Cleaner

Abstract

This cleaner comprises: a housing; a pad rotating device which is provided to rotate a cleaning pad, and is movable to a first position and a second position that is farther from the center of the housing than a distance from the center of the housing at the first position; and a pad moving device for moving the position of the cleaning pad, wherein the pad moving device comprises: a movement driving source; a transmission lever which is rotatable in a first direction by receiving power from the movement driving source; a guide lever which is coupled to the pad rotating device and is rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction on the basis of rotation of the transmission lever; and an elastic body provided to elastically support the guide lever. The transmission lever comprises a first coupling portion which is coupled to a first end of the elastic body and moves in conjunction with the rotation of the transmission lever, and the guide lever comprises a second coupling portion which is coupled to a second end of the elastic body and is moved by the elastic force of the elastic body.

Description

vacuum cleaner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaning pad.

[0002] A vacuum cleaner is a device that cleans the interior by removing foreign substances; it cleans the room by using the suction power of a suction motor to draw in air and then separating foreign substances from the sucked-in air using devices such as filters.

[0003] A robot vacuum cleaner is an example of a vacuum cleaner that automatically cleans a cleaning space by moving around and sucking up foreign substances, such as dust accumulated on the floor, without user operation. The robot vacuum cleaner cleans the cleaning space by driving through it.

[0004] The robot vacuum cleaner determines the distance to obstacles such as furniture, office supplies, and walls installed within the cleaning area using distance sensors, and cleans the area while autonomously changing direction by selectively driving the left and right driving mechanisms.

[0005] Robot vacuum cleaners can not only suck up foreign substances such as dust from the floor, but also wipe the dust off the floor. For example, a robot vacuum cleaner can clean the floor using a dust collector, or it can clean the floor using a cleaning pad equipped with a wet cloth and / or a dry cloth.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner with improved mobility performance of the cleaning pad.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cleaning device in which a cleaning pad can reliably perform cleaning.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A vacuum cleaner according to the concept of the present disclosure comprises a housing, a pad rotation device configured to rotate a cleaning pad and movable to a second position located at a distance from the center of the housing greater than the distance between a first position and the center of the housing at the first position, and a pad movement device for moving the position of the cleaning pad, wherein the pad movement device comprises a movement drive source, a transmission lever rotatable in a first direction by receiving power from the movement drive source, a guide lever coupled to the pad rotation device and rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction based on the rotation of the transmission lever, and an elastic body configured to elastically support the guide lever, wherein the transmission lever comprises a first coupling part coupled to a first end of the elastic body and moved in conjunction with the rotation of the transmission lever, and the guide lever comprises a second coupling part coupled to a second end of the elastic body and moved by the elastic force of the elastic body.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning pad can be easily and stably cleaned by means of a transmission lever and a guide lever.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from the front.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from the rear.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates the lower part of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a pad rotation device and a pad movement device for driving a cleaning pad of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a disassembled upper view of a pad moving device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a disassembled pad moving device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrated from the bottom.

[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the pad rotating device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a first position.

[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the pad rotating device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is moved from a first position to a second position.

[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the cleaning pad of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a second position.

[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the pad rotating device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is moved from a second position to a first position.

[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the pad rotating device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is moved from a second position to a first position.

[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when an external force is applied to the cleaning pad of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the cleaning pad is in a third position as an external force is applied to the cleaning pad of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a control block diagram of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0026] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0029] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0032] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0034] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0035] For convenience of explanation, a robot vacuum cleaner, which is a type of vacuum cleaner, is described below as an example; however, the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited to a robot vacuum cleaner. For example, the configuration of the present disclosure may also be applied to canister-type vacuum cleaners or stick-type vacuum cleaners.

[0036] Meanwhile, terms such as "front," "back," "left," "right," "up," and "down" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the direction in which the cleaning pad (201) is located from the center of the vacuum cleaner (1) can be defined as the rear (-X direction), and the opposite direction can be defined as the front (+X direction).

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from the front. FIG. 2 illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from the rear. FIG. 3 illustrates the lower part of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the vacuum cleaner (1) may include a housing (10). The housing (10) may form the overall exterior of the vacuum cleaner (1). Components of the vacuum cleaner (1) may be accommodated inside the housing (10). For example, electrical components may be placed inside the housing (10).

[0040] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a suction port (11). The suction port (11) may be formed to face the surface to be cleaned. The suction port (11) may be open toward the surface to be cleaned. For example, the suction port (11) may be formed in the housing (10). The suction port (11) may be formed in the lower part of the housing (10). The suction port (11) may be formed through the lower housing (10b) of the housing (10). Dirt on the surface to be cleaned may be sucked into the housing (10) through the suction port (11) along with air.

[0041] For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) may include a brush (30). The brush (30) may strike the surface to be cleaned to scatter dirt. The dirt scattered by the brush (30) may be introduced into the suction port (11) along with air.

[0042] For example, the vacuum cleaner (1) may include a brush (30) positioned adjacent to the lower edge of the housing (10). The brush (30) may guide dirt around the housing (10) to the suction port (11). The brush (30) may be rotatably mounted with respect to the housing (10). The axis of rotation of the brush (30) may be an axis extending approximately along the vertical direction (Z direction). The brush (30) may be referred to as a side brush (30).

[0043] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a dust collection container (40). Dirt and / or air sucked in through the suction port (11) may move to the dust collection container (40). Dirt sucked in through the suction port (11) may be collected in the dust collection container (40). Air sucked in through the suction port (11) may be filtered as it passes through the dust collection container (40). Dirt and air sucked in through the suction port (11) may be separated in the dust collection container (40).

[0044] The vacuum cleaner (10) may include an exhaust port (12). The exhaust port (12) may be formed in the housing (10). The exhaust port (12) may be formed on the rear side of the housing (10). Air sucked in through the intake port (11) may be filtered and discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner (1) through the exhaust port (12). For example, the exhaust port (12) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple exhaust ports (12) may be composed of multiple holes.

[0045] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a suction motor (42). The suction motor (42) may generate suction force. By the suction force generated by the suction motor (42), the suction port (11) may suck in dirt and / or air. By the suction force generated by the suction motor (42), the exhaust port (12) may discharge air that has been sucked into the vacuum cleaner (1) and filtered to the outside. The suction motor (42) may be positioned on the air passage formed between the suction port (11) and the exhaust port (12).

[0046] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a drum module (20) positioned in the suction port (11). The drum module (20) may strike the surface to be cleaned to scatter dirt. The dirt scattered by the drum module (20) may be introduced into the suction port (11) along with air. As an example, the drum module (20) may include a drum case (21) and a drum (22) rotatably mounted on the drum case (21).

[0047] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a battery (50). The battery (50) may be rechargeable. The battery (50) may provide power required to operate the vacuum cleaner (1).

[0048] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a charging terminal (51). The charging terminal (51) may be electrically connected to a battery (50). For example, while the vacuum cleaner (1) is docked at the station, the charging terminal (51) of the vacuum cleaner (1) may be electrically connected to the charging terminal of the station. As the charging terminal (51) of the vacuum cleaner (1) is electrically connected to the charging terminal of the station, the battery (50) of the vacuum cleaner (1) may be charged. That is, while the vacuum cleaner (1) is docked at the station, the battery (50) may be charged.

[0049] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a driving device (60) for driving the vacuum cleaner (1). The driving device (60) may be mounted on the housing (10) to move the housing (10). For example, the driving device (60) may include a pair of driving wheels (61). For example, the driving device (60) may further include at least one caster (62) for stable driving of the vacuum cleaner (1).

[0050] A driving device (60) may be provided to move the housing (10). For example, the driving device (60) may be provided on the left and right sides of the housing (10), respectively. By selectively driving the driving device (60) provided on the left and right sides of the housing (10), the vacuum cleaner (1) may move forward, backward, left, or right.

[0051] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a cleaning pad (201). The cleaning pad (201) is detachably mountable to the lower part of the housing (10). The cleaning pad (201) may be rotatably mounted to the housing (10). The cleaning pad (201) may be movable to a first position relative to the housing (10) and a second position spaced further from the center of the housing (10) than the first position.

[0052] A cleaning pad (201) may be provided to clean the surface to be cleaned by contacting the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning pad (201) can wipe away dirt from the surface to be cleaned while it is wet. In the drawing, two cleaning pads (201) are shown, but there is no limit to the number of cleaning pads (201). For example, the cleaning pad (201) may include a wet pad. For example, the cleaning pad (201) may include a wet mop.

[0053] The cleaning pad (201) can receive moisture from the water tank (14) of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, if the moisture content of the cleaning pad (201) decreases while the vacuum cleaner (1) is cleaning, water stored in the water tank (14) can be supplied to the cleaning pad (201).

[0054] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a water filling section (13). The water filling section (13) may be formed in the housing (10). The water filling section (13) may be formed on the rear side of the housing (10). For example, while the vacuum cleaner (1) is seated in the station, the water filling section (13) may receive water provided from the station. The water supplied to the vacuum cleaner (1) through the water filling section (13) may be stored in a water tank (14). While the vacuum cleaner (1) is seated in the station, the water filling section (13) of the vacuum cleaner (1) may be docked with the water supply section of the station.

[0055] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include an obstacle sensor (70). For example, the obstacle sensor (70) may be configured to detect the location of an obstacle or the distance to the obstacle. The obstacle sensor (70) may be mounted on the housing (10). For example, the obstacle sensor (70) may protrude from the upper housing (10a) of the housing (10).

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates a pad rotation device and a pad moving device for driving a cleaning pad of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 illustrates a disassembled upper view of a pad moving device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6 illustrates a disassembled lower view of a pad moving device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pad rotation device (200) for rotating a cleaning pad (201). The cleaning pad (201) may be detachably mounted to the pad rotation device (200). The pad rotation device (200) may be configured to rotate the cleaning pad (201) to wipe away dirt from the surface to be cleaned.

[0058] The pad rotation device (200) may include a rotation drive source (210). The rotation drive source (210) may be provided to generate power for the rotation of the cleaning pad (201). As an example, the rotation drive source (210) may include a motor.

[0059] The pad rotation device (200) may include a gearbox (240) for transmitting power generated from a rotational drive source (210) to a cleaning pad (201). For example, the gearbox (240) may include a plurality of gears and a case in which the plurality of gears are accommodated. As power generated from the rotational drive source (210) is transmitted to the cleaning pad (201) through the gearbox (240), the cleaning pad (201) rotates relative to the housing (10) and can wipe away dirt from the surface to be cleaned.

[0060] The pad rotation device (200) may include a first part (220) that rotates while the pad moving device (100), which will be described later, is in operation. The first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200) may be connected to the pad moving device (100). The first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200) may be coupled to a guide lever (130), which will be described later. The first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200) may rotate around the rotation axis of the guide lever (130) based on the rotation of the guide lever (130). For example, the rotation drive source (210) of the pad rotation device (200) may be located in the first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200).

[0061] For example, the rotation axis of the first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200) may be provided to be the same as the rotation axis of the guide lever (130). For example, the rotation axis of the first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200) may be provided parallel to the rotation axis of the guide lever (130).

[0062] The pad rotation device (200) may include a second part (230) that moves while the pad moving device (100) is operating. The second part (230) of the pad rotation device (200) may move based on the rotation of the first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200). The second part (230) of the pad rotation device (200) may be connected to a cleaning pad (201). Based on the rotation of the first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200) by the pad moving device (100), the cleaning pad (201) mounted on the second part (230) of the pad rotation device (200) may move.

[0063] The first part (220) and the second part (230) define a part of the pad rotation device (200) by configuring a part of the pad rotation device (200), and the first part (220) and the second part (230) can be provided as any part of the pad rotation device (200). For example, the first part (220) and the second part (230) can be defined as a certain area at any location in the pad rotation device (200).

[0064] A vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a pad moving device (100) for moving a cleaning pad (201). The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a pad moving device (100) for moving a pad rotating device (200). The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a pad moving device (100) for moving a cleaning pad (201) to a specific position. The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a pad moving device (100) for moving a pad rotating device (200) to a specific position.

[0065] Based on the operation of the pad moving device (100), the cleaning pad (201) can move to a first position relative to the housing (10) and to a second position spaced further from the center of the housing (10) than the first position. Based on the operation of the pad moving device (100), the pad rotating device (200) can move to a first position relative to the housing (10) and to a second position spaced further from the center of the housing (10) than the first position.

[0066] The cleaning pad (201) is configured to be coupled to the pad rotation device (200), and the first position of the cleaning pad (201) and the first position of the pad rotation device (200) can each be defined as the same position. The second position of the cleaning pad (201) and the second position of the pad rotation device (200) can each be defined as the same position. In the following description, to avoid redundant explanations, the description will be based on the position of the cleaning pad (201).

[0067] The cleaning pad (201) can be moved to a first position closer to the center of the housing (10) than to a second position based on the operation of the pad moving device (100).

[0068] The pad moving device (100) may include a moving drive source (110). The moving drive source (110) may be configured to generate power to move the cleaning pad (201). For example, the moving drive source (110) may include a motor.

[0069] The pad moving device (100) may include a transmission lever (120). The transmission lever (120) may be rotatably provided to receive power from a moving drive source (110). The transmission lever (120) may be connected to a shaft (112) of the moving drive source (110). As the moving drive source (110) operates, the shaft (112) rotates, and as the shaft (112) rotates, the transmission lever (120) connected to the shaft (112) rotates. The transmission lever (120) may include a shaft insertion part (120a) into which the shaft (112) of the moving drive source (110) is inserted.

[0070] The transmission lever (120) may include power transmission surfaces (123, 124, 125). The power transmission surfaces (123, 124, 125) may be provided along the circumference of the transmission lever (120) in at least a portion thereof. This will be described in detail later.

[0071] The pad moving device (100) may include a guide lever (130). The guide lever (130) may be rotatably provided with respect to the transmission lever (120). The guide lever (130) may be coupled to the pad rotating device (200). The guide lever (130) may be provided to transmit power from the moving drive source (110) to the pad rotating device (200). The guide lever (130) may be provided to be rotatable together with the pad rotating device (200).

[0072] The guide lever (120) may include power receiving surfaces (133, 134, 135). The power receiving surfaces (133, 134, 135) may be provided along the circumference of the guide lever (130) in at least a portion thereof. This will be described in detail later.

[0073] The pad rotation device (200) can be rotated together with the guide lever (130) around the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130).

[0074] The guide lever (130) may include a lever coupling part (130a) that is coupled with the pad rotation device (200). As the lever coupling part (130a) and the pad rotation device (200) are coupled, the guide lever (130) can rotate together with the pad rotation device (200).

[0075] For example, when the lever coupling part (130a) is coupled with the pad rotation device (200), the guide lever (130) and the pad rotation device (200) are coupled by a fastening member, so that the guide lever (130) can be fixed to the pad rotation device (200).

[0076] For example, when the guide lever (130) is rotated, the first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200) rotates together with the guide lever (130) and can move by the rotation of the first part (220). The second part (230) of the pad rotation device (200) is connected to the cleaning pad (201) and rotates based on the rotation of the first part (220), so that the cleaning pad (201) mounted on the second part (230) of the pad rotation device (200) can move.

[0077] The pad moving device (100) may include an elastic body (140). The elastic body (140) may be provided to elastically support the guide lever (130) with respect to the transmission lever (120).

[0078] The elastic body (140) may include a first stage (141) connected to a transmission lever (120) and a second stage (142) connected to a guide lever (130).

[0079] The transmission lever (120) may include a first coupling part (121) that is coupled to the first stage (141).

[0080] The guide lever (130) may include a second coupling part (131) that is coupled to the second stage (142).

[0081] The first connecting part (121) can move the first stage (141) by moving in conjunction with the rotation of the transmission lever (120).

[0082] The second coupling part (131) can be moved by the elastic force of the elastic body (140) moved by the first coupling part (121). The elastic body (140) is a vacuum cleaner configured to move the second coupling part (131) by elastically supporting the second coupling part (131) according to the movement of the first coupling part (121).

[0083] When the transmission lever (120) is rotated in the first direction, the first coupling part (121) rotates in the first direction around the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120), and as the first end (141) of the elastic body (140) moves in conjunction with the first coupling part (121), the elastic body (140) can be extended.

[0084] The second connecting part (142) combined with the second stage (142) can be moved by the elastic force of the extended elastic body (140), and the guide lever (130) can be rotated in conjunction with this. This will be described in detail later.

[0085] The transmission lever (120) may include a first power transmission surface (123) positioned at a first height with respect to the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120) and a second power transmission surface (124) positioned at a second height.

[0086] The first height and the second height may be spaced apart from each other based on the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120).

[0087] The guide lever (130) may include a first power receiving surface (133) that receives power through a first power transmission surface (123) and a second power receiving surface (134) that receives power through a second power transmission surface (124).

[0088] The first power receiving surface (133) may be positioned at a first height equal to the first power transmission surface in the direction of extension (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120). The second power receiving surface (134) may be positioned at a second height equal to the second power transmission surface in the direction of extension (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120).

[0089] The first power transmission surface (123) may be configured to transmit power by pressing the first power receiving surface (133) as the transmission lever (120) rotates in conjunction with rotation.

[0090] The second power transmission surface (124) may be configured to transmit power by pressing the second power receiving surface (134) as the transmission lever (120) rotates in conjunction with rotation.

[0091] The transmission lever (120) may include a third power transmission surface (125) positioned at a third height.

[0092] The first height and the third height may be spaced apart from each other based on the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120).

[0093] The guide lever (130) may include a third power receiving surface (135) that receives power through the third power transmission surface (125). The third power receiving surface (135) may be positioned at a third height equal to the third power transmission surface (125) in the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120).

[0094] The third power transmission surface (125) may be configured to transmit power by pressing the third power receiving surface (135) as the transmission lever (120) rotates in conjunction with rotation.

[0095] The first power transmission surface (123), the second power transmission surface (124), and the third power transmission surface (125) can each be positioned at different heights based on the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120).

[0096] The first power receiving surface (133), the second power receiving surface (134), and the third power receiving surface (135) can each be positioned at different heights based on the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120).

[0097] The first power receiving surface (133), the second power receiving surface (134), and the third power receiving surface (135) can each be positioned at a height corresponding to the first power transmission surface (123), the second power transmission surface (124), and the third power transmission surface (125).

[0098] When the transmission lever (120) is rotated in one direction, the first power transmission surface (123), the second power transmission surface (124), and the third power transmission surface (125) may be arranged so that power is sequentially transmitted to the first power receiving surface (133), the second power receiving surface (134), and the third power receiving surface (135).

[0099] As the transmission lever (120) is rotated in one direction, the first power transmission surface (123), the second power transmission surface (124), and the third power transmission surface (125) are sequentially transmitted to the first power receiving surface (133), the second power receiving surface (134), and the third power receiving surface (135), the guide lever (130) is rotated in the opposite direction, and accordingly, the pad rotation device (200) can be rotated and moved in the opposite direction.

[0100] When the transmission lever (120) is rotated in one direction, the guide lever (130) may be arranged to rotate in the opposite direction of that direction.

[0101] When the transmission lever (120) is rotated in one direction, the power transmission surface of the transmission lever (120) presses against the power receiving surface of the guide lever (130), and the guide lever (130) can be rotated in the opposite direction. When the guide lever (130) is rotated in the opposite direction, the cleaning pad (201) can be rotated around the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130) and positioned between the first position and the second position.

[0102] The travel distance of the cleaning pad (201) can be proportional to the amount of rotation of the guide lever (130). In order to increase the amount of rotation of the guide lever (130), the length of the power receiving surface in the direction of rotation of the guide lever (130) must be increased, and correspondingly, the length of the power transmission surface in the direction of rotation of the transmission lever (120) must be increased.

[0103] Accordingly, in order to increase the travel distance of the cleaning pad (201), a problem may arise in which the volume of the pad moving device (100) increases. In one embodiment, the pad moving device (100) can prevent the volume of the transmission lever (120) in the rotational direction by separating the power transmission surfaces (123, 124, 125) of the transmission lever (120) into multiple parts in the height direction (Z).

[0104] In addition, the pad moving device (100) according to one embodiment can prevent the volume of the transmission lever (120) from increasing in the rotational direction by separating the power transmission surfaces (123, 124, 125) of the transmission lever (120) into multiple parts in the height direction (Z).

[0105] When the transmission lever (120) is rotated in the first direction (R1) by the moving drive source (110), the guide lever (130) can be rotated in the second direction (R2), which is the opposite direction of the first direction (R1), by the elastic force of the elastic body (140) that is extended in conjunction with the transmission lever (120).

[0106] The first stage (141) of the elastic body (140) moves in conjunction with the rotation of the transmission lever (120) in the first direction (R1), and accordingly, the elastic body (140) is extended so that elastic force is transmitted to the guide lever (130) combined with the second stage (142), allowing the guide lever (130) to rotate in the second direction (R2).

[0107] As the guide lever (130) rotates in the second direction (R2), the pad rotation device (200) rotates in the second direction (R2) around the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130), and the cleaning pad (201) coupled to the pad rotation device (200) can be moved from the first position to the second position. At this time, the cleaning pad (201) can be moved so as to protrude from the inside of the housing (10) to the outside.

[0108] Conversely, when the transmission lever (120) is rotated in the second direction (R2) by the moving drive source (110), the guide lever (130) can be rotated in the first direction (R1) by the transmission lever (120).

[0109] As the power transmission surface (123, 124, 125) rotates by the second direction (R2) of the transmission lever (120), power is transmitted to the power receiving surface (133, 134, 135) of the guide lever (130), so that the guide lever (130) can be rotated in the first direction (R1).

[0110] As the guide lever (130) rotates in the first direction (R1), the pad rotation device (200) rotates in the first direction (R1) around the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130), and the cleaning pad (201) coupled to the pad rotation device (200) can be moved from the second position to the first position. At this time, the cleaning pad (201) can be moved from the outside to the inside of the housing (10).

[0111] Below, the operation of moving the pad rotation device (200) from a first position to a second position by the pad moving device (100) is described.

[0112] FIG. 7 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the pad rotating device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a first position, FIG. 8 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the pad rotating device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is moved from the first position to a second position, and FIG. 9 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the cleaning pad of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a second position.

[0113] A pad rotation device (200) of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be positioned at a first position (200A). For example, when the pad rotation device (200) is positioned at the first position (200A), the cleaning pad (201) may be rotated by the pad rotation device (200) while in the first position and wipe away dirt from the surface to be cleaned. The first position (200A) of the pad rotation device (200) may include a position closer to the center of the housing (10) than a second position.

[0114] When the pad rotation device (200) is in the first position (200A), the elastic body (140) can be coupled to the transmission lever (120) and the guide lever (130) and positioned in a tensioned state so that the transmission lever (120) and the guide lever (130) do not move.

[0115] The movement drive source (110) can be operated to move the pad rotation device (200) from a first position (200A) to a second position (200B). As the movement drive source (110) is operated, the transmission lever (120) can be operated. While the pad rotation device (200) is moving from the first position (200A) to the second position (200B), the transmission lever (120) can be rotated in a first direction (R1), and in conjunction with this, the guide lever (130) can be rotated in a second direction (R2), which is the opposite direction of the first direction (R1).

[0116] For example, the transmission lever (120) can be rotated clockwise, and the guide lever (130) can be rotated counterclockwise.

[0117] First, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the transmission lever (120) can be rotated in a first direction (R1) by a moving drive source (110). The first coupling part (121) can be moved while rotating in the first direction (R1) by the rotation of the transmission lever (120).

[0118] The elastic body (140) can be extended by maintaining a state in which the first stage (141) coupled to the first coupling part (121) moves together with the first coupling part (121), and the second stage (142) coupled to the guide lever (130) to which no external force is transmitted does not move.

[0119] When the guide lever (130) is extended, an elastic force is transmitted to the guide lever (130) through the second stage (142), and the second joint part (131) combined with the second stage (142) is elastically supported by the elastic body (140) so that it can move in the direction in which the first stage (141) moves.

[0120] As the second coupling part (131) moves, the guide lever (130) can be rotated around the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130).

[0121] As the first stage (141) moves in the rotational direction of the first direction (R1) of the transmission lever (120), the second coupling part (131) moves in the direction in which the first stage (141) moves, and the guide lever (130) can be rotated in the second direction (R2) in a direction that engages with the transmission lever (120).

[0122] That is, when the transmission lever (120) is rotated in the first direction (R1), the first coupling part (121) can be rotated and moved toward the first direction (R1) around the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120). The second coupling part (131) can be rotated and moved toward the second direction (R2) around the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130), and the guide lever (130) can be arranged to rotate toward the second direction (R2) in conjunction with the rotational movement of the second coupling part (131).

[0123] At this time, the elastic body (140) may be arranged to elastically support the second coupling part (131) as the first coupling part (121) moves, thereby moving the second coupling part (131). The elastic body (140) may be arranged to extend as the first coupling part (121) moves, and the second coupling part (131) may be arranged to move by the elasticity of the extended elastic body (140).

[0124] In the conventional case, one end of the elastic body was not configured to rotate the pad rotation device (200) but was coupled to a fixed configuration such as a housing, and there was a limitation in the area where the elastic body provided elastic force to the pad rotation device (200).

[0125] When one end of the elastic body is fixed to the housing and the other end of the elastic body, which is placed in a rotatable configuration, is aligned with the rotation axis of the rotatable configuration, the elastic body cannot transmit rotational force to the rotatable configuration through elasticity. Therefore, when one end of the elastic body is fixed to the housing, the effective radius for transmitting elastic force to the rotatable configuration may be limited.

[0126] However, in one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic body (140) is positioned in a configuration (120, 130) in which both the first stage (141) and the second stage (142) are rotated, and the effective radius for transmitting elastic force to the guide lever (130), which is arranged to be rotated by the elastic body (140) as the transmission lever (120) and the guide lever (130) move, can be expanded.

[0127] The elastic body (140) can be positioned to be curved in the radial direction of the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130) between the first coupling part (121) and the second coupling part (131).

[0128] The elastic body (140) may be arranged in a shape that is not arranged in a straight line between the first coupling part (121) and the second coupling part (131), but extends outward in a curved shape with respect to the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130).

[0129] Accordingly, the distance (d1) between the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130) and the elastic body (140) is formed to be longer than the distance when the elastic body (140) is arranged in a straight line between the first coupling part (121) and the second coupling part (131), thereby increasing the effective radius of the elastic force transmitted to the rotating guide lever (130).

[0130] The elastic body (140) may be arranged to extend in a curved shape so that the distance (d2) between the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130) and the elastic body (140) is maintained at a predetermined distance even while the elastic body (140) is extended by the rotation of the transmission lever (120). This is to maintain the effective radius of the elastic force transmitted to the rotating guide lever (130).

[0131] The transmission lever (120) may include a first elastic guide (127) that guides the position of the elastic body (140) so that the elastic body (140) is curved.

[0132] The guide lever (130) may include a second elastic guide (137) that guides the position of the elastic body (140) so that the elastic body (140) is curved.

[0133] The first elastic guide (127) and the second elastic guide (137) may each be provided to guide the elastic (140) in a curved direction in the extension direction so that the elastic (140) is not positioned in a straight line between the first coupling part (121) and the second coupling part (131).

[0134] For example, when the pad rotation device (200) is positioned at the first position (200A), the first elastic guide (127) and the second elastic guide (137) are arranged to be positioned in a straight line between the first coupling part (121) and the second coupling part (131), thereby limiting the extension direction of the elastic (140) so that the elastic (140) is not positioned in a straight line between the first coupling part (121) and the second coupling part (131).

[0135] For example, the first elastic guide (127) and the second elastic guide (137) are arranged to be positioned in a straight line between the moving first coupling part (121) and the second coupling part (131), thereby limiting the extension direction of the elastic body (140) so that the elastic body (140) is not positioned in a straight line between the moving first coupling part (121) and the second coupling part (131).

[0136] When the pad rotation device (200) is positioned at the first position (200A), the first elastic guide (127) and the second elastic guide (137) may be arranged to be positioned inward from the elastic body (140) in the radial direction of the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130). Accordingly, the elastic body (140) may not be positioned in a straight line between the first coupling part (121) and the second coupling part (131), but may be extended in a curved direction in the radial direction of the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130).

[0137] The transmission lever (120) may include a pressure part (129) provided to press the guide lever (130) in conjunction with the rotation of the transmission lever (120) when the transmission lever (120) begins to rotate in the first direction (R1).

[0138] The pressurizing part (129) can be provided along the circumference of the transmission lever (120) in at least one part.

[0139] The guide lever (130) may include a receiving part (139) that receives power through the pressurizing part (129) and is configured to rotate in a second direction (R2) in conjunction with the pressurization of the pressurizing part (129).

[0140] The receiving portion (139) can be provided along the circumference of the guide lever (130) in at least one part.

[0141] When the pad rotation device (200) begins to move from the first position (200A) to the second position (200B), the transmission lever (120) is first rotated in the first direction (R1). As the transmission lever (120) rotates, the elastic body (140) is extended, and after the elastic body (140) is extended, the elasticity is transmitted to the guide lever (130), thereby increasing the movement time of the pad rotation device (200).

[0142] To prevent this, when the rotation of the transmission lever (120) begins, the pressurizing part (129) rotates together with the transmission lever (120) and pressurizes the guide lever (130) so that the guide lever (130) can be partially rotated in the second direction (R2) before the elastic force of the elastic body (140) is transmitted to the guide lever (130), and thereafter the elastic force of the elastic body (140) is transmitted to the guide lever (130), thereby shortening the rotation time of the guide lever (130) and shortening the movement time of the pad rotation device (200).

[0143] When the pad rotation device (200) is positioned at the first position (200A), the pressurizing part (129) and the receiving part (139) may be arranged to be in contact with each other or adjacent to each other. This is to allow the guide lever (130) to be rotated immediately as the rotation of the transmission lever (120) begins.

[0144] The guide lever (130) starts rotating in the second direction (R2) as the pressurizing part (129) presses the receiving part (139), and the rotation in the second direction (R2) can be continued by the elastic force of the elastic body (140) at the time when the pressurizing part (129) ends or is about to end.

[0145] As the guide lever (130) starts to rotate by the receiver (139), the pad rotation device (200) is positioned at a third position (200C) between a first position (200A) and a second position (200B), and from the third position (200C), it can be rotated to the second position (200B) by the elasticity of the elastic body (140).

[0146] Below, the operation of moving the pad rotation device (200) from the second position (200B) to the first position (200A) is described.

[0147] FIG. 9 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the cleaning pad of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is in a second position, FIG. 10 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the pad rotating device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is moved from the second position to the first position, and FIG. 11 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the pad rotating device of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is moved from the second position to the first position.

[0148] The pad rotation device (200) can be positioned at a second position (200B) as shown in FIG. 9 through the movement shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

[0149] As the guide lever (130) rotates in the second direction (R2), the first part (220) to which the guide lever (130) is attached rotates. As the first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200) rotates, the second part (230) moves. As the second part (230) of the pad rotation device (200) moves, the cleaning pad (201) mounted on the second part (230) of the pad rotation device (200) moves to a second position. That is, the pad rotation device (200) can be positioned at a second position (200B).

[0150] As the cleaning pad (201) moves to a second position, the cleaning pad (201) can protrude to the outside of the housing (10). As the cleaning pad (201) protrudes to the outside of the housing (10), the cleaning area of ​​the vacuum cleaner (1) can be expanded.

[0151] In a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning pad (201) is configured to be movable to a first position and a second position with respect to the housing (10), thereby expanding the area that the cleaning pad (201) can clean.

[0152] When cleaning of the outside of the housing (10) is finished, the pad rotation device (200) may be arranged to move from the second position (200B) back to the first position (200A).

[0153] At this time, the moving drive source (110) can rotate the transmission lever (120) in the second direction (R2).

[0154] As the transmission lever (120) rotates in the second direction (R2), the guide lever (130) can be rotated in the first direction (R1) in conjunction with the rotation of the transmission lever (120). As the guide lever (130) rotates in the first direction (R1), the first part (220) to which the guide lever (130) is attached rotates of the pad rotation device (200). As the first part (220) of the pad rotation device (200) rotates, the second part (230) moves. As the second part (230) of the pad rotation device (200) moves, the cleaning pad (201) mounted on the second part (230) of the pad rotation device (200) moves from the second position back to the first position, and accordingly, the pad rotation device (200) can be placed in the first position (200A).

[0155] When the transmission lever (120) is rotated in the first direction (R1), the guide lever (130) can be guided by the elastic body (140) so that the guide lever (130) rotates in the second direction (R2).

[0156] When the transmission lever (120) is rotated in the second direction (R2), the power transmission surface (123, 124, 125) directly transmits power to the power receiving surface (133, 134, 135) to guide the guide lever (130) so that the guide lever (130) rotates in the first direction (R1).

[0157] The pad moving device (100) may be configured such that the configuration guiding the guide lever (130) changes according to the rotational direction of the transmission lever (120). Pad moving device

[0158] (100) can rotate the guide lever (130) through the elastic force of the elastic body (140) when the pad rotation device (200) moves from the first position (200A) to the second position (200B). When the pad movement device (100) moves the pad rotation device (200) from the second position (200B) to the first position (200A), the power transmission surface (123, 124, 125) can rotate the guide lever (130) through the power receiving surface (133, 134, 135).

[0159] As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the pad rotation device (200) is positioned at the second position (200B), the first power transmission surface (123) and the first power receiving surface (133) may be arranged to be in contact with or adjacent to each other.

[0160] This is so that the first power transmission surface (123) can easily apply power to the first power receiving surface (133) as the transmission lever (120) rotates in the second direction (R2).

[0161] The first power transmission surface (123) is moved to the second direction (R2) of the transmission lever (120) to transmit power to the first power receiving surface (133). The first power receiving surface (133) may be configured so that the guide lever (130) rotates in the first direction (R1) by the power received through the first power transmission surface (123).

[0162] The first power receiving surface (133) and the first power transmitting surface (123) are positioned at the same height as each other in the direction of extension of the rotation axis of the guide lever (130) or the transmission lever (120), and the first power transmitting surface (123) can press the first power receiving surface (133), generate friction, or rotate in a state of engagement with the first power receiving surface (133) to transmit rotational force to the first power receiving surface (133).

[0163] Power is transmitted to the guide lever (130) by the first power transmission surface (123) and as the guide lever (130) rotates in the first direction (R1), the pad rotation device (200) moves from the second position (200B) toward the first position (200A) and can be positioned at any third position (200C) between the second position (200B) and the first position (200A).

[0164] As described above, since the power transmission surface (123, 124, 125) is divided into multiple parts, even if the first power transmission surface (123) transmits all the power to the first power receiving surface (133), the guide lever (130) cannot be rotated to the position where the pad rotation device (200) reaches the second position (200B).

[0165] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second power transmission surface (124) and the second power receiving surface (134) may be arranged to be in contact with or adjacent to each other at the time when the first power transmission surface (123) transmits power to the first power receiving surface (123).

[0166] After power transmission to the first power transmission surface (123) is finished, power is continuously transmitted to the guide lever (130) through the second power transmission surface (124) to rotate the guide lever (130) in the first direction (R1).

[0167] The second power transmission surface (124) may be positioned lower than the first power transmission surface (123) in the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120). For example, the second power transmission surface (124) may be positioned higher than the first power transmission surface (123) in the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120).

[0168] The second power receiving surface (134) may be positioned lower than the first power receiving surface (133) in the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130). For example, the second power receiving surface (134) may be positioned higher than the first power receiving surface (133) in the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the guide lever (130).

[0169] The second power receiving surface (134) and the second power transmitting surface (124) are positioned at the same height as each other, and the second power transmitting surface (124) can press the second power receiving surface (134), generate friction, or rotate in a state of engagement with the second power receiving surface (134) to transmit rotational force to the second power receiving surface (134).

[0170] The second power transmission surface (124) can transmit power to the second power receiving surface (134) in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the first power transmission surface (123) transmits power to the first power receiving surface (133). Accordingly, the guide lever (130) can be continuously rotated in the first direction (R1), and the pad rotation device (200) can be moved to the first position (200A) in conjunction with this.

[0171] Even if the second power transmission surface (124) transmits all power to the second power receiving surface (134), the guide lever (130) cannot be rotated to a position where the pad rotation device (200) reaches the second position (200B), and can be positioned to a position where the pad rotation device (200) reaches the third position (200C).

[0172] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the third power transmission surface (125) and the third power receiving surface (136) may be arranged to be in contact with or adjacent to each other at the time when the second power transmission surface (124) transmits power to the second power receiving surface (134).

[0173] After power transmission at the second power transmission surface (124) is finished, power is continuously transmitted to the guide lever (130) through the third power transmission surface (125) to rotate the guide lever (130) in the first direction (R1).

[0174] The third power transmission surface (125) may be positioned above the first power transmission surface (123) in the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120). The third power transmission surface (125) may be positioned above the second power transmission surface (123) in the extension direction (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120).

[0175] For example, the third power transmission surface (125) may be positioned above the first power transmission surface (123) in the direction of extension (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120). The third power transmission surface (125) may be positioned above the second power transmission surface (124) in the direction of extension (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the transmission lever (120).

[0176] The third power receiving surface (135) may be positioned lower than the first power receiving surface (133) in the direction of extension (Z) of the rotation axis (X2) of the guide lever (130). For example, the third power receiving surface (135) may be positioned higher than the first power receiving surface (133) in the direction of extension (Z) of the rotation axis (X1) of the guide lever (130).

[0177] The third power receiving surface (135) and the third power transmitting surface (125) are positioned at the same height as each other, and the third power transmitting surface (125) can press the third power receiving surface (135), generate friction, or rotate in a state of engagement with the third power receiving surface (135) to transmit rotational force to the third power receiving surface (135).

[0178] The third power transmission surface (125) can transmit power to the third power receiving surface (135) in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the second power transmission surface (124) transmits power to the second power receiving surface (134). Accordingly, the guide lever (130) can be continuously rotated in the first direction (R1), and the pad rotation device (200) can be moved to the first position (200A) in conjunction with this.

[0179] As the transmission lever (120) is rotated in the second direction (R2), the first power transmission surface (123), the second power transmission surface (124), and the third power transmission surface (125) can sequentially transmit power to the first power receiving surface (133), the second power receiving surface (134), and the third power receiving surface (135).

[0180] When power transmission at the third power transmission surface (124) is terminated, the guide lever (130) can be rotated so that the pad rotation device (200) can be positioned at the first position (200A).

[0181] The first power transmission surface (123), the second power transmission surface (124), and the third power transmission surface (125) sequentially rotate the guide lever (130) in the first direction (R1), and accordingly, the pad rotation device (200) can be rotated from the second position (200B) to the first position (200A).

[0182] Below, the operation when the pad rotation device (200) collides with an obstacle while positioned at the second position (200B) is described in detail.

[0183] FIG. 12 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when an external force is applied to the cleaning pad of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 illustrates the state of the pad moving device and the pad rotating device when the cleaning pad is in a third position as an external force is applied to the cleaning pad of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0184] For example, while the cleaning pad (201) is in a second position and the vacuum cleaner (1) is moving, the cleaning pad (201) may collide with an obstacle. When the cleaning pad (201) collides with an obstacle (O) while in the second position, the cleaning pad (201) may receive a force in the direction of moving to the first position. As the cleaning pad (201) receives a force in the direction toward the first position by the obstacle (O) while in the second position, the pad rotation device (200) may eventually move to the third position (200C).

[0185] While the cleaning pad (201) is in the second position, the pad rotation device (200) is rotated from the second position (200B) to the third position (200C) based on the force applied to the cleaning pad (201) in the direction toward the first position.

[0186] As the pad rotation device (200) moves, the guide lever (130) can be moved in conjunction with the movement of the pad rotation device (200) to move in the first direction (R1).

[0187] At this time, the second stage (142) of the elastic body (140) coupled with the guide lever (130) can be moved. The first stage (141) is in a state where the transmission lever (120) is not driven, and the first stage (141) is in a state where it is connected to the first coupling part (121), so that the elastic body (140) can be extended.

[0188] When the elastic force of the elastic body (140) is maintained at a third position (200C) when the pad rotation device (200) is positioned at the third position (200C), the pad rotation device (200) can be maintained at the third position (200C) by applying pressure to the obstacle.

[0189] Afterward, when the pressure of the obstacle on the cleaning pad (201) is terminated, the position of the second stage (142) is restored by the elastic force of the elastic body (140), and the guide lever (130) can be rotated again in the second direction (R2). By rotating the guide lever (130) in the second direction (R2), the pad rotation device (200) can be repositioned to the second position (200B).

[0190] However, when the elastic force of the elastic body (140) when the pad rotation device (200) is positioned at the third position (200C) is maintained at a greater than the stopping torque of the moving drive source (110) in a stationary state, the pad rotation device (200) is not maintained at the third position (200C) by pressing against an obstacle, and the pad rotation device (200) can be moved to the first position (200A).

[0191] The extended elastic body (140) elastically supports the first coupling part (121), and the transmission lever (120) can be rotated in the second direction (R2) together with the shaft (112) of the moving drive source (110) by the elastic force.

[0192] The vacuum cleaner (1) includes a control unit (90), and when rotation of the shaft (112) is detected when the pad rotation device (200) is placed at a second position (200B), the control unit can control the pad moving device (100) so that the pad rotation device (200) moves to a first position (200A).

[0193] A pad rotation device (200) positioned at a third position (200C) by an obstacle under the control of a control unit (90) can be arranged to move to a first position (200A) by rotating the transmission lever (120) in the second direction (R2).

[0194] This is to prevent the pad rotation device (200) or pad movement device (100) from being damaged by external force.

[0195] The control of the vacuum cleaner (1) is explained below.

[0196] FIG. 14 illustrates a control block diagram of a vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 14, a vacuum cleaner (1) according to one embodiment may include an obstacle sensor (70), a position sensor (71), a battery (50), a user interface (81), a pad moving device (100), a pad rotating device (200), a drum driving device (23), a suction motor (42), a communication unit (82) and / or a control unit (90).

[0198] The obstacle sensor (70) detects obstacles that obstruct the movement of the vacuum cleaner (1). An obstacle may refer to any object that protrudes from the floor of the cleaning area and obstructs the movement of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, not only are tables, sofas, etc. located in the cleaning area considered obstacles, but walls that partition the space may also be considered obstacles, and objects that the vacuum cleaner (1) can climb over and descend, such as door thresholds or round bars, may also be considered obstacles.

[0199] Specifically, the obstacle sensor (70) can detect obstacles in a non-contact manner using electromagnetic waves such as infrared, visible light, or ultrasound. For example, the obstacle sensor (70) can detect infrared reflected from an obstacle after irradiating infrared, and output the intensity of the detected infrared, or the time interval (Time Of Flight: TOF) from irradiating infrared until the reflected infrared is detected, to the control unit (90).

[0200] The control unit (90) can calculate the presence of an obstacle or the distance between the obstacle and the vacuum cleaner (1) based on the output value of the obstacle sensor (70).

[0201] As another example, the obstacle sensor (70) may include a transmitter that emits electromagnetic waves and a receiver that receives electromagnetic waves reflected from the obstacle.

[0202] The transmitting unit may be provided at the front of the housing (10) and may emit electromagnetic waves toward the front of the housing (10). Additionally, depending on the embodiment, the transmitting unit may include an LED that generates electromagnetic waves and a wide-angle lens that diffuses the electromagnetic waves in all directions by refracting the emitted electromagnetic waves.

[0203] As another example, the obstacle sensor (70) may include a camera that acquires images of the vicinity of the vacuum cleaner (1) (e.g., front, rear and / or side).

[0204] The control unit (90) can calculate the presence of an obstacle or the distance between the obstacle and the cleaner (1) based on an image obtained by the obstacle sensor (70).

[0205] A position sensor (71) may be provided to detect the position of the cleaning pad (201). For example, the position sensor (71) may include a sensor that detects when the cleaning pad (201) moves away from a second position.

[0206] The battery (50) can supply power to various electrical components of the vacuum cleaner (1). The battery (50) can be charged while the vacuum cleaner (1) is seated at the station.

[0207] The vacuum cleaner (1) may include a battery sensor that detects the charge level of the battery (50).

[0208] The control unit (90) can control the driving device (60) so that the vacuum cleaner (1) returns to the station when the charge amount of the battery (50) drops below a predetermined charge amount.

[0209] The user interface (81) may include an output interface and an input interface.

[0210] At least one output interface can transmit various information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner (1) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0211] For example, at least one output interface can transmit information to the user regarding the settings of the vacuum cleaner (1) and the operating time of the vacuum cleaner (1). Information regarding the operation of the vacuum cleaner (1) may be output via a display, an indicator, and / or voice. At least one output interface may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0212] If the display includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may correspond to an example of an output interface and an input interface.

[0213] In one embodiment, at least one output interface can output sensory information (e.g., visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to the control of the vacuum cleaner (1).

[0214] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0215] At least one input interface may include a power button for turning on the power of the vacuum cleaner (1).

[0216] Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, icon, etc.) that can represent its function.

[0217] At least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0218] In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), tact switch, push switch, slide switch, toggle switch, micro switch, touch switch, touch pad, touch screen, jog dial, and / or microphone, etc.

[0219] The vacuum cleaner (1) processes user input received through the user interface (81) and can output information related to the vacuum cleaner (1) through the user interface (81).

[0220] In one embodiment, the user interface (81) may include an input interface for receiving cleaning pad washing commands and / or cleaning pad steam commands.

[0221] If the user determines that cleaning or sterilization of the cleaning pad (201) of the vacuum cleaner (1) is necessary, the user can input a cleaning pad cleaning command and / or a cleaning pad steam command through the input interface.

[0222] The vacuum cleaner (1) can return to the station when a cleaning pad washing command and / or a cleaning pad steam command is entered through the input interface.

[0223] When a cleaning pad cleaning command and / or cleaning pad steam command is input through the input interface, the cleaning device (1) can transmit a cleaning pad cleaning request signal and / or cleaning pad steam request signal to the station.

[0224] Accordingly, when the vacuum cleaner (1) returns to the station and docks at the station, the station can perform a washing process (e.g., a washing process and / or a steam process).

[0225] The driving device (60) may include a rotational driving source (63) for providing rotational power to the driving wheel (61).

[0226] The driving wheel (61) can move the housing (10) by rotation. The housing (10) can move forward, backward, or rotate by the rotation of the driving wheel (61). For example, if both left and right driving wheels (61) rotate forward, the housing (10) moves straight forward, and if both left and right driving wheels (61) rotate backward, the housing (10) can move straight backward.

[0227] Additionally, if the left and right driving wheels (61) rotate in the same direction but at different speeds, the housing (10) moves in a curve to the right or left. If the left and right driving wheels (61) rotate in different directions, the housing (10) can rotate to the left or right in place.

[0228] The wheel motor generates rotational force to rotate the driving wheel (61). A DC motor or a BLDC motor may be used as the wheel motor, but the embodiment of the vacuum cleaner (1) does not limit the type of wheel motor. The same applies to other motors included in the vacuum cleaner (1) as well as the wheel motor.

[0229] The wheel motor may include a left wheel motor that rotates the left driving wheel and a right wheel motor that rotates the right driving wheel.

[0230] Each of the left and right wheel motors can operate independently of each other according to a control signal from the control unit (90), and the housing (10) can move forward, backward, or rotate depending on the operation of the left and right wheel motors.

[0231] The control unit (90) can control the movement of the vacuum cleaner (1) by controlling the driving device (60) (e.g., wheel motor).

[0232] The drum drive device (23) can rotate the drum (22).

[0233] The control unit (90) can control the drum drive device (23) to rotate the drum (22) during dry cleaning, thereby causing foreign matter on the floor to be scattered by the drum (22).

[0234] The suction motor (42) sucks foreign matter scattered by the drum (22) into the dust collection container (40) and can rotate a suction fan that generates suction force to suck foreign matter into the dust collection container (40).

[0235] The control unit (90) can control the suction motor (42) to rotate the suction fan during dry cleaning, thereby allowing foreign matter scattered by the drum (22) to flow into the dust collection container (40) through the suction port (11).

[0236] The control unit (90) can adjust the strength of the suction motor (42). The strength of the suction motor (42) may correspond to the rotational speed of the suction motor (42) and / or the duty cycle of the suction motor (42).

[0237] The control unit (90) can move the pad rotation device (200) to a first position (200A) and a second position (200B) by controlling the pad moving device (100). The pad moving device (100) may include a moving driving source (110) for moving the cleaning pad (201) and a driving circuit for driving the moving driving source (110).

[0238] The control unit (90) can rotate the cleaning pad (100) by controlling the pad rotation device (200). The pad rotation device (200) may include a rotation drive source (210) for rotating the cleaning pad (201) and a driving circuit for driving the rotation drive source (210).

[0239] The communication unit (82) can communicate with external devices (e.g., servers, user devices, stations) via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0240] The communication unit (82) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., server, user device, station) or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication unit (82) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (82) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, 5G network, next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0241] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0242] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0243] In one embodiment, the communication unit (82) can communicate with an external device through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local network (LAN) to which the vacuum cleaner (1) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The vacuum cleaner (1) can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0244] In one embodiment, the communication unit (82) can communicate wirelessly with the station.

[0245] The control unit (90) can control the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner (1).

[0246] The control unit (90) may include at least one processor (91) for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner (1) and at least one memory (92) for storing a program and data for controlling the operation of the vacuum cleaner (1).

[0247] At least one processor (91) controls the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner (1). Specifically, at least one processor (91) is connected to each component of the vacuum cleaner (1) to control the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, at least one processor (91) is electrically connected to a memory (92) to control the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner (1). The processor (91) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0248] At least one processor (91) can perform the operation of a vacuum cleaner (1) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (92).

[0249] At least one memory (92) can store data necessary for various embodiments. Depending on the purpose of data storage, the memory (92) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the vacuum cleaner (1) or in the form of a memory that can be attached to and detached from the vacuum cleaner (1). For example, data for operating the vacuum cleaner (1) may be stored in a memory embedded in the vacuum cleaner (1), and data for the expansion function of the vacuum cleaner (1) may be stored in a memory that can be attached to and detached from the vacuum cleaner (1). Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the vacuum cleaner (1) can be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). Additionally, the memory that can be attached to the vacuum cleaner (1) can be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.) or an external memory that can be connected to a USB port (e.g., USB memory).

[0250] At least one processor (91) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (91) may control one or any combination of other components of the vacuum cleaner (1) and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. At least one processor (91) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in memory (92). For example, at least one processor (91) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (92).

[0251] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) may control the pad moving device (100) according to a predetermined condition. The control unit (90) may be configured to control the movement driving source (110). Controlling the pad moving device (100) may include moving the pad rotating device (200) to a first position (200A) and a second position (200B).

[0252] For example, if the position sensor (71) detects that the pad rotation device (200) is in a third position (200C), the control unit (90) can control the pad moving device (100) to move the pad rotation device (200) to a second position (200B). For example, based on the position sensor (71) detecting that the pad rotation device (200) has moved away from the second position (200B), the control unit (90) can operate the moving driving source (110). For example, based on the position sensor (71) detecting that the pad rotation device (200) is in the second position (200B), the control unit (90) can stop the operation of the moving driving source (110).

[0253] For example, if the position sensor (71) detects that the pad rotation device (200) is in a third position (200C), the control unit (90) can control the pad moving device (100) to move the pad rotation device (200) to a first position (200A). For example, after the pad rotation device (200) is moved to a second position (200B), the control unit (90) can operate the moving driving source (110) based on the rotation of the shaft (112) of the moving driving source (110) being detected by other sensors.

[0254] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can control the drum drive unit (23) and / or suction motor (42) according to a predetermined condition.

[0255] In one embodiment, the control unit (90) can control the driving device (60) according to a predetermined condition. Controlling the driving device (60) may include moving the vacuum cleaner (1).

[0256] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0257] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. Housing; A pad rotation device configured to rotate a cleaning pad and capable of moving to a second position located at a distance further from the center of the housing than the distance between a first position and the center of the housing at the first position; A pad moving device for moving the position of the above cleaning pad; including, The pad moving device comprises a moving driving source, a transmission lever rotatable in a first direction by receiving power from the moving driving source, a guide lever coupled to the pad rotating device and rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction based on the rotation of the transmission lever, and an elastic body provided to elastically support the guide lever. The above-mentioned transmission lever includes a first coupling part that is coupled to the first end of the elastic body and moves in conjunction with the rotation of the transmission lever, and A vacuum cleaner comprising a guide lever that is coupled to a second end of the elastic body and a second coupling part that is moved by the elastic force of the elastic body.

2. In Paragraph 1, A vacuum cleaner in which the elastic body is arranged to elastically support the second coupling part according to the movement of the first coupling part and to move the second coupling part.

3. In Paragraph 1, When the above transmission lever is rotated in the above first direction, The first coupling part is rotated in the first direction around the rotation axis of the transmission lever, and The second coupling part is rotated in the second direction around the rotation axis of the guide lever, and A vacuum cleaner configured such that the guide lever is rotated in the second direction in conjunction with the rotational movement of the second coupling part.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above elastic body is arranged to extend as the first connecting part moves, and The above second connecting part is a vacuum cleaner arranged to be moved by the elasticity of the stretched elastic body.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above elastic body is a vacuum cleaner arranged to be curved in the radial direction of the rotation axis of the guide lever between the first coupling part and the second coupling part.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above-mentioned transmission lever includes a first elastic guide that guides the position of the elastic body so that the elastic body is curved, and The above guide lever is a vacuum cleaner comprising a second elastic guide that guides the position of the elastic body so that the elastic body is curved.

7. In Paragraph 6, The first elastic guide and the second elastic guide are a vacuum cleaner positioned inwardly to the elastic in the radial direction of the rotation axis of the guide lever.

8. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned transmission lever includes a pressure member configured to press the guide lever in conjunction with the rotation of the transmission lever when the transmission lever begins to rotate in the first direction. A vacuum cleaner comprising a receiving part configured to rotate in the second direction in conjunction with the pressure applied by the above-mentioned pressure part, wherein the above-mentioned guide lever is linked to the pressure applied by the above-mentioned pressure part.

9. In Paragraph 8, A vacuum cleaner configured such that the guide lever is sequentially rotated in the second direction by rotational movement of the receiving part in the second direction and elastic support of the elastic body.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above pad rotation device is a vacuum cleaner configured to rotate between the first position and the second position around the rotation axis of the guide lever.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above transmission lever includes a first power transmission surface positioned at a first height with respect to the rotation axis of the transmission lever, and a second power transmission surface positioned at a second height. The above guide lever is a vacuum cleaner comprising a first power receiving surface that receives power through the first power transmission surface and a second power receiving surface that receives power through the second power transmission surface.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above transmission lever is provided to be rotatable in the above second direction, and The above guide lever is a vacuum cleaner configured to rotate in the first direction by being sequentially pressed by the first power transmission surface and the second power transmission surface when the above transmission lever is rotated in the second direction.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above transmission lever includes a third power transmission surface positioned at a third height, and The above guide lever is a vacuum cleaner comprising a third power receiving surface that receives power through the above third power transmission surface.

14. In Paragraph 13, A vacuum cleaner configured such that when the transmission lever is rotated in the second direction, the first power transmission surface, the second power transmission surface, and the third power transmission surface sequentially transmit power to the first power receiving surface, the second power receiving surface, and the third power receiving surface.

15. In Paragraph 13, A vacuum cleaner in which, based on the rotation axis of the transmission lever, the second power transmission surface is positioned at a lower height than the first power transmission surface and the third power transmission surface is positioned at a higher height than the first power transmission surface.

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