Robot vacuum cleaners have only recently appeared on the market. The first models were expensive and few people bought them. Now the situation has changed, almost everyone can afford to buy a universal cleaner. When choosing, it is important to know how the robot vacuum cleaner works - the principle of operation, its features, purpose and functionality.
Appearance
Outwardly, this technique looks like a small disk, rarely a rectangle. The diameter is no more than 30 cm, the height is 3 times less. Thanks to this shape, it penetrates into hard-to-reach places. It is moved by means of 3 wheels with the rubberized basis. According to the principle of operation, the robot vacuum cleaner is very similar to its wired counterpart. The system is driven by a built-in electric motor. The control panel is mostly on the top. In new and expensive models, it is touch-sensitive, protected from dust and moisture. This household appliance has a very attractive design.
Types of robot vacuum cleaners
Robot vacuum cleaner is a household electronic device. The principle of operation of the robot vacuum cleaner, judging by the first part of the word, is that it works independently. A special program allows you to coordinate the trajectory of movement. Compared with a simple vacuum cleaner, the suction power of an automated one is weaker. A smart device helps to maintain cleanliness on a daily basis, but it is not able to completely replace a mop or a conventional vacuum cleaner. The choice of this automated technique depends on what it is intended for. The principle of operation of the robot vacuum cleaner of different models is similar. They come in 3 types - for cleaning:
- dry;
- wet;
- mixed.
Dry Cleaning Robots
This kind of device collects animal hair, debris and dust:
- from parquet;
- tiles;
- laminate.
Cleans short pile carpets well. Works like an electric broom. This type of equipment is the most popular on the market, and all because of the simplicity of design, elementary controls, and a large range of models.
When choosing a model, you need to pay attention to the package and the working area.
Robot Vacuum Cleaners for Wet Cleaning
The principle of operation of the robot vacuum cleaner with wet cleaning is similar to that of the first option. The devices differ in that in addition to collecting dust, they wash the floors. They include containers designed for clean and dirty water.
These devices have their drawbacks. They cannot clean carpets, and before you start the vacuum cleaner, you should dry clean yourself.
Mixed cleaning
At home, a robot vacuum cleaner, the principle of which is to carry out mixed cleaning, will become an indispensable assistant. This combined device performs dry and wet cleaning. Smooth surfaces are cleaned with a microfiber cloth, which is attached to the bottom of the case, carpets are cleaned with a turbo brush or main brushes.
Technologies used
In order for the movement of the device to be meaningful, several technologies are simultaneously applied in it. In order for the vacuum cleaner not to run into all sorts of obstacles, contact sensors are used, which are located near the edge of the case. Even with a light blow, they work. The device receives a signal that there is an obstacle and changes the line of motion.
There is an ultrasonic rangefinder, which, by means of the propagation of ultrasound and capturing its reflection from an obstacle, helps to establish the distance from the vacuum cleaner to the object.
Thanks to the existing laser rangefinder, the robot scans the surrounding area, making a map of the room. Such a function is needed in order to process the entire area as much as possible.
Infrared sensors are the so-called virtual wall. They prevent the robot cleaner from entering other rooms. The purpose of the infrared sensors is to prevent him from falling from a height. These elements are needed in houses with flights of stairs. Such smart technologyEquipped with a "local cleaning" function. It allows you to set the robot to a set radius of action where you want to do a more thorough cleaning. However, it must be borne in mind that not all models are equipped with all these functions, they are only in the most modern ones.
Other instrument functions
All robot vacuums come with a base. It serves to recharge equipment. When the battery charge approaches the set minimum, the device itself goes to the charger and connects to it. He searches for the base using special sensors on a memory card. As soon as the charging process is over, the vacuum cleaner will continue to work on its own. Charging time - from 40 minutes to 8 hours, depending on the model. Most of them are equipped with pollution sensors, thanks to which the most polluted places are recognized. They clean more thoroughly and last longer. Robotic vacuum cleaners are equipped with sensors to recognize the type of surface and allow you to apply the appropriate mode.
In models that are expensive, there is a system against entangling the device in small objects and wires. When it works, the vacuum cleaner and brushes stop working, the robot tries to leave this place. As for cheap models, before cleaning, you need to raise all the wires. Vacuum cleaners of the middle and high price categories have the function of programming the cleaning time. To do this, there are buttons with which you can set the time and day. Although the working principle of the robot vacuum cleaner is similar to that of a conventional vacuum cleaner, it can perform many functions,including air ionization. It is simply necessary for families in which there are people suffering from allergies. The device is equipped with an ultraviolet lamp, which disinfects the cleaned surface. As a result, the risk of allergic reactions is reduced. Vacuum cleaners are produced that accompany cleaning with music. All robots are equipped with a container or a bag where all the dust is collected. Mostly they are cleaned manually, but for expensive devices this function is performed automatically. In this case, cleaning is carried out together with recharging. Some models include attachments for collecting pet hair. However, here it must be borne in mind that a shaggy carpet that is clogged with wool cannot be cleaned by robotic vacuum cleaners.
Cleaning process
It is worth directly considering the principle of operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (and purpose). The main purpose of this kind of household appliances is to eliminate dust and dirt. The principles of operation of each model are not very different from each other. Dry cleaning of garbage occurs as follows. The brush located on the side, when the vacuum cleaner moves towards the central brush, collects all the dirt, hair, wool and dust that are:
- near baseboards;
- under furniture;
- in the corners.
The main role is assigned to the central (main) brush. It has a fluffy texture. Those who think that various particles are removed by the dust suction engine are mistaken. It is the brush that removes all the dirt in the bin. After the garbage enters the waste bin, it is pressed into the dust collector. This happens due to the air flow, which then enters through the filters in the bin to the outside. Therefore, the quality of the filter depends on how clean the blown air will be. It is the main brush, not the motor power, that affects the quality of the robot vacuum cleaner. Therefore, when buying such equipment, it is necessary to pay attention to this particular element of the device.
The principle of operation of the washing robot vacuum cleaner is that the first thing it does is to collect all the debris and dust from the floor. After that, it begins to spray water, which comes from a special tank. Then the vacuum cleaner rubs the floor covering with a brush. The final step is to remove dirty water from the floor with a scraper and then suck it into the tank. Manufacturers do not recommend using a washing robot vacuum cleaner for cleaning:
- parquet;
- laminate;
- carpets.
Disadvantages of robotic vacuum cleaners
Despite the amazing capabilities and simple principle of the robot vacuum cleaner, it also has its drawbacks. This robotic device cannot clean the corners of the room with high quality. Owners should be aware that even appliances equipped with height sensors can fall down stairs and need to be monitored. Before putting the device into operation, the room must first be prepared. Namely, to pick up small items that can easily be dragged into the bag, removelarge debris, as the vacuum cleaner will not be able to suck it up. It is also advisable to raise the wires and chairs, the robot can get tangled in them.
Do not throw away a simple vacuum cleaner, because the robotic machine is not able to clean the carpets on the walls and furniture. A large number of models work exclusively on a flat surface, they cannot handle long-pile carpets and embossed floor coverings.
Operating Rules
In order for the robot vacuum cleaner to work long and safely, some rules must be observed. Be sure to keep water and even its splashes out of it. To wipe the outer casing, use only a dry cloth. Before turning on the device, it is necessary to raise it higher:
- unstable items;
- cords from blinds;
- newspapers;
- clothes.
Do not touch the robot and charger with wet hands. The bin and brushes should be cleaned regularly of fibers and debris wrapped around them. If this device will not work for a long time, then you need to remove the charged battery from it. Do not use it to clean up spilled paint or any chemicals. Keep in mind that if the floor in the house is painted in a dark color, the operation of such a vacuum cleaner is likely to be ineffective.
When purchasing this device, you need to know that the more functions it has, the higher the cost. However, in any case, it will facilitate the work of the hostess. But before buying, you need to carefully considerfunctions, how the robot cleaner works, and the modes it provides.
