阅读说明：本技术 机器人清洁器 (Robot cleaner ) 是由 宣昌和 金相祚 于 2019-01-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种机器人清洁器包括：主体,所述主体包括抽吸马达；吸嘴,所述吸嘴联接到所述主体并且包括抽吸端口；以及可移动单元,所述可移动单元在所述抽吸端口的前面联接到所述吸嘴,并且能在所述可移动单元与所述吸嘴重叠的第一位置和所述可移动单元从所述吸嘴向前突出的第二位置之间移动。(A robot cleaner includes: a main body including a suction motor; a suction nozzle coupled to the body and including a suction port; and a movable unit coupled to the suction nozzle in front of the suction port and movable between a first position where the movable unit overlaps the suction nozzle and a second position where the movable unit protrudes forward from the suction nozzle.)

1. A robot cleaner, comprising:

a main body including a suction motor;

a suction nozzle coupled to the body and including a suction port; and

a movable unit coupled to the suction nozzle in front of the suction port and movable between a first position where the movable unit overlaps the suction nozzle and a second position where the movable unit protrudes forward from the suction nozzle.

2. The robot cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the movable unit is arranged such that a front surface of the movable unit is inclined with respect to a vertical line in a state where the movable unit is moved to the first position.

3. The robotic cleaner of claim 1, wherein the suction nozzle further comprises:

a bumper for absorbing impact at the time of collision with an obstacle, and

wherein in a state where the movable unit is moved to the second position, a front surface of the movable unit is located behind a front surface of the bumper.

4. The robotic cleaner of claim 1, wherein the suction nozzle further comprises:

a bumper for absorbing impact at the time of collision with an obstacle, and

wherein the movable unit is connected to the damper and rotates by receiving a moving force of the damper.

5. The robot cleaner of claim 4, wherein the movable unit is located at the first position in a state where an external force is not applied to the bumper, and

wherein, when an external force is applied to the buffer, the movable unit receives a moving force of the buffer to move from the first position to the second position.

6. The robotic cleaner of claim 5, wherein the suction nozzle further includes a base having the suction port,

wherein the buffer is disposed on the base, and

wherein the movable unit is coupled to a lower portion of the base and is connected with the bumper in a state in which the movable unit is coupled to the base.

7. The robot cleaner of claim 6, wherein the movable unit includes: a rotating body;

a connection part extending upward from the rotating body;

a contact protrusion extending upward from the connection part; and

a hinge portion allowing the rotation of the rotating body, and

wherein the buffer includes a transfer unit connected with the contact protrusion.

8. The robotic cleaner of claim 7, wherein the base includes:

a protrusion through hole through which the contact protrusion and the hinge part pass; and

a seating groove for seating the hinge part having passed through the protrusion through-hole.

9. The robot cleaner of claim 7, wherein the transfer unit includes:

a first portion located in front of the contact protrusion and a second portion located behind and spaced apart from the first portion, and

wherein at least a portion of the contact protrusion is located in a space between the first portion and the second portion.

10. The robot cleaner of claim 1, wherein the movable unit is located at the second position in a state where an external force is not applied to the movable unit, and

wherein the movable unit rotates from the second position to the first position when an external force is applied to the movable unit.

11. The robotic cleaner of claim 10, wherein the suction nozzle includes:

a base; and

a base cap coupled to the base and having the suction port, an

Wherein the movable unit is rotatably coupled to the base cover.

12. The robot cleaner of claim 11, wherein the movable unit includes:

a rotating body; and

a first coupling part extending from the rotating body and coupled to the base cover, and

wherein the base cover includes a second coupling part for coupling the first coupling part.

13. The robot cleaner of claim 12, wherein the rotating body comprises:

a plurality of extensions spaced apart from each other in a length direction of the rotating body, and

wherein each of the plurality of extensions has an opening formed therein.

14. The robot cleaner of claim 11, wherein the first coupling part comprises:

a shaft for a rotational operation of the motor,

wherein the second coupling part includes a shaft coupling part for coupling the shaft, and

wherein the shaft coupling portion has a slit that allows the shaft to be coupled in a direction intersecting an extending direction of the shaft.

15. The robotic cleaner of claim 12, wherein the base cover further comprises:

an elastic member supporting the movable unit such that the movable unit is located at the second position in a state where an external force is not applied to the movable unit.

16. The robot cleaner of claim 15, wherein the elastic member is a protrusion protruding from the base cover, bent a plurality of times, and contacting a rear surface of the rotating body.

17. A robot cleaner, comprising:

a main body including a suction motor;

a suction nozzle coupled to the body and including a suction port;

a bumper disposed in the suction nozzle; and

a movable unit coupled to the suction nozzle behind a front surface of the bumper and connected with the bumper to receive a moving force of the bumper,

wherein the movable unit is located at a first position where the movable unit overlaps the suction nozzle in a state where an external force is not applied to the bumper, and

wherein, when an external force is applied to the bumper, the movable unit receives a moving force of the bumper to move from the first position to a second position where the movable unit protrudes to a front of the suction nozzle.

18. The robot cleaner of claim 17, wherein a front surface of the movable unit is located behind a front surface of the bumper in a state where the movable unit is moved to the second position.

19. A robot cleaner, comprising:

a main body including a suction motor;

a suction nozzle connected with the main body and including a suction port; and

a movable unit coupled to the suction nozzle,

wherein in a state where an external force is not applied to the movable unit, the movable unit moves to a second position where the movable unit protrudes to a front of the suction nozzle, and

wherein, when an external force is applied to the movable unit, the movable unit moves from the second position to a first position where the movable unit overlaps the suction nozzle.

20. The robotic cleaner of claim 19, further comprising:

an elastic member elastically supporting the movable unit such that the movable unit moves from the first position to the second position in a state where an external force is not applied to the movable unit.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a robot cleaner.

Background

Generally, a robot cleaner is a home appliance that sucks and removes foreign substances on a floor. Among such cleaners, a cleaner that automatically cleans a house is called a robot cleaner.

The robot cleaner sucks and removes foreign substances on a floor while moving by a driving force of a motor that operates by receiving power from a battery.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

The present embodiment provides a robot cleaner having a movable unit positioned to protrude forward from an inclined surface of a suction nozzle to clean corners.

The present embodiment provides a robot cleaner having a movable unit that overlaps with an inclined surface of a suction nozzle to easily pass over an obstacle.

The present embodiment provides a robot cleaner in which the position of a movable unit is changeable without the operation of a user or an additional power source.

Technical scheme

According to an aspect of the present invention, a robot cleaner includes: a main body including a suction motor; a suction nozzle coupled to the body and including a suction port; and a movable unit coupled to the suction nozzle in front of the suction port and movable between a first position where the movable unit overlaps the suction nozzle and a second position where the movable unit protrudes forward from the suction nozzle. The movable unit is arranged such that a front surface of the movable unit is inclined with respect to a vertical line in a state where the movable unit is moved to the first position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a robot cleaner may include: a main body including a suction motor; a suction nozzle coupled to the body and including a suction port; a bumper disposed in the suction nozzle; and a movable unit coupled to the suction nozzle behind a front surface of the bumper and connected with the bumper to receive a moving force of the bumper.

The movable unit may be located at a first position where the movable unit overlaps the suction nozzle in a state where an external force is not applied to the bumper, and the movable unit may receive a moving force of the bumper to move from the first position to a second position where the movable unit protrudes to the front of the suction nozzle when the external force is applied to the bumper.

In the state where the movable unit is moved to the second position, the front surface of the movable unit may be located behind the front surface of the bumper.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a robot cleaner may include: a main body including a suction motor; a suction nozzle connected with the main body and including a suction port; and a movable unit coupled to the suction nozzle. The movable unit may be moved to a second position where the movable unit protrudes to the front of the suction nozzle in a state where an external force is not applied to the movable unit, and the movable unit may be moved from the second position to a first position where the movable unit overlaps the suction nozzle when the external force is applied to the movable unit.

The robot cleaner may further include an elastic member elastically supporting the movable unit such that the movable unit moves from the first position to the second position.

Advantageous effects

According to the present invention, since the movable unit can protrude forward from the inclined surface of the suction nozzle, corners can be cleaned by surface pressure between the movable unit and the floor.

According to the present invention, since the movable unit can overlap the inclined surface of the suction nozzle, interference between the obstacle and the movable unit can be prevented, and thus the robot cleaner can pass over the obstacle.

Further, according to the present invention, between a first position where the movable unit overlaps the suction nozzle and a second position where the movable unit protrudes from the suction nozzle, the movable unit can be rotated by directly or indirectly receiving an impact force caused by a collision with an obstacle without requiring a user's operation or additional power. Therefore, the structure of the movable unit can be simplified.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a robot cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a robot cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a lower portion of a suction nozzle in the robot cleaner of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a suction nozzle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a suction nozzle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a base according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a movable unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 and 9 are views showing a state in which the movable unit is coupled to the base.

Fig. 10 is a view showing that the hinge portion of the movable unit is coupled to the base.

Fig. 11 and 12 are views showing a buffer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 13 to 16 are views gradually showing an appearance that a movable unit rotates during a collision of an obstacle with a bumper of a robot cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view showing a lower structure of a suction nozzle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the suction nozzle of fig. 17.

Fig. 19 and 20 are perspective views of a movable unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 and 22 are perspective views of a base cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a movable unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a base.

Fig. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a first coupling part of a movable unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a second coupling part of a base cover.

Fig. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the elastic member of the base cover supports the rotating body of the movable unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 and 27 show stepwise the rotation of the movable unit during collision of the movable unit of the robot cleaner with an obstacle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when components in the drawings are denoted by reference numerals, the components have the same reference numerals as much as possible even if the same components are shown in different drawings. Further, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of a well-known configuration or function interferes with understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

Also, in the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) may be used. Each term is used only to distinguish the corresponding component from other components and does not define the nature, order, or sequence of the corresponding components. It will be understood that when an element is "connected," "coupled," or "joined" to another element, the former may be directly connected or joined to the latter, or the latter may be "connected," "coupled," or "joined" with a third element interposed therebetween.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a robot cleaner according to a first embodiment of the present invention, fig. 2 is a side view of the robot cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 3 is a view illustrating a lower portion of a suction nozzle in the robot cleaner of fig. 1.

Referring to fig. 1 to 3, the robot cleaner 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a main body 10 having a suction motor (not shown) generating a suction force.

The body 10 may have, but is not limited to, a cylindrical shape. The height of the main body 10 may be designed to be smaller than the radius of the main body 10 so that the main body 10 is prevented from interfering with obstacles when the main body 10 cleans the floor surface while automatically traveling.

The body 10 may include a moving main wheel 11 and an auxiliary moving auxiliary wheel 12. The main wheel 11 may be connected to a driving motor (not shown) and rotated.

The robot cleaner 1 may further include a suction nozzle 30 disposed at the front of the main body 10 and a dust container 20 detachably disposed in the main body 10.

Dust on the floor surface may be sucked into the main body 10 through the suction nozzle 30. The dust may be separated from the air drawn into the main body 10, and the separated dust may be stored.

The dust container 20 may be located at the opposite side of the suction nozzle 30 in the main body 10. For example, the dust container 20 may be located at the rear side of the main body 10.

A portion of the suction nozzle 30 may be disposed to overlap the main body 10 in a vertical direction, and the remaining portion of the suction nozzle 30 may protrude forward from the main body 10.

The front protrusion 31 protruding from the mouthpiece 30 toward the front of the main body 10 has a height lower than that of the main body 10.

Accordingly, the robot cleaner 1 can enter a space having a height lower than that of the main body 10 during the cleaning of the floor by the robot cleaner 1. Accordingly, the area that can be cleaned by the robot cleaner 1 can be increased.

The mouthpiece 30 further comprises: a suction port 324 for sucking air including dust; and a rotary cleaning unit 320 disposed above the suction port 324 in the suction nozzle 30.

The rotary cleaning unit 320 may include, but is not limited to, a brush or blade type rubber. During the rotation, the rotary cleaning unit 320 may brush dust against a floor surface and lift the dust. It should be appreciated that the rotary cleaning unit 320 may have various structures according to the present embodiment.

The suction nozzle 30 may further include a bumper 330 to absorb impact upon collision with an obstacle. Although the present invention is not limited thereto, the bumper 330 may be formed of various materials capable of absorbing impact. When colliding with an obstacle, the shape of the bumper 330 is deformed and/or the bumper 330 moves backward to absorb the impact.

The bumper 330 may be provided on the entire front portion of the suction nozzle 30 or a portion of the suction nozzle 30. However, since the bumper 330 is located at the foremost portion of the suction nozzle 30, the bumper 330 may first come into contact with an obstacle having a certain height, which is higher than the minimum height of the bumper.

When the robot cleaner 1 encounters an obstacle during cleaning of the floor surface, the robot cleaner 1 may avoid or cross the obstacle according to the height of the obstacle.

For example, the robot cleaner 1 may pass over an obstacle when the height of the obstacle is close to or lower than the height of the bumper 330.

In this case, preferably, the inclined surface 304 may be formed on the suction nozzle 30 so that the robot cleaner 1 easily passes over an obstacle.

The inclined surface 304 may be inclined downward from a point of the suction nozzle 30 toward the rear of the suction nozzle 30. Accordingly, when an obstacle comes into contact with the inclined surface 304 during the forward movement of the robot cleaner 1, the suction nozzle 30 is lifted from the robot cleaner 1 due to the inclined surface 304. Accordingly, the main wheels 11 of the robot cleaner 1 can easily pass over an obstacle.

The inclined surface 304 may be located below the portion of the suction nozzle 30 where the bumper 330 is located.

As described above, since the angled surface 304 is present at the front of the suction nozzle 30, the suction ports 324 can be located behind the angled surface 304 in the suction nozzle 30.

When the suction port 324 is located behind the inclined surface 304, even if the suction motor is operated, the suction force of the suction motor is not applied to an area of the floor surface corresponding to the lower portion of the inclined surface 304, and thus corners cannot be smoothly cleaned.

Therefore, in order to smoothly clean corners according to the present invention, the suction nozzle 30 may further include a movable unit 360, the movable unit 360 protruding forward from the inclined surface 304 to form a surface pressure with respect to the floor.

For example, the movable unit 360 may be rotatably coupled to the suction nozzle 30. The movable unit 360 may protrude from the suction nozzle 30 by rotating in one direction. In this state, the surface pressure is increased by the narrow gap between the movable unit 360 and the floor surface, and thus dust at the corner may move toward the suction port 324.

Meanwhile, the movable unit 360 may be received in the suction nozzle 30 having the inclined surface 304, or may overlap the suction nozzle 30 by rotating in the opposite direction, thereby preventing the movable unit 360 from being interrupted when the robot cleaner 1 passes over an obstacle.

Hereinafter, the suction nozzle will be described in detail.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a suction nozzle according to a first embodiment of the present invention, fig. 5 is a sectional view of the suction nozzle according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 6 is a perspective view of a base according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 4 to 6, the mouthpiece 30 may include a base 300 (or a first body) and a cover member 310 (or a second body) covering an upper portion (body) of the base 300.

The base 300 and the cover member 310 define a space in which the rotary cleaning unit 320 is accommodated.

At least one of the base 300 and the cover member 310 may include a guide portion for guiding air to the body 10.

The base 300 may have an opening 301 through which the rotary cleaning unit 320 passes to mount the rotary cleaning unit 320.

The bumper 330 may be seated at the front of the base 300 in a state in which the base 300 and the cover member 310 are coupled to each other. For another example, the damper 330 may also be mounted on the cover member 310.

The frame member 340 may surround the boundary of the cover member 310 and may cover the upper portion of the buffer 330 when the buffer 330 is seated on the base 300. Alternatively, the frame member 340 may be integrally formed with the cover member 310 without being separated from the cover member 310.

The side covers 370 may be coupled to opposite sides of the suction nozzle 30.

Opposite ends of the bumper 330 may be coupled to the side cover 370 or may be coupled to the cover member 310. The sensor 382 and the printed circuit board 380 on which the sensor 382 is mounted may be located between the front surface of the cover member 310 and the bumper 330.

The suction nozzle 30 may further include a base cover 322 to support the rotation of the rotary cleaning unit 320 and to cover a lower portion of the rotary cleaning unit 320. The base cover 322 may be inserted into the opening 301 of the base 300.

The base cover 322 may include: a support 323 for supporting the rotary cleaning unit 320; and a suction port 324.

According to this embodiment, since the base cover 322 is inserted into the opening 301, it can be understood that the opening 301 defines a portion of the suction port 324.

For another example, at least a portion of the base cover 322 may be integrally formed with the base 300. For example, the support 323 may be integrally formed with the base 300, and the base cover 322 may cover the opening 301 and the rotary cleaning unit 320.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a movable unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, fig. 8 and 9 are views illustrating a state in which the movable unit is coupled to a base, and fig. 10 is a view illustrating a state in which a hinge portion of the movable unit is coupled to the base.

Referring to fig. 5 to 7, as an example, the movable unit 360 may be rotatably coupled to the base 300.

The movable unit 360 may include a rotating body 361 and a connection part 363 protruding upward from the rotating body 361.

The plurality of connection parts 363 are arranged in a length direction (in a left-right direction in fig. 7) of the rotation body 361 while being spaced apart from each other, so that the movable unit 360 can be stably coupled to the base 300 and rotated.

A plurality of reinforcing protrusions 362 that enhance rigidity may be formed on the front surface of the rotating body 361. A plurality of reinforcing protrusions 362 may protrude forward from the front surface of the rotating body 361.

The plurality of reinforcing protrusions 362 may minimize a contact area between the obstacle and the movable unit 360 and prevent the rotating body 361 from being damaged due to collision with the obstacle.

According to the present embodiment, the movable unit 360 may rotate along with the movement of the buffer 330.

Accordingly, the connection part 363 may have a contact protrusion 364 for contacting with the buffer 330.

In one connection part 363, a plurality of contact protrusions 364 may be spaced apart from each other while being arranged in a length direction of the rotating body 361, thereby effectively transmitting a moving force of the buffer 330.

When the plurality of contact protrusions 364 are provided on each of the connection parts 363, even if one point (local area) of the buffer 330 is pressed by an obstacle or the like, the moving force of the buffer 330 can be transmitted to the connection parts 363.

The rotating body 361 may have a hinge portion 365 to be rotated.

The hinge parts 365 may be located at opposite sides of each connection part 363 such that the rotating body 361 is completely stably rotated in the length direction of the rotating body 361.

A slit 366 is formed in the connection part 363 so that the hinge part 365 can be coupled to the base 300. The hinge portion 365 may be elastically deformed with respect to the connection portion 363 by the slit 366.

The base 300 may have a through-hole 305 through which the contact protrusion 364 passes through the through-hole 305.

For example, a plurality of protrusion through holes 305 may be formed in the base 300 while being spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

The movable unit 360 may be coupled to the base 300 from a lower portion of the base 300 upward. Accordingly, the contact protrusion 364 passes through the protrusion through-hole 305 from the lower portion of the protrusion through-hole 305.

The base 300 may further include a stopper 307, the stopper 307 being located between two adjacent protrusion through holes 305. The connection part 363 may contact the stopper 307 while the contact protrusion 364 passes through the protrusion through-hole 305.

Since the connection part 363 rotates together with the rotation body 361, the connection part 363 has the rounded part 367 so that the connection part 363 stably rotates while contacting the stopper 307. A guide groove 308 in which the round 367 is accommodated may be formed in the stopper 307.

The seating groove 306 is formed in the base 300 such that the hinge portion 365 is seated at the side of the protrusion through-hole 305.

Even the hinge portion 365 may pass through the protrusion through-hole 305 when the contact protrusion 364 passes through the protrusion through-hole 305.

Each of the hinge portions 365 includes an outwardly protruding shaft 365 a. A hinge portion and a contact protrusion 364 pass through a protrusion through-hole 305. In this case, the maximum distance between the contact protrusion 364 and the shaft 365a may be greater than the width of the protrusion through-hole 305.

During the process in which the hinge portion 365 passes through the protrusion through-hole 305, the hinge portion 365 is elastically deformed in a direction in which the hinge portion 365 comes closer to the contact protrusion 364. After the hinge portion 365 passes through the protrusion through-hole 305, the hinge portion 365 may return to its original state, and the hinge portion 365 may be seated in the seating groove 306.

In a state where the hinge portion 365 is seated in the seating groove 306, the hinge portion 365 is prevented from moving downward due to the seating groove 306. In other words, when the movable unit 360 is coupled to the base 300, the movable unit 360 is prevented from being separated from the base 300 as long as the user intentionally deforms the hinge portion 365.

According to the present embodiment, the seating groove 306 and the hinge portion 365 restrict the downward movement of the movable unit 360, and the stopper 307 restricts the upward movement of the movable unit 360. The movable unit 360 can be stably rotated with respect to the base 300.

Fig. 11 and 12 are views showing a buffer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 5 to 12, the buffer 330 may include a transmitting portion 331 for transmitting an actuating force of the buffer 330 to the contact protrusion 364 of the movable unit 360.

For example, the plurality of transfer portions 331 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction of the buffer 330. In addition, each of the transfer portions 331 may be in contact with the respective contact protrusion 364.

The transmission unit 331 includes: a first portion 332 located in front of the contact protrusion 364; and a second portion 333 spaced from the first portion 332 and located behind the first portion 332. A portion of the contact protrusion 364 may be inserted into a space between the first and second portions 332 and 333.

The base 300 may have a locking protrusion 309a to which the first portion 332 is locked to the locking protrusion 309 a. When the first portion 332 is locked to the locking protrusion 309a, the forward movement of the locking protrusion 309a is restricted.

For example, in a state where an external force is not applied to the bumper 330, the first portion 332 may be locked to the locking protrusion 309a, thereby restricting forward movement of the bumper 330.

In a state where the movable unit 360 is coupled to the base 300, the upper end of the contact protrusion 364 is positioned higher than the shaft 365a of the hinge portion 365.

The first portion 332 may be in contact with or spaced apart from the contact protrusion 364 in a state where an external force is not applied to the bumper 330, and the second portion 333 may press a portion of the contact protrusion 365 higher than the shaft 365 a.

As shown in fig. 5, when the second portion 333 presses a portion of the contact protrusion 364 higher than the shaft 365a, the movable unit 360 rotates counterclockwise to be received in the suction nozzle 30 or to overlap the suction nozzle 30. The following description will assume that the movable unit 360 overlaps the suction nozzle 30.

The base 300 may further include a receiving groove 309 for receiving the second portion 333.

The bumper 330 may further include a fastening portion 338 for fastening with the cover member 310 or the side cover 370.

When the fastening portions 338 are disposed at both sides of the bumper 330 and an external force is applied to a certain region of the bumper 330 between the fastening portions 338, a portion of the bumper 330 moves with respect to the fastening portions 338.

Hereinafter, the operation of the movable unit 360 will be described.

Fig. 13 to 16 are views gradually showing an appearance that a movable unit rotates during a collision of an obstacle with a bumper of a robot cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to fig. 13, in a state where an external force is not applied to the bumper 330, the second portion 333 of the transfer part 331 presses the contact protrusion 364, and thus the movable unit 360 is in a state of overlapping with the suction nozzle 30.

According to the present embodiment, the position of the movable unit 360 in a state where the movable unit 360 overlaps the suction nozzle 30 may be referred to as a first position of the movable unit 360. In a state where the movable unit 360 is located at the first position, the front surface of the movable unit 360 may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical line.

In this state, the robot cleaner 1 may contact an obstacle O such as a wall during the forward movement of the robot cleaner 1.

An obstacle O such as a wall is usually first brought into contact with the bumper 330 of the suction nozzle 30. When the robot cleaner 1 continuously moves forward, the bumper 330 is pressurized to be deformed such that at least a portion of the bumper 330 moves backward.

When the buffer 330 moves backward, the first portion 332 of the transfer part 331 pushes the contact protrusion 364 backward, so that the movable unit 360 rotates clockwise as viewed in the drawing.

When the movable unit 360 rotates, the movable unit 360 protrudes forward from the inclined surface of the suction nozzle 30. As shown in fig. 16, the movable unit 360 may be placed perpendicular to the floor or nearly perpendicular to the floor with the maximum rotation.

In a state where the movable unit 360 is rotated at the maximum, the front surface of the movable unit 360 may be located behind the front end of the bumper 330, and may be spaced apart from the front end of the bumper 330 by G2.

As described above, when the front surface of the movable unit 360 is located in front of the front end of the bumper 330, an obstacle O such as a wall is prevented from directly contacting the movable unit 360, so that damage to the movable unit 360 can be minimized.

In a state where the movable unit 360 is rotated at the maximum, the lower end of the movable unit 360 may be spaced apart from the floor by G1.

According to the present embodiment, the position of the movable unit 360 in a state where the movable unit 360 protrudes to the maximum extent in front of the inclined surface of the suction nozzle 30 may be referred to as a second position of the movable unit 360.

When the movable unit 360 rotates, the gap G1 between the lower end of the movable unit 360 and the floor generates a surface pressure between the movable unit 360 and the floor, and thus the suction force of the suction motor is applied to the area where the movable unit 360 is located, thereby improving the corner cleaning performance. In contrast, as the gap between the lower end of the movable unit 360 and the floor increases, the surface pressure decreases, and thus the corner cleaning performance is deteriorated.

When the gap between the lower end of the movable unit 360 and the floor is significantly narrowed or the lower end of the movable unit 360 is in contact with the floor, foreign substances placed on the floor are moved in a direction away from the suction nozzle 30 during the movement of the movable unit 360 from the first position to the second position. The foreign matter may not be sucked.

Therefore, in consideration of the foreign matter suction and cleaning performance, the gap between the lower end of the movable unit 360 and the floor may be set to a value in the range of, for example, 2mm to 8 mm.

According to the proposed embodiment, since the movable unit protrudes forward from the inclined surface of the suction nozzle, a suction force can be applied to an area where the movable unit is located, and corners can be cleaned.

According to the present embodiment, since the moving force of the bumper is transmitted to the movable unit without any additional operation of the movable unit, the convenience of the user is improved, and the possibility of collision of an obstacle with the movable unit can be reduced.

According to the present embodiment, since the movable unit can overlap the suction nozzle, the robot cleaner can easily pass over an obstacle without interference between the movable unit and the obstacle.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a lower structure of a suction nozzle according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the suction nozzle of fig. 17.

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the coupling position and structure of the movable unit. Therefore, only the characteristic portions of the present embodiment will be described below.

Referring to fig. 17 and 18, the suction nozzle 40 according to the present embodiment may include a base 400 and a cover member 410 covering an upper portion of the base 400.

The suction nozzle 40 may further include a rotary cleaning unit 320, the rotary cleaning unit 320 rotating in a space defined by the base 400 and the cover member 410.

The buffer 430 may be disposed at the front of the base 400 in a state in which the base 400 and the cover member 410 are coupled to each other.

The frame member 440 may surround the boundary of the cover member 410 while the bumper 430 is seated on the base 400 and may cover the upper side of the bumper 430. Alternatively, the frame member 440 may not be provided as a separate component, but may be integrally formed with the cover member 410.

The suction nozzle 40 may further include a base cover 422 to support the rotation of the rotary cleaning unit 420 and to cover a lower portion of the rotary cleaning unit 420.

The base cap 422 may include: a support part 423 for supporting the rotary cleaning unit 420; and a suction port 422a for sucking air containing foreign substances.

The suction nozzle 40 may further include a movable unit 460, the movable unit 460 protruding from an inclined surface of the suction nozzle 40 to form a surface pressure with respect to the floor. The movable unit 460 may be movably installed in the base cover 420.

Fig. 19 and 20 are perspective views of a movable unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 21 and 22 are perspective views of a base cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 19 to 22, the movable unit 460 may be rotatably coupled to the base cover 422.

The movable unit 460 may include a rotating body 461.

The rotating body 461 may include a plurality of extensions 462, the plurality of extensions 462 being spaced apart from each other in a length direction of the rotating body 461. The plurality of extensions 462 form a surface pressure with respect to the floor in a state where the rotary body 461 is rotated to protrude forward from the inclined surface of the suction nozzle 40.

According to the present embodiment, when the plurality of extensions 462 are disposed spaced apart from each other, the space between the plurality of extensions 462 may serve as a passage through which foreign substances pass.

Accordingly, foreign substances can move through the space between the extensions 462 and toward the suction port 422a of the suction nozzle 40.

In addition, the plurality of extensions 462 may have an opening 463, and foreign substances may pass through the opening 463.

According to the present embodiment, when the opening 463 does not exist in the extension 462, and when the suction nozzle 40 moves in a state where the rotary body 461 is rotated to protrude forward from the suction nozzle 40, foreign substances located in front of the rotary body 461 are caught by the extension 462 and do not move toward the suction port 422a of the suction nozzle 40.

Meanwhile, according to the present embodiment, when the opening 463 is provided in the extension 462, foreign substances located in front of the extension 462 may move to the suction port 422a of the suction nozzle 40 through the opening 463.

The rotating body 461 may further include a first coupling part 464 for coupling to the base cover 422. Shafts 465 for a rotating operation may be formed at opposite sides of the first coupling portion 464.

In a state where the rotating body 461 is coupled to the base cover 422, the plurality of first coupling parts 464 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the length direction of the rotating body 461, so that the entire portions of the rotating body 461 and the base cover 422 are stably rotated about the length direction of the rotating body 461.

Meanwhile, the base cover 422 may include a second coupling part 424 for engaging the first coupling part 464 and the movable unit 460.

For example, a plurality of second coupling portions 424 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the base cover 422.

For example, the second coupling part 424 may be located at the front of the base cover 422.

The second coupling part 424 may include a shaft coupling part 425, and a shaft 465 of the first coupling part 464 is coupled to the shaft coupling part 425.

The shaft coupling portion 425 may have a slit 427 to allow the shaft 465 to be inserted in a direction crossing an extending direction of the shaft 465.

The suction nozzle 40 may further include an elastic member 426 to press the rotating body 461 forward in a state where the first coupling part 464 is coupled to the second coupling part 424.

The elastic member 426 may be integrally formed with the base cover 422, and may be a protrusion bent a plurality of times.

For example, the elastic member 426 includes a first portion 426a extending forward from the second coupling portion 424, a second portion 426b extending laterally from the first portion 426a, and a third portion 426c extending forward in the second portion 426 b. In addition, the elastic member 426 may further include a fourth portion 426d extending transversely from the third portion 426 c.

In this case, the extending direction of the second portion 426b and the extending direction of the fourth portion 426d may be opposite to each other.

The elastic member 460 is in contact with the rear surface of the rotating body 461 in a state where the first coupling part 464 is coupled to the second coupling part 424.

The elastic member 426 supports the rear surface of the rotating body 461 because the rotating body 461 protrudes from the inclined surface of the suction nozzle 40 due to the shape and arrangement of the elastic member 426.

When the rotating body 461 is pressed by an obstacle or the like, the elastic member 426 is elastically deformed to accumulate an elastic force. The rotating body 461 can rotate backward. When the external force is removed from the rotating body 461, the rotating body 461 may rotate forward again due to the elastic force of the elastic member 426.

According to the present embodiment, a plurality of elastic members 426 may be arranged to support one extension 462 so that the elastic force may be uniformly transmitted to the rotating body 461.

The plurality of elastic members 426 may have the same shape and may be arranged to be symmetrical to each other.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a movable unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a base. Fig. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a first coupling part of the movable unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention is coupled to a second coupling part of the base cover, and fig. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an elastic member of the base cover supports a rotating body of the movable unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to fig. 23 to 25, each of the plurality of first coupling parts 464 of the movable unit 460 may be coupled to the second coupling part 424 of the base cover 422.

According to the present embodiment, the shafts 465 of some of the first coupling portions 464 may be fitted into the shaft coupling portions 425 in a first direction, and the shafts 465 of other first coupling portions 464 may be fitted into the shaft coupling portions 425 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

For example, when the movable unit 460 includes three first coupling portions 464, the shaft 465 of the middle first coupling portion 464 is coupled into the second coupling portion 424 upward from the lower portion of the second coupling portion 424. Meanwhile, the shafts 465 of the remaining two first coupling portions 464 may be fitted into the shaft coupling portions 425 downward from the upper portion of the second coupling portion 424.

This is to prevent the movable unit 460 from being separated from the base cover 422 even if an external force is applied to the movable unit 460 in the first direction or the second direction.

For example, even if an external force is applied to the movable unit 460 in the first direction or the second direction, since the external force in the first direction or the second direction is applied to some of the plurality of first coupling parts as a coupling force for coupling the second coupling parts, the movable unit 460 may be prevented from being separated from the base cover 424.

Meanwhile, the elastic member 426 is in contact with the rear surface of the rotating body 461 in a state where the first coupling part 464 is coupled to the second coupling part 424. In this case, as long as an external force is not applied to the rotating body 461, the original shape of the elastic member 426 remains unchanged, and thus the rotating body 461 is in a state of protruding from the inclined surface of the suction nozzle 40.

Fig. 26 and 27 show stepwise the rotation of the movable unit during collision of the movable unit of the robot cleaner with an obstacle according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 shows the movable unit before the obstacle presses the movable unit, and fig. 27 shows a state in which the movable unit rotates when the obstacle presses the movable unit.

First, referring to fig. 26, if an external force is not applied to the movable unit 460, the movable unit 460 is supported by the elastic member 426 such that the movable unit 460 is in a state of protruding from the suction nozzle 40.

According to the present embodiment, the position of the movable unit 460 in a state of protruding to the maximum extent to the front of the suction nozzle 40 may be referred to as a second position of the movable unit 460.

In the state where the movable unit 460 is located at the second position, the lower end of the movable unit 460 may be spaced apart from the floor by G3.

When the movable unit 460 is located at the second position, a surface pressure between the movable unit 460 and the floor may be generated due to a gap G3 between the lower end of the movable unit 460 and the floor. The suction force of the suction motor is applied to the area where the movable unit 460 is located, so that the corner cleaning performance can be improved.

Next, referring to fig. 27, when the robot cleaner 1 performs cleaning in a state where the movable unit 460 is located at the second position, an obstacle O located lower than the shaft 465 of the movable unit 460 may collide with the movable unit 460.

According to the present embodiment, if the height of the obstacle O is higher than the height of the shaft 465 of the movable unit 460, the obstacle O may collide with the bumper instead of the movable unit 460.

Meanwhile, when the height of the obstacle O is lower than the height of the shaft 465 of the movable unit 460, the obstacle O may collide with the movable unit 460, so that the movable unit 460 may rotate.

When the obstacle O collides with the movable unit 460, the movable unit 460 may rotate backward (counterclockwise) in the drawing. When the movable unit 460 rotates backward, the elastic member 426 may be elastically deformed, and the movable unit 460 may overlap the suction nozzle 40.

According to the present embodiment, the position of the movable unit 460 in a state where the movable unit 460 overlaps the suction nozzle 40 may be referred to as a first position of the movable unit 460.

The front surface of the movable unit 460 may be inclined with respect to a vertical line in a state where the movable unit 460 overlaps the suction nozzle 40.

When the front surface of the movable unit 460 is inclined in a state where the movable unit 460 is located at the first position, the robot cleaner 1 may move in a state where the obstacle O is in contact with the inclined front surface of the movable unit 460.

Accordingly, the suction nozzle 40 of the robot cleaner 1 is lifted by the obstacle O, so that the main wheels 11 of the robot cleaner 1 can easily pass over the obstacle O.

When the external force is removed from the movable unit 460 after the robot cleaner 1 passes over the obstacle O, the movable unit 460 returns to the second position by the elastic force of the elastic member 426.

Although the present embodiment has described that the movable unit 460 is rotatably connected to the base cover 422, the movable unit 460 is directly rotatably connected to the base unit 422 by changing the shapes of the base cover 422 and the base 420. In this case, the movable unit 460 may rotate from the second position to the first position by contact with the obstacle.