Components for robot vacuum cleaners

A robot vacuum cleaner of any model is completed with a number of devices necessary for the implementation of the cleaning process. Manufacturers of some models provide for additional equipping of the robot with individual accessories as desired by the user. During operation, these consumables fail and must be replaced. Many accessories for robotic vacuum cleaners can be purchased independently.

Power supply

The operation time of the robot vacuum cleaner depends on the capacity of the power supply element and, accordingly, cleaning volume in one cycle. During long-term operation, the battery of the robot gradually sits down and loses its original characteristics of capacity, which affects the ability of the device to effectively clean the room.Therefore, it is important to know not only the rules of operation of your robotic assistant, but also the type of battery with which it is equipped, in order to purchase a new suitable element if necessary.

A battery for a robot vacuum cleaner can be one of three types.

1. Nickel-metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH) are used in budget models of Chinese and European little-known companies (Neorobot, Clever & Clean, qwikk, and others).
   

2. Lithium and lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries along with Ni-MH cells are used in models of the middle price category (iClebo Pop, iRobot 600 series and others).
   

3. Lithium - polymer (Li-Pol) batteries along with Li-Ion analogs are used in premium-class robot vacuum cleaners (iClebo Arte, iRobot 700 or 800 series, and others).
   

Ni-MH elements are the most common and affordable, reliable under the condition of proper operation, as they withstand 20% more charge-discharge cycles than other analogues. The main disadvantages are heating, a high discharge rate, even if the device is not used, and the presence of a memory effect (you need a full discharge before charging).

Lithium, Li-Ion and Li-Pol the batteries are compact in size and light, with a small discharge when the machine is in non-operating state,so that the accumulated energy of the battery stores for months. It is equipped with built-in control electronics from overheating. The main disadvantages: sensitive to mechanical shock, temperature changes, high price.

Manufacturers of robotic vacuum cleaners use standard batteries from reliable suppliers to equip devices, and in the instruction manual recommends the brands and specifications of suitable batteries.

Depending on the type of battery and compliance with the rules of operation, the battery without replacement can last from 1.5-2 to 3-4 years.

Cleaning brushes

Like a regular vacuum cleaner, its robotic analogue is equipped with brushes. Depending on the model, the use of 1 to 3 brushes can be provided in the apparatus. The cleaning element is the main one during cleaning, so it wears out over time and needs to be replaced. You need to figure out which brushes are suitable for a particular model, and what are the difficulties with purchasing this consumable material.

Most often in robots vacuum cleaners install the main elements of two types:

• tick - it collects dust, cobwebs and wool, removes small pollution;
• rubber - copes well with the collection of sand, crumbs and other similar garbage.

Some devices equip side brushes for greater capture of debris from the surface, the ability to get to the corners, go through the baseboards. Washed garbage is sent to the central brush and driven into the garbage.

If there is a four-legged pet in the house, it is advisable to use a “for pets” brush for cleaning. It is due to the special design better than a lint brush, collects animal hair.

Such a brush can be purchased for your robot model as an additional accessory (the kit is not included with all devices).

Usually brushes for a particular model are sold as a set or separately. Original accessories from the brand-making model are more expensive than Chinese analog brushes. Moreover, the quality of cheaper analogues are often not inferior to the original elements.

Types of filters

In any model of the robot vacuum cleaner there is a function of air filtration, the principle of which is to retain solid particles through a filter. Over time, this system will wear out and it will need to be replaced. There are quite a few varieties of this element; conditionally, all filters for a robot vacuum cleaner are divided into 3 types.

1. Strainers. They do well in retaining large and medium fractions, but they let in small particles. Installed mainly on budget models. For allergy sufferers and asthmatics, cleaning with an apparatus with such a filter element is not suitable.
2. Hepa (High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing) filters, which provide highly efficient particle retention (up to 99%). A multi-layer HEPA-element is equipped with the majority of middle-class robotic vacuum cleaners. In addition to the sieve, the effects of inertia, diffusion and entanglement work on filtering.
3. Antibacterial filters. They are found in such models as iClebo, DeeBot. Their feature is a special antibacterial impregnation of the filter element.

Filters of the robot vacuum cleaner Polaris PVCR 0726W

It is easy to find a replacement filter from the manufacturer (original) or its analogue of another brand suitable for sale.

Orientation Sensors and Virtual Walls

Robotic technology is oriented in space through various sensors. The sensors of the robot vacuum cleaner are divided into several types. Budget models are equipped with a small number of necessary scanners (2-3), more advanced ones are equipped with a full set of the most advanced sensors

All models, without exception, are equipped tactile sensorsso that the device reacts to an obstacle.When triggered, this sensor apparatus changes the direction of motion. Proximity scanners are designed to prevent collisions: infrared or ultrasound.

Well, when the model is equipped drop sensordefining elevation differences on the way. Another important scanner that affects the quality of cleaning is a device that detects contaminated sites.

The most advanced models are equipped with laser scanners or cameras with a system for building and storing a cleaning plan.

The additional functionality, called a virtual wall, helps the robot to get oriented in space. The essence of the technology is to determine the space for the robot to clean, so that it does not run across the mirror door of the cabinet or the floor vase, for example. Perform this function special IR beacons or magnetic tape. These accessories can be included in the model package or purchased separately. Adaptations are placed in those places where the robot can not enter. The robot identifies the virtual wall with an appropriate sensor.

Charging station and remote control

It happens that due to carelessness the robot charger fails. One common reason is when water drops on the terminals. And this can happen if the robot vacuum cleaner after wet cleaning returns to the base with the remaining water in the tank. If the trouble happened, you will have to look for a charger with the necessary technical specifications in a specialized store or order.

It is quite possible to purchase a separate charge for a robotic assistant.

Remote control for a robot vacuum cleaner during operation can also fail for a variety of reasons. In any case, you will need a new accessory. Separately, you can buy it, but you have to search for a device with the desired characteristics.