Charging device

Abstract

Disclosed is a charging device for wirelessly charging a handheld cleaner and a robot cleaner. The device includes: a first charger comprising a first charging terminal connected to the charging terminal of the handheld cleaner and a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving information with the handheld cleaner; a second charger comprising a second charging terminal connected to the charging terminal of the robot cleaner and a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving information with the robot cleaner; and a communication line electrically connecting the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device, and more particularly to a charging device for charging a wirelessly operated robot cleaner and a handheld cleaner. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a robot cleaner moves and cleans wirelessly after being charged by a charging device. Such a robot cleaner actively avoids obstacles and cleans a set area through a set function, or moves and cleans within a set area based on a received cleaning signal.

[0003] Furthermore, the handheld cleaner is formed so as to be grippable, and after being charged by the charging device, cleaning is performed by the user while being gripped by the user.

[0004] In the case of a robot cleaner, since it cannot clean a desired area at will, each household is currently equipped with a handheld cleaner along with the robot cleaner. The robot cleaner and the handheld cleaner are charged by connecting their respective charging terminals to the charging terminal of a charging device.

[0005] In the case of handheld cleaners, they can be divided into wired handheld cleaners and wireless handheld cleaners.

[0006] Reference Figure 1 Korean Patent Gazette No. 10-1192540 discloses a charging device 1 for connecting a wireless handheld cleaner 3 and a robot cleaner 2. The charging device 1 can receive charging power through a single wire and charge the wireless handheld cleaner 3 and the robot cleaner 2 at the same time.

[0007] Reference Figure 2 Korean Patent Gazette No. 10-0657736 discloses a technology for connecting a robot cleaner 2 to a charging device 5 configured for a wired handheld cleaner 4. By receiving charging power through a single wire, the wired handheld cleaner 4 and the robot cleaner 2 connected to the charging device 5 can be charged simultaneously.

[0008] However, in the prior art, there is a problem that the charging devices 1 and 5 are only used to simply provide a charging function for the handheld cleaners 3 and 4 and the robot cleaner 2 . Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a charging device that can not only charge a handheld cleaner and a robot cleaner at the same time, but also transmit and receive information with the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner.

[0011] Technical solutions to the problem

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned problems, a charging device is provided for charging a wireless handheld cleaner and a robot cleaner, and the charging device includes: a first charger including a first charging terminal connected to the charging terminal of the handheld cleaner and a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving information with the handheld cleaner; a second charger including a second charging terminal connected to the charging terminal of the robot cleaner and a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving information with the robot cleaner; and a communication line electrically connecting the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

[0013] Thus, the charging device can not only charge the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner at the same time, but also provide information to the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner.

[0014] In addition, a processor electrically connected to the communication line may be included, and when the handheld cleaner is separated from the first charger, the processor may provide an operation signal to the second transceiver to operate the robot cleaner.

[0015] In addition, when the handheld cleaner is separated from the first charger, the first transceiver can receive location information from the handheld cleaner, and the processor can provide a first operation signal to the second transceiver, and the first operation signal can enable the robot cleaner to operate in an area corresponding to the location information.

[0016] In addition, when the handheld cleaner is separated from the first charger, the first transceiver can receive position information from the handheld cleaner, and the processor can provide a second operation signal to the second transceiver, and the second operation signal can enable the robot cleaner to operate in an area other than the area corresponding to the position information.

[0017] In addition, when the charging terminal of the handheld cleaner is electrically connected to the first charging terminal, the processor may provide a return signal to the second transceiver to make the robot cleaner return.

[0018] In addition, when the charging terminal of the handheld cleaner is electrically connected to the first charging terminal, the processor can provide device information to the user, and the device information may include at least one of the filter replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, the filter replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner, the battery remaining information of the handheld cleaner, the battery remaining information of the robot cleaner, the dust bucket information of the handheld cleaner, the dust bucket information of the robot cleaner, the battery replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, and the battery replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner.

[0019] In addition, the device may further include a processor electrically connected to the first charger and the second charger. When the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner are not fully charged, the processor may set charging of the handheld cleaner to take priority over charging of the robot cleaner.

[0020] In addition, a processor electrically connected to the communication line may be included, and the processor may analyze a composite pattern of the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner, and may provide cleaning information to the user according to the analyzed composite pattern.

[0021] In addition, the cleaning information may include at least one of the operating time information of the handheld cleaner, the operating time information of the robot cleaner, the time information elapsed since the last operating time of the handheld cleaner, the time information elapsed since the last operating time of the robot cleaner, the cleaning area information that was recently cleaned, and the cleaning area information that was not recently cleaned.

[0022] In addition, it may include: a receiver for receiving a signal from a user; and a processor for providing device information to the user upon receiving the signal from the user, wherein the device information may include at least one of the filter replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, the filter replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner, the battery remaining information of the handheld cleaner, the battery remaining information of the robot cleaner, the dust bucket information of the handheld cleaner, the dust bucket information of the robot cleaner, the battery replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, and the battery replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner.

[0023] In addition, a display device for displaying the device information may be included.

[0024] In addition, a speaker for notifying the device information by voice may be included.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned problems, a charging device is provided for charging a wireless handheld cleaner and a robot cleaner, and the charging device includes: a first charger including a first charging terminal connected to the charging terminal of the handheld cleaner and a detector for detecting the electrical connection between the handheld cleaner and the first charging terminal; a second charger including a second charging terminal connected to the charging terminal of the robot cleaner and a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving information with the robot cleaner; and a communication line electrically connecting the first charger and the second transceiver.

[0026] Thus, the charging device can not only charge the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner at the same time, but also provide information to the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner.

[0027] In addition, a processor electrically connected to the communication line may be included, and when the handheld cleaner is separated from the first charger, the processor may provide an operation signal to the second transceiver to operate the robot cleaner.

[0028] In addition, when the charging terminal of the handheld cleaner is electrically connected to the first charging terminal, the processor may provide a return signal to the second transceiver to make the robot cleaner return.

[0029] In addition, when the charging terminal of the handheld cleaner is electrically connected to the first charging terminal, the processor can provide device information to the user, and the device information may include at least one of the filter replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, the filter replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner, the battery remaining information of the handheld cleaner, the battery remaining information of the robot cleaner, the dust bucket information of the handheld cleaner, the dust bucket information of the robot cleaner, the battery replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, and the battery replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner.

[0030] In addition, a processor electrically connected to the first charger and the second charger may be included, and when the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner are not fully charged, the processor may set charging of the handheld cleaner to take priority over charging of the robot cleaner.

[0031] In addition, a processor electrically connected to the communication line may be included, and the processor may analyze a composite pattern of the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner, and may provide cleaning information to the user according to the analyzed composite pattern.

[0032] In addition, the cleaning information may include at least one of the operating time information of the handheld cleaner, the operating time information of the robot cleaner, the time information elapsed since the last operating time of the handheld cleaner, the time information elapsed since the last operating time of the robot cleaner, the cleaning area information that was recently cleaned, and the cleaning area information that was not recently cleaned.

[0033] In addition, it may include: a receiver for receiving a signal from a user; and a processor for providing device information to the user upon receiving the signal from the user, wherein the device information may include at least one of the filter replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, the filter replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner, the battery remaining information of the handheld cleaner, the battery remaining information of the robot cleaner, the dust bucket information of the handheld cleaner, the dust bucket information of the robot cleaner, the battery replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, and the battery replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] The present invention provides a charging device that can not only charge a handheld cleaner and a robot cleaner at the same time but also transmit and receive information with the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is a perspective view of a charging system in the prior art.

[0037] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figures 5 to 8 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figures 11 to 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 15 FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or similar components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] When describing the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, when it is mentioned that a certain component is "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the component can be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but it should be understood that other components may also exist between them.

[0045] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technologies may obscure the main points of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are provided only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention. The technical concepts disclosed in the present invention are not limited by the drawings and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes within the scope of the concepts and technologies of the present invention.

[0046] On the other hand, the term discloser can be replaced by terms such as document, specification, description, etc.

[0047] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5 to 8 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 9 and Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figures 11 to 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 15 The charging system of an embodiment of the present invention may include a charging device 10, a handheld cleaner 20, a robot cleaner 30 and a server 800, but some of the components may be removed for implementation, and other additional components are not excluded.

[0051] The charging terminal of the handheld cleaner 20 and the charging terminal of the robot cleaner 30 can be connected to the charging device 10. In this way, the battery of the handheld cleaner 20 and the battery of the robot cleaner 30 can be charged at the same time.

[0052] The charging device 10 can be connected to the server 800 and receive control instructions wirelessly, and can send them to the handheld cleaner 20 and the robot cleaner 30. In this case, the charging device 10 can wirelessly receive control instructions from the remote control device. The remote control device can include all devices that can use applications to implement various functions, such as mobile phones (Cellphones, PCS phones), smart phones, personal digital assistants (Personal Digital Assistants: PDA), portable multimedia players (Portable Multimedia Player: PMP), laptop computers, digital broadcast terminals, netbooks, tablet computers, navigation (Navigation), etc. In addition, the remote control device can be a simple form of ordinary remote control using infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association).

[0053] The charging device 10 can use various methods such as radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), and ultra-wideband (UWB) communication to send and receive wireless communication signals with the server 800 and / or the robot cleaner 30.

[0054] The handheld cleaner 20 can be connected to the charging device 10 and receive power. The handheld cleaner 20 may include a charging terminal electrically connected to the first charging terminal 110 of the charging device 10. The handheld cleaner 20 may include a transceiver that transmits and receives information to and from the first transceiver 120 of the charging device 10. The handheld cleaner 20 may include a rechargeable battery (not shown). The handheld cleaner 20 can be operated by the user while being held by the user to perform cleaning. In one embodiment of the present invention, an example is given in which the handheld cleaner 20 is a wireless handheld cleaner, but a wired handheld cleaner is not excluded.

[0055] The robot cleaner 30 can be connected to the charging device 10 and receive power. The robot cleaner 30 may include a charging terminal electrically connected to the second charging terminal 210 of the charging device 10. The robot cleaner 30 may include a transceiver for transmitting and receiving information with the second transceiver 220 of the charging device 10. The robot cleaner 30 may include a rechargeable battery (not shown).

[0056] The robot cleaner 30 can actively avoid obstacles and clean a set area through a set function. The robot cleaner 30 can be connected to the server 800 and clean the set area while moving in response to a cleaning signal received. The robot cleaner 30 can include an obstacle sensor that can detect obstacles while driving.

[0057] The robot cleaner 30 can identify its own position through the sensor unit without prior information about the surrounding environment, and can perform the process of position recognition (Localization) and map building (Map-building) to build a map based on information related to the environment, namely visual simultaneous localization and mapping (Visual SLAM).

[0058] The robot cleaner 30 can be directly connected to the server 800 and receive control instructions wirelessly. In this case, the robot cleaner 30 can receive control instructions from a remote control device wirelessly. The remote control device can include all devices that can use applications to implement various functions, such as mobile phones (Cellphones, PCS phones), smart phones, personal digital assistants (Personal Digital Assistants: PDA), portable multimedia players (Portable Multimedia Player: PMP), laptop computers, digital broadcast terminals, netbooks, tablet computers, navigation devices, etc. In addition, the remote control device can be a simple form of ordinary remote control using infrared communication (IrDA, infrared Data Association).

[0059] The robot cleaner 30 can use various methods such as radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), and ultra-wideband (UWB) communication to send and receive wireless communication signals with the server 800 and / or the charging device 10.

[0060] The server 800 may be communicably connected with the charging device 10 and / or the robot cleaner 30 .

[0061] The server 800 may be configured to receive and store information related to the movement space of the robot cleaner 30. Furthermore, based on the received information related to the movement space, travel information about the movement space of the robot cleaner 30 may be generated through deep learning. Furthermore, the generated information may be transmitted to the robot cleaner 30.

[0062] The server 800 can generate travel information by performing deep learning using information about the movement space received from the robot cleaner 30. Furthermore, it can generate travel information by performing deep learning based on travel simulation information. The accuracy of deep learning increases as more learning data is collected. Therefore, the server 800 can connect to the robot cleaner 30 via a network and collect the data required for deep learning.

[0063] The server 800 may include a cloud server. A cloud server refers to a virtual private server, which is a form of virtualization method that divides a physical server into multiple virtual servers.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 5 as well as Figure 15 The charging device 10 of one embodiment of the present invention may include a first charger 100, a second charger 200, a communication line 300, a processor 400, a receiver 500, a display device 600 and a speaker 700, but some of the components may be removed for implementation, and other additional components are not excluded.

[0065] The charging device 10 may include a first charger 100. The first charger 100 can charge a wireless handheld cleaner 20. The first charger 100 can hold or support the handheld cleaner 20. The first charger 100 can transmit and receive information with the handheld cleaner 20. The first charger 100 can be a separate component from the second charger 200 and then combined therewith. Alternatively, the first charger 100 and the second charger 200 can be integrally formed.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, an example is given in which the first charger 100 is disposed above the second charger 200 . However, various changes may be made to the configurations of the first charger 100 and the second charger 200 .

[0067] The first charger 100 may include a first charging terminal 110. The first charging terminal 110 may be connected to a charging terminal of the handheld cleaner 20. The first charging terminal 110 may be electrically connected to a charging terminal of the handheld cleaner 20.

[0068] The first charger 100 may include a first transceiver 120. The first transceiver 120 may transmit and receive information with the handheld cleaner 20 wirelessly and / or by wire. The first transceiver 120 may transmit and receive information with the transceiver of the handheld cleaner 20 wirelessly and / or by wire. The first transceiver 120 may transmit and receive wireless communication signals with the transceiver of the handheld cleaner 20 using various communication methods, such as radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), and ultra-wideband (UWB).

[0069] The first transceiver 120 can receive information from the handheld cleaner 20 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is detached from the first charger 100 or whether the detached handheld cleaner 20 is electrically connected to the first charger 100. The first transceiver 120 can receive location information of the handheld cleaner 20 from the handheld cleaner 20. The first transceiver 120 can receive device information of the handheld cleaner 20 from the handheld cleaner 20. The first transceiver 120 can receive cleaning mode information of the handheld cleaner 20 from the handheld cleaner 20.

[0070] The first transceiver 120 may transmit information regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is detached from the first charger 100 to the processor 400. The first transceiver 120 may transmit information regarding whether the detached handheld cleaner 20 is electrically connected to the first charger 100 to the processor 400. The first transceiver 120 may transmit information regarding whether the detached handheld cleaner 20 is placed or supported on the first charger 100 to the processor 400. The first transceiver 120 may transmit location information of the handheld cleaner 20 to the processor 400. The first transceiver 120 may transmit device information of the handheld cleaner 20 to the processor 400. The first transceiver 120 may transmit cleaning mode information of the handheld cleaner 20 to the processor 400.

[0071] The charging device 10 may include a second charger 200. The second charger 200 may charge the wireless robot cleaner 30. The robot cleaner 30 may be docked at the second charger 200. The second charger 200 may transmit and receive information with the robot cleaner 30.

[0072] The second charger 200 may include a second charging terminal 210. The second charging terminal 210 may be connected to a charging terminal of the robot cleaner 30. The second charging terminal 210 may be electrically connected to a charging terminal of the robot cleaner 30.

[0073] The second charger 200 may include a second transceiver 220. The second transceiver 220 may transmit and receive information with the robot cleaner 30 wirelessly and / or by wire. The second transceiver 220 may transmit and receive information with the transceiver of the robot cleaner 30 wirelessly and / or by wire. The second transceiver 220 may transmit and receive wireless communication signals with the transceiver of the robot cleaner 30 using various communication methods, such as radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), and ultra-wideband (UWB).

[0074] The second transceiver 220 can send an operation signal to the robot cleaner 30. The second transceiver 220 can send a return signal to the operating robot cleaner 30. The second transceiver 220 can receive location information of the robot cleaner 30 from the robot cleaner 30. The second transceiver 220 can receive device information related to the robot cleaner 30 from the robot cleaner 30. The second transceiver 220 can receive cleaning mode information of the robot cleaner 30 from the robot cleaner 30.

[0075] The second transceiver 220 may receive an operation signal of the robot cleaner 30 from the processor 400. The second transceiver 220 may receive a return signal from the robot cleaner 30 from the processor 400. The second transceiver 220 may transmit position information of the robot cleaner 30 to the processor 400. The second transceiver 220 may transmit device information of the robot cleaner 30 to the processor 400. The second transceiver 220 may transmit cleaning mode information of the robot cleaner 30 to the processor 400.

[0076] The charging device 10 may include a communication line 300. The communication line 300 can connect the first charger 100 and the second charger 200 in a communicative manner. The communication line 300 can electrically connect the first charger 100 and the second charger 200. The communication line 300 can connect the first transceiver 120 and the second transceiver 220 in a communicative manner. The communication line 300 can electrically connect the first transceiver 120 of the first charger 100 and the second transceiver 220 of the second charger 200. Thus, the charging device 10 can not only charge the handheld cleaner 20 and the robot cleaner 30 simultaneously, but can also transmit and receive information with the handheld cleaner 20 and the robot cleaner 30.

[0077] The communication line 300 may be electrically connected to the processor 400. The communication line 300 may be communicatively connected to the processor 400. The communication line 300 may be a common communication line including a copper wire, but is not limited thereto and may be variously modified.

[0078] The charging device 10 may include a processor 400. The processor 400 may be electrically connected to the communication line 300. The processor 400 may be communicatively connected to the communication line 300. The processor 400 may be communicatively connected to the first charger 100 and the second charger 200 via the communication line 300.

[0079] The processor 400 may receive information from the first transceiver 120 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is detached from the first charger 100. The processor 400 may receive information from the first transceiver 120 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is placed or supported on the first charger 100. The processor 400 may receive information from the first transceiver 120 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is electrically connected to the first charger 100. The processor 400 may receive location information of the handheld cleaner 20 from the first transceiver 120. The processor 400 may receive device information of the handheld cleaner 20 from the first transceiver 120. The processor 400 may receive cleaning mode information of the handheld cleaner 20 from the first transceiver 120. The processor 400 may send a charging instruction for the handheld cleaner 20 to the first transceiver 120. In this case, the processor 400 may send a priority charging instruction for the handheld cleaner 20 to the first transceiver 120.

[0080] The processor 400 may transmit an operation signal of the robot cleaner 30 to the second transceiver 220. The processor 400 may transmit a return signal from the robot cleaner 30 to the second transceiver 220. The processor 400 may receive location information of the robot cleaner 30 from the second transceiver 220. The processor 400 may receive device information of the robot cleaner 30 from the second transceiver 220. The processor 400 may receive cleaning mode information of the robot cleaner 30 from the second transceiver 220. The processor 400 may transmit a charging instruction for the robot cleaner 30 to the second transceiver 220.

[0081] The processor 400 may analyze the combined cleaning mode of the handheld cleaner 20 and the robot cleaner 30 based on the cleaning mode of the handheld cleaner 20 and the cleaning mode of the robot cleaner 30. The processor 400 may provide cleaning information to the user based on the analyzed combined cleaning mode of the handheld cleaner 20 and the robot cleaner 30. In this case, the processor 400 may provide the cleaning information to the user through the display device 600 or the speaker 700. In addition, the processor 400 may provide the user with device information through the display device 600 or the speaker 700.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device information may include at least one of the filter replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner 20, the filter replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner 30, the battery remaining information of the handheld cleaner 20, the battery remaining information of the robot cleaner 30, the dust bucket information of the handheld cleaner 20, the dust bucket information of the robot cleaner 30, the battery replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner 20, and the battery replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner 30.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning information may include at least one of the operating time information of the handheld cleaner 20, the operating time information of the robot cleaner 30, the time information elapsed from the last operating time of the handheld cleaner 20, the time information elapsed from the last operating time of the robot cleaner 30, the cleaning area information that was recently cleaned, and the cleaning area information that was recently not cleaned.

[0084] The charging device 10 may include a receiver 500. The receiver 500 may receive signals from a user. The receiver 500 may be communicatively connected to the server 800. The receiver 500 may be communicatively connected to a remote control device. The receiver 500 may transmit signals received from the user to the processor 400. The receiver 500 may be wired or wirelessly connected to the processor 400. The receiver 500 may be communicatively connected to the processor 400.

[0085] The receiver 500 may include a touch screen panel (TSP) capable of directly receiving signals from the user. The touch screen panel may include: a display that displays information that the user can input; a touch panel that detects the coordinates of a part of the user's body contacting; and a touch screen controller that determines the user input command based on the contact coordinates detected by the touch panel.

[0086] The receiver 500 may include an input button capable of directly receiving a signal from the user. The input button may be a push switch that detects a user's pressure, a membrane switch, or a touch switch that detects contact with a part of the user's body.

[0087] The charging device 10 may include a display device 600. The display device 600 may be connected to the processor 400 in a communicative manner. The display device 600 may be connected to the processor 400 in a wired or wireless manner. The display device 600 may visually provide the user with device information or cleaning information received from the processor 400. The display may adopt a light emitting diode (LED) and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) that can emit light by itself, or a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a separate light source, etc. In one embodiment of the present invention, an example is given in which the display device 600 is configured on the charging device 10, but it may also be configured on the robot cleaner 30, or it may be configured only on the robot cleaner 30 and not on the charging device 10.

[0088] The charging device 10 may include a speaker 700. The speaker 700 may be communicatively connected to the processor 400. The speaker 700 may be connected to the processor 400 by wire or wirelessly. The speaker 700 may provide the user with audible information about the device or cleaning process received from the processor 400. In one embodiment of the present invention, the speaker 700 is described as being configured in the charging device 10. However, the speaker 700 may also be configured in the robot cleaner 30, or may be configured only in the robot cleaner 30 and not in the charging device 10.

[0089] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 6 as well as Figure 15 In another embodiment of the present invention, a charging device 10 may include a first charger 100, a second charger 200, a communication line 300, a processor 400, a receiver 500, a display device 600, and a speaker 700, but some of the components may be removed for implementation, and other additional components are not excluded.

[0090] The detailed structure of the charging device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention that is not described below may be understood to be the same as the detailed structure of the charging device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Reference Figure 6 The communication line 300 may be communicatively connected to the first charger 100 and the second charger 200, but not communicatively connected to the processor 400. The communication line 300 may be electrically connected to the first charger 100 and the second charger 200, but not electrically connected to the processor 400.

[0092] In this case, the processor 400 can be directly connected to the first charger 100 and the second charger 200 in a communicative manner. The processor 400 can be directly electrically connected to the first charger 100 and the second charger 200. The processor 400 can directly transmit and receive information with the first transceiver 120. The processor 400 can directly transmit and receive information with the second transceiver 220.

[0093] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 7 as well as Figure 15 In another embodiment of the present invention, a charging device 10 may include a first charger 100, a second charger 200, a communication line 300, a processor 400, a receiver 500, a display device 600, and a speaker 700, but some of the components may be removed for implementation, and other additional components are not excluded.

[0094] The detailed structure of the charging device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention that is not described below may be understood to be the same as the detailed structure of the charging device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Reference Figure 7 The first charger 100 may include a first charging terminal 110 and a detector 130. The detector 130 may detect whether the handheld cleaner 20 is separated from the first charger 100. The detector 130 may detect whether the handheld cleaner 20 is returned to the first charger 100. The detector 130 may detect whether the handheld cleaner 20 is placed or supported on the first charger 100. The detector 130 may detect whether the handheld cleaner 20 is electrically connected to the first charger 100.

[0096] The detector 130 may be electrically connected to the communication line 300. The detector 130 may be communicatively connected to the processor 400 via the communication line 300. The detector 130 may transmit information to the processor 400 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is detached from the first charger 100. The detector 130 may transmit information to the processor 400 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is returned to the first charger 100. The detector 130 may transmit information to the processor 400 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is placed or supported on the first charger 100. The detector 130 may transmit information to the processor 400 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is electrically connected to the first charger 100.

[0097] The processor 400 can be communicatively connected to the detector 130 via the communication line 300. The processor 400 can receive information from the detector 130 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is detached from the first charger 100. The processor 400 can receive information from the detector 130 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is returned to the first charger 100. The processor 400 can receive information from the detector 130 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is placed or supported on the first charger 100. The processor 400 can receive information from the detector 130 regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is electrically connected to the first charger 100.

[0098] Reference Figure 4 、 Figure 8 as well as Figure 15 In another embodiment of the present invention, a charging device 10 may include a first charger 100, a second charger 200, a communication line 300, a processor 400, a receiver 500, a display device 600, and a speaker 700, but some of the components may be removed for implementation, and other additional components are not excluded.

[0099] The following detailed structure of the charging device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention that is not described can be understood as referring to Figure 7 The detailed structure of the charging device 10 of one embodiment of the present invention is the same.

[0100] Reference Figure 8 The communication line 300 may be communicatively connected to the first charger 100 and the second charger 200, but not communicatively connected to the processor 400. The communication line 300 may be electrically connected to the first charger 100 and the second charger 200, but not electrically connected to the processor 400.

[0101] In this case, the processor 400 can be directly connected to the first charger 100 and the second charger 200 in a communicative manner. The processor 400 can be directly electrically connected to the first charger 100 and the second charger 200. The processor 400 can directly transmit and receive information with the detector 130. The processor 400 can directly transmit and receive information with the second transceiver 220.

[0102] Reference Figure 9 A control method of the robot cleaner 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] When the handheld cleaner 20 is separated from the charging device 10 or the first charger 100, the processor 400 may provide an operation signal to the robot cleaner 30 (S110). In this case, information regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is separated from the charging device 10 or the first charger 100 may be provided to the processor 400 via the first transceiver 120 or the detector 130. In addition, the operation signal to the robot cleaner 30 provided by the processor 400 may be provided to the robot cleaner 30 via the second transceiver 220.

[0104] In case that an operation signal is provided to the robot cleaner 30 ( S110 ), the robot cleaner 30 may perform an operation ( S120 ).

[0105] The handheld cleaner 20 separated from the charging apparatus 10 or the first charger 100 may transmit location information of the handheld cleaner 20 to the processor 400 through the first transceiver 120 ( S130 ).

[0106] In this case, the processor 400 may provide the first operation signal to the robot cleaner 30 ( S112 ). The processor 400 may provide the first operation signal related to the robot cleaner 30 to the second transceiver 220 , and the second transceiver 220 may provide the first operation signal to the robot cleaner 30 .

[0107] If the first operation signal is received, the robot cleaner 30 may operate in the area corresponding to the position of the handheld cleaner 20 (S122). For example, if the user is cleaning with the handheld cleaner 20, the robot cleaner 30 may follow the user in cleaning. Specifically, if the user inhales dust or other foreign matter with the handheld cleaner 20, the robot cleaner 30 may wipe the area where the dust or other foreign matter was inhaled by the handheld cleaner 20 with water. This improves cleaning efficiency and increases user convenience.

[0108] In a case where the handheld cleaner 20 returns to the charging apparatus 10 or the first charger 100 , the processor 400 may provide a return signal to the robot cleaner 30 ( S140 ).

[0109] In this case, the robot cleaner 30 may return to the charging device 10 or the first charger 100 ( S150 ).

[0110] Reference Figure 10 A control method of the robot cleaner 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0111] When the handheld cleaner 20 is separated from the charging device 10 or the first charger 100, the processor 400 may provide an operation signal to the robot cleaner 30 (S110) to activate the robot cleaner 30. In this case, information regarding whether the handheld cleaner 20 is separated from the charging device 10 or the first charger 100 may be provided to the processor 400 via the first transceiver 120 or the detector 130. In addition, the operation signal to the robot cleaner 30 provided by the processor 400 may be provided to the robot cleaner 30 via the second transceiver 220.

[0112] In case that an operation signal is provided to the robot cleaner 30 ( S110 ), the robot cleaner 30 may perform an operation ( S120 ).

[0113] The handheld cleaner 20 separated from the charging apparatus 10 or the first charger 100 may transmit location information of the handheld cleaner 20 to the processor 400 through the first transceiver 120 ( S130 ).

[0114] In this case, the processor 400 may provide the second operation signal to the robot cleaner 30 ( S114 ). The processor 400 may provide the second operation signal to the robot cleaner 30 to the second transceiver 220 , and the second transceiver 220 may provide the second operation signal to the robot cleaner 30 .

[0115] If the second operation signal is received, the robot cleaner 30 may operate in an area other than the location of the handheld cleaner 20 (S124). For example, when a user is cleaning with the handheld cleaner 20, the robot cleaner 30 may clean an area other than the area being cleaned by the user. This improves cleaning efficiency and increases user convenience.

[0116] In a case where the handheld cleaner 20 returns to the charging apparatus 10 or the first charger 100 , the processor 400 may provide a return signal to the robot cleaner 30 ( S140 ).

[0117] In this case, the robot cleaner 30 may return to the charging device 10 or the first charger 100 ( S150 ).

[0118] Reference Figure 11 A control method of the charging device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0119] When the handheld cleaner 20 returns to the charging apparatus 10 or the first charger 100 (S210), the handheld cleaner 20 may transmit the device information of the handheld cleaner 20 to the processor 400. At this time, the handheld cleaner 20 may transmit the device information of the handheld cleaner 20 to the processor 400 via the first transceiver 120.

[0120] When the handheld cleaner 20 returns to the charging device 10 or the first charger 100 (S210), the processor 400 may provide a return signal to the robot cleaner 30. When the robot cleaner 30 returns, the robot cleaner 30 may send device information of the robot cleaner 30 to the processor 400. At this time, the robot cleaner 30 may send the device information of the robot cleaner 30 to the processor 400 via the second transceiver 220.

[0121] The processor 400 may provide the user with the device information of the handheld cleaner 20 and / or the device information of the robot cleaner 30 (S220). At this time, the device information of the handheld cleaner 20 and / or the device information of the robot cleaner 30 may be provided to the user via the display device 600 and / or the speaker 700.

[0122] Reference Figure 12 A control method of the charging device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0123] In a case where the handheld cleaner 20 is returned to the charging apparatus 10 or the first charger 100 ( S210 ), the processor 400 may determine whether the handheld cleaner 20 and the robot cleaner 30 are not fully charged ( S230 ).

[0124] If both the handheld cleaner 20 and the robot cleaner 30 are not fully charged, the processor 400 may provide a priority charging instruction for the handheld cleaner 20 to the first charger 100 (S240). Specifically, the processor 400 may prioritize charging the handheld cleaner 20 over the robot cleaner 30. This prioritizes charging the battery of the handheld cleaner 20, which is held directly by the user, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0125] In a case where the handheld cleaner 20 is fully charged but the robot cleaner 30 is not fully charged, the processor 400 may charge only the robot cleaner 30 .

[0126] In a case where the handheld cleaner 20 is not fully charged but the robot cleaner 30 is fully charged, the processor 400 may charge only the handheld cleaner 20 .

[0127] Reference Figure 13 A control method of the charging device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0128] The processor 400 may analyze the composite mode of the handheld cleaner 20 and the robot cleaner 30 through the cleaning information of the handheld cleaner 20 and the cleaning information of the robot cleaner 30 (S310). The processor 400 may receive the cleaning information of the handheld cleaner 20 from the handheld cleaner 20. The processor 400 may receive the cleaning information of the handheld cleaner 20 from the handheld cleaner 20 through the first transceiver 120. The processor 400 may receive the cleaning information of the robot cleaner 30 from the robot cleaner 30. The processor 400 may receive the cleaning information of the robot cleaner 30 from the second transceiver 220.

[0129] The processor 400 may provide the user with cleaning information based on the analyzed composite pattern ( S320 ). The processor 400 may provide the user with cleaning information via the display device 600 and / or the speaker 700 .

[0130] Reference Figure 14 A control method of the charging device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0131] Upon receiving a signal from the user (S410), the processor 400 may provide the user with device information of the handheld cleaner 20 and / or the robotic cleaner 30 (S420). In this case, the signal from the user may be received via the receiver 500. Furthermore, the device information of the handheld cleaner 20 and / or the robotic cleaner 30 may be provided via the display device 600 and / or the speaker 700. Thus, the device information of the handheld cleaner 20 and / or the robotic cleaner 30 may be provided to the user as needed, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0132] The above-described embodiments or other embodiments of the present invention are not mutually exclusive or different. The above-described embodiments or other embodiments of the present invention may be used or combined with their respective configurations or functions.

[0133] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. In other words, this means that, except for cases where the combination is described as impossible, even if there is no direct description of the combination between the configurations, the configurations can be combined.

[0134] The above detailed description should not be interpreted as being restrictive in all aspects, but should be considered as exemplary. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A charging device for wireless handheld cleaners and robot cleaners. in, include: a first charger comprising a first charging terminal connected to the charging terminal of the handheld cleaner and a first transceiver for transmitting and receiving information with the handheld cleaner; a second charger comprising a second charging terminal connected to the charging terminal of the robot cleaner and a second transceiver for transmitting and receiving information with the robot cleaner; a communication line electrically connecting the first transceiver and the second transceiver; and a processor, electrically connected to the communication line; When the handheld cleaner is separated from the first charger, the processor provides an operation signal to the second transceiver to enable the robot cleaner to operate; the first transceiver receiving location information from the handheld cleaner when the handheld cleaner is detached from the first charger; The processor provides a first operation signal to the second transceiver when the handheld cleaner is in motion, wherein the first operation signal causes the robot cleaner to operate in an area corresponding to the position information; or The processor provides a second operation signal to the second transceiver when the handheld cleaner is in operation, and the second operation signal causes the robot cleaner to operate in an area other than an area corresponding to the position information.

2. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein: In a case where a charging terminal of the handheld cleaner is electrically connected to the first charging terminal, the processor provides a return signal to the second transceiver to make the robot cleaner return.

3. The charging device according to claim 2, wherein: When the charging terminal of the handheld cleaner is electrically connected to the first charging terminal, the processor provides device information to the user. The device information includes at least one of the filter replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, the filter replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner, the battery remaining information of the handheld cleaner, the battery remaining information of the robot cleaner, the dust bucket information of the handheld cleaner, the dust bucket information of the robot cleaner, the battery replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, and the battery replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner.

4. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is electrically connected to the first charger and the second charger, The processor sets charging of the handheld cleaner to be prioritized over charging of the robot cleaner in a case where the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner are not fully charged.

5. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein The processor analyzes a composite pattern of the handheld cleaner and the robot cleaner, and provides cleaning information to a user according to the analyzed composite pattern.

6. The charging device according to claim 5, wherein: The cleaning information includes at least one of the operating time information of the handheld cleaner, the operating time information of the robot cleaner, the time information that has passed since the last operating time of the handheld cleaner, the time information that has passed since the last operating time of the robot cleaner, the cleaning area information that has been cleaned recently, and the cleaning area information that has not been cleaned recently.

7. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein: including a receiver for receiving a signal from a user, The processor provides device information to the user when receiving the signal from the user, The device information includes at least one of the filter replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, the filter replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner, the battery remaining information of the handheld cleaner, the battery remaining information of the robot cleaner, the dust bucket information of the handheld cleaner, the dust bucket information of the robot cleaner, the battery replacement cycle information of the handheld cleaner, and the battery replacement cycle information of the robot cleaner.

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