KR20060038797A - Robot cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a robot cleaner that is easy to remove foreign matters accumulated in the depression of the bottom, the cleaner body; A suction nozzle provided on the lower portion of the cleaner body to move upward and downward to suck foreign substances on the floor, and moving along a bottom surface of the unevenness; And it discloses a robot cleaner comprising a nozzle support for preventing the suction nozzle is separated from the cleaner body. The robot cleaner having the above structure has the effect of easily removing foreign matter accumulated in the recessed portion of the floor and improving cleaning performance.

Robot Cleaner, Suction Nozzle, Nozzle Case, Suction Inlet, Hinge Connection, Stopper

Description

Robot Cleaner}

1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a robot cleaner according to the present invention

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the robot cleaner according to the present invention

3 is a bottom perspective view of the robot cleaner according to the present invention;

4 is a top perspective view of a suction nozzle provided in the robot cleaner according to the present invention;

5 is a bottom perspective view of a suction nozzle provided in the robot cleaner according to the present invention;

6 is a plan view showing a connection between the suction nozzle and the cleaner body provided in the robot cleaner according to the present invention;

7a to 7c are cross-sectional views showing the movement of the suction nozzle for sucking the foreign matter accumulated in the depression of the bottom

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

100: robot cleaner 110: cabinet

120: air suction device 130: suction nozzle

131: nozzle case 132: inlet

133: exhaust port 134: edge data

140: dust collector 150: left drive wheel

160: right driving wheel: 170: auxiliary wheel                 

180: control unit 200: hinge connection

210: first connection portion 220: second connection portion

230: pin

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and more particularly, to a dust collector of a cleaner which is provided inside the cleaner and separates and collects the foreign matter.

In general, the vacuum cleaner is a device that is provided inside the cleaner body to drive the air suction device for generating an air suction force, and then suctions the air containing the foreign matter from the outside, and then separates and collects the foreign matter.

Vacuum cleaners that perform the above functions are classified into manual vacuum cleaners that are directly operated by a user, and robot cleaners that perform cleaning by themselves without the user's manipulation.

Here, the robot cleaner is a device that sucks foreign substances such as dust from the floor while traveling by itself in the area to be cleaned. In other words, the robot cleaner automatically cleans a certain area.

To this end, the robot cleaner is provided with a distance sensor for detecting a distance to an obstacle such as furniture, office supplies, walls, and the like, and left and right wheels for moving the robot cleaner.                         

Here, the left and right wheels are configured to rotate by the left wheel motor and the right wheel motor, respectively, so that the robot cleaner performs the cleaning of the room by changing the direction by itself according to the driving of the left wheel motor and the right wheel motor.

In addition, the lower part of the robot cleaner is provided with a suction nozzle for sucking the foreign matter from the floor.

The suction nozzle may include a nozzle case fixed to the cleaner body so as to be immovable and a suction port which is formed on the bottom of the nozzle case to suck foreign matter.

Therefore, in the conventional robot cleaner, when passing through the depression of the bottom, a gap is formed between the suction port of the suction nozzle and the surface of the depression, there is a problem that can not suck the dust accumulated in the depression.

The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a robot cleaner that is easy to remove the foreign matter accumulated in the depression of the floor.

The present invention to achieve the above object, the cleaner body; A suction nozzle provided on the lower portion of the cleaner body to move upward and downward to suck foreign substances on the floor, and moving along a bottom surface of the unevenness; And it provides a robot cleaner comprising a nozzle support for preventing the suction nozzle is separated from the cleaner body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention in which the object of the present invention can be specifically realized are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In describing the present embodiment, the same name and the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration and additional description thereof will be omitted below.

First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a robot cleaner as an example of a vacuum cleaner having a dust collecting device according to the present invention will be described.

1 is a perspective view showing a robot cleaner having a dust collecting apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of a robot cleaner having a dust collecting apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a robot cleaner according to the present invention. to be.

1 and 3, the robot cleaner 100 may include a cleaner body 110 forming an appearance, an air suction device 120 provided inside the cleaner body 110, and the air suction device 120. It comprises a suction nozzle 130 for sucking the dust of the floor by the drive of), and a dust collector 140 for collecting the foreign matter in the air sucked by the suction nozzle (130).

Here, the cleaner body 110 of the robot cleaner 100 has a cylindrical shape that is relatively low in height compared to the diameter, that is, a flat cylindrical shape.

In addition, the dust collecting device 140 communicating with the air suction device 120, the suction nozzle 130, and the suction nozzle 130 is provided inside the cleaner body 110.                     

In addition, the outer circumferential surface of the cleaner body 110 is provided with a sensor (not shown) for sensing the distance to the wall or an obstacle in the room and a bumper (not shown) that buffers a shock when colliding with the cleaner body 110. Lower left and right driving wheels 150 and 160 for moving the robot cleaner 100 are provided at both lower sides, respectively.

Here, the left and right driving wheels 150 and 160 are configured to rotate by the left wheel motor 151 and the right wheel motor 161 controlled by the controller 180, respectively, and the left wheel motor 151 and the right wheel motor ( In accordance with the driving of the 161, the robot cleaner 100 performs the cleaning of the room while changing the direction by itself.

At least one auxiliary wheel 170 is provided at the bottom of the cleaner body 110 to guide the movement of the robot cleaner 100 while minimizing friction between the robot cleaner and the floor.

When the internal configuration of the robot cleaner 100 will be described in more detail, the front part of the cleaner body 110 is provided with a controller 180 in which various electrical components for controlling the driving of the robot cleaner 100 are arranged. The battery 190 is provided at the rear of the controller 180 to supply power to the air suction device 120 and the like.

The air suction device 120 for generating an air suction force is provided at the rear of the battery 190, and the dust collector 140 is disposed at the dust collector mounting part 140a provided at the rear of the air suction device 120. It is mounted to be detachable from the rear.

In addition, the suction nozzle 130 is provided below the dust collecting device 140 to suck foreign substances at the bottom together with air.                     

Here, the air suction device 120 is installed inclined between the battery 190 and the dust collector 140, the motor (not shown) electrically connected to the battery 190 and the rotating shaft of the motor It is configured to include a fan (not shown) connected to force the flow of air.

On the other hand, the suction nozzle 130 is exposed to the lower side of the cleaner body 110 through an opening (not shown) formed in the bottom of the cleaner body 110, so as to contact the floor of the room.

As described above, the suction nozzle 130 for sucking the foreign matter accumulated on the floor of the outside, that is, the room, will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

4 is a top perspective view of a suction nozzle provided in the robot cleaner according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a suction nozzle provided in the robot cleaner according to the present invention.

4 and 5, the suction nozzle 130 is formed on the nozzle case 131, the suction port 132 formed at the bottom of the nozzle case 131, and an upper side of the nozzle case 131. And an exhaust port 133 communicating with the dust collector 140 and an edge data 134 provided at the suction port 132.

Here, the nozzle case 131 is provided below the cleaner body 110, particularly below the dust collector 140, and exposed downward through an opening (not shown) formed at the bottom of the cleaner body 110. It is preferable that the bottom is provided with a separate auxiliary wheel (131a).                     

In addition, the suction port 132 sucks the foreign matter accumulated on the floor by the air suction force generated by the air suction device 120, and the exhaust port 133 is connected by the dust collector 140 and the communication tube 133a. do.

In addition, the nozzle case 131 may further include a plurality of suction grooves 132a formed in front and rear directions in front of the suction port 132.

Here, the suction grooves 132a form a passage through which foreign matter in front of the nozzle case is sucked and at the same time prevent the suction port 132 from being blocked, thereby minimizing the overload of the motor provided in the air suction device 120. do.

The edge data 134 is rotatably connected to both sidewalls of the suction port 132 to shake off dust of the floor or carpet.

To this end, rotating shafts (not shown) are formed at both ends of the edge data 134, and grooves or holes (not shown) are formed at both sidewalls of the suction port 132, respectively.

In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of blades 134a are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the edge data 134 in a helical direction.

The blades 134a are provided at positions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and when the edge data 134 rotates, the blades 134a shake off the foreign matters accumulated on the floor or the foreign matter stuck to the floor and sweep up the suction port 132. .

Of course, a brush (not shown) may be further provided between the blades 134a.                     

 In addition, in order to rotate the edge data 134, one side of the nozzle case 131 transmits the power of the edge data motor 134b and the edge data motor 134b to the edge data 134. The belt 134c is provided.

Therefore, when the rotational force of the edge data motor 134b is transmitted to the edge data 134 through the belt 134c, the edge data 134 rotates and wipes foreign substances on the floor to the suction port 132. Up.

On the other hand, the suction nozzle 130 provided to the robot cleaner according to the present invention is provided to be movable up and down on the cleaner body 110, and moves along the bottom surface with irregularities.

In more detail, when the cleaner body 110 of the robot cleaner performs cleaning while moving on the floor by the driving wheels 150 and 160, the suction nozzle 130 is in contact with the floor on which cleaning is performed. Inhale foreign substances on the floor in the state.

Then, when the robot cleaner 100 passes through the recessed portion of the floor, the suction nozzle 130 moves downward along the surface of the recessed portion to suck in foreign matter, and the robot cleaner 100 passes through the recessed portion of the floor. Then, it moves upward along the bottom surface and returns to its original position.

To this end, the robot cleaner 100, a nozzle support for preventing the suction nozzle 130 is separated from the cleaner body 110 is provided.

Referring to FIG. 6, the suction nozzle 130 provided to the robot cleaner according to the present embodiment is rotatably connected to the cleaner body 110 by the nozzle supporter, thereby being separated from the cleaner body 110. Is prevented.

In more detail, the nozzle support part includes at least one hinge connection part 200 connecting one side of the suction nozzle 130 to the cleaner body 110.

Here, the hinge connection part 200 is connected to the first connection part 210 formed on the cleaner body 110, the second connection part 220 formed on the suction nozzle 130, and the first connection part 210. It comprises a pin 230 for rotatably connecting the second connecting portion 220.

The hinge connection part 200 configured as described above is preferably connected to the front end of the suction nozzle 130, and more specifically, is provided at both front ends of the suction nozzle 130.

That is, the first connection part 210 is provided at the front edge of the opening formed in the bottom of the cleaner body, and the second connection part 220 is provided at the front end of the suction nozzle 130.

In addition, a pinhole 230a through which the pin 230 penetrates is formed in each of the first connector 210 and the second connector 220.

Therefore, when the robot cleaner 100 performs the cleaning while moving on the floor, the auxiliary wheel of the suction nozzle 130 contacts the bottom surface with the unevenness by gravity, and the suction port 132 is placed on the floor. Inhale the foreign matter in close proximity.

An elastic member (not shown) may be provided between the cleaner body 110 and the suction nozzle so that the suction nozzle 130 is in close contact with the floor to be cleaned.

Here, the elastic member is preferably provided on the upper portion of the suction nozzle 130.

Of course, a weight of a predetermined weight may be mounted on the suction nozzle 130 in place of the elastic member. In the present invention, the edge data motor 134b performs a part of the weight.

In addition to the above configuration, the nozzle support portion further includes a separation prevention portion for preventing the other side of the suction nozzle 130, that is, the rear end of the suction nozzle 130 is separated from the lower side of the cleaner body 110. desirable.

Here, the separation prevention part is configured to include a locking projection 240 formed in the suction nozzle 130 is caught on the rear edge of the opening provided with the suction nozzle 130.

Of course, the suction nozzle 130 may be configured such that the rear end of the suction nozzle 130 is directly caught by the rear edge of the opening formed at the bottom of the cleaner body 110.

In this case, the rear edge of the opening is a stopper (not shown), which serves as the separation prevention part.

Although not shown, the suction nozzle 130 is accommodated to be movable up and down in a chamber formed inside the cleaner body 110, and the nozzle support part includes a stopper for supporting a bottom edge of the suction nozzle. It may be configured.                     

At this time, the nozzle support portion may be configured to further include a guide rail formed in the vertical direction on the inner wall of the chamber in which the suction nozzle is accommodated to guide the vertical movement of the suction nozzle.

The operation of the robot cleaner according to the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C.

First, when a driving signal is input to the robot cleaner 100 by a power switch or a separate remote controller provided in the cleaner main body 110, the robot cleaner 100 moves on the floor by itself along the floor of the room. Foreign substances such as accumulated dust are sucked through the suction nozzle 130.

Here, the suction nozzle 130, by the driving of the air suction device 120 in communication with the air outlet of the dust collector 140, the suction port 132 to suck the foreign matter accumulated on the indoor floor with the air. do.

At this time, the edge data 134 provided in the suction nozzle 130, the foreign matter accumulated on the floor or the foreign matter adhered to the floor is sucked more smoothly into the suction port 132, the foreign matter accumulated on the floor or attached to the floor After wiping off the foreign matter, it is swept up to the suction port 132.

The foreign matter introduced into the robot cleaner through the suction nozzle 130 is introduced into the dust collector 140 through the communication tube 133a and is then collected by the dust collector 140.

In addition, the air from which the foreign matter is separated from the dust collector 140 is discharged to the outside of the cleaner body 110 through the fan.

On the other hand, when the robot cleaner 100 passes the depression of the bottom, the suction nozzle 130 moves downward along the surface of the depression to suck in foreign matter.

Then, when the robot cleaner 100 passes through the depression of the bottom, the suction nozzle 130 is moved upward along the bottom surface and returned to its original position.

In more detail, the suction nozzle 130 rotates downwardly about the hinge connection part 200 by gravity, and sucks dust accumulated in the depression in contact with the surface of the depression.

In addition, when the suction nozzle 130 passes through the recessed part, the suction nozzle 130 rotates upwardly around the hinge connection part 200 to move upward, and sucks foreign substances such as dust in contact with the flat bottom.

In addition to the embodiments described above, the fact that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and scope will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and thus, the present invention is not limited to the above detailed description, but may vary within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The robot cleaner according to the present invention configured as described above has the following effects.                     

First, according to the robot cleaner according to the present invention, the gap between the recessed portion of the bottom having the unevenness and the suction nozzle is minimized, so that the foreign matter accumulated in the recessed portion of the bottom is easily removed and the cleaning performance is improved.

Secondly, according to the robot cleaner according to the present invention, the suction nozzle is rotatably connected to the cleaner body to freely move the suction nozzle up and down.

Third, according to the robot cleaner according to the present invention, the nozzle support portion is composed of a hinge connection portion, so that the assembly and disassembly of the suction nozzle and the cleaner body is easy.

Claims (10)

A cleaner body; A suction nozzle provided on the lower portion of the cleaner body to move upward and downward to suck foreign substances on the floor, and moving along a bottom surface of the unevenness; And And a nozzle supporter configured to prevent the suction nozzle from being separated from the cleaner body. The method of claim 1, The suction nozzle, Robot cleaner, characterized in that rotatably connected to the cleaner body by the nozzle support. The method of claim 2, The nozzle support portion, Robot cleaner comprising a hinge connection portion for connecting the one side of the suction nozzle and the cleaner body. The method of claim 3, wherein The hinge connection portion, A first connection part formed on the cleaner body; A second connection portion formed in the suction nozzle: and And a pin configured to rotatably connect the second connection part to the first connection part. The method of claim 3, wherein The hinge connection portion, Robot cleaner, characterized in that connected to the front end of the suction nozzle. The method of claim 3, wherein The nozzle support portion, Robot cleaner, characterized in that further comprises a departure prevention unit for preventing the other side of the suction nozzle is separated from the lower side of the cleaner body. The method of claim 6, The departure prevention part, Robot cleaners, characterized in that formed on the other side of the suction nozzle comprises a locking projection that is caught on the bottom of the cleaner. The method of claim 1, And a resilient member provided between the cleaner body and the suction nozzle. The method of claim 1, The suction nozzle, A suction port for suctioning foreign substances; Edge data (agitator) provided in the suction port; And Robot cleaner comprising a weight of a predetermined weight. Cleaner body each provided with driving wheels on both sides; A suction nozzle including an intake port for suctioning foreign substances, an edge data, a weight of a predetermined weight, and an auxiliary wheel, and provided at a lower portion of the cleaner body and moving up and down along an uneven bottom surface; A hinge connection part rotatably connecting a front end of the suction nozzle to the cleaner body so that the suction nozzle moves up and down, and preventing separation of the suction nozzle and the cleaner body; And And a stopper provided at a rear end of the suction nozzle to prevent the suction nozzle from escaping to the lower side of the cleaner body.

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