EP4122371A1 - Cleaner - Google Patents

Cleaner Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4122371A1
EP4122371A1 EP20925488.7A EP20925488A EP4122371A1 EP 4122371 A1 EP4122371 A1 EP 4122371A1 EP 20925488 A EP20925488 A EP 20925488A EP 4122371 A1 EP4122371 A1 EP 4122371A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
rotary plate
cleaner
rib
plate
central
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP20925488.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4122371A4 (en
Inventor
Minwoo Lee
Jaewon Jang
Youngbin KIM
Yeongjae LEE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Publication of EP4122371A1 publication Critical patent/EP4122371A1/en
Publication of EP4122371A4 publication Critical patent/EP4122371A4/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40Parts 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
    • A47L11/4063Driving means; Transmission means therefor
    • A47L11/4066Propulsion of the whole machine
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/29Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid
    • A47L11/30Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction
    • A47L11/302Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction having rotary tools
    • A47L11/305Floor-scrubbing machines characterised by means for taking-up dirty liquid by suction having rotary tools the tools being disc brushes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40Parts 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
    • A47L11/4036Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • A47L11/4038Disk shaped surface treating tools

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a cleaner and, more particularly, to a cleaner capable of preventing foreign matters from entering through a gap formed between a body and a rotary plate.
  • a cleaner is a cleaning device vacuuming foreign matters such as dust from a floor or wiping the foreign matters on the floor. Recently, a cleaner capable of mopping has been developed. In addition, a robotic cleaner is a device that automatically cleans while self-driving.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a conventional robotic cleaner.
  • the conventional robotic cleaner 1 is configured such that a pair of rotary plates 3 is disposed in the left and right directions and is rotatably coupled to a body 2, and a mop (not shown) is attached to the rotary plate 3 to wipe a floor.
  • the rotary plate 3 is fastened to a shaft 4 to receive rotational power by the shaft 4, and the shaft 4 is supported through a bearing 5 to rotate in the body 1.
  • the shaft 4 is rotated by a driving part (not shown).
  • the robotic cleaner 1 has a gap formed between a rotary plate 3 and a body 2. That is, since the rotary plate 3 is configured to rotate, the rotary plate 3 is disposed to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the body 2 without contacting the bottom surface, so that the gap is formed between the rotary plate 3 and the body 2.
  • Patent Document 1 Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2008-0065477 discloses a vacuum cleaner serving a double purpose of vacuum cleaning and steam cleaning.
  • a mop attachment plate in which a mop is attached to a body is configured to rotate as well.
  • foreign matters such as liquid, hair, fine particles, etc. may easily enter between the mop attachment plate and the body through the exposed upper side of the mop attachment plate.
  • the hair is wound around a rotating shaft of the rotary plate and acts as a rotational resistance against a motor, and the fine particles act as a rotational resistance against the rotary plate when being caught between the rotary plate and the body.
  • Patent Document 1 Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2008-0065477 (on July 7, 2008 )
  • the present disclosure is devised to solve the above problems, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner capable of preventing foreign matters from entering a gap between a body and a rotary plate by forming ribs on at least one side of the body and the rotary plate.
  • the cleaner according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a cleaner capable of performing cleaning by rotatably coupling a rotary plate to a body and attaching a mop to the rotary plate, wherein the cleaner is provided with a prevention part between the body and the rotary plate to prevent foreign matters from entering between the body and the rotary plate.
  • the cleaner includes: a body; a rotary plate having a lower side coupled to a mop facing a floor and rotatably coupled to the body; and a prevention part provided on at least one of the body and the rotary plate so that a distance between the body and the rotary plate is minimized, and preventing foreign matters from entering between the body and the rotary plate.
  • the rotary plate may include a central plate rotatably fastened to the body; an outer plate having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the central plate and disposed along a circumference of the central plate; and a plurality of spokes connecting the central plate and the outer plate to each other and disposed to be spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the central plate to form through holes.
  • the prevention part may be configured to prevent foreign matters from entering a gap between the body and the rotary plate.
  • the prevention part may include: an outer rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape to be disposed outside a radial direction of the rotary plate so as to surround the rotary plate; and an inner rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate between the outer rib and a rotating shaft of the rotary plate.
  • the outer rib may be disposed to be spaced apart from an end of the rotary plate so as not to contact the rotary plate.
  • the outer rib may be configured as a protrusion disposed so as to overlap the rotary plate by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotary plate.
  • the inner rib may guide introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes.
  • the inner rib may be configured to protrude from the body so as to face the central plate.
  • the inner rib may be configured to protrude from the body so as to face the through holes.
  • the prevention part may further include a central rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate between the outer rib and the inner rib.
  • the central rib may be configured to protrude from the body so as to face the outer plate.
  • central rib may be configured as a protrusion formed smaller than a protrusion of the inner rib.
  • the prevention part may include: a central rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate; and an auxiliary rib configured to protrude from the rotary plate in a ring shape so as to face the body.
  • the auxiliary rib may be disposed adjacent to an inner side of the central rib while maintaining a minimum distance not in contact with the central rib.
  • the prevention part may further include an inner rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate between the central rib and a rotating shaft of the rotary plate.
  • the inner rib may be configured to protrude from the body so as to face the central plate or the through holes and guides introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes.
  • the prevention part may further include an outer rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape to be disposed outside a radial direction of the rotary plate so as to surround the rotary plate.
  • the outer rib may be disposed to be spaced apart from an end of the rotary plate so as not to contact the rotary plate, and a protrusion of the outer rib may be disposed so as to overlap the rotary plate by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotary plate.
  • the body of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a bearing fastener to which a bearing rotatably supporting a rotating shaft is fastened, the rotating shaft being fastened to the rotary plate to provide rotational power.
  • the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a bearing cover part protruding from the bearing fastener toward a rotary plate side so as to minimize the distance between the body and the rotary plate and preventing the foreign matters from entering a bearing side.
  • the bearing cover part may include: a support part extending from the bearing fastener and protruding toward the rotary plate side; and a cover part protruding from the support part in a direction of the rotating shaft and formed to cover at least a part of a lower side of the bearing.
  • the rotary plate of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of rotary plates rotatably coupled to the body, and the prevention parts may be respectively formed between the body and the plurality of rotary plates.
  • the cleaner provided by the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an effect of preventing foreign matters from entering the gap between the body and the rotary plate by forming the ribs on at least one side of the body and the rotary plate.
  • first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components may not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.
  • first component may be referred to as a second component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as a first component.
  • the term "and/or" may include a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.
  • a prevention part and a bearing cover part are provided by a prevention part and a bearing cover part, and since such a prevention part and a bearing cover part are configured to be formed between a body and a rotary plate, the prevention part and the bearing cover part may be configured and used in a robotic cleaner or a stick-type cleaner with which a user directly operates.
  • the prevention part and the bearing cover part which are main features of the present disclosure, are described based on the exemplary embodiment applied to a robotic cleaner.
  • the configuration applied to the robotic cleaner just corresponds to an exemplary embodiment, and may be applied to any cleaner in which the body and the rotary plate rotate relative to each other, such as the stick-type cleaner.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively a perspective view and an exploded perspective view schematically showing a cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a rotary plate and a mop by separating the rotary plate and the mop from the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively a perspective view and an exploded perspective view schematically showing a bottom surface of a body from which the mop is removed in the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a lower body extracted from the cleaner
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the rotary plate, a bearing, and a shaft extracted from the cleaner.
  • a cleaner 10 may include a body 100, a rotary plate 300, and a mop 20.
  • the cleaner 10 of the present disclosure may be implemented as a robotic cleaner capable of performing cleaning work by automatic driving, for example.
  • the cleaner 10 may further include a controller (not shown), a bumper 190, a first sensor 200, and a second sensor 210.
  • the controller may be configured to control the operation of a first actuator 160 and a second actuator 170 described below according to preset information or real-time information.
  • the cleaner 10 may be provided with a storage medium in which an application program is stored.
  • the controller may be configured to control the cleaner 10 by running the application program according to information input to the cleaner 10 or information output from the cleaner 10, etc.
  • the bumper 190 is coupled to the body 100 along the rim of the body 100 and is configured to move relative to the body 100.
  • the bumper 190 may be coupled to the body 100 so as to be reciprocally movable along a direction approaching a center of the body 100.
  • the bumper 190 may be coupled to the body 100 along a part of the rim of the body 100, or may be coupled to the body 100 along the entire rim of the body 100.
  • the bumper 190 may be made to have the same height as or a height lower than that of the body 100. Accordingly, when an obstacle in a relatively low position collides with the bumper 190, the obstacle may be detected by the bumper 190.
  • the first sensor 200 may be coupled to the body 100 and configured to detect a movement (i.e., relative movement) of the bumper 190 with respect to the body 100.
  • a movement i.e., relative movement
  • Such a first sensor 200 may be realized using a micro switch, a photo interrupter, a tact switch, or the like.
  • the controller may control the cleaner 10 so as to move avoiding an obstacle when the bumper 190 of the cleaner 10 contacts the obstacle, and may be configured to control the operation of the first actuator 160 and/or the second actuator 170 according to the information generated by the first sensor 200. For example, in the case where the bumper 190 comes into contact with an obstacle while the cleaner 10 is driving, a position where the bumper 190 contacts the obstacle may be identified by the first sensor 200, and the controller may control the operation of the first actuator 160 and/or the second actuator 170 so as to enable the cleaner to escape from the contacted position.
  • the second sensor 210 is coupled to the body 100 and may be configured to sense a relative distance to an obstacle.
  • the second sensor 210 may be realized by a distance sensor.
  • the controller 10 changes a driving direction of the cleaner 10, or may control the operation of the first actuator 160 and/or the second actuator 170 so as to enable the cleaner 10 to move away from the obstacle.
  • the body 100 forms the overall appearance of the cleaner 10, or may be formed in a frame shape of the cleaner 10. Each part constituting the cleaner 10 may be coupled to the body 100, and some parts constituting the cleaner 10 may be accommodated in the body 100.
  • the body 100 may be divided into a lower body 110 and an upper body 120, and components of the cleaner 10 may be provided in a space formed by coupling the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 to each other.
  • the body 100 may be configured in a form having a larger width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction (i.e., X-axis and Y-axis direction) than a height in the vertical direction (i.e., Z-axis direction).
  • a body 100 may provide a structure that is advantageous in helping to stably operate the cleaner when moving (i.e., driving) and in avoiding obstacles.
  • the body 100 When viewed from above or below, the body 100 may be formed in various shapes, such as a circle, an oval, or a square.
  • the rotary plate 300 is made to have a predetermined area and configured in the form of a flat plate, a flat frame, or the like. While being coupled to the body 100, such a rotary plate 300 may be parallel to or inclined with the bottom surface of the body.
  • the rotary plate 300 may be configured in the form of a circular plate, and a bottom surface of the rotary plate 300 may generally have a circular shape.
  • the rotary plate 300 may be configured to have a rotationally symmetrical shape as a whole.
  • the rotary plate 300 may include a central plate 310, an outer plate 320, and a spoke 330.
  • the central plate 310 is rotatably coupled to the body 100 while forming the center of the rotary plate 300.
  • the central plate 310 may be coupled to a lower side of the body 100 and coupled to the body 100 while an upper surface of the central plate 310 faces a bottom surface of the body 100.
  • the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300 may be provided along a direction passing through the center of the central plate 310.
  • the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300 may be provided along a direction orthogonal to the bottom surface of the body, or may be inclined at a predetermined angle in the direction orthogonal to the bottom surface thereof.
  • the outer plate 320 is configured in a form surrounding the central plate 310 and being spaced apart from the central plate 310.
  • a plurality of spokes 330 connects the central plate 310 and the outer plate 320 to each other, and is provided repeatedly along the circumferential direction of the central plate 310.
  • Each of the spokes 330 may be arranged at an equal interval, a plurality of through holes 340 penetrating vertically between the spokes 330 is provided, and a liquid (e.g., water) discharged from a water supply tube 240 to be described later may be transferred toward the mop 20 through the through holes 340.
  • a liquid e.g., water
  • a plurality of rotary plates 300 may be provided and rotatably coupled to the body 100.
  • two rotary plates may be provided to be disposed side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cleaner 10 drives, that is, in the left and right directions.
  • a pair of rotary plates 300 may be symmetrical to each other.
  • the bottom surface of the mop 20 facing a floor is made to have a predetermined area, and the mop 20 is formed in a flat shape.
  • the mop 20 is formed in a shape having a sufficiently large width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction than the height of the mop in the vertical direction.
  • the bottom surface of the mop 20 may be parallel to the bottom surface of the body, or may be inclined with the bottom surface of the body.
  • the bottom surface of the mop 20 may have a generally circular shape.
  • the mop 20 may be configured in a rotationally symmetrical form as a whole.
  • the mop 20 may be made of a variety of materials capable of wiping a floor while contacting the floor.
  • the bottom surface of the mop 20 may be made of materials such as woven or knitted fabric, a non-woven fabric, and/or a brush having a predetermined area.
  • the mop 20 is detachably attached to the bottom surface of the rotary plate 300, is coupled to the rotary plate 300, and is configured to rotate together with the rotary plate 300.
  • the mop 20 may be in close contact with and coupled to the bottom surface of the outer plate 320, and may be in close contact with and coupled to the bottom surfaces of the central plate 310 and the outer plate 320.
  • the mop 20 may be detachably attached to the rotary plate 300 by using various devices and methods.
  • at least a part of the mop 20 may be coupled to the rotary plate 300 in a method such as hitching, fitting, etc. to the rotary plate 300.
  • a separate device such as a clamp, for coupling the mop 20 and the rotary plate 300 to each other may be provided.
  • a first part of a fastening device having a pair of parts coupled to and separated from each other may be fixed to the mop 20 and a second part of the fastening device may be fixed to the rotary plate 300.
  • a pair of magnets that attract each other, a pair of Velcro coupled to each other, a pair of buttons (i.e., female button and male button) coupled to each other, etc. may be used.
  • the mop 20 and the rotary plate 300 may be coupled to each other in the form of overlapping each other, and the mop 20 may be coupled to the rotary plate 300 so that the center of the mop 20 matches the center of the rotary plate 300.
  • the cleaner 10 may be configured to go straight along a surface of a floor.
  • the cleaner 10 may go straight forward (i.e., X-axis direction) when cleaning, or may go straight backward when it is necessary to avoid an obstacle or a stepped floor edge.
  • the cleaner 10 may move while rotating in the left and right directions (i.e., Y-axis direction) by varying the rotational speeds of a pair of rotary plates 300 disposed side by side in the left and right directions (i.e., Y-axis direction). That is, on the basis of the movement in which the second sensor 210 moves in the forward direction, when the rotational speed of the rotation plate 300 on the left is made faster than the rotational speed of the rotary plate 300 on the right, or when the rotary plate 300 on the left does not rotate while the rotary plate 300 on the left rotates, the cleaner 10 may move while rotating in the right direction with respect to the moving direction.
  • the cleaner 10 may move while rotating in the left direction with respect to the moving direction.
  • the cleaner 10 includes a first actuator 160, a second actuator 170, a battery 220, a water container 230, and a water supply tube 240.
  • the first actuator 160 is configured to be coupled to the body 100 so as to rotate the rotary plate 300.
  • the first actuator 160 may include a first case 161, a first motor 162, and one or more first gears 163.
  • the first case 161 supports components constituting the first actuator 160 and is fixedly coupled to the body 100.
  • the first motor 162 may be composed of an electric motor.
  • the plurality of first gears 163 is configured to rotate while engaging with each other, connects the first motor 162 and the shaft 400 fastened to the rotary plate 300 to each other, and transmits rotational power of the first motor 162 to the shaft 400 to rotate the rotary plate 300. Accordingly, when the rotating shaft of the first motor 162 rotates, the rotary plate 300 rotates.
  • the second actuator 170 is configured to be coupled to the body 100 so as to rotate the second rotary plate 20.
  • the second actuator 170 may include a second case 171, a second motor 172, and one or more second gears 173.
  • the second case 171 supports components constituting the second actuator 170 and is fixedly coupled to the body 100.
  • the second motor 172 may be composed of an electric motor.
  • the plurality of second gears 173 is configured to rotate while engaging with each other, connects the second motor 172 and the shaft 400 fastened to the rotary plate 300 to each other, and transmits rotational power of the second motor 172 to the shaft 400 to rotate the rotary plate 300. Accordingly, when the rotating shaft of the second motor 172 rotates, the rotary plate 300 rotates.
  • the rotary plate 300 and the mop 20 may rotate by the operation of the first and second actuators 160 and 170.
  • the first and second actuators 160 and 170 may be disposed directly above the rotary plate 300. With this configuration, it is possible to minimize a loss of the power transmitted from the first and second actuators 160 and 170 to the rotary plate 300. In addition, the load of the first and second actuators 160 and 170 may be applied toward the rotary plate 300 so that the mop 20 may perform mopping while sufficiently rubbing against the floor.
  • first and second actuators 160 and 170 may be symmetrical (i.e., bilateral symmetry) with each other.
  • the shaft 400 is rotatably coupled to the lower body 110 and is provided to rotate the rotary plate 300 by receiving the rotational force from the first actuator 160 and the second actuator 170.
  • the shaft 400 may include a gear fastener 410, a bearing fastener 420, and a rotary plate fastener 430.
  • the shaft 400 may be fastened and fixed to the rotary plate 300 by a fastening pin 440 while inserted into the rotary plate 300.
  • the gear fastener 410 is provided at a first end of the shaft 400, and the first gear 163 or the second gear 173 is fitted and fastened thereto.
  • at least one plane may be formed between the first gear 163 or the second gear 173 to be in planar contact with the first gear 163 or the second gear 173 so as not to cause slipping.
  • the rotary plate fastener 430 is formed on an opposite end of the shaft 400 and is fitted and fastened to the rotary plate 300.
  • at least one plane may be formed so as to be in planar contact with the rotary plate 300 so as not to cause slipping between the rotary plate 300 and the rotary plate fastener 430.
  • the bearing fastener 420 is formed between the gear fastener 410 and the rotary plate fastener 430 in the shaft 400, and is inserted into an inner side of the bearing 500 to be fitted and fastened thereto. In addition, an outer side of the bearing 500 is fitted and fastened to the bearing fastener 130 formed on the lower body 110.
  • the fastening pin 440 is inserted through a fastening hole 312 formed in the rotation plate 300 in a state in which the rotary plate fastener 430 of the shaft 400 is inserted into the rotation plate 300, so that the shaft 400 is fastened and fixed to the rotary plate 300.
  • Such a fastening pin 440 may be fastened to shaft 400 by various known methods, such as being fitted and fastened to the shaft 400 by a pressing force, or being screwed to the shaft 400 by forming a screw thread on a surface inserted into the shaft 400.
  • the battery 220 is coupled to the body 100 to supply power to other components constituting the cleaner 10.
  • the battery 220 may supply the power to the first actuator 160 and the second actuator 170.
  • the power is supplied to the first motor 162 and the second motor 172.
  • the battery 220 may be charged by an external power source, and for this purpose, a charging terminal for charging the battery 220 may be provided on one side of the body 100 or on the battery 220 itself.
  • the battery 220 may be coupled to the body 100.
  • the water container 230 is made in the form of a container having an internal space so that a liquid such as water is stored therein.
  • the water container 230 may be fixedly coupled to the body 100, or may be detachably coupled to the body 100.
  • the water supply tube 240 is made in the form of a tube or a pipe, and is connected to the water container 230 so that the liquid inside the water container 230 flows through the inside of the water supply tube.
  • the water supply tube 240 is configured such that the opposite end connected to the water container 230 is positioned on an upper side of the rotary plate 300, and accordingly, the liquid inside the water container 230 is passed through the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, thereby being supplied toward the mop 20.
  • one tube may be made in a form branched into two tubes, and at this time, ends of the branched pair of tubes may be positioned on the upper sides of the pair of rotary plates 300, respectively.
  • a separate pump may be provided for the purpose of moving the liquid through the water supply tube 240.
  • the cleaner 10 may supply the liquid to the mop 20 through the through holes 340 formed in the rotary plate 300. In this way, it is possible to periodically supply the liquid so that the mop 20 does not dry, thereby improving cleaning performance.
  • the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a structure capable of preventing foreign matters from entering through a gap formed between the body and the rotary plate.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view schematically showing a prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment of the cleaner by cutting an area I - I' of FIG. 5
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another exemplary embodiment of the prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • the body 100 of the cleaner 10 has a configuration in which the body 100 is composed of the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 (see FIG. 3 ), and the lower body 110 is provided with the rotary plate 300 and the prevention part, it will be hereinafter described on the basis of the lower body 110.
  • the cleaner 10 includes a prevention part provided in at least any one of a lower body 110 and a rotary plate 300 so as to minimize a distance between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, the prevention part preventing foreign matters from entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300. That is, the prevention part is provided in the lower body 110 and/or the rotary plate 300, so as to function as a shield in the gap formed between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, thereby preventing the foreign matters from entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300.
  • the prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer rib 610 and an inner rib 620.
  • the outer rib 610 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 in a ring shape to be disposed on an outer side of the rotary plate 300 in a radial direction so as to surround the rotary plate 300. That is, the outer rib 610 may be disposed on the outer side of the rotary plate 300 in the radial direction, so as to prevent the foreign matters from entering in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300.
  • the outer rib 610 may be disposed to be spaced apart from an end of the rotary plate 300 so as not to contact the rotary plate 300. That is, when the outer end of the rotary plate 300 is in contact with the outer rib 610, contact resistance is generated by the outer rib 610 in the case where the rotary plate 300 rotates, thereby causing a problem in that the rotary plate 300 is unable to generate a desired rotational force. In addition, by acting as a load on the motor, energy efficiency may decrease and motor failure may occur. Accordingly, the outer rib 610 is disposed to surround the outer end of the rotary plate 300, but is formed to have a predetermined gap so as not to restrict the rotation of the rotary plate 300.
  • the outer rib 610 may be configured as a protrusion disposed so as to form an area A in which the protrusion and the rotary plate 300 overlap each other by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotation plate 300.
  • the protrusion of the outer rib 610 is configured to protrude in the thickness direction of the rotary plate 300 so as to completely surround the outer side of the rotary plate 300, contact resistance between the protrusion and the mop attached to the rotary plate 300 is generated, thereby causing a problem in that the contact resistance acts as a resistance force against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • the outer rib 610 is formed as a protrusion in which the area A where the protrusion and the rotation plate 300 overlap each other in a thickness direction of the rotation plate 300 is formed, so that the contact resistance with the mop is prevented from occurring and the gap is not generated in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300, thereby preventing foreign matters from entering.
  • the inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 in a ring shape so as to face the rotation plate 300 between the outer rib 610 and the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300.
  • the inner rib 620 is formed near the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, whereby even when foreign matters enter between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, it is possible to prevent the foreign matters from entering the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500 side.
  • the inner rib 620 protrudes such that the protruding end thereof faces the upper side of the rotary plate 300, but is formed so as not to contact the upper side of the rotary plate 300. That is, when the inner ribs 620 come into contact with the upper side of the rotary plate 300, there may occur a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • the inner rib 620 guides the introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes 340 formed in the rotary plate 300.
  • the inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 toward the central plate 310 of the rotary plate 300, as shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 toward the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the outer rib 610 prevents foreign matters from entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, but fine substances such as liquid, dust, hair, etc. may enter the gap formed between the rotary plate 300 and the outer rib 610.
  • the foreign matters entered in this way may be introduced into the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500 along the gap between the lower body 110 and the rotation plate 300.
  • the foreign matters entered in this way are introduced into the bearing 500 and may act as resistance against rotation, or may damage the bearing 500.
  • the inner rib 620 is configured to protrude from the lower body 110 toward the central plate 310 or the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, even when the foreign matter enters between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300 through the outer rib 610, the inner rib 620 blocks a movement path to prevent the introduced foreign matters from moving toward the bearing 500 and guides the blocked foreign matters to fall into the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, thereby functioning to discharge the introduced foreign matters to the outside.
  • the prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a central rib 630 protruding from the lower body 110 in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate 300 between the outer rib 610 and the inner rib 620.
  • the central rib 630 is formed near a central area between the outer rib 610 and the inner rib 620, so that even when the foreign matters enter between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, it is possible to slow down the speed of entering the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500 side.
  • central rib 630 In the drawings, only one central rib 630 is shown, but a plurality of central ribs 630 may be formed in the lower body 110 between the outer rib 610 and the inner rib 620. In addition, the plurality of central ribs may be formed to have heights different from each other.
  • the central rib 630 may be formed such that the protrusion of the central rib 630 is smaller than the protrusion of the inner rib 620. That is, the central rib 630 is formed not to block the introduced foreign matters from moving in the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, but to function as the resistance capable of slowing down the movement speed of the introduced foreign matters.
  • the central rib 630 When the central rib 630 is formed to have a height similar to the height of the protrusion of the inner rib 620 and blocks foreign matters from moving in the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, the foreign matters are stored between the central rib 630 and the outer rib 610 without being discharged to the outside, thereby causing a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300 when more than a certain amount of the foreign matters is stored.
  • the central rib 630 may be formed as a protrusion that slows down the movement speed of the introduced foreign matters, but allows the introduced foreign matters to move so as to be discharged to the outside through the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300.
  • the prevention part primarily prevents foreign matters, by the outer rib 610 at the outermost side of the rotary plate 300, from entering, and even when there is the introduced foreign matters, while slowing down the movement speed of the introduced foreign matters by the central rib 630, the prevention part may enable the inner rib 620 to guide the introduced foreign matters to the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, thereby discharging the introduced foreign matters to the outside. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the foreign matters from acting as a resistance force against rotation or damaging the components by entering the shaft 400 or the bearing 500 side.
  • FIGS. 11 to 13 are cross-sectional views schematically showing a prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • FIGS. 11 to 13 are shown based on the same part as the enlarged part shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 .
  • the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a central rib 630 and an auxiliary rib 640.
  • the central rib 630 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate 300. Such a central rib 630 may be formed on the lower body 110 so as to face the outer plate 320 from above the outer plate 320 of the rotary plate 300.
  • the central rib 630 protrudes such that the protruding end thereof faces the upper side of the rotary plate 300, but is formed so as not to contact the upper side of the rotary plate 300. That is, when the central rib 630 contacts the upper side of the rotary plate 300, there may cause a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • the auxiliary rib 640 may be configured to protrude from the rotary plate 300 in a ring shape to face the lower body 110.
  • Such an auxiliary rib 640 may be formed on the outer plate 320 so as to face the lower body 110 from the outer plate 320 of the rotary plate 300.
  • the auxiliary rib 640 protrudes such that the protruding end thereof faces a lower side of the lower body 110, but is formed so as not to contact the lower side of the lower body 110. That is, when the auxiliary rib 640 contacts the lower side of the lower body 110, there may cause a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • auxiliary rib 640 may be configured to be disposed adjacent to the inner side of the central rib 630 while maintaining a minimum distance not in contact with the central rib 630.
  • the gap between the auxiliary rib 640 and the central rib 630 is formed having a minimum distance not in contact with each other, thereby preventing the foreign matters from entering.
  • the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640 so as to have an uneven-shaped gap between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, whereby it is possible to prevent foreign matters from entering in the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300.
  • the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include the inner rib 620 protruding from the lower body 110 in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate 300 between the central rib 630 and the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300.
  • the inner rib 620 is formed near the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, it is possible to prevent the foreign matters from entering the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500, even when the foreign matters enter between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300.
  • the inner rib 620 protrudes such that the protruding end thereof faces the upper side of the rotary plate 300, but is formed so as not to contact the upper side of the rotary plate 300. That is, when the inner ribs 620 come into contact with the upper side of the rotary plate 300, there may occur a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • the inner rib 620 guides the introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes 340 formed in the rotary plate 300.
  • the inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 so as to face the central plate 310 of the rotary plate 300, as shown in FIG. 12 .
  • the inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 so as to face the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300.
  • the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640 prevent foreign matters from entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, but fine substances such as liquid, dust, etc. may enter the gap formed between the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640.
  • the foreign matters entered in this way may be introduced into the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500 along the gap between the lower body 110 and the rotation plate 300.
  • the foreign matters entered in this way are introduced into the bearing 500 and may act as the resistance against the rotation, or may damage the bearing 500.
  • the inner rib 620 is configured to protrude from the lower body 110 so as to face the central plate 310 or the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, even when the foreign matters enter between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300 through the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640, the inner rib 620 blocks a movement path to prevent the introduced foreign matters from moving toward the bearing 500 and guides the blocked foreign matters to fall into the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, thereby functioning to discharge the introduced foreign matters to the outside.
  • the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may also further include the outer rib 610 protruding from the lower body 110 in a ring shape to be disposed outside the radial direction of the rotation plate 300 so as to surround the rotation plate 300. That is, the outer rib 610 may be disposed outside the radial direction of the rotary plate 300 so as to primarily prevent the foreign matters from entering in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300.
  • the outer rib 610 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the end of the rotary plate 300 so as not to contact the rotary plate 300. That is, when the outer end of the rotary plate 300 is in contact with the outer rib 610, contact resistance is generated by the outer rib 610 when the rotary plate 300 rotates, thereby causing a problem in that the rotary plate 300 is unable to generate a desired rotational force. Accordingly, the outer rib 610 is disposed to surround the outer end of the rotary plate 300, but is formed to have a predetermined gap so as not to restrict the rotation of the rotary plate 300.
  • the outer rib 610 may be configured as a protrusion disposed so as to form an area in which the protrusion and the rotary plate 300 overlap each other by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotation plate 300.
  • the protrusion of the outer rib 610 is configured to protrude in the thickness direction of the rotary plate 300 so as to completely surround the outer side of the rotary plate 300, contact resistance between the protrusion and the mop attached to the rotary plate 300 is generated, thereby causing a problem in that the contact resistance acts as a resistance force against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • the outer rib 610 is formed as a protrusion in which the area where the protrusion and the rotation plate 300 overlap each other in a thickness direction of the rotation plate 300 is formed, so that the contact resistance with the mop is prevented from occurring and the gap is not generated in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300, thereby preventing foreign matters from entering.
  • the prevention part primarily prevents foreign matters, by the outer rib 610 at the outermost side of the rotary plate 300, from entering, and even when there remain the introduced foreign matters, the prevention part may secondarily prevent the movement of foreign matters introduced through the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640, and the foreign matters passing through the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640 may be guided to the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300 by the inner rib 620 to be discharged to the outside. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the foreign matters from acting as the resistance force against the rotation or damaging the components by entering the shaft 400 or the bearing 500 side.
  • the cleaner 10 may further include a bearing cover part 800 that prevents foreign matters from entering a bearing 500.
  • the lower body 110 may be provided with the bearing fastener 130 to which the bearing 500 supporting the shaft 400 to be rotatable is fastened, the shaft 400 being fastened to the rotary plate 300 to provide rotational power.
  • Such a bearing cover part 800 may be configured to protrude from the bearing fastener 130 toward the rotary plate 300 so as to minimize the distance between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, thereby preventing foreign matters from entering the bearing 500 side.
  • the bearing cover part 800 may include a support part 810 and a cover part 820.
  • the support part 810 may extend from the bearing fastener 130 and be configured to protrude toward the rotary plate 300. That is, the support part 810 may be configured to protrude toward the rotary plate 300 by extending to the bearing fastener 130 formed on the lower body 110.
  • the support part 810 protrudes as a protrusion similar to the inner rib 620 described above, so as to block the foreign matters, entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, from being introduced in the radial direction.
  • the cover part 820 may protrude from the support part 810 in the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300 and be provided to cover at least a part of the lower side of the bearing 500. That is, the cover part 820 protrudes inward from the end of the support part 810 so as to surround the bottom surface of the bearing 500 and covers the bottom surface of the bearing 500, thereby blocking foreign matters from entering the bottom surface of the bearing 500.
  • the support part 810 covers the side surface of the bearing 500
  • the cover part 820 covers the bottom surface of the bearing 500, whereby even when the foreign matters introduced between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300 may not be discharged into the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300 but a part of the foreign matters moves toward the bearing 500, the support part 810 and the cover part 820 of the bearing cover part 800 may prevent the foreign matters from entering the bearing 500.
  • the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has the prevention part and the bearing cover part, the prevention part primarily blocks foreign matters from entering between the body and the rotary plate, and even when a part of the foreign matters moves toward the bearing side, the bearing cover part secondarily blocks the foreign matters, thereby preventing the foreign matters from entering the bearing and the shaft.

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Abstract

A cleaner capable of performing cleaning by being provided with a mop attached to a rotary plate is proposed. The cleaner includes: a body; the rotary plate coupled to a lower side of the mop facing a floor and rotatably coupled to the body; and a prevention part provided on at least one of the body and the rotary plate so that a distance between the body and the rotary plate is minimized, and preventing foreign matters from entering between the body and the rotary plate. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain an effect of preventing the foreign matters from entering a gap between the body and the rotary plate by the prevention part provided in at least one of the body and the rotary plate.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
  • The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0083447, filed July 07, 2020 , the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention
  • The present disclosure relates to a cleaner and, more particularly, to a cleaner capable of preventing foreign matters from entering through a gap formed between a body and a rotary plate.
  • Description of the Related Art
  • A cleaner is a cleaning device vacuuming foreign matters such as dust from a floor or wiping the foreign matters on the floor. Recently, a cleaner capable of mopping has been developed. In addition, a robotic cleaner is a device that automatically cleans while self-driving.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a conventional robotic cleaner.
  • Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional robotic cleaner 1 is configured such that a pair of rotary plates 3 is disposed in the left and right directions and is rotatably coupled to a body 2, and a mop (not shown) is attached to the rotary plate 3 to wipe a floor. Here, the rotary plate 3 is fastened to a shaft 4 to receive rotational power by the shaft 4, and the shaft 4 is supported through a bearing 5 to rotate in the body 1. The shaft 4 is rotated by a driving part (not shown).
  • The robotic cleaner 1 according to the related art has a gap formed between a rotary plate 3 and a body 2. That is, since the rotary plate 3 is configured to rotate, the rotary plate 3 is disposed to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the body 2 without contacting the bottom surface, so that the gap is formed between the rotary plate 3 and the body 2.
  • With this configuration, when the gap is formed between the rotary plate 3 and the body 2, foreign matters such as liquid, hair, fine particles, etc. therearound may easily enter the gap formed between the rotary plate 3 and the body 2, while the robotic cleaner 1 performs cleaning, as shown in the direction of arrows shown in Fig. 1.
  • In addition, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2008-0065477 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1") discloses a vacuum cleaner serving a double purpose of vacuum cleaning and steam cleaning. In Patent Document 1, a mop attachment plate in which a mop is attached to a body is configured to rotate as well. In Patent Document 1, since a part of an upper side of the mop attachment plate is exposed to the outside, foreign matters such as liquid, hair, fine particles, etc. may easily enter between the mop attachment plate and the body through the exposed upper side of the mop attachment plate.
  • As described above, when the foreign matters such as hair or fine particles enter between the body and the rotary plate, the hair is wound around a rotating shaft of the rotary plate and acts as a rotational resistance against a motor, and the fine particles act as a rotational resistance against the rotary plate when being caught between the rotary plate and the body.
  • Accordingly, there are problems in that such rotational resistances may cause failure of the motor by acting as an overload on the motor, the introduced liquid may enter inside the body through the shaft and cause failure of an electronic device, and the fine particles caught between the body and the rotary plate may cause damage to the body or the rotary plate.
  • Documents of Related Art
  • (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2008-0065477 (on July 7, 2008 )
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present disclosure is devised to solve the above problems, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaner capable of preventing foreign matters from entering a gap between a body and a rotary plate by forming ribs on at least one side of the body and the rotary plate.
  • In order to achieve the above objective, the cleaner according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a cleaner capable of performing cleaning by rotatably coupling a rotary plate to a body and attaching a mop to the rotary plate, wherein the cleaner is provided with a prevention part between the body and the rotary plate to prevent foreign matters from entering between the body and the rotary plate.
  • More specifically, the cleaner includes: a body; a rotary plate having a lower side coupled to a mop facing a floor and rotatably coupled to the body; and a prevention part provided on at least one of the body and the rotary plate so that a distance between the body and the rotary plate is minimized, and preventing foreign matters from entering between the body and the rotary plate.
  • Here, the rotary plate may include a central plate rotatably fastened to the body; an outer plate having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the central plate and disposed along a circumference of the central plate; and a plurality of spokes connecting the central plate and the outer plate to each other and disposed to be spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the central plate to form through holes.
  • The prevention part may be configured to prevent foreign matters from entering a gap between the body and the rotary plate.
  • More specifically, the prevention part may include: an outer rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape to be disposed outside a radial direction of the rotary plate so as to surround the rotary plate; and an inner rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate between the outer rib and a rotating shaft of the rotary plate.
  • The outer rib may be disposed to be spaced apart from an end of the rotary plate so as not to contact the rotary plate.
  • In addition, the outer rib may be configured as a protrusion disposed so as to overlap the rotary plate by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotary plate.
  • The inner rib may guide introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes.
  • To this end, the inner rib may be configured to protrude from the body so as to face the central plate.
  • Alternately, The inner rib may be configured to protrude from the body so as to face the through holes.
  • The prevention part may further include a central rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate between the outer rib and the inner rib.
  • The central rib may be configured to protrude from the body so as to face the outer plate.
  • In addition, the central rib may be configured as a protrusion formed smaller than a protrusion of the inner rib.
  • According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the prevention part may include: a central rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate; and an auxiliary rib configured to protrude from the rotary plate in a ring shape so as to face the body.
  • The auxiliary rib may be disposed adjacent to an inner side of the central rib while maintaining a minimum distance not in contact with the central rib.
  • In addition, the prevention part may further include an inner rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate between the central rib and a rotating shaft of the rotary plate.
  • The inner rib may be configured to protrude from the body so as to face the central plate or the through holes and guides introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes.
  • In addition, the prevention part may further include an outer rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape to be disposed outside a radial direction of the rotary plate so as to surround the rotary plate.
  • The outer rib may be disposed to be spaced apart from an end of the rotary plate so as not to contact the rotary plate, and a protrusion of the outer rib may be disposed so as to overlap the rotary plate by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotary plate.
  • The body of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a bearing fastener to which a bearing rotatably supporting a rotating shaft is fastened, the rotating shaft being fastened to the rotary plate to provide rotational power.
  • In addition, the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a bearing cover part protruding from the bearing fastener toward a rotary plate side so as to minimize the distance between the body and the rotary plate and preventing the foreign matters from entering a bearing side.
  • More specifically, the bearing cover part may include: a support part extending from the bearing fastener and protruding toward the rotary plate side; and a cover part protruding from the support part in a direction of the rotating shaft and formed to cover at least a part of a lower side of the bearing.
  • The rotary plate of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of rotary plates rotatably coupled to the body, and the prevention parts may be respectively formed between the body and the plurality of rotary plates.
  • According to the cleaner provided by the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain an effect of preventing foreign matters from entering the gap between the body and the rotary plate by forming the ribs on at least one side of the body and the rotary plate.
  • In addition, according to the present disclosure, by preventing the foreign matters from entering the gap between the body and the rotary plate, it is possible to obtain an effect of preventing failure of the motor from occurring due to the rotational resistances.
  • In addition, according to the present disclosure, by preventing the foreign matters from entering the gap between the body and the rotary plate, it is possible to obtain an effect of preventing damage to the body and the rotary plate from occurring due to the rotational resistances.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view and an enlarged view schematically showing a conventional cleaner.
    • FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a rotary plate and a mop by separating the rotary plate and the mop from the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a bottom surface of a body from which the mop is removed in the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the bottom surface of the body from which the mop is removed in the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a lower body extracted from the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the rotary plate, a bearing, and a shaft in the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view schematically showing a prevention part according to a first exemplary embodiment of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure by cutting an area I - I' of FIG. 5.
    • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another exemplary embodiment of the prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a prevention part according to a second exemplary embodiment of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another exemplary embodiment of the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing yet another exemplary embodiment of the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • Hereinafter, the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • In the present disclosure, various modifications may be made and various exemplary embodiments may be provided, and specific exemplary embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present disclosure to a particular disclosed form. On the contrary, the present disclosure is to be understood to include all various alternatives, equivalents, and substitutes that may be included within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.
  • In describing the present disclosure, it will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components may not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component. For example, the first component may be referred to as a second component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as a first component.
  • The term "and/or" may include a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.
  • When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to another component, that component may be directly connected, coupled, or linked to that other component. However, it should be understood that yet another component between each of the components may be "connected", "coupled", or "linked" to each other. In contrast, when a component is described as being "directly connected", "directly coupled", or "directly linked" to another component, that component may be directly connected, coupled, or linked to that other component. However, it may be understood that there are no intervening components present therebetween.
  • The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms may include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
  • It may be further understood that when used in the present application, the terms "comprise", "include", "have", etc. are intended to designate the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or combinations thereof.
  • Unless otherwise defined, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It may be further understood that terms as defined in dictionaries commonly used herein may be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and may not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
  • In addition, the following exemplary embodiments are provided to more completely describe to those with average knowledge in the art, and the shape and size of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for a clearer description.
  • The main features of a cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are provided by a prevention part and a bearing cover part, and since such a prevention part and a bearing cover part are configured to be formed between a body and a rotary plate, the prevention part and the bearing cover part may be configured and used in a robotic cleaner or a stick-type cleaner with which a user directly operates.
  • Hereinafter, the prevention part and the bearing cover part, which are main features of the present disclosure, are described based on the exemplary embodiment applied to a robotic cleaner. Obviously, in a configuration of the prevention part and the bearing cover part which are main features of the present disclosure, the configuration applied to the robotic cleaner just corresponds to an exemplary embodiment, and may be applied to any cleaner in which the body and the rotary plate rotate relative to each other, such as the stick-type cleaner.
  • Hereinafter, detailed exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 are respectively a perspective view and an exploded perspective view schematically showing a cleaner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a rotary plate and a mop by separating the rotary plate and the mop from the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively a perspective view and an exploded perspective view schematically showing a bottom surface of a body from which the mop is removed in the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, FIG. 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a lower body extracted from the cleaner, and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing the rotary plate, a bearing, and a shaft extracted from the cleaner.
  • Referring to FIGS. 2 to 8, a cleaner 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a body 100, a rotary plate 300, and a mop 20. In addition, the cleaner 10 of the present disclosure may be implemented as a robotic cleaner capable of performing cleaning work by automatic driving, for example. For the automatic driving, the cleaner 10 may further include a controller (not shown), a bumper 190, a first sensor 200, and a second sensor 210.
  • The controller may be configured to control the operation of a first actuator 160 and a second actuator 170 described below according to preset information or real-time information. For the control of the controller, the cleaner 10 may be provided with a storage medium in which an application program is stored. The controller may be configured to control the cleaner 10 by running the application program according to information input to the cleaner 10 or information output from the cleaner 10, etc.
  • The bumper 190 is coupled to the body 100 along the rim of the body 100 and is configured to move relative to the body 100. For example, the bumper 190 may be coupled to the body 100 so as to be reciprocally movable along a direction approaching a center of the body 100.
  • The bumper 190 may be coupled to the body 100 along a part of the rim of the body 100, or may be coupled to the body 100 along the entire rim of the body 100.
  • The bumper 190 may be made to have the same height as or a height lower than that of the body 100. Accordingly, when an obstacle in a relatively low position collides with the bumper 190, the obstacle may be detected by the bumper 190.
  • The first sensor 200 may be coupled to the body 100 and configured to detect a movement (i.e., relative movement) of the bumper 190 with respect to the body 100. Such a first sensor 200 may be realized using a micro switch, a photo interrupter, a tact switch, or the like.
  • The controller may control the cleaner 10 so as to move avoiding an obstacle when the bumper 190 of the cleaner 10 contacts the obstacle, and may be configured to control the operation of the first actuator 160 and/or the second actuator 170 according to the information generated by the first sensor 200. For example, in the case where the bumper 190 comes into contact with an obstacle while the cleaner 10 is driving, a position where the bumper 190 contacts the obstacle may be identified by the first sensor 200, and the controller may control the operation of the first actuator 160 and/or the second actuator 170 so as to enable the cleaner to escape from the contacted position.
  • The second sensor 210 is coupled to the body 100 and may be configured to sense a relative distance to an obstacle. The second sensor 210 may be realized by a distance sensor.
  • According to the information generated by the second sensor 210, when a distance between the cleaner 10 and an obstacle is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the controller 10 changes a driving direction of the cleaner 10, or may control the operation of the first actuator 160 and/or the second actuator 170 so as to enable the cleaner 10 to move away from the obstacle.
  • The body 100 forms the overall appearance of the cleaner 10, or may be formed in a frame shape of the cleaner 10. Each part constituting the cleaner 10 may be coupled to the body 100, and some parts constituting the cleaner 10 may be accommodated in the body 100. The body 100 may be divided into a lower body 110 and an upper body 120, and components of the cleaner 10 may be provided in a space formed by coupling the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 to each other.
  • The body 100 may be configured in a form having a larger width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction (i.e., X-axis and Y-axis direction) than a height in the vertical direction (i.e., Z-axis direction). By positioning the center of gravity of the cleaner 10 low, such a body 100 may provide a structure that is advantageous in helping to stably operate the cleaner when moving (i.e., driving) and in avoiding obstacles.
  • When viewed from above or below, the body 100 may be formed in various shapes, such as a circle, an oval, or a square.
  • The rotary plate 300 is made to have a predetermined area and configured in the form of a flat plate, a flat frame, or the like. While being coupled to the body 100, such a rotary plate 300 may be parallel to or inclined with the bottom surface of the body.
  • The rotary plate 300 may be configured in the form of a circular plate, and a bottom surface of the rotary plate 300 may generally have a circular shape.
  • The rotary plate 300 may be configured to have a rotationally symmetrical shape as a whole.
  • The rotary plate 300 may include a central plate 310, an outer plate 320, and a spoke 330.
  • The central plate 310 is rotatably coupled to the body 100 while forming the center of the rotary plate 300. The central plate 310 may be coupled to a lower side of the body 100 and coupled to the body 100 while an upper surface of the central plate 310 faces a bottom surface of the body 100.
  • The rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300 may be provided along a direction passing through the center of the central plate 310. In addition, the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300 may be provided along a direction orthogonal to the bottom surface of the body, or may be inclined at a predetermined angle in the direction orthogonal to the bottom surface thereof.
  • The outer plate 320 is configured in a form surrounding the central plate 310 and being spaced apart from the central plate 310.
  • A plurality of spokes 330 connects the central plate 310 and the outer plate 320 to each other, and is provided repeatedly along the circumferential direction of the central plate 310. Each of the spokes 330 may be arranged at an equal interval, a plurality of through holes 340 penetrating vertically between the spokes 330 is provided, and a liquid (e.g., water) discharged from a water supply tube 240 to be described later may be transferred toward the mop 20 through the through holes 340.
  • A plurality of rotary plates 300 may be provided and rotatably coupled to the body 100. As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, two rotary plates may be provided to be disposed side by side in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the cleaner 10 drives, that is, in the left and right directions. At this time, a pair of rotary plates 300 may be symmetrical to each other.
  • The bottom surface of the mop 20 facing a floor is made to have a predetermined area, and the mop 20 is formed in a flat shape. The mop 20 is formed in a shape having a sufficiently large width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction than the height of the mop in the vertical direction. When the mop 20 is coupled to the body 100 side, the bottom surface of the mop 20 may be parallel to the bottom surface of the body, or may be inclined with the bottom surface of the body.
  • The bottom surface of the mop 20 may have a generally circular shape.
  • The mop 20 may be configured in a rotationally symmetrical form as a whole.
  • The mop 20 may be made of a variety of materials capable of wiping a floor while contacting the floor. To this end, the bottom surface of the mop 20 may be made of materials such as woven or knitted fabric, a non-woven fabric, and/or a brush having a predetermined area.
  • In the cleaner 10, the mop 20 is detachably attached to the bottom surface of the rotary plate 300, is coupled to the rotary plate 300, and is configured to rotate together with the rotary plate 300. The mop 20 may be in close contact with and coupled to the bottom surface of the outer plate 320, and may be in close contact with and coupled to the bottom surfaces of the central plate 310 and the outer plate 320.
  • The mop 20 may be detachably attached to the rotary plate 300 by using various devices and methods. In the exemplary embodiment, at least a part of the mop 20 may be coupled to the rotary plate 300 in a method such as hitching, fitting, etc. to the rotary plate 300. In another exemplary embodiment, a separate device, such as a clamp, for coupling the mop 20 and the rotary plate 300 to each other may be provided. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a first part of a fastening device having a pair of parts coupled to and separated from each other may be fixed to the mop 20 and a second part of the fastening device may be fixed to the rotary plate 300. As a specific example of the fastening device, a pair of magnets that attract each other, a pair of Velcro coupled to each other, a pair of buttons (i.e., female button and male button) coupled to each other, etc. may be used.
  • In the case where the mop 20 is coupled to the rotary plate 300, the mop 20 and the rotary plate 300 may be coupled to each other in the form of overlapping each other, and the mop 20 may be coupled to the rotary plate 300 so that the center of the mop 20 matches the center of the rotary plate 300.
  • The cleaner 10 may be configured to go straight along a surface of a floor. For example, the cleaner 10 may go straight forward (i.e., X-axis direction) when cleaning, or may go straight backward when it is necessary to avoid an obstacle or a stepped floor edge.
  • The cleaner 10 may move while rotating in the left and right directions (i.e., Y-axis direction) by varying the rotational speeds of a pair of rotary plates 300 disposed side by side in the left and right directions (i.e., Y-axis direction). That is, on the basis of the movement in which the second sensor 210 moves in the forward direction, when the rotational speed of the rotation plate 300 on the left is made faster than the rotational speed of the rotary plate 300 on the right, or when the rotary plate 300 on the left does not rotate while the rotary plate 300 on the left rotates, the cleaner 10 may move while rotating in the right direction with respect to the moving direction. Alternately, when the rotational speed of the rotary plate 300 on the right is made faster than the rotational speed of the rotary plate 300 on the left, or when the rotary plate 300 on the left does not rotate while the rotary plate 300 on the right rotates, the cleaner 10 may move while rotating in the left direction with respect to the moving direction.
  • The cleaner 10 includes a first actuator 160, a second actuator 170, a battery 220, a water container 230, and a water supply tube 240.
  • The first actuator 160 is configured to be coupled to the body 100 so as to rotate the rotary plate 300.
  • The first actuator 160 may include a first case 161, a first motor 162, and one or more first gears 163.
  • The first case 161 supports components constituting the first actuator 160 and is fixedly coupled to the body 100.
  • The first motor 162 may be composed of an electric motor.
  • The plurality of first gears 163 is configured to rotate while engaging with each other, connects the first motor 162 and the shaft 400 fastened to the rotary plate 300 to each other, and transmits rotational power of the first motor 162 to the shaft 400 to rotate the rotary plate 300. Accordingly, when the rotating shaft of the first motor 162 rotates, the rotary plate 300 rotates.
  • The second actuator 170 is configured to be coupled to the body 100 so as to rotate the second rotary plate 20.
  • The second actuator 170 may include a second case 171, a second motor 172, and one or more second gears 173.
  • The second case 171 supports components constituting the second actuator 170 and is fixedly coupled to the body 100.
  • The second motor 172 may be composed of an electric motor.
  • The plurality of second gears 173 is configured to rotate while engaging with each other, connects the second motor 172 and the shaft 400 fastened to the rotary plate 300 to each other, and transmits rotational power of the second motor 172 to the shaft 400 to rotate the rotary plate 300. Accordingly, when the rotating shaft of the second motor 172 rotates, the rotary plate 300 rotates.
  • In this way, in the cleaner 10, the rotary plate 300 and the mop 20 may rotate by the operation of the first and second actuators 160 and 170.
  • The first and second actuators 160 and 170 may be disposed directly above the rotary plate 300. With this configuration, it is possible to minimize a loss of the power transmitted from the first and second actuators 160 and 170 to the rotary plate 300. In addition, the load of the first and second actuators 160 and 170 may be applied toward the rotary plate 300 so that the mop 20 may perform mopping while sufficiently rubbing against the floor.
  • Here, the first and second actuators 160 and 170 may be symmetrical (i.e., bilateral symmetry) with each other.
  • The shaft 400 is rotatably coupled to the lower body 110 and is provided to rotate the rotary plate 300 by receiving the rotational force from the first actuator 160 and the second actuator 170.
  • The shaft 400 may include a gear fastener 410, a bearing fastener 420, and a rotary plate fastener 430. In addition, the shaft 400 may be fastened and fixed to the rotary plate 300 by a fastening pin 440 while inserted into the rotary plate 300.
  • The gear fastener 410 is provided at a first end of the shaft 400, and the first gear 163 or the second gear 173 is fitted and fastened thereto. In addition, at least one plane may be formed between the first gear 163 or the second gear 173 to be in planar contact with the first gear 163 or the second gear 173 so as not to cause slipping.
  • The rotary plate fastener 430 is formed on an opposite end of the shaft 400 and is fitted and fastened to the rotary plate 300. In addition, at least one plane may be formed so as to be in planar contact with the rotary plate 300 so as not to cause slipping between the rotary plate 300 and the rotary plate fastener 430.
  • The bearing fastener 420 is formed between the gear fastener 410 and the rotary plate fastener 430 in the shaft 400, and is inserted into an inner side of the bearing 500 to be fitted and fastened thereto. In addition, an outer side of the bearing 500 is fitted and fastened to the bearing fastener 130 formed on the lower body 110.
  • The fastening pin 440 is inserted through a fastening hole 312 formed in the rotation plate 300 in a state in which the rotary plate fastener 430 of the shaft 400 is inserted into the rotation plate 300, so that the shaft 400 is fastened and fixed to the rotary plate 300.
  • Such a fastening pin 440 may be fastened to shaft 400 by various known methods, such as being fitted and fastened to the shaft 400 by a pressing force, or being screwed to the shaft 400 by forming a screw thread on a surface inserted into the shaft 400.
  • The battery 220 is coupled to the body 100 to supply power to other components constituting the cleaner 10. The battery 220 may supply the power to the first actuator 160 and the second actuator 170. In particular, the power is supplied to the first motor 162 and the second motor 172.
  • The battery 220 may be charged by an external power source, and for this purpose, a charging terminal for charging the battery 220 may be provided on one side of the body 100 or on the battery 220 itself.
  • In the cleaner 10, the battery 220 may be coupled to the body 100.
  • The water container 230 is made in the form of a container having an internal space so that a liquid such as water is stored therein. The water container 230 may be fixedly coupled to the body 100, or may be detachably coupled to the body 100.
  • The water supply tube 240 is made in the form of a tube or a pipe, and is connected to the water container 230 so that the liquid inside the water container 230 flows through the inside of the water supply tube. The water supply tube 240 is configured such that the opposite end connected to the water container 230 is positioned on an upper side of the rotary plate 300, and accordingly, the liquid inside the water container 230 is passed through the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, thereby being supplied toward the mop 20.
  • In the water supply tube 240 of the cleaner 10, one tube may be made in a form branched into two tubes, and at this time, ends of the branched pair of tubes may be positioned on the upper sides of the pair of rotary plates 300, respectively.
  • In the cleaner 10, a separate pump may be provided for the purpose of moving the liquid through the water supply tube 240.
  • With this configuration, when the liquid stored in the water container 230 is sprayed from the upper side of the rotary plate 300 through the water supply tube 240, the cleaner 10 may supply the liquid to the mop 20 through the through holes 340 formed in the rotary plate 300. In this way, it is possible to periodically supply the liquid so that the mop 20 does not dry, thereby improving cleaning performance.
  • The cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a structure capable of preventing foreign matters from entering through a gap formed between the body and the rotary plate.
  • Such a structure will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view and a partial enlarged view schematically showing a prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment of the cleaner by cutting an area I - I' of FIG. 5, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing another exemplary embodiment of the prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment.
  • In addition, since the body 100 of the cleaner 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has a configuration in which the body 100 is composed of the lower body 110 and the upper body 120 (see FIG. 3), and the lower body 110 is provided with the rotary plate 300 and the prevention part, it will be hereinafter described on the basis of the lower body 110.
  • Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the cleaner 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a prevention part provided in at least any one of a lower body 110 and a rotary plate 300 so as to minimize a distance between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, the prevention part preventing foreign matters from entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300. That is, the prevention part is provided in the lower body 110 and/or the rotary plate 300, so as to function as a shield in the gap formed between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, thereby preventing the foreign matters from entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300.
  • The prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer rib 610 and an inner rib 620.
  • The outer rib 610 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 in a ring shape to be disposed on an outer side of the rotary plate 300 in a radial direction so as to surround the rotary plate 300. That is, the outer rib 610 may be disposed on the outer side of the rotary plate 300 in the radial direction, so as to prevent the foreign matters from entering in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300.
  • The outer rib 610 may be disposed to be spaced apart from an end of the rotary plate 300 so as not to contact the rotary plate 300. That is, when the outer end of the rotary plate 300 is in contact with the outer rib 610, contact resistance is generated by the outer rib 610 in the case where the rotary plate 300 rotates, thereby causing a problem in that the rotary plate 300 is unable to generate a desired rotational force. In addition, by acting as a load on the motor, energy efficiency may decrease and motor failure may occur. Accordingly, the outer rib 610 is disposed to surround the outer end of the rotary plate 300, but is formed to have a predetermined gap so as not to restrict the rotation of the rotary plate 300.
  • The outer rib 610 may be configured as a protrusion disposed so as to form an area A in which the protrusion and the rotary plate 300 overlap each other by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotation plate 300.
  • Here, when the protrusion of the outer rib 610 is configured to protrude in the thickness direction of the rotary plate 300 so as to completely surround the outer side of the rotary plate 300, contact resistance between the protrusion and the mop attached to the rotary plate 300 is generated, thereby causing a problem in that the contact resistance acts as a resistance force against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • In addition, when the protrusion of the outer rib 610 protrudes such that the area where the protrusion and the rotation plate 300 overlap each other in the thickness direction of the rotation plate 300 is not formed, a gap is generated between the outer rib 610 and the rotary plate 300 in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300, thereby causing a problem in that foreign matters enter through this gap.
  • Accordingly, the outer rib 610 is formed as a protrusion in which the area A where the protrusion and the rotation plate 300 overlap each other in a thickness direction of the rotation plate 300 is formed, so that the contact resistance with the mop is prevented from occurring and the gap is not generated in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300, thereby preventing foreign matters from entering.
  • The inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 in a ring shape so as to face the rotation plate 300 between the outer rib 610 and the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300.
  • The inner rib 620 is formed near the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, whereby even when foreign matters enter between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, it is possible to prevent the foreign matters from entering the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500 side.
  • Here, the inner rib 620 protrudes such that the protruding end thereof faces the upper side of the rotary plate 300, but is formed so as not to contact the upper side of the rotary plate 300. That is, when the inner ribs 620 come into contact with the upper side of the rotary plate 300, there may occur a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • In addition, the inner rib 620 guides the introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes 340 formed in the rotary plate 300.
  • To this end, the inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 toward the central plate 310 of the rotary plate 300, as shown in FIG. 9. Alternatively, the inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 toward the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, as shown in FIG. 10.
  • Primarily, the outer rib 610 prevents foreign matters from entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, but fine substances such as liquid, dust, hair, etc. may enter the gap formed between the rotary plate 300 and the outer rib 610. The foreign matters entered in this way may be introduced into the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500 along the gap between the lower body 110 and the rotation plate 300. The foreign matters entered in this way are introduced into the bearing 500 and may act as resistance against rotation, or may damage the bearing 500.
  • Therefore, since the inner rib 620 is configured to protrude from the lower body 110 toward the central plate 310 or the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, even when the foreign matter enters between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300 through the outer rib 610, the inner rib 620 blocks a movement path to prevent the introduced foreign matters from moving toward the bearing 500 and guides the blocked foreign matters to fall into the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, thereby functioning to discharge the introduced foreign matters to the outside.
  • The prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a central rib 630 protruding from the lower body 110 in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate 300 between the outer rib 610 and the inner rib 620.
  • The central rib 630 is formed near a central area between the outer rib 610 and the inner rib 620, so that even when the foreign matters enter between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, it is possible to slow down the speed of entering the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500 side.
  • In the drawings, only one central rib 630 is shown, but a plurality of central ribs 630 may be formed in the lower body 110 between the outer rib 610 and the inner rib 620. In addition, the plurality of central ribs may be formed to have heights different from each other.
  • In addition, the central rib 630 may be formed such that the protrusion of the central rib 630 is smaller than the protrusion of the inner rib 620. That is, the central rib 630 is formed not to block the introduced foreign matters from moving in the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, but to function as the resistance capable of slowing down the movement speed of the introduced foreign matters.
  • When the central rib 630 is formed to have a height similar to the height of the protrusion of the inner rib 620 and blocks foreign matters from moving in the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, the foreign matters are stored between the central rib 630 and the outer rib 610 without being discharged to the outside, thereby causing a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300 when more than a certain amount of the foreign matters is stored.
  • Accordingly, the central rib 630 may be formed as a protrusion that slows down the movement speed of the introduced foreign matters, but allows the introduced foreign matters to move so as to be discharged to the outside through the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300.
  • With this configuration, the prevention part according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure primarily prevents foreign matters, by the outer rib 610 at the outermost side of the rotary plate 300, from entering, and even when there is the introduced foreign matters, while slowing down the movement speed of the introduced foreign matters by the central rib 630, the prevention part may enable the inner rib 620 to guide the introduced foreign matters to the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, thereby discharging the introduced foreign matters to the outside. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the foreign matters from acting as a resistance force against rotation or damaging the components by entering the shaft 400 or the bearing 500 side.
  • FIGS. 11 to 13 are cross-sectional views schematically showing a prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 11 to 13 are shown based on the same part as the enlarged part shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9.
  • Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a central rib 630 and an auxiliary rib 640.
  • The central rib 630 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate 300. Such a central rib 630 may be formed on the lower body 110 so as to face the outer plate 320 from above the outer plate 320 of the rotary plate 300.
  • Here, the central rib 630 protrudes such that the protruding end thereof faces the upper side of the rotary plate 300, but is formed so as not to contact the upper side of the rotary plate 300. That is, when the central rib 630 contacts the upper side of the rotary plate 300, there may cause a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • The auxiliary rib 640 may be configured to protrude from the rotary plate 300 in a ring shape to face the lower body 110. Such an auxiliary rib 640 may be formed on the outer plate 320 so as to face the lower body 110 from the outer plate 320 of the rotary plate 300.
  • Here, the auxiliary rib 640 protrudes such that the protruding end thereof faces a lower side of the lower body 110, but is formed so as not to contact the lower side of the lower body 110. That is, when the auxiliary rib 640 contacts the lower side of the lower body 110, there may cause a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • In addition, the auxiliary rib 640 may be configured to be disposed adjacent to the inner side of the central rib 630 while maintaining a minimum distance not in contact with the central rib 630.
  • That is, in the case where the auxiliary rib 640 is in contact with the central rib 630, contact resistance is generated by the central rib 630 when the rotary plate 300 rotates, and there may cause a problem in that the rotary plate 300 is unable to generate a desired rotational force.
  • In addition, since the blocking effect is reduced when the distance between the auxiliary rib 640 and the central rib 630 is formed large, the gap between the auxiliary rib 640 and the central rib 630 is formed having a minimum distance not in contact with each other, thereby preventing the foreign matters from entering.
  • That is, as shown in FIG. 11, when the foreign matters enter in the radial direction of the rotation plate 300, even when the fine foreign matters with small particles enter the gap between the rotation plate 300 and the central rib 630, the movement of the foreign matters is blocked by the auxiliary rib 640, thereby preventing the foreign matters from entering the inside.
  • With this configuration, the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided with the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640 so as to have an uneven-shaped gap between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, whereby it is possible to prevent foreign matters from entering in the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300.
  • In addition, referring to FIG. 12, the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include the inner rib 620 protruding from the lower body 110 in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate 300 between the central rib 630 and the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300.
  • Since the inner rib 620 is formed near the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, it is possible to prevent the foreign matters from entering the rotating shaft of the rotary plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500, even when the foreign matters enter between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300.
  • Here, the inner rib 620 protrudes such that the protruding end thereof faces the upper side of the rotary plate 300, but is formed so as not to contact the upper side of the rotary plate 300. That is, when the inner ribs 620 come into contact with the upper side of the rotary plate 300, there may occur a problem in that a resistance force acts against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • In addition, the inner rib 620 guides the introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes 340 formed in the rotary plate 300.
  • To this end, the inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 so as to face the central plate 310 of the rotary plate 300, as shown in FIG. 12. Alternatively, the inner rib 620 may be configured to protrude from the lower body 110 so as to face the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300.
  • Primarily, the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640 prevent foreign matters from entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, but fine substances such as liquid, dust, etc. may enter the gap formed between the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640. The foreign matters entered in this way may be introduced into the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300, that is, the shaft 400 and the bearing 500 along the gap between the lower body 110 and the rotation plate 300. The foreign matters entered in this way are introduced into the bearing 500 and may act as the resistance against the rotation, or may damage the bearing 500.
  • Therefore, since the inner rib 620 is configured to protrude from the lower body 110 so as to face the central plate 310 or the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, even when the foreign matters enter between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300 through the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640, the inner rib 620 blocks a movement path to prevent the introduced foreign matters from moving toward the bearing 500 and guides the blocked foreign matters to fall into the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300, thereby functioning to discharge the introduced foreign matters to the outside.
  • Referring to FIG. 13, the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may also further include the outer rib 610 protruding from the lower body 110 in a ring shape to be disposed outside the radial direction of the rotation plate 300 so as to surround the rotation plate 300. That is, the outer rib 610 may be disposed outside the radial direction of the rotary plate 300 so as to primarily prevent the foreign matters from entering in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300.
  • The outer rib 610 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the end of the rotary plate 300 so as not to contact the rotary plate 300. That is, when the outer end of the rotary plate 300 is in contact with the outer rib 610, contact resistance is generated by the outer rib 610 when the rotary plate 300 rotates, thereby causing a problem in that the rotary plate 300 is unable to generate a desired rotational force. Accordingly, the outer rib 610 is disposed to surround the outer end of the rotary plate 300, but is formed to have a predetermined gap so as not to restrict the rotation of the rotary plate 300.
  • The outer rib 610 may be configured as a protrusion disposed so as to form an area in which the protrusion and the rotary plate 300 overlap each other by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotation plate 300.
  • Here, when the protrusion of the outer rib 610 is configured to protrude in the thickness direction of the rotary plate 300 so as to completely surround the outer side of the rotary plate 300, contact resistance between the protrusion and the mop attached to the rotary plate 300 is generated, thereby causing a problem in that the contact resistance acts as a resistance force against the rotational force of the rotary plate 300.
  • In addition, when the protrusion of the outer rib 610 protrudes such that the area where the protrusion and the rotation plate 300 overlap each other in the thickness direction of the rotation plate 300 is not formed, a gap is generated between the outer rib 610 and the rotary plate 300 in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300, thereby causing a problem in that foreign matters enter through this gap.
  • Accordingly, the outer rib 610 is formed as a protrusion in which the area where the protrusion and the rotation plate 300 overlap each other in a thickness direction of the rotation plate 300 is formed, so that the contact resistance with the mop is prevented from occurring and the gap is not generated in the radial direction of the rotary plate 300, thereby preventing foreign matters from entering.
  • With this configuration, the prevention part according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure primarily prevents foreign matters, by the outer rib 610 at the outermost side of the rotary plate 300, from entering, and even when there remain the introduced foreign matters, the prevention part may secondarily prevent the movement of foreign matters introduced through the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640, and the foreign matters passing through the central rib 630 and the auxiliary rib 640 may be guided to the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300 by the inner rib 620 to be discharged to the outside. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the foreign matters from acting as the resistance force against the rotation or damaging the components by entering the shaft 400 or the bearing 500 side.
  • The cleaner 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a bearing cover part 800 that prevents foreign matters from entering a bearing 500.
  • The lower body 110 may be provided with the bearing fastener 130 to which the bearing 500 supporting the shaft 400 to be rotatable is fastened, the shaft 400 being fastened to the rotary plate 300 to provide rotational power.
  • Such a bearing cover part 800 may be configured to protrude from the bearing fastener 130 toward the rotary plate 300 so as to minimize the distance between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, thereby preventing foreign matters from entering the bearing 500 side.
  • Referring to FIG. 9, as an example, the bearing cover part 800 may include a support part 810 and a cover part 820.
  • The support part 810 may extend from the bearing fastener 130 and be configured to protrude toward the rotary plate 300. That is, the support part 810 may be configured to protrude toward the rotary plate 300 by extending to the bearing fastener 130 formed on the lower body 110.
  • In addition, the support part 810 protrudes as a protrusion similar to the inner rib 620 described above, so as to block the foreign matters, entering between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300, from being introduced in the radial direction.
  • The cover part 820 may protrude from the support part 810 in the direction of the rotating shaft of the rotation plate 300 and be provided to cover at least a part of the lower side of the bearing 500. That is, the cover part 820 protrudes inward from the end of the support part 810 so as to surround the bottom surface of the bearing 500 and covers the bottom surface of the bearing 500, thereby blocking foreign matters from entering the bottom surface of the bearing 500.
  • With this configuration, the support part 810 covers the side surface of the bearing 500, and the cover part 820 covers the bottom surface of the bearing 500, whereby even when the foreign matters introduced between the lower body 110 and the rotary plate 300 may not be discharged into the through holes 340 of the rotary plate 300 but a part of the foreign matters moves toward the bearing 500, the support part 810 and the cover part 820 of the bearing cover part 800 may prevent the foreign matters from entering the bearing 500.
  • Therefore, since the cleaner according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has the prevention part and the bearing cover part, the prevention part primarily blocks foreign matters from entering between the body and the rotary plate, and even when a part of the foreign matters moves toward the bearing side, the bearing cover part secondarily blocks the foreign matters, thereby preventing the foreign matters from entering the bearing and the shaft.
  • Although the present disclosure has been described in detail through specific exemplary embodiments, this description is for describing the present disclosure in detail, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, it is clear that the present disclosure may be modified or improved by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit of the present disclosure.
  • All simple modifications to changes of the present disclosure belong to the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific protection scope of the present disclosure will be made clear by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

  1. A cleaner comprising:
    a body;
    a rotary plate having a lower side coupled to a mop facing a floor and rotatably coupled to the body; and
    a prevention part provided on at least one of the body and the rotary plate so that a distance between the body and the rotary plate is minimized, and preventing foreign matters from entering between the body and the rotary plate.
  2. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the rotary plate comprises:
    a central plate rotatably fastened to the body;
    an outer plate having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the central plate and disposed along a circumference of the central plate; and
    a plurality of spokes connecting the central plate and the outer plate to each other and disposed to be spaced apart along a circumferential direction of the central plate to form through holes.
  3. The cleaner of claim 2, wherein the prevention part comprises:
    an outer rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape to be disposed outside a radial direction of the rotary plate so as to surround the rotary plate; and
    an inner rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate between the outer rib and a rotating shaft of the rotary plate.
  4. The cleaner of claim 3, wherein the outer rib is disposed to be spaced apart from an end of the rotary plate so as not to contact the rotary plate.
  5. The cleaner of claim 3, wherein the outer rib is configured as a protrusion disposed so as to overlap the rotary plate by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotary plate.
  6. The cleaner of claim 3, wherein the inner rib guides introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes.
  7. The cleaner of claim 3, wherein the inner rib is configured to protrude from the body so as to face the central plate.
  8. The cleaner of claim 3, wherein the inner rib is configured to protrude from the body so as to face the through holes.
  9. The cleaner of claim 3, wherein the prevention part further comprises a central rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate between the outer rib and the inner rib.
  10. The cleaner of claim 9, wherein the central rib is configured to protrude from the body so as to face the outer plate.
  11. The cleaner of claim 9, wherein the central rib is configured as a protrusion formed smaller than a protrusion of the inner rib.
  12. The cleaner of claim 2, wherein the prevention part comprises:
    a central rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate; and
    an auxiliary rib configured to protrude from the rotary plate in a ring shape so as to face the body.
  13. The cleaner of claim 12, wherein the auxiliary rib is disposed adjacent to an inner side of the central rib while maintaining a minimum distance not in contact with the central rib.
  14. The cleaner of claim 12, wherein the prevention part further comprises an inner rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape so as to face the rotary plate between the central rib and a rotating shaft of the rotary plate.
  15. The cleaner of claim 14, wherein the inner rib is configured to protrude from the body so as to face the central plate or the through holes and guides introduced foreign matters to be discharged through the through holes.
  16. The cleaner of claim 14, wherein the prevention part further comprises an outer rib configured to protrude from the body in a ring shape to be disposed outside a radial direction of the rotary plate so as to surround the rotary plate.
  17. The cleaner of claim 16, wherein
    the outer rib is disposed to be spaced apart from an end of the rotary plate so as not to contact the rotary plate, and
    a protrusion of the outer rib is disposed so as to overlap the rotary plate by a predetermined area in a thickness direction of the rotary plate.
  18. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a bearing fastener to which a bearing rotatably supporting a rotating shaft is fastened, the rotating shaft being fastened to the rotary plate to provide rotational power, and further comprises a bearing cover part protruding from the bearing fastener toward a rotary plate side so as to minimize the distance between the body and the rotary plate and preventing the foreign matters from entering a bearing side.
  19. The cleaner of claim 18, wherein the bearing cover part comprises:
    a support part extending from the bearing fastener and protruding toward the rotary plate side; and
    a cover part protruding from the support part in a direction of the rotating shaft and formed to cover at least a part of a lower side of the bearing.
  20. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein
    the rotary plate comprises a plurality of rotary plates rotatably coupled to the body, and
    the prevention parts are respectively formed between the body and the plurality of rotary plates.
EP20925488.7A 2020-03-16 2020-09-14 Cleaner Pending EP4122371A4 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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US202062990060P 2020-03-16 2020-03-16
KR20200082657 2020-07-06
PCT/KR2020/012358 WO2021187697A1 (en) 2020-03-16 2020-09-14 Cleaner

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EP4122371A4 EP4122371A4 (en) 2024-05-01

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TW (1) TWI798611B (en)
WO (1) WO2021187697A1 (en)

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KR101065569B1 (en) * 2011-06-16 2011-09-19 정철화 Cleaner with rotation-type cloth
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KR102589361B1 (en) * 2018-07-12 2023-10-13 엘지전자 주식회사 Nozzle for cleaner
KR20210055444A (en) * 2019-11-07 2021-05-17 엘지전자 주식회사 Cleaner

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN115279240B (en) 2023-12-22
WO2021187697A1 (en) 2021-09-23
TW202135719A (en) 2021-10-01
CN115279240A (en) 2022-11-01
TWI798611B (en) 2023-04-11
EP4122371A4 (en) 2024-05-01

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