Station and cleaning device

Abstract

A cleaning device includes a station, and a robot cleaner movable to a first position on the station and a second position on the station. The robot cleaner includes a mop, a dust bin, and a dust outlet. The station includes a washing chamber configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the first position on the station, wash the mop, a dust inlet spaced away from the washing chamber, and a suction motor configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the second position on the station, provide a suction force so that dust is suctioned out of the dust bin through the dust outlet and the dust inlet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 000898, filed on Jan. 15, 2025, which is based on and claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application Number 10-2024-0038761, filed on Mar. 20, 2024, and Korean Patent Application Number 10-2024-0078559, filed on Jun. 17, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a station for a robot cleaner with a mop and a cleaning device including the robot cleaner and the station.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] In general, a robot cleaner is equipment that automatically cleans an area to be cleaned by traveling on the area without a user's operation and sucking up dust such as dust from the floor. The robot cleaner travels on a cleaning area to clean the cleaning area.

[0004] The robot cleaner determines the distances to obstacles, such as furniture, office supplies, and walls, installed in the cleaning area through a distance sensor, and selectively drives the left and right wheel motors to change its heading direction and clean the cleaning area.

[0005] Recently, in addition to robot cleaners that suck up foreign substances such as dust from the floor, robot cleaners that wipe away foreign substances such as dust from the floor have appeared. The robot cleaners can perform wet cleaning using a mop.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0006] An aspect of the disclosure provides a station and a cleaner capable of reducing contamination of a dust inlet of the station for emptying a dust bin of a robot cleaner.

[0007] An aspect of the disclosure provides a station and a cleaner capable of reducing damage of a suction motor of the station for emptying a dust bin of a robot cleaner.

[0008] The technical object intended to be achieved by the present document is not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.Technical Solution

[0009] Aspects of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0010] A cleaning device according to a concept of the disclosure includes a station, and a robot cleaner movable to a first position on the station and a second position on the station. The robot cleaner includes a mop, a dust bin, and a dust outlet. The station includes a washing chamber configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the first position on the station, wash the mop, a dust inlet spaced away from the washing chamber, and a suction motor configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the second position on the station, provide a suction force so that dust is suctioned out of the dust bin through the dust outlet and the dust inlet.

[0011] A station according to a concept of the disclosure on which a robot cleaner is positionable at a first position and at a second position, the robot cleaner including a mop, a dust bin, and a dust outlet, and the station includes a washing chamber configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the first position on the station, wash the mop, a dust inlet spaced away from the washing chamber, a suction motor configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the second position on the station, provide a suction force so that dust is suctioned out of the dust bin through the dust outlet and the dust inlet, a first alignment portion configured to guide the robot cleaner to the first position on the station, and a second alignment portion configured to guide the robot cleaner to the second position on the station.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] These and / or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings listed below.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a state in which a robot cleaner is out of a station in a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a state in which a robot cleaner is rested at a first position in a station in a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a state in which a robot cleaner is rested at a second position in a station in a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a rear side of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 shows a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 shows a rear side of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 shows a lower portion of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 shows an internal configuration of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a front direction.

[0021] FIG. 9 shows an internal configuration of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a rear direction.

[0022] FIG. 10 shows an inside of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a rear direction.

[0023] FIG. 11 shows a part of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 12 shows a state in which a washing frame is separated from a washing chamber in a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 14 schematically shows some components of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a control block diagram of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a control block diagram of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 17 schematically shows a positional relationship between a dust outlet and a mop of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure and a dust inlet and a washing chamber of a station while the robot cleaner is located at a first position in the station.

[0030] FIG. 18 schematically shows a positional relationship between a driving portion of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure and an alignment portion of a station while the robot cleaner is located at a first position in the station.

[0031] FIG. 19 schematically shows a positional relationship between a dust outlet and a mop of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure and a dust inlet and a washing chamber of a station while the robot cleaner is located at a second position in the station.

[0032] FIG. 20 schematically shows a positional relationship between a driving portion of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure and an alignment portion of a station while the robot cleaner is located at a second position in the station.MODES OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0034] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0035] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0036] In this document, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B,”“A, B or C,”“at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C”, may include any one or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0037] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

[0038] The terms “portion”, “module”, and “element”, as used herein, may be implemented as software or hardware, and according to embodiments, a plurality of “portions”, “modules”, or “elements” may be implemented as a single component, or a single “portion”, “module”, or “element” may include a plurality of components.

[0039] As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (for example, importance or order).

[0040] It is to be understood that if a certain component (for example, a first component) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,”“coupled to,”“connected with,” or “connected to” another component (for example, a second component), it means that the component may be coupled with the other component directly (for example, wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0041] It is to be understood that the terms such as “including” or “having,” etc., are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to preclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof may exist or may be added.

[0042] It is to be understood that if a certain component is referred to as being “coupled with,”“coupled to,”“supported on” or “in contact with” another component, it means that the component may be coupled with the other component directly or indirectly via a third component.

[0043] It will also be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

[0044] Meanwhile, in the following description, the terms “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the components are not limited by the terms. For example, a direction in which a robot cleaner 10 enters a station 20 may be defined as a rear direction (−X direction), and an opposite direction of the rear direction may be defined as a front direction (+X direction), as shown in FIG. 1.

[0045] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a state in which a robot cleaner is out of a station in a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 shows a state in which a robot cleaner is rested at a first position in a station in a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3 shows a state in which a robot cleaner is rested at a second position in a station in a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4 shows a rear side of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a cleaning device 1 may include a robot cleaner 10 and a station 20. The cleaning device 1 is also referred to as a cleaning system 1.

[0048] The robot cleaner 10 may move on a floor to clean the floor. The floor which the robot cleaner 10 cleans is also referred to as a surface to be cleaned. The robot cleaner 10 may perform dry cleaning and / or wet cleaning. The robot cleaner 10 may suck or wipe away dust on a surface to be cleaned. Herein, dust may be a general term for foreign substances, such as dust, hair, and food crumbs.

[0049] The robot cleaner 10 may be rested on the station 20. The robot cleaner 10 may be mounted on the station 20. The robot cleaner 10 may be docked with the station 20. At least a part of the robot cleaner 10 may be placed in a receiving space 210a of the station 20.

[0050] The robot cleaner 10 may move to the station 20 during and / or after cleaning.

[0051] For example, the robot cleaner 10 may move to the station 20 when recharging is required, when a dust bin 141 (see FIG. 6) needs to be emptied, when water in a water tank 114 (see FIG. 6) is insufficient, when a moisture content of a mop 160 is low, when the mop 160 needs to be washed, when the mop 160 needs to be sterilized, and / or when the mop 160 needs to be dried.

[0052] The station 20 may mount the robot cleaner 10 thereon. The station 20 may rest the robot cleaner 10 thereon. The station 20 may keep the robot cleaner 10 therein.

[0053] For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the station 20 may recharge a battery 150 (see FIG. 6) of the robot cleaner 10. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the station 20 may collect dust collected in the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the station 20 may supply water to the water tank 114 of the robot cleaner 10. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the station 20 may wet the mop 160 with water and / or steam. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the station 20 may wash the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the station 20 may sterilize the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the station 20 may dry the mop 160.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 2, the robot cleaner 10 may be rested at a first position with respect to the station 20. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested at the first position in the station 20, the station 20 may recharge the battery 150 of the robot cleaner 10. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested at the first position in the station 20, the station 20 may supply water to the water tank 114 of the robot cleaner 10. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested at the first position in the station 20, the station 20 may wet the mop 160 with water and / or steam. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested at the first position in the station 20, the station 20 may wash the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested at the first position in the station 20, the station 20 may sterilize the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested at the first position in the station 20, the station 20 may dry the mop 160.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the robot cleaner 10 may be rested at a second position with respect to the station 20. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is rested at the second position in the station 20, the station 20 may collect dust collected in the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10.

[0056] The second position of the robot cleaner 10 may be spaced apart from the first position of the robot cleaner 10. The second position of the robot cleaner 10 may include a position moved by 40 mm in a front direction from the first position of the robot cleaner 10.

[0057] FIG. 5 shows a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a rear side of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a lower portion of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0058] The robot cleaner 10 may include a main body 110. The main body 110 may form an entire appearance of the robot cleaner 10. Components of the robot cleaner 10 may be accommodated inside the main body 110. Electrical components may be positioned inside the main body 110. The main body 110 is also referred to as a cleaner main body 110.

[0059] The robot cleaner 10 may include an inlet 111. The inlet 111 may face a surface to be cleaned. The inlet 111 may open toward the surface to be cleaned. The inlet 111 may be formed in the main body 110. The inlet 111 may be formed in a lower portion of the main body 110. The inlet 111 may penetrate a lower plate 110b of the main body 110. Dust on the surface to be cleaned may be sucked together with air into the main body 110 through the inlet 111. The inlet 111 is also referred to as a cleaner inlet 111.

[0060] The robot cleaner 10 may include a brush 130. The brush 130 may hit the surface to be cleaned to scatter dust. Dust scattered by the brush 130 may enter the inlet 111 together with air.

[0061] For example, the robot cleaner 10 may include a first brush 131 positioned in the inlet 111. The first brush 131 may be installed in such a way as to be rotatable with respect to the main body 110. A rotating shaft of the first brush 131 may extend along a substantially horizontal direction (Y direction). The first brush 131 is also referred to as a main brush 131.

[0062] For example, the robot cleaner 10 may include a second brush 132 positioned adjacent to a lower edge of the main body 110. The second brush 132 may guide, to the inlet 111, dust around the main body 110 not swept by the first brush 131. The second brush 132 may be installed in such a way as to be rotatable with respect to the main body 110. A rotating shaft of the second brush 132 may extend along a substantially vertical direction (Z direction). The second brush 132 is also referred to as a side brush 132.

[0063] The robot cleaner 10 may include the dust bin 141. Dust and / or air sucked into the inlet 111 may move to the dust bin 141. The dust sucked into the inlet 111 may be collected in the dust bin 141. The air sucked into the inlet 111 may be filtered by passing through the dust bin 141. The dust and air sucked into the inlet 111 may be separated from each other in the dust bin 141.

[0064] The robot cleaner 10 may include an exhaust port 112. The exhaust port 112 may be formed in the main body 110. The exhaust port 112 may be formed in a rear side of the main body 110. Air sucked into the inlet 111 may be filtered and discharged to outside of the robot cleaner 10 through the exhaust port 112. For example, a plurality of exhaust ports 112 may be provided, and the plurality of exhaust ports 112 may be composed of a plurality of holes. The exhaust port 112 is also referred to as a cleaner exhaust port 112.

[0065] The robot cleaner 10 may include a suction motor 142. The suction motor 142 may generate a suction force. By the suction force generated by the suction motor 142, the inlet 111 may suck in dust and / or air. By the suction force generated by the suction motor 142, the exhaust port 112 may discharge air sucked into the robot cleaner 10 and filtered to the outside. The suction motor 142 may be positioned on an air flow path formed between the inlet 111 and the exhaust port 112. The suction motor 142 is also referred to as a cleaner suction motor 142.

[0066] The robot cleaner 10 may include a dust outlet 143 for discharging dust collected in the dust bin 141. The dust outlet 143 may connect the dust bin 141 with the outside of the robot cleaner 10. The dust outlet 143 may be formed in the bottom of the main body 110. For example, the dust outlet 143 may be located between the mop 160 and the inlet 111. The dust outlet 143 may be connected to the dust bin 141. The dust outlet 143 may be a portion of the dust bin 141 or a portion of the main body 10.

[0067] The dust outlet 143 may be connected to a dust inlet 213 of the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position, the dust outlet 143 may be connected to the dust inlet 213. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position, the dust outlet 143 may be spaced apart from the dust inlet 213.

[0068] The robot cleaner 10 may include a dust cover 144 for opening or closing the dust outlet 143. The dust cover 144 may include an elastic material. A portion of the dust cover 144 may be fixed to the main body 10, and another portion may be deformable and restorable. While no external force is applied to the dust cover 144, the dust cover 144 may be maintained in a state of closing the dust outlet 143. The dust cover 144 may be deformable to open the dust outlet 143 by receiving a suction force from a suction motor 224 (see FIG. 8) of the station 20 while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20. When the suction motor 224 of the station 20 stops and thus no suction force is applied to the dust cover 144, the dust cover 144 may be restored to the state of closing the dust outlet 143.

[0069] The robot cleaner 10 may include a driving portion 120 for driving the robot cleaner 10. The driving portion 120 may be installed in the main body 110 to move the main body 110. For example, the driving portion 120 may include a pair of main wheels 121. For example, the driving portion 120 may further include at least one auxiliary wheel 122 for stable driving of the robot cleaner 10. The main wheels 121 and the auxiliary wheel 122 are also referred to as driving wheels 121 and 122.

[0070] The robot cleaner 10 may include the battery 150. The battery 150 may be rechargeable. The battery 150 may provide the robot cleaner 10 with power required to drive the robot cleaner 10.

[0071] The robot cleaner 10 may include a recharging terminal 151. The recharging terminal 151 may be electrically connected to the battery 150. While the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 may be electrically connected to a recharging terminal 218 (see FIG. 11) of the station 20. While the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 is electrically connected to the recharging terminal 218 (see FIG. 11) of the station 20, the battery 150 of the robot cleaner 10 may be recharged. That is, while the robot cleaner 10 is docked with the station 20, the battery 150 may be recharged. The recharging terminal 151 is also referred to as a cleaner recharging terminal 151.

[0072] The robot cleaner 10 may include the mop 160. The mop 160 may be detachably mounted on the lower portion of the main body 110. The mop 160 may be mounted in such a way as to be rotatable with respect to the main body 110. The mop 160 may be in contact with a surface to be cleaned to clean the surface to be cleaned. The mop 160 may wipe away dust from the surface to be cleaned while the mop 160 is wet. In the drawings, two mops 160 are shown, but the number of the mops 160 is not limited. The mop 160 is also referred to as a cleaning pad 160. The mop 160 is also referred to as a wet pad 160.

[0073] The mop 160 may receive water from the water tank 114 of the robot cleaner 10. The mop 160 may receive water from the station 20. For example, in the case in which a moisture content of the mop 160 decreases while the robot cleaner 10 performs cleaning, water stored in the water tank 114 may be provided to the mop 160. For example, in the case in which a moisture content of the mop 160 decreases while the robot cleaner 10 performs cleaning, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 and be rested on the station 20. At this time, the station 20 may supply water to the water tank 114 or spray water and / or steam toward the mop 160. The robot cleaner 10 being rested on the station 20 may include the robot cleaner 10 being docked with the station 20.

[0074] The robot cleaner 10 may include a water filling portion 113. The water filling portion 113 may be formed in the main body 110. The water filling portion 113 may be formed in the rear side of the main body 110. While the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the water filling portion 113 may receive water provided from the station 20. Water supplied to the robot cleaner 10 through the water filling portion 113 may be stored in the water tank 114. While the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the water filling portion 113 of the robot cleaner 10 may be docked with a first water supply 217 (see FIG. 11) of the station 20, which will be described below.

[0075] The robot cleaner 10 may include an obstacle sensor 170. The obstacle sensor 170 may detect a position of an obstacle or a distance to an obstacle. The obstacle sensor 170 may be installed in the main body 110. For example, the obstacle sensor 170 may protrude from a top plate 110a of the main body 110.

[0076] The robot cleaner 10 may include a cleaner guide 117 that is guided by the station 20 while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20. The cleaner guide 117 may be formed on the bottom of the main body 110 of the robot cleaner 10. The cleaner guide 117 may extend in a direction in which the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20.

[0077] The cleaner guide 117 may be guided by a station guide 2117 of the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 moves to a position for washing the mop 160, the cleaner guide 117 may be guided by the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 moves to the first position, the cleaner guide 117 may be guided by the station guide 2117. The cleaner guide 117 may correspond to the station guide 2117. For example, the cleaner guide 117 may have a groove shape. The station guide 2117 may be inserted into the cleaner guide 117.

[0078] FIG. 8 shows an internal configuration of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a front direction. FIG. 9 shows an internal configuration of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure in a rear direction. FIG. 10 shows an inside of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure in the rear direction.

[0079] The station 20 may include a main body 210. The main body 210 may form an entire appearance of the station 20. The main body 210 may form the receiving space 210a for accommodating at least one portion of the robot cleaner 10. The main body 210 is also referred to as a station main body 210.

[0080] The main body 210 may include a base 211 and a housing 212 detachably coupled to the base 211.

[0081] The base 211 may include a cleaner resting portion 211a on which the robot cleaner 10 is mounted. The cleaner resting portion 211a may have a shape inclined from a surface to be cleaned such that the robot cleaner 10 enters the station 20. For example, the cleaner resting portion 211a may include a shape inclined upward along a direction in which the robot cleaner 10 enters the station 20. For example, an anti-slip part 216 may be formed on the cleaner resting portion 211a such that the robot cleaner 10 easily climbs an inclined surface of the cleaner resting portion 211a. For example, an anti-slip step 215 may be formed on the cleaner resting portion 211a to prevent the robot cleaner 10 rested on the station 20 from slipping on the inclined surface of the cleaner resting portion 211a. The robot cleaner 10 rested on the station 20 may be prevented from departing from the station 20 by the anti-slip step 215.

[0082] The station 20 may include the station guide 2117 for guiding the robot cleaner 10. The station guide 2117 may guide the cleaner guide 117 of the robot cleaner 10. The station guide 2117 may extend in the direction in which the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20.

[0083] While the robot cleaner 10 moves to the position for washing the mop 160, the station guide 2117 may guide the robot cleaner 10. The station guide 2117 may correspond to the cleaner guide 117. For example, the station guide 2117 may protrude from the cleaner resting portion 211a. The station guide 2117 may be inserted into the cleaner guide 117. For example, the station guide 211 may have a protrusion shape.

[0084] The station 20 may include alignment portions 2161 and 2162 for aligning a position of the robot cleaner 10. For example, the alignment portions 2161 and 2162 may be provided in the cleaner resting portion 211a. The alignment portions 2161 and 2162 may include a first alignment portion 2161 and a second alignment portion 2162.

[0085] The alignment portions 2161 and 2162 may include the first alignment portion 2161 for guiding the robot cleaner 10 to the first position at which the mop 160 of the robot cleaner 10 is washed by the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position, the driving wheels 121 may be rested on the first alignment portion 2161. The first alignment portion 2161 may be located closer to the washing chamber 230 than the second alignment portion 2161. The first alignment portion 2161 may be located behind the second alignment portion 2162. For example, the first alignment portion 2161 may have a groove shape.

[0086] The first alignment portion 2161 may correspond to the driving portion 120 of the robot cleaner 10. The first alignment portion 2161 may correspond to the main wheels 121 of the robot cleaner 10. After the driving portion 120 of the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the first alignment portion 2161, the first alignment portion 2161 may enable the driving portion 120 of the robot cleaner 10 to depart from the first alignment portion 2161 upon application of a preset force or more. After the driving portion 120 of the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the first alignment portion 2161, the first alignment portion 2161 may support the robot cleaner 10 to prevent the robot cleaner 10 from departing from the first position unless the preset force or more is applied.

[0087] The alignment portions 2161 and 2162 may include the second alignment portion 2162 for guiding the robot cleaner 10 to the second position at which the dust outlet 143 of the robot cleaner 10 is connected to the dust inlet 213. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position, the driving wheels 121 may be rested on the second alignment portion 2162. The second alignment portion 2162 may be located farther from the washing chamber 230 than the first alignment portion 2161. The second alignment portion 2162 may be located in front of the first alignment portion 2161. For example, the second alignment portion 2162 may have a groove shape.

[0088] The second alignment portion 2162 may correspond to the driving portion 120 of the robot cleaner 10. The second alignment portion 2162 may correspond to the main wheels 121 of the robot cleaner 10. After the driving portion 120 of the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the second alignment portion 2162, the second alignment portion 2162 may enable the driving portion 120 of the robot cleaner 10 to depart from the second alignment portion 2162 upon application of a preset force or more. After the driving portion 120 of the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the second alignment portion 2162, the second alignment portion 2162 may support the robot cleaner 10 to prevent the robot cleaner 10 from departing from the second position unless the preset force or more is applied.

[0089] The station 20 may include a magnet 283. The magnet 283 may be detected by a position sensor 183 of the robot cleaner 10. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position, the position sensor 183 of the robot cleaner 10 may detect the magnet 283 of the station 20. Unlike this, the robot cleaner 10 may be provided with a magnet and the station 20 may be provided with a position sensor.

[0090] The base 211 may include a side wall portion 211b extending upward from the cleaner resting portion 211a. The side wall portion 211b may surround at least a portion of the cleaner resting portion 211a.

[0091] The housing 212 may cover the side wall portion 211b of the base 211. The housing 212 may accommodate components of the station 20. Electrical components may be positioned inside the housing 212. The housing 212 may form an opening 212a, and the robot cleaner 10 may enter the receiving space 210a of the station 20 through the opening 212a.

[0092] The station 20 may include a water supply tank 221. The water supply tank 221 may store water. Relatively clean water may be accommodated in the water supply tank 221. Water stored in the water supply tank 221 may be provided to the water tank 10 of the robot cleaner 10 or the washing chamber 230 of the station 20, which will be described below. That is, water stored in the water supply tank 221 may be provided to the mop 160 or wash the mop 160. The water supply tank 221 may store water that is to be supplied to the washing chamber 230. The water supply tank 221 may be detachably installed in the main body 210. For example, a user may hold a handle 221a of the water supply tank 221 to detach the water supply tank 221 from the main body 210 or couple the water supply tank 221 to the main body 210.

[0093] The station 20 may include a waste water tank 222. The waste water tank 222 may store water. Relatively dirty water may be accommodated in the waste water tank 222. Dirty water (waste water) used to wash the mop 160 may be stored in the waste water tank 222. The waste water tank 222 may be detachably installed in the main body 210. For example, a user may hold a handle 222a of the waste water tank 222 to detach the waste water tank 222 from the main body 210 or couple the waste water tank 222 to the main body 210.

[0094] The station 20 may include a dust collection bin 223. The dust collection bin 223 may store dust collected from the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10. The dust collection bin 223 may be detachably installed in the main body 210. For example, a user may hold a handle 223a of the dust collection bin 223 to detach the dust collection bin 223 from the main body 210 or couple the dust collection bin 223 to the main body 210.

[0095] The dust collection bin 223 may be partitioned from the water supply tank 221.

[0096] In the drawings, the waste water tank 222, the water supply tank 221, and the dust collection bin 223 are shown to be aligned side by side along the substantially horizontal direction (Y direction), but the waste water tank 222, the water supply tank 221, and the dust collection bin 223 are not limited in position.

[0097] The station 20 may include the dust inlet 213. The dust inlet 213 may be formed in the cleaner resting portion 211a. While the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the dust inlet 213 may communicate with the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10. The dust inlet 213 may suck in dust collected in the dust bin 141. The dust inlet 213 is also referred to as a cleaner dust inlet 213.

[0098] The dust inlet 213 may be spaced apart from the washing chamber 230. A distance at which the dust inlet 213 is spaced apart from the washing chamber 230 may be longer than a distance at which the mop 160 in the robot cleaner 10 is spaced apart from the dust outlet 143. According to this configuration, in the cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, while the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, the mop 160 may be positioned in the washing chamber 230 and the dust outlet 143 may be spaced apart from the dust inlet 213, and while the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position in the station 20, the dust outlet 143 may be connected to the dust inlet 213 and the mop 160 may be spaced away from the washing chamber 230.

[0099] The station 20 may include a dust collection duct 225. The dust collection duct 225 may guide dust sucked through the dust inlet 213 to the dust collection bin 223. The dust collection duct 225 may be positioned between the dust inlet 213 and the dust collection bin 223. An end of the dust collection duct 225 may communicate with the dust inlet 213. Another end of the dust collection duct 225 may communicate with the dust collection bin 223. Dust passed through the dust collection duct 225 may be collected in the dust collection bin 223.

[0100] The dust collection duct 225 and the dust collection bin 223 may be partitioned from the washing chamber 230. Accordingly, the dust collection duct 225 and the dust collection bin 223 may be prevented from being contaminated by water supplied to the washing chamber 230.

[0101] The station 20 may include an exhaust port 214 (see FIG. 4). The exhaust port 214 may be formed in the rear side of the main body 210. The exhaust port 214 may be formed in a rear plate of the housing 212. The exhaust port 214 may discharge air sucked into the station 20 and filtered to the outside. For example, a plurality of exhaust ports 214 may be provided, and the plurality of exhaust ports 214 may be configured with a plurality of holes. The exhaust port 214 is also referred to as a station exhaust port 214.

[0102] The station 20 may include a suction motor 224. While the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the suction motor 224 may generate a suction force for sucking dust in the dust bin 14. The suction motor 224 may provide a suction force to the dust inlet 213. Dust in the dust bin 141 may move along the dust inlet 213 and the dust collection duct 225 by the suction force of the suction motor 224 and be collected in the dust collection bin 223. The exhaust port 214 may discharge air sucked into the station 20 and passed through a discharge filter 226 to the outside by the suction force generated in the suction motor 224. The suction motor 224 is also referred to as a station suction motor 224.

[0103] The station 20 may include a heating device 250. The heating device 250 may generate high-temperature water and / or steam. The heating device 250 may generate high-temperature water and / or steam by using water stored in the water supply tank 221. The heating device 250 may generate high-temperature water and / or steam by receiving water stored in the water supply tank 221. For example, the heating device 250 may generate steam by heating water to 40° C. or higher or to 100° C. or higher.

[0104] The high-temperature water and / or steam generated in the heating device 250 may be provided to the washing chamber 230. The high-temperature water and / or steam generated in the heating device 250 may be provided to the robot cleaner 10.

[0105] The heating device 250 may be positioned below the water supply tank 221. While water in the water supply tank 221 is supplied to the heating device 250, a first pump 21 may pump water in the water supply tank 221 with relatively low power with the help of gravity. For example, the heating device 250 may include a heater 252 (see FIG. 16).

[0106] The station 20 may include a drying device 260. The drying device 260 may generate air (hereinafter, referred to as dry air) for drying the mop 160. The drying device 260 may provide the dry air to the washing chamber 230 which will be described below. While the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, dry air discharged from the drying device 260 may move toward the mop 160. Air (dry air) generated in and provided from the drying device 260 may have relatively low humidity or relatively high temperature. The dry air is also referred to as hot air or dry air.

[0107] For example, after the mop 160 is washed and sterilized, the station 20 may provide dry air to the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 performs cleaning, the mop 160 may wipe water on a surface to be cleaned and thus, a moisture content of the mop 160 may increase. In this case, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 and the station 20 may discharge dry air toward the mop 160.

[0108] The drying device 260 may include a fan 262 for generating a blowing force. The drying device 260 may include a drying duct 261 for guiding air blown by the fan 262. The drying duct 261 may connect the fan 262 to the washing chamber 230 which will be described below. The drying device 260 may include a heater 263 for heating air blown by the fan 262. The heater 263 may heat air guided by the drying duct 261. At least a portion of the heater 263 may be positioned inside the drying duct 261.

[0109] FIG. 11 shows a part of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 12 shows a state in which a washing frame is separated from a washing chamber in a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0110] The station 20 may include the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is mounted on the station 20, the washing chamber 230 may correspond to the mop 160. The washing chamber 230 may be defined as a space where the mop 160 is washed. The washing chamber 230 may accommodate water received from the water supply tank 221. The washing chamber 230 may have a shape for storing water. While the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the mop 160 may be washed by water accommodated in the washing chamber 230.

[0111] The washing chamber 230 may be formed in the base 211 of the main body 210. The washing chamber 230 may be depressed from the cleaner resting portion 211a. The washing chamber 230 may be defined by a chamber bottom 230a and a chamber side wall 230b extending upward from the chamber bottom 230a. The chamber side wall 230b may have a preset height.

[0112] The chamber bottom 230a may be inclined downward along the direction in which the robot cleaner 10 enters the station 20. For example, the chamber bottom 230a may be inclined downward toward the rear direction. Therefore, after the mop 160 is completely washed, water (waste water) in the washing chamber 230 may easily flow to a waste water collector 234 located behind the washing chamber 230 along an inclined surface of the chamber bottom 230a. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described content, and a direction in which the chamber bottom 230a is inclined may depend on a position of the waste water collector 234.

[0113] For example, the station 20 may include a tray 2301. The tray 2301 may be detachably installed in the base 211 of the main body 210 to form at least a portion of the washing chamber 230. For example, the tray 2301 may form at least a portion of the chamber bottom 230a and the chamber side wall 230b. The tray 2301 may include at least one tray hole 2302. Waste water in the washing chamber 230 may pass through the tray hole 2302 and flow to the waste water collector 234. Because the tray 2301 includes the tray hole 2302, foreign substances larger than the tray hole 2302 may be filtered by the tray 2301. That is, the tray 2301 may primarily filter waste water generated after the mop 160 is washed.

[0114] The station 20 may include a washing frame 240. The washing frame 240 may correspond to the washing chamber 230. The washing frame 240 may be detachably installed in the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is mounted on the station 20, the washing frame 160 may be in contact with the mop 160. While the robot cleaner 10 is mounted on the station 20, the washing frame 240 may rub against the mop 160. The mop 160 may be washed while rubbing against the cleaning frame 240. At this time, the mop 160 may rotate.

[0115] For example, the washing frame 240 may include a frame body 240a, a frame protrusion 240b, and a frame opening 240c. The frame body 240a may be detachably coupled to the chamber side wall 230b. The frame opening 240c may penetrate the frame body 240a. The frame protrusion 240b may be formed in the frame body 240a in such a way as to interfere with the mop 160.

[0116] The station 20 may include the recharging terminal 218. While the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20, the recharging terminal 218 of the station 20 may be electrically connected to the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10. While the robot cleaner 10 is rested at the first position in the station 20, the recharging terminal 218 of the station 20 may be electrically connected to the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10. According to the electrical connection of the recharging terminal 218 of the station 20 to the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10, the battery 150 of the robot cleaner 10 may be recharged. That is, while the robot cleaner 10 is docked with the station 20, the robot cleaner 10 may be recharged. The recharging terminal 218 is also referred to as a station recharging terminal 218.

[0117] While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position, the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 may be electrically disconnected from the recharging terminal 218 of the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position, the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 may be spaced apart from the recharging terminal 218 of the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position, the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 may be in non-contact with the recharging terminal 218 of the station 20.

[0118] The station 20 may include the first water supply 217. The first water supply 217 may receive water stored in the water supply tank 221 and supply the water to the robot cleaner 10. While the robot cleaner 10 is mounted on the station 20, the first water supply 217 of the station 20 may be connected to the water filling portion 113 of the robot cleaner 10. Water discharged from the first water supply 217 may flow into the water filling portion 113. The water received through the water filling portion 113 may be stored in the water tank 114. While the robot cleaner 10 performs cleaning, a moisture content of the mop 160 may decrease. In this case, water stored in the water tank 114 may be provided to the mop 160. For example, the first water supply 217 may be formed in the side wall portion 211b of the base 211 of the main body 210.

[0119] The station 20 may include a second water supply 231. The second water supply 231 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The second water supply 231 may receive water stored in the water supply tank 221 and supply the water to the washing chamber 230. Water discharged from the second water supply 231 may be accommodated in the washing chamber 230. Water discharged from the second water supply 231 may be used to wash the mop 160. In the drawings, two second water supplies 231 are shown, but the number of the second water supplies 231 is not limited. For example, the number of the second water supplies 231 may correspond to the number of mops 160.

[0120] The station 20 may include a water spray hole 241. The water spray hole 241 may be formed in the washing frame 240. While the washing frame 240 is installed in the washing chamber 230, the water spray hole 241 may correspond to the second water supply 231. The water spray hole 241 may communicate with the second water supply 231. The water spray hole 241 may receive water from the second water supply 231 and spray the water toward the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is mounted on the station 20, the water spray hole 241 may spray water toward the mop 160. In the drawings, two water spray holes 241 are shown, but the number of the water spray holes 241 is not limited. For example, the number of the water spray holes 241 may correspond to the number of mops 160.

[0121] The station 20 may include a dry air supply 232. The dry air supply 232 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The dry air supply 232 may receive dry air from the drying device 260 and supply the dry air to the washing chamber 230. Dry air discharged from the drying device 260 may be supplied to the washing chamber 230 through the dry air supply 232. In the drawings, two dry air supplies 232 are shown, but the number of the dry air supplies 232 is not limited. For example, the number of the dry air supplies 232 may correspond to the number of mops 160.

[0122] The station 20 may include a dry air spray hole 242. The dry air spray hole 242 may be formed in the washing frame 240. While the washing frame 240 is installed in the washing chamber 230, the dry air spray hole 242 may correspond to the dry air supply 232. The dry air spray hole 242 may communicate with the dry air supply 232. The dry air spray hole 242 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The dry air spray hole 242 may receive dry air from the dry air supply 232 and spray the dry air toward the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is mounted on the station 20, the dry air spray hole 242 may spray dry air toward the mop 160. Two dry air spray holes 242 arranged vertically are shown as corresponding to one dry air supply 232, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The dry air spray hole 242 is not limited in shape and / or position.

[0123] The station 20 may include a washing supply 233. The washing supply 233 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The washing supply 233 may receive high-temperature water and / or steam from the heating device 250 and supply the high-temperature water and / or steam to the washing chamber 230. High-temperature water and / or steam generated in the heating device 250 may be discharged toward the washing chamber 230 through the washing supply 233. In the drawings, a single washing supply 233 is shown, but the number of the washing supply 233 is not limited. For example, a plurality of washing supplies 233 may be provided.

[0124] The station 20 may include a washing spray hole 243. The washing spray hole 243 may be formed in the washing frame 240. While the washing frame 240 is installed in the washing chamber 230, the washing spray hole 243 may correspond to the washing supply 233. The washing spray hole 243 may communicate with the washing supply 233. The washing spray hole 243 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The washing spray hole 243 may receive high-temperature water and / or steam from the washing supply 233 and spray the high-temperature water and / or steam toward the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is mounted on the station 20, the washing spray hole 243 may spray high-temperature water and / or steam toward the mop 160. In the drawings, two washing spray holes 243 are shown, but the number of the washing spray holes 243 is not limited. For example, the number of the washing spray holes 243 may correspond to the number of mops 160.

[0125] The station 20 may include the waste water collector 234. The waste water collector 234 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The waste water collector 234 may collect waste water in the washing chamber 230. The waste water collector 234 may guide waste water in the washing chamber 230.

[0126] FIG. 14 schematically shows some components of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 14, the station 20 may include at least one pipe 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, and / or 2010. The station 20 may include at least one pump 21 and / or 22. The station 20 may include at least one valve 23 and / or 24.

[0128] The station 20 may include a first pipe 201. The first pipe 201 may connect the water supply tank 221 with the first pump 21. An end of the first pipe 201 may communicate with the water supply tank 221. Another end of the first pipe 201 may communicate with the first pump 21. The first pipe 201 may guide water discharged from the water supply tank 221 or water discharged from the first pump 21. The water may flow along a first flow path formed inside the first pipe 201.

[0129] The station 20 may include a second pipe 202. The second pipe 202 may connect the first pump 21 with the first valve 23. An end of the second pipe 202 may communicate with the first pump 21. Another end of the second pipe 202 may communicate with the first valve 23. Water pumped by the first pump 21 may flow into the second pipe 202. The second pipe 202 may guide water discharged from the first pump 21 or water discharged from the first valve 23. The water may flow along a second flow path formed inside the second pipe 202.

[0130] The station 20 may include a third pipe 203. The third pipe 203 may connect the first valve 23 with the second valve 24. The third pipe 203 may be positioned between the first pump 21 and the second valve 24. An end of the third pipe 203 may communicate with the first valve 23. Another end of the third pipe 203 may communicate with the second valve 24. Water pumped by the first pump 21 may flow into the third pipe 203. The third pipe 203 may guide water discharged from the first valve 23 or water discharged from the second valve 24. The water may flow along a third flow path formed inside the third pipe 203.

[0131] The station 20 may include a fourth pipe 204. The fourth pipe 204 may connect the second valve 24 with the base 211. The fourth pipe 204 may connect the second valve 24 with the second water supply 231. An end of the fourth pipe 204 may communicate with the second valve 24. Another end of the fourth pipe 204 may communicate with the second water supply 231. The other end of the fourth pipe 204 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The fourth pipe 204 may guide water discharged from the second valve 24. The fourth pipe 204 may guide water pumped by the first pump 21 to the washing chamber 230. The water may flow along a fourth flow path formed inside the fourth pipe 204.

[0132] The at least one pipe 201, 202, 203, or 204 of the station 20 may guide water of the water supply tank 221 to the washing chamber 230. The at least one pipe 201, 202, 203, or 204 for guiding water of the water supply tank 221 to the washing chamber 230 may be partitioned from the dust collection duct 225.

[0133] The station 20 may include a fifth pipe 205. The fifth pipe 205 may connect the second valve 24 with the heating device 250. An end of the fifth pipe 205 may communicate with the second valve 24. Another end of the fifth pipe 205 may communicate with the heating device 250. The fifth pipe 205 may guide water discharged from the second valve 24 or water discharged from the heating device 250. The fifth pipe 205 may guide water pumped by the first pump 21 to the heating device 250. Therefore, water stored in the water supply tank 221 may be guided by the fifth pipe 205 and flow into the heating device 250. Alternatively, the fifth pipe 205 may guide water pumped by the first pump 21 from the heating device 250 to the second valve 24. Therefore, water of the heating device 250 may be guided by the fifth pipe 205 and flow into the second valve 24. The water may flow along a fifth flow path formed inside the fifth pipe 205.

[0134] For example, the fifth pipe 205 may be connected to a lower portion of the heating device 250.

[0135] The station 20 may include a sixth pipe 206. The sixth pipe 206 may connect the heating device 250 with the base 211. The sixth pipe 206 may connect the heating device 250 with the washing supply 233. An end 206a (see FIG. 10) of the sixth pipe 206 may communicate with the heating device 250. Another end 206b (see FIG. 10) of the sixth pipe 206 may communicate with the washing supply 233. The other end 206b of the sixth pipe 206 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The sixth pipe 206 may guide high-temperature water and / or steam generated in the heating device 250. The sixth pipe 206 may guide high-temperature water and / or steam generated in the heating device 250 to the washing chamber 230. The high-temperature and / or steam may flow along a sixth flow path formed in the sixth pipe 206.

[0136] For example, the sixth pipe 206 may be connected to an upper portion of the heating device 250. In consideration that because density of steam is generally lower than density of air, steam moves upward, the sixth pipe 206 may be connected to the upper portion of the heating device 250.

[0137] For example, the sixth pipe 206 may include a bending portion 2061 (see FIG. 10) curved at a height between the heating device 250 and the water supply tank 221. Therefore, water and / or dust in the washing chamber 230 may be prevented from flowing back to the heating device 250.

[0138] The station 20 may include a seventh pipe 207. The seventh pipe 207 may connect the first valve 23 with the base 211. The seventh pipe 207 may connect the first valve 23 with the first water supply 217. An end of the seventh pipe 207 may communicate with the first valve 23. Another end of the seventh pipe 207 may communicate with the first water supply 217. The seventh pipe 207 may guide water discharged from the first valve 23. The seventh pipe 207 may guide water flowing along the second pipe 202 to the robot cleaner 10 mounted on the station 20. The water may flow along the seventh pipe 207 formed inside the seventh pipe 207.

[0139] The station 20 may include an eighth pipe 208. The eighth pipe 208 may connect the waste water tank 222 with the second pump 22. An end of the eighth pipe 208 may communicate with the waste water tank 222. Another end of the eighth pipe 208 may communicate with the second pump 22. The eighth pipe 208 may guide air discharged from the waste water tank 222. The air may flow along an eighth flow path formed inside the eighth pipe 208.

[0140] The station 20 may include a ninth pipe 209. The ninth pipe 209 may connect the second pump 22 with the base 211. The ninth pipe 209 may connect the second pump 22 with an air discharge hole 219 (see FIGS. 11 to 13). An end of the ninth pipe 209 may communicate with the second pump 22. Another end of the ninth pipe 209 may communicate with the outside through the air discharge hole 219. The ninth pipe 209 may guide air pumped by the second pump 22. The air may flow along a ninth flow path formed inside the ninth pipe 209.

[0141] The station 20 may include a tenth pipe 2010. The tenth pipe 2010 may connect the waste water tank 222 with the base 211. The tenth pipe 2010 may connect the waste water tank 222 with the waste water collector 234. An end of the tenth pipe 2010 may communicate with the waste water tank 222. Another end of the tenth pipe 2010 may communicate with the waste water collector 234. The other end of the tenth pipe 2010 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The tenth pipe 2010 may guide waste water in the washing chamber 230. The waste water may flow along a tenth flow path formed inside the tenth pipe 2010.

[0142] The station 20 may include the dust collection duct 225. The dust collection duct 225 may connect the dust collection bin 223 with the base 211. The dust collection duct 225 may connect the dust collection bin 223 with the dust inlet 213. An end of the dust collection duct 225 may communicate with the dust collection bin 223. Another end of the dust collection duct 225 may communicate with the dust inlet 213. The dust collection duct 225 may guide dust and / or air. The dust collection duct 225 is also referred to as an eleventh pipe 225. The dust and / or air may flow along an eleventh flow path formed inside the eleventh pipe 225.

[0143] The station 20 may include the drying duct 261. The drying duct 261 may guide dry air. The drying duct 261 may guide air blown by the fan 262 and heated by the heater 263 to the base 211. The drying duct 261 may communicate with the base 211. The drying duct 261 may communicate with the dry air supply 232. The drying duct 261 may communicate with the washing chamber 230 through the dry air supply 232. The drying duct 261 is also referred to as a twelfth pipe 261. Dry air may flow along a twelfth flow path formed inside the twelfth pipe 261.

[0144] Meanwhile, the first pipe 201, the second pipe 202, the third pipe 203, the fourth pipe 204, the fifth pipe 205, the sixth pipe 206, the seventh pipe 207, the eighth pipe 208, the ninth pipe 209, the tenth pipe 2010, the eleventh pipe 2011, and the twelfth pipe 2012 are not limited by the ordinal numbers of “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, “fifth”, “sixth”, “seventh”, “eighth”, “ninth”, “tenth”, “eleventh”, and “twelfth”. For example, the fourth pipe 204 may be referred to as the first pipe 204, and the fifth pipe 205 may be referred to as the second pipe 205.

[0145] The station 20 may include the first pump 21. The first pump 21 may be connected to the water supply tank 221. The first pump 21 may be connected to the water supply tank 221 through the first pipe 201. The first pump 21 may be connected to the first valve 23. The first pump 21 may be connected to the first valve 23 through the second pipe 202. The first pump 21 may be positioned between the water supply tank 221 and the first valve 23.

[0146] The first pump 21 may pump water stored in the water supply tank 221. The first pump 21 may pump water of the heating device 250. For example, while an internal component (for example, a piston, a rotor, or an impeller) of the first pump 21 rotates, power of moving water may be generated. For example, while the internal component of the first pump 21 rotates in a first direction, the first pump 21 may pump water stored in the water supply tank 221, and while the internal component of the first pump 21 rotates in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, the first pump 21 may pump water of the heating device 250.

[0147] The station 20 may include the second pump 22. The second pump 22 may be connected to the waste water tank 222. The second pump 22 may be connected to the waste water tank 222 through the eighth pipe 208. The second pump 22 may be connected to the air discharge hole 219. The second pump 22 may be connected to the air discharge hole 219 through the ninth pipe 209. The second pump 22 may be positioned between the waste water tank 222 and the base 211.

[0148] The second pump 22 may pump air of the waste water tank 222. Air in the waste water tank 222 may be discharged from the waste water tank 222 by the second pump 22.

[0149] Meanwhile, the first pump 21 and the second pump 22 are not limited by the ordinal numbers of “first” and “second”. For example, the first pump 21 may be referred to as the second pump 21, and the second pump 22 may be referred to as the first pump 22.

[0150] The station 20 may include the first valve 23. The first valve 23 may be connected to the second pipe 202. The first valve 23 may be connected to the seventh pipe 207. The first valve 23 may be connected to the third pipe 203.

[0151] The first valve 23 may connect the second pipe 202 with the seventh pipe 207 and connect the second pipe 202 with the third pipe 203. The first valve 23 may adjust flow of water pumped by the first pump 21. The first valve 23 may allow water pumped by the first pump 21 to flow to the first water supply 217 or the second valve 24. For example, the first valve 23 may selectively open the seventh pipe 207 and the third pipe 203.

[0152] The station 20 may include the second valve 24. The second valve 24 may be connected to the third pipe 203. The second valve 24 may be connected to the fourth pipe 204. The second valve 24 may be connected to the fifth pipe 205.

[0153] The second valve 24 may connect the third pipe 203 with the fourth pipe 204 and connect the third pipe 203 with the fifth pipe 205. The second valve 24 may adjust flow of water guided by the third pipe 203. The second valve 24 may allow water guided by the third pipe 203 to flow to the second water supply 231 or the heating device 250. For example, the second valve 24 may selectively open the fourth pipe 204 and the fifth pipe 205.

[0154] The station 20 may include the first pump 21, the first valve 23, and / or the second valve 214 for adjusting water passing through the at least one pipe 201, 202, 203, or 204.

[0155] Meanwhile, the first valve 23 and the second valve 24 are not limited by the ordinal numbers of “first” and “second”. For example, the first valve 23 may be referred to as the second valve 23, and the second valve 24 may be referred to as the first valve 24.

[0156] FIG. 15 is a control block diagram of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 15, the robot cleaner 10 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the obstacle sensor 170, a humidity sensor 171, the battery 150, a user interface 181, the position sensor 183, the driving portion 120, a brush motor 133, the suction motor 142, a driver 163, a communication device 182, and / or a controller 190.

[0158] The obstacle sensor 170 may detect an obstacle that impedes a movement of the robot cleaner 10. The obstacle may refer to any object that protrudes from a floor of a cleaning area and impedes a movement of the robot cleaner 10. For example, not only furniture such as a table or sofa located in a cleaning area, but also a wall dividing a space may be an obstacle, and objects such as a threshold or a round bar that the robot cleaner 10 may climb up and down may also be obstacles.

[0159] More specifically, the obstacle sensor 170 may detect an obstacle in a non-contact manner using electromagnetic waves, such as infrared rays, visible light, or ultrasonic waves. For example, the obstacle sensor 170 may detect infrared rays reflected from an obstacle after irradiating infrared rays, and output an intensity of the detected infrared rays, or a Time Of Flight (TOF) taken from when infrared rays are irradiated until reflected infrared rays are detected, to the controller 190.

[0160] The controller 190 may calculate presence or absence of an obstacle or a distance between an obstacle and the robot cleaner 10 based on an output value from the obstacle sensor 170.

[0161] As another example, the obstacle sensor 170 may include a transmitter that irradiates electromagnetic waves and a receiver that receives electromagnetic waves reflected from an obstacle.

[0162] The transmitter may be provided in a front side of the main body 110 of the robot cleaner 10 and transmit electromagnetic waves toward the front direction from the main body 110. Also, according to an embodiment, the transmitter may include a light emitting diode (LED) that generates electromagnetic waves and a wide-angle lens that refracts the transmitted electromagnetic waves to spread the electromagnetic waves in all directions.

[0163] As another example, the obstacle sensor 170 may include a camera that obtains an image around (for example, in front of, behind, and / or beside) the robot cleaner 10.

[0164] The controller 190 may determine presence or absence of an obstacle or calculate a distance between an obstacle and the robot cleaner 10 based on an image obtained by the obstacle sensor 170.

[0165] The humidity sensor 171 may include at least one sensor for measuring humidity (or a moisture content) of the mop 160.

[0166] In an embodiment, the humidity sensor 171 may measure a change of moisture in air. The humidity sensor 171 may be provided around the mop 160 to measure humidity (or a moisture content) of the mop 160. In this case, output humidity of the humidity sensor 171 may be proportional to a moisture content of the mop 160.

[0167] The controller 190 may identify humidity (or a moisture content) of the mop 160 based on humidity measured by the humidity sensor 171.

[0168] In an embodiment, the humidity sensor 171 may irradiate the mop 160 with light such as infrared light or visible light or electromagnetic waves such as ultrasonic waves and then measure an intensity of electromagnetic waves reflected from the mop 160 and / or a TOF taken from when the electromagnetic waves are irradiated until reflected electromagnetic waves are detected.

[0169] For example, the humidity sensor 171 may include a transmitter that irradiates light to the mop 160, and a receiver that receives light reflected from the mop 160.

[0170] The controller 190 may identify humidity (or a moisture content) of the mop 160 based on an output value from the humidity sensor 171.

[0171] The controller 190 may perform various operations according to humidity (or a moisture content) of the mop 160. For example, the controller 190 may control the driving portion 120 to move the robot cleaner 10 to the station 20 based on humidity of the mop 160 being measured to be higher than preset maximum humidity. As another example, the controller 190 may control the driving portion 120 to move the robot cleaner 10 to the station 20 based on humidity of the mop 160 being measured to be less than preset minimum humidity.

[0172] The battery 150 may supply power to various components of the robot cleaner 10. The battery 150 may be recharged while the robot cleaner 10 is rested on the station 20.

[0173] The robot cleaner 10 may include a battery sensor that detects a charge level of the battery 150.

[0174] When a charge level of the battery 150 falls below a preset charge level, the controller 190 may control the driving portion 120 to move the robot cleaner 10 to the station 20.

[0175] Based on an electrical connection of the cleaner recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 to the station recharging terminal 218 of the station 20, the controller 190 may identify that the robot cleaner 10 is located at the first position in the station 20.

[0176] The user interface 181 may include an output interface and an input interface.

[0177] At least one output interface may generate sensory information to transfer various information related to operations of the robot cleaner 10 to a user.

[0178] For example, the at least one output interface may transfer information related to settings of the robot cleaner 10, an operation time of the robot cleaner 10, etc. to the user. The information about the operations of the robot cleaner 10 may be output as a display, an indicator, and / or a voice. The at least one output interface may include, for example, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0179] In the case in which the display includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may correspond to an example of an output interface and an input interface.

[0180] In an embodiment, the at least one output interface may output sensory information (for example, visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to control of the robot cleaner 10.

[0181] At least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0182] The at least one input interface may include a power button for turning on the robot cleaner 10.

[0183] Each button may include a visual indicator (for example, text, an icon, etc.) capable of representing a function.

[0184] The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone, etc.

[0185] In the disclosure, a ‘button’ may be replaced with a User Interface (UI) element, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0186] The robot cleaner 10 may process a user input received through the user interface 181 and output information related to the robot cleaner 10 through the user interface 181.

[0187] In an embodiment, the user interface 181 may include an input interface for receiving a mop washing command and / or a mop steam command.

[0188] A user who determines that the mop 160 of the robot cleaner 10 needs to be washed or sterilized may input a mop washing command and / or a mop steam command through the input interface.

[0189] According to reception of a mop washing command and / or a mop steam command through the input interface, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20.

[0190] According to reception of a mop washing command and / or a mop steam command through the input interface, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit a mop washing request signal and / or a mop steam request signal to the station 20.

[0191] Accordingly, after the robot cleaner 10 returns to the station 20 and is docked with the station 20, the station 20 may perform a washing operation and / or a steam operation.

[0192] The position sensor 183 may identify whether the robot cleaner 10 is located at the second position in the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position in the station 20, the position sensor 183 of the robot cleaner 10 may detect the magnet 283 of the station 20. For example, the position sensor 183 may include a hall sensor, and the station 20 may be provided with the magnet 283 which is detected by the hall sensor. Unlike this, the position sensor 183 may be provided in the station 20, and the robot cleaner 10 may be provided with the magnet 283.

[0193] Based on a detection of the magnet 283 by the position sensor 183, the controller 90 may identify that the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position. Unlike this, in the case in which the position sensor 183 is provided in the station 20 and the robot cleaner 10 is provided with the magnet 283, a controller 290 (see FIG. 16) of the station 20 may identify that the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position, based on a detection of the magnet 283 by the position sensor.

[0194] The driving portion 120 may include the driving wheels 121 and 122 provided in the main body 110, and wheel motors that provide power to the driving wheels 121 and 122.

[0195] The driving wheels 121 and 122 may move the main body 110 by rotating. While the driving wheels 122 rotate, the main body 110 may move forward, move backward, or rotate. For example, while both the driving wheels 121 and 122 rotate forward, the main body 110 may move in a straight line forward, and while both the driving wheels 121 and 122 rotate backward, the main body 110 may move in a straight line backward.

[0196] Also, while the left and right driving wheels 121 rotate at different speeds in the same direction, the main body 110 may curve to the right or left, and while the left and right driving wheels 121 rotate in different directions, the main body 110 may rotate to the left or right in place.

[0197] The wheel motors may generate rotation forces for rotating the driving wheels 121 and 122. The wheel motors may be Direct Current (DC) motors or Brush Less Direct Current (BLDC) motors. However, an embodiment of the robot cleaner 10 does not limit the kind of the wheel motors. The kinds of other motors included in the robot cleaner 10, as well as the wheel motors, also are not limited.

[0198] The wheel motors may include a left wheel motor for rotating the left driving wheel and a right wheel motor for rotating the right driving wheel.

[0199] Each of the left and right wheel motors may operate independently according to a control signal from the controller 190, and according to operations of the left and right wheel motors, the main body 110 may move forward, move backward, or rotate.

[0200] The controller 190 may control the driving portion 120 (for example, a wheel motor), thereby controlling a movement of the robot cleaner 10.

[0201] In an embodiment, the controller 190 may control the driving portion 120 to move the robot cleaner 10 to the second position in the station 20.

[0202] For example, in the case in which the robot cleaner 10 completes cleaning and returns to the station 20, the controller 190 may control the driving portion 120 to move the robot cleaner 10 to the first position in the station 20.

[0203] For example, based on an electrical connection of the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 to the recharging terminal 218 of the station 20, the controller 190 may identify that the robot cleaner 10 is located at the first position in the station 20.

[0204] Based on the identification that the robot cleaner 10 is located at the first position in the station 20, the controller 190 may control the driving portion 120 to move the robot cleaner 10 to the second position in the station 20.

[0205] For example, based on a detection of the magnet 283 of the station 20 by the position sensor 183 of the robot cleaner 10, the controller 190 may identify that the robot cleaner 10 is located at the second position in the station 20.

[0206] Based on the identification that the robot cleaner 10 is located at the second position in the station 20, the controller 190 may control the communication device 190 of the robot cleaner 10 to transfer information to a communication device 282 of the station 20.

[0207] The station 20 may transfer the information received from the communication device 282 of the robot cleaner 10 to the controller 290 of the station 20, and the controller 290 of the station 20 may control the suction motor 224 based on the information received from the communication device 282. The controller 290 may control the suction motor 224 to provide a suction force to the dust inlet 213.

[0208] Dust collected in the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10 may be emptied by the suction motor 224 of the station 20.

[0209] After an operation of emptying the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10 is completed, the controller 190 may control the driving portion 120 to move the robot cleaner 10 to the first position in the station 20.

[0210] Based on identification that the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, the controller 290 of the station 20 may control the first pump 21, the first valve 23, and / or the second valve 24 to wash the mop 160. The controller 290 of the station 20 may control the heating device 250 to sterilize the mop 160. The controller 290 of the station 20 may control the drying device 260 to dry the mop 160.

[0211] According to this configuration, the cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may locate the robot cleaner 10 more accurately at the second position in the station 20. In addition, because the robot cleaner 10 discharges dust collected in the dust bin 141 at the second position and then moves to the first position to clean the mop 160, the cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may reduce contamination of the dust inlet 231, the dust collection duct 225, and / or the suction motor 224 by water generated due to washing of the mop 160.

[0212] The brush motor 133 may rotate the brush 130.

[0213] The controller 190 may control the brush motor 133 to rotate the brush 130 during dry cleaning, thereby scattering foreign substances on the floor by the brush 130.

[0214] The suction motor 142 may suck the foreign substances scattered by the brush 130 into the dust bin 141 and rotate a suction fan that generates a suction force for sucking foreign substances into the dust bin 141.

[0215] The controller 190 may control the suction motor 142 to rotate the suction fan during dry cleaning, thereby causing foreign substances scattered by the brush 130 to enter the dust bin 141 through the inlet 111.

[0216] The driver 163 may include a rotating driver 161 for rotating the mop 160 and / or a lifting driver 162 for raising or lowering the mop 160.

[0217] The robot cleaner 10 may include the rotating driver 161 for rotating the mop 160. The rotating driver 161 may include a motor. The rotating driver 161 may also be referred to as a motor 161. For example, while the mop 160 is washed and / or sterilized after the robot cleaner 10 is installed in the station 20, the motor 161 may rotate the mop 160. The controller 190 of the robot cleaner 10 may control the motor 161 to rotate the mop 160.

[0218] The controller 190 may control the rotating driver 161 to rotate the mop 160. The rotating driver 161 may include a motor for rotating the mop 160 and a driving circuit for driving the motor.

[0219] The robot cleaner 10 may include the lifting driver 162 for moving the mop 160 up and down. While the robot cleaner 10 performs cleaning, the lifting driver 162 may move the mop 160 downward. Therefore, the mop 160 may be in contact with a surface to be cleaned. While the robot cleaner 10 returns to the station 20 after the robot cleaner 10 completes cleaning, the lifting driver 162 may move the mop 160 upward. Therefore, the mop 160 may be spaced from the surface to be cleaned. While the robot cleaner 10 moves to the station 20, the mop 160 may be prevented from colliding with an obstacle on the surface to be cleaned or unnecessarily remaining water on the surface to be cleaned. The controller 190 of the robot cleaner 10 may control the lifting driver 162 to move the mop 160 up and down, which will be described below.

[0220] The controller 190 may control the lifting driver 162 to raise or lower the mop 160. That is, the controller 190 may control the lifting driver 162 to move the mop 160. The lifting driver 162 may include an actuator for moving the mop 160.

[0221] The communication device 182 may communicate with an external device (for example, a server, a user device, or the station 20) wiredly and / or wirelessly.

[0222] The communication device 182 may transmit data to the external device (for example, a server, a user device, or the station 20) or receive data from the external device. To this end, the communication device 182 may establish a direct (for example, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel with the external device, and support communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication device 182 may include a wireless communication module (for example, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (for example, a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication module). A corresponding communication module among the communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (for example, a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth, WiFi Direct, or Infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (for example, a long-distance communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5-Generation (5G) network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (for example, a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). The various kinds of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (for example, a single chip) or implemented with a plurality of components (for example, a plurality of chips).

[0223] The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a Near Field Communication (NFC) communication module, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN; WiFi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, a Ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., although not limited thereto.

[0224] The long-distance wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various kinds of long-distance communications, and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface may transmit / receive a wireless signal to / from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0225] According to an embodiment, the communication device 182 may communicate with an external device through a surrounding Access Point (AP). The AP may connect a LAN to which the robot cleaner 10 is connected to a WAN to which a server is connected. The robot cleaner 10 may be connected to the server through the WAN.

[0226] In an embodiment, the communication device 182 may communicate with the station 20 wirelessly.

[0227] The controller 190 may control overall operations of the robot cleaner 10.

[0228] The controller 190 may include at least one processor 191 for controlling operations of the robot cleaner 10 and at least one memory 192 storing programs and data for controlling operations of the robot cleaner 10.

[0229] The at least one processor 191 may control overall operations of the robot cleaner 10. More specifically, the at least one processor 191 may be connected to components of the robot cleaner 10 to control overall operations of the robot cleaner 10. For example, the at least one processor 191 may be electrically connected to the memory 192 to control overall operations of the robot cleaner 10. The processor 191 may be configured with one or a plurality of processors.

[0230] The at least one processor 191 may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 192 to perform operations of the robot cleaner 10 according to various embodiments.

[0231] The at least one memory 192 may store data required for various embodiments. The memory 192 may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the robot cleaner 10 or in the form of memory capable of being attached to or detached from the robot cleaner 10 depending on a purpose of data storage. For example, data for driving the robot cleaner 10 may be stored in memory embedded in the robot cleaner 10, and data for expanded functions of the robot cleaner 10 may be stored in memory capable of being attached to or detached from the robot cleaner 10. Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the robot cleaner 10 may be implemented as at least one among volatile memory (for example, dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.) or non-volatile memory (for example, one time programmable ROM (OTPRAM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (for example, NAND flash or NOR flash), a hard drive, or a solid state drive (SSD)). Also, the memory capable of being attached to or detached from the robot cleaner 10 may be implemented in the form of a memory card (for example, compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), etc.) or external memory (for example, USB memory) connectable to a USB port.

[0232] The at least one processor 191 may include one or more among Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), Many Integrated Core (MIC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Neural Processing Unit (NPU), a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The at least one processor 191 may control any or any combination of the other components of the robot cleaner 10 and perform operations related to communication or data processing. The at least one processor 191 may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory 192. For example, the at least one processor 191 may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 192 to perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0233] In an embodiment, the controller may control the driving portion 163 according to a preset condition. Controlling the driving portion 163 may include rotating or moving the mop 160.

[0234] In an embodiment, the controller may control the driver 120 according to a preset condition. Controlling the driver 120 may include moving the robot cleaner 10.

[0235] In an embodiment, the controller may control the brush motor 133 and / or the suction motor 142 according to a preset condition.

[0236] FIG. 16 is a control block diagram of a station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0237] Referring to FIG. 16, the station 20 may include a docking sensor 270, the suction motor 224, a user interface 281, the communication device 282, the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the first valve 23, the second valve 24, the heating device 250, the drying device 260, and / or the controller 290.

[0238] The docking sensor 270 may identify whether the robot cleaner 10 is docked with the station 20. The docking sensor 270 may include at least one sensor that detects a mechanical change and / or electrical change according to docking of the robot cleaner 10 with the station 20.

[0239] For example, the docking sensor 270 may include a sensor that detects an electrical connection of the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 to the recharging terminal 218 of the station 20. As another example, the docking sensor 270 may include a sensor (for example, an elasticity sensor) that detects mechanical deformation according to docking of the robot cleaner 10.

[0240] The controller 290 may identify whether the robot cleaner 10 has been docked with the station 20, based on an output value from the docking sensor 270. For example, the controller 290 may identify that the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, based on an electrical connection of the recharging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 to the recharging terminal 218 of the station 20, detected by the docking sensor 270.

[0241] The suction motor 224 may generate a suction force for sucking dust in the dust bin 141.

[0242] The controller 290 may operate the suction motor 224 to suck dust in the dust bin 141 into the dust collection bin 223.

[0243] An operation in which the controller 290 operates the suction motor 224 to suck dust in the dust bin 141 into the dust collection bin 223 is referred to as a suction operation.

[0244] The user interface 281 may include an output interface and an input interface.

[0245] At least one output interface may generate sensory information to transfer various information related to operations of the station 20 to a user.

[0246] For example, the at least one output interface may transfer information related to settings of the station 20, an operation time of the station 20, etc. to the user. The information about the operations of the robot cleaner 10 may be output as a display, an indicator, and / or a voice. The at least one output interface may include, for example, a LCD panel, an indicator, a LED panel, a speaker, etc.

[0247] In the case in which the display includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may correspond to an example of an output interface and an input interface.

[0248] In an embodiment, the at least one output interface may output sensory information (for example, visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to control of the station 20.

[0249] At least one input interface may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0250] The at least one input interface may include a power button for turning on the station 20.

[0251] Each button may include a visual indicator (for example, text, an icon, etc.) capable of representing a function.

[0252] The at least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone, etc.

[0253] In the disclosure, a ‘button’ may be replaced with an UI element, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0254] The station 20 may process a user input received through the user interface 281 and output information related to the station 20 through the user interface 281.

[0255] In an embodiment, the user interface 281 may include an input interface for receiving a mop washing command and / or a mop steam command.

[0256] A user who determines that the mop 160 of the robot cleaner 10 needs to be washed or sterilized may input a mop washing command and / or a mop steam command through the input interface.

[0257] In response to an input of a mop washing command and / or a mop steam command through the input interface, the station 20 may perform a washing operation, a steam operation, and / or a drying operation.

[0258] The communication device 282 may communicate with an external device (for example, a server, a user device, or the station 20) wiredly and / or wirelessly.

[0259] The communication device 282 may transmit data to the external device (for example, a server, a user device, or the station 20) or receive data from the external device. To this end, the communication device 282 may establish a direct (for example, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel with the external device, and support communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication device 282 may include a wireless communication module (for example, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS communication module) or a wired communication module (for example, a LAN communication module or a power line communication module). A corresponding communication module among the communication modules may communicate with an external device through a first network (for example, a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth, WiFi Direct, or IrDA) or a second network (for example, a long-distance communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (for example, a LAN or a WAN)). The various kinds of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (for example, a single chip) or implemented with a plurality of components (for example, a plurality of chips).

[0260] The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a BLE communication module, a NFC communication module, a WLAN (WiFi) communication module, a Zigbee communication module, an IrDA communication module, a WFD communication module, a UWB communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a uWave communication module, etc., although not limited thereto.

[0261] The long-distance wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various kinds of long-distance communications, and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface may transmit / receive a wireless signal to / from at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

[0262] In an embodiment, the communication device 282 may communicate with an external device through a surrounding AP. The AP may connect a LAN to which the robot cleaner 10 is connected to a WAN to which a server is connected. The station 20 may be connected to the server through the WAN.

[0263] In an embodiment, the communication device 282 may communicate with the robot cleaner 10 wirelessly.

[0264] As a communication method between the robot cleaner 10 and the station 20, various examples may be adopted.

[0265] In an embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 may communicate directly with the station 20 through a short-range communication module.

[0266] In an embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 may communicate directly with the station 20 through wired communication while the robot cleaner 10 is docked with the station 20.

[0267] In an embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 may communicate indirectly with the station 20 via an external server through a long-distance communication module.

[0268] Indirect communication via an external server may include a case in which the robot cleaner 10 transmits a preset signal to the external server and the external server transfers the preset signal received from the robot cleaner 10 to the station 20 and / or a case in which the station 20 transmits a preset signal to the external server and the external server transfers the preset signal received from the station 20 to the robot cleaner 10.

[0269] The first pump 21 may pump water stored in the water supply tank 221 or pump water of the heating device 250.

[0270] While an internal component of the first pump 21 rotates in a first direction, the first pump 21 may pump water stored in the water supply tank 221 and while the internal component of the first pump 21 rotates in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, the first pump 21 may pump water of the heating device 250.

[0271] The controller 290 may control a pumping direction of the first pump 21, and operate the first pump 21.

[0272] The second pump 22 may pump air of the waste water tank 222.

[0273] The controller 290 may operate the second pump 22.

[0274] A water level sensor (not shown) provided in the waste water tank 222 may transmit information about a water level of the waste water tank 222 to the controller 290.

[0275] The controller 290 may control the second pump 22 based on information obtained through the water level sensor. The controller 290 may stop the second pump 22 based on a water level of the waste water tank 222 reaching a preset water level.

[0276] The first valve 23 may adjust flow of water pumped by the first pump 21 and operate based on a control signal of the controller 290.

[0277] The second valve 24 may adjust flow of water guided by the third pipe 203 and operate based on a control signal of the controller 290.

[0278] The heating device 250 may include a heater 252.

[0279] The heater 252 may heat water of the heating device 250 and operate based on a control signal of the controller 290.

[0280] The heating device 250 may further include a temperature sensor 254. The temperature sensor 254 may detect temperature of water passing through the heating device 250 and transfer information related to internal temperature of the heating device 250 to the controller 290.

[0281] In an embodiment, the controller 290 may control the heater 252 based on temperature information received from the temperature sensor 254. For example, the controller 290 may stop an operation of the heater 252 based on temperature detected by the temperature sensor 254.

[0282] The controller 290 may control the at least one pump 21 or 22, the at least one valve 23 or 24, and the heating device 250, as described above, thereby performing a steam operation.

[0283] In an embodiment, the controller 290 may begin a steam operation in response to satisfaction of a steam operation start condition.

[0284] When the steam operation begins, the controller 290 may control the first valve 23 to connect the second pipe 202 and the third pipe 203, control the second valve 24 to connect the third pipe 203 and the fifth pipe 205, and control the first pump 21 to pump water stored in the water supply tank 221. Accordingly, the water stored in the water supply tank 221 may pass through the first pipe 201, the first pump 21, the second pipe 202, the first valve 23, the third pipe 203, the second valve 24, and the fifth pipe 205 and flow into the heating device 250.

[0285] Thereafter, the controller 290 may operate the heater 252 based on a detection of water passing through the heating device 250 and cause high-temperature water and / or steam to be sprayed from the heating device 250 to the washing chamber 230.

[0286] The controller 290 may operate the heater 250 while water passes through the heating device 250, but temporarily stop the operation of the heater 252 based on temperature detected by the temperature sensor 254 during the steam operation reaching preset temperature, thereby preventing the heater 252 from overheating.

[0287] The controller 290 may terminate the steam operation based on satisfaction of a steam operation termination condition.

[0288] In an embodiment, the controller 290 may terminate the steam operation in response to an execution time of the steam operation having elapsed a preset time.

[0289] The controller 290 may turn off the heater 252 in response to termination of the steam operation.

[0290] In an embodiment, the controller 290 may begin a drying operation after the steam operation terminates.

[0291] The drying device 260 may include the heater 263 for heating air and the fan 262 for blowing heated air. Air heated by the heater 263 may blow to the washing chamber 230 by an operation of the fan 262.

[0292] The controller 290 may perform a drying operation by controlling the drying device 260 to blow heated air to the washing chamber 230.

[0293] The controller 290 may perform the drying operation by operating the heater 263 and the fan 262.

[0294] The controller 290 may terminate the drying operation according to a drying operation termination condition.

[0295] In an embodiment, the controller 290 may terminate the drying operation in response to an execution time of the drying operation having elapsed a preset time.

[0296] In an embodiment, the controller 290 may terminate the drying operation in response to a drying termination request signal received from the robot cleaner 10. To this end, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit a drying termination request signal to the station 20 in response to humidity measured by the humidity sensor during the drying operation falling below a preset humidity level.

[0297] The controller 290 may control overall operations of the station 20.

[0298] The controller 290 may include at least one processor 291 for controlling operations of the station 20 and at least one memory 292 storing programs and data for controlling operations of the station 20.

[0299] The at least one processor 291 may control overall operations of the station 20. More specifically, the at least one processor 291 may be connected to each component of the station 20 to control overall operations of the station 20. For example, the at least one processor 291 may be electrically connected to the memory 292 to control overall operations of the station 20. The processor 291 may be configured with one or a plurality of processors.

[0300] The at least one processor 291 may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 292 to perform operations of the station 20 according to various embodiments.

[0301] The at least one memory 292 may store data required for various embodiments. The memory 292 may be implemented in the form of memory embedded in the station 20 or in the form of memory capable of being attached to or detached from the station 20 depending on a purpose of data storage. For example, data for driving the station 20 may be stored in memory embedded in the station 20, and data for expanded functions of the station 20 may be stored in memory capable of being attached to or detached from the station 20. Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the station 20 may be implemented as at least one among volatile memory (for example, DRAM, SRAM, or SDRAM, etc.) or non-volatile memory (for example, OTPRAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (for example, NAND flash or NOR flash), a hard drive, or a SSD). Also, the memory capable of being attached to or detached from the station 20 may be implemented in the form of a memory card (for example, CF, SD, Micro-SD, Mini-SD, xD, MMC, etc.) or external memory (for example, USB memory) connectable to a USB port.

[0302] The at least one processor 291 may include one or more among CPU, GPU, APU, MIC, DSP, NPU, a hardware accelerator, or a machine learning accelerator. The at least one processor 291 may control any or any combination of the other components of the station 20 and perform operations related to communication or data processing. The at least one processor 291 may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory 292. For example, the at least one processor 291 may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 292 to perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0303] FIG. 17 schematically shows a positional relationship between a dust outlet and a mop of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure and a dust inlet and a washing chamber of a station while the robot cleaner is located at a first position in the station. FIG. 18 schematically shows a positional relationship between a driving portion of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure and an alignment portion of a station while the robot cleaner is located at a first position in the station. FIG. 19 schematically shows a positional relationship between a dust outlet and a mop of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure and a dust inlet and a washing chamber of a station while the robot cleaner is located at a second position in the station. FIG. 20 schematically shows a positional relationship between a driving portion of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure and an alignment portion of a station while the robot cleaner is located at a second position in the station.

[0304] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, in the cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, while the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, the mop 160 may be located at the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, the mop 160 may be washed in the washing chamber 230.

[0305] While the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, the dust outlet 143 of the robot cleaner 10 may be spaced apart from the dust inlet 213 of the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, the dust outlet 143 of the robot cleaner 10 may not be connected to the dust inlet 213 of the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, the dust outlet 143 of the robot cleaner 10 may be located behind the dust inlet 213 of the station 20.

[0306] While the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, the driving wheel 121 of the robot cleaner 10 may be rested on the first alignment portion 2161 of the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20, the robot cleaner 10 may be further inserted into the receiving space 210 of the station 20 than while the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position in the station 20.

[0307] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, in the cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure, while the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position in the station 20, the dust outlet 143 may be connected to the dust inlet 213. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position in the station 20, a suction force may be applied to the dust inlet 213 by the suction motor of the station 20 and accordingly, the dust cover 144 may open the dust outlet 143.

[0308] While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position in the station 20, the mop 160 of the robot cleaner 10 may depart from the washing chamber 230 of the station 20 to be spaced apart from the washing chamber 230 of the station 20.

[0309] While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position in the station 20, the driving wheel 121 of the robot cleaner 10 may be rested on the second alignment portion 2162 of the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 is at the second position in the station 20, the robot cleaner 10 may be further withdrawn from the receiving space 210a of the station 20 than while the robot cleaner 10 is at the first position in the station 20.

[0310] A cleaning device according to an embodiment includes a station, and a robot cleaner movable to a first position on the station and a second position on the station. The robot cleaner includes a mop, a dust bin, and a dust outlet. The station includes a washing chamber configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the first position on the station, wash the mop, a dust inlet spaced away from the washing chamber, and a suction motor configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the second position on the station, provide a suction force so that dust is suctioned out of the dust bin through the dust outlet and the dust inlet.

[0311] The robot cleaner may include a driving wheel to drive the robot cleaner. The station may include a first alignment portion on which the driving wheel is positioned while the robot cleaner is at the first position on the station, and a second alignment portion on which the driving wheel is positioned while the robot cleaner is at the second position on the station.

[0312] The station may include a station guide. The robot cleaner may include a cleaner guide configured to be guided by the station guide while the robot cleaner moves to the first position on the station.

[0313] The station guide may be a protrusion. The cleaner guide may be a groove into which the station guide is insertable.

[0314] The station may include a station recharging terminal. The robot cleaner may include a cleaner recharging terminal configured to be electrically connected to the station recharging terminal while the robot cleaner is at the first position on the station.

[0315] While the robot cleaner is at the second position on the station, the cleaner recharging terminal may be electrically disconnected from the station recharging terminal.

[0316] The station may include a magnet. The robot cleaner may include a hall sensor configured to detect the magnet while the robot cleaner is at the second position on the station.

[0317] The station may include a dust collection duct configured to guide the dust suctioned through the dust inlet, and a dust collection bin configured to collect the dust guided through the dust collection duct. The dust collection duct and the dust collection bin may be partitioned from the washing chamber.

[0318] The station may include a water supply tank that stores water to be supplied to the washing chamber. The dust collection bin may be partitioned from the water supply tank.

[0319] The station may include at least one pipe configured to guide the stored water of the water supply tank to the washing chamber. The dust collection duct may be partitioned from the at least one pipe.

[0320] The station may include a pump or a valve configured to adjust a flow of the stored water passing through the at least one pipe.

[0321] While the robot cleaner is at the first position on the station, the dust outlet may be spaced apart from the dust inlet.

[0322] The robot cleaner may include a dust cover configured to open and close the dust outlet.

[0323] A distance at which the dust inlet is spaced apart from the washing chamber may be longer than a distance at which the mop is spaced apart from the dust outlet.

[0324] A station according to an embodiment on which a robot cleaner is positionable at a first position and at a second position, the robot cleaner including a mop, a dust bin, and a dust outlet, and the station includes a washing chamber configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the first position on the station, wash the mop, a dust inlet spaced away from the washing chamber, a suction motor configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the second position on the station, provide a suction force so that dust is suctioned out of the dust bin through the dust outlet and the dust inlet, a first alignment portion configured to guide the robot cleaner to the first position on the station, and a second alignment portion configured to guide the robot cleaner to the second position on the station.

[0325] A distance at which the dust inlet is spaced apart from the washing chamber may be longer than a distance at which the mop is spaced apart from the dust outlet.

[0326] The station may further include a station recharging terminal that is electrically connected to a cleaner recharging terminal of the robot cleaner while the robot cleaner is rested on the first alignment portion, and that is electrically disconnected from the cleaner recharging terminal of the robot cleaner while the robot cleaner is rested on the second alignment portion.

[0327] The station may further include a dust collection duct configured to guide dust entered the dust inlet, and a dust collection bin for collecting dust passed through the dust collection duct. The dust collection duct and the dust collection bin may be partitioned from the washing chamber.

[0328] The station may further include a water supply tank that stores water to be supplied to the washing chamber. The dust collection bin may be partitioned from the water supply tank.

[0329] The station may further include at least one pipe configured to guide water of the water supply tank to the washing chamber. The dust collection duct may be partitioned from the at least one pipe.

[0330] According to a concept of the disclosure, in the station and the cleaning device, because the first position for washing the mop of the robot cleaner is spaced apart from the second position for emptying dust collected in the dust bin, contamination of the dust inlet of the station may be reduced.

[0331] According to a concept of the disclosure, in the station and the cleaning device, because the first position for washing the mop of the robot cleaner is spaced apart from the second position for emptying dust collected in the dust bin, damage of the suction motor of the station may be reduced.

[0332] Effects that may be achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the disclosure belongs.

[0333] So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the disclosure defined by the claims below.

Claims

1. A cleaning device comprising:a station; anda robot cleaner movable to a first position on the station and a second position on the station, the robot cleaner including:a mop,a dust bin, anda dust outlet;wherein the station includes:a washing chamber configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the first position on the station, wash the mop,a dust inlet spaced away from the washing chamber, anda suction motor configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the second position on the station, provide a suction force so that dust is suctioned out of the dust bin through the dust outlet and the dust inlet.

2. The cleaning device of claim 1, whereinthe robot cleaner includes a driving wheel to drive the robot cleaner, andthe station includes:a first alignment portion on which the driving wheel is positioned while the robot cleaner is at the first position on the station, anda second alignment portion on which the driving wheel is positioned while the robot cleaner is at the second position on the station.

3. The cleaning device of claim 1, whereinthe station includes a station guide, andthe robot cleaner includes a cleaner guide configured to be guided by the station guide while the robot cleaner moves to the first position on the station.

4. The cleaning device of claim 3, whereinthe station guide is a protrusion, andthe cleaner guide is a groove into which the station guide is insertable.

5. The cleaning device of claim 1, whereinthe station includes a station recharging terminal, andthe robot cleaner includes a cleaner recharging terminal configured to be electrically connected to the station recharging terminal while the robot cleaner is at the first position on the station.

6. The cleaning device of claim 5, wherein,while the robot cleaner is at the second position on the station, the cleaner recharging terminal is electrically disconnected from the station recharging terminal.

7. The cleaning device of claim 1, whereinthe station includes a magnet, andthe robot cleaner includes a hall sensor configured to detect the magnet while the robot cleaner is at the second position on the station.

8. The cleaning device of claim 1, whereinthe station includes:a dust collection duct configured to guide the dust suctioned through the dust inlet, anda dust collection bin configured to collect the dust guided through the dust collection duct, andthe dust collection duct and the dust collection bin are partitioned from the washing chamber.

9. The cleaning device of claim 8, whereinthe station includes a water supply tank that stores water to be supplied to the washing chamber, andthe dust collection bin is partitioned from the water supply tank.

10. The cleaning device of claim 9, whereinthe station includes at least one pipe configured to guide the stored water of the water supply tank to the washing chamber, andthe dust collection duct is partitioned from the at least one pipe.

11. The cleaning device of claim 10, whereinthe station includes a pump or a valve configured to adjust a flow of the stored water passing through the at least one pipe.

12. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein,while the robot cleaner is at the first position on the station, the dust outlet is spaced apart from the dust inlet.

13. The cleaning device of claim 1, whereinthe robot cleaner includes a dust cover configured to open and close the dust outlet.

14. The cleaning device of claim 1, whereina distance at which the dust inlet is spaced apart from the washing chamber is longer than a distance at which the mop is spaced apart from the dust outlet.

15. A station on which a robot cleaner is positionable at a first position and at a second position, the robot cleaner including a mop, a dust bin, and a dust outlet, and the station comprising:a washing chamber configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the first position on the station, wash the mop;a dust inlet spaced away from the washing chamber;a suction motor configured to, with the robot cleaner being at the second position on the station, provide a suction force so that dust is suctioned out of the dust bin through the dust outlet and the dust inlet;a first alignment portion configured to guide the robot cleaner to the first position on the station; anda second alignment portion configured to guide the robot cleaner to the second position on the station.

Images