TW202139913A - Robot cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A robot cleaner includes a main body forming an exterior of the robot cleaner, a driving unit configured to move the main body, a cleaning module coupled to the main body and configured to suction dust from a traveling surface, and a dust collector coupled to the main body and configured to collect the dust suctioned by the cleaning module. The cleaning module includes a cleaning module housing that defines an exterior of the cleaning module that is coupled to the main body. A mopping unit is rotatably coupled in the cleaning module housing. The mopping unit is configured to accommodate water therein and clean the traveling surface. A mop is detachably coupled to the mopping unit, and a pump is disposed in the mopping unit. The pump is configured to guide water to the mop as the main body moves.

Description

Cleaning robot

The invention relates to a cleaning robot.

People clean their living environment for hygiene and cleanliness. There are many reasons for cleaning. For example, cleaning can protect the body from illness or prevent bronchial discomfort. Moreover, the purpose of cleaning is for the quality of life, such as being able to use a clean space.

Dust and foreign objects fall to the ground due to gravity. Therefore, in order to clean, people often bend over or squat down, which can easily put a burden on the waist and joints.

In this regard, in recent years there have been sweeping machines that assist humans in cleaning. Sweeping machines can be roughly divided into convenient hand-held stick sweeping machines, pole sweeping machines, and sweeping robots.

In these types, cleaning robots can replace users to clean specific spaces, such as homes, offices, and so on. The cleaning robot usually cleans by sucking the dust in the area to be cleaned.

However, it cannot be said that cleaning can be done only by sucking dust. The reason is that some dust cannot be removed by the suction of the cleaning robot. For example, foreign objects attached to the floor surface or dust larger than the suction pipe of the cleaning robot are difficult to remove with only the suction of the cleaning robot.

According to Chinese Patent No. 104545707, a cleaning robot is disclosed, in which a roller mop can mop the floor. However, even in this patent document, there is no specific invention on the method of increasing the area of contact between the sweeper and the floor.

According to an embodiment, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning robot that can perform dust-inhaled cleaning on a traveling surface and mopping cleaning on the traveling surface.

Specifically, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning robot having a structure for supplying water to the mop by driving a pump through the rotational movement of the mop unit.

Further, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning robot having a structure for storing water by using an existing structure.

Moreover, the present invention aims to provide a cleaning robot that can mop the floor only when the cleaning robot is traveling, so as to prevent the traveling surface from becoming dirty for no reason.

As an example of solving the above-mentioned embodiments, the present invention provides a cleaning robot with a suction nozzle, which automatically supplies water to the mop by driving a pump in a rotary motion without a motor.

In addition, the present invention provides a cleaning robot in which a mop drum can operate a gear pump or a diaphragm pump while rotating, thereby supplying water in the drum to the outside.

Moreover, the present invention provides a cleaning robot, in which the mop drum is always maintained in a state of water during cleaning by automatically supplying water only when the mop drum rotates.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, water can be supplied without using a motor, so that the energy required for cleaning can be effectively used.

In addition, since water is only supplied during cleaning, the traveling surface will not become dirty without cause.

Moreover, when the rotation speed of the mop unit is adjusted, the water supply amount is also adjusted based on the adjustment of the rotation speed of the mop unit, so that it can be cleaned effectively.

Furthermore, because the mop will not dry out during cleaning, the cleaning performance is quite excellent.

Furthermore, since there is a water tank inside the rotating drum, there is no need to separately provide a space for the water tank in the cleaning robot.

Also, when the rotation speed is adjusted, the water supply amount will be adjusted accordingly.

10: main body

11: Sensing unit

20: Dust collector

30: drive

31: Main wheel

32: drive motor

33: The first auxiliary wheel

34: second auxiliary wheel

40: Cleaning module

41: Cleaning module housing

41a: The first cleaning module housing

41b: Second cleaning module housing

42: Mop unit storage section

50: mop unit

51: body

52: mop

53: water tank

54: Water supply channel

55: water inlet

56: cover

60: pump

61: pump shell

62: Anti-rotation member

63: water supply

64: inlet pipe

65: Outlet pipe

100: cleaning robot

101: The first shell

102: second shell

420: Mop unit housing part

421: Storage Space

422: Mop sensing part

423: Anti-climb

541: The first water supply channel

542: Second Water Supply Channel

631: first gear

632: second gear

633: Connecting Hole

634: guide member

The attached drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application. The attached drawings show the embodiments of the present invention and the content for explaining the principle of the present invention. In the scheme:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning robot according to an embodiment;

Figure 2 is a bottom view of a cleaning robot according to an embodiment;

Figure 3 is a side view of a cleaning robot according to an embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a diagram of a coupling structure of a mop unit according to an embodiment;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the pump provided in the mop unit of the cleaning robot being formed as a gear pump;

Figures 6 (a) to (d) are diagrams showing various embodiments of the mop unit, in which the pump is formed as a gear pump;

Fig. 7 shows a diagram in which the pump provided in the mop unit of the cleaning robot according to this embodiment is provided with a diaphragm pump; and

8(a) to (d) are diagrams showing various embodiments of the mop unit, in which the pump is formed as a diaphragm pump.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following detailed description is intended to help facilitate the understanding of the methods, devices and/or systems described herein. However, this is only an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

In the described embodiments of the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions of the present invention, and these terms may be different according to factors such as user or operator's intentions and habits. Therefore, the definition of these terms should be based on the content of this specification. The proper terms used in the detailed description are only intended to describe the embodiments of the present invention, and their purpose is not to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular "one" is also intended to include the plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "including" and "including" used in this description refer to the existence of specific functions, numbers, steps, operations, elements and parts or combinations thereof, but do not exclude more than one other function, number, step, operation, The existence or addition of components and their parts or combinations.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning robot according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of a cleaning robot according to an embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 3 is a side view of a cleaning robot according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the cleaning robot will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The cleaning robot 100 according to an embodiment may include: a main body 10; a driver 30 (or driving unit); a cleaning module housing 41; and a mop unit 50. Also, the cleaning robot 100 may further include a battery (not shown in the figure) for power supply, so that the above-mentioned driver and mop unit can be driven electronically.

The battery can be set as a storage battery and can be charged and discharged repeatedly. Therefore, when the battery level is low, the user does not need to replace or add the battery, but can also use the cleaning robot by recharging the battery.

When the battery is set as a storage battery, the cleaning robot may further include a charging device (not shown in the figure), which can charge the cleaning robot.

In another embodiment, the battery may be configured as a dry battery instead of a storage battery. In this case, when the dry battery is dead, it may be necessary to replace the dry battery.

In other words, there is no restriction on the way of supplying power to the cleaning robot.

The main body 10 may be provided to form the outside of the cleaning robot 100.

The main body 10 may include a first housing 101 and a second housing 102.

The first housing 101 may form a part of the main body 10 and may provide a space in which electronic components required by the cleaning robot 100 or components required by the cleaning robot 100 are installed.

For example, a controller (not shown in the figure) that controls the operation of the cleaning robot 100 may be installed in the first housing 101.

The controller determines whether to operate the driver 30 and whether to guide the water contained in the water tank 53, which will be described later.

Also, the first housing 101 may be provided to provide a flow path (not shown in the figure) through which dust-containing air is guided to the dust collector 20 mentioned below. That is, the air sucked in through the cleaning module 40 mentioned below may be guided to the dust collector 20 through the inner space of the first housing 101.

The second housing 102 may be provided in the form of a cover covering the first housing 101. However, the second housing 102 is not limited by this.

A display (not shown in the figure) may be provided on one surface of the second housing 102. The display can be formed in the shape of a touch panel, so the user can input commands through the display.

It is sufficient that the second housing 102 is configured to be coupled to the first housing 101. For example, the second housing 102 may be hinged to the first housing 101, or may be integrally formed with the first housing 101.

However, considering the ease of assembly of the components installed in the first housing 101, it is preferable to provide the second housing 102 separately. The second housing 102 can prevent the components installed in the first housing 101 from becoming dirty or damaged due to external factors.

That is, the cleaning robot according to the present embodiment may be set so that the components installed in the first housing 101 are covered by the second housing 102 and are not exposed to the outside. Therefore, when operating the components, the user's body may be injured due to carelessness, malfunctions and other factors. In this way, the main body 10 can cover the internal components to prevent safety accidents. Moreover, the complicated internal structure will not be exposed due to the main body 10, thus Create beauty. Therefore, the main body 10 can be used as a design element.

The cleaning module 40 may be a part coupled to the main body 10 of the cleaning robot 100 to perform cleaning.

The cleaning module 40 may include a cleaning module housing 41 and a mop unit 50.

The cleaning module 40 may be configured to clean the traveling surface. Specifically, the cleaning module 40 may be configured to suck dust on the traveling surface.

The traveling surface may be a floor surface. When a carpet or the like is provided, the traveling surface may be the upper surface of the carpet.

Dust can be sucked into the space provided by the first housing 101 through the cleaning module housing 41. The inhaled dust may be collected in the dust collector 20, and the air from which the dust has been removed may be discharged to the outside of the main body 10.

The cleaning module housing 41 may be configured to be coupled to the main body 10 to provide a space for accommodating the mop unit 50 as mentioned below.

Moreover, the cleaning module housing 41 may be provided with a flow path through which dust-containing air can be sucked, so that the dust on the traveling surface can be removed.

The cleaning module housing 41 may include a first cleaning module housing 41a and a second cleaning module housing 41b.

Specifically, the first cleaning module housing 41a may be provided with a space for accommodating the mop unit 50 as described above, or a space for cleaning the traveling surface.

The second cleaning module housing 41b can be used to safely connect the first cleaning module housing 41a to the main body 10.

Specifically, an external force may be applied to the cleaning robot 100 or an unexpected impact may occur on the cleaning robot 100 during traveling. Therefore, the first cleaning module housing 41 is firmly connected to the main body 10 through the second cleaning module housing 41b, which prevents the first cleaning module housing 41a from leaving the original position.

In the figure, it is shown that the second cleaning module housing 41b is disposed on the lower side of the first housing 101, that is, facing the surface to be cleaned, but it is not limited to this.

That is, the connection relationship between the cleaning module housing 41 and the main body 10 is not limited.

The cleaning robot 100 may include a driver 30.

The driver 30 may be provided to move the main body 10.

The driver 30 may include a main wheel 31 and a driving motor 32.

The main wheel 31 may be set to rotate by receiving electric power through the drive motor 32. Each main wheel 31 may be provided on each of both sides of the main body 10.

The main wheel 31 provided on one side and the main wheel 31 provided on the other side may be controlled by different drive motors 32 respectively. That is, the main wheel 31 provided on one side and the main wheel 31 provided on the other side can be driven at different rotation speeds.

Therefore, the cleaning robot 100 can turn left or right. Moreover, the cleaning robot 100 can switch directions in combination with walking straight or moving backward.

That is, the traveling speed of the cleaning robot 100 may be determined based on the rotation speed of the main wheel 31, and the traveling direction may be determined by the difference in the rotation speed of the main wheel 31.

For example, when the main wheel 31 on the left side remains stationary and the main wheel 31 on the right side rotates, the cleaning robot 100 can turn left. When the main wheels 31 on both sides are rotating, but the main wheel 31 on the right side rotates faster than the main wheel 31 on the left side, the cleaning robot 100 may turn to the left and continue to walk straight.

The drive 30 may include auxiliary wheels 33 and 34. The first auxiliary wheel 33 may be arranged at the center or beside the center of the cleaning robot 100. The first auxiliary wheel 33 is located beside the center of the cleaning robot 100 so as to support the load of the cleaning robot 100 located at the center of the cleaning robot 100 and at the same time assist in traveling. Therefore, it is possible to minimize shaking of the cleaning robot 100 during traveling.

The first auxiliary wheel 33 may be provided to rotate as the traveling direction of the cleaning robot 100 is switched.

Therefore, even if the cleaning robot 100 switches the direction while cleaning the surface to be cleaned, it can stably guide the travel.

That is, the first auxiliary wheel 33 can assist the rotation of the main wheel 31 while supporting the cleaning robot 100.

The second auxiliary wheel 34 may be arranged in the cleaning module housing 41. The cleaning module housing 41 is coupled to the main body 10 for cleaning. The cleaning module housing 41 may be supported by the main body 10 and coupled to the main body 10 at the same time. In another embodiment, a part of the cleaning module housing 41 in contact with the traveling surface (or the surface to be cleaned) may receive the supporting force through the traveling surface.

However, since the cleaning surface 100 mainly moves in the area to be cleaned when cleaning, the cleaning module housing 41 may not move smoothly during the traveling process.

When the second auxiliary wheel 34 is set, the cleaning module housing 41 travels on the cleaning robot 100 It can move more smoothly.

Each second auxiliary wheel 34 may be provided on each side of both sides of the cleaning module housing 41 to perform the function of assisting in balancing the cleaning robot 100.

The dust collector 20 may be a part that collects dust. The dust collector 20 may include a cyclone (not shown in the figure). The dust collector 20 may communicate with the cleaning module 40.

Air can be sucked into the cleaning robot 100 through the dust collector 20. When the air is sucked in by the dust collector 20 and the dust-removed air is discharged to the outside, negative pressure is generated in the cleaning robot 100, so the air containing dust can be introduced through the cleaning module housing 41.

The dust collector 20 may be formed in a form that mainly separates the larger dust first, and then separates the smaller dust. However, the dust collector 20 is not limited to this, and only needs to be able to suck the dust existing on the traveling surface.

The dust collector 20 may be provided to be detachable from the main body 10. Therefore, when the cleaning robot 100 completes cleaning, or when too much dust accumulates in the dust collector 20, the user can easily separate the dust collector 20 to remove the dust, thereby ensuring convenience.

The sensing unit 11 may be provided on the main body 10. The sensing unit 11 can provide image information so that the cleaning robot 100 can travel in the area to be cleaned.

That is, the sensing unit 11 may be a camera or a photographic sensor.

Specifically, the sensing unit 11 can collect necessary information for the cleaning robot 100 to travel autonomously.

For example, the sensing unit 11 may include: a photographic sensor, which builds a travel map by photographing the surroundings of the cleaning robot 100; an obstacle sensor, which senses obstacles; and others. In another example, in addition to the above-mentioned sensors, other sensors may be provided.

For example, the sensing unit may include a wall sensor (not shown in the figure). Therefore, information about the area to be cleaned can be input to the cleaning robot 100 through a wall sensor, a photographic sensor, or the like. The cleaning robot 100 can input the shape of the space while traveling, and divide the area to be cleaned into a plurality of cleaning areas through the wall sensor.

However, the present invention is not limited by the above examples, and the above examples are not the only embodiments. The photographic sensor and the obstacle sensor can simultaneously perform wall sensing.

The photographic sensor can not only be set to sense the area to be cleaned, but also can specify the position of the main body 10 in the previously inputted area to be cleaned. Therefore, the cleaning robot 100 can be designated for cleaning The location of the space and the location of the cleaning robot 100 can be specified, so that it can be guided to move to the next cleaning area.

The type and number of sensing units 11 are not limited. That is, a plurality of photographic sensors may be arranged, and when a plurality of photographic sensors are arranged, the plurality of photographic sensors may be the same type or different types of photographic sensors.

The cleaning robot 100 can adjust the suction strength of the dust collector 20 based on the floor material. This is because when the dust collector 20 always sucks dust with the same intensity, it may be difficult to clean thoroughly on a less general floor such as a carpet.

The cleaning robot 100 may include a floor sensor (not shown in the figure) to sense the floor material. The floor sensor may be a sensor that senses the material of the floor. The floor sensor may be provided in the above-mentioned sensing unit 11 or may be provided in a position other than the sensing unit 11.

The area to be cleaned using the cleaning robot 100 may be different according to circumstances. For example, the floor material of the area to be cleaned can be marble or floor tiles. Moreover, the area to be cleaned can be made of materials other than the above-mentioned examples.

Depending on the floor material, the strength of driving the dust collector 20 to effectively suck dust may vary.

Specifically, it is necessary to drive the dust collector 20 on a carpeted floor harder than on a normal floor in order to clean effectively. The controller of the cleaning robot 100 can adjust the driving strength of the dust collector 20 based on the type of the floor material.

The obstacle sensor can determine whether there is an obstacle in the area to be cleaned. The obstacle sensor may be integrated with the above-mentioned sensing unit 11, or may be provided separately. That is, the photographic sensor can also be used as an obstacle sensor.

When the obstacle sensor detects an obstacle, the travel path of the cleaning robot 100 can be changed. As the moving route becomes more complicated, the battery power consumption will also change. Specifically, when there is an obstacle, the cleaning robot 100 moves to bypass the obstacle. In this case, the movement route can be extended. As the movement route is extended, the battery power consumption for cleaning the corresponding area may increase.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the coupling structure of the mop unit according to an embodiment.

The mop unit 50 may be accommodated in the cleaning module housing 41. Specifically, the mop unit accommodating part 42 may be accommodated in the cleaning module housing 41, and the mop unit 50 may be accommodated in the mop unit accommodating part 42.

The mop unit 50 may be placed on the mop unit storage part 42. The mop unit receiving portion 42 may be formed as a part of the cleaning module housing 41 or installed inside the cleaning module housing 41.

The mop unit storage portion 42 may include a mop unit storage portion housing 420 which determines the exterior of the mop unit storage portion 42. The mop unit accommodating portion housing 420 may be provided with a accommodating space 421 therein to accommodate the mop unit 50 therein.

The mop unit storage portion 42 may include a mop sensing portion 422 which determines whether the mop 52 surrounds the main body 51. When the mop sensing part 422 determines whether the mop 52 is installed, it can be determined whether to supply water to the mop 52.

The anti-climbing part 423 may be provided on the mop unit receiving part 42. The anti-climbing portion 423 may extend toward the front of the cleaning module housing 41. An anti-climbing part 423 is provided to prevent movement to stepped terrain.

The anti-climbing portion 423 may extend toward the front of the cleaning robot 100 at a portion where the mop unit storage portion 42 and the traveling surface are in contact with each other.

In other words, the anti-climbing portion 423 may extend from the surface of the mop unit receiving portion 42 facing the traveling surface toward the traveling direction of the cleaning robot 100.

The anti-climbing part 423 may protrude outward toward the cleaning module housing 41. Specifically, the anti-climbing portion 423 may protrude toward the front of the cleaning module housing 41. More specifically, the anti-climbing portion 423 may protrude forward toward a part of the cleaning module housing 41 beside the traveling surface.

The anti-climbing part 423 prevents the cleaning robot 100 from entering an area having a different height from the traveling surface, such as a carpet, while traveling.

Generally speaking, except for special situations in homes, companies, etc., cleaning robots are usually used in spaces with a constant height of the traveling surface. Even if the cleaning robot is used in a space with a constant height of the traveling surface, it may be possible to lay carpets or set thresholds due to the user's preference.

Since the cleaning robot 100 according to this embodiment can travel and mop the floor at the same time, it is not recommended that the cleaning robot 100 operate the mop 52 at the same time when the cleaning robot 100 is traveling on the upper surface of a carpet or the like.

A plurality of anti-climbing parts 423 may be arranged on the mop unit receiving part 42. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning robot 100 from climbing when it encounters traveling surfaces of different heights during linear movement, and when the cleaning robot 100 encounters traveling surfaces of different heights during moving in a specific direction. Therefore, the operation of the mop 52 will not be disturbed by the traveling surface. The pump 60 may be coupled to the mop unit 50. The pump 60 may include an anti-rotation member 62, which prevents the pump 60 from rotating regardless of the rotation of the body 51.

The cleaning robot 100 according to this embodiment can guide the water to the tractor through the pump 60. Put 52 instead of other separate components such as motors. When the cleaning robot 100 is traveling, the main body 51 cannot be prevented from rotating. Therefore, when the pump 60 is fixed, the water can be guided to the mop 52 in response to the rotation of the main body 51.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cleaning robot 100 from becoming too large, and to mop the floor only when the cleaning robot 100 is traveling, without additional power consumption.

The detailed description of the pump 60 will be described as follows.

The mop unit 50 may include a body 51 and a mop 52.

The mop unit 50 is accommodated in the cleaning module housing 41 to clean the traveling surface on which the cleaning robot 100 travels.

Specifically, the mop unit 50 can remove dust and foreign matter other than the dust sucked into the cleaning robot 100 by the dust collector 20 when the traveling surface is mopped.

That is, when the mop 52 is removed, the mop unit 50 can sweep the dust on the traveling surface to allow the dust to enter the dust collector 20. Moreover, when the mop 52 is installed, the mop unit 50 can remove dust and foreign objects by mopping the floor together with the mop 52.

The dust present on the traveling surface may not be completely removed by the suction force of the dust collector 20. Therefore, the mop unit 50 is provided to remove dust remaining on the traveling surface.

The mop unit 50 may be accommodated in the space provided by the cleaning module housing 41 and may be combined with the cleaning module housing 41. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the mop unit 50 from moving away from the original position when mopping the ground.

The mop unit 50 may include a main body 51 disposed in the cleaning module housing 41. Specifically, the body 51 may be coupled to the cleaning module housing 41 to support the mop unit 50.

The body 51 may be formed in a ring shape. The body 51 can rotate naturally when the cleaning robot 100 is traveling, and sweep dust on the traveling surface, so as to assist the dust collector 20 in collecting dust or cleaning by mopping the floor on the traveling surface.

The body 51 may be hollow. As described below, the purpose is to provide a water tank 53 in the main body 51 and to contain water in the water tank 53 or to contain water in the main body 51.

The body 51 may be a part that determines the exterior of the mop unit 50. Since the mop 52 is provided to surround the body 51, the mop 52 can be combined to the body 51 based on the shape of the body 51.

The mop 52 can be made of a material that can hold water. The purpose is to maximize the cleaning effect by collecting water through the water supply channel 54 mentioned below.

The mop 52 can be configured to be detachable from the body 51. When using the cleaning robot, the user may or may not want to mop the floor. Therefore, it is preferable that the mop 52 can be detached from the cleaning robot 100 based on the user's selection.

Moreover, when the mop 52 is integrally formed with the cleaning robot 100, the dirty mop 52 must continue to be used after cleaning. Moreover, even if the mop 52 is cleaned, due to the structure of the cleaning robot 100, cleaning may still be difficult. Therefore, the mop 52 is preferably detachable.

The way the mop 52 surrounds the body 51 is not limited.

For example, the two ends of the mop 52 may be repeatedly attached or detached from each other, or an element for mounting the mop 52 on the body 51 may be additionally provided.

Fig. 5 shows a diagram in which the pump provided in the mop unit of the cleaning robot is formed as a gear pump.

The pump 60 may be coupled to the mop unit 50. The pump 60 may include a pump housing 61 that forms the exterior of the pump 60 and is coupled to the body 51.

The shape and number of the covers are not limited to the shape and number of the covers shown in the drawings.

The water supply 63 may be provided in the pump housing 61. The water supply member 63 may be operated without electricity, such as a separate motor, but may be configured to guide water toward the mop 52 in response to the rotation of the mop unit 50.

According to an embodiment in which the pump 60 is formed as a gear pump, the communication hole 633 or the water tank 53 communicating with the body 51 may be defined in the pump housing 61. That is, the communication hole 633 may be defined to allow water to flow into the pump 60.

The communication hole 633 may be defined in the pump housing 61 which is closer to the circumference than the rotation center of the mop unit 50. This is because as the main body 51 rotates, the water contained in the main body 51 or the water tank 53 will be located on the inner surface of the main body 51 due to centrifugal force.

Specifically, when the amount of water contained is large enough, the position of the communication hole 633 is not a problem. However, when the amount of water decreases to a certain extent with cleaning, or only a small amount of water is injected at the beginning, the water contained in the water tank 53 or the body 51 may be deflected toward the traveling surface due to gravity.

However, even if the amount of water contained in the main body 51 or the water tank 53 is small, the water will be biased toward the inner surface of the main body 51 or the water tank 53 as the main body 51 rotates. Therefore, it is preferable that the communication hole 633 defines a space adjacent to the main body 51. The inner surface.

The water supply member 63 may include a first gear 631 and a second gear 632.

The first gear 631 is a gear that rotates as the body 51 rotates. The first gear 631 is rotatable about the rotation center of the body 51.

The second gear 632 may mesh with the first gear 631 and guide water into the communication hole 633 toward the mop.

The second gear 632 may be provided so that at least a part of its gear teeth overlap with the communication hole 633. Therefore, the water entering the communication hole 633 can be guided to the mop 52 through the pump 60.

The pump housing 61 may include a guide member 634 for assisting the flow of water.

When water flows into the pump housing 61 through the communication hole 633, the water is guided by the water supply 63. However, in order to stably guide water to the water supply channel 54 described below, it is more advantageous to have a guide member 634 protruding toward the inside of the pump housing 61.

That is, the guide member 634 can guide the water entering the communication hole 633 to the water supply channel 54 to thereby smoothly supply water.

The water supply channel 54 may include a first water supply channel 541 and a second water supply channel 542.

The first water supply channel 541 is a channel communicating with the pump housing 61, and the water guided by the first gear 631 and the second gear 632 is discharged from the pump housing 61 through the channel.

The first water supply channel 541 may communicate with the pump housing 61.

The second water supply channel 542 may be a part that communicates with the first water supply channel 541 and communicates with the mop 52.

Specifically, the second water supply channel 542 may branch toward the longitudinal direction of the body 51 to guide the water discharged from the first water supply channel 541 to the mop 52.

The number of branch channels can vary. That is, there are two second water supply channels 542 shown in the drawing, but the number of second water supply channels is not limited by this.

Preferably, the second water supply channel 542 branches to both sides of the main body 51 to communicate with the mop 52. Since the body 51 is preferably formed in a cylindrical shape, in order to guide the horizontally to the mop 52, it is more advantageous that the number of branch channels is a little larger and the channels can be branched evenly.

6(a) to 6(d) are diagrams showing various embodiments of the mop unit, in which the pump is formed as a gear pump.

Specifically, FIG. 6(a) is a diagram showing the shape of water contained in the main body 51; FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing the shape of the water tank 53 contained in the main body 51. 6 (c) is a diagram showing the shape of the water inlet 55 defined in the body 51; and FIG. 6 (d) is a diagram showing the water inlet 55 and the water tank 53 The patterns of the shapes respectively defined and arranged in the main body 51.

In FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d), in order to facilitate clear understanding, the main body is shown in an open shape.

6(a), the pump 60 is formed as a gear pump, and shows a shape in which water is contained in the body 51. The pump 60 may be provided on one side of the body 51, and the cover 56 may be provided on the other side of the body 51.

The cover 56 may be formed as a rotating cover. Therefore, the main body 51 can be opened or closed by rotating the cover 56.

Also, when the cover 56 is formed as a rotating cover, the tightening force may become stronger as the number of rotations of the cover 56 increases, and thus the barrier performance may become better.

Moreover, since the cover 56 is provided, it is convenient to simply supply water to the main body 51 or maintain the supplied water in a state of being accommodated in the main body 51.

6(b), the pump 60 is formed as a gear pump, and a case where the water tank 53 is separately formed in the body 51 is shown.

The description of the part overlapping with FIG. 6(a) will be omitted below. However, it is clear that the part described in Figure 6(a) is not excluded.

6(b), the water tank 53 may be formed separately from the body 51.

When the water tank 53 is formed separately from the main body 51, the size of the water tank 53 may be smaller than the size of the main body 51. However, since water is not directly contained in the body 51, the shape of the water tank 53 may be changed, so that the configuration of the pump 60 can be optimally designed.

In another example, even if the water tank 53 is provided, the cover 56 may be provided.

6(c), it shows that the pump 60 is formed as a gear pump, and the water inlet 55 is defined in the body 51, instead of the cover 56 being provided on the other side.

When the water inlet 55 is defined in the body 51, even if the mop unit 50 is not removed from the cleaning module housing 41, water can still be easily injected into the body 51. Since the mop unit 50 is coupled to the cleaning module housing 41 or the mop unit receiving portion 42, when the mop unit 50 is formed so that water is injected through its end, the mop unit 50 must be removed from the cleaning robot 100 to remove Water is supplied to the mop unit 50.

However, when the water inlet 55 is defined in the body 51, water may be supplied without removing the mop unit 50 from the cleaning robot 100.

6(d), even if the water inlet 55 is defined, the water tank 53 may be included. exist In this case, the water inlet 55 may be defined to communicate with the water tank 53.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the pump provided in the mop unit of the cleaning robot according to the present embodiment is provided with a diaphragm pump.

Hereinafter, the parts different from those shown in FIG. 5 will be described. The description of the same parts as those shown in FIG. 5 will be omitted.

The diaphragm pump is a membrane pump, which can be operated as the body 51 rotates. The water supply member 63 may be formed as a diaphragm pump. Therefore, the water can be guided to the mop 52 as the body 51 rotates.

When the main body 51 rotates and the pump 60 does not rotate, the water supply member 63 can be operated.

Specifically, as the body 51 rotates, the diaphragm of the diaphragm pump contracts and relaxes. Since contraction and relaxation are repeated, the water contained in the body 51 can flow into the pump 60 and then can be guided to the mop 52.

When the pump 60 is formed as a diaphragm pump, the pump 60 may include a water inlet pipe 64 and a water outlet pipe 65.

The water inlet pipe 64 may be a part where water is guided from the water tank 53 or the body 51 to the water supply member 63. In this case, as the body 51 rotates, negative pressure is generated inside the water supply member 63 and water is sucked out. Moreover, as the body 51 rotates, pressure is applied to the water supply member 63, so water can be discharged to the mop 52.

The water inlet pipe 64 may be arranged beside the inner surface of the main body 51. That is, the water inlet pipe 64 may be located closer to the inner circumferential surface than the rotation center of the main body 51.

The water inlet pipe 64 is arranged next to the inner surface, and because the water is deflected toward the inner surface due to centrifugal force as the main body 51 rotates, the water can be smoothly supplied to the mop 52 even if a small amount of water is contained.

When the water inlet pipe 64 communicates with the water supply member 63 and communicates with the water tank 53 when the water tank 53 is provided, and the water is contained in the main body 51, the water inlet pipe 64 communicates with the main body 51.

The water outlet pipe 65 can communicate with the water supply 63 and the mop 52. The water outlet pipe 65 can guide the water discharged from the water supply member 63 to the mop 52. In the figure, it is shown that the water pipe 65 is branched into two pipes, but the water outlet pipe is not limited by this.

In order to evenly supply water to the mop 52, it is preferable that the water outlet pipe 65 be branched into several pipes. However, considering the fluid resistance, the outlet pipe 65 may be provided with an appropriate number of branches.

8(a) to 8(d) are diagrams showing various embodiments of the mop unit, in which the pump is formed as a diaphragm pump.

Specifically, FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing the shape of water contained in the body 51; And FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the shape of the water tank 53 accommodated in the main body 51. 8(c) is a diagram showing the shape of the water inlet 55 defined in the body 51; and FIG. 8(d) is a diagram showing the shape of the water inlet 55 and the water tank 53 respectively defined and arranged in the body 51.

In FIGS. 8(a) to 8(d), in order to facilitate clear understanding, the main body is shown in an open shape.

Referring to FIG. 8( a ), the pump 60 is formed as a diaphragm pump, and shows a shape in which water is contained in the body 51. The pump 60 may be provided on one side of the body 51, and the cover 56 may be provided on the other side of the body 51.

The cover 56 may be formed as a rotating cover. Therefore, the main body 51 can be opened or closed by rotating the cover 56.

Moreover, when the cover 56 is formed as a rotating cover, the tightening force will become stronger as the number of rotations of the cover 56 increases, and the barrier performance may become better.

Moreover, since the cover 56 is provided, it is convenient to simply supply water to the main body 51 or maintain the supplied water in a state of being accommodated in the main body 51.

Referring to FIG. 8( b ), the pump 60 is formed as a gear pump, and a case where the water tank 53 is separately formed in the body 51 is shown.

The description of the part overlapping with FIG. 8(a) will be omitted below. However, it is clear that the part described in FIG. 8(a) is not excluded.

Referring to FIG. 8( b ), the water tank 53 may be formed separately from the body 51.

When the water tank 53 is formed separately from the main body 51, the size of the water tank 53 may be smaller than the size of the main body 51. However, since water will not be directly contained in the body 51, the shape of the water tank 53 may be changed, so the configuration of the pump 60 can be optimally designed.

In another example, even if the water tank 53 is provided, the cover 56 may be provided.

8(c), it shows that the pump 60 is formed as a gear pump, and the water inlet 55 is defined in the body 51, instead of the cover 56 being provided on the other side.

When the water inlet 55 is defined in the body 51, even if the mop unit 50 is not removed from the cleaning module housing 41, water can still be easily injected into the body 51. Since the mop unit 50 is coupled to the cleaning module housing 41 or the mop unit receiving portion 42, when the mop unit 50 is formed so that water is injected through its end, the mop unit 50 must be removed from the cleaning robot 100 to remove Water is supplied to the mop unit 50.

However, when the water inlet 55 is defined in the body 51, there is no need to clean the mop unit 50 from The sweeping robot 100 can also supply water when it is removed.

8(d), even if the water inlet 55 is defined, the water tank 53 may be included. In this case, the water inlet 55 may be defined to communicate with the water tank 53.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can still understand that various modifications are possible for the foregoing embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and should be determined by the equal definition of the scope of the patent application and the scope of the patent application below.

This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0051421 filed on April 28, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

50: mop unit

51: body

56: cover

61: pump shell

62: Anti-rotation member

63: water supply

541: The first water supply channel

542: Second Water Supply Channel

631: first gear

632: second gear

633: Connecting Hole

634: guide member

Claims (15)

A cleaning robot, including: A main body, which forms the exterior of the cleaning robot; A driving unit configured to move the main body; A cleaning module coupled to the main body and configured to suck dust from the traveling surface; and A dust collector coupled to the main body and configured to collect dust sucked by the cleaning module, Among them, the cleaning module includes: A cleaning module housing defining the exterior of the cleaning module, wherein the cleaning module is coupled to the main body; A mop unit rotatably coupled to the cleaning module housing, wherein the mop unit is configured to contain water therein and configured to clean the traveling surface; A mop, detachably coupled to the mop unit; and A pump is arranged in the mop unit, wherein the pump is configured to guide water to the mop when the main body moves. The cleaning robot as described in claim 1, further including: A mop unit accommodating part for accommodating the mop unit therein, Among them, the pump contains: A pump housing, arranged on one side of the mop unit and connected to the mop unit receiving part; An anti-rotation member configured to prevent the rotation of the pump housing; and A water supply unit configured to supply water to the mop. The cleaning robot according to claim 2, wherein the mop unit accommodating part includes an anti-climbing part extending forward from the cleaning module housing and configured to prevent the cleaning robot from moving to a stepped terrain. The cleaning robot according to claim 2, wherein the water supply unit includes a diaphragm pump. The cleaning robot described in claim 4 also includes: A body forming the exterior of the mop unit; and A water tank, configured to contain water therein, is set in the body, Among them, the water supply includes: An inlet pipe extending from the inside of the water tank toward the longitudinal direction of the body, wherein water is configured to flow into the water supply through the inlet pipe; and An outlet pipe is connected to the water supply member and the mop, and the outlet pipe is configured to guide the water discharged from the water supply member to the mop. The sweeping robot according to claim 5, wherein the pump is arranged on a first side of the body and the water tank, Wherein, a detachable cover is provided on a second side of the body and the water tank, and Wherein, the water tank is configured to be opened with the cover. The cleaning robot according to claim 6, wherein the cover is formed as a rotating cover. The cleaning robot described in claim 5 further includes: a water inlet defined on an outer circumferential surface of the body, and the water inlet is configured to allow water to enter the body. The cleaning robot described in claim 4 further includes: a body forming the exterior of the mop unit and configured to contain water therein, Among them, the water supply includes: An inlet pipe extending from the inside of the body toward the longitudinal direction of the body, wherein water is configured to flow into the water supply through the inlet pipe; and An outlet pipe is connected to the water supply member and the mop, and the outlet pipe is configured to guide the water discharged from the water supply member to the mop. The cleaning robot according to claim 4, wherein the pump includes a gear pump. The cleaning robot described in claim 10 further includes: A body forming the exterior of the mop unit and configured to contain water therein, Among them, the pump contains: A pump casing forming the exterior of the pump, wherein the pump casing is coupled to the body; A communication hole defined in the pump housing and in fluid communication with the main body; A first gear, configured to rotate as the body rotates; and A second gear meshes with the first gear, wherein the second gear is configured to guide the water entering the communication hole to the mop. The cleaning robot according to claim 11, wherein the body includes a water supply channel in fluid communication with the pump housing and the mop. The cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein the water supply channel includes: A first water supply channel in fluid communication with the pump housing; and A second water supply channel is in fluid communication with the first water supply channel and branches to both sides of the body to be in fluid communication with the mop. The cleaning robot according to claim 12, wherein a guide member is provided in the pump housing, and the guide member is configured to guide the water entering the communication hole to the water supply channel. The cleaning robot described in claim 10 also includes: A body forming the exterior of the mop unit; and A water tank arranged in the body, wherein the water tank is configured to contain water therein; Among them, the pump contains: A pump casing forming the exterior of the pump, wherein the pump casing is coupled to the body; A communication hole defined in the pump housing and in fluid communication with the water tank; A first gear, configured to rotate as the body rotates; and A second gear meshes with the first gear, wherein the second gear is configured to guide the water entering the communication hole to the mop.

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