Sweeping robot base station

Abstract

The utility model provides a can clean the cleaning rag of floor cleaning robot base station. Floor cleaning robot base station includes: cover body, accommodate floor cleaning robot and clean the cleaning rag of floor cleaning robot with the cleaning rag cleaning part, the installation part includes the cleaning board, the cleaning rag cleaning part includes: the clean water supply pipe, supplies the clean water, the first branch valve is located in the clean water supply pipe, makes the clean water that supplies branch to two directions, the first pipe is connected with the first branch valve, and the clean water that flows to one direction passes through, the water treatment filter is located in the first pipe, and the clean water becomes soft water through the filtration hard material from the clean water, the second pipe is connected with the first pipe, and the soft water passes through, the heater is located in the second pipe, and the soft water becomes hot water or steam through heating the soft water, the heating cleaning pipe supplies the hot water or steam that passed through the heater to the cleaning board, and the clean water cleaning pipe is connected with the first branch valve, and supplies the clean water that flows to the other direction to the cleaning board.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a base station for a robotic vacuum cleaner, and more specifically, to a base station for a robotic vacuum cleaner that can clean the mop of the robotic vacuum cleaner when it is in use with a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0002] Priority information: KR10-2024-0154917 (Application date: November 5, 2024) Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, with the development of industrial technology, sweeping robots have been developed that can autonomously drive and clean areas that need to be cleaned without user intervention.

[0004] This robotic vacuum cleaner includes sensors that can identify the space to be cleaned, an agitator that can clean the floor surface, and a cloth that can wipe the floor surface. It can suck up dust from the floor surface of the space identified by the sensors and move while wiping with the cloth.

[0005] There are dry sweeping robots that can suck up and remove foreign objects scattered on the floor surface, and wet sweeping robots that can wipe the floor surface with a damp cloth in order to effectively remove foreign objects attached to the floor surface.

[0006] Dry-type robotic vacuum cleaners have a dustbin and use a suction motor to suck up debris from the floor surface. Wet-type robotic vacuum cleaners have a water tank; water from the tank is supplied to a mop, which wipes the floor surface while still damp, effectively removing debris. Additionally, there are robotic vacuum cleaners that combine an agitator and a mop.

[0007] A charging station for a robotic vacuum cleaner is a device that allows the robot to dock after cleaning and charges its battery by supplying power to the robot's internal battery. The charging station contains a power supply module. The charging station has charging terminals that connect to the power supply module, and the robotic vacuum cleaner has corresponding terminals. When the charging terminals and corresponding terminals are in contact, power is supplied to the battery, and the battery is charged.

[0008] On the other hand, there is a more active trend in the research and development of base station structures that include dust collection or mop cleaning functions for robotic vacuum cleaners, rather than simply developing charging stations for robotic vacuum cleaners.

[0009] Regarding the robotic vacuum cleaner base station mentioned above, Chinese patent CN114601400A (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1") discloses a self-cleaning dust collection system.

[0010] Specifically, the invention discloses a dust collection plate installed in a robotic vacuum cleaner, a cleaning module for cleaning the dust collection plate, a water storage tank configured in the cleaning module to supply washing water to the dust collection plate, a wastewater tank configured in the cleaning module to store wastewater used in cleaning the dust collection plate, and a configuration for supplying detergent during cleaning the dust collection plate.

[0011] However, the robot vacuum cleaner base station in Patent Document 1 has the following limitations: it only uses water to clean the dust collection plate, instead of a structure that can improve cleaning performance by cleaning the dust collection plate with high temperature, such as hot water or steam.

[0012] Furthermore, when hot water or steam is used to clean the mop at the robot vacuum station, there is a risk of scale buildup leading to performance degradation. However, the robot vacuum station in Patent Document 1 has the problem that it completely fails to consider a structure for solving the scale buildup problem described above.

[0013] Furthermore, Chinese authorized utility model patent CN217592769U (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 2") discloses a self-cleaning base station.

[0014] Specifically, the invention discloses a cleaning component installed in a robotic vacuum cleaner, a washing tank installed in a base station for cleaning the cleaning component, a water tank for supplying washing water to the washing tank, a wastewater tank for storing wastewater used in the washing tank, and a structure for supplying detergent to the washing tank.

[0015] However, the robot vacuum base station in Patent Document 2 only uses water to clean the cleaning components, thus still has the limitation that it is not a structure that can improve cleaning performance by using hot water or steam to clean the cleaning components at high temperatures.

[0016] In addition, the robot vacuum base station in Patent Document 2 also has the problem of not taking into account the structure for minimizing the performance degradation caused by scaling.

[0017] As mentioned above, regarding the base station for cleaning the mop of a robotic vacuum cleaner, there are issues that need to be addressed in order to improve cleaning performance through high-temperature cleaning and to minimize the performance degradation that may occur during such high-temperature cleaning.

[0018] However, existing robotic vacuum cleaner base stations have limitations in addressing this issue effectively. Utility Model Content

[0019] The purpose of this invention is to solve the aforementioned problems of the robot vacuum base station that can wash the cleaning cloth of the robot vacuum.

[0020] Specifically, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a sweeping robot base station with a structure that enables high-temperature cleaning of the cleaning cloth used for cleaning sweeping robots, thereby further improving the cleaning performance of the cleaning cloth.

[0021] In addition, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a structure for cleaning the mop of a sweeping robot that minimizes the performance degradation that may occur during high-temperature cleaning, thereby enabling the sweeping robot base station to always maintain the cleaning performance of the mop.

[0022] The purpose of this utility model is also to provide a structure for cleaning the rag of a sweeping robot that can be effectively applied in various flow path modes, thereby enabling the sweeping robot base station to be implemented in various structures as needed.

[0023] The technical problems to be solved by this utility model are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned through the following description.

[0024] To achieve the above or other objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides a robotic vacuum cleaner base station configured to perform a cleaning unit for cleaning the robotic vacuum cleaner's cloth using hot water and steam. Specifically, in the cloth cleaning unit, the cloth is cleaned by supplying hot water and steam, which have passed through a heater, to a cleaning plate.

[0025] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention relates to a robotic vacuum cleaner base station configured to minimize scale buildup when hot water and steam are used in the mop cleaning section for cleaning the robotic vacuum cleaner's mop. Specifically, in the mop cleaning section, soft water that has passed through a water treatment filter is converted into hot water and steam and used for cleaning the mop.

[0026] In addition, one aspect of the present invention provides a robot vacuum cleaner base station that can supply the robot vacuum cleaner with soft water that has passed through a water treatment filter.

[0027] In addition, the robot vacuum cleaner base station of this invention can sense the temperature of the hot water and steam used in the cleaning of the mop.

[0028] In addition, the robot vacuum cleaner base station of this invention can use the flow rate of the heater to regulate the temperature of hot water and steam.

[0029] In addition, the sweeping robot base station of this invention can use the cumulative value of the flow rate supplied to the clean water supply pipe to estimate the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter.

[0030] In addition, the robot vacuum cleaner base station of this invention can notify users of the water treatment filter replacement cycle.

[0031] In addition, the robot vacuum cleaner base station of this invention can use detergent stored in the detergent tank for cleaning the mop.

[0032] In addition, the robot vacuum cleaner base station of this invention can store the wastewater used in washing the rags in a wastewater tank.

[0033] In addition, the base station of this utility model can supply soft water that has passed through a water treatment filter to the water tank of the sweeping robot and use it for cleaning with a rag.

[0034] In addition, the base station of the sweeping robot of this utility model can be equipped with a pair of mops, and each mop can be cleaned by a pair of corresponding cleaning plates.

[0035] In addition, the robot vacuum cleaner base station of this invention can supply hot water and steam to each cleaning plate.

[0036] In addition, the water treatment filter of the robot vacuum cleaner base station of this invention can use at least one of ion exchange resin, polyphosphate and hardness reduction catalyst.

[0037] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the base station of the sweeping robot is configured such that the mop cleaning section for cleaning the mop of the sweeping robot converts a minimal amount of clean water into soft water for use. Specifically, in the mop cleaning section, clean water is converted into hot water, and soft water that has passed through a water treatment filter is converted into steam, which is then used in cleaning the mop.

[0038] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the base station of the sweeping robot is configured such that the mop cleaning section for cleaning the mop of the sweeping robot converts clean water into soft water for use. Specifically, in the mop cleaning section, all clean water is passed through a water treatment filter to become soft water, and this soft water is used directly or after being converted into hot water or steam for cleaning the mop.

[0039] The technical solutions implemented by this utility model are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand the technical solutions not mentioned through the following description.

[0040] The effects of the sweeping robot base station of this utility model will be explained below.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, in the cloth washing section, since hot water and steam supplied to the washing plate through the heater are used to wash the cloth, the washing power and sterilization effect can be improved by high-temperature washing, thereby further improving the cleaning performance of the cloth.

[0042] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter is turned into hot water and steam in the cloth washing section and used in the washing of the cloth, the cleaning performance of the cloth can always be maintained appropriately by minimizing the performance degradation caused by scaling.

[0043] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since soft water that has passed through a water treatment filter is supplied to the robot vacuum cleaner, scaling can also be prevented in the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0044] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the temperature of the hot water and steam used in the cleaning of the cloth is sensed, hot water and steam can be supplied at the temperature most suitable for cleaning the cloth.

[0045] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the temperature of hot water and steam is adjusted by utilizing the flow rate through the heater, the temperature adjustment of hot water and steam can be achieved more easily.

[0046] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter is estimated by the cumulative value of the flow rate supplied to the clean water supply pipe, the necessity of replacement can be easily determined even without individually checking the status of the water treatment filter.

[0047] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, by notifying the user of the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter, the anti-scaling performance can be stably maintained by appropriately replacing the water treatment filter.

[0048] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since detergent stored in a detergent bucket is used for cleaning the rag, the cleaning performance of the rag can be appropriately ensured even when cleaning at low temperatures.

[0049] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the wastewater used in washing the rags is stored in a wastewater bucket, wastewater can be effectively managed and discharged.

[0050] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since soft water that has passed through a water treatment filter is supplied to the water tank of the sweeping robot and used in cleaning with a mop, the mop-based water cleaning function can be performed smoothly without reducing performance.

[0051] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since a pair of wiping cloths are provided and each wiping cloth is cleaned on a pair of corresponding cleaning plates, the pair of wiping cloths can be cleaned simultaneously.

[0052] In addition, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since hot water and steam are supplied to each cleaning plate, each cloth can be cleaned evenly.

[0053] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since at least one of ion exchange resin, polyphosphate and hardness reduction catalyst is used in the water treatment filter, hard substances in clean water can be effectively filtered.

[0054] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since the clean water is turned into hot water in the rag washing section and the soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter is turned into steam and used in the rag washing, the robot vacuum cleaner base station can be realized with a structure that is equipped with a water treatment filter of minimum capacity.

[0055] Furthermore, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, since all the clean water in the rag washing section is turned into soft water through a water treatment filter, and this soft water is used directly in the rag washing process or after the soft water is turned into hot water and steam, the robot vacuum cleaner base station can be realized with a structure that prevents scaling in all major components.

[0056] The following detailed embodiments will clarify other applicable scopes of this utility model. However, since those skilled in the art will clearly understand the various changes and modifications within the technical concept and scope of this utility model, it should be understood that the specific embodiments and preferred embodiments are merely examples. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the state in which the cleaning machine system of this utility model is installed on the lower side of a kitchen cabinet.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the piping and drainage pipe connections of the sweeper system in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a perspective view illustrating the sweeper system of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0060] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Top view.

[0061] Figure 5 It is a section cut along the front and back direction. Figure 3 A sectional view.

[0062] Figure 6This is a perspective view illustrating the sweeping robot of this utility model.

[0063] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Side view.

[0064] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A bottom view.

[0065] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 Rear view.

[0066] Figure 10 This is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the robot vacuum cleaner base station in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Top view.

[0068] Figure 12 This is a side view of the dust collection section of the robot vacuum cleaner base station used to illustrate an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow path of clean water, soft water, hot water, and steam in the base station of the sweeping robot of this utility model, according to a first embodiment.

[0070] Figure 14 It is a general overview Figure 13 The diagram shows the main components of the flow path.

[0071] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the robot vacuum cleaner base station in an embodiment of the present invention to estimate and notify the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter.

[0072] Figure 16 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the flow path of clean water, soft water, hot water, and steam in the base station of the sweeping robot of this utility model, representing a second embodiment.

[0073] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the flow path for clean water, soft water, hot water, and steam in a robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the process of describing the present invention, descriptions of well-known functions or structures will be omitted in order to make the essence of the present invention clear.

[0075] In the embodiments of this utility model, the X, Y, and Z directions can be mutually orthogonal. The X and Y directions can be parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z direction can be parallel to the vertical direction. When the X direction is parallel to the left-right direction, the Y direction can be parallel to the front-back direction. When the X direction is parallel to the front-back direction, the Y direction can be parallel to the left-right direction.

[0076] Figure 1 A diagram is shown illustrating the state in which the cleaning system 1 of an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the underside of a kitchen cabinet 2. Figure 2 A diagram is shown illustrating the relationship between the piping and the drain pipe 25 of the sweeper system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] The cleaning system 1 of this utility model embodiment can be installed on the lower side of the kitchen cabinet 2. Specifically, the kitchen cabinet 2 can be configured in the kitchen to store bowls, plates, cups, etc., and can provide space for cooking food or washing dishes.

[0078] In addition, kitchen cabinet 2 can be equipped with an upper panel (workbench) that can function as a sink, cooking table, or work surface.

[0079] For example, kitchen cabinet 2 may include a sink that provides space for washing dishes on the upper shelf. Additionally, kitchen cabinet 2 may include a cooking countertop for performing cooking operations. Furthermore, kitchen cabinet 2 may include a gas stovetop with a gas stove, induction cooktop, ceramic cooktop, or oven mounted on the upper shelf.

[0080] Typically, kitchen cabinet 2 can use a standard cabinet with a front-to-back width of 600mm and a left-to-right width of 600mm.

[0081] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sweeper system 1 can be disposed on the underside of a structure including at least one of a water supply pipe and a drain pipe. Specifically, the water supply pipe can refer to a flow path connected to an external water source supplying fluid to the structure, and the drain pipe can refer to a flow path that discharges fluid from the structure into a sewer.

[0082] A storage cabinet for storing tableware and kitchen utensils can be installed at the lower part of this kitchen cabinet 2 or the structure described above. That is, the kitchen cabinet 2 or the structure described above may include: an upper panel 22 providing space for cooking or washing dishes; a lower side panel 23 separated from the floor surface by a predetermined height; and storage space formed between the upper panel 22 and the lower side panel 23 for storing tableware and kitchen utensils. In the case where the kitchen cabinet 2 is a sink, a sink 22a can be installed on the upper panel 22.

[0083] Additionally, the lower side panel 23 can be supported by legs 21. Legs 21 can be positioned perpendicular to the kitchen floor to support the load of the kitchen cabinet 2. At this point, a space can be formed between the kitchen floor and the lower side panel 23 along the height of the legs 21.

[0084] In contrast, the kitchen cabinet 2 can also be fixed to the wall of the building without the support legs 21. In this case, a space can also be formed between the kitchen floor and the lower side panel 23.

[0085] The cleaning system 1 of this utility model embodiment can be installed in the space between the kitchen floor and the lower side panel 23 as described above (hereinafter referred to as the installation space).

[0086] For example, the installation space can be less than 200mm in height, and typically can be less than 160mm in height.

[0087] Therefore, according to this utility model, the cleaning system 1 is configured in the lower space of the kitchen cabinet 2, thus minimizing the exposure of the cleaning system 1 to the outside.

[0088] Furthermore, compared to configuring a charging station for a robot vacuum cleaner in a constant space such as the living room, bedroom, or kitchen, configuring the cleaning system 1 in the unused space created by the kitchen cabinet 2 does not occupy additional space, thus maximizing space efficiency.

[0089] On the other hand, a drain pipe 25 is provided in the kitchen cabinet 2 or the structure to drain liquids used for cooking or water used for washing dishes. At least a portion of the drain pipe 25 may be configured in the storage space formed between the upper panel 22 and the lower side panel 23. Typically, the drain pipe 25 may be connected to the drain outlet of the sink 22a formed in the sink basin. The drain pipe 25 includes a U-trap 25a to prevent backflow of contaminated gases or odors. The U-trap 25a may be configured in the storage space. Liquid flowing in through the drain outlet flows downwards due to gravity in the upstream 25b of the U-trap and accumulates in the U-trap 25a. If the water overflows above a predetermined water level set by the U-trap 25a, it may flow downwards along the downstream 25c of the U-trap and be discharged into the sewer.

[0090] The sweeper system 1 of this utility model embodiment can use the drain pipe 25 as described above to clean and dry the rag 242 of the sweeping robot 200.

[0091] Additionally, although not shown in the diagram, a water supply pipe may be installed in the kitchen cabinet 2. Tap water (or purified water) can be supplied to the cleaning system 1 through the water supply pipe.

[0092] The specific structure of the sweeper system 1 will be described below.

[0093] Figures 3 to 5 A diagram is shown illustrating a sweeper system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] The cleaning system 1 in the embodiments of this specification may include a sweeping robot base station 100 and a sweeping robot 200.

[0095] The sweeping system 1 includes a sweeping robot base station 100. A sweeping robot 200 can be integrated into the sweeping robot base station 100. Specifically, the sweeping robot 200 can enter from the front of the sweeping robot base station 100 and can be housed inside the sweeping robot base station 100. The sweeping robot base station 100 can remove dust from the dustbin 220 of the sweeping robot 200. The sweeping robot base station 100 can clean the rotating cleaning section 240 of the sweeping robot 200. The sweeping robot base station 100 can dry the rotating cleaning section 240 of the sweeping robot 200. The sweeping robot base station 100 can supply power to the sweeping robot 200.

[0096] Figures 6 to 9 A diagram is shown illustrating the sweeping robot 200 in the sweeping robot system 1 of this utility model embodiment.

[0097] Below, refer to Figures 6 to 9 This explains the structure of the 200 robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0098] The robotic vacuum cleaner 200 autonomously navigates the area to be cleaned and sucks up dust and other foreign objects from the floor, thus automatically cleaning the area.

[0099] The sweeping robot 200 of this embodiment is placed on the floor and moves along the floor surface to clean the floor. Therefore, the following description will be based on the state of the sweeping robot 200 placed on the floor, with the vertical direction defined.

[0100] Furthermore, taking a pair of wheels 260 as a reference, the side with the auxiliary wheel 270 (described later) is designated as the front, and the side with the rotating cleaning unit 240 (described later) is designated as the rear, and will be described.

[0101] The "lowest part" of each component described in the embodiments of this utility model can be the part located at the lowest position in each component when the robot vacuum cleaner 200 of this utility model is placed on the floor for use, or it can be the part closest to the floor.

[0102] The sweeping robot 200 of this utility model embodiment includes a main body 210, a dust bin 220, a water bin 230, a rotating sweeping part 240, an agitator 250, wheels 260, auxiliary wheels 270, and a charging terminal 280.

[0103] The main body 210 can form the overall appearance of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. Various components that make up the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be integrated into the main body 210, and some of the components that make up the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be housed inside the main body 210.

[0104] Specifically, the main body 210 may house a plurality of components of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 within its internal space. For example, the main body 210 may house a battery and at least one motor within its internal space.

[0105] In embodiments of this invention, the main body 210 can be configured such that its width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction (parallel to X and Y) is greater than its height in the vertical direction (parallel to Z). This main body 210 helps the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 form a stable structure and provides a structure that facilitates the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 in avoiding obstacles during movement (driving).

[0106] When viewed from above or below, the main body 210 can be formed into various shapes such as circles, ovals, or quadrilaterals.

[0107] The main body 210 can be divided into a lower main body and an upper main body, which can be combined to form a space inside.

[0108] The lower main body can be combined with the upper main body to form an internal space that can accommodate a battery, at least one sensor, and at least one motor.

[0109] The lower body may have an intake section 211 for air to flow in and a hole for accommodating a pair of wheels 260.

[0110] The suction section 211 can be a channel for dust from the floor surface to flow into. Furthermore, the suction section 211 can communicate with a suction flow path (not shown) formed inside the main body 210, and the suction flow path can communicate with the internal space of the dust bin 220.

[0111] On the other hand, an exhaust flow path can also be provided in the lower main body. One side of the exhaust flow path can communicate with the internal space of the dust bin 220, while the other side can communicate with the exhaust port. At this time, a filter can be installed at the exhaust port.

[0112] With this configuration, the air flowing in through the suction section 211 can flow into the dust bin 220 via the suction flow path and be discharged to the exhaust port via the exhaust flow path.

[0113] The agitator 250, described later, can be rotatably accommodated in the suction section 211. With this configuration, dust around the suction section 211 can be guided into the suction section 211 by the rotation of the agitator 250, thereby increasing the efficiency of dust suction.

[0114] The upper body can form the upper appearance of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. Although not shown, a display can be installed on the upper body.

[0115] The robotic vacuum cleaner 200 of this invention may include a bumper. The bumper is attached to the edge of the main body 210 and is movable relative to the main body 210.

[0116] The bumper can be attached to a portion of the frame of the body 210, or to the entire frame of the body 210. At least one elastic member (not shown) can be provided between the bumper and the body 210. With this configuration, if the bumper comes into contact with an obstacle or the like and moves relative to the central side of the body 210, the bumper can be reset to its initial position by the restoring force of the elastic member (not shown), absorbing or dispersing the impact applied to the bumper, thereby preventing and reducing the transmission of impact to the body 210.

[0117] The dust bin 220 can suck in external dust and air to store dust.

[0118] The dust bin 220 can store dust that flows in through the suction flow path. The dust bin 220 can have a dust inlet communicating with the suction flow path, an internal space for storing dust, and an air outlet for discharging air.

[0119] The dust bin 220 can be disposed inside the main body 210. In this case, the dust bin 220 can be fixedly attached to the main body 210, or it can be disposed detachably according to the embodiment.

[0120] On the other hand, in this invention, a dust discharge path can be formed in the dust bin 220. This dust discharge path allows the internal space of the dust bin 220 to communicate with the external space of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. With this configuration, when dust is collected by the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100, the dust inside the dust bin 220 can be removed.

[0121] On the other hand, the dust bin 220 of this embodiment of the invention may have a dust outlet 221 that communicates with the dust discharge path. As one example, the dust outlet 221 may be formed on the rear side of the outer side (or outer peripheral surface) of the main body 210. As another example, the dust outlet 221 may be formed on the outer side of the dust bin 220.

[0122] Furthermore, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 of this embodiment may be equipped with a dust bin door 222 capable of selectively opening and closing the dust outlet 221. Specifically, the dust bin door 222 may be attached to the main body 210 and may be configured to block the dust outlet 221. As an example, the dust bin door 222 may be formed of rubber or resin material and may be configured to be flip-up so that one side can be fixedly attached to the main body 210.

[0123] With this configuration, if the dust collection motor 145 of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 described later is operated, the dust bin door 222 can be elastically deformed by the driving force of the dust collection motor 145, and the dust discharge port 221 will open, so that the dust in the dust bin 220 can be collected into the dust collection section 140 of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0124] The bucket 230 is formed as a container with an internal space to store liquids such as water inside. The bucket 230 can be disposed inside the main body 210, can be fixedly attached to the main body 210, or can be detachably attached to the main body 210.

[0125] The water tank 230 includes a supply section 231 and a nozzle (not shown). The supply section 231 can receive liquids such as water from the outside. For example, the supply section 231 may have an inlet formed on the other side behind the outer side (or outer peripheral surface) of the main body 210, and can be connected to the storage space inside the water tank 230 via a water supply hose.

[0126] At this time, the supply unit 231 can be positioned on the opposite side of the sweeping robot 200 in the left-right direction relative to the dust outlet 221. For example, if the dust outlet 221 is positioned on the rear left side of the main body 210, the supply unit 231 can be positioned on the rear right side of the main body 210.

[0127] With this configuration, when the robot vacuum cleaner 200 is combined with the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 can simultaneously perform dust collection and water injection.

[0128] On the other hand, the nozzle (not shown) is formed in the shape of a tube or pipe and is connected to the bucket 230 so that the liquid inside the bucket 230 can flow through it. One side of the nozzle (not shown) is connected to the bucket 230, and the other end is configured to be located on the upper side or on the rotating plate 241, respectively, thereby enabling the liquid inside the bucket 230 to be supplied to the pair of wiping cloths 242 respectively.

[0129] That is, the nozzle (not shown) can be formed into a tube branching into two. In this case, the end of one tube of the branch can be located on the upper side of the left rag, and the end of the other tube of the branch can be located on the upper side of the right rag.

[0130] On the other hand, although not shown, a pump is provided in the water tank 230, which allows water inside the water tank 230 to flow toward the nozzle (not shown). Therefore, if the pump in the water tank 230 is running, the liquid stored in the water tank 230 can be ejected through the nozzle (not shown) toward the rotating cleaning unit 240.

[0131] The rotating cleaning unit 240 includes a rotating plate 241 and a cleaning cloth 242.

[0132] The rotating plate 241 can be configured as a pair, including a left rotating plate and a right rotating plate, and the wiping cloth 242 can be configured as a pair, including a left wiping cloth and a right wiping cloth.

[0133] The rotating plate 241 can be rotatably disposed on the bottom surface of the main body 210, and the rag 242 can be attached to the lower side.

[0134] The rotating plate 241 has a defined area and is formed into a flat plate or a flat frame. This rotating plate 241 is generally horizontally positioned, thus forming a shape where the width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction is much larger than the height in the vertical direction. The rotating plate 241, attached to the main body 210, can be parallel to the floor surface B or can be inclined relative to the floor surface B. The rotating plate 241 can be formed into a circular plate shape, the bottom surface of the rotating plate 241 can be generally circular, and the rotating plate 241 as a whole can be formed into a rotationally symmetrical shape.

[0135] A pair of rotating plates 241 can be symmetrical to each other.

[0136] The rag 242 can be attached to the underside of the rotating plate 241 to face the floor surface B.

[0137] The bottom surface of the rag 242 facing the floor has a defined area, and the rag 242 is formed in a flat shape. The width (or diameter) of the rag 242 in the horizontal direction is much larger than its height in the vertical direction. When the rag 242 is attached to the side of the main body 210, the bottom surface of the rag 242 can be parallel to the floor surface B, or it can be inclined relative to the floor surface B.

[0138] The bottom surface of the cleaning cloth 242 can be roughly circular, and the cleaning cloth 242 as a whole can be rotate symmetrical. In addition, the cleaning cloth 242 can be detachably attached to the bottom surface of the rotating plate 241, and can be combined with the rotating plate 241 to rotate together with the rotating plate 241.

[0139] On the other hand, although not shown, the rotating cleaning unit 240 may be provided with a drive unit that applies rotational force to the rotating plate 241. For example, the drive unit may have a motor and at least one gear. Therefore, if the drive unit is activated, the rotating plate 241 and the mop 242 can rotate and wipe the floor surface.

[0140] A plurality of brushes are rotatably arranged in the agitator 250, which can guide external dust and air into the dust bin 220. At this time, at least one gear may be provided in the agitator 250.

[0141] On the other hand, the agitator 250 of this embodiment may be equipped with an additional agitator motor (not shown) and receive rotational power. Of course, according to the embodiment, it may also receive rotational power from a driving motor or from the drive unit of the rotating cleaning unit 240.

[0142] Wheel 260 can be disposed on the bottom surface of main body 210 and can be connected to drive unit (not shown). At this time, drive unit (not shown) can be attached to main body 210.

[0143] Wheel 260 can be installed on body 210 and can roll on floor surface.

[0144] Wheel 260 can be composed of a first driving wheel and a second driving wheel. In this case, the first driving wheel can be configured to be the same as the second driving wheel, or symmetrically arranged. As an example, if the first driving wheel is located on the left side of the robot vacuum cleaner 200, then the second driving wheel can be located on the right side of the robot vacuum cleaner 200. In this case, the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel can be symmetrical to each other.

[0145] The drive unit (not shown) may include a travel motor and gears. In this case, the travel motor may be housed inside the main body 210 and provides power to the wheel 260. The travel motor may include a first travel motor and a second travel motor.

[0146] The travel motor can be an electric motor. Multiple gears mesh and rotate, connecting the travel motor and wheel 260, transmitting the rotational power of the travel motor to wheel 260. Therefore, wheel 260 can rotate when the shaft of the travel motor rotates.

[0147] With this configuration, if the driving motor is running, the wheel 260 can rotate, and the main body 210 can travel on the floor surface at a specified speed.

[0148] The auxiliary wheel 270 can be disposed on the lower surface of the main body 210 and can roll on the floor surface (the surface to be cleaned). The auxiliary wheel 270, together with a pair of wheels 260, can support the main body 210 on the floor surface. With this configuration, the auxiliary wheel 270 can minimize the friction between the robot vacuum cleaner 200 and the floor surface, while guiding the movement of the robot vacuum cleaner 200.

[0149] The suction motor (not shown) generates suction that draws in external dust and air through the suction section 211. For example, the suction motor (not shown) can be an electric motor. Under the suction generated by the suction motor (not shown), external dust and air flow into the suction section 211 and reach the dust bin 220 after passing through the suction flow path.

[0150] Although not shown, the battery is integrated into the main body 210 and supplies power to other components constituting the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The battery can supply power to at least one motor disposed in the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. For example, the battery can supply power to motors disposed in the rotary cleaning unit 240, the agitator 250, the wheels 260, and the suction motor (not shown).

[0151] In addition, the battery can supply power to the sensor unit (not shown) and the control unit (not shown).

[0152] The battery can be charged by an external power source, and for this purpose, a charging terminal 280 for charging can be provided on one side of the main body 210. For example, the charging terminal 280 can be configured on the rear side of the outer side of the main body 210. If the robot vacuum cleaner 200 is combined with the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100, the charging terminal 280 can contact the power supply terminal 123b of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 and receive power.

[0153] Figure 10 A perspective view of a robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 illustrating an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 Top view.

[0154] Below, refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 This describes the sweeping robot base station 100 of this utility model.

[0155] The robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be housed in the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100. The robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be integrated into the mounting section 120 of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0156] The robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 may include a cover 110.

[0157] The cover 110 can form the appearance of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100. As an example, the cover 110 can be formed into a hexahedral shape including at least one outer wall surface.

[0158] The inside of the cover 110 can form a space that can accommodate the placement part 120, the dust collection path, the dust collection part 140, the dust collection motor 145, the cloth washing part 160, the cloth drying part 170, and the circulation path.

[0159] The cover 110 can be installed on the lower side of the kitchen cabinet 2. Specifically, the cover 110 can be installed in the space between the lower side panel 23 of the kitchen cabinet 2 and the kitchen floor.

[0160] The enclosure 110 includes a pair of outer walls 111 facing each other. The outer walls 111 may refer to surfaces formed along the direction of gravity.

[0161] As one example, a pair of outer walls 111 can be arranged at predetermined intervals on the lower side of the kitchen cabinet 2. As another example, the cover 110 may also include a bottom surface facing the kitchen floor, and the pair of outer walls are connected through the bottom surface. As yet another example, the cover 110 may also include a bottom surface facing the kitchen floor and an upper surface facing the lower side panel 23 of the kitchen cabinet 2, and the upper and lower ends of the pair of outer walls 111 are connected to each other through the bottom surface and the upper surface. Therefore, even if foreign objects fall from the kitchen cabinet 2 to the lower side, the components of the robot vacuum cleaner 200 and the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be prevented from becoming contaminated. As yet another example, the cover 110 may also include the bottom surface, the upper surface, and a rear surface facing the wall of the building.

[0162] With the configuration described above, a configuration in which a robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be accommodated inside the housing 110 (between a pair of outer walls).

[0163] Additionally, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be housed inside the enclosure 110. The enclosure 110 can be configured such that the gap between its outer walls 111 is larger than the maximum horizontal width of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. With this configuration, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can enter and exit the enclosure 110.

[0164] In this embodiment, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can enter and exit from the front of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100. Here, "front" can refer to the direction in which the door 126 is set with the interior of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 as a reference.

[0165] Additionally, "rear" can refer to the opposite direction from the front, based on the interior of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100. For example, a building wall (not shown) may be located behind the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0166] In addition, based on the observation of the front from inside the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100, the left side can be called the left side and the right side can be called the right side.

[0167] That is, the outer wall 111 of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be configured on the left side and the right side respectively.

[0168] Therefore, the upper side of the cover 110 can be covered by the kitchen cabinet 2, and the lower side of the cover 110 can be covered by the kitchen floor. Additionally, the left and right sides of the cover 110 are either covered by the outer wall or positioned in the lower part of the kitchen cabinet 2. In this case, the lower part of the kitchen cabinet 2, excluding the robot vacuum base station 100, can be finished off by the baseboard 26, resulting in only the front of the cover 110 being exposed to the outside.

[0169] This minimizes the external exposure of the robot vacuum base station 100 and the robot vacuum 200.

[0170] With the configuration described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this utility model has an aesthetic effect that can bring users a sense of beauty in terms of decoration.

[0171] On the other hand, although not shown, the cover 110 may have spaces for a water supply hose connected to a water supply pipe to pass through, spaces for a drainage hose to pass through for draining wastewater generated after washing the cloth 242, and spaces for a hose to pass through for discharging moisture generated during the drying process of the cloth 242. For example, spaces for the hoses to pass through may be formed on at least one of the outer wall 111 and the upper side of the cover 110.

[0172] like Figure 11 As shown, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 may include a mounting unit 120.

[0173] The robotic vacuum cleaner 200 and the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be physically connected, electrically connected, and / or connected via the mounting unit 120.

[0174] The mounting section 120 can be installed inside the cover 110.

[0175] In this case, according to the embodiment, the placement part 120 can be configured to be drawn out from the cover 110 by means of a drawer.

[0176] With the configuration described above, the user can easily access and maintain the housing 120 when it needs to be cleaned or repaired, or when a part needs to be replaced.

[0177] An entrance 127 for the sweeping robot 200 to enter can be formed in the installation section 120. The entrance 127 may refer to the space formed on the front surface of the sweeping robot base station 100.

[0178] The entrance / exit 127 can be configured to allow the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to pass through. That is, the height of the entrance / exit 127 is greater than the height of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. In this case, the entrance / exit 127 can refer to the space formed vertically upward from the front end of the base 121 (described later), and the upper end of the entrance / exit can be the same as the lower surface of the lower side panel 23 of the kitchen cabinet 2 or the upper end of the cover 110.

[0179] Furthermore, the entrance / exit 127 is configured such that its width in the left-right direction is greater than the maximum width of the sweeping robot 200. In this case, at least one of a dust collection section 140 and a mop cleaning section 160 can be arranged on the left and right sides of the entrance / exit 127. Therefore, the left and right ends of the entrance / exit 127 can form boundaries with the dust collection section 140 and the mop cleaning section 160. If either the dust collection section 140 or the mop cleaning section 160 is absent, the outer wall surface of the cover 110 can also serve as the boundary.

[0180] At this time, the entrance / exit 127 can be opened and closed via the door 126. The door 126 can be positioned at the upper or lower end of the entrance / exit 127 and can have a rotation axis arranged in a direction parallel to the base 121. The door 126 can be hinged to the cover 110. Alternatively, the door 126 can be hinged to the inner wall 124 of the mounting portion 120.

[0181] Door 126 can be rotated by door drive unit 126a. As an example, door drive unit 126a can be a motor.

[0182] For example, the door 126 can be formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and a hinge portion 126b can be provided at the upper end of the door 126. A door drive portion 126a can be connected to the axial end of the hinge portion 126b. In this case, the hinge portion 126b of the door 126 can be directly connected to the shaft of the door drive portion 126a, or it can be connected to transmit power through at least one gear.

[0183] With the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 housed in the mounting section 120, the door 126 can remain closed at the entrance / exit 127. Furthermore, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 begins to move from the mounting section 120, the door 126 can rotate to open the entrance / exit 127. After the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 passes through the entrance / exit 127, the door 126 can rotate to close the entrance / exit 127. Additionally, if the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 approaches the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 from the outside, the door 126 can rotate to open the entrance / exit 127.

[0184] The mounting section 120 may include a receiving space, a base 121, a connecting wall 123, and an inner wall 124.

[0185] The robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be accommodated in the housing space of the mounting section 120. As one example, the housing space may refer to the space surrounded by the base 121, the connecting wall 123, and the inner wall 124. As another example, the housing space may refer to the space surrounded by the base 121, the cleaning plate 122, the connecting wall 123, and the inner wall 124. As yet another example, the housing space may refer to the space where the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 is located when it is connected to the power supply terminal 123b, or the space where the robotic vacuum cleaner 200's dustbin 220 is connected to the dust passage hole.

[0186] The base 121 can be configured to connect the robot vacuum base station 100 to the bottom surface, and can support the robot vacuum 200 when the robot vacuum base station 100 is combined with the robot vacuum 200. The base 121 may include a base body 121a, an inclined portion 121b, a wheel engagement portion 121c, an agitator receiving portion 121d, and a washing tub 128.

[0187] The base body 121a can form the overall appearance of the base 121. The base body 121a can be equipped with an inclined part 121b, a wheel engagement part 121c, an agitator receiving part 121d, and a washing tank 128.

[0188] The base body 121a can be formed with a shape that is larger in width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction (parallel to X and Y) than in height in the vertical direction (parallel to Z). Due to this structure, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be stably supported on the floor surface.

[0189] A circulation path can be provided inside the base body 121a. As a result, the air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 can flow through the circulation path formed inside the base body 121a and be discharged to the air return port.

[0190] The tilting part 121b can be configured in the base body 121a as an entry point for the robot vacuum cleaner 200 to climb.

[0191] The tilting section 121b may have a forward tilt in the direction in which the robot vacuum cleaner 200 enters. More specifically, the front end of the entrance side of the tilting section 121b is connected to have no height difference with the ground, and may have a forward tilt in the direction in which the robot vacuum cleaner 200 enters. In this case, "front" in the direction in which the robot vacuum cleaner 200 enters refers to the rear when the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 is used as a reference. As a result, the robot vacuum cleaner 200 can easily climb from the floor surface to the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0192] A wheel guide 121ba may be provided in the inclined section 121b.

[0193] The wheel guide portion 121ba can be formed in the shape of a groove to guide the movement of the wheels 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The surface of the wheel guide portion 121ba can be formed correspondingly to the surface of the wheels 260 to enable the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to move stably. In addition, the wheel guide portion 121ba can be formed such that the width of the groove at the entrance for the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to climb is greater than the width of the wheels 260, and the width of the groove becomes narrower relative to the entrance as it extends forward toward the climbing path of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. Thus, the wheels 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can easily enter the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100, but lateral movement is restricted by the gradually narrowing groove, thereby guiding the wheels 260 to an accurate position.

[0194] An auxiliary wheel guide 121bb may be provided in the inclined section 121b.

[0195] The auxiliary wheel guide 121bb can be formed in a groove shape to guide the movement of the auxiliary wheel 270 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. Alternatively, the auxiliary wheel guide 121bb can be formed in a protruding shape so that it engages with the auxiliary wheel 270 when the wheel 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the wheel guide 121bb. Thus, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 travels on the inclined section 121b, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be stably supported and traveled by the wheel 260 and the auxiliary wheel 270.

[0196] The wheels 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200, which move upwards along the wheel guide 121ba, can be mounted at the wheel engagement portion 121c. If the wheels 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 are mounted at the wheel engagement portion 121c, a physical connection between the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 and the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be achieved. The surface of the wheel engagement portion 121c can be formed correspondingly to the surface of the wheel 260 to allow the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to stop stably. The wheel engagement portion 121c can extend from the upper end of the wheel guide 121ba. The wheel engagement portion 121c can be connected to the wheel guide 121ba without any steps. Therefore, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can easily move to the wheel engagement portion 121c via the tilting portion 121b.

[0197] The wheel engagement portion 121c can be configured at the stop position of the left and right side wheels 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to ensure that the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 stops in an accurate position. Here, the stop position of the wheels 260 refers to the stop position set for the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to engage with the power supply terminal 123b and / or the stop position set for the robotic vacuum cleaner 200's dustbin 220 to communicate with the dust passage hole.

[0198] The shape of the wheel engagement portion 121c can be formed to correspond to the shape of the wheel 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200, that is, an arc shape. With this configuration, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can move along the wheel guide portion 121ba and then stop when the wheel 260 is inserted into the wheel engagement portion 121c, and the wheel 260 can be stably placed in the arc-shaped wheel engagement portion 121c.

[0199] The agitator receiving portion 121d can accommodate at least a portion of the agitator 250 of the sweeping robot 200. Specifically, the agitator receiving portion 121d can provide space to accommodate the lower end of the agitator 250 of the sweeping robot 200 when the wheel 260 of the sweeping robot 200 is mounted in the wheel engagement portion 121c.

[0200] An agitator receiving portion 121d can be formed between the wheel engagement portions 121c. The agitator receiving portion 121d can be shaped to correspond to the agitator 250 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The agitator receiving portion 121d can be shaped as a cuboid with an open upper portion. The bottom surface of the agitator receiving portion 121d can be sealed by the bottom surface of the base body 121a or the bottom surface of the cover 110. Therefore, the agitator 250 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200, which moves upward along the inclined portion 121b, can be placed into the recessed portion 121da through the open top surface of the agitator receiving portion 121d. At this time, the depth of the recessed portion 121da can be shallower than the depth of the wheel engagement portion 121c.

[0201] The agitator receiving portion 121d may include a recessed portion 121da and a protruding portion 121db.

[0202] The recess 121da can be formed as a recess in the base 121. The recess 121da can form a receiving space for accommodating at least a portion of the agitator 250. Thus, with the wheels 260 of the sweeping robot 200 mounted in the wheel engagement portion 121c, at least a portion of the agitator 250 can be accommodated in the receiving space of the recess 121da.

[0203] The receiving space of the recess 121da can communicate with the receiving space of the mounting part 120.

[0204] The protrusion 121db can be formed to protrude from the base 121. The protrusion 121db can be arranged along the edge of the recess 121da. In addition, when the agitator 250 is housed in the receiving space of the recess 121da, the protrusion 121db can be arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance from the main body 210 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200.

[0205] The protrusion 121db can guide the air discharged through the air return port to the suction section 211 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200. Thus, the air discharged into the receiving space of the recess 121da can be guided by the protrusion 121db to the suction section 211 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200.

[0206] An air return port may be formed in the agitator housing 121d. The air return port may be formed on the side of the agitator housing 121d. The air return port can connect the recess 121da and the dust collection motor 145 through a circulation path. The recess 121da and the circulation path can be connected through the air return port. Thus, air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 can be discharged into the recess 121da of the agitator housing 121d through the air return port.

[0207] The connecting wall 123 is configured to accommodate the dust passage hole, power supply terminal 123b, and water nozzle 123c of the robot vacuum base station 100. The connecting wall 123 spatially separates the accommodating space from the components of the robot vacuum base station 100. The connecting wall 123 extends vertically from the rear side of the base 121. The connecting wall 123 can be formed to correspond to the shape of the robot vacuum 200. For example, if the main body 210 of the robot vacuum 200 is cylindrical, the connecting wall 123 can be formed as an arc with a predetermined radius. This configuration surrounds the outline of the robot vacuum 200, increasing the area of ​​the outer surface facing the robot vacuum 200. Furthermore, it provides stable support for the robot vacuum 200.

[0208] A dust passage hole can be formed in the placement section 120 to allow air from outside the cover 110 to flow inwards. Specifically, a dust passage hole can be formed in the connecting wall 123 to allow air from outside the cover 110 to flow inwards. The dust passage hole can communicate with the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The dust passage hole can communicate with the dust outlet 221 of the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The dust passage hole can be formed with a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that dust from the dust bin 220 flows into the dust collection section 140. The dust passage hole can be formed with a shape corresponding to the dust outlet 221 of the dust bin 220. The dust passage hole can be formed to communicate with the dust collection flow path. Air drawn in from the dust passage hole can be discharged through the air return section after flowing through the dust collection flow path.

[0209] The robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 may include a power supply module for supplying power to the robot vacuum cleaner 200. The power supply module may include a power supply module housing and power supply terminals 123b. Circuit boards and components for power supply may be installed inside the power supply module housing. Furthermore, the power supply terminals 123b may be arranged at the front of the power supply module housing and configured to be exposed on the connecting wall 123.

[0210] The power supply terminal 123b can supply power to the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 that is attached to the mounting section 120. The power supply terminal 123b can contact and be electrically connected to the charging terminal of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The power supply terminal 123b can be disposed in the mounting section 120. Specifically, the power supply terminal 123b can be disposed in the mounting wall 123. The power supply terminal 123b can be electrically connected to the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 attached to the mounting wall 123. The power supply terminal 123b can supply power to the battery of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 attached to the mounting wall 123.

[0211] The robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 may also include a water supply nozzle 123c.

[0212] The water supply nozzle 123c can be connected to the supply section 231 of the water tank 230 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. Specifically, the water supply nozzle 123c can be connected to the inlet of the water tank 230. The inlet is configured to connect to the water tank 230 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The water supply nozzle 123c can supply water supplied from the water supply pipe of the kitchen cabinet 2 to the storage space inside the water tank 230 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200.

[0213] The inner wall 124 is a component that spatially divides the receiving space of the mounting section 120 and the base station 100 of the robotic vacuum cleaner. A pair of inner walls 124 can be arranged on the left and right sides of the base 121. The inner walls 124 can be connected to both ends of the connecting wall 123. The inner walls 124 can extend on the left and right sides of the base 121 in a direction intersecting with the base 121. Specifically, the inner walls 124 can extend vertically on the left and right sides of the base 121. The height of the inner wall 124 can be formed corresponding to the height of the support leg 21. Specifically, the height of the inner wall 124 can be formed to be the same as the height of the support leg 21.

[0214] On the other hand, various components such as a dust collection path, a dust collection unit 140, a dust collection motor 145, a detergent tank 163, and a wastewater tank 164 can be arranged on the outer side of the inner wall 124. Specifically, the space between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the cover 110 can accommodate the dust collection unit 140, the detergent tank 163, and the wastewater tank 164.

[0215] The dust collection section 140 and the detergent tank 163 can be slidably separated from the space between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the cover 110. The left-right width of the dust collection section 140 and the detergent tank 163 can be formed corresponding to the distance between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the cover 110.

[0216] The cleaning plate 122 is a component used to clean the mop of the robot vacuum cleaner 200, and the cleaning plate 122 can be placed in the washing tank 128 of the base 121. In addition, the cleaning plate 122 can contact the mop 242 when the robot vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on it.

[0217] The cleaning plate 122 may be formed as a plate that is generally inclined downward toward the center.

[0218] Specifically, the cleaning plate 122 includes a flow guide surface formed in a curved shape. Furthermore, at least one through hole 122b through which fluid can pass can be formed on the flow guide surface. Additionally, a washing protrusion 122a can be formed protruding on the flow guide surface.

[0219] At this time, a pair of washing protrusions 122a can be symmetrically formed on the flow guide surface. Specifically, the pair of washing protrusions 122a can be disposed on the vertical lower side of the pair of mop pads 242 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200, configured to face the pair of mop pads 242, and configured to be able to contact at least a portion of the pair of mop pads 242.

[0220] Furthermore, a plurality of through holes 122b are formed on the flow guiding surface, and these through holes 122b may be formed between a pair of washing protrusions 122a. For example, a plurality of through holes 122b may be formed at the lowest position of the flow guiding surface above the ground (kitchen floor), and formed between a pair of washing protrusions 122a. Thus, fluid expelled between the pair of washing protrusions 122a can be directed to flow through the through holes 122b.

[0221] On the other hand, the height of the flow guide surface from the kitchen floor can increase as it gets closer to the rear of the location where the through hole 122b is formed. That is, the height of the flow guide surface from the kitchen floor can increase as it gets closer to the external gas exhaust section.

[0222] With this configuration, the washing water and / or air can be guided to flow by the flow guide surface and flow out through the through hole 122b into the space formed between the washing plate 122 and the washing tank 128.

[0223] Therefore, when the mop 242 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the cleaning plate 122, if the drive unit of the rotating cleaning unit 240 is driven, the mop 242 will rotate. At this time, if the mop 242 rotates while washing water is supplied to the cleaning plate 122, the mop 242 can be cleaned by rubbing against the stationary washing protrusions 122a.

[0224] The washing tank 128 is configured to house the cleaning plate 122. The washing tank 128 can be positioned at the rear of the base body 121a. The washing tank 128 is located below the cleaning plate 122 and is detachably attached to it. The washing tank 128 can be configured to correspond to the cleaning plate 122 so that the cleaning plate 122 can be inserted. Liquid passing through the cleaning plate 122 can flow into the washing tank 128.

[0225] The washing tub 128 may include: a base surface on which fluid passing through the cleaning plate 122 flows; and a tub wall extending vertically outward from the outer contour of the base surface. The height of the base surface from the ground (kitchen floor) can decrease as it approaches the rear of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100. This allows fluid passing through the cleaning plate 122 to be collected at the rear of the washing tub 128 and discharged externally via a wastewater inlet.

[0226] Figure 12 A side view of the dust collection unit 140 of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 used to illustrate an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0227] Below, refer to Figure 12 The dust collection unit 140 will be described.

[0228] The dust collection unit 140 can collect dust from the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The dust collection unit 140 can be disposed inside the housing 110. The dust collection unit 140 can also be disposed outside the placement unit 120. In this case, the receiving space can be disposed inside the placement unit 120.

[0229] The dust collection unit 140 may include a dust collection unit cover 141, a dust bag (not shown), a filter 142, and a dust bag drawer 144.

[0230] The dust collection unit cover 141 can form a space inside that can accommodate a dust bag (not shown), a filter 142, and a dust bag drawer 144.

[0231] The dust bag drawer 144 can be extended and attached to the interior of the dust collection unit cover 141, and the dust bag drawer 144 can store a dust bag (not shown). For example, the dust collection unit cover 141 can be formed into a rectangular tube shape with an open front, and the rear internal space can be connected to the first dust collection flow path 147 and the second dust collection flow path 148.

[0232] One side of the interior of the dust collection hood 141 can be connected to the first dust collection flow path 147, and the other side can be connected to the second dust collection flow path 148. In addition, if a dust bag (not shown) is attached to the dust collection hood 141, the dust bag (not shown) can be connected to the first dust collection flow path 147 inside the dust collection hood 141.

[0233] A dust bag (not shown) can refer to a bag that collects dust sucked in from inside the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 by the dust collection motor 152. The dust bag (not shown) can be detachably attached to the dust collection cover 141. Therefore, the dust bag (not shown) can be separated from the dust collection cover 141 and discarded, and a new dust bag (not shown) can be attached to the dust collection cover 141. That is, the dust bag (not shown) can be defined as a consumable part.

[0234] If suction is generated by the dust collection motor 152, the volume of the dust bag (not shown) increases, thus allowing dust to be contained inside.

[0235] Therefore, the dust bag (not shown) can be made of a material that allows air to pass through but not foreign objects such as dust. For example, the dust bag (not shown) can be made of non-woven fabric and can have a hexahedral shape corresponding to the shape of the dust collection unit cover 141, based on the increase in volume.

[0236] Filter 142 can be configured between dust collection hood 141 and second dust collection flow path 148. Filter 142 can be configured at the outlet. Filter 142 can be a pre-filter or a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Air flowing through the dust bag (not shown) can flow into the second dust collection flow path 148 via filter 142.

[0237] The dust bag drawer 144 is designed to be extended from the dust collection unit cover 141, and the dust bag (not shown) can be accommodated inside the dust bag drawer 144.

[0238] On the other hand, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 may include a dust collection path. The dust collection path may refer to the path through which air drawn in through dust through holes flows through a dust bag to the dust collection motor 145.

[0239] Specifically, the dust collection path may include a first dust collection path 147 and a second dust collection path 148. If the robot vacuum cleaner 200 is combined with the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 so that the dust passes through the hole and connects to the dust bin 220 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200, then the first dust collection path 147 connects the dust bin 220 and the internal space of the dust collection part cover 141, and the second dust collection path 148 connects the internal space of the dust collection part cover 141 and the dust collection motor 145.

[0240] The first dust collection path 147 can connect the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 and the internal space of the dust collection cover 141. The first dust collection path 147 allows communication between the dust bin 220 and the internal space of the dust collection cover 141 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The first dust collection path 147 can also connect the dust passage hole of the placement part 120 and the internal space of the dust collection cover 141. The first dust collection path 147 can refer to the space between the dust bin 220 and the dust collection cover 141 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The first dust collection path 147 can be formed in a near-horizontal direction. The first dust collection path 147 can be a space formed on the rear side in the dust passage hole, or a flow path that bends laterally from the dust passage hole and allows for the flow of dust and air. Dust in the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can move into the internal space of the dust collection cover 141 through the first dust collection path 147.

[0241] The second dust collection path 148 can connect the internal space of the dust collection unit cover 141 and the dust collection motor 145. The second dust collection path 148 can be formed in a near-horizontal direction. In this case, the first dust collection path 147 and the second dust collection path 148 can be formed at different heights. The first dust collection path 147 and the second dust collection path 148 can be formed in a stacked structure. The second dust collection path 148 can be configured to be lower than the first dust collection path 147. With the configuration described above, the lateral width and overall volume of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be minimized.

[0242] The dust collection motor 145 can generate suction in the dust collection flow path.

[0243] The dust collection motor 145 can be configured behind the dust collection unit cover 141. Thus, the dust collection motor 145 can provide suction power to suck up dust from the dust bin 220 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200.

[0244] The dust collection motor 145 can generate suction by rotating. As an example, the dust collection motor 145 can be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0245] The circulating flow path of this utility model embodiment can direct the air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 to the suction section 211 of the sweeping robot 200.

[0246] The circulating flow path can form a structure that directs the air expelled from the dust collection motor 145 to the suction section 211 of the robot vacuum 200, and continuously circulates the air between the robot vacuum 200 and the robot vacuum base station 100 without expelling it to the outside. Therefore, the hot air expelled from the dust collection motor 145 is not discharged into the kitchen cabinet 2, but instead flows back into the interior of the robot vacuum 200 and circulates again, thus preventing damage to the interior of the kitchen cabinet 2.

[0247] Air passing through the dust collection motor 145 can be discharged into the receiving space through the air return port, and the air discharged into the receiving space can flow back into the suction section 211 due to the suction of the dust collection motor 145. Therefore, by the suction of the dust collection motor 145, the air sucked in from the dust bin 220 can flow sequentially through the dust passage hole, the first dust collection flow path 147, the second dust collection flow path 148, the dust collection motor 145, the circulation flow path, and the air return port before being discharged into the receiving space.

[0248] At this time, the dust collection motor 145 can be driven together with the suction motor (not shown) of the robot vacuum cleaner 200. Since the air discharged through the air return port is sucked into the suction unit 211 by the dust collection motor 145 and the suction of the suction motor (not shown), the dust collection efficiency can be improved.

[0249] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow path of clean water, soft water, hot water, and steam in the sweeping robot base station 100 of this utility model according to a first embodiment. Figure 14 It is a general overview Figure 13 The diagram shows the main components of the flow path. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 in an embodiment of the present invention to estimate and notify the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter 1640.

[0250] The sweeping robot base station 100 of this utility model embodiment includes a cover 110, a mounting part 120, and a rag cleaning part 160.

[0251] The cover 110 is the part that forms the appearance of the robot vacuum base station 100. Inside the cover 110, a placement part 120 and a mop cleaning part 160 can be arranged.

[0252] The mounting section 120 is a part disposed inside the housing 110 and used to house the sweeping robot 200. Through this mounting section 120, the sweeping robot 200 and the sweeping robot base station 100 can be physically connected, electrically connected, and / or flow-path connected.

[0253] In this case, the placement unit 120 includes a cleaning plate 122 that contacts the mop 242 when the robot vacuum cleaner 200 is attached. That is, if the mop 242 is rotated while it is placed on the cleaning plate 122, the mop 242 can be cleaned by friction between the rotating mop 242 and the stationary cleaning plate 122.

[0254] The cleaning unit 160 is a part disposed inside the cover 110 and used to clean the cleaning cloth 242 of the sweeping robot 200. When the cleaning cloth 242 of the sweeping robot 200 is placed on the cleaning plate 122, fluid for cleaning the cleaning cloth 242 can be supplied to the cleaning plate 122.

[0255] Reference Figures 13 to 15 This describes a first embodiment of the flow path of the fluid supplied through the cleaning unit 160.

[0256] In this embodiment, the rag cleaning unit 160 may include a clean water supply pipe 1610, a first branch valve 1621, a first piping 1631, a water treatment filter 1640, a second piping 1632, a heater 1650, heated cleaning pipes 1661 and 1662, and a clean water cleaning pipe 1671, and may also include a second branch valve 1622.

[0257] In this case, the heating cleaning pipes 1661 and 1662 are the parts that supply hot water or steam that has passed through the heater 1650 to the cleaning plate 122, and can be formed as hot water cleaning pipe 1661 or steam cleaning pipe 1662 depending on the type of fluid supplied.

[0258] The clean water supply pipe 1610 is the part that supplies clean water, and can be a pipe that allows external fluids to flow into the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100. In this case, the clean water is direct water supplied from the outside, such as tap water, and this clean water may contain hard substances (calcium or magnesium components, etc.) that may cause scaling.

[0259] Hard substances can react and form scale at temperatures above or below room temperature. For example, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) scale refers to the accumulation of mineral components remaining in the water after the water evaporates.

[0260] Scale buildup that occurs along the water flow path can cause malfunctions or performance degradation in the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 and the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100, so it is necessary to prevent scale buildup.

[0261] In particular, heating water without removing hard substances will further increase scaling, so it is necessary to prevent scaling.

[0262] On the other hand, a heater 1650 for heating clean water can be used in various structures of the sweeping robot 200 and sweeping robot base station 100. Due to structural and configuration reasons, it is preferable to miniaturize this heater 1650.

[0263] As mentioned above, in order to miniaturize the heater 1650, a micro-bend may be used in the heater 1650. With such a micro-bend, flow path blockage caused by scaling may become a greater problem, so it is necessary to minimize the occurrence of scaling in the flow path used in the robot vacuum 200 and robot vacuum base station 100.

[0264] The first branch valve 1621 is a part installed on the clean water supply pipe 1610 and branches the supplied clean water in two directions. It can be composed of a two-way valve such as a solenoid valve.

[0265] Because of this first branch valve 1621, the clean water supplied from the clean water supply pipe 1610 can flow in one direction toward the first piping 1631, or in another direction toward the clean water cleaning pipe 1671.

[0266] The first pipe 1631 is connected to the first branch valve 1621 and allows clean water flowing in one direction to pass through. By installing a water treatment filter 1640, all the clean water flowing to the first pipe 1631 can be turned into soft water.

[0267] The water treatment filter 1640 is a part installed in the first piping 1631 that softens the clean water by filtering out hard substances that may form scale from the clean water.

[0268] Thus, the clean water passing through the water treatment filter 1640 can be transformed into soft water with hard substances removed. In this case, the water treatment filter 1640 can be referred to as a water softener or a water purifier.

[0269] The second branch valve 1622 is a part installed on the first piping 1631 that branches the soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 in two directions. It can be composed of a two-way valve for switching the flow path.

[0270] According to this second branch valve 1622, the soft water flowing in the first pipe 1631 can flow in one direction toward the second pipe 1632, or in another direction toward the robot supply pipe 1680 described later.

[0271] The second pipe 1632 is connected to the first pipe 1631 and allows soft water to pass through. By installing a heater 1650, the soft water flowing to the second pipe 1632 can be heated by the heater 1650.

[0272] In particular, the second piping 1632 can be connected to the second branch valve 1622, through which soft water flowing in one direction can pass.

[0273] In this case, as described above, since the soft water flowing to the second pipe 1632 is in a state where hard substances that may cause scaling have been filtered out, scaling will not occur even if it is heated by the heater 1650.

[0274] The heater 1650 is a component installed in the second piping 1632 that heats soft water to turn it into hot water or steam. The soft water can be converted into hot water or steam depending on the heating temperature. In this case, the heater 1650, which turns soft water into steam, can function as a steam generator.

[0275] The hot water cleaning pipe 1661 is the part that supplies hot water that has passed through the heater 1650 to the cleaning plate 122. The cleaning efficiency of the rag 242 can be improved by supplying hot water at a high temperature to the cleaning plate 122.

[0276] The steam cleaning pipe 1662 is the part that supplies steam that has passed through the heater 1650 to the cleaning plate 122. The steam can not only improve the cleaning efficiency of the cloth 242, but also have a sterilization effect.

[0277] The clean water cleaning pipe 1671 is connected to the first branch valve 1621 and supplies clean water flowing in the other direction to the cleaning plate 122. It can directly supply clean water for cleaning the rag 242 to the cleaning plate 122.

[0278] Since clean water is at a relatively low temperature, although it may be less efficient than hot water or steam for cleaning, it can be supplied and used in large quantities for cleaning cloth 242.

[0279] If all of this large supply of clean water is to be turned into soft water in the water treatment filter 1640, then the water treatment filter 1640 needs to have a relatively large capacity, and its replacement cycle may also become shorter.

[0280] Therefore, soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 can be used only for hot water and steam that are at greater risk of scaling due to heating, while clean water that is not heated and therefore has little risk of scaling can be used directly for cleaning cloth 242.

[0281] Therefore, a relatively small water treatment filter 1640 can be used, and the water treatment filter 1640 can be replaced after a relatively long period of use.

[0282] As described above, in the sweeping robot base station 100 of this utility model embodiment, since the mop 242 is cleaned by supplying hot water and steam that has passed through the heater 1650 to the cleaning plate 122 in the mop cleaning section 160, the cleaning power and sterilization effect brought about by high temperature cleaning are improved, thereby further improving the cleaning performance of the mop 242.

[0283] Furthermore, in the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment, since the soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 is turned into hot water and steam in the mop cleaning section 160 and used for cleaning the mop 242, the cleaning performance of the mop 242 can always be maintained appropriately by minimizing the performance degradation caused by scaling.

[0284] In the sweeping robot base station 100 of this utility model embodiment, the placement part 120 may further include a robot supply pipe 1680, which is connected to a second branch valve 1622 and supplies soft water flowing in another direction to the sweeping robot 200.

[0285] As described above, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can supply water to the mop 242 and perform cleaning. To this end, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can receive water through the water supply nozzle 123c when it is connected to the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0286] In this case, if clean water is supplied to the robot vacuum cleaner 200, there is a risk that scale will also form in the internal piping of the robot vacuum cleaner 200, leading to a decrease in performance.

[0287] Therefore, preferably, the water supplied to the robot vacuum cleaner 200 is also soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640.

[0288] As described above, in the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment, since soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 is supplied to the robot vacuum cleaner 200, scale buildup in the robot vacuum cleaner 200 can also be prevented.

[0289] In the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this utility model embodiment, the mop cleaning unit 160 may further include a temperature sensor 1691 that senses the temperature of the hot water and steam supplied to the cleaning plate 122.

[0290] As mentioned above, hot water and steam can improve the cleaning efficiency of the cloth 242 and have a sterilization effect, but hot water and steam are needed to maintain a suitable condition for cleaning the cloth 242.

[0291] If the temperature of the hot water heated by the heater 1650 is not high enough, the cleaning efficiency of the cloth 242 may be relatively reduced, and if the temperature of the steam generated by the heater 1650 is not high enough, it may be difficult to exert the sterilization effect of the steam.

[0292] Therefore, preferably, the temperature of the hot water and steam supplied to the cleaning plate 122 is sensed, and a suitable temperature is always maintained even under the influence of the external environment.

[0293] As described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment can supply hot water and steam at the most suitable temperature for cleaning the mop 242 because it senses the temperature of the hot water and steam used in cleaning the mop 242.

[0294] In the sweeping robot base station 100 of this utility model embodiment, the mop cleaning unit 160 may further include a flow regulating valve 1692, which is disposed on the second piping 1632 and regulates the flow rate of soft water passing through the heater 1650.

[0295] As mentioned above, the temperature of the hot water and steam needs to be adjusted to keep them suitable for cleaning the cloth 242.

[0296] Therefore, although the output of heater 1650 can be adjusted, it may be difficult to control the output for heater 1650, which has a relatively simple structure.

[0297] In this regard, in order to further simplify the structure of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 and reduce its weight, it is preferable to set a heater 1650 with a relatively simple structure, thereby forming a single output.

[0298] Therefore, adjusting the flow rate of soft water through heater 1650 to adjust the temperature of hot water and steam may be more preferable than adjusting the output of heater 1650 to adjust the temperature of hot water and steam.

[0299] For example, when it is necessary to raise the temperature of hot water and steam, the flow rate can be reduced by the flow regulating valve 1692, so that the soft water passing through the heater 1650 is heated relatively more.

[0300] Conversely, when it is necessary to reduce the temperature of hot water and steam, the flow rate can be increased by the flow regulating valve 1692, so that the soft water passing through the heater 1650 is heated relatively less.

[0301] As described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment uses the flow rate through the heater 1650 to regulate the temperature of hot water and steam, thus making it easier to regulate the temperature of hot water and steam.

[0302] In the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment, the mop cleaning unit 160 may further include a flow sensor 1693 for sensing the flow rate of clean water supplied to the clean water supply pipe 1610. In this case, the water treatment filter 1640 can estimate the replacement cycle using the cumulative value of the flow rate sensed by the flow sensor 1693.

[0303] The filtration performance of water treatment filter 1640 may decrease with the increase of usage time. If it is unable to effectively filter hard materials, water treatment filter 1640 needs to be replaced.

[0304] However, it is difficult for users to confirm the necessity of replacing the water treatment filter 1640, so it is preferable to replace it when it is presumed that the water treatment filter 1640 is in a state that needs to be replaced.

[0305] In general, the more clean water passes through the water treatment filter 1640, the lower the performance of the water treatment filter 1640 becomes. Therefore, it can be assumed that the water treatment filter 1640 needs to be replaced when a preset capacity of clean water passes through it.

[0306] In this case, the preset capacity can be a value derived from experimental data during the design and manufacturing phase of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100, and can be appropriately adjusted according to the environment in which the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 is used.

[0307] On the other hand, in addition to the flow sensor 1693, the signal from the first branch valve 1621 can also be used to measure whether a preset volume of clean water has passed through the water treatment filter 1640.

[0308] Therefore, the control unit 300 can grasp the cumulative value of the sensed flow rate according to each mode (clean water, soft water, hot water, etc.) and estimate the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter 1640. If the replacement cycle has not yet been reached, the replacement period can be predicted.

[0309] Here, the control unit 300 may consist of a printed circuit board and components mounted on the printed circuit board, and control the main components of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100, including the cloth cleaning unit 160.

[0310] On the other hand, the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment may include a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit may support wireless communication with other devices located outside the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100, including the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 or a terminal (not shown). As a wireless communication module for supporting wireless communication, it may have a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0311] As described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment estimates the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter 1640 by the cumulative value of the flow rate supplied to the clean water supply pipe 1610. Therefore, it can easily determine the necessity of replacement without additional confirmation of the status of the water treatment filter 1640.

[0312] The robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment may further include a notification display unit 1641 that displays notification information to the user regarding the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter 1640.

[0313] That is, as described above, the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter 1640, estimated by the control unit 300, can be notified to the user through a separately installed display or speaker.

[0314] In addition, the communication department can be used to transmit and display notification information about the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter 1640 to the user's terminal, etc.

[0315] As described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment notifies the user of the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter 1640, thus enabling the water treatment filter 1640 to be replaced appropriately, thereby stably maintaining its anti-scaling performance.

[0316] The robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment may further include a detergent tank 163, which stores a liquid containing detergent and is connected to a clean water rinsing pipe 1671. That is, the detergent stored in the detergent tank 163 can be mixed with clean water flowing in the clean water rinsing pipe 1671 and then supplied to clean the mop 242.

[0317] The detergent container 163 may include a detergent container body, a handle, and a detergent container track.

[0318] The detergent dispenser body provides a space for storing liquid containing detergent. A handle can be provided at the front of the detergent dispenser body. With this configuration, when the user grasps the handle and pulls forward, the detergent dispenser body can be pulled forward and extended.

[0319] Detergent tub tracks can be formed on the left and right sides of the detergent tub body. The detergent tub tracks can guide the movement of the detergent tub body. With the configuration described above, when the user attaches the detergent tub 163 to the cover 110, it can be attached to a predetermined position and prevent washing water leakage.

[0320] As described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment of the present invention uses detergent stored in detergent tank 163 to clean the cleaning cloth 242, so it can properly ensure the cleaning performance of the cleaning cloth 242 even when cleaning at low temperature.

[0321] The robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment may further include a wastewater tank 164, which stores wastewater used in the cleaning process via the cleaning plate 122 and the cleaning cloth 242.

[0322] The wastewater tank 164 provides space for storing the washing water used to clean the dishcloth 242. The washing water discharged onto the top surface of the washing plate 122 can descend along the slope of the washing plate 122 and drain through the through hole 122b after the dishcloth 242 has been washed. The washing water passing through the through hole 122b will accumulate in the washing tank 128. Additionally, the washing water accumulated in the washing tank 128 can flow to the wastewater tank 164 via the wastewater inflow path.

[0323] The washing water stored in the wastewater tank 164 can be discharged to the drain pipe 25 of the kitchen cabinet 2 through the wastewater discharge path. One end of the wastewater discharge path can be connected to the wastewater tank 164, and the other end can be connected to the drain pipe 25. At this time, the washing water stored in the wastewater tank 164 can flow through the wastewater discharge path to the drain pipe under the action of a centrifugal pump (not shown).

[0324] As described above, since the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment stores the wastewater used in cleaning the rag 242 in the wastewater tank 164, it can effectively manage and discharge wastewater.

[0325] In the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 may include: a main body 210 with a mop 242 on its lower side; and a water bucket 230 disposed on the main body 210 to supply stored water to the mop 242. In this case, the robot supply pipe 1680 may be connected to the water bucket 230.

[0326] As described above, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can supply water to the mop 242 and perform cleaning. In this case, the water can be stored in a water tank 230 located inside the robotic vacuum cleaner 200.

[0327] Therefore, considering that water is stored in bucket 230 for a long time, there is a potential risk of scale buildup in bucket 230 if clean water is stored inside it.

[0328] Therefore, preferably, the soft water supplied through the robot supply pipe 1680 is stored in the water tank 230 of the sweeping robot 200 and used during cleaning.

[0329] As described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment supplies soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 to the water tank 230 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200 and uses it for cleaning with the mop 242. Therefore, it can smoothly perform the water cleaning function using the mop 242 without reducing performance.

[0330] In the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment, a pair of mop cloths 242 may be provided on the lower side of the main body 210. In this case, a pair of cleaning plates 122 may be provided in the placement part 120 to correspond to each mop cloth 242.

[0331] That is, a pair of cleaning cloths 242 are each placed on the washing plate 122. When each cleaning cloth 242 rotates, the cleaning cloth 242 can be cleaned while rubbing against the washing protrusions 122a of each washing plate 122.

[0332] As described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a pair of mops 242 and a pair of corresponding cleaning plates 122 for cleaning each mop 242, so that the mops 242 can be cleaned simultaneously.

[0333] In the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment, the hot water cleaning pipe 1661, the steam cleaning pipe 1662, and the clean water cleaning pipe 1671 can be connected to each cleaning plate 122. That is, the fluid used to clean the mop 242 can be branched and supplied to each cleaning plate 122.

[0334] As described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment can evenly clean each mop 242 by supplying hot water and steam to each cleaning plate 122.

[0335] In the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment, the water treatment filter 1640 may contain at least one of ion exchange resin, polyphosphate and hardness reduction catalyst.

[0336] Ion exchange resins can remove limestone, magnesium, iron, heavy metals, and other substances from water. They prevent scale formation by reducing or inhibiting hardness components (such as calcium and magnesium) in the water.

[0337] Polyphosphates can prevent scale formation by releasing polyphosphate into the water, which binds with calcium and magnesium ions in the water.

[0338] Hardness-reducing catalysts may include calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). Hardness-reducing catalysts may also include silicate-based supports, on which calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) may be formed on the surface of the support.

[0339] In addition, the water treatment filter 1640 can be configured differently to prevent scale formation. For example, the water treatment filter 1640 may include a carbon filter that uses the adsorption power of activated carbon to remove impurities from the water.

[0340] As described above, in the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment, since at least one of ion exchange resin, polyphosphate and hardness reduction catalyst is used in the water treatment filter 1640, hard substances in clean water can be effectively filtered.

[0341] Figure 16 This is a diagram schematically illustrating a second embodiment of the flow path for clean water, soft water, hot water, and steam in the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this utility model.

[0342] Reference Figure 16 A second embodiment of the flow path of the fluid supplied through the cleaning unit 160 will be described.

[0343] In this embodiment, the cloth cleaning unit 160 includes a clean water supply pipe 1610, a first branch valve 1621, a first piping 1631, a water treatment filter 1640, a second branch valve 1622, a second piping 1632, a third piping 1633, a third branch valve 1623, a fourth piping 1634, a heater 1650, a hot water cleaning pipe 1661, a steam cleaning pipe 1662, and a clean water cleaning pipe 1671.

[0344] The clean water supply pipe 1610 is the part that supplies clean water, and can be a pipe through which external fluid flows into the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0345] The first branch valve 1621 is a part installed on the clean water supply pipe 1610 and branches the supplied clean water in two directions. It can be composed of a two-way valve such as a solenoid valve.

[0346] Through this first branch valve 1621, the clean water supplied to the clean water supply pipe 1610 can flow in one direction toward the first pipe 1631, or in another direction toward the third pipe 1633.

[0347] The first pipe 1631 is connected to the first branch valve 1621 and is used to supply clean water flowing in one direction. The clean water flowing through the first pipe 1631 can be completely converted into soft water by installing a water treatment filter 1640.

[0348] The water treatment filter 1640 is a part installed in the first piping 1631 that softens the water by filtering hard substances from the clean water, and filters substances from the clean water that may cause scaling.

[0349] The second branch valve 1622 is a part installed on the first piping 1631 that branches the soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 in two directions. It can be composed of a two-way valve for switching the flow path.

[0350] Through this second branch valve 1622, the soft water flowing in the first pipe 1631 can flow in one direction toward the second pipe 1632, or in another direction toward the robot supply pipe 1680.

[0351] The second pipe 1632 is connected to the second branch valve 1622 and is used to supply soft water flowing in one direction. Since a heater 1650 is provided, the soft water flowing to the second pipe 1632 can be heated by the heater 1650.

[0352] The third piping 1633 is connected to the first branch valve 1621 and allows clean water to flow in the other direction.

[0353] The third branch valve 1623 is a part installed on the third pipe 1633 that branches the clean water passing through the third pipe 1633 in two directions. It can be composed of a two-way valve for switching the flow path.

[0354] Through this third branch valve 1623, the clean water flowing in the third pipe 1633 can flow in one direction toward the fourth pipe 1634, or in another direction toward the clean water cleaning pipe 1671.

[0355] The fourth pipe 1634 is connected to the third branch valve 1623 and is used to supply clean water flowing in one direction. The clean water flowing into the fourth pipe 1634 can be heated by a heater 1650.

[0356] The heater 1650 is installed in the second pipe 1632 and the fourth pipe 1634, and is used to heat soft water to make it into steam and heat clean water to make it into hot water. Depending on the heating temperature, the soft water can be turned into hot water or steam.

[0357] That is, the soft water flowing in the second pipe 1632 is heated into steam by the heater 1650, and the clean water flowing in the fourth pipe 1634 is heated into hot water by the heater 1650.

[0358] The hot water cleaning pipe 1661 is the part that supplies hot water that has passed through the heater 1650 to the cleaning plate 122. The cleaning efficiency of the rag 242 can be improved by supplying hot water at a high temperature to the cleaning plate 122.

[0359] The steam cleaning pipe 1662 is the part that supplies steam that has passed through the heater 1650 to the cleaning plate 122. It not only improves the cleaning efficiency of the cloth 242 with steam, but also has a sterilization effect.

[0360] The clean water cleaning pipe 1671 is connected to the third branch valve 1623 and supplies clean water flowing in the other direction to the cleaning plate 122. It can directly supply clean water to the cleaning plate 122 for cleaning the rag 242.

[0361] Compared to hot water, steam is heated to a relatively higher temperature, and therefore may produce more scale. In particular, due to the common use of micro-bends in steam generators used to produce steam, the performance degradation caused by scale can be a greater problem.

[0362] Therefore, soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 can be used only for steam with a higher risk of scaling, while clean water that has not passed through the water treatment filter 1640 can be used for hot water with a relatively low risk of scaling.

[0363] This allows for minimizing the capacity of the water treatment filter 1640 and maximizing its replacement cycle.

[0364] As described above, the sweeping robot base station 100 of this embodiment of the present invention can be configured with a structure that provides a water treatment filter 1640 with a minimum capacity because it turns clean water into hot water in the cloth washing section 160 and turns soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 into steam for use in washing the cloth 242.

[0365] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of the flow path for clean water, soft water, hot water, and steam in the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this utility model.

[0366] Reference Figure 17 This describes a third embodiment of the flow path for the fluid supplied through the cleaning unit 160.

[0367] In this embodiment, the rag cleaning unit 160 includes a clean water supply pipe 1610, a water treatment filter 1640, a first branch valve 1621, a first piping 1631, a second branch valve 1622, a second piping 1632, a heater 1650, a hot water cleaning pipe 1661, a steam cleaning pipe 1662, and a soft water cleaning pipe 1672.

[0368] The clean water supply pipe 1610 is the part that supplies clean water, and can be a pipe through which external fluid flows into the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0369] The water treatment filter 1640 is a part installed in the clean water supply pipe 1610 and turns the clean water into soft water by filtering hard substances from the clean water. It filters substances from the clean water that may form scale.

[0370] In particular, since the water treatment filter 1640 is installed in the clean water supply pipe 1610, all the clean water supplied to the clean water supply pipe 1610 can be turned into soft water.

[0371] The first branch valve 1621 is a part installed on the clean water supply pipe 1610 that branches the soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 in two directions. It can be composed of a two-way valve such as a solenoid valve.

[0372] Through this first branch valve 1621, soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter 1640 can flow in one direction toward the first pipe 1631, or in another direction toward the soft water cleaning pipe 1672.

[0373] The first piping 1631 is the part that is connected to the first branch valve 1621 and allows soft water to flow in one direction.

[0374] The second branch valve 1622 is a part installed on the first pipe 1631 that branches the soft water passing through the first pipe 1631 in two directions. It can be composed of a two-way valve for switching the flow path.

[0375] According to this second branch valve 1622, the soft water flowing in the first pipe 1631 can flow in one direction toward the second pipe 1632, or in another direction toward the robot supply pipe 1680.

[0376] The second piping 1632 is connected to the second branch valve 1622 and is used to supply soft water flowing in one direction. The soft water flowing into the second piping 1632 can be heated by a heater 1650.

[0377] The heater 1650 is a part installed in the second piping 1632 and heats the soft water to turn it into hot water and steam. The soft water can be turned into hot water or steam depending on the heating temperature.

[0378] The hot water cleaning pipe 1661 is the part that supplies hot water that has passed through the heater 1650 to the cleaning plate 122. The cleaning efficiency of the rag 242 can be improved by supplying hot water at a high temperature to the cleaning plate 122.

[0379] The steam cleaning pipe 1662 is the part that supplies steam that has passed through the heater 1650 to the cleaning plate 122. It can not only improve the cleaning efficiency of the cloth 242 with steam, but also have a sterilization effect.

[0380] The soft water cleaning pipe 1672 is the part connected to the first branch valve 1621 and supplies soft water flowing in the other direction to the cleaning plate 122. It can supply unheated soft water to the cleaning plate 122.

[0381] Because steam is heated to a relatively higher temperature compared to hot water, it is more prone to scaling. In particular, due to the common use of micro-bends in steam generators used to produce steam, the performance degradation caused by scaling can become a greater problem.

[0382] If the water treatment filter 1640 has sufficient capacity and there is no limitation on the replacement cycle, converting all the clean water into soft water and using it for cleaning with the cloth 242 may be the solution that minimizes scaling.

[0383] Therefore, by configuring the flow path so that all the clean water supplied to the cloth washing section 160 passes through the water treatment filter 1640, only soft water can be used in the washing of the cloth 242.

[0384] This minimizes scaling in all the main piping of the cloth cleaning unit 160.

[0385] As described above, in the sweeping robot base station 100 of this utility model embodiment, all the clean water is turned into soft water by the water treatment filter 1640 in the mop washing section 160, and this soft water is used directly or after being turned into hot water and steam in the washing of the mop 242. Therefore, the sweeping robot base station 100 can be configured with a structure that can prevent the formation of scale in all the main components.

[0386] The above description and illustrations illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, such modifications or variations should not be understood independently of the technical concept or viewpoint of the present invention, and all modified embodiments should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A base station of a robot sweeper, characterized in that, include: Cover; The housing is located inside the enclosure and accommodates the sweeping robot. as well as A cloth cleaning unit, disposed inside the cover, is used to clean the cloth of the sweeping robot. The placement unit includes a cleaning plate that contacts the mop when the sweeping robot is combined with the placement unit. The cloth washing unit includes: Clean water supply pipe, supplying clean water; The first branch valve is installed in the clean water supply pipe to branch the supplied clean water in two directions; The first piping is connected to the first branch valve, allowing clean water flowing in one direction to pass through the first piping; A water treatment filter, installed in the first piping, transforms the clean water into soft water by filtering out hard substances from the clean water; The second piping is connected to the first piping and supplies soft water through the second piping; A heater, installed in the second piping, heats the soft water to turn it into hot water or steam. A heated cleaning pipe supplies hot water or steam that has passed through the heater to the cleaning plate; and A clean water cleaning pipe is connected to the first branch valve to supply clean water flowing in the other direction to the cleaning plate.

2. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cloth washing section also includes a second branch valve, which is disposed on the first piping to branch the soft water that has passed through the water treatment filter in two directions. The second piping is connected to the second branch valve, and soft water flowing in one direction passes through the second piping; The placement unit also includes a robot supply pipe, which is connected to the second branch valve and supplies soft water flowing in the opposite direction to the sweeping robot.

3. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cloth cleaning unit also includes a temperature sensor that senses the temperature of the hot water and steam supplied to the cleaning plate.

4. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rag washing unit also includes a flow regulating valve, which is installed on the second piping and regulates the flow rate of soft water passing through the heater.

5. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cloth washing unit also includes a flow sensor for sensing the flow rate of clean water supplied to the clean water supply pipe; The water treatment filter uses the cumulative value of the flow rate sensed by the flow sensor to estimate the replacement cycle.

6. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a notification display unit that shows the user notification information about the replacement cycle of the water treatment filter.

7. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a detergent container that stores liquid containing detergent and is connected to the clean water rinsing pipe.

8. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a wastewater tank that stores wastewater used in the washing of the rags via the washing plate.

9. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The robotic vacuum cleaner includes: The main body, with the wiping cloth disposed on its lower side; and A bucket, located on the main body, supplies the stored water to the rag; The robot's supply pipe is connected to the water bucket.

10. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 9, characterized in that, A pair of the rags are provided on the lower side of the main body; The cleaning plate is arranged in a pair in the placement part, corresponding to each of the cleaning cloths.

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