U.S. patent application number 17/042251 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-22 for dust collecting equipment.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Hyemin KANG, Sangik LEE.
Application Number | 20210113040 17/042251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005323365 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-22 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210113040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KANG; Hyemin ; et
al. |
April 22, 2021 |
DUST COLLECTING EQUIPMENT
Abstract
A cleaner includes a dust separation unit which separates dust
from sucked air; a dust container which stores the dust separated
by the dust separation unit; a first suction port through which an
external air is sucked into the dust separation unit; a second
suction port through which the external air is sucked into the dust
separation unit; a discharge port through which air inside the dust
separation unit is discharged; and a flow path blocking member
which selectively covers the first suction port and the second
suction port.
Inventors: |
KANG; Hyemin; (Seoul,
KR) ; LEE; Sangik; (Seoul, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LG ELECTRONICS INC. |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
1000005323365 |
Appl. No.: |
17/042251 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2019 |
PCT Filed: |
March 28, 2019 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2019/003660 |
371 Date: |
September 28, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/165 20130101;
A47L 2201/00 20130101; A47L 5/362 20130101; A47L 5/225
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/16 20060101
A47L009/16; A47L 5/22 20060101 A47L005/22; A47L 5/36 20060101
A47L005/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 29, 2018 |
KR |
10-2018-0036589 |
Claims
1. A cleaner comprising: a dust separation unit which separates
dust from sucked air; a dust container which stores the dust
separated by the dust separation unit; a first suction port through
which an external air is sucked into the dust separation unit; a
second suction port through which the external air is sucked into
the dust separation unit; a discharge port through which air inside
the dust separation unit is discharged; and a flow path blocking
member which selectively covers the first suction port and the
second suction port.
2. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the flow path blocking member
reciprocates between a first position for covering the first
suction port and a second position for covering the second suction
port.
3. The cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a lever which is
connected to the flow path blocking member and at least a part of
the lever is exposed to the outside of the dust container.
4. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the first suction port and the
second suction port are formed on a lateral surface of the dust
container.
5. The cleaner of claim 2, further comprising: a movement guide
which guides movement of the flow path blocking member; and an
elastic member which provides an elastic force to return the flow
path blocking member to the second position.
6. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the flow path blocking member
restricts a coupling of a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning
coupled to the second suction port, when the flow path blocking
member is located in a second position.
7. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the flow path blocking member
allows a coupling of a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning coupled
to the second suction port, when the flow path blocking member is
located in a first position.
8. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein a coupling unit for coupling a
cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is formed around the second
suction port, wherein the flow path blocking member covers at least
a part of the coupling unit when the flow path blocking member is
located in a second position.
9. The cleaner of claim 8, wherein the flow path blocking member
exposes the coupling unit when the flow path blocking member is
positioned in a first position.
10. The cleaner of claim 5, wherein an elastic return of the flow
path blocking member to the second position is restricted by a
cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning coupled to the second suction
port.
11. The cleaner of claim 5, wherein the flow path blocking member
returns to the second position due to the elastic force of the
elastic member, when the coupling of the cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning coupled to the second suction port is released.
12. The cleaner of claim 5, further comprising an actuator which
moves the flow path blocking member to the first position.
3. The cleaner of claim 12, further comprising a coupling sensor
which detects that a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is coupled
to the second suction port, wherein the actuator moves the flow
path blocking member to the first position when the cleaning nozzle
for manual cleaning is coupled to the second suction port.
14. The cleaner of claim 12, further comprising a coupling sensor
which detects that a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is coupled
to the second suction port, wherein the actuator moves the flow
blocking member to the second position when the cleaning nozzle for
manual cleaning is disconnected from the second suction port.
15. The cleaner of claim 1, wherein the flow path blocking member
has the same curvature, within a certain error range, as a
curvature of an inner surface or an outer surface of a lateral
surface of the dust container.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to dust collecting equipment,
and more particularly, to dust collecting equipment and a cleaner
capable of accomplishing automatic cleaning and manual
cleaning.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In general, a cleaner includes a cleaner main body having a
suction unit and a dust container, and a cleaning nozzle which is
coupled to the cleaner main body and performs cleaning while being
in close contact with a surface to be cleaned.
[0003] The cleaner is divided into a manual cleaner for manually
cleaning the surface to be cleaned by a user and an automatic
cleaner for cleaning the surface to be cleaned while traveling by
itself.
[0004] According to the manual cleaner, in a state where the
suction unit generates a suction force by a driving force of an
electric motor, when the user places the cleaning nozzle or the
cleaner main body on the surface to be cleaned while the user holds
the cleaning nozzle or the cleaner main body by hand, the cleaning
nozzle sucks foreign matter including dust on the surface to be
cleaned, and the sucked foreign matter is collected in the dust
container, thereby cleaning the surface to be cleaned.
[0005] In addition, according to the automatic cleaner, the cleaner
main body having the suction unit and the dust container may be
provided with an ultrasonic sensor and/or camera sensor, or the
like. The cleaning nozzle sucks the foreign matter on the surface
to be cleaned by the suction force generated in the suction unit
while the cleaner main body automatically travels around the
surface to be cleaned, and the sucked foreign matter is collected
in the dust container, thereby cleaning the surface to be
cleaned.
[0006] The cleaning nozzle used in the manual cleaner is moved to
the surface to be cleaned by a user and is brought into close
contact with the surface to be cleaned. However, the cleaning
nozzle used in the automatic cleaner is disposed to be in close
contact with the surface to be cleaned when it is in a state of
being coupled to the cleaner main body.
[0007] In addition, a wheel for moving the cleaner main body is
installed in the cleaner main body of each of the manual cleaner
and the automatic cleaner. The wheel installed in the manual
cleaner allows the user to easily drag the cleaner main body while
the cleaner main body is placed on the floor, and the wheel
installed in the automatic cleaner is automatically rotated by the
driving force of an electric motor to move the cleaner main body
automatically.
[0008] In recent years, a cleaner capable of accomplishing both
automatic cleaning and manual cleaning has been actively developed.
However, in order to implement a cleaner capable of accomplishing
automatic cleaning and manual cleaning, a cleaning nozzle, a flow
path, and various structures are required to be changed. Therefore,
there is a problem in that it is difficult to manufacture a cleaner
capable of accomplishing automatic cleaning and manual cleaning by
a simple configuration change.
SUMMARY
Technical Problem
[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above
problems, and provides dust collecting equipment that has a suction
port to which a cleaning nozzle for automatic cleaning is
connected, a suction port to which a cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning is connected, and a discharge port through which
dust-separated air is discharged, can accomplish automatic cleaning
and manual cleaning, and can easily accomplish switching from the
automatic cleaning to the manual cleaning without changing any
configuration.
[0010] The present disclosure further provides dust collecting
equipment which enables a flow path blocking member of the dust
collecting equipment to move manually during switching between
automatic cleaning and manual cleaning, thereby easily achieving
switching between automatic cleaning and manual cleaning.
[0011] The present disclosure further provides dust collecting
equipment which enables a flow path blocking member of the dust
collecting equipment to move automatically according to the
coupling of a manual cleaning nozzles, thereby easily achieving
switching between automatic cleaning and manual cleaning.
[0012] The present disclosure further provides dust collecting
equipment and cleaner which are capable of blocking a suction port
for automatic cleaning during manual cleaning and blocking a
suction port for manual cleaning during automatic cleaning, thereby
removing a cleaning nozzle for automatic cleaning during automatic
cleaning or preventing air from flowing into other suction
port.
Technical Solution
[0013] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a
cleaner includes: a dust separation unit which separates dust from
sucked air; a dust container which stores the dust separated by the
dust separation unit; a first suction port through which an
external air is sucked into the dust separation unit; a second
suction port through which the external air is sucked into the dust
separation unit; a discharge port through which air inside the dust
separation unit is discharged; and a flow path blocking member
which selectively covers the first suction port and the second
suction port.
[0014] The flow path blocking member reciprocates between a first
position for covering the first suction port and a second position
for covering the second suction port.
[0015] The cleaner further comprises a lever which is connected to
the flow path blocking member and at least a part of the lever is
exposed to the outside of the dust container.
[0016] The first suction port acid the second suction port are
formed on a lateral surface of the dust container.
[0017] The cleaner further comprises a movement guide which guides
movement of the flow path blocking member; and an elastic member
which provides an elastic force to return the flow path blocking
member to the second position.
[0018] The flow path blocking member restricts a coupling of a
cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning coupled to the second suction
port, when the flow path blocking member is located in a second
position.
[0019] The flow path blocking member allows a coupling of a
cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning coupled to the second suction
port, when the flow path blocking member is located in a first
position.
[0020] A coupling unit for coupling a cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning is formed around the second suction port, and the flow
path blocking member covers at least a part of the coupling unit
when the flow path blocking member is located in a second
position.
[0021] The flow path blocking member exposes the coupling unit when
the flow path blocking member is positioned in a first
position.
[0022] An elastic return of the flow path blocking member to the
second position is restricted by a cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning coupled to the second suction port.
[0023] The flow path blocking member returns to the second position
due to the elastic force of the elastic member, when the coupling
of the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning coupled to the second
suction port is released
[0024] The cleaner further comprises an actuator which moves the
flow path blocking member to the first position.
[0025] The cleaner further comprises a coupling sensor which
detects that a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is coupled to
the second suction port, and the actuator moves the flow path
blocking member to the first position when the cleaning nozzle for
manual cleaning is coupled to the second suction port.
[0026] The cleaner further comprises a coupling sensor which
detects that a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is coupled to
the second suction port, and the actuator moves the flow blocking
member to the second position when the cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning is disconnected from the second suction port.
[0027] The flow path blocking member has the same curvature, within
a certain error range, as a curvature of an inner surface or an
outer surface of a lateral surface of the dust container.
Advantageous Effects
[0028] As described above, the cleaner according to the present
disclosure has the following effects.
[0029] First, the present disclosure includes a suction port to
which a cleaning nozzle for automatic cleaning is coupled, a
suction port to which a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is
coupled, and a discharge port through which the dust-separated air
is discharged, thereby implementing a cleaner capable of
automatically cleaning and manually cleaning, and easily switching
from automatic cleaning to manual cleaning without changing any
configuration.
[0030] Second, according to the cleaner of the present disclosure,
since the cleaning nozzle for automatic cleaning is fixed to the
dust collecting equipment and the cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning is selectively detachable to the dust collecting
equipment, the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is detached
during automatic cleaning and the suction port for manual cleaning
is blocked by the flow path blocking member, and the cleaning
nozzle for manual cleaning is coupled during manual cleaning and
the suction port for automatic cleaning is blocked by the flow path
blocking member. Accordingly, the cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning does not interfere with the automatic cleaning during
automatic cleaning because the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning
can be separated, and the sealing force of the dust collecting
equipment can be maintained during switching of the automatic
cleaning and the manual cleaning.
[0031] Third, when the user couples the cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning to the suction port for manual cleaning, the flow path
blocking member automatically blocks the suction port for automatic
cleaning. Accordingly, the user can easily switch from automatic
cleaning to manual cleaning.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0032] The objects, features and advantages of the present
disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed
description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cleaner according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 2 is a view showing a cleaner in a state in which a
dust container is separated in FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the cleaner of FIG.
1;
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of dust collecting equipment
according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the dust collecting equipment shown
in FIG. 4;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the dust collecting equipment
shown in FIG. 4 in a state in which a flow path blocking member
blocks a second suction port;
[0039] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the dust collecting equipment
shown in FIG. 4 in a state in which a flow path blocking member
blocks a first suction port;
[0040] FIG. 8 is a view showing the flow of air in an automatic
cleaning mode of a cleaner of the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 9 is a view showing the flow of air in a manual
cleaning mode of a cleaner of the present disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of dust collecting equipment
according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the dust collecting
equipment of FIG. 10 from a different angle;
[0044] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view when a flow
path blocking member of the dust collecting equipment of FIG, 10 is
located in a first position;
[0045] FIG. 13 is a perspective view when a flow path blocking
member of the dust collecting equipment of FIG. 10 is located in a
second position;
[0046] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dust
collecting equipment of FIG. 13;
[0047] FIG. 15 is a conceptual view showing a case where dust
collecting equipment and a flow path blocking member are located in
a second position according to a third embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 16 is a conceptual view showing a case where the flow
path blocking member is located in a first position in FIG. 15, and
a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is coupled;
[0049] FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a case where dust
collecting equipment and a flow path blocking member are located in
a second position according to a fourth embodiment of the present
disclosure; and
[0050] FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing a case where the
flow path blocking member is located in a first position in FIG.
17, and a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is coupled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure
will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In
describing the present embodiment, the same designations and the
same reference numerals are used for the same components, and
further description thereof will be omitted. It will be understood
that when an element (e.g., first element) is referred to as being
"connected" or "coupled" to another element (e.g., second element),
it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element (e.g.,
third element) or intervening elements may be present. The
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the
present inventive concept. It should also be noted that in some
alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks
may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts.
[0052] Hereinafter, a cleaner according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure will be described with reference to the
drawings.
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cleaner according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a view showing a
cleaner in a state in which a dust container is separated in FIG.
1, and FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the cleaner of FIG.
1.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, a cleaner 100 includes a
cleaner main body 110, a cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic
cleaning, a sensing unit 130, and dust collecting equipment. The
dust collecting equipment includes a dust separation unit 160, 170,
a dust box 140, and a flow path blocking member 220.
[0055] The cleaner main body 110 includes various installed or
mounted components including a controller (not shown) for
controlling the cleaner 100. The cleaner main body 110 may form a
space for accommodating various components constituting the cleaner
100.
[0056] The cleaner main body 110 may be selected in one of an
automatic mode and a manual mode by the user and travel. The
cleaner main body 110 may be provided with a mode selection input
unit for selecting one of the automatic mode and the manual mode.
When the user selects the automatic mode in the mode selection
input unit, the cleaner main body 110 may automatically travel like
a robot cleaner. In addition, when the user selects the manual mode
in the mode selection input unit, the cleaner main body 110 may
travel manually by being dragged or pushed by user's force.
[0057] Obviously, when a user couples a cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning to a second suction port, the cleaner main body 110
travels manually by dragging or pushing by the user's force, and
when the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is detached from the
second suction port, the cleaner main body 110 may travel
automatically like a robot cleaner.
[0058] The cleaner main body 110 is provided with a wheel 111 for
traveling. The wheel 111 is provided to be rotatable by receiving a
driving force from a motor (not shown). The rotation direction of
the motor may be controlled by a controller (not shown and thus, a
wheel 111 may be configured to be rotatable in one direction or the
other direction.
[0059] The wheel 111 may be provided in both left and right sides
of the cleaner main body 110, respectively. The cleaner main body
110 may be moved back and forth, left and right by the wheel 111,
or rotated.
[0060] Each of the wheel 111 may be configured to be drivable
independently of each other. To this end, each wheel 111 may be
driven by a different motor.
[0061] The controller controls the driving of the wheel 111, so
that the cleaner 100 is implemented to autonomously travel on the
floor.
[0062] The wheel 111 is provided in a lower portion of the cleaner
main body 110 to move the cleaner main body 110. The wheel 111 may
be configured only of circular wheels, may be configured by
circular rollers which are connected by a belt chain, or may be
configured by combining a wheel formed of circular wheels with a
wheel having circular rollers which are connected by a belt chain.
The upper portion of the wheel 111 may be disposed inside the
cleaner main body 110 and the lower portion thereof may protrude to
a lower side of the cleaner main body 110. At least the lower
portion of the wheel 111 is provided in contact with the floor
surface which is a surface to be cleaned, so that the cleaner main
body 110 can travel.
[0063] The wheel 111 may be installed in the left and right sides
of the cleaner main body 110, respectively. The wheel 111 disposed
in the left side of the cleaner main body 110 and the wheel 111
disposed in the right side of the cleaner 100 may be independently
driven. That is, the wheel 111 disposed in the left side of the
cleaner main body 110 may be coupled to each other via at least one
first gear, and may be rotated by the driving force of a first
traveling motor that rotates the first gear. In addition, the wheel
111 disposed in the right side of the cleaner main body 110 may be
coupled to each other via at least one second gear, and may be
rotated by the driving force of a second traveling motor that
rotates the second gear.
[0064] The controller may determine the travelling direction of the
cleaner main body 110 by controlling the rotational speed of each
rotating shaft of the first traveling motor and the second
traveling motor. For example, when the rotating shafts of the first
traveling motor and the second traveling motor are simultaneously
rotated at the same speed, the cleaner main body 110 can move
straight. In addition, when the rotating shafts of the first
traveling motor and the second traveling motor are simultaneously
rotated at different speeds, the controller may turn the cleaner
main body 110 to the left or right side. The controller may drive
one of the first traveling motor and the second traveling motor and
stop the other so as to turn the cleaner main body 110 to the left
or right.
[0065] A suspension unit may be installed inside the cleaner main
body 110. The suspension unit may include a coil spring. The
suspension unit can absorb the shock and vibration transmitted from
the wheel 111 during travel of the cleaner main body 110 by using
an elastic force of the coil spring.
[0066] Further, the suspension unit may be provided with an
elevating unit for adjusting the height of the cleaner main body
110. The elevating unit can be vertically movably installed in the
suspension unit and can be coupled to the cleaner 100. Therefore,
when the elevating unit is moved upward from the suspension unit,
the cleaner 100 can be moved upward together with the elevating
unit. When the elevating unit is moved downward from the suspension
unit, the cleaner 100 can be moved downward together with the
elevating unit. The cleaner 100 may be vertically moved by the
elevating unit to adjust the height.
[0067] When the cleaner main body 110 travels on a hard floor, the
bottom surface of the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning
may move while being in close contact with the floor surface so
that the floor surface can be cleaned. However, when a carpet is
laid on the floor surface to be cleaned, slipping may occur in the
wheel 111 so that the traveling performance of the cleaner main
body 110 may be reduced. In addition, the traveling performance of
the cleaner main body 110 may be reduced due to the force of
sucking the carpet by the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic
cleaning.
[0068] However, since the elevating unit adjusts the height of the
cleaner main body 110 according to the slip rate of the wheel 111
(the same in below), the degree to which the bottom surface of the
cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning is in close contact with
the surface to be cleaned can be adjusted, so that the traveling
performance of the cleaner main body 110 can be maintained
regardless of the material of the surface to be cleaned.
[0069] Meanwhile, if the wheel 111 disposed in the left side of the
cleaner main body 110 is coupled to the first traveling motor
through the first gear, and if the wheel 111 disposed in the right
side of the cleaner main body 110 is coupled to the second
traveling motor through the second gear, when the user desires to
move the cleaner main body 110 in the manual mode in a state in
which the first traveling motor and the second traveling motor are
stopped, both the left and right wheels 111 can not be rotated.
Therefore, in the manual mode of the cleaner main body 110, the
left and right wheels 111 and the first and second traveling motors
should be disconnected. To this end, it is preferable that a clutch
is disposed inside the cleaner main body 110 to connect the left
and right wheels 111 and the first and second traveling motors when
the cleaner main body 110 is in the automatic mode, and to
disconnect the left and right wheels 111 and the first and second
traveling motors when the cleaner main body 110 is in the manual
mode.
[0070] The cleaner main body 110 is equipped with a battery (not
shown) for supplying power to an electrical component of the
cleaner 100. The battery is configured to be chargeable and
detachable from the cleaner main body 110.
[0071] The cleaner main body 110 is provided with a dust container
accommodating unit 112, and the dust container 140 for separating
and collecting dust in the sucked air is detachably coupled to the
dust container accommodating unit 112.
[0072] The dust container accommodating unit 112 may have a shape
opened frontward and upward of the cleaner main body 110 and may be
recessed from the front side of the cleaner main body 110 to the
rear side. The dust container accommodating unit 112 may be formed
such that the front side, the upper side, and the lower side of a
front portion of the cleaning body 110 are opened.
[0073] The dust container accommodating unit 112 may be formed in
other position (e.g., behind the cleaner main body 110) depending
on the type of the cleaner.
[0074] The dust container 140 is detachably coupled to the dust
container accommodating unit 112. A part of the dust container 140
may be accommodated in the dust container accommodating unit 112
and the other part of the dust container 140 may protrude toward
the front of the cleaner main body 110.
[0075] The dust container 140 has a first suction port 142 through
which the dust-containing air is introduced through the cleaning
nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning, a second suction port 142
through which the dust-containing air is introduced through the
cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning, and a discharge port 143
through which the dust-separated air is discharged. When the dust
container 140 is installed in the dust container accommodating unit
112, the first suction port 142 and the discharge port 143 are
configured to communicate with a first opening 116 and a second
opening 117 formed in the inner lateral side wall of the dust
container accommodating unit 112, respectively.
[0076] The second suction port is exposed to the outside of the
cleaner main body 110, so that the user can easily couple the
cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning. Specifically, the second
suction port is exposed to the front of the cleaner main body 110.
The second suction port is exposed to the front side of the cleaner
main body 110 in a state where the dust container is coupled to the
dust container accommodating unit 112. More specifically, the
second suction port is located above the cleaning nozzle 120 for
automatic cleaning in a state where the dust container is coupled
to the dust container accommodating unit 112.
[0077] An suction flow path 129 formed in the cleaner main body 110
corresponds to a flow path ranging from the cleaning nozzle 120 for
automatic cleaning to the first opening 116, and an exhaust flow
path corresponds to a flow path ranging from the second opening 117
to an exhaust port.
[0078] Based on such a configuration, the dust-containing air
introduced through the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning
flows into the dust container 140 through the suction flow path 129
inside the cleaner main body 110, and passes through at least one
dust separation unit (e.g., a cyclone, a filter, etc.) to separate
the air and the dust from each other. The dust is collected in the
dust container 140 and the air is discharged from the dust
container 140, and then finally discharged to the outside through
the exhaust port via the exhaust flow path inside the cleaner main
body 110.
[0079] The cleaner main body 110 is provided with an upper cover
113 covering the dust container 140 accommodated in the dust
container accommodating unit 112. The upper cover 113 may be hinged
to one side of the cleaner main body 110 to be rotatable. The upper
cover 113 may cover the opened upper side of the dust container
accommodating unit 112 and cover the upper side of the dust
container 140. In addition, the upper cover 113 may be configured
to be detachable from the cleaner main body 110.
[0080] The separation of the dust container 140 from the dust
container accommodating unit 112 may be restricted in a state in
which the upper cover 113 is disposed to cover the dust container
140.
[0081] A handle 114 is provided in the upper side of the upper
cover 113. The handle 114 may be provided with a photographing unit
115. At this time, it is preferable that the photographing unit 115
is disposed to be inclined with respect to the bottom surface of
the cleaner main body 110 so that the photographing unit 115 can
photograph both the front side and the upper side together.
[0082] The photographing unit 115 may be provided in the cleaner
main body 110 to photograph an image for simultaneous localization
and mapping (SLAM) of the cleaner. The image photographed by the
photographing unit 115 is used to generate a map of the traveling
area or to detect the current position in the traveling area.
[0083] The photographing unit 115 may generate three-dimensional
coordinate information related to the surroundings of the cleaner
main body 110. That is, the photographing unit 115 may be a 3D
Depth Camera that calculates the distance between the cleaner 100
and an object to be photographed. Accordingly, field data for
three-dimensional coordinate information may be generated.
[0084] Specifically, the photographing unit 115 may photograph a
two-dimensional image related to the surroundings of the cleaner
main body 110, and may generate a plurality of three-dimensional
coordinate information corresponding to the photographed
two-dimensional image.
[0085] In an embodiment, the photographing unit 115 may include two
or more cameras that obtain an existing two-dimensional image, and
may achieve a stereoscopic vision scheme that generates
three-dimensional coordinate information by combining two or more
images obtained from two or more cameras.
[0086] Specifically, the photographing unit 115 according to the
embodiment may include a first pattern irradiating unit for
irradiating light of a first pattern downward toward the front side
of the main body, a second pattern irradiating unit for irradiating
light of a second pattern upward toward the front side of the main
body 2, and an image acquiring unit for acquiring an image of the
front side of the main body. Thus, the image acquiring unit may
acquire an image of an area to which light of the first pattern and
light of the second pattern are emitted.
[0087] In another embodiment, the photographing unit 115 may
include an infrared ray pattern irradiating unit for irradiating an
infrared ray pattern together with a single camera, and captures
the shape of the infrared ray pattern, irradiated by the infrared
ray pattern irradiating unit, projected onto an object to be
photographed so that the distance between the photographing unit
115 and the object to be photographed can be measured. The
photographing unit 115 may be an Infra Red (IR) type photographing
unit 115.
[0088] In another embodiment, the photographing unit 115 may
include a light emitting unit that emits light together with a
single camera, may receive a part of the laser, emitted from the
light emitting unit, reflected from the object to be photographed,
and may analyze the received laser, so that the distance between
the photographing unit 115 and the object to be photographed can be
measured. The photographing unit 115 may be an time-of-flight (TOF)
type photographing unit 115.
[0089] Specifically, the laser of the above mentioned photographing
unit 115 is configured to irradiate a laser extending in at least
one direction. In one example, the photographing unit 115 may
include first and second lasers, and the first laser may irradiate
linear lasers intersected with each other and the second laser may
irradiate a single linear laser. According to this, the lowermost
laser is used to detect obstacles in the floor, the uppermost laser
is used to detect obstacles in the upper portion, and the
intermediate laser between the lowermost laser and the uppermost
laser detects an obstacle in the middle portion.
[0090] The sensing unit 130 may be disposed below the upper cover
113 and the sensing unit 130 may be detachably coupled to the dust
container 140.
[0091] The sensing unit 130 is disposed in the cleaner main body
110 and detects information related to the environment where the
cleaner main body 110 is positioned. The sensing unit 130 detects
information related to the environment to generate field data.
[0092] The sensing unit 130 detects surrounding features (including
obstacles) so that the cleaner 100 does not collides with the
obstacle. The sensing unit 130 may sense information on the outside
of the cleaner 100. The sensing unit 130 may detect a user in the
vicinity of the cleaner 100. The sensing unit 130 may detect an
object in the vicinity of the cleaner 100.
[0093] In addition, the sensing unit 130 is configured to be able
to accomplish panning (move to left and right) and tilting
(disposed to be inclined up and down) in order to improve the
detecting function of the cleaner and the traveling function of the
robot cleaner.
[0094] The sensing unit 130 is disposed in the front side of the
cleaner main body 110 and disposed between the dust container 140
and the upper cover 113. A coupling protrusion 132d protrudes from
the lower surface of the sensing unit 130, and a coupling groove
141 through which the coupling protrusion 132d is inserted is
formed in the upper surface of the dust container 141. When the
upper cover 113 covers the upper side of the dust container
accommodating unit 112, the coupling protrusion 132d is inserted
into the coupling groove 141 so that the dust container 140 is
coupled to the sensing unit 130 and unable to be separated from the
cleaner main body 110.
[0095] On the other hand, when the upper cover 113 opens the upper
side of the dust container accommodating unit 112, the coupling
protrusion 132d escapes from the coupling groove 141, so that the
dust container 140 is disconnected from the sensing unit 130 and
able to be separated from the cleaner main body 110.
[0096] The sensing unit 130 may include at least one of an external
signal sensor, an obstacle sensor, a cliff sensor, a lower camera
sensor, an upper camera sensor, an encoder, a shock sensor, and a
microphone.
[0097] The external signal sensor can detect an external signal of
the cleaner 100. The external signal sensor may be, for example, an
infrared ray sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a Radio Frequency (RF)
sensor, or the like. Thus, field data for the external signal may
be generated.
[0098] The cleaner 100 may receive a guide signal generated by a
charging signal by using the external signal sensor and detect
information on the position and the direction of the charging base.
At this time, the charging base may transmit a guide signal
indicating the direction and the distance so that the cleaner 100
can return. That is, the cleaner 100 may receive a signal
transmitted from the charging base, determine the current position,
and set the moving direction so that it can return to the charging
base.
[0099] The obstacle sensor can detect an obstacle ahead. Thus,
field data for the obstacle is generated.
[0100] The obstacle sensor may detect an object existing in the
moving direction of the cleaner 100 and may transmit the generated
field data to the controller. That is, the obstacle sensor can
detect protrusions existing on the moving path of the cleaner 100
furnishings in the house, furniture, wall, wall corner, and the
like, and transmit the field data to the controller.
[0101] The obstacle sensor may be, for example, an infrared sensor,
an ultrasonic sensor, a RF sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, and the
like. The cleaner 100 may use one type of sensor as an obstacle
sensor or use two or more types of sensors together as needed.
[0102] The cliff sensor can detect obstacles on the floor
supporting the cleaner main body 110 by mainly using various types
of optical sensors. Thus, field data for an obstacle on the floor
is generated.
[0103] The cliff sensor may be, like an obstacle sensor, an
infrared sensor having a light emitting unit and a light receiving
unit, an ultrasonic sensor, an RF sensor, a position sensitive
detector (PSD) sensor, or the like.
[0104] For example, the cliff sensor may be a PSD sensor, but it
may be composed of a plurality of different types of sensors. The
PSD sensor has a light emitting unit that emits infrared rays to an
obstacle, and a light receiving unit that receives infrared rays
that are reflected from the obstacle and is returned, and is
generally configured in the form of a module. When an obstacle is
detected by using the PSD sensor, a stable measurement value can be
obtained irrespective of the reflectance and the color difference
of the obstacle.
[0105] The controller may measure an infrared angle between a light
emitting signal of the infrared ray emitted by the cliff sensor
toward the ground and a reflection signal received after being
reflected by the obstacle so that it can detect the cliff and
acquire the field data of the depth.
[0106] A lower camera sensor acquires image information (field
data) about the surface to be cleaned while the cleaner 100 is
moving. The layer camera sensor is also referred to as an optical
flow sensor. The lower camera sensor may convert a lower side image
inputted from an image sensor provided in the sensor to generate
image data (field data) of a certain format. Field data for an
image recognized through the lower camera sensor can be
generated.
[0107] By using the lower camera sensor, the controller may detect
the position of a mobile robot irrespective of the slip of the
mobile robot. The controller may compare and analyze the image data
photographed by the lower camera sensor according to time and
calculate the movement distance and the movement direction, and
calculate the position of the mobile robot based on the calculated
movement distance and the movement direction.
[0108] An upper camera sensor may be installed to face the upper
side or the front side of the cleaner 100 to photograph the
vicinity of the cleaner 100. When the cleaner 100 includes a
plurality of upper camera sensors, the camera sensors may be formed
in the upper side or lateral surface of the mobile robot at a
certain distance or at a certain angle. Field data for an image
recognized through the upper camera sensor may be generated.
[0109] The encoder may detect information related to the operation
of the motor that drives the wheel 111. Thus, field data on the
operation of the motor is generated.
[0110] The shock sensor may detect a shock when the cleaner 100
collides with an external obstacle or the like. Thus, field data on
an external shock is generated.
[0111] The microphone may detect an external sound. Accordingly,
field data for the external sound is generated.
[0112] In the present embodiment, the sensing unit 130 includes an
image sensor. In the present embodiment, the field data is image
information acquired by the image sensor or feature point
information extracted from the image information, but it is not
necessarily limited thereto.
[0113] Meanwhile, a cable adaptor 118 may be disposed in the open
lower side of the dust container accommodating unit 112. The cable
adaptor 118 may be coupled to the cleaner main body 110 to form a
part of the cleaner main body 110. That is, when the cable adaptor
118 is coupled to the cleaner main body 110, the cable adaptor 118
may be considered as the same configuration as that of the cleaner
main body 110. The dust container 140 for storing foreign matter
may be placed on the cable adaptor 118. The cable adaptor 118 may
connect the cleaner main body 110 and the cleaning nozzle 120 for
automatic cleaning. The cable adaptor 118 may connect the suction
flow path 129 of the cleaner main body 110 and the suction flow
path 129 of the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning.
[0114] The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning is configured
to suck the dust-containing air or to wipe the floor. Here, the
cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning for sucking the
dust-containing air may be referred to as a suction module, and the
cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning for wiping the floor may
be referred to as a mop module.
[0115] The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may be
detachably coupled to the cleaner main body 110. When the suction
module is detached from the cleaner main body 110, the mop module
may be detachably coupled to the cleaner main body 110 in place of
the detached suction module. Accordingly, when a user desires to
remove the dust on the floor, the suction module is mounted in the
cleaner main body 110, and when the user desires to wipe the floor,
the mop module may be mounted in the cleaner main body 110.
[0116] The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may be
configured to have a function of wiping the floor after sucking the
dust-containing air.
[0117] The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may be
disposed below the cleaner main body 110 or may protrude from one
side of the cleaner main body 110 as shown in the drawing. One side
of the cleaner main body 110 may be a side in which the cleaner
main body 110 travels in the forward direction, i.e., the front
portion of the cleaner main body 110. The cleaning nozzle 120 for
automatic cleaning may be disposed forward of the wheel 111, and a
part of the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may protrude
forward of the dust container 140.
[0118] In the drawing, it is shown that the cleaning nozzle 120 for
automatic cleaning protrudes from one side of the cleaner main body
110 to the front side and to both the left and right sides.
Specifically, the front end portion of the cleaning nozzle 120 for
automatic cleaning is disposed in a position spaced forward from
one side of the cleaner main body 110, and the left and right end
portions of the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning are
disposed to be spaced apart from one side of the cleaner main body
110 to the left and right sides of the cleaner main body 110.
[0119] A suction motor 150 may be installed inside the cleaner main
body 110. An impeller (not shown) may be coupled to the rotating
shaft of the suction motor 150. When the suction motor 150 is
driven so that the impeller is rotated together with the rotating
shaft, the impeller can generate a suction force.
[0120] A suction flow path 129 may be formed in the cleaner main
body 110. Foreign matter such as dust flows into the cleaning
nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning, from the surface to be cleaned,
by the suction force generated by the driving force of the suction
motor 150, and the foreign matter introduced into the cleaning
nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may be introduced into the
suction flow path 129.
[0121] The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may clean the
floor surface to be cleaned when the cleaner main body 110 travels
in the automatic mode. The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic
cleaning may be disposed adjacent to the floor surface among the
front side surface of the cleaner main body 110. A suction port for
suctioning air may be formed on the bottom surface of the cleaning
nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning. When the cleaning nozzle 120 for
automatic cleaning is coupled to the cleaner main body 110, the
suction port may be disposed toward the floor surface.
[0122] The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may be
coupled to the cleaner main body 110 through a cable adaptor 118.
The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may communicate with
the suction flow path 129 of the cleaner main body 110 through the
cable adaptor 118. The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning
may be disposed below the dust container 140 disposed in the front
portion of the cleaner main body 110.
[0123] The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may include a
case having a suction port formed in a bottom surface thereof, and
a brush unit may be rotatably installed in the case. The case may
provide an empty space so that the brush unit can be rotatably
installed therein. The brush unit may include a rotating shaft
formed to be long in the left and right direction and a brush
protruded to an outer circumference of the rotating shaft. The
rotating shaft of the brush unit may be rotatably coupled to the
left and right side surfaces of the case.
[0124] A case 121 and 122 of the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic
cleaning may include a center case 121, and a side case 122 which
is disposed respectively in both sides of the center case 121 and
forms a left side surface and a right side surface of the case 121
and 122 of the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning. A
suction port may be formed in the bottom surface portion of the
center case 121. Both sides of the center case 121 may be opened,
and the side case 122 on both sides may be respectively coupled to
both sides of the center case 121 to cover both open sides of the
center case 121.
[0125] The brush unit is disposed such that the brush protrudes
through the suction port formed in the bottom of the case. When the
suction motor 150 is driven, the brush unit is rotated by the
suction force and can sweep upward dust and other foreign matter on
the floor surface to be cleaned. The swept foreign matter may be
sucked into the case by the suction force. Preferably, the brush is
formed of a material that does not generate triboelectricity so
that foreign matter can not easily adhere thereto.
[0126] The cable adaptor 118 may be coupled to the front surface of
the cleaner main body 110. The cable adaptor 118 may connect the
cleaner main body 110 and the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic
cleaning. The cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning may be
detachably coupled to the cable adaptor 118. The cable adaptor 118
can support the lower side of the dust container 140.
[0127] As described above, the cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic
cleaning is provided in a state of being in close contact with the
floor surface to be cleaned, so that the floor surface can be
automatically cleaned when the cleaner main body 110 travels in the
automatic mode. However, when a user desires to manually perform
the cleaning, the user inputs a manual mode travel of the cleaner
main body 110 through the mode selection input unit provided in the
cleaner main body 110. Then, the user may detach the cleaning
nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning from the cleaner main body 110,
and may couple the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning to the
cleaner main body 110 to perform manual cleaning. The cleaning
nozzle for manual cleaning may include a long hose in the form of a
bellows. In this case, the hose portion of the cleaning nozzle for
manual cleaning may be coupled to the cleaner main body 110.
[0128] When the user desires to use the cleaner 100 in the manual
mode while using the cleaner 100 in the automatic mode, the user
couples the cleaning nozzle 320 for manual cleaning, and moves the
flow path blocking member 220 to block the air inflow from the
cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning. Hereinafter, dust
collecting equipment which enables to easily perform switching
between manual cleaning and automatic cleaning, has a simple
structure, and does not suck unnecessary outside air will be
described.
[0129] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of dust collecting equipment
according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 5
is a plan view of the dust collecting equipment shown in FIG. 4,
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the dust collecting equipment shown
in FIG. 4 in a state in which a flow path blocking member 220
blocks a second suction port 144, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view of
the dust collecting equipment shown in FIG. 4 in a state in which a
flow path blocking member 220 blocks a first suction port 142.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 3 to FIG. 7, the dust collecting equipment
of the present disclosure shows that the dust container 140 and the
dust separation units 160, 170 are integrally formed. As another
example, although not shown in the drawing, the dust container 140
and the dust separation unit 160, 170 may be separately formed.
However, it is preferable that the dust separation unit 160, 170 is
positioned inside the dust container 140 in order to save a space
and switch between the automatic cleaning and the manual cleaning
with a simple structure.
[0131] For example, the dust separation unit 160, 170 may include a
first cyclone 160 which can separate dust by a cyclone flow. The
first cyclone 160 may communicate with the first suction port 142
and the second suction port 144. Air and dust sucked through the
first suction port 142 or the second suction port 144 are spirally
moved along the inner circumferential surface of the first cyclone
160. The axis A1 of the cyclone flow of the first cyclone 160 may
extend vertically.
[0132] The dust separation unit 160, 170 may further include a
second cyclone 170 which separates dust again from the air
discharged from the first cyclone 160. At this time, the second
cyclone 170 may be positioned inside the first cyclone 160 so that
the size of the dust separation unit 160, 170 is minimized. The
second cyclone 170 may include a plurality of cyclone bodies
disposed in parallel. A cyclone flow axis of the second cyclone 170
may extend vertically.
[0133] As another example, it is also possible for the dust
separation unit 160, 170 to have a single cyclone. In this case,
the axis A1 of the cyclone flow may also extend vertically.
[0134] The dust container 140 may be detachably coupled to the
front surface of the cleaner main body 110 and the lower side
thereof may be supported by the cable adaptor 118. The dust
container 140 may include a hollow cylindrical case. The dust
separation unit 160, 170 for separating foreign matter and air from
the air sucked through the first suction port 142 or the second
suction port 144 of the cleaner main body 110 may be disposed
inside the cylindrical case. Foreign matter including the dust
filtered by the dust separation unit 160, 170 may be dropped and
accommodated into the dust container 140. At this time, only air
may be discharged to the outside of the dust container 140 and
moved to the suction motor 150 side due to the suction force of the
suction motor 150, and then escape to the outside of the cleaner
main body 110.
[0135] The dust container 140 includes a dust collecting body 146
having a cylindrical shape, a body cover 148 rotatably coupled to
the lower side of the dust collecting body 146, and an upper cover
147 covering the upper side of the dust collecting body 146. In the
present embodiment, it is also possible that the first cyclone 160
does not exist separately, and the upper portion of the dust
collecting body 146 serves as the first cyclone 160. At least a
part of the second cyclone 170 may be positioned in the dust
container 140. The upper portion of the dust collecting body 146
may be defined as a cyclone flow space 11.
[0136] The dust collecting body 146 may define a cylindrical shape
having a cyclone flow axis A1 as a central axis. The dust
collecting body 146 forms a lateral surface of the dust container
140. Hereinafter, the lateral surface of the dust container 140
will refer to the dust collecting body 146.
[0137] A dust storage guide 504 for guiding the storage of the dust
separated from the second cyclone 170 may be disposed in the dust
collecting body 146. The dust storage guide 504 is coupled to the
lower side of the second cyclone 170 and in contact with the upper
surface of the body cover 148.
[0138] The dust storage guide 504 divides a space inside the dust
collecting body 146 into a first dust storage unit 502 which stores
the dust separated from the first cyclone 160 and a second dust
storage unit 506 which stores the dust separated from the second
cyclone 170.
[0139] An inner space of the dust storage guide 504 is the second
dust storage unit 506 and a space between the dust storage guide
504 and the dust collecting body 146 is the first dust storage unit
502.
[0140] The body cover 148 may open and close the first dust storage
unit 502 and the second dust storage unit 506 together.
[0141] The body cover 148 may be provided with a rib 521 for
preventing the dust stored in the first dust storage unit 502 from
being rotated by the cyclone flow. The ribs 521 may extend upwardly
from the body cover 148. The rib 521 may be positioned adjacent to
the inner circumferential surface of the dust collecting body 146
in a state in which the body cover 148 covers the first and second
dust storage units 502 and 506.
[0142] Since the cyclone flow flows in the first dust storage unit
502 side along the inner circumferential surface of the dust
collection body 146, when the rib 521 is positioned adjacent to the
inner circumferential surface of the dust collecting body 146, the
cyclone flow is broken by the rib 521 so that the dust stored in
the first dust storage unit 502 can be prevented from rotating.
[0143] The user may separate the dust container 140 from the
cleaner main body 110 and then open the body cover 148 to discard
the foreign matter contained in the dust container 140. When the
dust container 140 is coupled to the cleaner main body 110, the
dust container 140 is placed on the cable adaptor 118. That is, the
lid of the dust container 140 is placed on the upper side of the
cable adaptor 118.
[0144] The dust collecting equipment may include a first suction
port 142 for sucking an external air into the dust separation unit
160 and 170, a second suction port 144 for sucking an external air
into the dust separation unit 160 and 170, a discharge port 143
through which the air inside the separation unit 160 and 170 is
discharged, and a flow path blocking member 220 selectively
covering the first and second suction ports 142 and 144.
[0145] The first suction port 142 is a space through which an
external air is sucked into the dust separation unit 160, 170. The
first suction port 142 may be formed on the lateral side (dust
collecting body 146) of the dust container 140. The first suction
port 142 may be formed on the lateral surface of the dust container
140 to reduce the height of the cleaner main body.
[0146] The first suction port 142 communicates with the cleaning
nozzle for automatic cleaning. Specifically, the first suction port
142 is coupled to the cleaning nozzle for automatic cleaning by the
suction flow path 129.
[0147] The second suction port 144 is a space through which an
external air is sucked into the dust separation unit 160, 170. The
second suction port 144 may be formed on the lateral surface (dust
collecting body 146) of the dust container 140. The second suction
port 144 may be formed on the lateral surface of the dust container
140 to reduce the height of the cleaner main body. The second
suction port 144 communicates with the cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning 320.
[0148] The discharge port 143 is a space through which the
dust-separated air is discharged from the dust separation unit 160,
170. When the discharge port 143 is disposed in the upper surface
of the dust container 140, the height of the cleaner is increased,
so that the discharge port 143 is preferably located on the lateral
side (dust collecting body 146) of the dust container 140.
[0149] The first suction port 142, the second suction port 144, and
the discharge port 143 are formed by opening the dust collecting
body 146 of the dust container 140. The first suction port 142, the
second suction port 144, and the discharge port 143 are formed in
the upper area of the dust collecting body 146.
[0150] The second suction port 144 and the discharge port 143 may
be disposed adjacent to each other in the dust collecting body 146,
and the first suction port 142 may be disposed apart from the
second suction port 144 and the discharge port 143. The first
suction port 142 may be formed on the front surface of the dust
collecting body 146, and the second suction port 144 and the
discharge port 143 may be formed on the lateral surface and/or the
rear surface of the dust collecting body 146.
[0151] It is preferable that the second suction port 144 is exposed
to the outside of the cleaner main body, because the user should
detach the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning 320. It is
preferable that the first suction port 142 and the discharge port
143 are disposed on the lateral surface and/or the rear surface of
the dust collecting body 146, because the first suction port 142
and the discharge port 143 should be coupled to the cleaner main
body.
[0152] The second suction port 144 may be a hole formed on a
lateral surface of the dust container 140, or a pipe shaped hole
protruding outward from the lateral surface of the dust container
140.
[0153] The dust container 140 may further include a partition wall
for restricting mixing of air supplied through the discharge port
143 and air introduced through the air suction ports. Specifically,
the partition wall restricts the mixing of air discharged from the
second cyclone 170 and air flowing in the cyclone flow space 11 of
the first cyclone 160.
[0154] The partition wall may be omitted when the discharge port
143 is disposed on the upper cover 147 of the dust container 140,
and may be required when the discharge port 143 is located on the
lateral side (the dust collecting body 146) of the dust container
140.
[0155] The partition wall isolates the cyclone flow space and the
discharge port 143 from each other, and a space isolated by the
partition wall communicates with the discharge port 143 and the
second cyclone 170 and is isolated from the first suction port 142
and the second suction port 144.
[0156] The flow path blocking member 220 selectively covers the
first suction port 142 and the second suction port 144. In this
case, the expression "selectively covers" means that when the flow
path blocking member 220 blocks the first suction port 142, the
second suction port 144 is opened, and when the flow path blocking
member 220 blocks the second suction port 144, the first suction
port 142 is opened.
[0157] During automatic cleaning, the flow path blocking member 220
restricts the sucking of an external air through the first suction
port 142 communicating with the cleaning nozzle 320 for manual
cleaning, and allows the sucking of an external air through the
second suction port 144 communicating with the cleaning nozzle 120
for automatic cleaning. During manual cleaning, the flow path
blocking member 220 allows the sucking of an external air through
the first suction port 142 communicating with the cleaning nozzle
320 for manual cleaning, and restricts the sucking of an external
air through the second suction port 144 communicating with the
cleaning nozzle 120 for automatic cleaning.
[0158] The flow path blocking member 220 may operate in at least
one of automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes. The first
embodiment is described on the basis that the flow path blocking
member 220 is manually operated.
[0159] The flow path blocking member 220 may reciprocate between a
first position for covering the first suction port 142 and a second
position for covering the second suction port 144. The flow path
blocking member 220 may directly block the first suction port 142
and the second suction port 144, but may indirectly block the first
suction port 142 and the second suction port 144 as shown in FIGS.
6 and 7.
[0160] Specifically, the flow path blocking member 220 may
reciprocate between the first position for covering the first
suction port 142, and the second position for covering a connection
path 142a.
[0161] The connection path 142a is a space between the first
suction port 142 and the cyclone flow space communicated with the
second suction port 144. The flow path blocking member 220 may be
formed in a plate shape, and may have a size larger than at least
the first suction port 142.
[0162] The flow path blocking member 220 may move inside
(specifically, in the cyclone flow space) the dust container 140.
At this time, the dust collecting equipment further includes a
lever 210 which is connected to the flow path blocking member 220
and at least a part of which is exposed to the outside of the dust
container 140, and a guide hole 147a which guides the movement of
the lever 210.
[0163] The lever 210 is exposed to the upper side of the upper
cover 147 of the dust container 140, and may have a width larger
than that of the guide hole 147a. The lever 210 has a larger width
than the guide hole 147a so that the flow path blocking member 220
connected to the lever 210 can be supported in the guide hole 147a.
The lever 210 and the flow path blocking member 220 are connected
by a connecting member 211. The connecting member 211 is guided by
the guide hole 147a. The lever 210 serves as a handle for allowing
the user to move the flow path blocking member 220 located inside
the dust container 140. The external force of the lever 210 is
transmitted to the flow path blocking member 220.
[0164] The flow path blocking member 220 may have a width larger
than the width of the guide hole 147a to prevent an external air
from being introduced through the guide hole 147a.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 5, when the user operates the lever 210 to
move the flow path blocking member 220 to the first position, the
first suction port 142 is blocked, and the second suction port 144
is opened. When the flow path blocking member 220 is moved to the
second position, the second suction port 144 is blocked, and the
first suction port 142 is opened.
[0166] The air flow of the dust collecting equipment according to
the position of the flow path blocking member 220 is as
follows.
[0167] When the user operates the lever 210 to move the flow path
blocking member 220 to the second position, the second suction port
144 is blocked by the flow path blocking member 220 and the first
suction port 142 is opened. Here, the expression "suction port is
opened" means that the suction port communicates with the cyclone
flow space, and "suction port is closed" means that the suction
port and the cyclone flow space are not communicated with each
other.
[0168] As shown in FIG. 6, the air containing the dust introduced
through the cleaning nozzle for automatic cleaning flows into the
inside (cyclone flow space 11) of the dust container 140 through
the first suction port 142 to generate a cyclone flow, and the dust
drops to the lower side of the dust container 140. The air that
firstly removed dust is introduced into the second cyclone 170, and
the dust is removed again to be discharged through the discharge
port 143.
[0169] When the user operates the lever 210 to move the flow path
blocking member 220 to the first position, the first suction port
142 is blocked and the second suction port 144 is opened.
[0170] As shown in FIG. 7, the air including the dust introduced
through the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning 320 flows into the
inside (cyclone flow space 11) of the dust container 140 through
the second suction port 144 to generate a cyclone flow, and the
dust drops to the lower side of the dust container 140. The air
that firstly removed dust is introduced into the second cyclone
170, and the dust is removed again to be discharged through the
discharge port 143.
[0171] FIG. 8 is a view showing the flow of air in an automatic
cleaning mode of a cleaner of the present disclosure.
[0172] Referring to FIG. 8, when the user operates the lever 210 to
move the flow path blocking member 220 to the second position, the
second suction port 144 is blocked by the flow path blocking member
220, and the first suction port 142 is opened. The air containing
the dust introduced through the cleaning nozzle for automatic
cleaning flows to the first suction port 142 through the suction
flow path 129. The air that flowed into the first suction port 142
flows into the inside (cyclone flow space 11) of the dust container
140 to generate a cyclone flow, and the dust is separated. At this
time, the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning 320 is not coupled to
the second suction port 144.
[0173] FIG. 9 is a view showing the flow of air in a manual
cleaning mode of a cleaner of the present disclosure.
[0174] Referring to FIG. 9, when the user operates the lever 210 to
move the flow path blocking member 220 to the first position, the
first suction port 142 is blocked and the second suction port 144
is opened. The user couples the cleaning nozzle 320 for manual
cleaning to the second suction port 144, operates the cleaner, and
performs manual cleaning.
[0175] The air containing the dust introduced through the cleaning
nozzle 320 for manual cleaning flows into the inside (cyclone flow
space 11) of the dust container 140 through the second suction port
144 to generate a cyclone flow, and the dust is separated.
[0176] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of dust collecting equipment
according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 11
is a perspective view showing the dust collecting equipment of FIG.
10 from a different angle, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective
view when a flow path blocking member of the dust collecting
equipment of FIG. 10 is located in a first position, FIG. 13 is a
perspective view when a flow path blocking member of the dust
collecting equipment of FIG. 10 is located in a second position,
and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the dust
collecting equipment of FIG. 13.
[0177] Referring to FIG. 10 to FIG. 14, the second embodiment
differs from the first embodiment in that the geometric layout of a
flow path blocking member 220-1 is different and a movement guide
280 is further included. Hereinafter, differences from the first
embodiment will be mainly described, and a configuration without
special description will be considered as the same as the first
embodiment.
[0178] The flow path blocking member 220-1 of the second embodiment
may have a configuration for selectively blocking the first suction
port 142 and the second suction port 144 without interfering with
the air flow inside the dust container 140. Specifically, since the
first suction port 142 and the second suction port 144 are disposed
on the lateral surface of the dust container 140, and the lateral
surface of the dust container 140 has a circular shape to generate
a cyclone flow, the flow path blocking member 220-1 may have a
shape corresponding to a part of the lateral surface (dust
collecting body 146) of the dust container 140 and move along the
lateral surface of the dust container 140.
[0179] More specifically, the flow path blocking member 220-1 may
form at least a part of the circumferential surface, and may have
the same curvature within a certain error range as the curvature of
the inner or outer surface of the lateral surface of the dust
container 140. The flow path blocking member 220-1 may have a part
of a circumference having a cyclone flow axis A1 as the center, and
may be moved in contact with the inner surface of the dust
collecting body 146 or the outer surface of the dust collecting
body 146. The flow path blocking member 220-1 may move along the
circumference having a cyclone flow axis A1 as the center.
[0180] The flow path blocking member 220-1 may have a length
obtained by adding the width of the first suction port 142 to the
distance between the first suction port 142 and the second suction
port 144. At this time, the first suction port 142 and the second
suction port 144 are disposed at the same height in the dust
collecting body 146, thereby reducing interference with the dust
collecting body 146 during movement of the flow path blocking
member 220-1. The height of the flow path blocking member 220-1 may
be at least larger than the diameters of the first suction port 142
and the second suction port 144.
[0181] Although not shown in the drawing, when the flow path
blocking member 220-1 is located in the second position, it is
possible to restrict the coupling of the cleaning nozzle 320 for
manual cleaning coupled to the second suction port 144. When the
flow path blocking member 220-1 is located in the first position,
it is possible to allow the coupling of the cleaning nozzle 320 for
manual cleaning coupled to the second suction port 144.
[0182] The movement guide 280 guides the movement of the flow path
blocking member 220-1. The movement guide 280 defines a space which
protrudes from the dust collecting body 146 and into which at least
one end of the movement guide 280 is inserted. The movement guide
280 may protrude from the outer surface of the dust collecting body
146 or protrude from the inner surface thereof.
[0183] Specifically, the movement guide 280 may define a space
which protrudes from the outer surface of the dust collecting body
146 and into which one end of the flow path blocking member 220-1
is inserted between the dust collecting body 146 and the movement
guide 280. The movement guide 280 may be vertically spaced apart
from each other so that two movement guides 280 may be disposed.
The movement guide 280 extends in the circumferential direction in
the dust collecting body 146. The movement guide 280 may be equal
to or smaller than the length of the flow path blocking member
220-1.
[0184] When the user operates the lever 210 or directly moves the
flow path blocking member 220-1 to move the flow path blocking
member 220-1 to the first position, the first suction port 142 is
blocked, and the second suction port 144 is opened. The user
couples the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning 320 to the second
suction port 144, operates the cleaner, and performs manual
cleaning.
[0185] As shown in FIG. 12, during manual cleaning, the air
containing the dust introduced through the cleaning nozzle for
manual cleaning 320 flows to the inside (the cyclone flow space 11)
of the dust container 140 through the second suction port 144 to
generate a cyclone flow. At this time, the lower surface of a
partition wall 162 of the cyclone flow space 11 is formed to be
inclined downward as it progresses in the circumferential
direction, thereby inducing the cyclone flow of the introduced air.
The dust is firstly separated from the cyclone-flowed air, and the
air from which dust is firstly separated flows into the second
cyclone 170 to secondarily separate dust, and is discharged to the
upper portion of the second cyclone 170. The air discharged through
the second cyclone 170 is discharged to the discharge port 143
through a space inside the partition wall 162.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 13, when the user operates the lever 210 or
the user directly moves the flow path blocking member 220-1 to move
the flow path blocking member 220-1 to the second position, the
second suction port 144 is blocked by the flow path blocking member
220-1, and the first suction port 142 is opened. The user operates
the cleaner and performs automatic cleaning.
[0187] As shown in FIG. 14, during automatic cleaning, the air
containing dust introduced through the cleaning nozzle for
automatic cleaning flows to the first suction port 142 through the
suction flow path 129. The air that flowed to the first suction
port 142 flows into the inside (cyclone flow space 11) of the dust
container 140 through the first suction port 142 to generate a
cyclone flow. At this time, the lower surface of the partition wall
162 of the cyclone flow space 11 is formed to be inclined downward
as it progresses in the circumferential direction, thereby inducing
the cyclone flow of the introduced air. The dust is firstly
separated from the cyclone-flowed air to the lower side, the air
that separated firstly the dust is introduced into the second
cyclone 170 to secondarily separate the dust, and then is
discharged to the upper side of the second cyclone 170. The air
discharged through the second cyclone 170 is discharged to the
discharge port 143 through a space inside the partition wall
162.
[0188] FIG. 15 is a conceptual w showing a case where dust
collecting equipment and a flow path blocking member are located in
a second position according to a third embodiment of the present
disclosure, and FIG. 16 is a conceptual view showing a case where
the flow path blocking member is located in a first position in
FIG. 15, and a cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is coupled.
[0189] The third embodiment further includes an elastic member 240
and a coupling unit 144a in comparison with the second embodiment.
The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in
that when the flow path blocking member 220-1 automatically returns
to its original position, the coupling unit 144a is blocked to
restrict the coupling of the cleaning nozzle 320 for manual
cleaning.
[0190] The coupling unit 144a is a space to which the cleaning
nozzle for manual cleaning 320 is coupled. The coupling unit 144a
may include at least one of a groove, a hole, a protrusion, and a
hook. Although the coupling unit 144a is shown as a groove in FIG.
15, the coupling unit 144a is not limited thereto. Specifically,
the coupling unit 144a may be a groove formed by a part of the rim
of the second suction port 144 that is dented outwardly.
[0191] Specifically, the coupling unit 144a may be disposed around
the second suction port 144. The coupling unit 144a may be covered
by the flow path blocking member 220-1 when the flow path blocking
member 220-1 is located in the second position.
[0192] The elastic member 240 provides an elastic force to return
the flow path blocking member 220-1 to the first position or the
second position. One end of the elastic member 240 may be coupled
to one end of the flow path blocking member 220-1 and the other end
of the elastic member 240 may be fixed to the dust collecting body
146.
[0193] Specifically, the elastic member 240 provides an elastic
force to return the flow path blocking member 220-1 to the second
position. As shown in FIG. 15, during automatic cleaning, the flow
path blocking member is located in the second position due to the
elastic force of the elastic member 240, and covers at least a part
of the coupling unit 144a so that the coupling of the cleaning
nozzle 320 for manual cleaning coupled to the second suction port
144 is restricted.
[0194] As shown in FIG. 16, during manual cleaning, the flow path
blocking member 220-1 is moved to the first position due to an
external force. When the flow path blocking member 220-1 is located
in the first position, the coupling of the cleaning nozzle 320 for
manual cleaning coupled to the second suction port 144 is allowed.
Specifically, when the flow path blocking member 220-1 is
positioned in the first position, the coupling unit 144a is
exposed, and the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning 320 is coupled
to the coupling unit 144a around the second suction port 144.
[0195] When the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning 320 is coupled
to the coupling unit 144a around the second suction port 144, the
elastic return of the flow path blocking member 220-1 to the second
position is restricted due to the cleaning nozzle 320 for manual
cleaning coupled to the second suction port 144. The flow path
blocking member 220-1 is caught by the cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning 320 so that the return to the second position due to the
elastic member 240 is restricted. When the coupling of the cleaning
nozzle 320 for manual cleaning coupled to the second suction port
144 is released, the flow path blocking member 220-1 may return to
the second position due to the elastic force of the elastic member
240.
[0196] FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a case where dust
collecting equipment and a flow path blocking member 220-1 are
located in a second position according to a fourth embodiment of
the present disclosure, and FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing
a case where the flow path blocking member 220-1 is located in a
first position in FIG. 17, and a cleaning nozzle 320 for manual
cleaning is coupled.
[0197] The fourth embodiment may further include an actuator 250
and a coupling sensor 252, in comparison with the third embodiment.
The fourth embodiment detects that the cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning is coupled to the second suction port 144 so that the flow
path blocking member 220-1 automatically opens the second suction
port 144 and closes the first suction port 142.
[0198] The actuator 250 may move the flow path blocking member
220-1 to the first position. Obviously, the second embodiment shows
that the flow path blocking member 220-1 moves to the second
position due to the elastic force of the elastic member 240.
However, alternatively, the actuator 250 may move the flow path
blocking members 220-1 to the first position and the second
position. The actuator 250 may include various configurations for
moving objects. For example, the actuator 250 may have a structure
such as a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a rack gear, or
the like.
[0199] Specifically, the actuator 250 includes a motor and a gear
connected to the rotation axis of the motor. A rack extending in
the longitudinal direction of the flow path blocking member 220-1
may be formed in the flow path blocking member 220-1. The gear is
coupled to the rack.
[0200] The coupling sensor 252 may detect that the cleaning nozzle
320 for manual cleaning is coupled to the second suction port 144,
and may provide detection information to the controller or the
actuator 250. The coupling sensor 252 may be implemented by various
sensors for detecting an object, or implemented in the form of a
switch that is energized by a cleaning nozzle for manual
cleaning.
[0201] When the cleaning nozzle 320 for manual cleaning is coupled
to the second suction port 144, the actuator 250 may move the flow
path blocking member 220-1 to the first position. When the cleaning
nozzle for manual cleaning is disconnected from the second suction
port 144, the actuator 250 may move the flow path blocking member
220-1 to the second position.
[0202] When it is detected that the cleaning nozzle 320 for manual
cleaning is coupled to the second suction port 144, the controller
may generate a signal for moving the flow path blocking member
220-1 to the first position, and generate a signal for changing the
mode of cleaner main body into a manual mode. In the manual mode,
the cleaner main body 110 may be manually moved while being dragged
or pushed by the user's force.
[0203] When it is detected that the cleaning nozzle 320 for manual
cleaning is disconnect from the second suction port 144, the
controller may generate a signal for moving the flow path blocking
member 220-1 to the second position, and generate a signal for
changing the mode of cleaner main body into an automatic mode. In
the automatic mode, the cleaner main body 110 may automatically
move like a robot cleaner.
[0204] Alternatively, when the cleaning nozzle 320 for manual
cleaning is coupled to the second suction port 144, the actuator
250 may move the flow path blocking member 220-1 to the first
position. When the cleaning nozzle for manual cleaning is
disconnect from the second suction port 144, the flow path blocking
member 220-1 may be moved to the second position due to the elastic
force of the elastic member 240.
[0205] Hereinabove, although the present disclosure has been
described with reference to exemplary embodiments and the
accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited
thereto, but may be variously modified and altered by those skilled
in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure
claimed in the following claims.
* * * * *