Robot cleaner

Abstract

The present invention relates to a robot cleaner comprising: a body having a suction unit formed at the bottom thereof; a dust collection unit accommodated inside the body and in communication with the suction unit; and a suction motor located at one side of the dust collection unit and providing suction force to the suction unit, wherein a dust outlet is disposed within a virtual internal space extending from the outer circumferential surface of the suction motor, thereby increasing the suction force and efficiency of the suction motor and enhancing cleaning performance.

Description

robot vacuum cleaner

[0001] The present invention relates to a robot vacuum cleaner, and more specifically, to a robot vacuum cleaner in which the airflow path flowing from the suction part to the suction motor is formed in the front-rear direction of the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0002]

[0003] A vacuum cleaner is a device that performs cleaning by sucking up or wiping away dust or foreign matter from an area to be cleaned.

[0004] These vacuum cleaners can be classified into manual vacuum cleaners, which are operated by the user moving the vacuum cleaner themselves, and automatic vacuum cleaners, which operate by driving themselves.

[0005] Here, the robot vacuum cleaner autonomously navigates within the area to be cleaned and sucks up foreign substances such as dust from the floor. Additionally, the robot vacuum cleaner can automatically navigate and clean the cleaning area using obstacle sensors and other sensors, or it can be manually controlled to navigate and clean using a remote control wirelessly connected to the robot vacuum.

[0006] In conventional robot vacuum cleaners, the fan motor's rotation axis was formed perpendicular to the direction of airflow inside the robot vacuum. In this case, the long axis of the fan motor was positioned along the vertical direction of the robot vacuum, which caused a problem of the robot vacuum becoming too tall.

[0007] In addition, installing a high-output fan motor with an increased size would occupy more internal space in the robot vacuum cleaner, which meant that the high-output fan motor could not be installed, and there was a problem in that the motor's suction power could not be increased.

[0008] Meanwhile, Chinese patent registration CN 107920703 B discloses a robot vacuum cleaner comprising a suction motor and a dust collection unit arranged horizontally and connected to each other, and a suction unit capable of moving vertically relative to the main body of the vacuum cleaner.

[0009] However, the above-described robot vacuum cleaner has a suction path connected to the dust collection unit positioned vertically to the ground and formed by bending at a right angle. This has limitations in that the efficiency of the suction motor is reduced due to the generation of vortices and pressure loss in the airflow.

[0010]

[0011] The present invention was created to improve the problems of conventional robot vacuum cleaners as described above, and aims to provide a robot vacuum cleaner that increases the suction power and efficiency of the suction motor by arranging the rotation axis of the suction motor to intersect with the ground.

[0012] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner that enhances cleaning performance by arranging the suction motor and suction part so that the airflow path from the dust outlet to the suction motor moves in the forward and backward directions of the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0013] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner that can increase the replacement cycle of a filter by positioning the filter equipped in the dust collection unit at an angle to the ground and increasing the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter.

[0014]

[0015] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the robot vacuum cleaner according to the present invention may include: a body having a suction portion formed on its bottom surface; a dust collection unit housed inside the body and communicating with the suction portion; and a suction motor located on one side of the dust collection unit and providing suction power for the suction portion.

[0016] The suction part may include a dust outlet communicating with the other side of the dust collection part; and at least a portion of the dust outlet may be disposed between a virtual internal space extending the outer surface of the suction motor.

[0017] At this time, the angle between the rotation axis of the suction motor and the ground can be formed to be 0 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0018] The suction unit may include a suction path that guides the flow of air containing dust from the surface to be cleaned to the dust collection unit; and the rotation axis of the suction motor may be formed to intersect the ground and the longitudinal axis of the suction path.

[0019] The above intake channel may be formed to slope upward as it moves toward the intake motor.

[0020] Meanwhile, the dust collector may include a filter that restricts foreign substances from entering the suction motor; and the filter may be formed to slope downward toward the suction motor.

[0021] At this time, the angle formed between the upper surface of the filter and the upper body cover of the body may be between 5 and 15 degrees.

[0022] The dust collector may include a filter case that accommodates the filter and has an air outlet through which air is discharged from the filter toward the suction motor.

[0023] At this time, the center of the air outlet may be formed to intersect with an axis passing parallel to the ground and a longitudinal axis extending vertically through the filter.

[0024] The filter case may include a case door hinged to the upper surface of the dust collector.

[0025] The dust collector above can be detachably coupled to the body.

[0026] The dust collector may include a dust discharge pipe that discharges dust in the side direction of the body, when the direction of air flow to the suction motor is referred to as the rear.

[0027] A robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a motor connection part located between the dust collection part and the suction motor, which prevents air flowing from the dust collection part to the suction motor from leaking out to the outside.

[0028] The dust collector above may include a sensor that detects whether the filter is coupled.

[0029] A robot vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: a body having a suction portion formed on its bottom surface; a dust collection unit accommodated inside the body and communicating with the suction portion; a suction motor located on one side of the dust collection unit and providing suction power to the suction portion; and a motor connection unit connecting the dust collection unit and the suction motor.

[0030] At this time, the suction part includes a dust outlet communicating with the other side of the dust collection part; and at least a portion of the dust outlet may be positioned between a virtual line extending horizontally to the ground from the lowest end of the motor connection part and a virtual line extending horizontally to the ground from the highest end of the motor connection part.

[0031]

[0032] As explained above, according to the robot vacuum cleaner of the present invention, the rotation axis of the suction motor is arranged to intersect with the ground, thereby increasing the suction power and efficiency of the suction motor.

[0033] In addition, the suction motor and suction part are positioned so that the airflow path from the dust outlet to the suction motor moves in the forward and backward directions of the robot vacuum cleaner, thereby enhancing cleaning performance.

[0034] In addition, the filter equipped in the dust collection unit is positioned at an angle to the ground, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter is increased, which has the effect of increasing the replacement cycle of the filter.

[0035]

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robot vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 is a side view of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 3 is a bottom view of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 4 is a rear view of Figure 1.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the internal configuration of a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a dust collection unit and a suction motor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of AA' of Figure 3.

[0043] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of Figure 7.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dust collection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a dust collector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047]

[0048] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0049] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be interpreted to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0050] In describing the present invention, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components may not be limited by said terms. Such terms are used solely 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 named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0051] The term "and / or" may include a combination of multiple related listed items or any of the multiple related listed items.

[0052] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it can be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it can be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0053] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0054] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and may not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0056] In addition, the following embodiments are provided to explain more completely to those with average knowledge in the industry, and the shapes and sizes of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0057]

[0058] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robot vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a bottom view of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of FIG. 1.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the structure of the robot vacuum cleaner (200) is described as follows.

[0060] The robot vacuum cleaner (200) can automatically clean the area to be cleaned by driving itself through the area to be cleaned and sucking up foreign substances such as dust from the floor.

[0061] A robot vacuum cleaner (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to be placed on a floor and move along the floor surface to clean the floor. Accordingly, the following description will define the up and down directions based on the state in which the robot vacuum cleaner (200) is placed on the floor.

[0062] And based on a pair of wheels (260), the side where the auxiliary wheel (270) to be described later is positioned is designated as the front, and the side where the rotating cleaner (240) to be described later is positioned is designated as the rear.

[0063] The 'lowest part' of each component described in the embodiment of the present invention may be the part located lowest in each component when the robot vacuum cleaner (200) according to the embodiment of the present invention is placed on the floor for use, or the part closest to the floor.

[0064] A robot vacuum cleaner (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a body (210), a dust collection unit (220), a water tank (230), a rotating cleaning unit (240), a motor connection unit (292), a wheel (260), an auxiliary wheel (270), and a charging terminal (280).

[0065] The body (210) can form the overall shape of the robot vacuum cleaner (200). Each component forming the robot vacuum cleaner (200) can be combined with the body (210), and some components forming the robot vacuum cleaner (200) can be accommodated inside the body (210).

[0066] Specifically, the body (210) may be equipped with parts of the robot vacuum cleaner (200) in its internal space. For example, the body (210) may accommodate a battery and at least one motor in its internal space.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present invention, the body (210) may be formed in a shape where the width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction is greater than the height in the vertical direction. Such a body (210) helps the robot vacuum cleaner (200) form a stable structure and can provide a structure advantageous for avoiding obstacles while the robot vacuum cleaner (200) moves (drives).

[0068] When viewed from above or below, the body (210) can be made in various shapes, such as circular, elliptical, or square.

[0069] The body (210) can be configured by dividing it into a lower body and an upper body, and the lower body and the upper body can be combined to form a space inside.

[0070] The lower body can be combined with the upper body to form a space capable of accommodating a battery, at least one sensor, and at least one motor inside.

[0071] In the lower body, an intake part (211) into which air is introduced and a hole for accommodating a pair of wheels (260) may be formed.

[0072] The upper body cover (212) can form the upper exterior of the robot vacuum cleaner (200). Although not illustrated, the upper body may be equipped with a display.

[0073] The robot vacuum cleaner (200) of the present invention may include a bumper. The bumper is formed to be attached along the edge of the body (210) and to move relative to the body (210).

[0074] The bumper may be attached along a portion of the edge of the body (210) or along the entire edge of the body (210). At least one elastic member (not shown) may be provided between the bumper and the body (210). With this configuration, when the bumper comes into contact with an obstacle or the like and moves relative to the center of the body (210), the bumper can return to its original position by the restoring force of the elastic member (not shown), and can absorb or disperse the impact applied to the bumper, thereby preventing and reducing the transmission of impact to the body (210).

[0075]

[0076] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of FIG. 7.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the air flow path of a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0078] The suction part (211) is housed inside the body (21) and can be in communication with the dust collection part (220). Additionally, the suction part (211) may include a dust outlet (211a), a suction path (211b), an agitator (211c), and a suction port (211d).

[0079] The suction port (211d) is formed on the bottom surface of the body (210) and can be positioned between the rotating cleaner (240) and the auxiliary wheel (270). It can also be positioned between a pair of wheels (260).

[0080] The intake port (211d) may be formed with a width in the left-right direction that is longer than the width in the front-back direction. For example, the intake port (211d) may be formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the bottom surface of the body (210).

[0081] Accordingly, as the robot vacuum cleaner (200) travels on the surface to be cleaned, dust present on the surface to be cleaned can flow into the interior of the body (210) through the suction port (211d).

[0082] An agitator (211c) can be rotatably accommodated in the suction part (211). With this configuration, dust around the suction part (211) can be guided into the suction part (211) by the rotation of the agitator (211c), and the efficiency of dust suction can be increased.

[0083] The agitator (211c) is located above the suction port (211d) and is rotatably equipped with a plurality of brushes to guide external dust and air to the dust collection unit (220). At this time, the agitator (211c) may be equipped with at least one gear.

[0084] Meanwhile, the agitator (211c) according to the present embodiment may receive rotational power by having a separate agitator motor (not shown) installed, and may also receive rotational power from a driving motor according to the embodiment, and may also receive rotational power from the driving unit of the rotating cleaning unit (240).

[0085] The suction channel (211b) can guide the flow of air containing dust from the surface to be cleaned to the dust collection unit (220). Specifically, dust or air flowing into the interior of the body (210) by the rotational drive of the agitator (211c) can be moved to the dust collection unit (220) through the suction channel (211b).

[0086] The suction channel (211b) may be formed extending to the rear of the space where the agitator (211c) is accommodated and may be connected to the dust collection unit (220).

[0087] The longitudinal axis extending rearward of the intake channel (211b) may be formed to be inclined toward the ground and may be formed to be inclined toward the intake motor (290). More specifically, the angle formed by the longitudinal axis of the intake channel (211b) with the ground may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees. In other words, the intake channel (211b) may be formed to be inclined upward toward the rear.

[0088] That is, the suction path (211b) can be formed at the shortest distance to receive the rotational force of the suction motor (290). Accordingly, the suction power of the robot vacuum cleaner (200) can be improved, and the efficiency of the suction motor (290) can be increased.

[0089] A dust outlet (211a) may be formed at one end of the suction channel (211b), and the dust outlet (211a) may be connected to the dust collection unit (220) and located inside the dust collection unit (220).

[0090] Dust or air moving through the suction channel (221b) can be discharged into the interior of the dust collection unit (220) through the dust outlet (211a).

[0091] The cross-section of the dust outlet (211a) through which dust or air is discharged may be formed to be inclined toward the direction of the suction motor (290). Additionally, at least a portion of the dust outlet (211a) may be positioned between virtual internal spaces extending from the outer surface of the suction motor (290).

[0092] Additionally, at least a portion of the dust outlet (211a) may be positioned between a virtual line (b2) extending horizontally to the ground from the bottom of the motor connection (292) and a virtual line (b1) extending horizontally to the ground from the top of the motor connection (292).

[0093] For example, the dust outlet (211a) can be located between the one-third and two-thirds points of the robot vacuum cleaner's total height.

[0094] Depending on the position of the dust outlet (211a) as described above, the path of air moving to the suction motor (290) can be formed at the shortest distance. That is, the path of air is formed horizontally, which reduces pressure loss, improves the energy efficiency of the suction motor (290), increases suction power, and reduces noise.

[0095]

[0096] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dust collector according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a dust collector according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a dust collector according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, a dust collection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0098] The dust collection unit (220) may be equipped to suck in external dust and air and to store dust. A suction motor (290) may be located on one side of the dust collection unit and may be connected to a dust outlet (211a) on the other side. Accordingly, air containing dust that flows into the interior of the body (210) through the suction unit (211) can be separated into dust and air in the dust collection unit (220).

[0099] The dust collection unit (220) can be detachably coupled inside the body (210). Accordingly, when the dust collection unit (220) is filled with dust, the user can remove the dust by separating the dust collection unit (220) from the body (210).

[0100] Additionally, a handle (226) hinged to the outer surface of the dust collection unit (220) may be provided. Thus, when a user separates the dust collection unit (220) from the body (210), the dust collection unit (220) can be conveniently separated.

[0101] The dust collection unit (220) may include a dust discharge pipe (221), a dust discharge port (225), and a dust discharge pipe door (222).

[0102] The dust discharge pipe (221) may be positioned on the left or right side of the dust collection unit (220) and may be connected to the dust collection unit (220). The dust discharge pipe (221) may be a passage through which dust stored in the dust collection unit (220) is discharged to the outside of the robot vacuum cleaner (200). For example, the dust discharge pipe (221) may be formed in the shape of a rectangular pipe.

[0103] One side of the dust discharge pipe (221) can be connected to the dust discharge port (225) of the dust collection unit (220), and the other side can be connected to the dust discharge pipe door (222) positioned on the outer surface of the body (210).

[0104] The dust outlet (225) may be positioned on the left or right side of the outer surface of the dust collection unit (220), and may be opened and closed by a door that is hinged to the dust collection unit (220).

[0105] The dust discharge pipe door (222) can be opened when the robot vacuum cleaner (200) is combined with a robot vacuum cleaner station (not shown), and the dust discharge pipe door (222) can be closed when the robot vacuum cleaner station (not shown) is separated.

[0106] That is, when the robot vacuum cleaner (200) is combined with a robot vacuum cleaner station (not shown), the dust discharge pipe door (222) and the dust discharge port (225) are opened so that the dust stored in the dust collection unit (220) can be moved to the dust collection unit of the robot vacuum cleaner station.

[0107] With this configuration, when the dust collection motor of the robot vacuum cleaner station (not shown) is operated, the dust discharge pipe door (222) is elastically deformed by the driving force of the dust collection motor (145), and as the dust discharge pipe (221) opens, dust inside the dust collection unit (220) can be collected into the dust collection unit of the robot vacuum cleaner station (not shown).

[0108] Accordingly, a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention may allow a user to manually detach the dust collection unit (220) to remove dust collected in the dust collection unit (220), or it may automatically remove dust collected in the dust collection unit (220) by combining it with a robot vacuum cleaner station (not shown).

[0109] Since dust collected in the dust collection unit (220) can be removed in the two ways described above, the user does not have to remove dust separately, which increases user convenience, and at the same time, dust that is not automatically removed can be manually removed, thereby increasing cleanliness.

[0110] The dust collection unit (220) may further include a filter (223) that restricts foreign matter from entering the suction motor (290) and a filter case (224) that accommodates the filter (223).

[0111] The filter (223) can filter dust from the air passing through the air inlet (224a). For example, the filter (223) may be a HEPA filter.

[0112] The filter (223) is placed inside the dust collection unit (220) and can be placed in the path where air flows from the suction unit (211) to the suction motor (290). At this time, the filter (223) can be formed to slope downward toward the suction motor (290).

[0113] In other words, the filter (223) can be formed to be inclined relative to the horizontal plane of the ground, and the rear of the filter (223) can be formed to be closer to the ground than the front. For example, the angle formed between the upper surface of the filter (223) and the upper body cover (212) can be formed between 5 and 15 degrees.

[0114] Accordingly, a robot vacuum cleaner (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention can maximize the cross-sectional area of ​​a filter (223) in a limited space, and by maximizing the cross-sectional area, it can prevent the filter from becoming clogged.

[0115] The filter case (224) may further include an air inlet (224a), a case door (224c), a hinge shaft (224b), an air outlet (224d), and a filter cover (224e).

[0116] The air inlet (224a) can be formed in the shape of a hole so that air can be introduced into the interior of the dust case (224) and can flow air to the filter (223).

[0117] The filter cover (224e) can be placed between the air inlet (224a) and the filter (223) and combined with the interior of the filter case (224) so ​​that the filter (223) is fixed inside the filter case (224).

[0118] The filter cover (224e) is formed with a mesh structure and can primarily separate relatively large dust particles before they pass through the filter (223).

[0119] The filter cover (224e) can be formed to correspond to the outer surface of the filter (223). For example, if the filter (223) is formed in a rectangular shape, the filter cover (224e) can also be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0120] The case door (224c) may be provided with a hinge shaft (224b) that is hinge-connected to the upper surface of the dust collection unit (220), and the opposite surface where the hinge shaft (224b) is formed may be connected to the side of the dust collection unit (220).

[0121] The case door (224c) can be rotated around the hinge axis (224b) to open or close the upper surface of the dust collection unit (220).

[0122] Therefore, if the filter (223) becomes clogged or deteriorated due to use of the robot vacuum cleaner (200), the user can easily replace only the filter (223) by opening the case door (224c).

[0123] The air outlet (224a) may be formed in the shape of a hole through which air passing through the filter (223) is discharged to the suction motor (290). For example, the air outlet (224a) may be a rectangular or elliptical hole.

[0124] The center of the air outlet (224a) may be formed such that an axis passing parallel to the ground intersects with a longitudinal axis extending upward and downward.

[0125] The airflow through the suction motor (290) may have its air velocity reduced after passing through the filter. At this time, the air passing through the filter (223) can move in the direction of gravity and travel the shortest distance to the air outlet (224a) to compensate for the relative reduction in air velocity, due to the arrangement of the air outlet (224a) and the filter as described above.

[0126] Meanwhile, the air outlet (224a) may further be equipped with a film-type filter to prevent fine dust not filtered by the filter from entering the suction motor (290).

[0127] The dust collection unit (220) may further include a sensor (not shown) capable of detecting whether the filter (223) is coupled inside the filter case (224).

[0128] For example, the sensor (not shown) may include at least one of a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, a pressure sensor, and a wheel encoder.

[0129] Accordingly, the sensor (not shown) can sense when the case door (224c) is opened or when the filter (223) is separated from the filter cover (224e) and provide information to the user that the filter case (224) has been opened in the form of a signal sound.

[0130]

[0131] Referring to FIG. 5, the internal configuration of a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0132] The water container (230) is formed in the shape of a container having an internal space for storing a liquid such as water. The water container (230) is placed inside the body (210), and may be fixedly connected to the body (210) or detachably connected to the body (210).

[0133] The water tank (230) includes a supply unit (231) and a nozzle (not shown). The supply unit (231) may be provided to supply a liquid, such as water, from the outside. For example, the supply unit (231) may have an inlet formed on the rear side of the outer surface (or outer circumference) of the body (210) and may be connected to a storage space inside the water tank (230) through a water supply hose.

[0134] At this time, the supply unit (231) may be positioned on the opposite side of the left and right direction of the robot vacuum cleaner (200) in relation to the dust discharge pipe door (222). For example, if the dust discharge pipe door (222) is positioned on the rear left side of the body (210), the supply unit (231) may be positioned on the rear right side of the body (210).

[0135] Through this configuration, the robot vacuum cleaner (200) is coupled to the robot vacuum cleaner station (100), and the robot vacuum cleaner station (100) can simultaneously perform dust collection and water injection.

[0136] Meanwhile, the nozzle (not shown) is formed in the shape of a tube or pipe and is connected to the water tank (230) so that the liquid inside the water tank (230) can flow through its interior. One end of the nozzle (not shown) is connected to the water tank (230), and the other end is positioned so as to be located on the upper side or on the rotating plate of a pair of rotating plates (241), respectively, thereby allowing the liquid inside the water tank (230) to be supplied to a pair of rags (242) respectively.

[0137] That is, the nozzle (not shown) may be formed in a shape where one tube is branched into two, and in this case, one of the branched ends may be located on the upper side of the left mop and the other branched end may be located on the upper side of the right mop.

[0138] Meanwhile, although not shown, the water tank (230) is equipped with a pump to allow water inside the water tank (230) to flow through a nozzle (not shown). Therefore, when the pump of the water tank (230) is operated, the liquid stored inside the water tank (230) can be discharged to a rotating cleaner (240) through a nozzle (not shown).

[0139] The rotating cleaning unit (240) includes a rotating plate (241) and a mop (242).

[0140] The rotating plate (241) may be provided as a pair including a left rotating plate and a right rotating plate, and the mop (242) may be provided as a pair including a left mop and a right mop.

[0141] The rotating plate (241) can be rotatably positioned on the bottom surface of the body (210), and the mop (242) can be attached to the lower side.

[0142] The rotating plate (241) is formed to have a predetermined area and is formed in the shape of a flat plate or a flat frame. This rotating plate (241) is generally laid horizontally, and accordingly, is formed in a shape where the width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction is sufficiently larger than the height in the vertical direction. The rotating plate (241) attached to the body (210) may be parallel to the bottom surface or may be inclined with respect to the bottom surface. The rotating plate (241) may be formed in the shape of a circular plate, the bottom surface of the rotating plate (241) may generally be circular, and the rotating plate (241) may be formed in a rotationally symmetrical shape overall.

[0143] A pair of rotating plates (241) can be symmetrical to each other.

[0144] The mop (242) can be attached to the lower side of the rotating plate (241) so as to face the floor.

[0145] The mop (242) is formed such that the bottom surface facing the floor has a predetermined area, and the mop (242) is formed in a flat shape. The mop (242) is formed such that the width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction is sufficiently larger than the height in the vertical direction. When the mop (242) is attached to the body (210), the bottom surface of the mop (242) may be parallel to the floor or may be inclined with respect to the floor.

[0146] The bottom surface of the mop (242) can generally be circular, and the mop (242) can be formed in a rotationally symmetrical shape overall. Additionally, the mop (242) can be attached to the bottom surface of the rotating plate (241) and can be coupled to the rotating plate (241) to rotate together with the rotating plate (241).

[0147] Meanwhile, although not shown, the rotating cleaning unit (240) may be equipped with a driving unit that applies rotational force to the rotating plate (241). For example, the driving unit may be equipped with a motor and at least one gear. Thus, when the driving unit is operated, the rotating plate (241) and the mop (242) rotate to wipe and clean the floor surface.

[0148] The wheel (260) may be provided on the bottom surface of the body (210) and may be connected to a driving unit (not shown). At this time, the driving unit (not shown) may be coupled to the body (210).

[0149] The wheel (260) is provided on the body (210) and can roll on the floor.

[0150] The wheel (260) may be composed of a first driving wheel and a second driving wheel. In this case, the first driving wheel may be formed identically to the second driving wheel, or may be formed symmetrically. For example, if the first driving wheel is located on the left side of the robot vacuum cleaner (200), the second driving wheel may be located on the right side of the robot vacuum cleaner (200), and in this case, the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel may be symmetrical to each other.

[0151] The drive unit (not shown) may be comprised of a driving motor and a gear. In this case, the driving motor is housed inside the body (210) and can provide power to the wheel (260). The driving motor may include a first driving motor and a second driving motor.

[0152] The driving motor may be an electric motor. Multiple gears are configured to mesh and rotate with each other, connecting the driving motor and the wheel (260) and transmitting the rotational power of the driving motor to the wheel (260). Therefore, the wheel (260) can rotate when the rotation axis of the driving motor rotates.

[0153] With this configuration, when the driving motor is operated, the wheel (260) rotates and the body (210) can travel on the floor at a predetermined driving speed.

[0154] The auxiliary wheel (270) is provided on the lower side of the body (210) and can roll on the floor surface (surface to be cleaned). The auxiliary wheel (270) can support the body (210) on the floor surface together with a pair of wheels (260). With this configuration, the auxiliary wheel (270) can guide the movement of the robot vacuum cleaner (200) while minimizing friction between the robot vacuum cleaner (200) and the floor surface.

[0155]

[0156] FIG. 6 illustrates a dust collection unit and a suction motor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the suction motor of a robot vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0157] The suction motor (290) can generate a suction force capable of sucking in external dust and air through the suction section (211). For example, the suction motor (290) may be an electric motor. External dust and air can be drawn into the suction port (211d) by the suction force generated by the suction motor (290), and after passing through the suction path (211b), can reach the dust collection section (220).

[0158] The suction motor (290) can be mounted inside the body (210) and positioned behind the dust collection unit (220). Accordingly, air from which dust has been separated in the dust collection unit (220) can be introduced into the suction motor.

[0159] The rotation axis of the suction motor (290) can be formed to intersect the ground. More specifically, the rotation axis of the suction motor (290) can be formed such that the angle it makes with the ground is between 0 degrees and 45 degrees. For example, the rotation axis of the suction motor (290) can be formed parallel to the ground.

[0160] Accordingly, the long axis of the suction motor (290) can be formed parallel to the ground, so the overall height of the robot vacuum cleaner (200) can be reduced. That is, the total space occupied by the robot vacuum cleaner (200) is reduced, and even if the suction motor (290) is a high-output fan motor with a relatively long long axis, sufficient space can be secured for the suction motor (290) to be mounted inside the robot vacuum cleaner (200).

[0161] The rotation axis of the suction motor (290) can be formed to intersect the longitudinal axis of the suction path (211b). At this time, the point where the rotation axis of the suction motor (290) intersects the longitudinal axis of the suction path (211b) can be formed inside the dust collection unit (220).

[0162] Therefore, the air discharged from the dust outlet (211a) can flow in a direction horizontal to the ground and shorten the path to the suction motor (290). That is, the energy efficiency of the suction motor (290) can be increased, and efficient dust collection in a limited space can be achieved.

[0163] On one side of the suction motor (290), an exhaust pipe (291) may be further provided to discharge air flowing through the suction motor (290) to the outside of the body (210).

[0164] One side of the exhaust pipe (291) is connected to the intake motor (290), and the other side can be connected to the outer surface of the body (210). At this time, the direction in which the exhaust pipe (291) is extended may be the left or right direction.

[0165] For example, the exhaust pipe (291) may be formed in the shape of a circular pipe or a square pipe. Additionally, the outer surface of the exhaust pipe (291) may be formed in the shape of a mesh so that the exhaust air can be discharged smoothly.

[0166] A motor connection part (292) may be formed at the front end of the suction motor (290), positioned between the suction motor (290) and the dust collection part (220) to communicate with the suction motor (290) and the air outlet (244d).

[0167] For example, the motor connection part (292) can be formed in the shape of a square truncated pyramid, with the width decreasing as it extends in the direction of the suction motor (290).

[0168] The motor connection part (292) can prevent air flowing to the suction motor (290) from leaking out to the outside in order to maintain the suction power of the robot vacuum cleaner (200).

[0169]

[0170] Although not illustrated, the battery is configured to be coupled to the body (210) and to supply power to other components forming the robot vacuum cleaner (200). The battery can supply power to at least one motor equipped in the robot vacuum cleaner (200). For example, the battery can supply power to the motors equipped in the rotary cleaner (240), the agitator (211c), the wheel (260), and the suction motor (290).

[0171] In addition, the battery can supply power to the sensor unit (not shown) and the control unit (not shown).

[0172] The battery can be charged by an external power source, and for this purpose, a charging terminal (280) for charging may be provided on one side of the body (210). For example, the charging terminal (280) may be positioned on the rear side of the outer surface of the body (210). When the robot vacuum cleaner (200) is connected to the robot vacuum cleaner station (100), the charging terminal (280) can come into contact with the power supply terminal (123b) of the robot vacuum cleaner station (100) to receive power.

[0173] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is for the purpose of specifically explaining the invention and is not limited thereto. It is evident that modifications or improvements to the present invention are possible by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the invention.

[0174] All simple variations or modifications of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be clarified by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A body having a suction portion formed on the bottom surface; A dust collection unit housed inside the body and communicating with the suction unit; and A suction motor located on one side of the dust collection unit and providing suction power to the suction unit; Includes, The above suction part is, A dust outlet communicating with the other side of the dust collection unit above; Includes, The dust outlet mentioned above is, A robot vacuum cleaner characterized by having at least a portion disposed between virtual internal spaces extending the outer surface of the suction motor.

2. In Paragraph 1, A robot vacuum cleaner characterized by the angle between the rotation axis of the suction motor and the ground being formed to be 0 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above suction part is, A suction path that guides the flow of air containing dust from the surface to be cleaned to the dust collection unit; Includes, A robot vacuum cleaner characterized in that the rotation axis of the suction motor is formed to intersect the longitudinal axis of the ground and the suction path.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above intake path is, A robot vacuum cleaner characterized by being formed to be inclined upward as it moves toward the suction motor.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above dust collector is, A filter that restricts foreign substances from entering the above suction motor; A robot vacuum cleaner including 6. In Paragraph 5, The above filter is, A robot vacuum cleaner characterized by being formed to slope downward as it moves toward the suction motor.

7. In Paragraph 5, A robot vacuum cleaner characterized in that the angle formed by the upper surface of the filter and the upper body cover of the body is between 5 and 15 degrees.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above dust collector is, A filter case having an air outlet that accommodates a filter and allows air to be discharged from the filter to the suction motor; Includes, A robot vacuum cleaner characterized by an axis passing through the center of the air outlet in a direction parallel to the ground and a longitudinal axis extending in the vertical direction of the filter intersecting.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above filter case is, A case door hinged to the upper surface of the dust collector; A robot vacuum cleaner including 10. In Paragraph 1, The above dust collector is, A dust discharge pipe that discharges dust in the lateral direction of the body, when the direction of air flow through the above-mentioned suction motor is referred to as the rear; A robot vacuum cleaner including 11. In Paragraph 1, A motor connection part located between the dust collector and the suction motor, which prevents air flowing from the dust collector to the suction motor from leaking out to the outside; A robot vacuum cleaner that includes more.

12. A body having a suction portion formed on the bottom surface; A dust collection unit housed inside the body and communicating with the suction unit; and A suction motor located on one side of the dust collection unit and providing suction power to the suction unit; A motor connection part connecting the dust collection unit and the suction motor; Includes, The above suction part is, A dust outlet communicating with the other side of the dust collection unit above; Includes, The dust outlet mentioned above is, A robot vacuum cleaner characterized by having at least a portion positioned between a virtual line extending horizontally to the ground from the lowest end of the motor connection and a virtual line extending horizontally to the ground from the upper end of the motor connection.

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