EP1695652B1 - Automatic cleaning apparatus - Google Patents
Automatic cleaning apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1695652B1 EP1695652B1 EP06290003A EP06290003A EP1695652B1 EP 1695652 B1 EP1695652 B1 EP 1695652B1 EP 06290003 A EP06290003 A EP 06290003A EP 06290003 A EP06290003 A EP 06290003A EP 1695652 B1 EP1695652 B1 EP 1695652B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- vapor
- cleaner body
- water
- housing
- cleaning apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/34—Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
- A47L11/4083—Liquid supply reservoirs; Preparation of the agents, e.g. mixing devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
- A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
- A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
- A47L11/4086—Arrangements for steam generation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L2201/00—Robotic cleaning machines, i.e. with automatic control of the travelling movement or the cleaning operation
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to the field of automatic cleaning devices.
- a robot cleaner automatically runs around, without requiring significant input from a user, and cleans the floor by drawing in foreign substances such as dust.
- the robot cleaner confirms presence and absence of obstacles or distance to the objects in a given area such as furniture, office equipment or wall, to be able to clean without undesirable collisions.
- An exemplary robot cleaner may include a left driving wheel, a right driving wheel, and a driven wheel, all at the lower part of a cleaner body.
- Each of the driving wheels are driven in association with a driving motor.
- the driving motor is controlled by a controller and therefore, the cleaner body can shift directions.
- the cleaner body may have a suction port at a lower part, to draw in foreign substances such as dust from a surface being cleaned.
- the suction port is subject to a suction force which is generated from a suction motor additionally provided to the cleaner body.
- the suction port is fluidly connected with a dust chamber which is provided inside the cleaner body. The drawn foreign substances are collected and stored in the dust chamber.
- a robot cleaner may additionally include a floor-cloth to wipe out contaminants off from the surface being cleaned.
- the floor-cloth is generally provided on the lower part of the robot cleaner and rotates during operation. The robot cleaner runs along the floor, and removes foreign substances by drawing in air, or wiping the floor.
- the robot cleaner may not effectively wipe out stubborn dirt which is stuck and/or dried on to the floor. Accordingly, the user is required to use a wet floor-cloth, which is inconvenient.
- An automatic cleaning apparatus comprising a wet cloth is known from US 2005/015913 .
- a further automatic cleaning apparatus comprising vapor spraying means is known from US-B1-6 176 940 .
- the disclosed embodiments may solve one or more of the above problems and/or disadvantages and may provide one or more of the advantages described herein.
- an automatic cleaning apparatus such as a robot cleaner has an improved structure, which is capable of effectively removing contaminants off from a surface being cleaned.
- an automatic cleaning apparatus includes a cleaner body having a driving wheel; and a vapor spray means installed in the cleaner body, for generating a water vapor during operation, and spraying the generated water vapor toward a lower part of the cleaner body.
- the vapor spray means includes a water tank detachably mounted to the cleaner body; and a vapor generating module installed in the cleaner body in fluid connection with the water tank, for converting a water from the water tank into a vapor and spraying the converted vapor toward a lower part of the cleaner body.
- the cleaner body may include a first mount part to detachably mount the vapor generating module, and a second mount part to mount the water tank, with the first and the second mount parts being connected with each other.
- the cleaner body may include a door provided to an upper part of the cleaner body to open and close the second mount part.
- the vapor generating module includes a housing in fluid connection with the water tank, and storing a supplied water therein; a vapor generating element provided inside the housing, for generating a vapor while in operation; and a vapor spray part in fluid connection with the housing, for spraying the vapor generated from the housing toward a lower part of the cleaner body.
- the vapor spray part includes a vapor conveyance path in fluid connection with the housing, and one or more vapor spray nozzles in fluid connection with the vapor conveyance path, which are exposed toward a lower part of the cleaner body.
- a fan is installed on the vapor conveyance path to forcibly cause the vapor to spray.
- the vapor generating element may include a carbon rod which is positioned under the water of the housing, and generates a vapor in accordance with the supply of an electric signal.
- the vapor generating element may include a heater which is positioned under the water of the housing, and generates heat in accordance with the supply of an electric signal.
- the vapor generating element may include a vibrator which is positioned under the water of the housing, and generates a vapor while in operation.
- a wet floor-cloth which is further provided by rotatably mounting to a lower part of the automatic cleaning apparatus.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robot cleaner employed as an example of one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the robot cleaner of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the robot cleaner of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view provided for explanation of a vapor generating device of FIG. 2 .
- a robot cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cleaner body 10, left/right driving wheels 12 and 13 installed at the lower part of the cleaner body 10, a suction port 20 formed in the lower part of the cleaner body 10, a wet floor-cloth unit 30 installed at the lower part of the cleaner body 10, and a vapor supply device 100 installed in the cleaner body 10.
- the cleaner body 10 includes therein a dust collecting part (not shown) which collects dust from the air when the dust-laden air is drawn in through the suction port 20.
- the dust collecting part is connected with a vacuum motor to be provided with a suction force.
- the dust collecting part may include, among other things, a cyclone dust collecting unit and a dust bag.
- a sensor 11 installed on the outer side of the cleaner body 10.
- the sensor 11 is exposed to the outside of the cleaner body 10 so that the sensor can send out a signal and receive reflected signal.
- a plurality of sensors may be arranged along a side of the cleaner body 10 at predetermined intervals.
- the sensor 11 also may include a camera unit.
- the sensor 11 may also include an obstacle sensor which detects obstacles such as furniture or wall.
- the sensor 11 may also include a running distance sensor.
- the cleaner body 10 may preferably have a streamlined configuration in consideration of possible collision with obstacles during operation. As it can be referred from the bottom view of FIG. 2 , the cleaner body 10 in the embodiment illustrated is approximately circular in section.
- the left/right driving wheels 12 and 13 are selectively driven by a driving motor (not shown) which is separately provided in addition to the vacuum motor.
- the driving motor is controlled by a control part which is formed inside the cleaner body 10.
- the left/right driving wheels 12 and 13 may be provided with idle wheels 15 and 16 that passively rotate.
- the suction port 20 is located behind the left/right driving wheels 12 and 13 with reference to a running direction A of the robot cleaner 10. In other words, the suction port 20 is located at the downstream of the robot cleaner 10.
- the suction port 20 is formed to a predetermined length and in parallel relation with respect to a rotary shaft of the left/right driving wheels 12 and 13.
- the suction port 20 is extended to a predetermined length at the lower part of the cleaner body, but does not reach the side of the cleaner body 10.
- a rotary brush 21 may be provided to the suction port 20.
- the rotary brush 21 may be rotated by a driving force transmitted from the vacuum motor, or rotated by a suction force. When rotated by the suction force, a turbine is connected to the rotary brush 21.
- a wet floor-cloth unit mounting location 17 may be provided at the lower part of the cleaner body 10, for the mounting of a detachable wet floor-cloth 30.
- the wet floor-cloth unit mounting location 17 may be provided in near to the suction port 20, and recessed into the lower surface of the cleaner body 10 to a predetermined depth. Referring to FIGS.
- the wet floor-cloth unit 30 includes a unit body 31, a rotary body 33 rotatably provided to the lower part of the unit body 31 for the detachable mounting of a wet floor-cloth 32 thereto, a bi-directional rotary motor 34 which provide driving force for rotating the rotary body 33 during operation of the robot cleaner, and a driving force transmitting unit 35 which transmits the driving force of the rotary motor 34 to the rotary body 33.
- the driving force transmitting unit 35 may include a worm wheel gear 35a for engagement with the rotary body 33, and a worm gear member 35b which connects the worm wheel gear 35a with the shaft 34a of the rotary motor 34.
- the unit body 31 may be firmly secured by screws, while being inserted in the wet floor-cloth unit mounting location 17.
- the cleaner body 10 may include first and second mounting locations 18 and 19.
- the first mounting location 18 is recessed in the lower side of the cleaner body 10.
- the second mounting location 19 is recessed in the upper side of the cleaner body.
- the second mounting location 19 may be opened and closed by a door 40.
- the first mounting location 18 may be formed near the wet floor-cloth unit mounting location 17, or alternatively, may be connected with the wet floor-cloth unit mounting location 17.
- the first and second mounting locations 18 and 19 are preferably connected with each other.
- the vapor supply device 100 may include a water tank 110 which is removably mounted in the cleaner body 10, and a vapor generating module 120 also mounted in the cleaner body 10 in fluid connection with the water tank 110.
- the water tank 110 may include a water feed opening 111 through which water is supplied, and a water discharge opening 113 through which the water is fed into the vapor generating module 120.
- the water discharge opening 113 is provided with a valve to enable selective supply of water.
- the vapor generating module 120 converts the water of the water tank 110 into vapor so that the vapor can be sprayed through the lower part of the cleaner body 10.
- the vapor generating module 120 may include a housing 121 which is fluidly connected with the water tank 110 and holds a certain amount of water supplied from the water tank 110, a vapor generating element 123 which is provided inside the housing 121 and generates vapor during operation, and a vapor spray part 125.
- the housing 121 has a space to hold a predetermined amount of water therein, which may be detachably mounted at first mounting location 18.
- the housing 121 has an opening 122 on the upper part to receive water supply from the water tank 110.
- the vapor generating element 123 may include a pair of carbon rods which are positioned under the water of the housing 121.
- the carbon rods may be formed of substances such as charcoal or graphite, and therefore, form electrodes. More specifically, as plus (+) and minus (-) power is supplied from a power supply 50 to the carbon rods, the carbon rods start to be discharged and cause adjacent water to boil. As a result, steam is generated from the boiling water, and it usually takes approximately 3 to 5 seconds to generate steam.
- the carbon rods are electrically connected through connecting terminals 52 and 54.
- the connecting terminals 52 and 54 are provided to the housing 121 and the first mounting location 18 in a corresponding relation.
- the vapor generating element 123 may be a heater which vaporizes water by heating it with the supplied electricity.
- the vapor generating element 123 may be a high frequency vibrator which generates high frequency waves with a supply of electricity to decompose the water into vapor.
- the vapor generating element 123 is not limited to the examples provided herein, and may employ any adequate method of generating vapor that is available in the industrial field.
- the vapor spray part 125 may include a vapor duct 125a that connects to a side of the housing 121.
- the vapor duct 125a is connected with a vapor outlet 211a which is provided to an upper side of the housing 121.
- the vapor duct 125a includes a vapor spray nozzle 125b at a lower portion of the cleaner body 10, toward a direction which is exposed to the surface being cleaned.
- the vapor spray nozzle 125b is formed in the proximity of the wet floor-cloth 32. Accordingly, the vapor sprayed from the vapor spray nozzle 125b causes the wet floor-cloth to dampen the surface being cleaned, and cleaning efficiency improves.
- the vapor spray nozzle 125b may be formed in plural numbers at regular intervals.
- the vapor spray part 125 may further include a fan 126 mounted to the vapor duct 125a. By the rotation, the fan 126 forcibly blows the vapor from the housing 121 to discharge to the vapor spray nozzle 125b.
- an automatic cleaning apparatus having the above constructions has a vapor generating means and therefore, is able to spray vapor to a surface being cleaned to loosen stubborn dirt or dust on the surface. Then as the wet floor-cloth wipes out the loosened dirt or dust, the surface is cleaned more rapidly and with higher efficiency.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to the field of automatic cleaning devices.
- Generally, a robot cleaner automatically runs around, without requiring significant input from a user, and cleans the floor by drawing in foreign substances such as dust.
- The robot cleaner confirms presence and absence of obstacles or distance to the objects in a given area such as furniture, office equipment or wall, to be able to clean without undesirable collisions.
- An exemplary robot cleaner may include a left driving wheel, a right driving wheel, and a driven wheel, all at the lower part of a cleaner body. Each of the driving wheels are driven in association with a driving motor. The driving motor is controlled by a controller and therefore, the cleaner body can shift directions.
- The cleaner body may have a suction port at a lower part, to draw in foreign substances such as dust from a surface being cleaned. The suction port is subject to a suction force which is generated from a suction motor additionally provided to the cleaner body. The suction port is fluidly connected with a dust chamber which is provided inside the cleaner body. The drawn foreign substances are collected and stored in the dust chamber.
- A robot cleaner may additionally include a floor-cloth to wipe out contaminants off from the surface being cleaned. The floor-cloth is generally provided on the lower part of the robot cleaner and rotates during operation. The robot cleaner runs along the floor, and removes foreign substances by drawing in air, or wiping the floor.
- Because a dry floor-cloth is usually employed in such a robot cleaner, the robot cleaner may not effectively wipe out stubborn dirt which is stuck and/or dried on to the floor.
Accordingly, the user is required to use a wet floor-cloth, which is inconvenient. - An automatic cleaning apparatus comprising a wet cloth is known from
US 2005/015913 . - A further automatic cleaning apparatus comprising vapor spraying means is known from
US-B1-6 176 940 . - It is to be understood that both the following summary and the detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Neither the summary nor the description that follows is intended to define or limit the scope of the invention to the particular features mentioned in the summary or in the description
- In certain embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may solve one or more of the above problems and/or disadvantages and may provide one or more of the advantages described herein.
- In some embodiments, an automatic cleaning apparatus such as a robot cleaner has an improved structure, which is capable of effectively removing contaminants off from a surface being cleaned.
- In some exemplary embodiments, an automatic cleaning apparatus, includes a cleaner body having a driving wheel; and a vapor spray means installed in the cleaner body, for generating a water vapor during operation, and spraying the generated water vapor toward a lower part of the cleaner body.
- The vapor spray means includes a water tank detachably mounted to the cleaner body; and a vapor generating module installed in the cleaner body in fluid connection with the water tank, for converting a water from the water tank into a vapor and spraying the converted vapor toward a lower part of the cleaner body.
- The cleaner body may include a first mount part to detachably mount the vapor generating module, and a second mount part to mount the water tank, with the first and the second mount parts being connected with each other.
- The cleaner body may include a door provided to an upper part of the cleaner body to open and close the second mount part.
- The vapor generating module includes a housing in fluid connection with the water tank, and storing a supplied water therein; a vapor generating element provided inside the housing, for generating a vapor while in operation; and a vapor spray part in fluid connection with the housing, for spraying the vapor generated from the housing toward a lower part of the cleaner body.
- The vapor spray part includes a vapor conveyance path in fluid connection with the housing, and one or more vapor spray nozzles in fluid connection with the vapor conveyance path, which are exposed toward a lower part of the cleaner body.
- A fan is installed on the vapor conveyance path to forcibly cause the vapor to spray.
- The vapor generating element may include a carbon rod which is positioned under the water of the housing, and generates a vapor in accordance with the supply of an electric signal.
- The vapor generating element may include a heater which is positioned under the water of the housing, and generates heat in accordance with the supply of an electric signal.
- The vapor generating element may include a vibrator which is positioned under the water of the housing, and generates a vapor while in operation.
- A wet floor-cloth which is further provided by rotatably mounting to a lower part of the automatic cleaning apparatus.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use these embodiments and others that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robot cleaner employed as an example of one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the robot cleaner ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the robot cleaner ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view provided for explanation of a vapor generating device ofFIG. 2 . - An automatic cleaner and improved features thereof will now be disclosed in terms of various exemplary embodiments. This specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate features of the invention. The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, persons skilled in the art may effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
- In the following description, similar drawing reference numerals may be used for the same elements even in different drawings. The embodiments described, and their detailed construction and elements, are merely provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention can be carried out in a variety of ways, and does not require any of the specific features described herein. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention with unnecessary detail.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 and2 , a robot cleaner according to one embodiment of the present invention includes acleaner body 10, left/right driving wheels cleaner body 10, asuction port 20 formed in the lower part of thecleaner body 10, a wet floor-cloth unit 30 installed at the lower part of thecleaner body 10, and avapor supply device 100 installed in thecleaner body 10. - The
cleaner body 10 includes therein a dust collecting part (not shown) which collects dust from the air when the dust-laden air is drawn in through thesuction port 20. The dust collecting part is connected with a vacuum motor to be provided with a suction force. The dust collecting part may include, among other things, a cyclone dust collecting unit and a dust bag. - In an embodiment, there is a
sensor 11 installed on the outer side of thecleaner body 10. Thesensor 11 is exposed to the outside of thecleaner body 10 so that the sensor can send out a signal and receive reflected signal. A plurality of sensors may be arranged along a side of thecleaner body 10 at predetermined intervals. Thesensor 11 also may include a camera unit. Thesensor 11 may also include an obstacle sensor which detects obstacles such as furniture or wall. Thesensor 11 may also include a running distance sensor. Thecleaner body 10 may preferably have a streamlined configuration in consideration of possible collision with obstacles during operation. As it can be referred from the bottom view ofFIG. 2 , thecleaner body 10 in the embodiment illustrated is approximately circular in section. - In this embodiment, the left/
right driving wheels cleaner body 10. The left/right driving wheels idle wheels - The
suction port 20 is located behind the left/right driving wheels robot cleaner 10. In other words, thesuction port 20 is located at the downstream of therobot cleaner 10. Thesuction port 20 is formed to a predetermined length and in parallel relation with respect to a rotary shaft of the left/right driving wheels suction port 20 is extended to a predetermined length at the lower part of the cleaner body, but does not reach the side of thecleaner body 10. Arotary brush 21 may be provided to thesuction port 20. Therotary brush 21 may be rotated by a driving force transmitted from the vacuum motor, or rotated by a suction force. When rotated by the suction force, a turbine is connected to therotary brush 21. - A wet floor-cloth
unit mounting location 17 may be provided at the lower part of thecleaner body 10, for the mounting of a detachable wet floor-cloth 30. The wet floor-clothunit mounting location 17 may be provided in near to thesuction port 20, and recessed into the lower surface of thecleaner body 10 to a predetermined depth. Referring toFIGS. 2 and3 , in one illustrative embodiment, the wet floor-cloth unit 30 includes aunit body 31, arotary body 33 rotatably provided to the lower part of theunit body 31 for the detachable mounting of a wet floor-cloth 32 thereto, a bi-directionalrotary motor 34 which provide driving force for rotating therotary body 33 during operation of the robot cleaner, and a drivingforce transmitting unit 35 which transmits the driving force of therotary motor 34 to therotary body 33. The drivingforce transmitting unit 35 may include aworm wheel gear 35a for engagement with therotary body 33, and aworm gear member 35b which connects theworm wheel gear 35a with theshaft 34a of therotary motor 34. Theunit body 31 may be firmly secured by screws, while being inserted in the wet floor-clothunit mounting location 17. - The
cleaner body 10 may include first and second mountinglocations location 18 is recessed in the lower side of thecleaner body 10. The second mountinglocation 19 is recessed in the upper side of the cleaner body. The second mountinglocation 19 may be opened and closed by adoor 40. The first mountinglocation 18 may be formed near the wet floor-clothunit mounting location 17, or alternatively, may be connected with the wet floor-clothunit mounting location 17. The first and second mountinglocations - The
vapor supply device 100 may include awater tank 110 which is removably mounted in thecleaner body 10, and avapor generating module 120 also mounted in thecleaner body 10 in fluid connection with thewater tank 110. - The
water tank 110 may include awater feed opening 111 through which water is supplied, and a water discharge opening 113 through which the water is fed into thevapor generating module 120. Thewater discharge opening 113 is provided with a valve to enable selective supply of water. - The
vapor generating module 120 converts the water of thewater tank 110 into vapor so that the vapor can be sprayed through the lower part of thecleaner body 10. As shown inFIG. 4 , thevapor generating module 120 may include a housing 121 which is fluidly connected with thewater tank 110 and holds a certain amount of water supplied from thewater tank 110, avapor generating element 123 which is provided inside the housing 121 and generates vapor during operation, and avapor spray part 125. - The housing 121 has a space to hold a predetermined amount of water therein, which may be detachably mounted at first mounting
location 18. The housing 121 has anopening 122 on the upper part to receive water supply from thewater tank 110. - In one embodiment, the
vapor generating element 123 may include a pair of carbon rods which are positioned under the water of the housing 121. The carbon rods may be formed of substances such as charcoal or graphite, and therefore, form electrodes. More specifically, as plus (+) and minus (-) power is supplied from apower supply 50 to the carbon rods, the carbon rods start to be discharged and cause adjacent water to boil. As a result, steam is generated from the boiling water, and it usually takes approximately 3 to 5 seconds to generate steam. - The carbon rods are electrically connected through connecting
terminals terminals location 18 in a corresponding relation. - In another example, the
vapor generating element 123 may be a heater which vaporizes water by heating it with the supplied electricity. In yet another example, thevapor generating element 123 may be a high frequency vibrator which generates high frequency waves with a supply of electricity to decompose the water into vapor. Thevapor generating element 123 is not limited to the examples provided herein, and may employ any adequate method of generating vapor that is available in the industrial field. - The
vapor spray part 125 may include avapor duct 125a that connects to a side of the housing 121. Thevapor duct 125a is connected with a vapor outlet 211a which is provided to an upper side of the housing 121. Thevapor duct 125a includes avapor spray nozzle 125b at a lower portion of thecleaner body 10, toward a direction which is exposed to the surface being cleaned. Preferably, thevapor spray nozzle 125b is formed in the proximity of the wet floor-cloth 32. Accordingly, the vapor sprayed from thevapor spray nozzle 125b causes the wet floor-cloth to dampen the surface being cleaned, and cleaning efficiency improves. Thevapor spray nozzle 125b may be formed in plural numbers at regular intervals. - The
vapor spray part 125 may further include afan 126 mounted to thevapor duct 125a. By the rotation, thefan 126 forcibly blows the vapor from the housing 121 to discharge to thevapor spray nozzle 125b. - As described above in a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an automatic cleaning apparatus having the above constructions has a vapor generating means and therefore, is able to spray vapor to a surface being cleaned to loosen stubborn dirt or dust on the surface. Then as the wet floor-cloth wipes out the loosened dirt or dust, the surface is cleaned more rapidly and with higher efficiency.
- The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Also, the description of the embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (6)
- An automatic cleaning apparatus, comprising:a) a cleaner body (10) having at least one driving wheel (12, 13); andb) a wet floor-cloth (30) which is rotatably mounted to a lower part of the automatic cleaning apparatus; andc) a vapor spray means (100) installed in the cleaner body (10), for generating a water vapor during operation, and spraying the generated water vapor toward a lower part of the cleaner body, the vapor spray means (100) comprising:- a water tank (110) detachably mounted to the cleaner body (10); and- a vapor generating module (120) installed in the cleaner body (10) in fluid connection with the water tank (110), for converting a water from the water tank (110) into a vapor and spraying the converted vapor toward a lower part of the cleaner body (10); the vapor generating module (120) comprising a housing (121) in fluid connection with the water tank (110), and storing a supplied water therein; a vapor generating element (123) provided inside the housing (121), for generating a vapor while in operation; and a vapor spray part (125) in fluid connection with the housing (121) for spraying the vapor generated from the housing (121) toward a lower part of the cleaner body (10); the vapor spray part (125) comprising a vapor conveyance path (125a) in fluid connection with the housing (121), and one or more vapor spray nozzles (125b) in fluid connection with the vapor conveyance path (125a), which are exposed toward a lower part of the cleaner body (10), a fan (126) being installed on the vapor conveyance path (125a) to force the vapor against a surface to be cleaned.
- The automatic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaner body (10) comprises a first mounting location (18) to detachably mount the vapor generating module (120), and a second mounting location (19) to mount the water tank (110), with the first (18) and the second (19) mounting locations being connected with each other.
- The automatic cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cleaner body (10) comprises a door (40) provided to an upper part of the cleaner body (10) to open and close the second mounting location (19).
- The automatic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vapor generating element (123) comprises a carbon rod which is positioned under the water of the housing (121), and generates a vapor when electricity is applied to the rod.
- The automatic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vapor generating element (123) comprises a heater which is positioned under the water of the housing (121), and electrically generates heat.
- The automatic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the vapor generating element (123) comprises a vibrator which is positioned under the water of the housing, and generates a vapor while in operation.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020050015491A KR100661339B1 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2005-02-24 | Automatic cleaning apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1695652A1 EP1695652A1 (en) | 2006-08-30 |
EP1695652B1 true EP1695652B1 (en) | 2008-09-17 |
Family
ID=36579167
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP06290003A Expired - Fee Related EP1695652B1 (en) | 2005-02-24 | 2006-01-03 | Automatic cleaning apparatus |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060185690A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1695652B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2006231028A (en) |
KR (1) | KR100661339B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1823677A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006200307A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602006002760D1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2326577C2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3498143B1 (en) * | 2013-11-12 | 2022-04-06 | iRobot Corporation | Autonomous surface cleaning robot |
EP3453300B1 (en) * | 2013-11-12 | 2023-10-18 | iRobot Corporation | Cleaning pad |
Families Citing this family (84)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8412377B2 (en) | 2000-01-24 | 2013-04-02 | Irobot Corporation | Obstacle following sensor scheme for a mobile robot |
US6956348B2 (en) | 2004-01-28 | 2005-10-18 | Irobot Corporation | Debris sensor for cleaning apparatus |
US6690134B1 (en) | 2001-01-24 | 2004-02-10 | Irobot Corporation | Method and system for robot localization and confinement |
US7571511B2 (en) | 2002-01-03 | 2009-08-11 | Irobot Corporation | Autonomous floor-cleaning robot |
US7663333B2 (en) | 2001-06-12 | 2010-02-16 | Irobot Corporation | Method and system for multi-mode coverage for an autonomous robot |
US8428778B2 (en) | 2002-09-13 | 2013-04-23 | Irobot Corporation | Navigational control system for a robotic device |
US7332890B2 (en) | 2004-01-21 | 2008-02-19 | Irobot Corporation | Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods |
JP2008508572A (en) | 2004-06-24 | 2008-03-21 | アイロボット コーポレーション | Portable robot programming and diagnostic tools |
US7706917B1 (en) | 2004-07-07 | 2010-04-27 | Irobot Corporation | Celestial navigation system for an autonomous robot |
US8972052B2 (en) | 2004-07-07 | 2015-03-03 | Irobot Corporation | Celestial navigation system for an autonomous vehicle |
ATE523130T1 (en) | 2005-02-18 | 2011-09-15 | Irobot Corp | SELF-DRIVEN SURFACE CLEANING ROBOT FOR WET AND DRY CLEANING |
US8392021B2 (en) | 2005-02-18 | 2013-03-05 | Irobot Corporation | Autonomous surface cleaning robot for wet cleaning |
US7620476B2 (en) | 2005-02-18 | 2009-11-17 | Irobot Corporation | Autonomous surface cleaning robot for dry cleaning |
US8930023B2 (en) | 2009-11-06 | 2015-01-06 | Irobot Corporation | Localization by learning of wave-signal distributions |
US7850931B2 (en) * | 2005-08-11 | 2010-12-14 | American Sterilizer Company | Self-contained deactivation device |
DE602006009149D1 (en) | 2005-12-02 | 2009-10-22 | Irobot Corp | MODULAR ROBOT |
ES2522926T3 (en) | 2005-12-02 | 2014-11-19 | Irobot Corporation | Autonomous Cover Robot |
EP2544065B1 (en) | 2005-12-02 | 2017-02-08 | iRobot Corporation | Robot system |
ES2378138T3 (en) | 2005-12-02 | 2012-04-09 | Irobot Corporation | Robot covering mobility |
EP2023788B1 (en) | 2006-05-19 | 2011-09-07 | iRobot Corporation | Removing debris from cleaning robots |
US8417383B2 (en) | 2006-05-31 | 2013-04-09 | Irobot Corporation | Detecting robot stasis |
KR100854015B1 (en) * | 2006-09-06 | 2008-08-26 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot cleaner |
KR100848568B1 (en) * | 2007-04-30 | 2008-07-30 | (주)경민메카트로닉스 | Robot cleaner with watercloth |
EP2155032B1 (en) * | 2007-05-09 | 2015-12-02 | iRobot Corporation | Compact autonomous coverage robot |
KR101369220B1 (en) * | 2007-05-15 | 2014-03-06 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Suction Brush of Vacuum Cleaner for both Vacuum Cleaning and Steam Cleaning |
KR20080069939A (en) * | 2008-06-20 | 2008-07-29 | 박광환 | Automatic robot cleaner and control method |
KR100945264B1 (en) | 2009-08-11 | 2010-03-05 | 김용오 | Table sterilizer having dryer |
KR101154822B1 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2012-06-08 | 한경희 | vacuum cleaner |
KR101152288B1 (en) * | 2010-03-11 | 2012-06-08 | 한경희 | vacuum cleaner |
CN102858470B (en) * | 2010-04-15 | 2015-11-25 | 阿尔弗雷德·凯驰两合公司 | Steam appliance |
KR101138657B1 (en) * | 2010-06-21 | 2012-04-19 | (주)마미로봇 | Robot cleaner |
KR101230147B1 (en) * | 2010-10-25 | 2013-02-05 | 이재하 | Cleaning Robot for Wet Rag Sweeping |
KR200458863Y1 (en) * | 2011-03-22 | 2012-03-15 | 어수곤 | robot cleaner |
GB2494443B (en) * | 2011-09-09 | 2013-08-07 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Autonomous surface treating appliance |
GB2494446B (en) * | 2011-09-09 | 2013-12-18 | Dyson Technology Ltd | Autonomous cleaning appliance |
US11272822B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2022-03-15 | Irobot Corporation | Mobile floor cleaning robot with pad holder |
US9615712B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2017-04-11 | Irobot Corporation | Mobile floor cleaning robot |
CN103584804B (en) * | 2013-11-21 | 2017-02-08 | 中山市金舜家庭用品有限公司 | Automatic ground cleaner |
CN104433966B (en) * | 2013-11-21 | 2017-06-09 | 中山市金舜家庭用品有限公司 | A kind of Automatic ground cleaner |
CN104771113A (en) * | 2014-01-14 | 2015-07-15 | 深圳市银星智能科技股份有限公司 | Robot cleaner |
CN104771112B (en) * | 2014-01-14 | 2018-04-24 | 深圳市银星智能科技股份有限公司 | A kind of clean robot |
KR102158695B1 (en) * | 2014-02-12 | 2020-10-23 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | robot cleaner and a control method of the same |
CN205493720U (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2016-08-24 | Lg电子株式会社 | Robot cleaner |
KR101641262B1 (en) | 2014-12-01 | 2016-07-20 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot cleaner |
KR102266928B1 (en) * | 2014-12-02 | 2021-06-18 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Mop module and robot cleaner having the same |
US10292553B1 (en) | 2014-12-16 | 2019-05-21 | Bobsweep Inc. | Mopping extension for a robotic vacuum |
US9265396B1 (en) | 2015-03-16 | 2016-02-23 | Irobot Corporation | Autonomous floor cleaning with removable pad |
US9907449B2 (en) * | 2015-03-16 | 2018-03-06 | Irobot Corporation | Autonomous floor cleaning with a removable pad |
US20160363339A1 (en) * | 2015-06-12 | 2016-12-15 | Lunatech, Llc | Remotely Controllable System For Localized Air Sensing |
KR101692737B1 (en) * | 2015-09-23 | 2017-01-04 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot Cleaner |
US10231592B1 (en) * | 2016-03-02 | 2019-03-19 | AI Incorporated | Robotic floor cleaning device |
CN105832253A (en) * | 2016-04-28 | 2016-08-10 | 黑龙江真美广播通讯器材有限公司 | Intelligent household cleaning device |
US9968234B2 (en) | 2016-06-15 | 2018-05-15 | Hobot Technology Inc. | Automatic cleaning machine |
KR101903022B1 (en) | 2016-07-14 | 2018-10-01 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot Cleaner |
KR102014760B1 (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2019-10-22 | 주식회사 파인로보틱스 | Multifunction vacuum cleaner |
CN106264350A (en) * | 2016-09-18 | 2017-01-04 | 张舒维 | A kind of supermarket cleaning vehicle with real-time controlling the water circulation function |
JP6814625B2 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2021-01-20 | 株式会社マキタ | Robot polisher |
US10595698B2 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2020-03-24 | Irobot Corporation | Cleaning pad for cleaning robot |
CN207707866U (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2018-08-10 | 深圳市兴龙辉科技有限公司 | Cleaning device |
KR102033936B1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2019-10-18 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot Cleaner |
KR102011827B1 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2019-08-19 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot Cleaner And Controlling Method Thereof |
KR102021828B1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2019-09-17 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Cleaner |
KR102014141B1 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2019-10-21 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot Cleaner |
KR102014142B1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2019-08-26 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot Cleaner |
KR102024089B1 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2019-09-23 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot Cleaner |
KR102000068B1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2019-07-15 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Cleaner |
KR102014140B1 (en) * | 2017-08-07 | 2019-08-26 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot Cleaner |
US10678254B1 (en) * | 2017-09-28 | 2020-06-09 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Automated drive units with cleaning modules for inventory systems |
US11219347B2 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2022-01-11 | Bissell Inc. | Robotic cleaner |
GB2607257B (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2023-03-29 | Bissell Inc | Robotic cleaner with sweeper and rotating dusting pads |
US10806314B2 (en) * | 2018-01-05 | 2020-10-20 | Irobot Corporation | Wet floorcare robot cleaner tank latch |
KR102045003B1 (en) | 2018-01-25 | 2019-11-14 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Controlling Method of Robot Cleaner |
CN108309160A (en) * | 2018-04-19 | 2018-07-24 | 魔水科技(北京)有限公司 | A kind of sweeper chlorination equipment |
CN208851402U (en) * | 2018-05-18 | 2019-05-14 | 江苏美的清洁电器股份有限公司 | Cistern assembly and sweeping robot for sweeping robot |
KR102021824B1 (en) * | 2018-09-17 | 2019-09-17 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Robot Cleaner |
CN111743459A (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2020-10-09 | 北京石头世纪科技股份有限公司 | Intelligent cleaning system, autonomous robot and base station |
CN109833007B (en) * | 2019-04-04 | 2024-04-12 | 佛山市顺德区盛熙电器制造有限公司 | Steam storage type automatic ground steam cleaning device and working method thereof |
CN109864670A (en) * | 2019-04-04 | 2019-06-11 | 佛山市顺德区盛熙电器制造有限公司 | The automatic ground steam cleaning appliance of heat storage type and its working method |
KR102207616B1 (en) * | 2019-04-11 | 2021-01-26 | 주식회사 리페코 | Wet cleaner for fine dust removal |
KR102309305B1 (en) * | 2019-11-19 | 2021-10-06 | 엘지전자 주식회사 | Cleaner |
KR102465646B1 (en) * | 2020-08-27 | 2022-11-11 | (주)쓰리엠탑 | 3 mob robot cleaner |
KR20210030303A (en) * | 2020-10-23 | 2021-03-17 | (주)쓰리엠탑 | Docking station of 3 mob robot cleaner |
CN114271733A (en) * | 2021-12-30 | 2022-04-05 | 深圳市优必选科技股份有限公司 | Floor sweeping robot and control method thereof |
CN114476097A (en) * | 2021-12-31 | 2022-05-13 | 中国民用航空飞行学院 | Monitoring device for aircraft that can self-cleaning camera lens |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR722755A (en) * | 1930-09-09 | 1932-03-25 | Machine for dusting, stain removal and cleaning of laid floors and carpets | |
CA2123740C (en) * | 1993-05-19 | 2002-12-17 | Hee-Gwon Chae | Electric vacuum cleaner |
DE19545517C2 (en) * | 1995-12-06 | 1998-12-03 | Iren Dornier | Steam cleaning device |
JP2001506901A (en) * | 1996-12-24 | 2001-05-29 | ワン,ケビン・ダブリュー | Carpet purifier |
US6571421B1 (en) * | 2000-10-03 | 2003-06-03 | John Chun Kuen Sham | Vacuum cleaner and steamer apparatus |
US6457206B1 (en) * | 2000-10-20 | 2002-10-01 | Scott H. Judson | Remote-controlled vacuum cleaner |
KR100430994B1 (en) * | 2002-02-28 | 2004-05-12 | 삼성광주전자 주식회사 | Steam jet apparatus for cleaner |
KR20030082040A (en) * | 2002-04-16 | 2003-10-22 | 삼성광주전자 주식회사 | Robot cleaner |
KR100507928B1 (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2005-08-17 | 삼성광주전자 주식회사 | Robot cleaner |
KR20050012047A (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2005-01-31 | 삼성광주전자 주식회사 | Robot cleaner having a rotating damp cloth |
US20060150363A1 (en) * | 2005-01-11 | 2006-07-13 | Goodway Electrical Company, Ltd. | Floor cleaning apparatus and method |
KR100633446B1 (en) * | 2005-02-24 | 2006-10-13 | 삼성광주전자 주식회사 | Mobile robot having humidifier |
-
2005
- 2005-02-24 KR KR1020050015491A patent/KR100661339B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2005-08-30 JP JP2005248908A patent/JP2006231028A/en active Pending
- 2005-11-09 US US11/269,674 patent/US20060185690A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-12-28 CN CNA2005101357820A patent/CN1823677A/en active Pending
- 2005-12-29 RU RU2005141220/11A patent/RU2326577C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2006
- 2006-01-03 DE DE602006002760T patent/DE602006002760D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-01-03 EP EP06290003A patent/EP1695652B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-01-24 AU AU2006200307A patent/AU2006200307A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3498143B1 (en) * | 2013-11-12 | 2022-04-06 | iRobot Corporation | Autonomous surface cleaning robot |
EP3453300B1 (en) * | 2013-11-12 | 2023-10-18 | iRobot Corporation | Cleaning pad |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
RU2005141220A (en) | 2007-07-10 |
AU2006200307A1 (en) | 2006-09-07 |
DE602006002760D1 (en) | 2008-10-30 |
JP2006231028A (en) | 2006-09-07 |
RU2326577C2 (en) | 2008-06-20 |
KR20060094374A (en) | 2006-08-29 |
CN1823677A (en) | 2006-08-30 |
EP1695652A1 (en) | 2006-08-30 |
KR100661339B1 (en) | 2006-12-27 |
US20060185690A1 (en) | 2006-08-24 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP1695652B1 (en) | Automatic cleaning apparatus | |
JP2637060B2 (en) | Vacuum cleaner with steam injection device | |
CN109805832B (en) | Dirty liquid recovery subassembly and surface cleaning equipment | |
KR101340423B1 (en) | A Stick Type Vacuum Cleaner | |
KR100814507B1 (en) | rotation wet duster combined omnidirectional vacuum steam cleaner | |
JP2004351234A (en) | Steam jet type cleaning apparatus | |
CN109864658B (en) | Surface cleaning head for a steam cleaning device | |
CN109758055B (en) | Surface cleaning head for steam cleaning machine | |
KR20170034362A (en) | robot cleaner | |
KR100829544B1 (en) | Vacuum and steam cleaner | |
CN210541312U (en) | Integrative device of drying is washd in keyboard dust absorption | |
KR200408331Y1 (en) | A steam cleaner | |
EP4356808A1 (en) | Cleaning apparatus | |
EP3082545B1 (en) | Steam cleaner for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces | |
JP4592584B2 (en) | Wet vacuum cleaner | |
EP0717952B1 (en) | A device for cleaning surfaces | |
CN112716393A (en) | Floor sweeping robot | |
CN216876227U (en) | Cleaning device | |
KR100654818B1 (en) | Vacuum cleaner having steam cleaning function | |
KR20060064404A (en) | A vacuum cleaner use combination of steam | |
CN219048248U (en) | Floor brush assembly and floor cleaning device | |
KR102329176B1 (en) | Vacuum cleaner | |
KR102206564B1 (en) | Cleaner | |
CN115736727A (en) | Multifunctional surface cleaning system with multiple cleaning components | |
KR200290400Y1 (en) | Vacuum steam cleaner |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20061016 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20061128 |
|
AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 602006002760 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20081030 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20081228 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20090618 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080917 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090801 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20091030 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090202 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20100103 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20100103 |