Sweeping robot base station

Abstract

The present application relates to a robot cleaner base station, which includes: a cover; an exhaust part discharging wet steam existing inside the cover; a base configured to the cover, at least a part of the robot cleaner being seated on the base; and an inner frame located on the upper side of the base; the exhaust part includes an exhaust fan configured to the upper side of the inner frame and making the wet steam flow; a wet steam inflow hole is formed in the inner frame to make the wet steam flow in; the wet steam inflow hole is located on the lower side of the exhaust fan, thereby discharging the wet steam generated inside the robot cleaner base station, thus being able to shorten the cloth drying time of the robot cleaner, being able to prevent the internal structure of the robot cleaner base station from being damaged, being able to prevent the bacteria from breeding and the odor from being generated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a robot vacuum cleaner base station, and more specifically, to a built-in robot vacuum cleaner base station that, when integrated with a robot vacuum cleaner, can collect dust from the robot vacuum cleaner's dustbin and clean and dry the robot vacuum cleaner's mop. Background Technology

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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, wipe it with the cloth, and then move around.

[0004] Robotic vacuum cleaners include dry-type vacuum cleaners that can suck up and remove debris scattered on the floor, and wet-type vacuum cleaners that can wipe the floor with a damp cloth to effectively remove debris adhering to the floor. Dry-type vacuum cleaners have a dustbin and use a suction motor to suck up debris from the floor. Wet-type vacuum cleaners have a water tank; water in the tank is supplied to a damp cloth, which wipes the floor to effectively remove debris. Additionally, there are also robotic vacuum cleaners that include an agitator and a cloth.

[0005] 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. It 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.

[0006] On the other hand, when a robot vacuum charging station is installed indoors, it occupies a fixed area of ​​indoor space. In this case, it may reduce the space efficiency of the room. Additionally, collisions with the robot vacuum may occur as users or pets pass by, potentially causing injury to the user or pet, and damage to the robot vacuum.

[0007] In addition, in the case of base stations equipped with dust collection functions of robotic vacuum cleaners, there is a limitation that as the volume they occupy increases, they may damage the interior decoration.

[0008] On the other hand, Chinese utility model patent CN218922468U discloses a base station for a cleaning machine that integrates a sweeping robot on the lower side of a washing machine, and is used to charge the sweeping robot, collect dust, and clean the wet cloth of the sweeping robot.

[0009] However, the cleaning robot base station has an open space below the washing machine that allows the sweeping robot to enter. A detergent and water supply device for washing wet cloths are provided on the vertical upper side of the space where the sweeping robot enters, and a dust bag is provided on the side of the space where the sweeping robot enters.

[0010] With this configuration, the overall height of the cleaning robot base station becomes higher, which limits its ability to utilize the space under furniture, including sinks, for installation.

[0011] In addition, the cleaning machine base station must be installed below the washing machine, which means there is a limitation that there must be space for installing the washing machine, and the installation space must exceed the height of the washing machine itself and the cleaning machine base station.

[0012] Chinese utility model patents CN217090594U and CN217827730U disclose a drying system for a robot vacuum cleaner base station, which is equipped with a hot air drying module to dry the mop cloth of the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0013] However, the drying system of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station does not have an outlet to discharge the wet steam that may be generated during drying. Therefore, dew may form inside the robotic vacuum cleaner base station and condensation may remain. As a result, the drying time is extended due to the long-term presence of moisture inside the robotic vacuum cleaner base station.

[0014] In addition, if the residual moisture inside the robot vacuum cleaner's base station is not removed, an environment in which mold and other bacteria can grow can form, leading to damage to the internal components of the robot vacuum cleaner's base station or the generation of severe odors. Summary of the Invention

[0015] The present invention is proposed to improve the problems existing in the existing robot vacuum base stations as described above, and its purpose is to provide a robot vacuum base station that can be embedded in the lower side of a kitchen cabinet without the need for additional installation space.

[0016] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum station that can accommodate a robot vacuum in the lower space of a kitchen cabinet with a specified height limit.

[0017] In addition, its purpose is to provide a robot vacuum station base that can be configured with the flow path required for dust collection within a limited height and lateral space, thereby making the overall size compact.

[0018] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robotic vacuum cleaner base station that can configure all the required flow paths within a limited space, and ensure sufficient flow space for each flow path.

[0019] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum base station that has an exhaust section, thereby shortening the drying time of the robot vacuum's mop by expelling the wet steam generated inside the robot vacuum base station.

[0020] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum base station that prevents damage to the internal structure of the robot vacuum base station by venting the wet steam generated inside the robot vacuum base station, thereby preventing bacterial growth and the generation of foul odors.

[0021] To achieve the objectives described above, the robot vacuum cleaner base station of the present invention may include: a cover; an exhaust unit for discharging wet vapor present inside the cover; a base disposed on the cover, on which at least a portion of the robot vacuum cleaner is disposed; and an inner frame located on the upper side of the base.

[0022] The exhaust section may include an exhaust fan disposed on the upper side of the inner frame and facilitating the flow of wet steam; a wet steam inlet hole may be formed in the inner frame to allow the wet steam to flow in; the wet steam inlet hole may be located on the lower side of the exhaust fan.

[0023] The inner frame may include a flow path forming section located behind the wet steam inlet and guiding the wet steam flowing out from the exhaust fan.

[0024] The exhaust section may include: an exhaust section cover located above the exhaust fan, covering the exhaust fan and the upper part of the flow path forming section; and an exhaust pipe extending rearward from the exhaust section cover and connected to the rear of the flow path forming section.

[0025] At this time, the upper and lower diameters of the exhaust pipe can be larger than the upper and lower diameters of the flow path forming part.

[0026] The lower surface of the exhaust pipe may include a connecting portion with a downwardly inclined angle that changes.

[0027] That is, the lower surface of the exhaust pipe may include: a first lower surface connected to the front end of the connecting part; and a second lower surface connected to the rear end of the connecting part; the vertical diameter from the first lower surface to the exhaust cover may be shorter than the vertical diameter from the second lower surface to the exhaust cover.

[0028] In addition, the bottom surface of the flow path forming part can be formed to slope downwards towards the rear.

[0029] The exhaust section may include: a wet steam outlet located behind the exhaust fan cover for the outlet to allow wet steam to flow out; and a first flow path formed between the exhaust section cover and the flow path forming portion, wherein the wet steam flowing out from the wet steam outlet flows in the first flow path.

[0030] At this time, the length axis of the first flow path can intersect with the imaginary line of the shortest distance from the front end to the rear end of the cover.

[0031] It may also include an upper rear cover, which is located further rearward than the exhaust section and covers the upper part of the base station interior; the upper rear cover includes a partition wall, which is provided with an exhaust section insertion slot for the rear end of the exhaust section to be inserted, and the partition wall is connected to the left and right outer walls of the cover.

[0032] The upper rear cover may include: a curved portion located below the partition wall, formed by bending downward from the rear end of the exhaust portion; a bottom surface of the cover extending rearward from the lower end of the curved portion, sloping upward as it approaches the rear; and a rear rib protruding upward from the rear end of the bottom surface of the cover.

[0033] The cover may include an upper cover located above the exhaust cover; the rear end of the upper cover may be bent downward and joined to the rear rib.

[0034] The bottom surface of the cover may include a drain hole for draining condensate; the bottom surface of the cover may be oriented downward toward the direction of the drain hole.

[0035] The rotation axis of the exhaust fan in the exhaust section can be configured in a direction that intersects the ground.

[0036] The exhaust pipe insertion slot may be equipped with a filter to restrict the inflow of foreign matter.

[0037] The exhaust section may also include a shroud damper that contacts a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust fan shroud.

[0038] The robotic vacuum cleaner base station may also include a cloth cleaning unit, which is located on the left or right side of the mounting section and cleans the cloth by supplying washing water; if the washing water is supplied, the exhaust fan can be activated.

[0039] In addition, the robot vacuum cleaner base station may also include a cloth drying unit located behind the mounting unit and having a heater to dry the cloth. If the heater is activated, the exhaust fan can be activated.

[0040] In addition, the bottom surface of the upper rear cover is sloping downwards toward the direction of the drain hole.

[0041] In addition, the rotation axis of the exhaust fan in the exhaust section is arranged in a direction that intersects with the ground.

[0042] In addition, the exhaust insertion slot is equipped with a filter to restrict the inflow of foreign matter.

[0043] Additionally, the exhaust section further includes: an exhaust fan housing for accommodating the exhaust fan; and

[0044] The shroud damper contacts a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust fan shroud.

[0045] Additionally, a cloth cleaning unit is included, located on the left or right side of the base, which cleans the cloth by supplying washing water; if the washing water is supplied, the exhaust fan is activated.

[0046] Additionally, a cloth drying unit is included, located behind the base, and has a heater to dry the cloth; if the heater is activated, the exhaust fan is activated.

[0047] As described above, the robot vacuum base station according to the present invention can be configured in a direction horizontal to the robot vacuum, and can charge the robot vacuum, collect dust, and clean the mop, thereby utilizing the space under the kitchen cabinet.

[0048] In addition, the robot vacuum cleaner is surrounded by a charging terminal, a dust collection unit, a mop washing unit, and a mop drying unit, thus enabling it to perform various functions of the robot vacuum cleaner simultaneously.

[0049] In addition, the other sides are covered by kitchen cabinets, thus providing aesthetic appeal to users in terms of decoration.

[0050] In addition, since the robot vacuum cleaner base station is equipped with an exhaust section, the drying time of the robot vacuum cleaner's mop can be shortened by expelling the wet steam generated inside the robot vacuum cleaner base station.

[0051] In addition, by expelling the wet vapor generated inside the robot vacuum cleaner base station, it can prevent damage to the internal structure of the robot vacuum cleaner base station, prevent bacterial growth and the generation of foul odors. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the state in which the cleaning system of an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the lower side of a kitchen cabinet.

[0053] Figure 2This is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the piping and drainage pipe connections of the sweeper system in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the robot vacuum cleaner base station with the door open according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a sweeping robot combined with a sweeping robot base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Side view.

[0058] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A bottom view.

[0059] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 Rear view.

[0060] Figures 9 to 13 This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of the robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the flow path formation section of the robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of the robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the inner frame of the robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating the exhaust section of the robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 18 It is along Figure 13 A sectional view cut along line AA′.

[0066] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 An enlarged view from behind.

[0067] Figure 20 This is a block diagram illustrating the control configuration of the robot vacuum cleaner base station in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0069] 100: Robot vacuum cleaner base station; 152da: Exhaust unit insertion slot

[0070] 110: Cover body 160: Cloth washing section

[0071] 113: Upper cover; 170: Cloth drying section

[0072] 120: Resettlement Department 171d: Heater

[0073] 121: Base; 171e: Fan

[0074] 123: Connecting wall; 180: Exhaust section

[0075] 124: Inner wall; 181: Exhaust fan

[0076] 128: Cleaning tank; 182: Exhaust fan cover

[0077] 130: Door section 182a: Wet steam outlet

[0078] 140: Dust collection section; 183: Exhaust section cover

[0079] 145: Dust collection motor; 183a: Cover wall

[0080] 150: Inner frame; 184: First flow path

[0081] 151: Upper surface; 186: Exhaust pipe

[0082] 151a: Flow path forming section; 186a: First lower surface

[0083] 151aa: Side wall of flow path forming section; 186b: Connecting surface

[0084] 151b: Wet steam inlet hole; 186c: Second lower face

[0085] 151c: Exhaust fan mounting slot; 186d: Exhaust outlet

[0086] 152: Upper rear cover; 186da: Filter

[0087] 152a: Bend section; 186f: Second flow path

[0088] 152b: Bottom surface of the cover; 187: Vibration damper for the cover body.

[0089] 152ba: Drain hole 200: Robot vacuum cleaner

[0090] 152c: Rear rib 300: Control unit Detailed Implementation

[0091] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] This invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments; therefore, specific embodiments are intended to be shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the accompanying description. This is not intended to limit the invention to the specific implementations, but should be interpreted as encompassing all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0093] In describing this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., can be used to describe various structural elements, but the structural elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one structural element from other structural elements. For example, without departing from the scope of this invention, a first structural element can be named a second structural element, and similarly, a second structural element can be named a first structural element.

[0094] The term "and / or" can include a combination of the contents of a plurality of related records or any one of the contents of a plurality of related records.

[0095] When it is said that a structural element is "connected" or "linked" to another structural element, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or linked to another structural element, or that other structural elements may exist between them. Conversely, when it is said that a structural element is "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another structural element, it should be understood that no other structural elements exist between them.

[0096] The terminology used in this application is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. Unless explicitly stated in the context, singular expressions may include plural expressions.

[0097] Furthermore, in this application, it should be understood that terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended only to describe the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, structural elements, components or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, structural elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0098] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in common dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the relevant technical context and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0099] Furthermore, the following embodiments are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand more fully, and for the purpose of clearer illustration, the shape and size of the structural elements in the drawings may be exaggerated.

[0100] Kitchen cabinets and sweeping systems

[0101] Figure 1 A diagram is shown illustrating the state in which the cleaning system of an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the underside of a kitchen cabinet. Figure 2 A diagram illustrating the piping and drainage pipe connections of the sweeper system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0102] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The cleaning system 1 of this embodiment can be installed on the lower side of the kitchen cabinet 2. Specifically, the kitchen cabinet 2 can be installed in the kitchen to store bowls, plates, cups, etc., and can provide space for cooking food or washing dishes.

[0103] In addition, kitchen cabinet 2 can be equipped with an upper panel (workbench) that can function as a sink, cooking table, or work surface.

[0104] For example, kitchen cabinet 2 may include a sink that provides space for washing dishes on the upper shelf. Alternatively, kitchen cabinet 2 may include a cooking countertop for performing cooking operations. Additionally, kitchen cabinet 2 may include a gas stovetop with a gas cooktop, induction cooker, pressure cooker, or oven mounted on the upper shelf.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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 that supplies fluid to the structure, and the drain pipe can refer to a flow path that discharges fluid from the structure into a sewer.

[0107] 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 ground at 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.

[0108] Additionally, the lower side panel 23 can be supported by legs 21. Legs 21 can be configured perpendicular to the bottom of the kitchen to support the load of the kitchen cabinet 2. In this case, a space can be formed between the kitchen floor and the lower side panel 23 along the height of the legs 21.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The cleaning system 1 of this invention can be installed in the space between the floor and the lower side panel 23 of a kitchen as described above (hereinafter referred to as the installation space).

[0111] For example, the installation space can be less than 200mm in height, and typically can be less than 160mm in height.

[0112] Therefore, according to the present invention, the cleaning system 1 is disposed in the lower space of the kitchen cabinet 2, thus having the effect of minimizing the amount of the cleaning system 1 exposed to the outside.

[0113] 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.

[0114] Sweeping system

[0115] Figures 3 to 4 A diagram is shown illustrating a robotic vacuum cleaner in a robotic vacuum cleaner base station, which is used to illustrate an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Reference Figures 3 to 4 The cleaning system 1 in the embodiments of this specification may include a sweeping robot base station 100 and a sweeping robot 200.

[0117] The cleaning system 1 includes a robot vacuum base station 100. A robot vacuum 200 can be integrated into the robot vacuum base station 100. Specifically, the robot vacuum 200 can enter from the front of the robot vacuum base station 100 and can be housed inside the robot vacuum base station 100. The robot vacuum base station 100 can remove dust from the dustbin 220 of the robot vacuum 200. The robot vacuum base station 100 can clean the rotating cleaning section 240 of the robot vacuum 200. The robot vacuum base station 100 can dry the rotating cleaning section 240 of the robot vacuum 200. The robot vacuum base station 100 can supply power to the robot vacuum 200.

[0118] robot vacuum cleaner

[0119] on the other hand, Figures 5 to 8 A diagram illustrating a sweeping robot system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided.

[0120] Reference Figures 5 to 8The structure of the 200 robotic vacuum cleaner is as follows.

[0121] The robot 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.

[0122] The robotic vacuum cleaner 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 robotic vacuum cleaner 200 placed on the floor, defining the vertical direction.

[0123] 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.

[0124] The “lowest part” of each component described in the embodiments of the present invention may be the part located at the lowest position in each component when the robot vacuum cleaner 200 of the present invention is placed on the floor for use, or it may be the part closest to the floor.

[0125] The sweeping robot 200 of this invention includes a main body 210, a dust bin 220, a water bin 230, a rotating cleaning unit 240, an agitator 250, wheels 260, auxiliary wheels 270, and a charging terminal 280.

[0126] The main body 210 can form the overall shape 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] In embodiments of the present invention, the main body 210 may be configured such that its width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction is greater than its height in the vertical direction. This main body 210 helps the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to form a stable structure and provides a structure that facilitates the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 in avoiding obstacles during movement (driving).

[0129] When viewed from above or below, the main body 210 can be formed into various shapes such as circles, ovals, or quadrilaterals.

[0130] 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] The lower body may have an intake section 211 for air to flow in and a hole for accommodating a pair of wheels 260.

[0133] The suction section 211 can be a channel for dust from the floor 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.

[0134] 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, and the other side can communicate with the exhaust port. At this time, a filter can be installed at the exhaust port.

[0135] 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.

[0136] The suction section 211 can accommodate a rotatable agitator 250, which will be described later. 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] The robotic vacuum cleaner 200 of the present invention may include a bumper. The bumper is attached along the edge of the main body 210 and is movable relative to the main body 210.

[0139] The bumper can be attached to a portion of the edge of the body 210, or to the entire edge 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 center 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.

[0140] The dust bin 220 can suck in external dust and air to store dust.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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, but of course, it can be separated according to the embodiment.

[0143] 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.

[0144] On the other hand, the dust bin 220 of this embodiment of the invention may have a dust outlet 221 communicating with the dust discharge flow 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.

[0145] 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 in a position capable of blocking the dust outlet 221. As an example, the dust bin door 222 is formed of rubber or resin material, is rotatable, and one side may be fixedly attached to the main body 210.

[0146] 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.

[0147] The bucket 230 is shaped 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 attached to the main body 210 in a way that allows for disassembly.

[0148] 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.

[0149] At this time, the supply unit 231 can be configured on the opposite side of the sweeping robot 200 in the left-right direction in relation to the dust discharge port 221. For example, if the dust discharge port 221 is configured on the rear left side of the main body 210, then the supply unit 231 can be configured on the rear right side of the main body 210.

[0150] 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.

[0151] On the other hand, the nozzle (not shown) is formed 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 located above or on a pair of rotating plates 241, thereby allowing the liquid inside the bucket 230 to be supplied to a pair of cloths 242 respectively.

[0152] 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.

[0153] On the other hand, although not shown, a pump is provided in the water tank 230, which allows the 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.

[0154] The rotating cleaning unit 240 includes a rotating plate 241 and a cleaning cloth 242.

[0155] The rotating plate 241 may have a pair including a left rotating plate and a right rotating plate, and the rag 242 may have a pair including a left rag and a right rag.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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 or inclined to it. The rotating plate 241 can be formed into a circular plate shape, the bottom surface of which can be generally circular, and the rotating plate 241 as a whole can be rotationally symmetrical.

[0158] A pair of rotating plates 241 can achieve left-right symmetry.

[0159] The rag 242 can be attached to the underside of the rotating plate 241 to face the floor surface.

[0160] 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. As 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 or can be inclined to the floor surface.

[0161] The bottom surface of the rag 242 can be roughly circular, and the rag 242 as a whole can be rotationally symmetrical. In addition, the rag 242 can be detached from the bottom surface of the rotating plate 241, and can be attached to the rotating plate 241 to rotate together with the rotating plate 241.

[0162] 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, when the drive unit is running, the rotating plate 241 and the mop 242 can rotate and wipe the floor surface.

[0163] The agitator 250 may be equipped with a plurality of rotating brushes that can guide external dust and air into the dust bin 220. At least one gear may also be provided in the agitator 250.

[0164] 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 the driving motor or from the drive unit of the rotating cleaning unit 240.

[0165] 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.

[0166] Wheel 260 can be installed on the main body 210 and can roll on the floor surface.

[0167] 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 sweeping robot 200, then the second driving wheel can be located on the right side of the sweeping robot 200. In this case, the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel can achieve left-right symmetry.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] With this configuration, if the driving motor is running, the wheel 260 can rotate, and the main body 210 can travel on the floor at a specified speed.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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 the rotating cleaning unit 240, the agitator 250, the wheels 260, and a motor disposed in the suction motor (not shown).

[0174] In addition, the battery can supply power to the sensor unit (not shown) and the control unit (not shown).

[0175] 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 surface 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.

[0176] Resettlement Department

[0177] like Figure 12 As shown, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 may include a mounting unit 120.

[0178] 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.

[0179] The mounting section 120 can be installed inside the cover 110.

[0180] In this case, according to the embodiment, the placement part 120 can be configured to be drawn out from the cover 110 using the drawer 190.

[0181] With the configuration described above, the following effect is achieved: when the installation section 120 needs to be cleaned or repaired, or when some parts need to be replaced, the user can easily access and manage the installation section 120.

[0182] An entrance 127 for the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to enter can be formed in the installation section 120. The entrance 127 can refer to the space formed in front of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0183] The entrance / exit 127 can be formed to a size that allows the robot vacuum cleaner 200 to pass through. That is, the height of the entrance / exit 127 is greater than the height of the robot 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, and the upper end of the entrance / exit can be the same as the lower side of the lower side panel 23 of the kitchen cabinet 2 or the upper end of the cover 110.

[0184] Furthermore, the lateral width of the entrance / exit 127 is greater than the maximum width of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. In this case, at least one of a dust collection unit 140 and a mop cleaning unit 160 can be disposed on the left and right sides of the entrance / exit 127. Thus, the left and right ends of the entrance / exit 127 can form boundaries with both the dust collection unit 140 and the mop cleaning unit 160. If neither the dust collection unit 140 nor the mop cleaning unit 160 is present, the outer wall surface of the cover 110 can also serve as a boundary.

[0185] At this time, the entrance / exit 127 can be opened and closed via the door 131. The door 131 can be configured at the upper or lower end of the entrance / exit 127, and the door 131 can be provided with a rotation axis in a direction parallel to the base 121. The door 131 can be hinged relative to the cover 110. Alternatively, the door 131 can be hinged relative to the inner wall 124 of the mounting portion 120.

[0186] Door 131 can be rotated by door drive unit 126a. As an example, door drive unit 126a can be a motor.

[0187] For example, door 131 can be formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate, and a hinge portion 126b can be provided at the upper end of door 131. 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 door 131 can be directly connected to the shaft of the door drive portion 126a, or it can be connected through at least one gear to transmit power.

[0188] Door 131 can remain closed at entrance 127 while the robot vacuum 200 is housed in the mounting section 120. Furthermore, it can rotate to open entrance 127 when the robot vacuum 200 begins to move from the mounting section 120. Afterwards, after the robot vacuum 200 has passed through entrance 127, door 131 can rotate to close entrance 127. Additionally, door 131 can rotate to open entrance 127 when the robot vacuum 200 approaches the vacuum cleaner base station 100 from the outside.

[0189] The placement part 120 may include a receiving space S, a base 121, a connecting wall 123, and an inner wall 124.

[0190] The robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be housed in the receiving space S of the placement section 120. As one example, the receiving space S can be the space surrounded by the base 121, the connecting wall 123, and the inner wall 124. As another example, the receiving space S can be 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 receiving space S can be 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 is located when its dustbin 220 is connected to the dust passage hole 123a.

[0191] The base 121 can be configured to connect the robot vacuum base station 100 to the ground. The base 121 supports the robot vacuum 200 when it is integrated with the robot vacuum base station 100. The wheels 260 of the robot vacuum 200 can contact the upper side of the base 121. Additionally, the auxiliary wheels 270 of the robot vacuum 200 can also contact the upper side of the base 121.

[0192] 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 cleaning tank 128.

[0193] The base body 121a can form the overall shape of the base 121. The base body 121a can be provided with an inclined part 121b, a wheel engagement part 121c, an agitator receiving part 121d, and a cleaning tank 128.

[0194] The base body 121a can be formed with a width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction (parallel to X and Y) greater than its height in the vertical direction (parallel to Z). With this structure, the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be stably supported on the bottom surface.

[0195] A return flow path can be provided inside the base body 121a. Therefore, the air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 can flow through the return flow path formed inside the base body 121a and be discharged to the air return port 125b.

[0196] The inclined part 121b can be configured in the bottom component body 121a as an entry point for the sweeping robot 200 to climb.

[0197] The inclined section 121b may have an upward slope in the direction in which the robot vacuum cleaner 200 enters. More specifically, in the inclined section 121b, the front end of the entrance side may be connected so that there is no height difference with the ground, and it has an upward slope 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 ground onto the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0198] A wheel guide 121ba may be provided in the inclined section 121b.

[0199] 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 the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 moves forward along its climbing path. As a result, the wheels 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can easily enter the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100, and because the width of the groove gradually narrows, lateral movement is restricted, thereby guiding the wheels 260 to an accurate position.

[0200] An auxiliary wheel guide 121bb may be provided in the inclined section 121b.

[0201] 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 when the wheel 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the wheel guide 121ba, it connects with the auxiliary wheel 270. Thus, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 travels on the inclined section 121b, the wheel 260 and the auxiliary wheel 270 can be stably supported and travel.

[0202] The wheel 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200, which moves upward along the wheel guide 121ba, can be mounted at the wheel engagement portion 121c. If the wheel 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 is mounted at the wheel engagement portion 121c, the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 and the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 can be physically connected. 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.

[0203] 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 stop the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 in an accurate position. Here, the stop position of the wheels 260 refers to the stop position set for connecting the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to the power supply terminal 123b and / or the stop position set for connecting the dustbin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to the dust passage hole 123a.

[0204] The shape of the wheel engagement portion 121c can be formed into an arc shape corresponding to the shape of the wheel 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. 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.

[0205] At least a portion of the agitator 250 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be accommodated in the agitator receiving portion 121d. Specifically, the agitator receiving portion 121d can provide space to accommodate the lower end of the agitator 250 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 when the wheel 260 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 is mounted in the wheel engagement portion 121c.

[0206] 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 made shallower than the depth of the wheel engagement portion 121c.

[0207] The agitator receiving portion 121d may include a recessed portion 121da and a protruding portion 121db.

[0208] 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.

[0209] The receiving space of the recess 121da can communicate with the receiving space S of the placement part 120.

[0210] 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, with the agitator 250 housed in the receiving space of the recess 121da, the protrusion 121db can be configured to separate from the main body 210 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200 by a predetermined distance.

[0211] The protrusion 121db can guide the air discharged through the air return port 125b 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.

[0212] An air return port 125b may be formed in the agitator housing 121d. The air return port 125b may be formed on the side of the agitator housing 121d. The air return port 125b is connected to the recess 121da and the dust collection motor 145 through a return flow path. The recess 121da and the return flow path are connected through the air return port 125b. Therefore, air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 can be discharged through the air return port 125b to the recess 121da of the agitator housing 121d.

[0213] The connecting wall 123 is configured to accommodate the dust passage 123a, power supply terminal 123b, and water nozzle 123c of the robot vacuum base station 100. The connecting wall 123 spatially separates the accommodating space S 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 shape with a predetermined radius. This configuration can surround the outer contour of the robot vacuum 200, increasing the area of ​​the outer surface facing the robot vacuum 200. Furthermore, it can stably support the robot vacuum 200.

[0214] A dust passage hole 123a can be formed in the mounting section 120 to allow air from outside the cover 110 to flow inward. Specifically, a dust passage hole 123a can be formed in the connecting wall 123 to allow air from outside the cover 110 to flow inward. In this case, the dust passage hole 123a can be disposed behind the dust collection section cover 141 described later.

[0215] The dust passage 123a can communicate with the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The dust passage 123a can also communicate with the dust outlet 221 of the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The dust passage 123a can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin 220 to allow dust from the dust bin 220 to flow into the dust collection section 140. The dust passage 123a can be formed in a shape corresponding to the dust outlet 221 of the dust bin 220.

[0216] Dust can be connected to the dust collection flow path 147, 148 through the hole 123a. Air drawn into the dust through the hole 123a can flow through the dust collection flow path 147, 148 and then be discharged through the air return section 125.

[0217] The robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 may include a power supply module for supplying power to the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The power supply module includes a power supply module housing and power supply terminals 123b. Circuit boards and components for supplying power may be mounted within the power supply module housing. Furthermore, the power supply terminals 123b are positioned at the front of the power supply module housing, thus being exposed on the mounting wall 123.

[0218] 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.

[0219] The robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 may also include a water supply nozzle 123c.

[0220] 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.

[0221] The inner wall 124 is a component that spatially divides the accommodating space S of the placement 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 from the left and right sides of the base 121 in a direction intersecting the base 121. Specifically, the inner walls 124 can extend vertically from the left and right sides of the base 121. The height of the inner wall 124 can correspond to the height of the support leg 21. Specifically, the height of the inner wall 124 can be the same as the height of the support leg 21.

[0222] On the other hand, various components such as dust collection paths 147 and 148, dust collection unit 140, dust collection motor 145, detergent box 163, and 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, detergent box 163, and wastewater tank 164.

[0223] The dust collection section 140 and the detergent dispenser 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 dispenser 163 can be configured to correspond to the distance between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the cover 110.

[0224] The cleaning plate 122 is a component of the cleaning cloth used to clean the robot vacuum cleaner 200, and the cleaning plate 122 can be placed in the cleaning tank 128 of the base 121. In addition, the cleaning plate 122 can contact the cleaning cloth 242 when the robot vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on it.

[0225] The cleaning plate 122 can be a plate that is generally inclined downwards towards the center.

[0226] Specifically, the cleaning plate 122 includes a flow guide surface 122c formed in a curved shape. At least one through hole 122b for fluid to pass through can be formed on the flow guide surface 122c. Additionally, a cleaning protrusion 122a can be formed protruding from the flow guide surface 122c.

[0227] At this time, a pair of cleaning protrusions 122a can be symmetrically formed on the flow guide surface 122c. Specifically, the pair of cleaning protrusions 122a are disposed on the vertically lower side of the pair of mop pads 242 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200, facing the pair of mop pads 242, and can contact at least a portion of the pair of mop pads 242.

[0228] Furthermore, a plurality of holes 122b can be formed on the flow guiding surface 122c, which can be formed between a pair of cleaning protrusions 122a. For example, a plurality of holes 122b can be formed at the lowest position of the flow guiding surface 122c above the ground (kitchen floor), which can be formed between a pair of cleaning protrusions 122a. Thus, fluid expelled between the pair of cleaning protrusions 122a can be guided to the holes 122b and flow.

[0229] On the other hand, as one approaches the location where the through hole 122b is formed, the height of the flow guide surface 122c relative to the kitchen floor can increase. That is, as one approaches the external air exhaust portion 171c described later, the height of the flow guide surface 122c relative to the kitchen floor can increase.

[0230] With this configuration, the flow of washing water and / or air can be guided by the flow guide surface 122c, so that it can flow out through the through hole 122b into the space formed between the washing plate 122 and the washing tank 128. Thus, heated air can be supplied to the washing tank 128 through the through hole 122b.

[0231] Therefore, if the sweeping unit 240 is driven by rotating the drive unit when the mop 242 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200 is placed on the cleaning plate 122, the mop 242 will rotate. At this time, if the mop 242 rotates while washing water is supplied to the cleaning plate, the mop 242 can be cleaned by rubbing against the cleaning protrusion 122a in the stopped state.

[0232] The cleaning tank 128 is configured to house the cleaning plate 122. The cleaning tank 128 can be disposed on the rear side of the base body 121a. The cleaning tank 128 is disposed on the underside of the cleaning plate 122 and is detachably coupled to the cleaning plate 122. The cleaning tank 128 can be formed correspondingly 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 cleaning tank 128.

[0233] The cleaning tank 128 may include a base surface for fluid flow through the cleaning plate 122 and a cleaning tank wall extending vertically from the outer contour of the base surface. As it approaches the rear of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100, the height of the base surface from the ground (kitchen floor) can decrease. This allows the fluid flowing through the cleaning plate 122 to be collected at the rear of the cleaning tank 128 and discharged to the outside through the wastewater inlet 164c (described later).

[0234] Dust Collection Department

[0235] The dust collection unit 140 is capable of collecting dust from the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200. The dust collection unit 140 can be disposed inside the cover 110. The dust collection unit 140 can also be disposed outside the mounting part 120. That is, the dust collection unit 140 can be disposed between the cover 110 and the mounting part 120. For example, the dust collection unit 140 can be disposed on one side of the mounting part 120 in the left-right direction.

[0236] The dust collection unit 140 may include a dust collection unit cover 141, a filter 142, a dust bag 143, a dust bag drawer 144, a dust collection motor 145, a dust collection motor cover 146, a first dust collection flow path 147, and a second dust collection flow path 148.

[0237] The dust collection unit cover 141 can form a space inside that can accommodate the filter 142, the dust bag 143, and the dust bag drawer 144.

[0238] The dust collection unit cover 141 has a dust bag drawer 144 that can be extended outwards inside, and a dust bag 143 can be stored inside the dust bag drawer 144. For example, the dust collection unit cover 141 is formed into a rectangular tube that is open at the 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.

[0239] Dust inside the dust bin 220 can flow into the dust collection unit cover 141.

[0240] 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 143 is attached to the dust collection hood 141, the dust bag 143 can be connected to the first dust collection flow path 147 inside the dust collection hood 141.

[0241] The filter 142 can be disposed in the dust bag drawer 144. Specifically, the filter 142 can be disposed inside the dust bag drawer and extended out together with the dust bag drawer 144.

[0242] On the other hand, the filter 142 can be configured lower than the inlet 141b, with the bottom surface of the dust bag drawer body 141a as a reference. The filter 142 can be configured further forward than the outlet 144c of the dust bag drawer 144.

[0243] Specifically, the filter 142 can be detachably attached to the lower side of the dust bag drawer 144. In this case, the filter 142 can be positioned at the longitudinal (front) end of the flow path forming portion 144e. Thus, the filter 142 can be positioned between the handle 144d and the flow path forming portion 144e. That is, the filter 142 can be positioned adjacent to the front of the dust bag drawer 144.

[0244] The filter 142 can be pulled out together with the dust bag drawer 144 when the dust bag drawer 144 is pulled out. That is, the filter 142 can be pulled out together with the dust bag drawer 144 when the handle 144d is pulled out. At this time, since the filter 142 is located directly behind the handle 144d, it has the advantage that the user can easily replace the filter 142 even when only part of the dust bag drawer 144 is pulled out.

[0245] On the other hand, the filter 142 can be configured to separate from the left and right (width) sides of the dust bag drawer 144. That is, a space can be formed between the filter 142 and the left and right sides of the dust bag drawer body 144a. In this case, the user's hand can enter the space.

[0246] With the configuration described above, the filter 142 can be separated by a simple action of the user placing their finger in the space between the filter 142 and the dust bag drawer body 144a and pulling the filter 142.

[0247] The filter 142 can be positioned lower than the dust bag 143. In this case, the dust bag 143 can be combined with the dust bag drawer 144 to allow for loading and unloading in a vertically sliding manner.

[0248] Therefore, with the dust bag drawer 144 extended, the dust bag 143 can be separated from the dust bag drawer 144 in a vertical direction. If the dust bag 143 is separated, the filter 142 can be exposed to the outside.

[0249] Therefore, the user can check the status of the filter 142 every time the dust bag 143 is replaced, and can easily replace the filter 142 together with the dust bag 143.

[0250] Dust bag 143 can refer to a dust bag that collects dust sucked in from inside the dust bin 220 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200 under the action of dust collection motor 145.

[0251] The dust bag 143 can be detachably attached to the dust bag drawer 144. Therefore, the dust bag 143 can be separated from the dust bag drawer 144 and discarded, and a new dust bag 143 can be attached to the dust bag drawer 144. That is, the dust bag 143 can be defined as a consumable part.

[0252] The inlet of the dust bag 143 can be configured to communicate with the inlet 144b of the dust bag drawer 144. Thus, when the dust collection motor 145 is running, air and dust in the dust bin 220 can flow in and be captured inside the dust bag 143.

[0253] The dust bag 143 can be configured to increase in volume and contain dust when suction is generated by the dust collection motor 145. For this purpose, the dust bag 143 can be formed of a material that allows air to pass through but prevents foreign objects such as dust from passing through. For example, the dust bag can be formed of a non-woven fabric material and can have a hexahedral shape that corresponds to the shape of the dust bag drawer 144 based on the increased volume.

[0254] The dust collection unit 140 may also include a dust collection module. The dust collection module is capable of providing suction airflow to the dust collection flow path.

[0255] Specifically, the dust collection unit 140 may also include a dust collection motor 145 and a dust collection motor cover 146.

[0256] The dust collection motor 145 can generate suction on the dust collection path 147 and the dust collection path 148. That is, the dust collection motor 145 can provide suction to draw dust from the dust bin 220 into the dust bag 143 disposed in the dust collection unit cover 141.

[0257] 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.

[0258] The dust collection motor 145 is capable of generating suction by rotation. As an example, although not shown, the dust collection motor 145 may include a rotor and a stator that rotate relative to each other when a power source is applied, and may include an impeller that rotates about a rotation axis as the rotor rotates. Therefore, suction can be generated by the rotation of the impeller.

[0259] One side of the dust collection motor 145 can be connected to the second dust collection flow path 148, and the other side can be connected to the return flow path 125a. When the dust collection motor 145 is driven, the air flowing in the second dust collection flow path 148 can flow into the interior of the dust collection motor housing 146. In addition, the air flowing into the interior of the dust collection motor housing 146 can flow in the return flow path 125a after passing through the dust collection motor 145.

[0260] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the rotation axis of the dust collection motor 145 can be arranged in a vertical direction. In this case, the horizontal space occupied by the dust collection motor 145 can be minimized.

[0261] On the other hand, when the rotating shaft of the dust collection motor 145 is arranged in a vertical direction, it can be configured such that the height of the air flowing into the dust collection motor 145 is different from the height of the air exiting the dust collection motor 145. As a result, a structure for the dust collection motor cover 146 can be formed.

[0262] The dust collection motor cover 146 can internally house the dust collection motor 145. The dust collection motor cover 146 can be positioned behind the dust collection section cover 141. Alternatively, the dust collection motor cover 146 can be positioned behind the first dust collection flow path 147. Additionally, the dust collection motor cover 146 can be positioned behind the second dust collection flow path 148.

[0263] That is, taking the front-to-back direction of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 as a reference, the dust collection cover 141 can be positioned at the front, and the first dust collection flow path 147 and the second dust collection flow path 148 can be positioned behind the dust collection cover 141. Furthermore, the dust passage hole 123a can be positioned further rearward than the first dust collection flow path 147, and the dust collection motor cover 146 can be positioned further rearward than the second dust collection flow path 148. Additionally, the dust collection motor cover 146 can be positioned further rearward than the dust passage hole 123a.

[0264] Therefore, the dust collection unit 140 is configured along the front-rear direction of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100, thereby reducing the overall height.

[0265] On the other hand, the dust collection unit 140 may also include a dust collection flow path 147 and a dust collection flow path 148. The dust collection flow path may refer to the flow path through which air drawn in through the dust passage hole 123a flows through the dust bag to the dust collection motor 145.

[0266] Specifically, the dust collection path may include: a first dust collection path 147 that connects the dust bin 220 to the internal space of the dust collection unit cover 141 when the robot vacuum 200 is combined with the robot vacuum base station 100 and the dust is connected to the dust bin 220 of the robot vacuum 200 through the hole 123a; and a second dust collection path 148 that connects the internal space of the dust collection unit cover 141 to the internal space of the dust collection motor cover 146.

[0267] The first dust collection path 147 connects the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 to the internal space of the dust collection cover 141. The first dust collection path 147 also connects the dust from the placement section 120 through the hole 123a to the internal space of the dust collection cover 141. The first dust collection path 147 can be formed in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. For example, the first dust collection path 147 can be formed in a direction close to the horizontal direction. The first dust collection path 147 can be a space formed rearward from the dust through hole 123a, or a path that bends laterally from the dust through hole 123a, allowing dust and air to flow. Dust in the dust bin 220 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 can be moved to the internal space of the dust collection cover 141 through the first dust collection path 147.

[0268] The second dust collection path 148 connects the internal space of the dust collection unit cover 141 with the internal space of the dust collection motor cover 146. The second dust collection path 148 can be formed in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. For example, the second dust collection path 148 can be formed in a direction close to the horizontal direction.

[0269] In this invention, the first dust collection path 147 and the second dust collection path 148 can be formed at different heights. That is, the first dust collection path 147 and the second dust collection path 148 can be configured in a stacked structure. Specifically, at least a portion of the first dust collection path 147 can be disposed above the second dust collection path 148.

[0270] This configuration allows for the arrangement of multiple flow paths in a near-horizontal direction, thereby reducing the overall height. Simultaneously, these paths can be stacked to minimize the lateral width and overall volume of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0271] Cleaning section

[0272] The robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment may include a cloth cleaning unit 160. The cloth cleaning unit 160 can clean the cloth 242 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 attached to the mounting unit 120.

[0273] The rag washing unit 160 may include a washing water supply unit 161 that dispenses washing water to the washing plate 122, a detergent box 163 that stores liquid containing detergent, and a wastewater tank 164 that stores the washing water after the rags 242 have been washed.

[0274] Clean water and detergent can be mixed in the washing water supply section 161 to produce washing water for cleaning the rag 242.

[0275] The washing water supply unit 161 includes a branch flow path 161a, a clean water inlet 161b, a detergent inlet 161c, a detergent pump 161d, and a washing water outlet 161e.

[0276] At this time, the pair of washing water outlets 161e can be configured separately on the rear side of the connecting wall 123. The washing water outlets 161e can discharge washing water onto the cleaning plate 122 from the upper side of the cleaning plate 122. For example, the pair of washing water outlets 161e can be configured on the upper side of the pair of cleaning protrusions 122a.

[0277] At this time, the purified water supplied from the water supply pipe of the kitchen cabinet 2 and passing through the regulator 162 can branch off to both sides through the branch flow path 161a and connect to the separately configured washing water outlets 161e. That is, the branch flow path 161a can be formed in the form of one pipe branching into two pipes. In this case, any end of the branch can be connected to any one of the pair of washing water outlets 161e, and the other end of the branch can be connected to the remaining one of the pair of washing water outlets 161e. Therefore, the branch flow path 161a can supply washing water to the pair of washing water outlets 161e.

[0278] The washing water outlet 161e can be integrally formed with the connecting wall 123 on the rear side of the connecting wall 123, or can be detachably connected to the connecting wall 123.

[0279] The purified water inlet 161b is configured to guide purified water supplied from the water supply pipe of the kitchen cabinet 2 to the washing water supply unit 161. Specifically, the water supply pipe of the kitchen cabinet 2 can be connected to a regulator 162, thereby allowing the flow rate supplied from the water supply pipe to be adjusted. In addition, a portion of the purified water passing through the regulator 162 can be supplied to the water tank 230 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200 through the water supply nozzle 123c, while the remaining purified water can flow through the purified water inlet 161b into a pair of separately configured washing water supply units 161.

[0280] The detergent inlet 161c is configured to guide the detergent-containing liquid supplied from the detergent dispenser 163 to the wash water supply unit 161. Specifically, the detergent-containing liquid stored in the detergent dispenser 163 can be supplied to the wash water supply unit 161 via the detergent pump 161d.

[0281] Additionally, the detergent flowing into the washing water supply unit 161 can be mixed with purified water and used as washing water. The washing water supply unit 161 can discharge washing water to the top surface of the washing plate 122 via the washing water outlet 161e. The washing water outlet 161e can open in a direction facing the top surface of the cloth 242 placed on the washing plate 122.

[0282] Detergent container 163 can store liquid containing detergent.

[0283] The detergent dispenser 163 includes a detergent dispenser body 163a, a handle 163b, and a detergent dispenser guide rail 163c (see attached drawing).

[0284] The detergent dispenser body 163a provides space for storing liquid containing detergent. For example, the detergent dispenser body 163a can be formed as a box with an open top, and can be connected to the washing water supply unit 161 at the rear.

[0285] A handle 163b may be provided at the front of the detergent dispenser body 163a. ​​The handle 163b may be configured to be gripped by a user. For example, the handle 163b may include a pair of hinged portions connected to the front of the detergent dispenser body 163a, forming a grip portion that connects the pair of hinged portions to allow the user to grip.

[0286] In this way, when the user grasps the handle and pulls forward, the detergent dispenser body 163a can be pulled forward as well. Thus, according to the present invention, the user can easily pull the detergent dispenser 163 forward and then refill the detergent.

[0287] Detergent box guide rails 163c can be formed on the left and right sides of the detergent box body 163a. ​​The detergent box guide rails 163c can guide the movement of the detergent box body 163a.

[0288] For example, the detergent dispenser guide rail 163c can be formed in the left and right sides of the detergent dispenser body 163a in the front-back direction as a groove or rib.

[0289] With this configuration, when the user attaches the detergent dispenser 163 to the cover 110, the detergent dispenser 163 can be attached to the correct position, and water leakage can be prevented.

[0290] On the other hand, although not shown, a guide rail can be formed on the cover 110 corresponding to the detergent dispenser guide rail 163c. The guide rail can be formed to correspond to the shape and position of the detergent dispenser guide rail 163c.

[0291] The wastewater tank 164 provides space for storing the washing water after washing the cloths 242. The washing water that has been discharged onto the upper surface of the washing plate 122 can drain into the through-hole 122b as it descends along the inclined surface of the washing plate 122 after washing the cloths 242. The washing water passing through the through-hole 122b accumulates in the washing tank 128. Additionally, the washing water accumulated in the washing tank 128 can flow into the wastewater suction path 164b through the wastewater inlet 164c, and then into the wastewater tank 164 through the wastewater inlet 164b. In other words, the liquid that has passed through the washing plate 122 can flow along the washing tank 128 and be discharged through the wastewater inlet 164c.

[0292] On the other hand, a sewage suction flow path 164b is formed in a sewage suction pipe, with a sewage inlet 164c formed at one end of the sewage suction pipe, and the other end of the sewage suction pipe communicating with a sewage tank 164. In this case, the sewage suction pipe can be configured to pass under the external air supply module 171. That is, the sewage suction flow path 164b can be configured under the external air supply module 171. Alternatively, the sewage suction flow path 164b can be configured under the external air supply flow path 171a.

[0293] 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 passage 164a. One end of the wastewater discharge passage 164a 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 be discharged to the drain pipe by using a centrifugal pump (not shown) to flow through the wastewater discharge passage 164a.

[0294] The sewage discharge path 164a connected to the sewage tank 164 can be connected upstream 25b with reference to the U-bend 25a of the drain pipe 25 of the kitchen cabinet 2. This is because if the sewage discharge path 164a is connected downstream 25c with reference to the U-bend 25a of the drain pipe 25, foul odors or fluids inside the drain pipe 25 may flow back into the sewage discharge path 164a.

[0295] Additionally, the cloth washing unit 160 may include a check valve (not shown). The check valve prevents fluid inside the drain pipe 25 from flowing back into the sewage discharge path 164a. The check valve may be located at the other end of the sewage discharge path 164a connected to the drain pipe 25.

[0296] On the other hand, the detergent dispenser 163 and the wastewater tank 164 can be accommodated in the space formed between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the cover. The detergent dispenser 163 can be disposed on the lower side of the space between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the cover, and the wastewater tank 164 can be disposed on the upper side of the detergent dispenser 163 in the space between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the cover.

[0297] Cloth Drying Section

[0298] The cloth drying unit 170 of one embodiment of the present invention may include an external air supply module 171, an air exhaust unit 172, a drying fan 173, and a check valve 175.

[0299] The external air supply module 171 can supply hot air to the accommodating space S and may include an external air supply flow path 171a, an external air inlet 171b, an external air outlet 171c, a heater 171d, and a blower fan 171e.

[0300] An external air supply flow path 171a is formed in the external air supply module 171. The external air supply flow path 171a enables external air to flow to the external air discharge section 171c.

[0301] The external air supply path 171a can connect the external space of the enclosure 110 with the receiving space S. One side of the external air supply path 171a can be connected to the external space through the external air inlet 171b, and the other side of the external air supply path 171a can be connected to the receiving space S through the external air outlet 171c.

[0302] An external air inlet 171b may be formed on the rear side of the housing 110. A plurality of external air inlets 171b may be formed on the rear side of the housing 110. Air from outside the housing 110 can flow into the external air supply path 171a through the external air inlets 171b. Therefore, air from outside the housing 110 can flow into the interior of the housing 110.

[0303] At least a portion of the external air outlet 171c may be disposed on the upper side of the cleaning plate 122. The external air outlet 171c may open in a direction opposite to the cleaning plate 122. A pair of external air outlets 171c may be provided in a downward-opening state.

[0304] The external air outlet 171c can discharge air supplied through the external air supply path 171a. The external air outlet 171c can also discharge air heated in the heater 171d. For example, an external air outlet can be formed in the external air outlet 171c.

[0305] With the cloth 242 placed on the cleaning plate 122, the external air exhaust portion 171c can open to the upper side of the cloth 242. Therefore, the external air exhaust portion 171c is located adjacent to the cloth 242, opens downward, and the air discharged from the external air exhaust portion 171c can flow towards the cloth 242.

[0306] The blower fan 171e is configured in the external air supply flow path 171a and is capable of supplying air to the accommodating space S. When the blower fan 171e is driven, the air flowing in through the external air inlet 171b can be heated by the heater 171d and discharged into the accommodating space S through the external air outlet 171c.

[0307] The heater 171d is disposed on the external air supply flow path 171a and is capable of heating the air flowing in the external air supply flow path 171a. The heater 171d is also capable of heating the air discharged through the external air discharge section 171c.

[0308] The heater 171d may include a heater housing and a heating element. The heater housing may be positioned on the external air supply path 171a, and a space for accommodating the heating element may be provided inside the heater housing. Furthermore, the heating element heats the air flowing into the heater housing. Therefore, the air heated by the heating element can be discharged through the external air outlet 171c into the accommodating space S, thereby drying the wet cloth 242.

[0309] The air exhaust unit 172 discharges the hot and humid air generated inside the robot vacuum base station 100 during the drying of the mop 242 into the drain pipe 25. Specifically, the air exhaust unit 172 can be connected to the drain pipe 25 of the accommodating space S and the kitchen cabinet 2.

[0310] An air discharge path can be formed in the air discharge section 172. At this time, one end of the air discharge path can be connected to the receiving space S, and the other end can be connected to the drain pipe 25. Specifically, one end of the air discharge path, namely the air intake 172a, can be connected to the receiving space S, and the other end, namely the air outlet 172b, can be connected to the drain pipe 25.

[0311] On the other hand, the air intake 172a can be disposed at various positions on the accommodating space S. For example, the air intake 172a can be disposed on the connecting wall 123. For another example, the air intake 172a can be disposed on the inner wall 124. As yet another example, the height of the air intake 172a from the ground can be higher than the height of the cloth 242 from the ground, and it can be disposed further forward than the external air exhaust portion 171c. This allows air containing steam generated during the drying process of the cloth 242 to be discharged.

[0312] The air exhaust section 172 can be connected to the downstream section 25c based on the U-bend 25a of the drain pipe 25 of the kitchen cabinet 2. This is because if the air exhaust section 172 is connected to the upstream section 25b based on the U-bend 25a of the drain pipe 25, the hot air exhausted through the air exhaust section 172 may not be able to pass through the drain pipe 25 due to water accumulation in the U-bend 25a.

[0313] On the other hand, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air exhaust path can be such that a single pipe inside the cover 110 branches into two pipes that penetrate both sides of the cover 110. In this case, either pipe of the branch can penetrate the left outer wall of the cover 110, and the other pipe of the branch can penetrate the right outer wall of the cover 110. The air exhaust portion 172 penetrating the outer walls 111 on both sides of the cover 110 can be connected to the drain pipe 25. Thus, air drawn in from the air exhaust portion 172 can be discharged through the air exhaust ports 172b branching off on both sides and downstream 25c relative to the U-shaped bend 25a of the drain pipe 25.

[0314] The drying fan 173 can discharge air flowing in through the air intake 172a into the drain pipe 25. The drying fan 173 can create airflow in the air discharge section 172. The drying fan 173 can be configured on the air discharge flow path.

[0315] If the drying fan 173 is driven, air in the accommodating space S can flow in through the air intake 172a. The air flowing in from the air intake 172a can flow through the air exhaust 172 and be discharged through the drain pipe 25. Specifically, driven by the drying fan 173, the air flowing in the air exhaust 172 can be discharged downstream 25c based on the U-bend 25a of the drain pipe 25.

[0316] The cloth drying unit 170 may include a check valve 175. The check valve 175 may be provided at the other end of the air discharge path connected to the drain pipe 25. This prevents fluid inside the drain pipe 25 from flowing back to the air discharge unit 172.

[0317] Inner frame

[0318] Figures 9 to 13 This is a diagram illustrating the inner frame and exhaust section of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 This is a top view illustrating the flow path forming section of the robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 This is an exploded perspective view of a robotic vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the inner frame of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0319] Below, refer to Figure 9 and Figure 16 The inner frame of a robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0320] First, the following describes the structure of the robot vacuum cleaner base station that discharges humid vapor present inside the base station, thus defining humid vapor and condensate. Hereinafter, "humid vapor" refers to air containing moisture inside the robot vacuum cleaner base station, and "condensate" refers to the condensate of the "humid vapor".

[0321] The inner frame 150 can be configured on the upper side of the base 121. The inner frame 150 can be configured as a plate that covers the upper part of the robot vacuum base station 100 in the lateral direction.

[0322] The inner frame 150 may include: an upper surface 151 that covers the upper side of the base 121; and an upper rear cover 152 located behind the upper surface 151 that covers the upper part of the internal structure of the robot vacuum cleaner base station.

[0323] The inner frame 150 may have an upper surface 151 covering the upper side of the mounting portion 120, and the edge of the upper surface 151 may be connected to the connecting wall 123 and the inner wall 124 of the mounting portion 120.

[0324] Thus, the upper surface 151, the connecting wall 123, the inner wall 124, and the base 121 can form a space that accommodates the sweeping robot 200 when it enters the sweeping robot base station 100.

[0325] An exhaust fan mounting groove 151c may be formed on the upper surface 151 so that the exhaust fan cover 182 described later can be located in the exhaust fan mounting groove 151c, and the exhaust fan mounting groove 151c can contact a portion of the lower side surface of the exhaust fan cover 182.

[0326] The exhaust fan 181 can be located inside the exhaust fan housing 182. A wet steam inlet hole 151b can be formed on the lower side of the exhaust fan housing 182 to allow wet steam present in the mounting portion 120 to flow in. For example, the wet steam inlet hole 151b can be a hole that passes through the upper surface 151 in a circular shape.

[0327] The wet steam inlet 151b can be located at the center of the mounting portion 120. Here, the center can be the area between one-third and two-thirds of the lateral length and the area between one-third and two-thirds of the longitudinal length, based on a view of the robot vacuum base station 100 from above. However, the location of the wet steam inlet 151b is not limited to this.

[0328] Therefore, in order to clean or dry the cloth, the wet steam flowing in from the joint wall 123 side can be immediately discharged into the wet steam inlet hole 151b. In addition, the wet steam that is not discharged and moves towards the door 130 side can also flow into the wet steam inlet hole 151c.

[0329] That is, regardless of where the wet steam is located inside the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100, the wet steam can flow in from the steam inlet 151b.

[0330] Additionally, the upper surface 151 may include a flow path forming portion 151a located on the lower side of the exhaust cover 183.

[0331] The exhaust fan shroud 182 can be located on one side of the flow path forming section 151a. Specifically, the flow path forming section 151a can be located behind the wet steam outlet 182a of the exhaust fan shroud 182 so that the wet steam flowing out from the exhaust fan 181 can flow.

[0332] The flow path forming portion 151a can be formed as a step with the upper surface 151. More specifically, the bottom surface of the flow path forming portion 151a can be formed at a position lower than the upper surface 151.

[0333] Therefore, in the portion where the step is formed, a flow path forming section sidewall 151aa can be formed by bending the upper surface 151 downward.

[0334] The flow path forming section 151a can be configured to slope downwards towards the rear as far as the exhaust fan 181 is referenced, allowing wet steam to flow backwards through the flow path forming section 151a.

[0335] Furthermore, the flow path forming portion 151a can be formed to be curved to the left or right. In other words, the longitudinal surface of the wall formed by the downward curvature of the upper surface 151a can be formed into a gently curved shape.

[0336] For example, if the flow path forming section 151a is bent in the direction of the exhaust fan's rotation, it can prevent turbulence caused by the wet steam flowing out of the exhaust fan colliding with the wall, thereby improving the steam exhaust efficiency.

[0337] On the other hand, a plurality of engagement grooves may be formed on the upper surface 151 to engage with the exhaust cover 183. If a bolt is inserted into the engagement groove and engages with the exhaust cover, the exhaust cover 183 can be fixed to the upper surface 151.

[0338] The upper rear cover 152 can be located above the air supply fan 171e and behind the exhaust section 180, and is connected to the left and right outer walls of the cover 110. Thus, the upper rear cover 152 can cover the area from the rear end of the exhaust section 180 to the rear outer wall of the cover 110.

[0339] The upper rear cover 152 may include a partition wall 153 into which the rear end of the exhaust pipe 186, described later, is inserted.

[0340] The partition wall 153 can be a plate shape that is perpendicular to the length direction of the exhaust pipe 186 and extends in the left-right direction. A space can be formed between the left and right ends of the partition wall 153 and the outer wall surface of the cover 110. A protrusion protruding from the end of the upper cover 113 can be inserted into the space. Thus, the upper cover 113 can be fixed to the upper part of the cover 110.

[0341] The length of the partition wall 153 can be horizontal, and the height can be vertical. The height of the partition wall 153 can be greater than the vertical diameter of the exhaust pipe 186.

[0342] The partition wall 153 may have an exhaust pipe insertion groove 153da into which the rear end of the exhaust pipe 186 can be inserted. The exhaust pipe insertion groove 153da may be formed to correspond to the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe 186.

[0343] For example, if the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust pipe 186 is formed in a quadrilateral shape, the exhaust pipe insertion groove 153da can also be formed in a quadrilateral shape.

[0344] The upper rear cover 152 may also include a curved portion 152a, a cover bottom surface 152b, and a rear rib 152c.

[0345] The bend 152a can be located on the lower side of the partition wall 152d and can be formed by bending downward from the rear end of the exhaust pipe 186. The bend 152a can be connected to the lower end of the partition wall 152d and can be formed by extending downward from the lower end of the partition wall 152d.

[0346] The bottom surface 152b can be located above the air blower 171e. In addition, the bottom surface 152b can be formed by extending rearward from the lower end of the curved portion 152a, and can be formed to slope upward as it gets closer to the rear.

[0347] Therefore, the condensate discharged from the exhaust pipe 186 can flow downward along the bend 152a.

[0348] If the flow rate of the condensate flowing along the exhaust pipe 186 increases, it is possible that the condensate discharged from the exhaust pipe 186 may not flow along the bend 152a.

[0349] However, since the bottom surface 152b is sloping upwards towards the rear, condensate that falls onto the bottom surface 152b can flow forward again. That is, the condensate can collect at the junction of the bend 152a and the bottom surface 152b.

[0350] The bottom surface 152b may also include a drain hole 152ba for draining condensate. The drain hole 152ba may be located in the bottom surface 152b near the bend 152a, and may be located on the left or right side of the bottom surface 152b.

[0351] In addition, the bottom surface 152b of the cover can be formed to slope downwards toward the drain hole 152ba, and the lower part of the drain hole 152ba can be connected to a pipe that can discharge condensate water into the cleaning tank 128.

[0352] Therefore, the condensate that gathers at the junction of the bend 152a and the bottom surface 152b can flow toward the drain hole 152ba, and the condensate flowing in from the drain hole 152ba can be discharged into the cleaning tank 128.

[0353] The rear end of the bottom surface 152b can be connected to the rear outer wall of the cover 110, and the rear rib 152c can be formed by protruding from the rear of the bottom surface 152b.

[0354] The upper part of the rear rib 152c can be combined with a portion that curves downward from the rear side of the upper cover 113. This creates a space surrounded by the upper rear cover 152 and the upper cover 113. At this time, the left and right sides of the space can be opened.

[0355] With the space open on the left and right sides, the drain pipe 165b can be connected to the drain pipe 25 of the kitchen cabinet 2, and the water supply pipe 165a can be connected to the water supply pipe of the kitchen cabinet 2.

[0356] Furthermore, since the space is open, air can flow into the exhaust section 180. Therefore, the wet vapor discharged through the exhaust section 180 can be diluted by the relatively cool air, and the wet vapor in contact with the air can be condensed into condensate.

[0357] In addition, wet vapor that has not been condensed into condensate can be discharged through the space.

[0358] Typically, since the rear side of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 is positioned towards the wall of the space, when it exhausts humid steam, the steam can come into contact with the relatively cool wall surface and form moisture. In other words, when humid steam is exhausted to the rear, the moisture supplied to the wall surface creates a potential risk of mold and other bacterial growth leading to foul odors, and may also damage the wall surface.

[0359] However, the cover 110 of the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention forms open spaces on the left and right sides, which allows wet steam to be discharged from the left and right sides, thus solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0360] Exhaust section

[0361] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the exhaust section of the robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Top view, Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional view of the lower part of the exhaust section. Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of the robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 It shows Figure 18 A rear enlarged view of the sectional view.

[0362] Below, refer to Figures 12 to 19 The exhaust section of a robotic vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0363] The exhaust section 180 can be located on the upper side of the inner frame 150. Thus, when relatively high-temperature wet steam is generated in the mounting section 120, the wet steam can flow to the upper part of the mounting section 120 and into the exhaust section.

[0364] The exhaust section 180 may include an exhaust fan 181, an exhaust fan cover 182, an exhaust section cover 183, and an exhaust pipe 186.

[0365] The exhaust fan 181 can be located above the wet steam inlet 151b of the inner frame 150. Thus, if the exhaust fan 181 is driven, wet steam present inside the mounting section 120 can flow in from the wet steam inlet 151b.

[0366] For example, the exhaust fan 181 can be a centrifugal fan, and the rotation axis of the exhaust fan 181 can be configured in a direction that is perpendicular to the ground.

[0367] More specifically, the rotation axis of the exhaust fan 181 can be oriented perpendicular to the ground, and the wet steam flowing in from the wet steam inlet 151b can be discharged by the exhaust fan in a direction parallel to the ground. This not only effectively discharges the wet steam present in the upper part of the mounting section 120, but also reduces the overall height of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0368] On the other hand, the exhaust fan 181 can be driven when the washing water is supplied or the heater 171d is operating. That is, the exhaust fan 181 can operate in all operations where wet steam may be generated inside the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0369] More specifically, the exhaust fan 181 can operate selectively during the start-up, operation, and stop-supply phases of the washing water supply. Additionally, the exhaust fan 181 can operate selectively during the start-up, operation, and stop-drive phases of the heater 171d.

[0370] Therefore, since wet steam may flow into the exhaust section 180 at the same time it is generated, it has the effect of preventing the generation of foul odors and the growth of bacteria inside the robot vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0371] The exhaust fan housing 182 can accommodate the exhaust fan 181 and can be formed to cover the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust fan 181.

[0372] The exhaust fan shroud 182 may be provided with a wet steam outlet 182a for discharging wet steam flowing in through the exhaust fan. The wet steam outlet 182a may be located on the rear side of the exhaust fan shroud 182.

[0373] The exhaust fan cover 182 can be cylindrical in shape as a whole. However, since the wet steam outlet 182a is connected to the wall formed in the flow path forming part 151a, the rear of the exhaust fan cover 182 can be formed to correspond to the cross section formed by the flow path forming part 151a and the exhaust cover 183.

[0374] For example, the rear section of the exhaust fan shroud 182 can be formed into a quadrilateral shape. That is, the section of the wet steam outlet 182a can be formed into a quadrilateral shape.

[0375] On the other hand, the exhaust section 180 may also include a shroud damper 187 that contacts a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the exhaust fan shroud 182.

[0376] The housing damper 187 can be made of a flexible material. For example, the housing damper 187 can be formed of rubber, silicone, polyurethane foam, etc.

[0377] Therefore, the cover damper 187 has the effect of reducing the vibration generated when the exhaust fan 181 is operating, and can prevent the cover 110 from cracking.

[0378] The exhaust cover 183 can be formed to cover the upper part of the exhaust fan cover 182 and the upper part of the flow path forming portion 151a. That is, the exhaust cover 183 located on the upper side of the exhaust fan cover 182 can be formed to correspond to the shape of the exhaust fan cover 182, and the exhaust cover 183 located on the upper side of the flow path forming portion 151a can be formed to correspond to the shape of the flow path forming portion 151a.

[0379] More specifically, when taking the wet steam outlet 182a as a reference, the position further forward than the wet steam outlet 182a is called the front part, and the position further backward than the wet steam outlet 182a is called the rear part, the front part of the exhaust cover 183 can be formed into a circular shape, and the rear part can be formed into a quadrilateral shape.

[0380] In addition, the front part and the rear part of the exhaust cover 183 can be connected to form a single unit.

[0381] Thus, the space surrounded by the flow path forming part 151a and the exhaust cover 183 can form a first flow path 184.

[0382] The first flow path 184 is connected to the wet steam outlet 182a, so that the wet steam flowing out of the wet steam outlet 182a can flow backward. At this time, since the bottom surface of the flow path forming part 151a is formed to slope downward as it gets closer to the rear, even if the wet steam is condensed into condensate in the first flow path, it can still flow backward in the first flow path.

[0383] Additionally, the first flow path 184 can be configured to curve to the left or right. That is, the length axis of the first flow path 184 can intersect with an imaginary line representing the shortest distance from the front end to the rear end of the cover.

[0384] For example, if the first flow path 184 is curved in the direction of the exhaust fan's rotation, the efficiency of wet steam discharge can be improved by preventing turbulence caused by the wet steam flowing from the exhaust fan colliding with the wall.

[0385] The exhaust pipe 186 can be disposed between the first flow path 184 and the exhaust pipe insertion groove 153da. The exhaust pipe 186 can be formed by extending rearward from the exhaust cover 183 and connecting to the rear of the flow path forming part 151a.

[0386] At this time, the exhaust pipe 186 can be formed from the rear end of the exhaust cover 183 and the flow path forming part 151a to the exhaust pipe insertion groove 153da with the shortest distance. For example, the exhaust pipe 186 can be formed by extending a quadrilateral pipe in a straight line. However, it is not limited to this.

[0387] Therefore, the internal space of the exhaust pipe 186 can form a second flow path 186f, which is a straight flow path. Thus, efficient wet steam discharge can be achieved by quickly discharging wet steam with a relatively lower flow rate.

[0388] Furthermore, the vertical diameter of the exhaust pipe 186 can be larger than the vertical diameter of the flow path forming section 151a. This allows the wet steam flowing from the flow path forming section 151a to the exhaust pipe 186 to come into contact with more of the atmosphere, increasing the probability of the wet steam being condensed.

[0389] The lower surface of the exhaust pipe 186 may include a first lower surface 186a, a connecting surface 186b, and a second lower surface 186c.

[0390] The first lower surface 186a can be formed by contacting and extending rearward from the flow path forming part 151a, and can be formed to slope downward as it approaches the rear. In addition, the second lower surface 186c can also be formed to slope downward as it approaches the rear.

[0391] The second lower surface 186c can be formed at a lower position than the first lower surface 186a. The first lower surface 186a and the second lower surface 186c can be connected to each other by a connecting surface 186b.

[0392] The front end of the connecting surface 186b can be connected to the rear end of the first lower surface 186a, and the rear end of the connecting surface 186b can be connected to the front end of the second lower surface 186c. Thus, the connecting surface 186b can also be formed to slope downwards towards the rear.

[0393] At this time, the downward tilt angle of the connecting surface 186b can be greater than the downward tilt angle of the first lower surface 186a and the second lower surface 186c.

[0394] That is, the length axis of the connecting surface 186b can intersect the length axis b1 of the first lower surface 186a and the length axis b3 of the second lower surface 186c. As a result, the vertical diameter and cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust pipe 186 can increase as it passes through the connecting surface 186b.

[0395] With the structure described above, the velocity of the wet steam flowing towards the rear of the exhaust pipe 186 decreases as it passes the connecting surface 186b. As the velocity decreases, the pressure of the wet steam increases, the amount of saturated water vapor decreases, and the wet steam can be condensed into condensate. Finally, the condensate can flow along the lower surface of the exhaust pipe 186.

[0396] In addition, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust pipe 186 is increased, the wet steam can come into contact with more atmosphere, thereby increasing the probability that the wet steam can be condensed into condensate.

[0397] An exhaust port 186d can be formed at the rear end of the exhaust pipe 186, and the exhaust port 186d can be inserted into the exhaust pipe insertion groove 153da.

[0398] The outlet 186d is covered upwards and rearwards by the cover 152 to discharge wet steam or condensate flowing along the exhaust pipe 188.

[0399] The lower surface structure of the exhaust pipe 188 has the following effect: it can reduce the movement speed of wet steam or condensate flowing along the exhaust pipe 188 and prevent wet steam or condensate from being ejected from the outlet 186d.

[0400] On the other hand, a filter 186da can be installed at the outlet 186d or the exhaust insertion slot 152da to restrict the inflow of foreign matter. If non-wet steam foreign matter flows into the exhaust section 180 due to the driving force of the exhaust fan 181, the foreign matter can move towards the drain hole 152ba. Therefore, the drain hole 152da may become clogged, and the filter 186da can be installed to prevent the drain hole 152da from becoming clogged.

[0401] Control Structure

[0402] Figure 20 A block diagram illustrating the control configuration in a robot vacuum cleaner base station according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0403] The following is for reference Figure 20 This section explains the control configuration of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of the present invention.

[0404] The robot vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment of the invention also includes a control unit 300 comprising a control placement unit 120, a dust collection motor 145, a cloth washing unit 160, and a cloth drying unit 170.

[0405] The control unit 300 may consist of a printed circuit board and a plurality of components mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0406] The control unit 300 can receive signals from the entry sensor 135 and can control the door drive unit 134.

[0407] The control unit 300 can sense the approach of the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 and control the door drive unit 134 to rotate the door 131. Specifically, the control unit 300 can sense whether the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 has entered via the entry sensor 135. If the distance between the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 and the door 131 is closer than a preset distance, the control unit 300 can rotate the door 131 to open the entrance 127. Alternatively, if the robotic vacuum cleaner 200 is attached to the mounting unit 120, the control unit 300 can rotate the door 131 to close the entrance 127.

[0408] If power is supplied to the battery of the robot vacuum cleaner 200 from the power supply terminal 123b, the control unit 300 can determine that the robot vacuum cleaner 200 has been attached to the mounting unit 120.

[0409] The control unit 300 can drive the dust collection motor 145 to suck up the dust inside the dust bin 220 of the robot vacuum cleaner 200.

[0410] On the other hand, the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 in this embodiment may include a memory (not shown). The memory may contain various data for driving and operating the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100.

[0411] On the other hand, the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100 of this embodiment may include a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit includes a robotic vacuum cleaner 200 or a terminal (not shown), thereby enabling wireless communication with other devices located outside the robotic vacuum cleaner base station 100. As a wireless communication module for supporting wireless communication, it may have a short-range communication module or a long-range communication module.

[0412] Near-field communication can be, for example, Bluetooth communication, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication, etc.

[0413] Remote communication can be, for example, Wireless LAN (WLAN), DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), CDMA (Code Division Multi Access), CDMA2000 (Code Division Multi Access 2000), EV-DO (Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only), WCDMA (Wideband CDMA), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), IEEE 802.16, Long Term Evolution (LTE), and LTE-A (Long Term Evolution). Evolution-Advanced (Long Term Evolution Enhanced), Wireless Mobile Broadband Service (WMBS), BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Zigbee, RF (Radio Frequency), LoRa (Long Range), etc.

[0414] The control unit 300 can control the cloth washing unit 160.

[0415] Specifically, the control unit 300 can control the detergent pump 163b. The control unit 300 can operate the detergent pump 163b to dispense detergent stored in the detergent box 163 to the rag 242.

[0416] Additionally, the control unit 300 can control the regulator 162. The control unit 300 can adjust the amount of clean water dispensed onto the wiping cloth 242 by operating the regulator 162.

[0417] Additionally, the control unit 300 can control the drain pump 168. The control unit 300 can discharge the wastewater after washing the rags 242 by operating the drain pump 168.

[0418] The control unit 300 can control the cloth drying unit 170.

[0419] Specifically, the control unit 300 can control the heater 171d. The control unit 300 can heat the air expelled to the wiping cloth 242 by operating the heater 171d.

[0420] Additionally, the control unit 300 can control the air supply fan 171e. The control unit 300 can expel air to the wiping cloth 242 by operating the air supply fan 171e.

[0421] Additionally, the control unit 300 can control the exhaust fan 172c. The control unit 300 can exhaust the air after drying the cloth 242 by operating the exhaust fan 172c.

[0422] Additionally, the control unit 300 can receive signals from the temperature sensor 174. The control unit 300 can measure the temperature of the air inside the enclosure 110 using the temperature information received from the temperature sensor 174. Furthermore, the control unit 300 can control the operation of the heater 171d based on the temperature information received from the temperature sensor 174, thereby enabling the sterilization of bacteria present in the cloth 242.

[0423] The present invention has been described in detail above through specific embodiments, but this is only for the purpose of illustrating the present invention. The present invention is not limited thereto. Obviously, the present invention can be modified or altered by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0424] Simple variations or modifications of this invention are all within the scope of this invention, and the specific scope of protection of this invention will become clearer through the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A base station for a robotic vacuum cleaner, characterized in that, include: Cover; An exhaust section discharges the wet vapor present inside the enclosure. A base is disposed on the cover, and at least a portion of the sweeping robot is placed on the base; as well as The inner frame is located on the upper side of the base; The exhaust section includes an exhaust fan, which is disposed on the upper side of the inner frame and allows wet steam to flow. A wet steam inlet hole is formed in the inner frame to allow the wet steam to flow in. The wet steam inlet is located on the lower side of the exhaust fan.

2. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner frame includes a flow path forming section located behind the wet steam inlet and guiding the wet steam flowing out from the exhaust fan; The exhaust section includes: An exhaust cover, located above the exhaust fan, covers the exhaust fan and the upper part of the flow path forming section; and An exhaust pipe extends rearward from the exhaust cover and connects to the rear of the flow path forming portion; The upper and lower diameters of the exhaust pipe are larger than the upper and lower diameters of the flow path forming part.

3. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower surface of the exhaust pipe includes a connecting portion with a downwardly inclined angle that changes.

4. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lower surface of the exhaust pipe includes: The first lower surface extends from the rear end of the flow path forming portion; The second lower surface is located behind the first lower surface; The vertical diameter from the first lower surface to the exhaust cover is smaller than the vertical diameter from the second lower surface to the exhaust cover.

5. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the flow path forming part is sloping downwards towards the rear.

6. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exhaust section includes: A wet steam outlet, located behind the exhaust fan, is provided for the wet steam to exit; and A first flow path is formed between the exhaust cover and the flow path forming part, and wet steam flowing out from the wet steam outlet flows in the first flow path; The length axis of the first flow path intersects with the imaginary line of the shortest distance from the front end to the rear end of the cover.

7. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an upper rear cover, which is located further rearward than the exhaust section and covers the upper part of the base station interior. The upper rear cover includes a partition wall, which is provided with an exhaust insertion slot for inserting the rear end of the exhaust section. The partition wall is connected to the left and right outer walls of the cover.

8. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper rear cover includes: The curved portion is located on the lower side of the partition wall and is formed by bending downward from the rear end of the exhaust portion; The bottom surface of the cover extends rearward from the lower end of the curved portion, and is formed to slope upward more towards the rear; and The rear rib is formed by protruding upward from the rear end of the bottom surface of the cover.

9. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cover includes an upper cover located on the upper side of the inner frame; The rear end of the upper cover bends downward and joins the rear end of the upper rear cover.

10. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 7, characterized in that, The upper rear cover includes a drain hole for discharging condensate.

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