Robot cleaner

Abstract

A robot cleaner comprises: a base disposed between an upper cover and a lower cover and having mounted thereon a dust container for storing dust therein; a brush case that is disposed between the base and the lower cover, accommodates a brush for collecting foreign substances on a floor surface, and is coupled to the base; and a duct that is coupled to both the brush case and the base, and transfers the foreign substances collected by the brush to the dust container. The base includes an opening through which the duct passes and a protrusion protruding along an edge of the opening toward the dust container, and the duct includes a hook coupled to the protrusion to fix the duct to the base.

Description

robot vacuum cleaner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a robot vacuum cleaner including a duct that moves sucked foreign substances to a storage space.

[0002] A robot vacuum cleaner is a device that automatically cleans a space by moving around it and sucking up dust and other debris accumulated on the floor without user intervention. A robot vacuum cleaner can autonomously navigate and clean a space.

[0003] In general, a robot vacuum cleaner may include a brush case that accommodates a brush and forms a suction space, a base in which a dust bin for storing dust is installed, and a duct that connects the inside of the suction space and the dust bin.

[0004] The duct can be combined with the brush case and base, and a joining material such as plastic can be installed on the duct through an injection molding process for joining.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner having a structure that effectively connects a duct and a base.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner capable of reducing the manufacturing cost of the vacuum cleaner.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner having a structure capable of smoothly passing over an uneven surface of a floor.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A robot vacuum cleaner according to the invention comprises a base disposed between an upper cover and a lower cover and having a dust bin mounted therein for storing dust; a brush case disposed between the base and the lower cover, the brush case accommodating a brush for collecting foreign substances on a floor surface and coupled to the base; and a duct coupled to the brush case and the base, respectively, for transmitting foreign substances collected by the brush to the dust bin. The base includes an opening formed to allow the duct to pass through and a protrusion protruding toward the dust bin along a periphery of the opening, and the duct includes a hook coupled to the protrusion to secure the duct to the base.

[0010] A robot cleaner according to the invention comprises a brush case including a receiving space for receiving a brush for collecting dust, a base including a storage space for receiving and storing dust from the receiving space, and a duct including a passage for transmitting dust from the receiving space to the storage space and connecting the brush case and the base. The base comprises a base body coupled to one end of the duct and forming the storage space, an opening formed through the base body to communicate the passage and the storage space, and a protrusion protruding from a portion of the inner surface of the base body adjacent to the opening toward the storage space along a rim of the opening, wherein the duct comprises a duct body formed to pass through the opening, and a hook connected to one end of the duct body disposed within the storage space and provided on the protrusion for fixing the duct body to the base.

[0011] A robot vacuum cleaner according to the invention comprises a base disposed between an upper cover and a lower cover and provided with a dust bin for storing dust therein, a brush case disposed between the base and the lower cover and accommodating a brush for collecting foreign substances on a floor surface, the brush case being coupled to the base, and a duct coupled to the brush case and the base, respectively, and including a path for delivering foreign substances collected by the brush to the dust bin. The base includes a base body forming a storage space in which the dustbin is mounted, an opening formed through the base body to communicate the passage and the storage space, a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the base body forming the opening into the storage space, and a groove formed by the protrusion and the inner other surface of the base body surrounding the protrusion, and the duct includes a duct body forming the passage, extending from the brush case through the opening into the storage space, and a hook formed integrally with the duct body, protruding in a radial direction of the duct body from one end of the duct body within the storage space, and inserted into the groove to fix the duct body to the base.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a drawing showing Figure 1 from a different angle.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional drawing of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 2 taken along the line aa'.

[0015] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of area A of Figure 3.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the base and lower cover that are connected to each other in Figure 5 separated.

[0018] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the base in Figure 6.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment, with the brush case and duct separated.

[0020] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of Figure 8 from a different angle.

[0021] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of area B of Figure 4.

[0022] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a section of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 2 taken along the bb' cutting line.

[0023] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a vacuum cleaner passing over a rough portion according to one embodiment.

[0024] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and there may be various modified examples that can replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification at the time of filing of this application.

[0025] Additionally, the same reference numbers or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0026] In addition, the terminology used in this specification is used to describe embodiments and is not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosed invention. The singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, the terms "comprises" or "has" and the like are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first,” “second,” etc. used herein may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms, and the terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as the first component. The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any item among a plurality of related listed items.

[0028] Meanwhile, the shape and position of each component are not limited by the terms such as “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” and “lower” used in the description below.

[0029] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0030] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0031] When referring to the direction of rotation, clockwise may be referred to as the first direction, and counterclockwise, the direction opposite to the first direction, may be referred to as the second direction. While these expressions may be commonly used to describe specific details for implementing the invention, the rotational direction of the components of the present invention is not limited by these terms.

[0032] Hereinafter, a robot vacuum cleaner according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a view illustrating Fig. 1 from a different angle. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 2 taken along line aa'. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of area A of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a robot cleaner (1) may include a main body (10) forming an outer shape, a sensor (18) installed on the upper portion of the main body (10) to sense external conditions such as detecting the location of an obstacle or the distance to an obstacle or to receive a user's input signal to control the operation of the robot cleaner, wheels (13) arranged on both sides of the main body (10), a battery (50) supplying power to the robot cleaner (1), a brush (30) provided to sweep up foreign substances such as dust on the floor, a dust bin (60) provided to collect foreign substances, and a mop (14) capable of mopping the floor.

[0035] The main body (10) may include a side cover (20) forming the side surface of the exterior of the robot cleaner (1), an upper cover (11) covering the upper side (+Z side) of the side cover (20) and being connectable with the side cover (20), a lower cover (40) forming the lower side (-Z side) of the exterior of the robot cleaner (1), and a base (200) positioned between the lower cover (40) and the upper cover (11).

[0036] For example, the side cover (20) may include a side cover body (21) having an approximately hollow cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. The side cover (20) may include a dustbin mounting groove (22) formed to vertically penetrate the side cover body (21) and capable of accommodating a dustbin (60). As will be described later, the dustbin (60) may be accommodated in the dustbin mounting groove (22) and mounted on the main body (10).

[0037] The upper cover (11) can be mounted on the side cover (20) to cover the upper surface of the side cover body (21). The upper cover (11) can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper surface of the side cover body (21). For example, the upper cover (11) can be provided in an approximately circular shape.

[0038] For example, the sensor (18) may be installed on the upper side of the upper cover (11) so as to be exposed to the outside. Since the sensor (18) is exposed to the outside, it can easily sense external situations or user input signals.

[0039] The lower cover (40) may include a lower cover body (41) forming the lower side of the robot cleaner (1), an operating motor (not shown) connected to a wheel (13) configured to rotate the wheel (13) to move the robot cleaner (1), and a battery receiving groove (44) configured to receive a battery (50).

[0040] For example, the lower cover body (41) may be coupled to the side cover (20) to cover the lower side (-Z side) of the side cover (20). For example, the lower cover body (41) may have a shape roughly like a disc, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] The wheels (13) may be provided as a pair. A pair of wheels (13a, 13b) may be installed on the lower cover (40) symmetrically to the left and right edges of the central area of ​​the lower cover (40). The wheel cover (43) of the base (200, described later) may be formed to cover the upper portion of the wheel (13) at a position corresponding to the position of the lower cover (40) where the wheel (13) is installed.

[0042] The wheel (13) can be installed on the lower cover (40) so that the upper part is covered by the wheel cover (43) and the lower part (-Z side) is exposed to the outside. Accordingly, the wheel (13) can come into contact with the floor surface and can move the robot cleaner (1) as it rotates.

[0043] An operating motor (not shown) is connected to a wheel (13) and can rotate the wheel (13). More specifically, when the operating motor operates, the wheel (13) can be provided to rotate by the operation of the operating motor. The operation of the operating motor can be controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0044] For example, the operating motor may be installed on one side of the lower cover body (41) adjacent to the wheel (13). The operating motor may be installed so as to be mounted on the upper surface of the lower cover body (41) and not exposed to the floor surface (G).

[0045] The motor cover (42) of the base (200) can be formed to cover the upper side (+Z side) of the operating motor. The operating motor can be installed in the space formed by the lower cover body (41) and the motor cover (42).

[0046] The lower cover (40) may include a battery receiving groove (44) in which a battery (50) is installed. For example, the battery receiving groove (44) may be positioned between a pair of wheels (13a, 13b) in the left-right direction.

[0047] The mop (14) may be provided as a pair. The pair of mops (14a, 14b) may be installed on the lower cover (40) symmetrically to the left and right (+-Y) edges of the central area of ​​the lower cover (40). For example, the pair of mops (14) may be installed on the lower surface of the lower cover body (41) so as to be in contact with the floor surface (G).

[0048] The lower cover (40) may be opened downward (-Z direction) and may include a suction port (31) formed to allow foreign substances on the bottom surface (G) to be sucked into the main body (10). For example, the suction port (31) may be arranged between a pair of wheels (13), but is not limited thereto.

[0049] The dustbin (60) may include a dustbin body (61) forming an outer shape, a foreign matter collection space (63) provided inside the dustbin body (61) to collect foreign matters such as dust, and a dustbin inlet (62) formed to be open at the front of the dustbin body (61) to connect the foreign matter collection space (63) with the outside.

[0050] The dust bin (60) may be provided to be detachably mounted on the main body (10). The user can separate the dust bin (60) from the main body (10) to effectively remove foreign substances such as dust collected in the foreign substance collection space (63).

[0051] By the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (1), foreign substances such as dust can be sucked into the foreign substance collection space (63) together with the air. The dust bin (60) can separate and collect dust from the air drawn into the foreign substance collection space (63) and then discharge the air from which the dust has been separated out to the outside of the dust bin (60).

[0052] The main body (10) may include a brush (30) provided to collect foreign substances such as dust from the floor, a brush case (400) forming a receiving space (420) for receiving the brush (30), a storage space in which dust collected by the brush (30) is moved and stored and a dust bin (60, described later) is received, and a duct (300) connecting the receiving space (420) and the storage space (220).

[0053] For example, the base (200) may be provided to be mountable on the upper surface of the lower cover (40). The side cover (20) and the upper cover (11) may be positioned on the upper side (+Z side) of the base (200) to cover the upper portion of the base (200). For example, the base (200) may be positioned between the lower cover (40) and the upper cover (11). For example, the base (200) may be positioned between the lower cover (40) and the side cover (20).

[0054] The base (200) may include a base body (210) that forms an outer shape. For example, the base body (210) may have a shape roughly similar to a disc, but is not limited thereto. For example, the base body (210) may have a shape corresponding to the lower cover body (41).

[0055] The base (200) may include a storage space (220) configured to accommodate a dust bin (60) and capable of collecting dust inside the main body (10). In other words, dust may be stored in the storage space (220).

[0056] The storage space (220) may be formed to be open upward (in the +Z direction) on one side of the base body (210). For example, when the side cover (20) covers the upper side (+Z side) of the base (200), the storage space (220) may be connected to the dustbin mounting groove (22). The user may insert the dustbin (60) into the dustbin mounting groove (22) to place the dustbin (60) within the storage space (220).

[0057] The base (200) may include a motor cover (42) provided to cover the operating motor, and a wheel cover (43) covering the upper side of the wheel (13). The motor cover (42) and the wheel cover (43) may be installed on the upper side (+Z side) of the lower cover (40) to cover the operating motor and wheel (13) mounted on the lower cover (40) from the upper (+Z) side.

[0058] The base (200) may include a brush case receiving chamber (270) that is open downward (-Z direction) and communicates with the suction port (31). The brush case receiving chamber (270) may receive a brush (30) and a brush case (400) that is provided to cover the brush (30). For example, the brush case (400) may be provided to be movable within the brush case receiving chamber (270). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0059] The base (200) may include an opening (230) formed by cutting out a portion of the base body (210) that is positioned to divide the brush case receiving chamber (270) and the storage space (220). For example, the opening (230) may be formed by cutting out a portion of the surface of the base body (210) that forms the storage space (220).

[0060] An opening (230) can be formed through the base body (210) to connect the brush case receiving chamber (270) and the storage space (220).

[0061] As will be described later, dust collected in the storage space (420) located inside the brush case storage room (270) may be arranged to pass through the opening (230) and move to the storage space (220).

[0062] The brush (30) can be accommodated in a receiving space (420) formed by the brush case (400) and provided to be rotatable.

[0063] For example, the brush (30) may have an approximately cylindrical shape. The brush (30) may come into contact with the bottom surface (G). As the brush (30) rotates within the receiving space (420), foreign substances such as dust may be collected from the bottom surface (G) into the receiving space (420).

[0064] The brush case (400) may include a case cover (410) forming a receiving space (420). The case cover (410) may include a roughly hollow cylindrical shape and may be provided with a cut at the lower side to form a suction port (31).

[0065] The robot cleaner (1) may include an auxiliary brush (12). For example, the auxiliary brush (12) may be provided to expand the cleaning area by the robot cleaner (1). The auxiliary brush (12) may be arranged on the lower surface of the lower cover (40) and may come into contact with the floor. The auxiliary brush (12) may be provided on one or both of the left and right sides of the brush (30) and may be installed rotatably. The auxiliary brush (12) may rotate to sweep foreign substances on the floor surface (G) on which the robot cleaner (1) travels toward the suction port (31).

[0066] A duct (300) can be installed in the main body (10) to connect the receiving space (420) and the storage space (220). Through this, dust collected in the receiving space (420) can be moved to the storage space (220) and stored in the dust bin (60).

[0067] More specifically, the duct (300) may include a duct body (310) forming an outer shape. The duct body (310) may form a path (320) through which dust moves inside.

[0068] The duct body (310) may be connected to the brush case (400) and the base (200), respectively. In other words, the duct body (310) may include one end of the duct body (310) connected to the base (200), and the other end (310a) of the duct body (310) connected to the brush case (400).

[0069] The duct (300) may include a duct inlet (331) that connects the receiving space (420) and the flow path (320), and a duct outlet (332) that connects the storage space (220) and the flow path (320). The duct outlet (332), the flow path (320), and the duct inlet (331) may be connected to each other.

[0070] For example, the size of the duct outlet (332) and the size of the dustbin inlet (62) may be provided to correspond to each other. For example, the size of the duct outlet (332) may be provided to be smaller than the size of the dustbin inlet (62). Through this, dust discharged from the duct outlet (332) can be more effectively moved to the dustbin inlet (62).

[0071] For example, the duct inlet (331) may be formed at the other end (310a) of the duct body (310) connected to the brush case (400), and the duct outlet (332) may be formed at one end of the duct body (310) connected to the base (200).

[0072] One end of the duct body (310) in which the duct outlet (332) is formed may be connected to the opening (230). In other words, the duct (300) may be coupled to the base (200) such that the duct outlet (332) communicates with the opening (230). That is, the duct body (310) may extend from the brush case (400) toward the opening (230).

[0073] Since the duct outlet (332) is connected to the opening (230), and the opening (230) is connected to the storage space (220), the duct outlet (332) can be connected to the storage space (220). In addition, since the duct outlet (332) is connected to the duct inlet (331), and the duct inlet (331) is connected to the receiving space (420), foreign substances such as dust collected in the receiving space (420) can move to the storage space (220) through the passage (320).

[0074] The base (200) may include a protrusion (240) that protrudes toward the interior of the storage space (220) along the edge of the opening (230).

[0075] In the city, the base (200) is provided on a part of the base body (210) that is connected to the protrusion (240), and includes a first connecting portion (250) that detachably connects the base body (210) and the protrusion (240), but this is not limited to this, and a situation in which the base body (210) and the protrusion (240) are formed integrally can also be imagined. For example, the protrusion (240) may include a second connecting portion (243, see FIG. 10) detachably connected to the first connecting portion (250). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0076] One end of the duct body (310) may be connected to the base (200). More specifically, the duct (300) may include a hook (340) that is supported by the protrusion (240) and is provided to secure the duct (300) to the base (200).

[0077] The hook (340) may be supported by a protrusion (240) that protrudes toward the storage space (220). For example, the hook (340) may be arranged to be caught by the protrusion (240) so as to connect the duct (300) to the base (200). In this way, the duct (300) may be supported by the base (200). A detailed description of the protrusion (240) being supported by the hook (340) will be described later.

[0078] Fig. 6 is a drawing showing the base and lower cover that are connected to each other in Fig. 5, separated. Fig. 7 is a drawing showing an enlarged portion of the base in Fig. 6.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the base (200) can be coupled with the lower cover (40) to cover the upper portion (+Z side) of the lower cover (40).

[0080] The other end (310a) of the duct body (310) may be connected to the case cover (410) of the brush case (400). For example, the other end (310a) of the duct body (310) may be connected to the case cover (410) through an injection molding process, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] The other end (310a) of the duct body (310) and the case cover (410) can be connected to be airtight. Accordingly, foreign substances such as dust that are sucked into the passage (320) inside the duct (300) through the receiving space (420) can move from the receiving space (420) to the passage (320) without being discharged to the outside.

[0082] One end of the duct body (310) may be connected to the base (200). More specifically, one end of the duct body (310) may be arranged to pass through the opening (230). In other words, one end of the duct body (310) may be located within the storage space (220).

[0083] The duct (300) may include a hook (340) that is positioned within the storage space (220) through the opening (230) and supported by a protrusion (240) to secure the duct (300) to the base (200).

[0084] The hook (340) can be connected to one end of the duct body (310) located within the storage space (220).

[0085] The hook (340) may be formed integrally with the duct body (310). For example, the hook (340) and the duct body (310) may include an elastic material. For example, the elastic material may include one or more of polyethylene resin, ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), silicone rubber (SR), nitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), or polyurethane rubber (PUR), but is not limited thereto. A specific method in which the hook (340) is supported on the protrusion (240) will be described later.

[0086] The protrusion (240) may protrude from a portion of the base body (210) forming the storage space (220). One side of the base body (210) from which the protrusion (240) protrudes and the other side of the base body (210) surrounding a portion of the base body (210) may be referred to as the inner surface of the base (210') or the inner surface of the base body (210').

[0087] As described above, the protrusion (240) may protrude toward the interior of the storage space (220) along the edge of the opening (230).

[0088] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing the brush case and duct separated from a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of Fig. 8 from a different angle. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of area B of Fig. 4.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the base (200) may include a first connecting portion (250) that is provided to be connectable with a second connecting portion (243) of a protrusion (240). The first connecting portion (250) may be formed on a portion of the base body (210) to which the protrusion (240) is connected. The first connecting portion (250) and the second connecting portion (243) may be detachably connected to each other. As described above, the protrusion (240) may also be formed integrally with the base body (210).

[0090] The protrusion (240) may include a first protrusion (241) protruding in a first direction from the inner surface (210') of the base, and a second protrusion (242) protruding from the first protrusion (241) in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0091] For example, the first direction may be a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the inner surface (210') of the base extends, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] For example, the second direction may mean the outer direction of the opening (230) or the radial direction of the opening (230), but is not limited thereto.

[0093] The base (200) may include a recess (260) formed by a protrusion (240) and an inner surface (210') of the base surrounding the protrusion (240). In other words, the recess (260) may be a recess formed by being surrounded by the protrusion (240) and the inner surface (210') of the base. For example, the recess (260) may be formed to be recessed inwardly of the opening (230).

[0094] For example, the home portion (260) may be opened in the outer direction of the opening (230) and communicate with the storage space (220).

[0095] The hook (340) can be coupled to the groove (260). In other words, the hook (340) can be inserted into the groove (260). When the hook (340) is inserted into the groove (260), the duct (300) can be fixed to the base (200).

[0096] The hook (340) may include a cover portion (342) provided to cover the first protrusion (241) and the second protrusion (242). The cover portion (342) may cover the first protrusion (241) and the second protrusion (242) to partition the first protrusion (241) and the second protrusion (242) from the storage space (220).

[0097] The hook (340) may include a hook tip (343) that is configured to be inserted into the home portion (260). The cover portion (342) may connect the duct body (310) and the hook tip (343).

[0098] The cover portion (342) may include a first hook body (342a) that protrudes in the radial direction of the duct body (310) from one end of the duct body (310) located within the storage space (220), and a second hook body (342b) that is bent from the first hook body (342a) in a direction toward the brush case (400). The first hook body (342a) and the second hook body (342b) may be in contact with the second protrusion (242).

[0099] The hook tip (343) may extend from the second hook body (342b) in a direction toward the duct body (310). For example, the direction toward the duct body (310) may mean the inner direction of the opening (230).

[0100] As described above, the home portion (260) is opened in the outward direction of the opening (230), and the hook tip (343) extends in the inward direction of the opening (230), so that the hook tip (343) can be easily inserted into the home portion (260).

[0101] For example, the hook tip (343) may be bent from the second hook body (342b). One end of the hook tip (343) may be connected to the second hook body (342b). For example, the other end of the hook tip (343) may be arranged so as not to come into contact with the duct body (310).

[0102] For example, the duct body (310), the cover part (342), and the hook tip (343) can be formed integrally.

[0103] The hook (340) may include one or more cut portions (344) formed by cutting a portion of the second hook body (342b) and the hook tip (343). For example, the cut portions (344) may include a plurality of cut portions (344) arranged along the direction in which the second hook body (342b) and the hook tip (343) extend.

[0104] In the process of supporting the hook (340) on the protrusion (240), the hook (340) may need to be opened so that the cover part (342) covers the protrusion (240). At this time, the hook (340) is made of an elastic material and includes a plurality of cutouts (344) in the second hook body (342b) and the hook tip (343), so that the hook (340) can be opened more easily.

[0105] For example, when the dustbin (60) is installed in the storage space (220), a gap (t) may exist between the second protrusion (242) and the dustbin (60). For example, the thickness of the second hook body (342b) may be formed to be greater than the distance (t) between the second protrusion (242) of the protrusion (240) and the dustbin (60). Through this, the gap (t) may be closed by the second hook body (342b), and foreign substances flowing from the flow path (320) to the foreign substance collection space (63) may not leak out to the outside through the gap (t). Therefore, foreign substances may be collected and stored more effectively.

[0106] In addition, since the thickness of the second hook body (342b) is set to a thickness that closes the gap (t), it is possible to prevent damage such as tearing from occurring in the second hook body (342b).

[0107] The brush case (400) may include a connecting member (430) that protrudes from the case cover (410) and is provided to connect the base (200) and the case cover (410). A description of the connecting member (430) will be provided later.

[0108] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner of Fig. 2 taken along the line bb'. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment passing over a protruding portion.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the connecting member (430) may include a connecting member body (431) that protrudes from the case cover (410) and extends forward, and a hinge (432) formed at one end of the connecting member (430) facing forward (+X direction).

[0110] The connecting member (430) can connect the base (200) and the case cover (410). For example, one end of the connecting member (430) connected to the base (200) can be configured to be connected to the lower surface of the motor cover (42), but is not limited thereto.

[0111] The other end of the connecting body (431) may be formed integrally with the case cover (410), but is not limited thereto.

[0112] The connecting member (430) may include a plurality of connecting members (430a, 430b) formed on the left and right sides, respectively, with respect to the center of the case cover (410). In other words, the plurality of connecting members (430a, 430b) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center of the case cover (410).

[0113] The hinge (432) formed at one end of the connecting member (430) can be coupled to the base (200) so that the connecting member body (431) can rotate around the hinge (432). In other words, one end of the connecting member (430) can be hinge-coupled to the base (200) so that the case cover (410) can rotate around one end of the connecting member (430). Through this, the case cover (410) can be provided to rotate around the hinge (432).

[0114] The case cover (410) can be supported on the base (200) by the connecting member (430). As described above, the duct (300) connected to the case cover (410) can be fixed and supported on the base (200). Accordingly, the case cover (410) can be supported on the base (200) by the connecting member (430) and the duct (300).

[0115] The duct (300) includes an elastically deformable material, and the connecting member (430) is provided so as to be rotatable around one end of the connecting member (430), so that the case cover (410) can be provided so as to be rotatable around one end of the connecting member (430) within the brush case receiving chamber (270) by an external force.

[0116] For example, when the robot cleaner (1) collects foreign substances on the floor surface (G), the brush (30) can pass over the uneven portion (P) of the floor surface (G). At this time, the brush (30) can press the case cover (410) upward (+Z side) due to the weight of the robot cleaner (1) itself.

[0117] When the case cover (410) is pressed upward, the case cover (410) can rotate around one end of the connecting member (430). Since the duct (300) connected to the case cover (410) is elastically deformable, it can be designed to change shape in accordance with the rotation of the case cover (410).

[0118] For example, the thickness of the duct body (310) may be set to a thickness that can be easily changed to accommodate the rotation of the case cover (410). For example, the thickness of the duct body (310) may be set to be thinner than the thickness of the second hook body (342b) of the hook (340) that is set to close the clearance (t), but is not limited thereto.

[0119] Accordingly, even if the brush (30) passes over the uneven portion (P), the robot cleaner (1) can proceed smoothly and effectively suck up foreign substances such as dust on the floor surface (G).

[0120] A robot cleaner (1) according to the invention includes a base (200) arranged between an upper cover (11) and a lower cover (40) and provided with a dust bin (60) for storing dust therein, a brush case (400) arranged between the base (200) and the lower cover (40) and accommodating a brush (30) for collecting foreign substances on a floor surface (G), and coupled to the base (200), and a duct (300) coupled to the brush case (400) and the base (200), respectively, and transmitting foreign substances collected by the brush (30) to the dust bin (60). The base (200) includes an opening (230) formed to allow the duct (300) to pass through and a protrusion (240) protruding toward the dustbin (60) along the edge of the opening (230), and the duct (300) includes a hook (340) that is coupled to the protrusion (240) to fix the duct (300) to the base (200).

[0121] The above base (200) further includes a groove (260) formed by the protrusion (240) and the inner surface (210') of the base surrounding the protrusion (240), and the hook (340) may include a hook tip (343) that is provided to be inserted into the groove (260).

[0122] The above protrusion (240) includes a first protrusion (241) protruding in a first direction from the inner surface (210') of the base, and a second protrusion (242) protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction from the first protrusion (241), and the hook (340) may further include a cover portion (342) provided to cover the first protrusion (241) and the second protrusion (242).

[0123] The above duct (300) forms a path (320) through which dust moves and further includes a duct body (310) arranged to pass through the opening (230), and the cover part (342) can connect the duct body (310) and the hook tip (343).

[0124] The cover part (342) includes a first hook body (342a) that protrudes in the radial direction of the duct body (310) from one end of the duct body (310) toward the dust bin (60) installed on the base (200), and a second hook body (342b) that is bent from the first hook body (342a) toward the brush case (400), and the hook tip (343) extends from the second hook body (342b) toward the duct body (310) and can be inserted into the groove (260).

[0125] The above hook (340) and the above duct body (310) include an elastic material and can be formed integrally with each other.

[0126] The above hook (340) may include a cut portion (344) formed by cutting off a portion of the second hook body (342b) and the hook tip (343).

[0127] A robot cleaner (1) including a plurality of cut portions (344) arranged along the direction in which the second hook body (342b) and the hook tip (343) extend.

[0128] The thickness of the second hook body (342b) may be formed to be greater than the distance between the second protrusion (242) and the dust bin (60).

[0129] The above duct (300) is formed at one end of the duct body (310) and includes a duct outlet (332) for discharging dust, and the dust bin (60) further includes a dust bin inlet (62) provided to receive dust discharged from the outlet, and the size of the duct outlet (332) and the size of the dust bin inlet (62) can be provided to correspond to each other.

[0130] The thickness of the above duct body (310) can be formed to be less than or equal to the thickness of the above hook (340).

[0131] The above brush case (400) may include a case cover (410) provided to cover the brush, and a connecting member (430) connecting the base (200) and the case cover (410).

[0132] One end of the connecting member (430) connected to the base (200) can be hinged (432) to the base (200) so that the case cover (410) can rotate around one end of the connecting member (430).

[0133] The above case cover (410) can be supported by the connecting member (430) and the duct (300) and connected to the base (200).

[0134] The above duct (300) is provided to be elastically deformable, and when the brush (30) presses the case cover (410) upward, the brush case (400) rotates around one end of the connecting member (430), and the duct (300) can be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0135] A robot vacuum cleaner (1) according to the invention includes a brush case (400) including a receiving space (420) for receiving a brush (30) for collecting dust, a base (200) including a storage space (220) provided to receive and store dust from the receiving space (420), and a duct (300) including a passage (320) for transmitting dust from the receiving space (420) to the storage space (220) and connecting the brush case (400) and the base (200). The base (200) includes a base body (210) that is coupled to one end of the duct (300) and forms the storage space (220), an opening (230) that is formed by penetrating the base body (210) to connect the passage (320) and the storage space (220), and a protrusion (240) that protrudes from a portion of the inner surface (210') of the base body adjacent to the opening (230) toward the storage space (220) along the edge of the opening (230), and the duct (300) includes a duct body (310) that forms the passage (320) and is arranged to pass through the opening (230), and a protrusion (240) that is connected to one end of the duct body (310) that is arranged in the storage space (220) and is provided to fix the duct body (310) to the base (200). Includes a hook (340) provided.

[0136] The above protrusion (240) may include a first protrusion (241) formed by protruding from a portion of the inner surface (210') of the base, and a second protrusion (242) bent from the first protrusion (241) toward the outside of the opening (230), and the hook (340) may include a cover portion (342) provided to cover the first protrusion (241) and the second protrusion (242), and a hook tip (343) provided to protrude from the cover portion (342) and hook onto the second protrusion (242).

[0137] The brush case (400) includes a case cover (410) forming the receiving space (420), and a connecting member (430) protruding from the case cover (410) and connecting the case cover (410) and the base (200), and one end of the connecting member (430) connected to the base (200) can be hinge-joined with the base (200) so that the case cover (410) can rotate around one end of the connecting member (430).

[0138] The above duct (300) is provided to be elastically deformable, and when the brush (30) presses the case cover (410) upward, the brush case (400) rotates around one end of the connecting member (430), and the duct (300) can be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0139] A robot cleaner (1) according to the invention comprises a base (200) arranged between an upper cover (11) and a lower cover (40) and provided with a dust bin (60) for storing dust therein, a brush case (400) arranged between the base (200) and the lower cover (40) and accommodating a brush (30) for collecting foreign substances on a floor surface (G), and coupled to the base (200), and a duct (300) coupled to the brush case (400) and the base (200), respectively, and including a passage (320) for transmitting foreign substances collected by the brush (30) to the dust bin (60). The base (200) includes a base body (210) forming a storage space (220) in which the dustbin (60) is mounted, an opening (230) formed by penetrating the base body (210) to connect the passage (320) and the storage space (220), a protrusion (240) protruding from one inner surface of the base body (210) forming the opening (230) into the storage space (220), and a groove (260) formed by the protrusion (240) and the inner other surface of the base body (210) surrounding the protrusion (240), and the duct (300) includes a duct body (310) forming the passage (320) and extending from the brush case (400) through the opening (230) into the storage space (220), and a duct body (310) integrally formed with the duct body (310). It includes a hook (340) formed to protrude in the radial direction of the duct body (310) from one end of the duct body (310) within the storage space (220) and inserted into the groove (260) to fix the duct body (310) to the base (200).

[0140] According to the concept of the present disclosure, since the duct body and the hook are formed integrally, an insert injection process for connecting a separate connecting member, etc. is not required, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the vacuum cleaner.

[0141] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, since the thickness of the second hook body is formed to be greater than the distance between the second protrusion and the dust bin, the airtightness between the duct and the dust bin can be effectively maintained.

[0142] According to the invention, since the connecting member is hinged to the base and the duct includes an elastic material, the case cover can move when passing over an uneven surface of the floor, thereby efficiently removing dust and the like from the floor.

[0143] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0144] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A base arranged between the upper cover and the lower cover, and equipped with a dust bin for storing dust inside; A brush case disposed between the base and the lower cover, accommodating a brush for collecting foreign substances on the bottom surface, and coupled to the base; and A duct, each of which is connected to the brush case and the base, and which delivers foreign substances collected by the brush to the dust bin; The above base is, an opening formed to allow the duct to pass through; and a protrusion protruding toward the dustbin along the edge of the opening; A robot cleaner comprising a hook, wherein the duct is connected to the protrusion and is provided to secure the duct to the base.

2. In paragraph 1, The base further includes a groove formed by the inner surface of the base surrounding the protrusion and the protrusion, A robot vacuum cleaner wherein the above hook includes a hook tip configured to be inserted into the above home portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The protrusion includes a first protrusion protruding in a first direction from the inner surface of the base, and a second protrusion protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction from the first protrusion, A robot cleaner wherein the hook further includes a cover portion provided to cover the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

4. In paragraph 3, The duct further includes a duct body arranged to form a path through which dust moves and to pass through the opening, A robot cleaner in which the above cover part connects the duct body and the hook tip.

5. In paragraph 4, The above cover part, A first hook body protruding in the radial direction of the duct body from one end of the duct body facing the dust bin installed on the base, and Including a second hook body that is bent in a direction from the first hook body toward the brush case, A robot cleaner in which the hook tip extends from the second hook body in a direction toward the duct body and is inserted into the groove.

6. In paragraph 4, A robot cleaner in which the above hook and the above duct body include an elastic material and are formed integrally with each other.

7. In paragraph 5, A robot cleaner wherein the hook includes a cut portion formed by cutting off a portion of the second hook body and the hook tip.

8. In paragraph 7, A robot cleaner wherein the above-mentioned cut portion includes a plurality of cut portions arranged along the direction in which the second hook body and the hook tip extend.

9. In paragraph 5, A robot cleaner in which the thickness of the second hook body is formed to be greater than the distance between the second protrusion and the dust bin.

10. In paragraph 9, The above duct is formed at one end of the duct body and includes a duct outlet for discharging dust, The above dustbin further includes a dustbin inlet provided to receive dust discharged from the above discharge port, A robot vacuum cleaner in which the size of the above duct outlet and the size of the above dustbin inlet are provided to correspond to each other.

11. In paragraph 4, A robot cleaner in which the thickness of the above duct body is formed to be less than the thickness of the above hook.

12. In paragraph 1, A robot vacuum cleaner including a case cover provided to cover the brush case and a connecting member connecting the base and the case cover.

13. In paragraph 12, A robot cleaner in which one end of the connecting member connected to the base is hinged to the base so that the case cover can rotate around one end of the connecting member.

14. In paragraph 13, A robot cleaner in which the case cover is supported by the connecting member and the duct and connected to the base.

15. In paragraph 13, The above duct is provided to be elastically deformable, A robot cleaner in which, when the brush presses the case cover upward, the brush case rotates around one end of the connecting member, and the duct is provided to elastically deform.

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