction shine 7 viewed in the circumferential direction successively, the user intuitively has a rotating movement on the top side 6 of the device 1 , This message is preferably linked to the operating state "scanning of the environment", correspondingly symbolizes the rotational movement of the sensor 5 , This is preferably a rotating light display according to the rotation of the sensor 5 in the direction of the arrow r.

Every single display area 7 can either be switched on or off completely or dimmed over several levels of brightness. Both options can also be used to support the display of the operating status.

In 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a display area 7 shown. Lower side of the outer surface 8th (top 6 ) is a printed circuit board 9 intended. This preferably has, in addition to further control components, a laterally emitting LED 10 on which one in between PCB 9 and outer surface 8th arranged light guide 11 radiates. This is plate-shaped and has a floor plan corresponding to the field to be illuminated, more preferably a circular ring-shaped floor plan. The light guide 11 is at its bottom 12 provided with a printing or structuring, for example in the form of calottes, pyramids or other structural elements, which is designed so that light through this structure in uniform luminous density in the direction of the top 13 of the light guide 11 is reflected. At the top 13 there is a diffuser layer 21 , Which is the preferred transparent device wall 25 is facing. The reverse arrangement is possible in this regard. Also, the light guide can 11 in a recess of the device wall 25 einliegen, with the top 13 of the light guide 11 in the plane of the outer surface 8th runs. The diffuser layer 21 causes the decoupled light to be emitted diffusely, so that the user can not see the individual structural points. On the remaining free sides of the light guide is a reflector layer, which reflects back emerging light back into the system. Also at the bottom 12 of the light guide 11 a reflector layer is preferably provided.

In a further embodiment, the diffuser layer 21 by painting the inside wall of the device wall 25 formed, also fulfills a rough surface this function.

By using small LEDs, z. B. in SMD technology, and flat light guide 11 Overall, a very flat design can be achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment, the reflector surfaces of the sides of each light guide 11 through a support frame 14 educated. Each holding frame 14 carries three in the radial direction one behind the other arranged light guide 11 , which are each formed annular-segment-like. The support frame 14 For this purpose, it is formed from a material which reflects the light used as well as possible. In this regard, there is still the possibility of optical fibers 11 and support frame 14 as two-component plastic parts.

In a further preferred embodiment, the reflector layer is at the bottom 12 of the light guide 11 generated by the fact that the light guide 11 on the circuit board 9 rests, which is printed on the support surface with a color that reflects the light used as well as possible.

In a further preferred embodiment, the LED 10 all sides except for the coupling point in the light guide 11 shielded, so that false light, which is not in the light guide 11 to be coupled, does not lead to an undesired local lighting up (hotspot). Further, this shield can be replaced by a recess in the above-described holding frame 14 be generated, in which the LED 10 is used.

One possible embodiment of a two-component solution is in 3 shown. Shown are three radially aligned optical fibers 11 , which on a common support frame 14 are sprayed. The support frame 14 is colored white to serve as a reflector. This has on the circuit board 9 facing side recesses 15 , which the side emitting LEDs 10 be able to record. The recesses 15 at the same time form the above-described optical shielding of the LEDs 10 , The light guides 11 have retaining lugs in the area of their free faces 16 that the LEDs 10 are averted. These engage in recesses 17 which of the support frame 14 at its the light guides 11 It is thus possible to construct a preferably self-contained ring of optical fiber segments. In this configuration, the support frame is used 14 at the same time as an optical reflector for the front sides of the light guide 11 , The structuring or printing of the underside of the light guides 11 is not shown. A preassembled embodiment is in 4 shown. Next has each holding frame 14 lower side locking cams 18 , With these are the holding frame 14 preferably on the circuit board 9 can be fixed, after which the individual segments, each consisting of a two-component part with a holding frame 14 and three light guides 11 , over the retaining lugs 16 and recesses 17 hold each other. The determination on the circuit board 9 can be designed in an advantageous embodiment as a latching hook or screw domes.

In 5 is a device 1 shown in perspective view, with upper-side display areas 7 in another embodiment. This will be on the top 6 of the device 1 diffused light spots 19 projected. Preferably, these light spots form 19 a pattern on the top 6 , wherein preferably each one of these light spots 19 can be lit regardless of the others. By staggered control of the light spots 19 Moving patterns can be generated, which are further used to convey information.

The top 6 of the device 1 gets through in the device 1 illuminated light sources, which are such that the illuminated display areas 7 the light spots 19 result. These can be switched on and off individually. By a temporally varying wiring of the light spots 19 Moving patterns (eg gestures) can be generated which can represent a certain operating state, such as normal operation or malfunction. In 5 is a continuous pattern on the top 6 shown, where not activated, in the active state light spots 19 generating display areas 7 are shown in dash-dotted representation. Activated spots of light 19 are shown hatched.

In 5 are some of the light spots 19 activated, ie they light up. According to successive light spots 19 (one light spot each 19 or a plurality of contiguous spots of light 19 ) in the circumferential direction results in a quasi-rotating movement of the light spots 19 around the vertical axis x of the device 1 from which the user immediately gains the information that the device 1 currently in sampling mode.

The display system thus created is preferably used for operating states by temporal, spatial and / or color variations of the luminous behavior of the individual, preferably overlapping, light spots 19 to symbolize for the user in an intuitive way. So can a driving movement of the device 1 by a changing illumination of the light spots 19 symbolized in the direction of travel, so on, at least approximately by alternately illuminating arranged in the radial direction one behind the other, possibly overlapping light spots 19 ,

For generating the light spots 19 Flat surface light sources can be used which are just as large as the display areas to be illuminated 7 , Can be used here electroluminescent films, LEDs or planar OLED elements, where LEDs or OLEDs can be monochrome or multi-colored, further example. In the form of RGB LEDs. To generate the overlap such flat light sources are arranged overlapping.

Preference is given to light sources compared to the size of the display area to be illuminated 7 or to the size of the light spot to be generated 19 punctiform. Here are especially LEDs 10 Use. The problem that with a point light source (here LED 10 ) a flat field (light spot 19 ) is to be brought to light, is solved by the fact that the light source (LED 10 ), which in the interior of the device covered by the device hood 4 sits, the preferred transparent housing wall 25 - here the top 6 - by means of one of the LEDs 10 associated optical element in the form of a lens 20 for beam shaping illuminates. This lens 20 preferably comprises the light-emitting region of the LED 10 Completely.

As shown in 6 is the LED 10 on a facing to the inner wall of the device wall 25 distanced arranged PCB 9 attached. This LED 10 emits light into a beam-transforming element, which visually acts as a lens 20 Fulfills. The latter transforms the characteristic of the radiated light so that the LED 10 in the plane of the hood top 6 a light spot 19 Illuminates, which has a much larger diameter than the LED 10 ,

By using an LED 10 with circular radiation, a rotationally symmetric lens 20 and a coaxial arrangement of lens 20 and LED 10 becomes a circular spot of light 19 reached. Alternatively, however, a non-rotationally symmetric lens 20 (For example, with a cylinder portion), an LED 10 be used with a non-circular characteristic or a staggered arrangement, so that arbitrarily shaped light spots arise, so for example. Ellipses or freeform contours. Thus, in addition to round spot shapes also ellipsoidal, polygonal or star-shaped light spots 19 be generated. Preference is given to selecting shapes which are symmetrical or follow another technical rule, but furthermore unsymmetrical or random shapes are also conceivable.

On the overall preferred transparent housing wall 25 in the area of the top 6 is preferably on the inside a diffuser layer 21 (Ground glass) provided. This causes the decoupled light to be diffused, so that the user can not recognize the individual structural points. In a preferred embodiment, the diffuser layer 21 formed by painting the device wall; a rough surface also fulfills this function. This can be achieved, for example, by the fact that the device wall 25 is injection molded and the corresponding surface is roughened in the tool.

Become several LEDs 10 with their lenses 20 positioned close to each other, so overlap the light spots to be generated 19 ,

In a preferred embodiment, the lenses 20 on the circuit board 9 positioned. For this, it lends itself to the lenses 20 on the circuit board 9 with the help of joining elements, which are part of the lenses 20 are to attach. In 6 are for this purpose holding pins 22 indicated, in a preferred embodiment with the circuit board 9 glued or caulked. Also in this regard, for example, snap hook conceivable, preferably again in conjunction with adhesive technology. Alternatively, the lenses can 20 also on the circuit board 9 glued or screwed.

Further preferred are the lenses 20 produced in plastic injection It is also advisable to mold in addition to the optical surfaces other form elements, so for example. Contact surfaces of the lenses 20 on the circuit board 9 or snap hooks.

The execution according to 6 shows a lens 20 which has two optically effective surfaces, namely the top 23 and the bottom 24 the lens 20 , Alternatively, it is proposed a lens 20 provide that manages with a single optical surface. Such an embodiment is in 7 shown.

The beam forming takes place in this embodiment only on the curved, the LED 10 facing entrance surface (bottom 24 ) of the lens 20 instead of. The top 23 is no longer an optical surface and can be carried out as plan further preferred. In the execution after 7 the top sits 6 assigned device wall 25 right on this plan top 23 the lens 20 on. This increases the stability of the construction. Both surfaces can, for example, be glued together or otherwise firmly connected. The functional area "ground glass" (diffuser layer 21 ) is in this embodiment on the outside of the device wall 25 intended.

In an advantageous embodiment, the lens 20 and the device wall 25 be summarized in an integral component.

All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of the associated / attached priority documents (copy of the prior application) is hereby also incorporated in full in the disclosure of the application, also for the purpose of including features of these documents in claims of the present application. The dependent claims characterize in their optional sibling independent inventive development of Prior art, in particular to make divisional applications based on these claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

device

2

ground

3

Verfahrrad

4

device hood

5

sensor

6

top

7

display area

8th

outer surface

9

circuit board

10

LED

11

optical fiber

12

bottom

13

top

14

holding frame

15

recess

16

retaining nose

17

recess

18

locking cams

19

light spot

20

lens

21

diffuser layer

22

retaining pin

23

top

24

bottom

25

device wall

a

traversing

r

arrow

x

vertical axis

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been 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.

Cited patent literature

• DE 10242257 A1 [0027]

Claims (10)

Automatically movable device ( 1 ), in particular automatically movable floor dust collecting device, with one in the outer surface ( 8th ) display area ( 7 ), which provides a light indicator, characterized in that in the circumferential direction a plurality of display areas ( 7 ) are formed side by side and that a control of the display areas ( 7 ), which is to clarify a working condition of the device ( 1 ) by successive activation of the display areas ( 7 ) serve. Device according to claim 1 or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the display areas ( 7 ) are arranged in a group. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the display areas ( 7 ) on a top side ( 6 ) of the device ( 1 ) are formed. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that two or more display areas ( 7 ) are formed in the radial direction one behind the other. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the display regions (7) are combined in the form of an annular or circular ring-shaped surface. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a display area ( 7 ) by a light spot appearing on a continuous surface ( 19 ) and / or that the display areas ( 7 ) are formed overlapping each other. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that a display area ( 7 ) in different colors and / or brightness. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that the light spot ( 19 ) by an LED ( 10 ) is generated on a circuit board ( 9 ) below the display area ( 7 ) is arranged. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that between the LED ( 10 ) and the display area ( 7 ) a lens ( 20 ) is arranged. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims or in particular according thereto, characterized in that an LED ( 10 ) is arranged laterally radiating and the LED ( 10 ) a light guide ( 11 ) assigned.

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