Mobile robot having body sensor

Abstract

In exemplary embodiments, a robot cleaner with improved safety features comprises a driving part for movably supporting a cleaner body and supplying a driving force for operating the cleaner body; a suction part mounted on the cleaner body to draw in dust from a surface being cleaned; a body sensor mounted on the cleaner body to perceive any approach or contact of at least a part of human body or pet; and a control part for turning on and off the driving part according to a signal detected by the body sensor.

1 . A robot cleaner comprising: 
 a driving part for movably supporting a cleaner body and supplying a driving force for operating the cleaner body;    a suction part mounted on the cleaner body to draw in dust from a surface being cleaned;    a body sensor mounted on the cleaner body to perceive any approach or contact of at least a part of human body or pet; and    a control part for turning on and off the driving part according to a signal detected by the body sensor.    
   
   
       2 . The robot cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the control part turns on and off the suction part according to a signal detected by the body sensor.  
   
   
       3 . The robot cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the body sensor comprises a capacitance touch sensor.  
   
   
       4 . The robot cleaner of  claim 3 , wherein the capacitance touch sensor comprises: 
 a sensor for perceiving the approach or contact of the body; and    a signal processor for processing the signal detected by the sensing board and transmitting the signal to the control part.    
   
   
       5 . The robot cleaner of  claim 4 , wherein the sensor is disposed at a dangerous area which may injure the human body by contact.  
   
   
       6 . The robot cleaner of  claim 5 , wherein the dangerous area comprises the driving part.  
   
   
       7 . The robot cleaner of  claim 4 , wherein the cleaner body comprises a bottom plate for facing the surface being cleaned, and a cover for covering the bottom plate, 
 the driving part comprises a driving motor mounted on the bottom plate, and a plurality of wheels connected with the driving motor for power transmission and disposed on the bottom plate, and    the sensor is disposed on an inner side of the bottom plate, that faces the cover, and adjacent to the plurality of wheels and the driving motor and on an inner.    
   
   
       8 . The robot cleaner of  claim 7 , wherein the sensor comprises a conductive material.  
   
   
       9 . A robot cleaner comprising: 
 a driving part for movably supporting a cleaner body and supplying a driving force for operating the cleaner body;    a suction part mounted on the cleaner body to draw in dust from a surface being cleaned;    a body sensor mounted on the cleaner body to perceive any approach or contact of at least a part of human body or pet; and    a control part for turning on and off the suction part according to a signal detected by the body sensor.