Common charging unit for cordless and robotic vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaner kit

Abstract

The invention relates to a common charging unit attachable to a power unit and a vacuum cleaner kit. The common charging unit has a charging unit body in which the cordless vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner can be arranged and charged simultaneously as required. The common charging unit includes an upper vacuum cleaner base; an upper connector region; a lower connection section; an upper suction head base in the upper vacuum cleaner base into which a suction head of the cordless vacuum cleaner can be inserted; an air suction opening configured to correspond to a dust discharge opening extending into a dust collection container in the robot vacuum cleaner when the robot vacuum cleaner is engaged with the charging unit main body; and an air suction device in the charging unit body, the air suction device enabling dust in the robotic vacuum cleaner to be sucked into the cordless vacuum cleaner through the air suction opening when the cordless vacuum cleaner operates in the common charging unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a common charging unit suitable for the common use of a cordless vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner, and a vacuum cleaner kit. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a cordless vacuum cleaner uses the vacuum generated by a motor powered by a battery pack to suck up surface dirt. The cordless vacuum cleaner consists of a vacuum cleaner head that sucks dirt from the floor, a duct attached to the vacuum cleaner head, and a vacuum cleaner body located at the other end of the duct. As is well known, the vacuum cleaner body has a handle, a motor, a dust collection container, and a battery pack.

[0003] In another embodiment of the prior art, there is provided a vacuum cleaner body disposed upstream of the vacuum cleaner head, a duct attached to the vacuum cleaner body, and a handle located at the other end of the duct. This type of vacuum cleaner is called an upright cordless vacuum cleaner. In this type of cordless vacuum cleaner operated by a battery / battery assembly, when the battery runs out, in order to charge the battery, either the charging adapter is connected to the product, or the product or its battery is placed in a charging station connected to the charging adapter.

[0004] In recent years, a widely used type of vacuum cleaner is called a robotic vacuum cleaner, which operates without human interaction and is based on specific algorithms. These devices operate using a series of sensors and motors. The robotic vacuum cleaner sweeps and sucks solid and liquid materials from hard or soft surfaces into a chamber housed in the robotic vacuum cleaner, and can move forward without colliding with surrounding objects through a series of sensors. The motor in the robotic vacuum cleaner allows the robot to move, the brushes to rotate, and dust to be sucked from the floor. Preferably, there are two different sets of brushes, and its battery provides the energy required for the robot to operate. The robotic vacuum cleaner is programmed to return to the robotic station when the dust collection container is full, or when the cleaning is completed, or when the battery level is low. Using the timing feature, the robotic vacuum cleaner can be programmed so that it can perform cleaning operations remotely even when the user is not in the area to be cleaned. The user can determine the time of robot operation, the rooms to be cleaned, and the rooms that cannot be entered.

[0005] Nowadays, the use of robotic vacuum cleaners in households is becoming increasingly common. However, due to the relatively small dust collection capacity, low suction power, and limited mobility of robotic vacuum cleaners, they may not be sufficient to thoroughly clean a space. In addition, robotic vacuum cleaners may not be sufficient to instantaneously clean dirt. In order for a robotic vacuum cleaner to clean according to its program, cleaning preparations should be made. For example, small objects should be removed from the floor, or the fringes of a carpet should be folded so that the robot's brush does not get tangled. Moreover, since robotic vacuum cleaners can only clean the floor, they cannot clean the surfaces of furniture and sofas.

[0006] In a cordless upright vacuum cleaner, a motor that can provide a higher suction power than the motor of a robotic vacuum cleaner can be used, and a dust collection chamber larger than that of a robotic vacuum cleaner can be used. Since a cordless upright vacuum cleaner requires energy to receive power from its own battery, it can easily clean a dirty floor at any time without being physically connected to an electrical outlet.

[0007] To charge the battery, it is necessary to connect to a charging station or a charging cable of the product. However, a cordless upright vacuum cleaner must be operated by the user. Vacuuming an entire house can be tiring for the user. In this case, the advantage of a robotic vacuum cleaner is that it can clean the entire house without the need for continuous user operation. Therefore, what is needed is to use a robotic vacuum cleaner and an upright vacuum cleaner together. Since a robotic vacuum cleaner has a relatively small chamber, once the dust collection container is filled with dust, the user should empty the dust collection container. Frequent user intervention in a programmable device for automatic operation is a factor that reduces the advantage of a robotic vacuum cleaner. Specifically, the relatively small size of the dust collection container in a robotic vacuum cleaner results in the need to replace the dust collection container very frequently. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Object of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a common charging unit and a vacuum cleaner kit in which the above disadvantages are eliminated and a cordless vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner are used together.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a common charging unit and a vacuum cleaner kit in which a robotic vacuum cleaner and a cordless upright vacuum cleaner are assembled on the same product, and the filled dust collection container of the robotic vacuum cleaner is removed and emptied by the cordless upright vacuum cleaner through a shared charging station.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a common charging unit that enables a user to reduce the frequency of frequently replacing a dust collection container due to the small size of the container of a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a common charging unit in which a robotic vacuum cleaner and a cordless vacuum cleaner can be charged simultaneously, so that they can be charged simultaneously without the need for other charging kits.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide faster and more efficient cleaning through the interaction between a robotic vacuum cleaner and a cordless vacuum cleaner. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The present invention relates to a common charging unit that can be attached to a power unit. The common charging unit has a charging unit body in which a cordless vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner can be arranged and charged simultaneously as needed. The common charging unit includes: an upper vacuum cleaner base through which the cordless vacuum cleaner can be attached to the charging unit body; an upper connector area located in the upper vacuum cleaner base and enabling the cordless vacuum cleaner to be charged; a lower connection section enabling the robotic vacuum cleaner to be charged by contacting the lower connection section after engaging with the common charging unit; an upper suction head base located in the upper vacuum cleaner base into which the suction head of the cordless vacuum cleaner can be inserted; an air suction opening configured to correspond to a dust discharge opening in a dust collection container extending into the robotic vacuum cleaner when the robotic vacuum cleaner engages with the charging unit body; and an air suction device located in the charging unit body that enables dust in the robotic vacuum cleaner to be sucked into the cordless vacuum cleaner through the air suction opening when the cordless vacuum cleaner operates in the common charging unit.

[0016] The present invention also describes a vacuum cleaner kit, which includes a common charging unit, a robotic vacuum cleaner, and a cordless vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner kit includes: a cordless vacuum cleaner, including a motor for sucking air, a filter for filtering the sucked air, and at least one battery; a remotely controllable robotic vacuum cleaner with wheels; and a common charging unit in which the cordless vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner can be arranged and charged simultaneously as needed. The robotic vacuum cleaner and the cordless vacuum cleaner have a first position and a second position. In the first position, the robotic vacuum cleaner and the cordless vacuum cleaner are attached to the common charging unit. In the second position, the robotic vacuum cleaner and the cordless vacuum cleaner are detached from the common charging unit. In addition, an air suction device is disclosed, in which when the cordless vacuum cleaner operates in the first position where the robotic vacuum cleaner and the cordless vacuum cleaner are attached to the common charging unit, the dust in the robotic vacuum cleaner is transferred to the cordless vacuum cleaner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] To better understand the present invention, the vacuum cleaner device of the present invention is shown in the drawings. These drawings are attached only to better illustrate the present invention and do not limit the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the positions of the vacuum cleaner kit when the common charging unit according to the present invention is engaged with the cordless vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0019] Figure 2 is Figure 1 an exploded view of the vacuum cleaner kit in

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the common charging unit and the robotic vacuum cleaner before engagement.

[0021] Figure 4 is an exploded bottom view of the vacuum cleaner kit.

[0022] Figure 5a is a perspective view of the cordless vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner suitable for use in the vacuum cleaner kit engaged with the common charging unit.

[0023] Figure 5b is a perspective view showing the cordless vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner connected to the air suction device, where the Figure 5a common charging unit in

[0024] Figure 5c is Figure 5aStereogram of the transparent air suction device of the common charging unit in the vacuum cleaner kit

[0025] Figure 6 Is a stereogram of the air suction device used for the connection between a cordless vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner

[0026] Figure 7 Is a partial cross-sectional view showing the cordless vacuum cleaner attached to the common charging unit being connected to the robotic vacuum cleaner through the air suction device

[0027] Figure 8a Is a side view when the cordless vacuum cleaner and the robotic vacuum cleaner suitable for use in the vacuum cleaner kit are engaged with the common charging unit

[0028] Figure 8b Is Figure 8a Side view of the robotic vacuum cleaner in the vacuum cleaner kit when it rotates 180° for charging after the dust / dirt has been emptied Detailed Description of the Invention

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the list of reference numerals used in the drawings is as follows;

[0030] 1. Common charging unit

[0031] 11. Charging unit main body

[0032] 12. Upper vacuum cleaner base

[0033] 121. Upper suction head base

[0034] 122. Upper connector area

[0035] 13. Base extension

[0036] 131. Engagement opening

[0037] 14. Lower connection section

[0038] 15. Air suction opening

[0039] 16. Battery housing

[0040] 2. Robotic vacuum cleaner

[0041] 21. Robotic vacuum cleaner main body

[0042] 22. Wheels

[0043] 23. Dust collection container

[0044] 24. Dust discharge opening

[0045] 3. Cordless vacuum device

[0046] 31. Vacuum main body

[0047] 32. Suction head

[0048] 33. Handle

[0049] 34. Battery

[0050] 35. Air suction device

[0051] 351. Upper connection opening

[0052] 352. Transition channel

[0053] 353. Inlet opening

[0054] 36. Cordless vacuum cleaner battery compartment

[0055] 37. Control panel

[0056] 10. Vacuum cleaner kit

[0057] The present invention relates to a common charging unit 1 that can be attached to a power unit. The common charging unit has a charging unit main body 11, in which a cordless vacuum cleaner 3 and a robotic vacuum cleaner 2 can be arranged and charged simultaneously as needed. The common charging unit 1 includes: an upper vacuum cleaner base 12 through which the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 can be attached to the charging unit main body 11; an upper connector area 122 located in the upper vacuum cleaner base 12 and enabling the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 to be charged; a lower connection section 14 enabling the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 to be charged by contacting the lower connection section after engaging with the common charging unit 1; an upper suction head base 121 located in the upper vacuum cleaner base 12 into which the suction head 32 of the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 can be inserted; an air suction opening 15 configured to correspond to a dust discharge opening 24 in a dust collection container 23 extending into the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 when the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 engages with the charging unit main body 11; and an air suction device 35 located in the charging unit main body 11, which enables dust in the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 to be sucked into the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 through the air suction opening 15 when the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 operates in the common charging unit 1.

[0058] The present invention also describes a vacuum cleaner kit 10 that includes a common charging unit 1, a robotic vacuum cleaner 2, and a cordless vacuum cleaner 3. As can be inFigure 1 As seen in, the vacuum cleaner kit 10 includes: a cordless vacuum cleaner 3, which includes a motor for sucking in air, a filter for filtering the sucked-in air, and at least one battery 34; a remotely controllable robotic vacuum cleaner 2 having wheels; and a common charging unit 1 in which the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 can be arranged and charged simultaneously as needed. The robotic vacuum cleaner 2 and the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 have a first position and a second position. In the first position, the robotic vacuum cleaner and the cordless vacuum cleaner are attached to the common charging unit 1. In the second position, the robotic vacuum cleaner and the cordless vacuum cleaner are detached from the common charging unit 1. As can be in Figure 5b and Figure 5c As seen in, an air suction device 35 is provided, wherein when the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 operates in the first position where the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 and the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 are attached to the common charging unit 1, the dust in the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 is transferred into the cordless vacuum cleaner 3.

[0059] Referring Figure 6 to, the air suction device 35 includes an upper connection opening 351 that engages with the suction head 32 of the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 in a sealed manner. The cordless vacuum cleaner 3 preferably includes a columnar vacuum body 31, wherein the suction head 32 also extends from the vacuum body 31 in a columnar shape. A cordless vacuum cleaner battery compartment 36 extends from the vacuum body 31, and the rechargeable battery 34 is located in the cordless vacuum cleaner battery compartment 36. A handle 33 is provided to enable a user to easily grasp and operate the cordless vacuum cleaner 3. The handle 33 may also be equipped with a control panel 37 that allows the user to control the cordless vacuum cleaner 3.

[0060] The air suction device 35 includes an inlet opening 353 that corresponds to the dust discharge opening 24 in the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. As can be in Figure 7 As seen in, when the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 are in the engaged position, the air suction device 35 functions as a sealed connection. Thus, the air / dirt in the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 is transferred in an airtight manner.

[0061] Specifically, the end portion of the air suction device 35 is sealed using a gasket. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air suction device 35 is configured in an L-shaped shape and has a rectangular cross-section.

[0062] As can be in Figure 6As can be seen in, the inlet opening 353 preferably extends into a transition channel 352 having a rectangular cross-section, which then extends vertically upwards towards the cordless vacuum cleaner 3. Thus, an air suction device 35 having an L-shaped cross-section is formed. The elbow-shaped air suction device 35 can also have different cross-sections and dimensions. Since the air suction device is L-shaped, a compact design is achieved and effective dust transfer is realized. In another embodiment of the present invention, if the suction head 32 of the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 has a different cross-section, or the dust discharge opening 24 has different dimensions and forms, the air suction device 35 can also have different dimensions and cross-sections (such as circular) to match them.

[0063] As can be seen in Figure 3 As can be seen in, a base extension 13 is provided, which is integral with the charging unit body 11 and extends perpendicular to the charging unit body. When the common charging unit 1 is in use, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 can move on the base extension 13, which is formed as an extension of the base portion of the common charging unit 1. As can be seen in Figure 5c As can be seen in, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 partially moves on the base extension 13 and engages with the opposite air suction opening 15. The base extension 13 can have rounded corners and can be slightly inclined towards the ground, and it can also rise upwards at the edges. Similarly, as can be seen in Figure 3 As can be seen in, when the common charging unit 1 is in use, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 moves on the lower connection section 14 and contacts an appropriate energy transfer point to enable the robotic vacuum cleaner to be charged. In addition, an engagement opening 131 is provided for engaging the base extension 13 with the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 in the appropriate position. The opposite protrusion on the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 engages with the engagement opening 131 to ensure connection in the correct position. Advantageously, the common charging unit 1 enables both the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 and the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 to be charged simultaneously.

[0064] As can be seen in Figure 2 As can be seen in, a battery housing 16 is provided, which is formed in the charging unit body 11 to provide a spare battery for the battery 34 suitable for use in the cordless vacuum cleaner 3. The common charging unit 1 can charge the battery 34 in the battery housing 16 when plugged into a power or power unit, and at least one or more than one battery 34 can be arranged in the battery housing. Thus, when the battery 34 of the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 runs out or has a low charge, a fully charged battery can be quickly installed without waiting for it to be fully charged.

[0065] There is provided: an upper vacuum cleaner base 12, which is adapted to locate a cordless vacuum cleaner 3 at least partially therein; and an upper suction head base 121, which extends through the upper vacuum cleaner base 12 and extends to an air suction device 35. As can be seen in Figure 5a , the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 having a columnar body is partially located in the upper vacuum cleaner base. The cordless vacuum cleaner may preferably include a vacuum cleaner head for sucking dirt from the floor and a conduit attached to the vacuum cleaner head.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the charging unit body 11 includes at least one transceiver sensor (such as an infrared sensor) for detecting the position of the robotic vacuum cleaner 1. Thus, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 1 is in the proper position, the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 can be automatically started. In addition to the transceiver sensor, the robotic vacuum cleaner 1 can also use its position on the created map to find the position of the common charging unit 1.

[0067] In another embodiment of the present invention, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 engages with the common charging unit 1, an automatic command can be sent to the cordless vacuum cleaner 3 attached to the common charging unit 1 to cause the cordless vacuum cleaner to operate for a certain period of time and clean the dust in the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. A control unit is provided inside the common charging unit 1 to transmit the automatic command and control the system. The upper connector area 122 is configured to engage with a corresponding energy transfer member in the cordless vacuum cleaner 3, and the upper connector area is preferably formed near the upper suction head base 121.

[0068] The robotic vacuum cleaner 2 suitable for use in the present invention includes a circular robotic vacuum cleaner body 21, wheels 22 located below the body, a dust collection container 23 extending to the inside, and a dust discharge opening 24 leading to the dust collection container 23. The robotic vacuum cleaner further includes a motor for driving the wheels 22, a rechargeable battery unit, and a series of related sensors. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 may have a dust discharge opening 24, a charging slot, and sensors on two opposite surfaces. For example, they may be located opposite each other on the periphery of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. As can be seen in Figure 8a , the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 engages with the air suction opening 15 to discharge dust. As can be seen in Figure 8bAs can be seen, after the dust is discharged, the robotic vacuum cleaner can leave the station, rotate 180 degrees in the opposite direction, and re-enter the station to engage the charging point. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the charging slot and the sensor can be located near (on the same surface) the discharge opening 24. Therefore, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 is arranged in the common charging unit 1, it starts charging and discharges dust at the same time.

[0069] The present invention also describes a vacuum cleaner kit 10, in which a common charging unit 1, a robotic vacuum cleaner 2 suitable for use in the common charging unit 1, and a cordless vacuum cleaner 3 suitable for use in the common charging unit 1 are used together. The vacuum cleaner kit 10 enables portable vacuum cleaners compatible with the common charging unit 1 to be charged, and the vacuum cleaner kit also provides convenience for users by automatically removing dust and dirt accumulated especially in the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. The robotic vacuum cleaner 2 used in the vacuum cleaner kit 10 can have different features, but importantly, the robotic vacuum cleaner includes a dust discharge opening 24 corresponding to the air suction opening 15. Similarly, a cordless vacuum cleaner 3 with different features can also be used, but importantly, the suction head 32 engages with the upper suction head base 121.

Claims

1. A common charging unit (1) attachable to a power unit, the common charging unit having a charging unit body (11), in which a cordless vacuum cleaner (3) and a robot vacuum cleaner (2) can be arranged and charged simultaneously as required, characterized in that The public charging unit (1) comprises: - an upper vacuum cleaner base (12), via which the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) can be attached to the charging unit body (11); an upper connector area (122), located in the upper vacuum cleaner base (12) and enabling the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) to be charged; - a lower connection section (14) so ​​that the robotic vacuum cleaner (2) can be charged by contact with the lower connection section after being engaged with the common charging unit (1); - an upper suction head base (121) located in the upper vacuum cleaner base (12), into which the suction head (32) of the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) can be inserted; - an air suction opening (15) configured to correspond to a dust discharge opening (24) in a dust collection container (23) extending into the robot vacuum cleaner (2) when the robot vacuum cleaner (2) is engaged with the charging unit body (11); and - an air suction device (35) located in the charging unit body (11), which enables dust in the robot vacuum cleaner (2) to be sucked into the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) through the air suction opening (15) when the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) is operated in the common charging unit (1).

2. The public charging unit (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The air suction device (35) comprises an upper connection opening (351) which, in use, engages in a sealing manner with the suction head (32) of the cordless vacuum cleaner (3).

3. The public charging unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The air suction device (35) comprises an inlet opening (353) which corresponds to a dust discharge opening (24) in the robotic vacuum cleaner (2) when the robotic vacuum cleaner (2) is in an engaged position.

4. The public charging unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The inlet opening (353) leads to a transition channel (352) having a rectangular cross-section.

5. The public charging unit (1) according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein: The common charging unit includes an air suction device (35) located in the charging unit body (11) and having an L-shaped cross-section.

6. The public charging unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a base extension (13) which is integral with the charging unit body (11) and extends perpendicularly to the charging unit body.

7. The public charging unit (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The base extension (13) comprises a lower connection section (14) which enables the robotic vacuum cleaner (2) to be moved on the lower connection section and charged by contacting a suitable connection point when the common charging unit (1) is in use.

8. The public charging unit (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The base extension (13) comprises an engagement opening (131) for engaging with the robotic vacuum cleaner in a suitable position.

9. A common charging unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a battery housing (16) formed in the charging unit body (11) to provide a backup battery for a battery (34) suitable for use in the cordless vacuum cleaner (3).

10. The public charging unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: an upper vacuum cleaner base (12) adapted to at least partially position the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) therein; and an upper suction head base (121), the upper suction head base extending through the upper vacuum cleaner base (12) and extending to the air suction device (35).

11. The public charging unit (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one transceiver sensor in the charging unit body (11) for detecting the position of the robotic vacuum cleaner (2).

12. The public charging unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit, which, when the robot vacuum cleaner (2) is engaged with the public charging unit (1), sends an automatic instruction to the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) attached to the public charging unit (1) so that the cordless vacuum cleaner operates for a certain period of time and removes dust from the robot vacuum cleaner (2).

13. A vacuum cleaner kit (10), comprising: A cordless vacuum cleaner (3) comprising a motor for sucking in air, a filter for filtering the sucked in air and at least one battery (34); A remotely controllable robotic vacuum cleaner (2) having wheels; and According to the common charging unit (1) described in any one of the preceding claims, the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) and the robot vacuum cleaner (2) can be arranged in the common charging unit and charged simultaneously as needed, characterized in that the robot vacuum cleaner (2) and the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) include a first position and a second position, in which the robot vacuum cleaner and the cordless vacuum cleaner are attached to the common charging unit (1) and in which the robot vacuum cleaner and the cordless vacuum cleaner are detached from the common charging unit (1), wherein the robot vacuum cleaner (2) and the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) include an air suction device (35), wherein when the cordless vacuum cleaner (3) is operated in the first position in which the robot vacuum cleaner and the cordless vacuum cleaner are attached to the common charging unit (1), dust in the robot vacuum cleaner (2) is transferred to the cordless vacuum cleaner (3).

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