Cleaning apparatus

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment may comprise: a body part which can move along a plane; a wheel assembly which is disposed in the body part and moves the body part such that the body part moves along the plane; a rotating drum assembly which includes a rotating drum arranged to be rotatable about an axis extending along a first direction with respect to the body part; and a hinge part which connects the rotating drum assembly to the wheel assembly such that the rotating drum assembly rotates at a predetermined angle with respect to the wheel assembly.

Description

Cleaning device

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device that automatically performs cleaning work, and more specifically, to a cleaning device having a rotating drum that can rotate around one axis.

[0002] Recent cleaning devices offer various conveniences, such as eliminating the need for users to manually perform cleaning tasks and allowing for customizable operating modes and times. Consequently, demand for automatic cleaning devices has been increasing. Automatic cleaning devices move around a room according to a preset pattern, sucking up dust and small debris from the floor. To achieve this, automatic cleaning devices include a motor that generates a suction force, a dustbin that stores the sucked-in dust and small debris, and a filter that purifies and discharges the air sucked into the dustbin.

[0003] The waste collected by an automatic cleaning device can take on various forms. For example, the waste collected by an automatic cleaning device can have various sizes. Furthermore, the surface being cleaned by an automatic cleaning device can take on various forms. For example, the surface being cleaned by an automatic cleaning device can be a flat surface with uniform heights, or a curved surface with varying heights depending on the driving path. Depending on the type of waste collected and the shape of the surface being cleaned, the suction area of ​​the suction inlet must be secured to match the size of the waste.

[0004] A cleaning device according to one example may include a main body portion movable along a plane, and a wheel assembly disposed on the main body portion and moving the main body portion to move along the plane.

[0005] The above body part may include a rotating drum assembly including a rotating drum arranged to be rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction.

[0006] The rotary drum assembly may include a hinge portion connecting the rotary drum assembly and the wheel assembly so that the rotary drum assembly rotates at a predetermined angle with respect to the wheel assembly.

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to an example.

[0008] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning device illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a wheel assembly and a rotating drum assembly according to an example.

[0010] Figure 4 is a bottom view of a wheel assembly and a rotating drum assembly according to an example.

[0011] Figure 5 is a side view of a wheel assembly according to an example.

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a rotating drum assembly according to an example.

[0013] Figure 7 is a side view of a rotating drum assembly according to an example.

[0014] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating drum assembly according to an example.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating drum assembly according to an example.

[0016] Fig. 10 is a side view of a cleaning device according to an example.

[0017] Fig. 11 is a projection side view of a cleaning device according to an example.

[0018] Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a cleaning device according to an example.

[0019] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the N region shown in Figure 11.

[0020] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the N region shown in Figure 11.

[0021] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of the N region shown in Figure 11.

[0022] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the N region shown in Figure 11.

[0023] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the invention will be described in detail through examples of the attached drawings.

[0024] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, and the present invention will be described in detail.

[0025] The terms used in this invention have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, in which case their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this invention should not be defined simply as names, but rather based on their inherent meanings and the overall content of the invention.

[0026] When a part of a specification is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0027] Additionally, terms such as “first” and “second” are not used in a restrictive sense, but rather to distinguish one component from another.

[0028] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted for clarity of description, and similar parts are designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0029] Meanwhile, the terms “upper side,” “lower side,” and “front-rear direction” used in the following description are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0031] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to an example. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cleaning device illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0032] The cleaning device (1) according to the present embodiment is described primarily as a robotic cleaning device capable of independently performing cleaning tasks according to a preset method, without requiring manual operation by a user. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cleaning device (1) according to the present invention may be applied to any cleaning device that relies on manual operation by a user.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cleaning device (1) according to an example may include a main body (10) that can move along a plane, a pair of wheel assemblies (20) that are arranged on the main body (10) and that can move the main body (10) along the plane, a rotating drum assembly (30) that sucks up foreign substances arranged on a surface to be cleaned (H; see FIG. 13), a pad portion (40) that causes friction with the surface to be cleaned (H) to remove contaminants attached to the surface to be cleaned (H), and a dust collector (not shown) that receives foreign substances sucked from the surface to be cleaned (H).

[0034] The main body (10) can form the outer shape of the cleaning device (1). For example, the main body (10) can be provided in a housing shape including an accommodation space inside. At this time, the main body (10) can accommodate components for the cleaning device (1) to perform cleaning work in the space accommodated inside. For example, a dust collector (not shown), which will be described later, can be detachably accommodated inside the main body (10). At this time, the inner space of the main body (10) can be communicated with the outside. Accordingly, as the cleaning device (1) moves, air or small waste collected through the rotating drum assembly (30) can pass through the inner space of the main body (10) and be collected in the dust collector (not shown) that is detachably coupled thereto.

[0035] As an example, the main body (10) may collide with various obstacles installed in the area where the cleaning device (1) runs, for example, indoors. Therefore, the main body (10) may include a high-strength material to prevent damage due to collision. In addition, the main body (10) may include a lightweight material. Accordingly, the power required for running the cleaning device (1) may be reduced. For example, the main body (10) may include a synthetic resin such as a reinforced plastic.

[0036] A user interface (UI) may be provided on the exterior of the main body (10). A user can control the operation of the cleaning device (1) by manipulating the UI. In addition, the UI may display information about the status of the cleaning device (1) and the area in which the cleaning device (1) is driven.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the main body (10) may have a circular cross-section and a disc shape with a predetermined height in the vertical direction. Accordingly, when the cleaning device (1) collides with various obstacles while being driven, the main body (10) may rotate and be driven in various directions.

[0038] The wheel assembly (20) can move the main body (10) along one plane, for example, the XY plane. The wheel assembly (20) according to an example may include one or more driving wheels and a driving motor for generating power transmitted to the driving wheels. As an example, the wheel assembly (20) may be rotatably coupled to the lower side of the main body (10). According to an example, the wheel assemblies (20) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the wheel assembly (20) may include a first wheel assembly (21: see FIG. 3) and a second wheel assembly (22: see FIG. 3) that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval along a first direction (X direction). At this time, the rotation speed and rotation direction of each of the first wheel assembly (21) and the second wheel assembly (22) may be controlled independently of each other. Accordingly, the main body (10) can move forward, backward, turn left, or turn right on one plane (XY plane).

[0039] According to one example, a sensor unit (90) may be arranged to detect information about the path along which the cleaning device (1) is driven. As an example, the sensor unit (90) may be positioned in the direction in which the cleaning device (1) is expected to drive. For example, the sensor unit (90) may be arranged above the main body (10) to detect information about the environment at the front side of the cleaning device (1). The sensor unit (90) according to one example may be provided in any form that can detect information about the environment of the path along which the cleaning device (1) is driven or will be driven. For example, the sensor unit (90) may include a lidar sensor for detecting the distance to an obstacle, etc., or a camera capable of detecting image information.

[0040] A dust collector (not shown) can store waste collected during the operation of the cleaning device (1). For example, the dust collector (not shown) can accommodate contaminants placed on the cleaning surface (H). According to an example, the dust collector (not shown) can be detachably connected to the main body (10). A user can easily remove the contaminants contained inside the dust collector (not shown) by detaching the dust collector (not shown) from the main body (10).

[0041] A dust collector (not shown) according to an example may include a predetermined receiving space inside. The receiving space may be connected to a space formed inside the main body (10), for example, a moving passage. Contaminants (K: see FIG. 13) collected through the rotating drum assembly (30) may pass through the moving passage formed inside the main body (10) and enter the inside of the dust collector (not shown).

[0042] The rotary drum assembly (30) is arranged to face the surface to be cleaned (H) and can suck up contaminants (K) placed on the surface to be cleaned (H). At this time, the contaminants (K) sucked in through the rotary drum assembly (30) may have different sizes, shapes, and materials. In addition, the shape of the surface to be cleaned (H) to be faced by the rotary drum assembly (30), for example, the height of the surface to be cleaned (H) to be faced by the rotary drum assembly (30), may be different depending on the step shape of the surface to be cleaned (H).

[0043] When the rotary drum assembly (30) arranged to face the surface to be cleaned (H) is fixed at a predetermined height along a third direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction), for example, a direction perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned (H) (Z direction), contaminants (K) having various sizes may be caught between the surface to be cleaned (H) and the rotary drum assembly (30), or the surface to be cleaned (H) and the rotary drum assembly (30) may come into contact with each other, causing damage to the rotary drum assembly (30).

[0044] Hereinafter, the technical features of the rotary drum assembly (30) that can not only suck up various types of pollutants (K) but also move in response to a cleaning surface (H) having various shapes, by varying the height of the rotary drum assembly (30) along the direction perpendicular to the cleaning surface (H) according to the type of pollutant (K) and the shape of the cleaning surface (H), are described in more detail.

[0045] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a wheel assembly and a rotary drum assembly according to an example. Fig. 4 is a bottom view of a wheel assembly and a rotary drum assembly according to an example. Fig. 5 is a side view of a wheel assembly according to an example. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a rotary drum assembly according to an example. Fig. 7 is a side view of a rotary drum assembly according to an example.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a rotary drum assembly (30) according to an example may include a rotary drum (310) extending along a first direction (X direction), a rotary drum support (320) supporting the rotary drum (310), and a rotary drum cover (330) arranged to surround the rotary drum (310).

[0047] A rotary drum (310) according to an example may be connected to the main body (10) so as to be rotatable about an axis (311) extending along a first direction (X direction). A rotary drum (310) according to an example may be supported so as to be rotatable on a rotary drum support (320) supported at both ends by the main body (10) so as to be rotatable about an axis (110) in a predetermined rotational direction, for example, in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0048] As an example, the rotation speed at which the rotary drum (310) rotates along a predetermined rotation direction around an axis (311) may be 500 rpm or more and 1500 rpm or less. The rotary drum drive unit (340) according to an example may generate power and transmit it to the rotary drum (310) so that the rotary drum (310) can rotate around an axis (311). At this time, the control unit (91: see FIG. 12) may control the drive unit (340) to control the rotation speed and rotation direction of the rotary drum (310).

[0049] The rotary drum support (320) can be arranged at the bottom of the rotary drum (310) to support the rotary drum (310). According to an example, the rotary drum support (320) can include a support frame shape having an opening (322) arranged to face the surface to be cleaned (H). For example, the rotary drum support (320) can be provided as a support frame structure having a square-shaped opening (322) extending along the first direction (X direction) to correspond to the rotary drum (310). Contaminants (K) can pass through the opening (322) provided in the rotary drum support (320).

[0050] The rotary drum cover (330) is arranged to surround the rotary drum (310) to prevent contaminants (K) introduced through the rotary drum (310) from being discharged to the outside. As an example, the rotary drum cover (330) may be arranged to face the rotary drum support (320) and may be coupled with the rotary drum support (320). Accordingly, an accommodation space in which the rotary drum (310) can be accommodated may be formed by the rotary drum support (320) and the rotary drum cover (330). In the above-described example, the rotary drum support (320) and the rotary drum cover (330) are described as separate components, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to another example, the rotary drum support (320) and the rotary drum cover (330) may be formed integrally.

[0051] According to one example, a discharge hole (331) through which a contaminant (K) can pass may be arranged on one side of the rotary drum cover (330). The contaminant (K) sucked in using the rotary drum (310) may pass through the discharge hole (331) arranged in the rotary drum cover (330) and be discharged to the outside of the rotary drum assembly (30). The discharge hole (331) according to one example may be connected to a dust collecting container (not shown) formed inside the main body (10) so as to be in fluid communication therewith. Accordingly, the contaminant (K) collected from the rotary drum (310) may be stored in the dust collecting container (not shown).

[0052] The connecting assembly (800) may be arranged between the discharge hole (331) provided in the rotary drum cover part (330) and the dust collector (not shown) to serve as a passage for the movement of pollutants (K) between the discharge hole (331) and the dust collector (not shown). In one example, one end (810) of the connecting assembly (800) may be arranged to be fixed to the discharge hole (331), and the other end (820) of the connecting assembly (800) may be arranged to be fixed to the dust collector (not shown). At this time, the connecting assembly (800) may include a pipe-shaped intermediate connecting part (830) arranged between the one end (810) and the other end (820) to allow the movement of pollutants (K).

[0053] According to an example, the intermediate connecting portion (830) may include an elastic body that can be deformed according to external pressure. Accordingly, even when the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates around the hinge portion (500) described later, the fluid communication path can be maintained without misalignment between the discharge hole (331) and the dust collector (not shown). Matters related to the intermediate connecting portion (830) that deforms according to the rotation of the rotary drum assembly (30) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0054] The hinge portion (500) can connect the rotary drum assembly (30) and the wheel assembly (20) so that the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates at a predetermined angle with respect to the wheel assembly (20). As an example, the hinge portion (500) can be arranged to extend along the first direction (X direction) and be inserted into a connecting hole (212, 222) provided in the wheel assembly (20). According to an example, the hinge portion (500) can be arranged forward along the driving direction of the cleaning device (1), and the rotary drum assembly (30) can be arranged at the rear of the hinge portion (500). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the positions of the hinge portion (500) and the rotary drum assembly (30) may be changed.

[0055] According to an example, when the wheel assembly (20) has a first wheel assembly (21) and a second wheel assembly (22) spaced apart along a first direction (X direction), a plurality of hinge parts (500) may be provided. For example, the hinge part (500) may include a first hinge part (510) coupled to the first wheel assembly (21) and a second hinge part (520) coupled to the first wheel assembly (21). Since the matters related to the first hinge part (510) coupled to the first wheel assembly (21) and the second hinge part (520) coupled to the first wheel assembly (21) are substantially the same, for convenience of explanation, the description will be centered on the first hinge part (510) coupled to the first wheel assembly (21).

[0056] According to an example, a first hinge portion (510) may be arranged to be inserted into a first connecting hole (212) provided in a first wheel assembly (21). At this time, the first connecting hole (212) may be arranged at the bottom of the first wheel assembly (21). As an example, the first wheel assembly (21) may include a first driving wheel (210) that rotates around one axis. The first connecting hole (212) into which the first hinge portion (510) is inserted may be arranged downwardly with a predetermined distance (W) in a third direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction) from the center (213) of the first driving wheel (210), as illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, the first connecting hole (212) into which the first hinge portion (510) is inserted may be positioned downward with a gap of 80 mm or more and 200 mm or less in the third direction (Z direction) from the center (213) of the first driving wheel (210).

[0057] As described above, since the first connecting hole (212) into which the first hinge portion (510) is positioned to be inserted is positioned lower along the third direction (Z direction) of the first wheel assembly (21), the position of the rotational center axis of the rotary drum assembly (30) can be positioned lower with respect to the first wheel assembly (21). Accordingly, the height change of the rotary drum assembly (30) that rises or falls along the third direction (Z direction) can be relatively greatly adjusted compared to the rotational angle of the rotary drum assembly (30) that rotates around the first hinge portion (510).

[0058] The connecting portion (600) may be arranged between the rotary drum assembly (30) and the hinge portion (500) to connect the rotary drum assembly (30) and the hinge portion (500). As an example, the connecting portion (600) may be provided to extend along a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction) to connect the hinge portion (500) and the rotary drum assembly (30). In an example, when the wheel assembly (20) includes a first wheel assembly (21) and a second wheel assembly (22) spaced apart along the first direction (X direction), a plurality of connecting portions (600) may be provided. For example, the connecting portion (600) may include a first connecting portion (610) connecting the first hinge portion (510) and the rotary drum assembly (30) and a second connecting portion (620) connecting the second hinge portion (520) and the rotary drum assembly (30). Matters related to the first connecting portion (610) connecting the first hinge portion (510) and the rotary drum assembly (30) and the second connecting portion (620) connecting the second hinge portion (520) and the rotary drum assembly (30) are substantially the same, and therefore, for convenience of explanation, the description will be centered on the first connecting portion (610) connecting the first hinge portion (510) and the rotary drum assembly (30).

[0059] According to an example, one end of the first connecting portion (610) may be arranged to be fixed to the rotary drum assembly (30), and the other end of the first connecting portion (610) may be arranged to be fixed to the first hinge portion (510). As an example, one end of the first connecting portion (610) may be arranged to be fixed to the rotary drum cover portion (330). In the present disclosure, the first connecting portion (610) is provided integrally with the rotary drum cover portion (330), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first connecting portion (610) may be provided integrally with the rotary drum support (320), or may be connected as a separate configuration to the rotary drum assembly (30). In addition, the other end of the first connecting portion (610) may be arranged to be fixed to one end of the first hinge portion (510).

[0060] As an example, the first connecting portion (610) may extend a predetermined length (L) along a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction) as illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, the first connecting portion (610) may extend a length of 25 mm or more and 50 mm or less along the second direction (Y direction). As described above, as the first connecting portion (610) extends a predetermined length (L) along the second direction (Y direction), the rotation radius of the rotary drum assembly (30) rotating around the first hinge portion (510) may be reduced. Accordingly, the height change of the rotary drum assembly (30) ascending or descending along the third direction (Z direction) can be relatively greatly adjusted compared to the rotation angle of the rotary drum assembly (30) rotating around the first hinge portion (510). Below, a structure in which the rotary drum assembly (30) is raised or lowered along the third direction (Z direction) as the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates around the hinge portion (500) is described in more detail.

[0061] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary drum assembly according to an example. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary drum assembly according to an example.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a rotary drum assembly (30) according to an example can rotate at a predetermined angle clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to a wheel assembly (20) about a hinge portion (500). In an example, when the wheel assembly (20) has a first wheel assembly (21) and a second wheel assembly (22) spaced apart along a first direction (X direction), the rotary drum assembly (30) can rotate at a predetermined angle (θ), for example, an angle of 1 degree or more and 50 degrees or less, with respect to the first wheel assembly (21) and the second wheel assembly (22) about a first hinge portion (510) and a second hinge portion (220) connected to the first wheel assembly (21) and the second wheel assembly (22).

[0063] According to an example, when the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates about the first hinge portion (510) and the second hinge portion (220) with respect to the first wheel assembly (21) and the second wheel assembly (22), the rotary drum assembly (30) can move a predetermined distance (M), for example, 0.1 mm or more and 35 mm or less, along a third direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction). For example, when the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates counterclockwise about the first hinge portion (510) and the second hinge portion (220) with respect to the first wheel assembly (21) and the second wheel assembly (22), the rotation center of the rotary drum (310) included in the rotary drum assembly (30), that is, one axis (311) of the rotary drum (310), can move upward along the third direction (Z direction). At this time, since the rotary drum (310) also moves upward along the third direction (Z direction), the separation space between the rotary drum (310) and the surface to be cleaned (H) can increase. On the other hand, when the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates clockwise about the first hinge portion (510) and the second hinge portion (220) with respect to the first wheel assembly (21) and the second wheel assembly (22), the rotation center of the rotary drum (310) included in the rotary drum assembly (30), that is, one axis (311) of the rotary drum (310), can move downward along the third direction (Z direction). At this time, since the rotary drum (310) also moves downward along the third direction (Z direction), the separation space between the rotary drum (310) and the surface to be cleaned (H) can decrease.

[0064] As an example, the connecting assembly (800) may be arranged between a discharge hole (331) provided in a rotating drum cover (330) and a dust collector (not shown) when the rotating drum assembly (30) rotates clockwise about the first hinge portion (510) and the second hinge portion (220) with respect to the first wheel assembly (21) and the second wheel assembly (22), and may serve as a passage for the contaminant (K) to move between the discharge hole (331) and the dust collector (not shown). According to an example, one end (810) of the connecting assembly (800) may be arranged to be fixed to the discharge hole (331), and the other end (820) of the connecting assembly (800) may be arranged to be fixed to the dust collector (not shown). Accordingly, the positions of one end (810) of the connecting assembly (800) and the other end (820) of the connecting assembly (800) can be fixed to the main body (10) in which the rotary drum assembly (30) and the dust collector (not shown) are arranged. Accordingly, when the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates around the first hinge portion (500) and the second hinge portion (520), the relative positions of one end (810) of the connecting assembly (800) and the other end (820) of the connecting assembly (800) can change.

[0065] The intermediate connecting portion (830) is disposed between one end (810) and the other end (820) of the connecting assembly (800), and may be provided in a pipe shape to form a fluid communication path through which pollutants (K) can move. The intermediate connecting portion (830) according to an example may include an elastic body that can be deformed according to external pressure, or may be provided in a structure whose shape changes according to external pressure, for example, a bellows type. Accordingly, even when the relative positions of one end (810) of the connecting assembly (800) and the other end (820) of the connecting assembly (800) change as the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates around the first hinge portion (500) and the second hinge portion (520), the fluid communication path can be maintained without the alignment between the discharge hole (331) and the dust collector (not shown) being misaligned.

[0066] As an example, the first connecting portion (610) may extend along a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction) by a predetermined length (L), for example, a length of 25 mm or more and 50 mm or less, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In addition, the first connecting hole (212) into which the first hinge portion (510) is inserted may be disposed downward from the center (213) of the first driving wheel (210) along a third direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction) with a predetermined distance (W), for example, a distance of 80 mm or more and 200 mm or less, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As the first connecting portion (610) extends along the second direction (Y direction) to a predetermined length (L) and the first hinge portion (510) is disposed downward with a predetermined gap (W) between the center portion (213) of the first driving wheel (210) and along the third direction (Z direction), the rotation radius and rotation path of the rotary drum assembly (30) rotating around the first hinge portion (510) can be reduced. Accordingly, the height change of the rotary drum assembly (30) ascending or descending along the third direction (Z direction) can be relatively greatly adjusted compared to the rotation angle of the rotary drum assembly (30) rotating around the first hinge portion (510).

[0067] As described above, the gap between the rotary drum (310) and the surface to be cleaned (H) can be increased or decreased. Therefore, when contaminants (K) having relatively different sizes are placed between the rotary drum assembly (30) and the surface to be cleaned (H), the rotary drum assembly (30) can rotate about the first hinge portion (510) and the second hinge portion (220) in response to the size of the contaminants (K). Accordingly, since the rotary drum assembly (30) moves along the third direction (Z direction), the phenomenon of the rotary drum assembly (30) being damaged due to interference between the contaminants (K) and the rotary drum assembly (30) can be prevented. In addition, even when the surface to be cleaned (H) along which the cleaning device (1) travels has a curved shape having different heights along the third direction (Z direction), the rotary drum assembly (30) can rotate around the first hinge portion (510) and the second hinge portion (220) in response to the shape of the surface to be cleaned (H). Accordingly, by moving the rotary drum assembly (30) along the third direction (Z direction), it is possible to prevent the rotary drum assembly (30) from being damaged due to interference between the surface to be cleaned (H) and the rotary drum assembly (30).

[0068] Fig. 10 is a side view of a cleaning device according to an example. Fig. 11 is a projected side view of a cleaning device according to an example. Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a cleaning device according to an example. Fig. 13 is an enlarged view of area N shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of area N shown in Fig. 11.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 14, the main body (10) according to an example can move along the surface to be cleaned (H) using the wheel assembly (20). At this time, the rotary drum assembly (30) arranged in the main body (10) can perform a cleaning task of sucking up contaminants (K) while moving along one plane (XY plane). The sensor unit (90) is arranged above the main body (10) and can detect information about the environment on the front side of the cleaning device (1). For example, the sensor unit (90) can detect information about the shape of the surface to be cleaned (H) on the path along which the cleaning device (1) is driven or will be driven or the size of the contaminants (K).

[0070] As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, when a contaminant (K) having a predetermined size is placed on a surface (H) to be cleaned in the shape of a single plane (XY plane), the sensor unit (90) can detect information on the shape of the surface to be cleaned (H) and the size of the contaminant (K). Information on the shape of the surface to be cleaned (H) or the size of the contaminant (K) detected by the sensor unit (90) can be transmitted to the control unit (91).

[0071] The control unit (91) can determine the rotation angle of the rotary drum assembly (30) based on the shape of the detected cleaning surface (H) or the size information of the contaminant (K). The control unit (91) can control the rotation drive unit (93) based on the determined rotation angle of the rotary drum assembly (30). According to one example, the rotation drive unit (93) can be any driving device that can rotate the rotary drum assembly (30) clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0072] As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the control unit (91) controls the rotation driving unit (93) to generate a driving force, thereby allowing the rotary drum assembly (30) to rotate clockwise at a first rotation angle (θ1) about the first hinge portion (510). At this time, the first connecting portion (610) is extended to a predetermined length (L), for example, a length of 25 mm or more and 50 mm or less, and is disposed at the lower end of the first wheel assembly (21), so that the rotation radius and rotation path of the rotary drum assembly (30) rotating about the first hinge portion (510) can be reduced.

[0073] As the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates clockwise at a first rotation angle (θ1), the gap between the surface to be cleaned (H) and the rotary drum (310) may increase. Accordingly, contaminants (K) having a predetermined size may be sucked into the rotary drum assembly (30) without interference by the surface to be cleaned (H) and the rotary drum (310). The contaminants (K) sucked into the rotary drum assembly (30) may pass through a connecting assembly (800), for example, an end (820) connected to a discharge hole (331), an intermediate connecting portion (830), and an end (810) connected to a dust collector (not shown), and be collected in the dust collector (not shown).

[0074] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the N region shown in Fig. 11. Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the N region shown in Fig. 11.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, 15 and 16, the main body (10) according to an example can move along the surface to be cleaned (H) using the wheel assembly (20). As an example, as shown in FIG. 15, when a contaminant (K) having a predetermined size is placed on the surface to be cleaned (H) in the shape of a curved surface having a predetermined height, the sensor unit (90) can detect information on the shape of the surface to be cleaned (H) and the size of the contaminant (K). Information on the shape of the surface to be cleaned (H) or the size of the contaminant (K) detected by the sensor unit (90) can be transmitted to the control unit (91).

[0076] The control unit (91) can determine the rotation angle of the rotary drum assembly (30) based on the shape of the detected cleaning surface (H) or the size information of the contaminant (K). As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the control unit (91) controls the rotary driving unit (93) to generate driving force, thereby allowing the rotary drum assembly (30) to rotate clockwise at a second rotation angle (θ2) around the first hinge unit (510).

[0077] As the rotary drum assembly (30) rotates clockwise at a second rotation angle (θ2), the gap between the surface to be cleaned (H) and the rotary drum (310) may increase. Accordingly, contaminants (K) having a predetermined size may be sucked into the rotary drum assembly (30) without interference by the surface to be cleaned (H) and the rotary drum (310). The contaminants (K) sucked into the rotary drum assembly (30) may pass through a connecting assembly (800), for example, an end (820) connected to a discharge hole (331), an intermediate connecting portion (830), and an end (810) connected to a dust collector (not shown), and be collected in the dust collector (not shown).

[0078] A cleaning device capable of sucking up contaminants regardless of the shape of the surface to be cleaned and the size of the contaminants is provided.

[0079] A cleaning device is provided to prevent damage to the rotating drum assembly due to interference of contaminants between the cleaning surface and the rotating drum assembly.

[0080] A cleaning device is provided that can improve design convenience by minimizing the rotation angle of a rotary drum assembly in relation to the elevation or lowering of the rotary drum assembly.

[0081] A cleaning device according to an example may include a main body part movable along a plane, a wheel assembly disposed on the main body part to move the main body part along the plane, a rotary drum assembly including a rotary drum disposed to be rotatable around an axis extending in a first direction with respect to the main body part, and a hinge part connecting the rotary drum assembly and the wheel assembly such that the rotary drum assembly rotates at a predetermined angle with respect to the wheel assembly.

[0082] The above rotating drum assembly can move by 0.1 mm or more and 35 mm or less along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0083] The above rotating drum assembly can rotate at an angle of 1 degree or more and 50 degrees or less with respect to the above wheel assembly.

[0084] It further includes a connecting portion arranged between the rotating drum assembly and the hinge portion to connect the rotating drum assembly and the hinge portion, and the connecting portion can extend to a predetermined length along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0085] The above connecting portion may have a length of 25 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0086] The connecting hole into which the above hinge portion is inserted may be placed at the bottom of the wheel assembly.

[0087] The above wheel assembly has a driving wheel that rotates around one axis, and a connecting hole into which the hinge portion is inserted can be positioned downward at a predetermined interval along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction from the center of the driving wheel.

[0088] The connecting hole into which the above hinge portion is inserted can be arranged at a distance of 80 mm or more and 200 mm or less along the third direction.

[0089] The above rotary drum assembly may further include a rotary drum cover portion arranged to surround the rotary drum and a discharge hole arranged in the rotary drum cover portion.

[0090] The method may further include a dust collector storing pollutants collected from the rotating drum and a connecting assembly disposed between the dust collector and the discharge hole to connect the dust collector and the discharge hole.

[0091] The above connecting assembly includes an intermediate connecting portion that is disposed between one end and the other end of the connecting assembly and includes an elastic body that is deformable according to external pressure, and one end of the connecting assembly is disposed to be fixed to the discharge hole, and the other end of the connecting assembly can be disposed to be fixed to the dust collector.

[0092] The wheel assembly may include a first wheel assembly and a second wheel assembly that are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval along the first direction, and the hinge portion may include a first hinge portion that connects the first wheel assembly and the rotary drum assembly, and a second hinge portion that connects the second wheel assembly and the rotary drum assembly.

[0093] It may further include a sensor unit that detects the shape of the surface to be cleaned or the size of the contaminant.

[0094] The above wheel assembly may further include a rotation driving unit that applies a driving force to the rotation drum assembly to rotate, and a control unit that controls the driving of the rotation driving unit.

[0095] The control unit can control the rotation drive unit to adjust the rotation angle of the rotary drum assembly that rotates relative to the wheel assembly according to the shape of the surface to be cleaned or the size of the contaminant detected by the sensor unit.

[0096] A cleaning device according to an example can suck up contaminants regardless of the shape of the surface to be cleaned and the size of the contaminants.

[0097] A cleaning device according to an example can prevent contamination from interfering between the surface to be cleaned and the rotating drum assembly, thereby causing damage to the rotating drum assembly.

[0098] A cleaning device according to an example can improve design convenience by minimizing the rotation angle of the rotating drum assembly in relation to the raising or lowering of the rotating drum assembly.

[0099] The above examples are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments. Therefore, the true scope of technical protection of the present invention should be defined by the technical spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A main body (10) that can move along a plane; A wheel assembly (20) arranged on the main body and moving the main body so that it moves along one plane; A rotary drum assembly (30) including a rotary drum arranged to be rotatable around an axis extending in a first direction with respect to the main body; A hinge portion (500) that connects the rotating drum assembly and the wheel assembly so that the rotating drum assembly rotates at a predetermined angle with respect to the wheel assembly; Cleaning device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above rotating drum assembly (30) moves 0.1 mm or more and 35 mm or less along the third direction perpendicular to the first direction. Cleaning device.

3. In paragraph 2, The above rotating drum assembly (30) rotates at an angle of 1 degree or more and 50 degrees or less with respect to the wheel assembly (20). Cleaning device.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, It further includes a connecting part (600) that is arranged between the rotating drum assembly (30) and the hinge part (500) and connects the rotating drum assembly and the hinge part; The above connecting portion extends to a predetermined length along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Cleaning device.

5. In paragraph 4, The above connecting part (600) has a length of 25 mm or more and 50 mm or less. Cleaning device.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The connecting hole (212, 222) into which the above hinge part (500) is inserted is located at the bottom of the wheel assembly. Cleaning device.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above wheel assembly (20) has a driving wheel (210, 220) that rotates around one axis. The connecting hole into which the above hinge portion is inserted is positioned downward with a predetermined interval along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction from the center of the above driving wheel. Cleaning device.

8. In paragraph 7, The connecting hole (212, 222) into which the above hinge part (500) is inserted is positioned at a distance of 80 mm or more and 200 mm or less along the third direction. Cleaning device.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above rotating drum assembly (30) A rotary drum cover part (330) arranged to surround the rotary drum; and It further includes a discharge hole (331) arranged in the above rotary drum cover part. Cleaning device.

10. In paragraph 9, A dust collector in which pollutants collected from the above rotating drum are stored; and It further includes a connecting assembly (800) that is arranged between the dust collector and the discharge hole and connects the dust collector and the discharge hole. Cleaning device.

11. In Article 10, The above connecting assembly It includes an intermediate connecting part (830) that is positioned between one end (810) and the other end (820) of the above connecting assembly and includes an elastic body that can be deformed according to external pressure. One end of the above connecting assembly is arranged to be fixed to the discharge hole (331), and the other end of the above connecting assembly is arranged to be fixed to the dust collector. Cleaning device.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above wheel assembly (20) includes a first wheel assembly (21) and a second wheel assembly (22) arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval along the first direction. The hinge part includes a first hinge part (510) connecting the first wheel assembly and the rotary drum assembly, and a second hinge part (520) connecting the second wheel assembly and the rotary drum assembly. Cleaning device.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, It further includes a sensor unit (90) that detects the shape of the cleaning surface or the size of the contaminant; Cleaning device.

14. In paragraph 13, A rotary driving unit (93) that applies a driving force to rotate the rotary drum assembly relative to the wheel assembly; and It further includes a control unit (91) that controls the driving of the above-mentioned rotary driving unit. Cleaning device.

15. In paragraph 14, The above control unit controls the rotation drive unit to adjust the rotation angle of the rotary drum assembly that rotates relative to the wheel assembly according to the shape of the surface to be cleaned or the size of the contaminant detected by the sensor unit. Cleaning device.

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