Automated cleaning system and device
AssigneeCleanbotix, Inc.
InventorsAdam Jacques, Andrew Zieger
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An autonomous cleaning system includes an autonomous vehicle that is powered for movement within an area to be cleaned. The autonomous vehicle includes a robotic spray arm having an automated tool connector assembly and a plurality of spray nozzle assemblies that can be automatically connected to the robotic spray arm at the tool connector assembly. The autonomous vehicle further includes an automated reel assembly that includes a spool assembly for storing and deploying a supply hose that supplies pressurized fluid and air to the robotic spray arm as the autonomous vehicle moves about a facility during a cleaning procedure.
Claims20
An autonomous vehicle comprising:
- a chassis;
- a powered drive system supported by the chassis, wherein the powered drive system is configured to selectively move the autonomous vehicle;
- a plurality of sensors that are configured to provide signals indicative of a distance between the autonomous vehicle and objects adjacent to the autonomous vehicle;
- a reel assembly having a spool that houses a supply hose, whereby a fluid can be supplied to the autonomous vehicle from a source that is fluidly connected to the supply hose, wherein a portion of the supply hose extends between the spool and the source;
- a nozzle assembly operably and fluidly coupled to the supply hose, wherein the nozzle assembly is configured to spray the fluid from the source onto a surface to be sprayed;
- and
- a controller that is configured to:
- actuate the powered drive system to move the autonomous vehicle along a predefined path based, at least in part, on data from the plurality of sensors;
- and:
- payout and retract the supply hose, whereby the supply hose does not restrict movement of the autonomous vehicle relative to the source.
An autonomous vehicle, comprising:
- a powered drive system that is configured to move the autonomous vehicle;
- a reel assembly having a spool and a roller assembly;
- a supply hose operably coupled to the roller assembly and configured to be housed on the spool and to fluidly couple the autonomous vehicle to a source that is not on the autonomous vehicle;
- and:
- a controller that is configured to cause the roller assembly to:
- 1) pay out the supply hose from the spool when the autonomous vehicle moves away from the source, and:
- 2) wind the supply hose onto the spool when the autonomous vehicle moves towards the source.
An autonomous vehicle, comprising:
- a chassis;
- a robotic spray arm supported on the chassis and having a plurality of sections interconnected by a plurality of articulating joints, the robotic spray arm including a tool connector assembly that is configured to be fluidly connected to a nozzle assembly to supply fluid thereto;
- and:
- a rack disposed on the chassis and having a plurality of holder assemblies, wherein each holder assembly of the plurality of holder assemblies is configured to releasably engage and support an associated nozzle assembly, and wherein the tool connector assembly is configured to be fluidly connected to a selected nozzle assembly supported by the rack upon axial and rotational movement of the tool connector assembly imparted by the robotic spray arm, whereby:
- 1) the selected nozzle assembly supported by the rack can be fluidly connected to the tool connector assembly and disengaged from the rack, and:
- 2) the selected nozzle assembly connected to the tool connector assembly can be moved into engagement with a selected holder assembly of the plurality of holder assemblies and disconnected from the tool connector assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.