Patent Description:
There are many robot cleaners released in the market. To clean the floor, which is a floor surface to be cleaned, such robot cleaners remove foreign materials by sucking them from the surface while moving on the floor, or by wiping foreign materials on the surface while being in contact with the surface.

A robot cleaner capable of mopping the surface to be cleaned rotates about a rotation axis, which is approximately perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, to move on the surface by rotational friction and to mop the surface with the rotational friction. Further, there is also disclosed a robot cleaner for mopping the surface with a wet mop, in which a water tank is mounted in the robot cleaner to supply water in the water tank to spin mops which move by rotating and mop the floor.

In a robot cleaner having a water tank fixed thereto, water in the water tank may be supplied to spin mops in a stable manner. However, in a robot cleaner in which the water tank is detachably mounted, there is a problem in that when water in the water tank is supplied to spin mops, water may leak from a connection portion.

Korean Laid-open Patent Publication No. <CIT> discloses a structure of a robot cleaner having a detachable water tank, but a fixing and pressing means are not provided separately for a portion, at which water is supplied from the water tank to a mounted structure, causing a problem in that the water supplied into a main body may partially leak to the outside.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a robot cleaner, in which the water tank, which is detachably mounted therein, may be fixed stably.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a robot cleaner, which may minimize water leakage occurring at a portion where the detachably mounted water tank is connected.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a robot cleaner, which allows a user to easily withdraw the water tank mounted in the robot cleaner.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the aforementioned objects and other objects not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by providing a robot cleaner, including: a water tank forming a space for storing water; a body forming an exterior, and having a housing which forms a space in which the water tank is mounted; a pair of spin mops rotatably mounted at a lower side of the body, and adapted to move the body by rotating and to mop a surface to be cleaned; a first nozzle, disposed at one side of the housing, and when being connected to the water tank, supplying the water stored in the water tank to each of the pair of spin mops; a second nozzle, disposed at one side of the water tank, and when the water tank is mounted in the housing, being connected to the first nozzle to communicate the water tank with the first nozzle: and
a fixing part generating a magnetic force when the water tank is mounted in the housing, to fix an arrangement of the water tank mounted in the housing, thereby fixing the water tank mounted in the housing. In addition, the fixing part may include: a fixing device disposed around a circumference of the second nozzle; and a response fixing device disposed around a circumference of the first nozzle and having a shape corresponding to the fixing device, wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle may be attached to each other by the fixing device and the response fixing device, such that a connection portion between the housing and the water tank, through which water flows, and may attached.

The fixing device may have a ring shape around the circumference of the second nozzle, and the response fixing device may have a shape corresponding to the fixing device and may be disposed around the circumference of the first nozzle, thereby allowing the first nozzle and the second nozzle to be attached to each other.

At least one of the fixing device and the response fixing device uses a magnet generating a magnetic force to form an attractive force therebetween, thereby increasing the attractive force generated therebetween.

The second nozzle may be spaced apart from a center of the water tank in either a left direction or a right direction, and the first nozzle may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second nozzle, thereby fixing the water tank and the housing in a left-right direction with respect to the center thereof.

The fixing device may include a first fixing device being disposed around the circumference of the second nozzle, and a second fixing device being spaced apart from the center of the water tank in an opposite direction to the first fixing device; and the response fixing device may include a first response fixing device disposed around the circumference of the first nozzle, and a second response fixing device disposed at a position corresponding to the second fixing device.

The second nozzle may include: an insertion having an opening being open toward a front, and protruding forward from a front surface of the water tank; a valve disposed at a rear side of the insertion, and adapted to open and close the opening by moving forward and backward; and a nozzle housing forming a space in which the valve is disposed, and being mounted on an inside of the water tank.

An inner sealer and an outside sealer may be disposed between the water tank and the nozzle housing, the inner sealer being disposed around a portion where the opening is formed, and the outside sealer being disposed along an outer circumference of the nozzle housing, wherein the fixing part may be disposed between the inner sealer and the outside sealer, thereby preventing water from flowing into the fixing part.

The fixing device may include a first fixing device disposed between the nozzle housing and the water tank, and a second fixing device being spaced apart from the center of the water tank in an opposite direction to the first fixing device, wherein a fixing device housing for fixing the second fixing device to the water tank may be disposed at the water tank, and a sealer for preventing water from flowing into the second fixing device may be disposed between the fixing device housing and the water tank, thereby preventing water from flowing into the second fixing device.

The first nozzle may include: an insertion portion being formed at one side of the housing, and forming an insertion space into which the second nozzle is inserted; a press protruding in a direction in which the water tank is disposed, and when the water tank is mounted in the housing, pressing the valve to open the opening; and a sealer being disposed in the insertion space, and being attached to the insertion which is inserted into an insertion groove.

The sealer may include: a sealer end, disposed at an inner end portion of the insertion portion and coming into contact with an end portion of the second nozzle inserted into the insertion space; a sealer circumference, being connected to the sealer end and extending along a circumferential surface of the press; and at least one sealer projection projecting from the sealer circumference toward the insertion space. Specifically, the sealer projection may include a first sealer projection disposed at an end portion of the sealer circumference, and a second sealer projection disposed between the first sealer projection and the sealer end, thereby preventing water from leaking to the outside.

A handle may be disposed at a lower surface of the water tank, the handle having a groove so that the water tank may be withdrawn from the housing, thereby allowing a user to easily withdraw the water tank.

The robot cleaner may further include a lock, disposed on an inside of the body, rotatably disposed at a position spaced apart from a circumferential surface of the housing, and fixing the arrangement of the water tank mounted in the housing or pushing the water tank to a rear side, thereby allowing a user to easily withdraw the water tank.

The lock may include: a lever rotating about a rotary shaft formed at a position spaced apart from an outer side of the circumferential surface of the housing, and being inserted into a lever groove formed at a side surface of the water tank or pressing a front surface of the water tank; and a button being disposed on the circumferential surface of the body and being connected to the lever, wherein when a force is applied by a user to the button, the lever presses the front surface of the water tank, thereby allowing the water tank to be withdrawn.

The lock may include: a press bar for transmitting a force, exerted on the button, to the lever; and an elastic part for maintaining a basic arrangement of the lever, such that the force exerted on the button may be transmitted to the lever, and when no external force is applied, the basic arrangement may be maintained by the elastic part.

The lever may include: a rotation part rotatably coupled to the body; a press bar connector connected to the press bar; a first lever protruding forward from the rotation part, being bent toward a front wall of the housing, and pressing the front surface of the water tank mounted in the housing; and the second lever protruding rearward from the rotation part and being bent toward a second lever hole formed at a side wall of the housing.

In the basic arrangement of the lock, the second lever may be inserted into the lever groove of the water tank mounted in the housing, wherein when pressure is applied to the button, the second lever may be withdrawn from the lever groove, and the first lever presses the water tank to a rear side of the housing, such that a user may easily withdraw the water tank, and when the water tank is mounted in the housing, the water tank may be fixed stably.

The water tank may include a hinge, protruding forward in a convex curved shape from a side surface opposite to the one side surface of the water tank on which the lever groove is formed, wherein a hinge groove, into which the hinge of the water tank is inserted, may be formed at the housing, such that the hinge may fix the water tank, or when the water tank is withdrawn by the lock, the hinge may function as a hinge axis.

The housing may have a stopper, being disposed on a side surface opposite to one side surface of the housing, on which the second lever hole is formed, and protruding into the mounting space by a stopper elastic part, wherein the water tank may have a stopper groove, into which the stopper is inserted when the water tank is mounted in the housing, so as to fix the arrangement of the water tank, thereby fixing the other side of the water tank.

Details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, the robot cleaner has one or more of the following effects.

Firstly, a fixing device and a response fixing device are disposed at a water tank and a housing, respectively, such that the water tank may be mounted stably in the housing. Particularly, in the case where a magnet is used as the response fixing device and the fixing device, a strong attractive force is generated therebetween, such that the water tank may be fixed stably.

Secondly, each of the response fixing device and the fixing device is arranged in a ring shape around a circumference of a first nozzle and a second nozzle being provided for the flow of water, and the response fixing device and the fixing device are firmly attached to each other specifically at a portion through which water flows, thereby preventing water leakage, and enabling smooth supply of water to spin mops.

Thirdly, a sealer is disposed at a portion where the fixing part is provided, to prevent water from flowing to the magnet, such that a magnetic force, generated by the magnet, may be maintained for an extended period of time, thereby securing a long service life of the magnet.

Fourthly, a handle for withdrawing the water tank from the housing, a lock, and the like are provided for the robot cleaner, thereby allowing a user to easily draw out the water tank and providing convenience in using the water tank.

However, the effects of the present invention are not limited to the aforesaid, and other effects not described herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the appended claims.

Advantages and features of the present invention and methods for accomplishing the same will be more clearly understood from exemplary embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, but may be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are provided only to complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully provide a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains with the category of the present invention, and the present invention will be defined by the scope of the appended claims. Wherever possible, like reference numerals generally denote like elements through the specification.

In the description of a robot cleaner and a water tank, a direction in which the water tank is withdrawn is defined as a rear direction, a direction opposite to the rear direction is defined as a front direction, a direction in which spin mops are disposed is defined as a lower direction, a direction opposite to the lower direction is defined as an upper direction. Further, a direction of both sides, which is perpendicular to the front direction, the rear direction, the upper direction, and the lower direction, is defined as a left-right direction. A configuration of the water tank will also be described based on the above directions when the water tank is mounted in a housing.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings provided for explaining a robot cleaner.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the overall configuration of the robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

The robot cleaner <NUM> according to the embodiment includes: a body <NUM> forming an exterior of the robot cleaner <NUM> and having an internal space; a pair of spin mops <NUM> being disposed at a lower side of the body <NUM>, moving the body <NUM> by rotating, and mopping a surface to be cleaned (floor surface); a water tank <NUM> being mounted at the body <NUM> and storing water to be supplied to the pair of spin mops <NUM>; and a water supplier, being disposed inside the body <NUM> and supplying the water, stored in the water tank <NUM>, to each of the pair of spin mops <NUM>.

The robot cleaner <NUM> may include: a bumper <NUM> being mounted at the front of the body <NUM>, and when coming into contact with an obstacle located in front of the body <NUM>, detecting the obstacle or absorbing shock caused by the contact with the obstacle; and a sensor <NUM> disposed to recognize a position of the body <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may have a flat disc shape. In the internal space of the body <NUM>, there are disposed the water supplier (not shown), and a printed circuit board (not shown) including a controller for adjusting a rotation speed of the pair of spin mops <NUM> or adjusting an amount of water to be supplied from the water tank <NUM> to the pair of spin mops <NUM>. In the internal space of the body <NUM>, external power is supplied for charging, and the charged power is provided to the printed circuit board (not shown) or to a motor (not shown) for rotating the pair of spin mops <NUM>.

The water supplier may include: a first nozzle <NUM> connected to the water tank <NUM> mounted at the body <NUM>; a supply pipe (not shown) for connecting the first nozzle <NUM> and each of the pair of spin mops <NUM>; and a pump (not shown) being disposed on the supply pipe, and suctioning water stored in the water tank <NUM> to deliver the water to each of the pair of spin mops <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a housing <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The body <NUM> includes the housing <NUM>, being disposed at the rear of the body <NUM> and forming a mounting space <NUM> in which the water tank <NUM> is mounted. The housing <NUM> may be integrally formed with the body <NUM>. Alternatively, the housing <NUM> may be provided separately from the body <NUM> and may be disposed at the rear of the body <NUM>. The housing <NUM> forms the mounting space <NUM> corresponding to an outer shape of the water tank <NUM>, so that the water tank <NUM> may be mounted in the mounting space <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> has: a front wall <NUM>, coming into contact with or being disposed closest to the water tank <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>; both side walls 104a and 104b, formed to face both side surfaces of the water tank <NUM> and guiding the water tank <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is inserted into or withdrawn from the housing <NUM>; an upper wall (not shown) disposed to face an upper surface of the water tank <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>; and a lower wall <NUM> supporting the water tank <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> has an open rear surface, through which the water tank <NUM> may be inserted into or withdrawn from the housing <NUM>.

The front wall <NUM>, the side walls 104a and 104b, the upper wall (not shown), and the lower wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may form the mounting space <NUM>, in which the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>.

Here, the time when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM> may refer to a state in which the front surface of the water tank <NUM> comes into contact with, or is disposed closest to, the front wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and a state in which a second nozzle <NUM> disposed at the water tank <NUM> and the first nozzle <NUM> disposed at the housing <NUM> are connected to each other, which will be described later.

At the front wall <NUM>, there is disposed the first nozzle <NUM> which is connected to the water tank <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>.

The first nozzle <NUM> includes: an insertion portion <NUM> formed at the front of the front wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and forming an insertion space <NUM> into which the second nozzle <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> is inserted; a connector <NUM> having a hollow inner space and extending forward from the center of the insertion portion <NUM>; a press <NUM> having a hollow inner space and extending from the center of the insertion portion <NUM> toward the water tank <NUM>; a sealer <NUM> disposed at the insertion space <NUM> and attached to the second nozzle <NUM> which is inserted into the insertion space <NUM>.

The insertion portion <NUM> protrudes forward from the front wall <NUM> and has the insertion space <NUM> formed therein. The insertion portion <NUM> has a circumference wall <NUM>, protruding forward from the front wall <NUM> and having the insertion space <NUM> formed therein in a cylindrical shape, and an end wall <NUM> disposed on an end portion of the circumference wall <NUM>.

The insertion space <NUM> may be formed in an annular shape. The press <NUM> may be disposed in the middle of the insertion space <NUM>. The sealer <NUM> is disposed in the insertion space <NUM>. The sealer <NUM> is attached to the second nozzle <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, thereby preventing water, supplied from the second nozzle <NUM>, from leaking to the outside.

The sealer <NUM> may be disposed along the circumferential surface of the press <NUM>.

The sealer <NUM> has: a sealer end <NUM> disposed at the end wall <NUM> to come into contact with an end portion of an insertion <NUM> of the second nozzle <NUM>; a sealer circumference <NUM>, connected to the sealer end <NUM> and extending along the circumferential surface of the press <NUM>; and at least one sealer projection 136a and 136b protruding from the sealer circumference <NUM> toward the insertion space <NUM>.

The sealer projections 136a and 136b project from the sealer circumference <NUM> toward the end wall <NUM> in a hopper shape. The sealer projections 136a and 136b include: a first sealer projection 136a disposed at the end portion of the sealer circumference <NUM>; and a second sealer projection 136b disposed between the first sealer projection 136a and the sealer end <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> protrudes forward from the end wall <NUM> and is connected to the supply pipe (not shown) disposed inside the body <NUM>.

The press <NUM> protrudes rearward from the end wall <NUM> and presses one side of a valve <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>. The press <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are disposed in a front-rear direction and have hollow inner portions which communicate with each other.

The press <NUM> protrudes rearward of the front wall <NUM>. A projection <NUM>, projecting rearward from a tubular portion formed by the press <NUM>, is disposed at an end portion of the press <NUM>. A plurality of projections <NUM> are spaced apart from each other along the tubular portion formed by the press <NUM>. Accordingly, even when the press <NUM> is in contact with the valve <NUM>, the press <NUM> is not blocked.

Response fixing devices 140a and 140b for fixing the arrangement of the water tank <NUM>, mounted in the housing <NUM>, are disposed at the housing <NUM>. The response fixing devices 140a and 140b may be formed in a ring shape around the circumference of the insertion portion <NUM>. As the response fixing devices 140a and 140b, a permanent magnet generating a magnetic force may be used. A rare earth magnet having a strong magnetic force may be used as the response fixing devices 140a and 140b.

The response fixing devices 140a and 140b may include a first response fixing device 140a, being disposed around the circumference of the insertion portion <NUM>, and a second response fixing device 140b being disposed at a position corresponding to a second fixing device 254b.

Referring to <FIG>, an auxiliary wheel <NUM> for supporting the rear portion of the body <NUM> may be disposed below the lower wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the water tank <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>.

The water tank <NUM> includes: a casing <NUM> forming a space for storing water; a cover <NUM> for opening and closing an opening (not shown) formed at an upper side of the casing; the second nozzle <NUM> connected to the first nozzle <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>; and fixing devices 254a and 254b for maintaining the water tank <NUM> mounted in the housing <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> has a shape corresponding to the mounting space <NUM> formed by the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the casing <NUM> may be inserted into or withdrawn from the mounting space <NUM> formed by the housing <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> includes: a front case <NUM> disposed to face the front wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>; both side cases <NUM> disposed to face the both side walls 104a and 104b; an upper case <NUM> disposed to face the upper wall; a lower case <NUM> disposed to face the lower wall <NUM>; and a rear case <NUM> disposed at the rear side and exposed to the outside.

An opening (not shown), which is open to supply water into the inside of the casing <NUM>, is formed on the upper side of the casing <NUM>, and the opening is provided with the cover <NUM> for opening and closing the opening. The cover <NUM> is disposed at the upper case <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> is disposed at the upper case <NUM> having the opening.

An air passage 222a for communicating the inside and outside of the water tank <NUM> is formed at the upper case <NUM>. The air passage 222a may be formed at a separate passage member <NUM> mounted at the upper side of the casing <NUM>. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, the passage member <NUM>, having the air passage 222a, may be disposed at the upper case <NUM>.

The air passage 222a is formed at the upper case <NUM>. The upper case <NUM> may be spaced apart from the upper wall of the housing <NUM> by a predetermined distance when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, even when water in the water tank <NUM> is discharged to the outside of the water tank <NUM> through the second nozzle <NUM> while the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, external air may be drawn into the water tank <NUM> through the air passage 222a.

The second nozzle <NUM> is disposed at the front case <NUM>. The second nozzle <NUM> may be biased to the left side or to the right side of the front case <NUM>. The second nozzle <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention is biased to the left side of the front case <NUM>. A connection hose fixing part <NUM>, which will be described below, is biased to the left side of the lower case <NUM>, such that a length of a connection hose (not shown) may be minimized.

The second nozzle <NUM> includes: the insertion <NUM>, inserted into the insertion space <NUM> and having an opening 232a which is open to the front side; a valve <NUM> disposed behind the insertion <NUM> and serving to open and close the opening 232a by moving forward and backward; an elastic part <NUM> for applying an elastic force to the valve <NUM> in one direction; and a nozzle housing <NUM>, mounted inside the casing <NUM> and forming a space for mounting the valve <NUM>.

The insertion <NUM> has a cylindrical shape and protrudes forward from the front case <NUM>. The insertion <NUM> is inserted into the insertion space <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>. When the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, the insertion <NUM> may be disposed between the press <NUM> and the circumferential wall <NUM>. When the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, the insertion <NUM> is attached to the sealer <NUM>.

The valve <NUM> is disposed in an inner space formed by the nozzle housing <NUM>, to move forward and backward. The valve <NUM> includes: a first plate 234a being pressed against the press <NUM> when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>; a second plate 234b being spaced apart rearward from the first plate 234a, and coming into contact with an inner sealer <NUM> to restrict forward movement of the valve <NUM>; and a guide projection 234c projecting rearward from the second plate 234b and moving the valve <NUM> along a guider <NUM> formed at the nozzle housing <NUM>.

A diameter 234aD of the first plate 234a is smaller than a diameter 234bD of the second plate 234b. The first plate 234a is spaced apart forward from the second plate 234b. The diameter 234aD of the first plate 234a is smaller than a diameter 250D of an inner circumferential surface of the inner sealer <NUM>. The diameter 234bD of the second plate 234b is greater than the diameter 250D of the inner circumferential surface of the inner sealer <NUM>. The second plate 234b comes into contact with the elastic part <NUM>. Accordingly, when no force is applied separately to the valve <NUM>, the valve <NUM> moves forward by the elastic part <NUM>. When no force is applied separately to the valve <NUM>, the valve <NUM> comes into contact with the inner sealer <NUM> by the elastic force of the elastic part <NUM>.

The guide projection 234c projects rearward from the second plate 234b. Referring to <FIG>, the valve <NUM> includes a pair of guide projections 234c in an up-down direction. A guide groove 234d, in which the guider <NUM> is disposed, is formed between the pair of guide projections 234c. inner sealer.

The nozzle housing <NUM> is mounted on the inside of the casing <NUM>. The nozzle housing <NUM> may be fixed to the inside of the casing <NUM> via a separate coupling member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the nozzle housing <NUM> has an inner nozzle <NUM> protruding to the inner space of the water tank <NUM>. The inner nozzle <NUM> protrudes downward from the nozzle housing <NUM>. A separate connection hose (not shown), extending to the lower case <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>, may be connected to the inner nozzle <NUM>. The connection hose fixing part <NUM> for fixing the other end of the connection hose may be disposed at the lower case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the nozzle housing <NUM> includes the guider <NUM>, protruding forward from a rear surface of the nozzle housing <NUM> and guiding the movement of the valve <NUM>. The guider <NUM> may be disposed into the guide groove 234d formed at the valve <NUM>. As the guider <NUM> is inserted into the guide groove 234d, the valve <NUM> may move forward and backward.

A plurality of sealers <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed between the nozzle housing <NUM> and an inner surface of the water tank <NUM>. The inner sealer <NUM> and an outside sealer <NUM> are disposed between the nozzle housing <NUM> and the inner surface of the water tank <NUM>, in which the inner sealer <NUM> is disposed at a portion where the opening 232a is formed, and the outside sealer <NUM> is disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the nozzle housing <NUM>.

The inner sealer <NUM> is disposed at the casing <NUM> having the opening 232a and restricts the movement of the valve <NUM> moving forward and backward. When the water tank <NUM> is not mounted in the housing <NUM>, the valve <NUM> is attached to the inner sealer <NUM>. The inner sealer <NUM> may have a ring shape. The inner sealer <NUM> may have a sealer opening 250a, formed at the center thereof and communicating with the opening 232a.

The outside sealer <NUM> has a greater radius than the inner sealer <NUM>, which may be spaced apart from the outside sealer <NUM> in a radial direction. The outside sealer <NUM> may have an annular shape. The fixing devices 254a and 254b may be interposed between the inner sealer <NUM> and the outside sealer <NUM>. Accordingly, the inner sealer <NUM> and the outside sealer <NUM> may prevent water from flowing into the fixing devices 254a and 254b disposed between the inner sealer <NUM> and the outside sealer <NUM>.

The fixing devices 254a and 254b, generating a magnetic force, are interposed between the nozzle housing <NUM> and the inner surface of the water tank <NUM>. The fixing device 254a and 254b are disposed between the outside sealer <NUM> and the inner sealer <NUM>.

The fixing devices 254a and 254b are disposed at the front case <NUM>. When the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, the fixing devices 254a and 254b are disposed adjacent to the response fixing devices 140a and 140b.

As the fixing devices 254a and 254b, a permanent magnet generating a magnetic force may be used. Further, a rare earth magnet having a strong magnetic force may also be used as the fixing devices 254a and 254b.

The fixing devices 254a and 254b include the first fixing device 254a disposed at the second nozzle <NUM>, and the second fixing device 254b disposed at a portion where the second fixing device 254b is bilaterally symmetric to the first fixing device 254a. The first fixing device 254a and the second fixing device 254b are spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction with respect to the center of the water tank <NUM>.

A second fixing device housing <NUM> for fixing the second fixing device 254b to the inside of the water tank <NUM> is disposed at the water tank <NUM>. A sealer <NUM> for preventing water from flowing into the inside is disposed between the second fixing device housing <NUM> and the water tank <NUM>.

The second fixing device 254b may have the same ring shape as the first fixing device 254a. The sealer <NUM> may have a ring shape surrounding the circumferential surface of the second fixing device 254b. The second fixing device housing <NUM> may be coupled to the inside of the water tank <NUM> via a separate coupling member <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> has a handle <NUM> being disposed at one side of the casing <NUM> and having a shape which allows a user to easily hold the water tank <NUM> when the user draws out the water tank <NUM> mounted in the housing <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the handle <NUM> is disposed at the lower case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a configuration of a water tank <NUM>, and a housing <NUM> in which the water tank <NUM> is mounted, will be described below.

The overall configuration of the water tank <NUM> and the housing <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is broadly the same as that described above with reference to <FIG>. Accordingly, the water tank <NUM> and the housing <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> will be described below based on configurations different from the water tank <NUM> and the housing <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the water tank <NUM> has a lever groove <NUM>, into which a lever <NUM> to be described below is inserted, and which is formed on a first side case 206a of both side cases 206a and 206b. The water tank <NUM> has a hinge <NUM>, projecting from the second side case 206b of both side cases 206a and 206b. The hinge <NUM> may protrude forward from the second side case 206b in a convex curved shape.

The housing <NUM> has a second lever hole <NUM>, through which the second lever <NUM> to be described below passes. The second lever hole <NUM> is formed on a first side wall 104a of both side walls 104a and 104b of the housing <NUM>. The second lever hole <NUM> is formed at a position corresponding to the lever groove <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> mounted in the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, the second lever <NUM> passes through the second lever hole <NUM>, to be inserted into the lever groove <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> has a first lever hole <NUM>, through which a first lever <NUM> to be described below passes. The first lever hole <NUM> is formed on the front wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The housing <NUM> has a lever guider <NUM>, protruding forward from one side of the first lever hole <NUM> and guiding the movement of the first lever <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> has a hinge groove <NUM>, into which the hinge <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> is inserted. The hinge groove <NUM> is formed at the second side wall 104b of the housing <NUM>, which is the other side wall of both side walls 104a and 104b. The hinge groove <NUM> has a shape corresponding to the hinge <NUM>. Accordingly, even when one side of the water tank <NUM> protrudes rearward by the first lever <NUM>, the hinge <NUM> and the hinge groove <NUM> do not interfere with the movement of the water tank <NUM>.

A robot cleaner <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lock <NUM>, in which when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, the lock <NUM> fixes the water tank <NUM> to the housing <NUM> or releases the fixing. The lock <NUM> is rotatably mounted on the inside of the body <NUM>, such that depending on the arrangement, the lock <NUM> may fix the arrangement of the water tank <NUM>, or may move the water tank <NUM>, mounted in the housing <NUM>, to the rear side.

The lock <NUM> rotates about a rotary shaft formed on an outer side of the first side wall 104a. The lock <NUM> includes: a lever <NUM> being inserted into the lever groove <NUM> of the water tank <NUM> or pressing the front case <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>; and a button <NUM> disposed on the circumferential surface of the body <NUM> and connected to the lever <NUM>. Here, the connection of the button <NUM> and the lever <NUM> may indicate a direct connection of the button <NUM> and the lever <NUM>, as well as a connection via another member. The lock <NUM> includes a press bar <NUM> for transmitting a force, exerted on the button <NUM>, to the lever <NUM>.

The lock <NUM> includes an elastic part <NUM> for maintaining a basic arrangement of the lever <NUM>. Here, the basic arrangement of the lever <NUM> refers to a state in which no pressure is transmitted from the button <NUM> to the lever <NUM>. In the basic arrangement of the lock <NUM>, the second lever <NUM> is disposed to pass through the second lever hole <NUM>. In the basic arrangement of the lock <NUM>, the first lever <NUM> is disposed to pass through the first lever hole <NUM>, so as not to protrude rearward of the housing <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> is disposed rotatably about the rotary shaft formed on the inside of the body <NUM>. The lever <NUM> includes: a rotation part <NUM> rotatably coupled to the body <NUM>; a press bar connector <NUM> connected to the press bar <NUM>; a first lever <NUM> protruding forward from the rotation part <NUM>, and being bent toward the front wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>; and the second lever <NUM> protruding rearward from the rotation part <NUM> and being bent toward the first side wall 104a of the housing <NUM>.

The rotation part <NUM> has a structure having an axial projection <NUM> projecting from the body <NUM>, and an insertion hole, into which the axial projection <NUM> is inserted. The rotation part <NUM> is disposed behind the front wall <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The rotation part <NUM> is spaced apart from the first side wall 104a of the housing <NUM>. The rotation part <NUM> is disposed closer to the second lever hole <NUM> than to the first lever hole <NUM>.

The press bar connector <NUM> is disposed at the front of the rotation part <NUM>. The press bar connector <NUM> is disposed at the first lever <NUM>. The press bar connector <NUM> is disposed closer to the rotation part <NUM> than to an end portion <NUM> of the first lever <NUM>. Accordingly, even when the press bar <NUM> moves over a small range, the end portion <NUM> of the first lever <NUM> may move over a large range.

The first lever <NUM> includes: a first extension lever 312a extending forward from the rotation part <NUM>; and a first bending lever 312b being bent from an end portion of the first extension lever 312a and forming a curved surface.

When the button <NUM> is pressed, the first lever <NUM> passes through the first lever hole <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, to press the front case <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>. When the first lever <NUM> passes through the first lever hole <NUM> to protrude into the mounting space <NUM>, the water tank <NUM> may be withdrawn rearward.

The second lever <NUM> includes: a second extension lever 314a extending rearward from the rotation part <NUM>; and a second bending lever 314b being bent from an end portion of the second extension lever 314a and forming a curved surface.

An extended length of the second lever <NUM>, extending from the rotation part <NUM>, is shorter than an extended length of the first lever <NUM> extending from the rotation part <NUM>. A radius of curvature 314R of the curved surface formed by the second bending lever 314b is smaller than a radius of curvature 312R of the curved surface formed by the first bending lever 312b.

In the basic arrangement of the lock <NUM>, the second lever <NUM> passes through the second lever hole <NUM> formed at the housing <NUM>, to be inserted into the lever groove <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>. That is, the second lever <NUM> is inserted into the lever groove <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>, to fix the arrangement of the water tank <NUM> mounted in the housing <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> includes a hook lever <NUM>, protruding from one side of the first lever <NUM> and being connected to the elastic part <NUM>. The hooking lever <NUM> extends from one side of the first lever <NUM> in a direction where the button <NUM> is disposed, and is connected to the elastic part <NUM>. The elastic part <NUM>, being connected to the hooking lever <NUM>, applies an elastic force to the first lever <NUM> in the direction where the button <NUM> is disposed.

The button <NUM> is disposed on a circumferential surface of the body <NUM>. A rear end 330b of the button <NUM> is rotatably fixed to one side of the body <NUM>. Accordingly, when a user presses the button <NUM>, a front end 330a of the button <NUM> may move into the body <NUM> while rotating.

The front end 330a of the button <NUM> is connected to the press bar <NUM>. The button <NUM> is rotatably connected to the press bar <NUM>. The press bar <NUM> is connected to the lever <NUM> and the button <NUM> in a link structure. Accordingly, one end of the press bar <NUM> is rotatably connected to the button <NUM>, and the other end thereof is rotatably connected to the lever <NUM>.

When a user presses the button <NUM>, the press bar <NUM> presses the lever <NUM>. When the user presses the button <NUM>, one side of the first lever <NUM> rotates about the rotation part <NUM>, such that an end portion of the first lever <NUM> passes through the first lever hole <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, to protrude into the mounting space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Accordingly, while the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, the first lever <NUM> presses rearward the front case <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>, such that the water tank <NUM> is withdrawn from the rear side of the housing <NUM>.

When the user does not press the button <NUM>, the elastic part <NUM> pulls the first lever <NUM> in a direction where the button <NUM> is disposed, such that the second lever <NUM> passes through the second lever hole <NUM> to protrude into the mounting space <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. While the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, the second lever <NUM> is inserted into the lever groove <NUM> of the water tank <NUM>, such that the water tank <NUM> may be fixedly disposed in the housing <NUM>.

A structure of the water tank <NUM> and the housing <NUM> according to yet another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The structure described in <FIG> and <FIG> is a configuration arranged on the second side case 206b of the water tank <NUM> and the second side wall 104b of the housing <NUM>, and the lock <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG> may also be included.

That is, the hinge <NUM> and the hinge groove <NUM> described in <FIG> and <FIG> may be replaced with a stopper <NUM> and a stopper groove <NUM> which will be described below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The stopper <NUM> is disposed at the second side wall 104b of the housing <NUM>. The stopper <NUM> protrudes into the mounting space <NUM> by a stopper elastic part <NUM>. However, when external pressure is applied, the stopper <NUM> may be inserted into a stopper guide groove <NUM> formed at the second side wall 104b.

The stopper <NUM> includes: an incline part 160a formed to be directed toward the rear side when the stopper <NUM> protrudes into the mounting space <NUM>; a hook part 160b being bent from a front end of the incline part 160a to extend toward the stopper guide groove <NUM>. When no external force is applied, the incline part 160a and the hook part 160b of the stopper <NUM> protrude into the mounting space <NUM>. Accordingly, when the water tank <NUM> is inserted into the mounting space <NUM>, the water tank <NUM> comes into contact with the incline part 160a, such that the stopper <NUM> may move to the stopper guide groove <NUM>. However, once the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, the stopper <NUM> is inserted into the stopper groove <NUM>, and the hook part 160b prevents the water tank <NUM> from being withdrawn from the housing <NUM>.

The water tank <NUM> has the stopper groove <NUM>, into which the stopper <NUM> is inserted when the water tank <NUM> is mounted in the housing <NUM>, so as to fix the arrangement of the water tank <NUM>. The stopper groove <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the incline part 160a and the hook part 160b of the stopper <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A robot cleaner, comprising:
a water tank (<NUM>) forming a space for storing water;
a body (<NUM>) forming an exterior, and having a housing (<NUM>) which forms a space in which the water tank (<NUM>) is mounted;
a pair of spin mops (<NUM>) rotatably mounted at a lower side of the body (<NUM>), and adapted to move the body (<NUM>) by rotating and to mop a surface to be cleaned;
a first nozzle (<NUM>), disposed at one side of the housing (<NUM>), and when being connected to the water tank (<NUM>), supplying the water stored in the water tank (<NUM>) to each of the pair of spin mops (<NUM>);
a second nozzle (<NUM>), disposed at one side of the water tank (<NUM>), and when the water tank (<NUM>) is mounted in the housing (<NUM>), being connected to the first nozzle (<NUM>) to communicate the water tank (<NUM>) with the first nozzle (<NUM>): and
a fixing part generating a magnetic force when the water tank (<NUM>) is mounted in the housing (<NUM>), to fix an arrangement of the water tank (<NUM>) mounted in the housing (<NUM>),
characterized in that the fixing part comprises:
a fixing device (254a, 254b) disposed around a circumference of the second nozzle (<NUM>); and
a response fixing device (140a, 140b) disposed around a circumference of the first nozzle (<NUM>) and having a shape corresponding to the fixing device (254a, 254b),
wherein the first nozzle (<NUM>) and the second nozzle (<NUM>) are attached to each other by the fixing device (254a, 254b) and the response fixing device (140a, 140b).