Cleaning device and method performed thereby

Abstract

A cleaning device and a method performed by the cleaning device are provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, the vacuum cleaner including a dust collection container coupled to the docking station. The docking station includes a suction device configured to move air from the dust collection container to an interior of the docking station, a collector, a suction flow path, a flow conditioning device, and at least one processor; the collector is configured to collect impurities moving together with the air by driving the suction device; air moves inside the docking station along the suction flow path; the flow regulating device is configured to open or close the suction flow path; the at least one processor is configured to control the suction device to operate based on the dust collection container being coupled to the docking station, and to control the flow regulation device to periodically open and close the suction flow path in a state in which the suction device is operating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a vacuum cleaner is a device that is equipped with a fan motor that generates suction power, and is configured to suck impurities such as dust together with air by the suction power generated by the fan motor, separate and collect the sucked impurities from the air, thereby performing cleaning.

[0003] For this reason, the vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection container for collecting impurities, and the user needs to periodically remove the collected impurities from the dust collection container. However, when the user removes the impurities from the dust collection container, the impurities may be scattered, which can increase the concentration of indoor dust.

[0004] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with understanding the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure solve at least the above problems and / or disadvantages and provide at least the advantages described below. Therefore, aspects of the present disclosure provide a cleaning device including a docking station that allows the dust container of a vacuum cleaner to be automatically discharged of impurities by providing an irregular suction airflow when docked by the dust container of the vacuum cleaner.

[0006] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0007] According to one aspect, a cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, the vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection container, the docking station is connected to the dust collection container, the docking station includes a suction device, a collector, a suction flow path, a flow regulating device, and at least one processor, wherein the suction device is configured to move air from the dust collection container to the inside of the docking station, the collector is configured to collect impurities moved with the air by driving the suction device, the air moves inside the docking station along the suction flow path, the flow regulating device is configured to open or close the suction flow path, and the at least one processor is configured to control the suction device to operate in response to the dust collection container being connected to the docking station, and control the flow regulating device to periodically open and close the suction flow path when the suction device is in operation.

[0008] The at least one processor may also be configured to control the suction device and the flow regulating device to stop operating based on a preset operation time after the operation of the suction device is started.

[0009] The at least one processor may be further configured to set the preset operation time to be longer based on the external power frequency becoming lower.

[0010] The at least one processor may be further configured to set a preset operation time based on an opening and closing cycle of the flow regulating device of the suction flow path so that the flow regulating device stops in a state where the suction flow path is opened.

[0011] The at least one processor may also be configured to control the flow regulating device to close the suction flow path based on a preset waiting time after the suction device stops operating.

[0012] The docking station may also include a position detection sensor, which is configured to output a first value in response to the flow regulating device closing the suction flow path, and to output a second value in response to the flow regulating device opening the suction flow path. When the frequency of the external power supply decreases, at least one processor may also be configured to delay the time point when the suction flow path is determined to be closed after starting to output the first value.

[0013] When controlling the suction device to operate, the at least one processor may also be configured to supply voltage to the suction device, and when the voltage supplied to the suction device increases to a target voltage, control the flow regulating device to open the suction flow path.

[0014] The docking station may also include an input configured to receive input from a user.

[0015] In response to the dust collection container being connected to the docking station or in response to receiving an action command through the input device, the at least one processor may be further configured to control the suction device and the flow regulating device to operate in a preset operation time.

[0016] In response to receiving a stop command through the input device when the suction device and the dust collection container are operating, the at least one processor may be further configured to control the flow regulating device to open the suction flow path and control the suction device to stop operating after a predetermined waiting time from the input of the stop command.

[0017] In response to receiving an input of a suction mode through the input device, the at least one processor may be further configured to control the suction device to operate, and control the flow regulating device to open the suction flow path when the suction device operates.

[0018] The docking station may further include a display component and a collector sensor, wherein the operating status is displayed on the display component, and the collector sensor is configured to detect whether the collector is in a full state, wherein the at least one processor may further be configured to control the display component to display that the collector is full in response to the collector being in a full state.

[0019] The docking station may further include an ultraviolet lamp configured to irradiate at least one of the dust collection container and the collector with ultraviolet rays.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning device is provided. The cleaning device includes a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, the vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection container, the docking station is connected to the dust collection container, wherein the docking station includes a suction fan, a motor, and at least one processor, wherein the suction fan is configured to move air from the dust collection container to the inside of the docking station; the motor is configured to rotate the suction fan; and the at least one processor is configured to adjust at least one of the driving time of the motor and the rotation speed of the motor when repeating the on and off operations of the motor.

[0021] The at least one processor may also be configured to adjust at least one of the time the motor is in the on state and the time the motor is in the off state whenever the motor is alternately turned on and off.

[0022] At least one processor may also be configured to adjust the pulse width of the power supply voltage supplied to the motor to adjust the rotation speed of the motor each time the motor is alternately turned on and off.

[0023] At least one processor may also be configured to set different pulse widths for pulses of the power supply voltage during at least one of the time periods when the motor is turned on or off, so that the motor vibrates.

[0024] The docking station may also include a suction flow path and a flow regulating device, along which air moves inside the docking station, and the flow regulating device is configured to open or close the suction flow path, wherein the at least one processor is also configured to control the motor to be in an on state in response to the flow regulating device opening the suction flow path, and to control the motor to be in an off state in response to the flow regulating device closing the suction flow path.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a control method for a cleaning device including a vacuum cleaner is provided. The cleaning device includes a dust collection container and a docking station connected to the dust collection container, the method comprising: in response to the dust collection container being connected to the docking station, controlling a suction device configured to move air from the dust collection container to the inside of the docking station to operate; and in a state where the suction device is in operation, controlling a flow regulating device to periodically open and close a suction flow path, wherein air moves along the suction flow path inside the docking station.

[0026] The method may further include controlling the suction device and the flow regulating device to stop operating based on a lapse of a preset operation time after the operation of the suction device is started.

[0027] Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art through the following detailed description which discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is an external view showing a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 is a view showing a state in which a dust collection container of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to a docking station;

[0031] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 is a control block diagram showing a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6 is a view showing a situation in which the docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure automatically operates when connected with a dust collection container;

[0035] Figure 7 is a view showing a situation in which the docking station operates in response to an input of a motion command according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 8 is a view for describing a point in time when the docking station determines that the suction flow path is closed in association with the external power frequency according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a view for describing a situation in which the docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure starts operating;

[0038] Fig.10 is a view showing a situation in which the docking station stops operating in response to an input of a stop command when the suction flow path is opened according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig.11 is a view showing a situation in which the docking station stops operating in response to an input of a stop command when the suction flow path is closed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig.12 is a graph showing time-varying switching control of a first motor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig.13 is a view for describing a case where a different rotation speed is provided whenever a turning-on operation of a first motor is repeated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig.14 is a view for describing a case in which a first motor vibrates to transfer vibration to a dust collection container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.15 is a view for describing controlling a first motor in association with an operation of a flow path valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig.16 is a view for describing a case where the docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs a suction mode;

[0045] Fig.17 is a view for describing a case where the docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure executes a display mode;

[0046] Fig.18 is a view for describing a situation in which the docking station determines that the collector is full according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig.19 is a view for describing a situation in which a docking station irradiates ultraviolet rays according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig. 20 is a flow chart of a method of controlling a cleaning device according to an embodiment, which illustrates automatic operation when connected to a dust collection container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig.21 is a flow chart of a method of controlling a cleaning device, which illustrates operations in response to input of a motion command according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 22 is a flow chart of a method of controlling a cleaning device, which illustrates stopping operation in response to input of a stop command according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig.23 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a cleaning device, which illustrates a case where the flow rate of a suction airflow is adjusted by controlling a first motor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig.24is a flow chart of a method of controlling a cleaning device, which illustrates a case where a first motor is controlled in association with an operation of a flow path valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig.25 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling a cleaning device to perform a suction mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig.26 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling a cleaning device to perform a display mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0055] Fig. 27 is a flow chart showing a method of controlling a cleaning device showing fullness of a collector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in understanding, but these specific details are considered to be exemplary only. Therefore, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0058] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0059] It should be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0060] It should also be understood that the term "connect" or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections, and that indirect connections include connections over wireless communication networks.

[0061] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to constrain and / or limit the present disclosure. For example, unless the context clearly provides otherwise, singular expressions herein may include plural expressions. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" are intended to list the features, numbers, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0062] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items or any one of multiple related items.

[0063] In addition, terms described in the specification, such as "part", "module", and "unit", refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation and may be implemented by software, hardware components (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), or a combination of software and hardware.

[0064] The reference numerals used for the method operations are used only for convenience of explanation and do not limit the order of the operations. Therefore, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the written order can be practiced in other ways.

[0065] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 is an external view showing a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a dust collection container of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to a docking station.

[0067] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment, a cleaning device 1 may include a vacuum cleaner 10 and a docking station 100, wherein the vacuum cleaner 10 includes a dust collection container 15 configured to store sucked impurities, and the docking station 100 is configured to suck impurities stored in the dust collection container 15 when connected to the dust collection container 15 to remove impurities from the dust collection container 15.

[0068] The vacuum cleaner 10 according to the present embodiment includes a cleaner body 11, an extension pipe (not shown) detachably connected to the cleaner body 11, a suction unit (not shown) detachably connected to the extension pipe (not shown), and a dust collection container 15 detachably connected to the cleaner body 11.

[0069] The cleaner body 11 may include a suction motor (not shown) that generates suction power required to suck foreign matter on the surface to be cleaned, and a dust collection container 15 in which the foreign matter sucked from the surface to be cleaned is accommodated.

[0070] The dust container 15 is arranged upstream of the air flow relative to the suction motor and is configured to filter and collect dust or dirt in the air flowing into the dust container 15 through the suction unit (not shown). The dust container 15 may be detachably provided on the cleaner body 11.

[0071] The vacuum cleaner 10 may include a filter housing 12. The filter housing 12 is provided in a generally annular shape to accommodate a filter (not shown) therein. The type of the filter is not limited, but, for example, a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter may be arranged inside the filter housing 12. The filter may filter ultrafine dust or the like that is not filtered out from the dust collection container 15. The filter housing 12 may include an outlet 13 so that the air that passes through the filter is discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 10.

[0072] The cleaner body 11 may include a handle 14 that a user may grip to manipulate the vacuum cleaner 10. The user may grip the handle 14 and move the vacuum cleaner 10 forward and backward.

[0073] The cleaner body 11 may include a battery 16 that provides driving power to the vacuum cleaner 10. The battery 16 may be detachably mounted to the cleaner body 11.

[0074] The cleaner body 11 may include a manipulation member 17. A user may turn on / off the vacuum cleaner 10 or adjust suction strength by manipulating a power button or the like provided on the manipulation member 17.

[0075] The cleaner body 11 may include a dust collection guide 30 to guide foreign matter to the dust collection container 15 by connecting the dust collection container 15 to an extension pipe (not shown) and a suction unit (not shown).

[0076] As described above, the dust collection guide 30 may be coupled to the above-mentioned extension pipe (not shown) when guiding the impurities to the dust collection container 15. In addition, in addition to the extension pipe (not shown), the dust collection guide 30 may be configured to be directly coupled to the suction unit (not shown) or may be coupled to other components, such as an auxiliary suction unit.

[0077] Therefore, the user can couple various components to the dust collection guide 30 according to cleaning conditions, thereby improving the convenience of cleaning.

[0078] Reference Figure 2The docking station 100 according to the present embodiment may include a main body 101 and a docking housing 102 formed to allow the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 to be docked thereto. The docking housing 102 may include a seating portion 181 on which the dust collection container 15 is seated.

[0079] In addition, the docking station 100 may include a cover 103 disposed over the body 101 and configured to open and close the docking housing 102 .

[0080] In addition, the docking station 100 may include an input device 120 disposed on an upper portion thereof to receive an input from a user. Figure 2 As shown, the inputter 120 may be provided as a button, a switch, etc. However, the position and type of the inputter 120 are not limited thereto as long as the inputter can receive an input from a user.

[0081] In addition, the docking station 100 may include a panel 104 disposed on the front surface of the body 101 and configured to be detachable from the body 101. The panel 104 may be disposed on the side surface or rear surface as well as the front surface of the body 101 so that it is detachable from the body 101.

[0082] Since the panel 104 is separated from the main body 101, the user can open the collector (which will be described below), and the user can easily replace the dust bag of the collector.

[0083] In addition, the docking station 100 may further include a display part 170 disposed on the front surface thereof and displaying the operating state of the docking station 100. For example, Figure 2 As shown, the display part 170 may correspond to a light emitting diode (LED) panel that emits light. However, the position and type of the display part 170 are not limited thereto as long as the display part 170 can display an operation state.

[0084] In this case, the docking station 100 may be used to automatically discharge foreign matter in the dust collection container 15 by changing the suction airflow supplied to the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 .

[0085] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the docking station 100 according to the present embodiment may be configured to allow only the dust collection container 15 to be docked thereto, without allowing the dust collection guide 30 to be docked thereto.

[0086] That is, in the docking station 100 according to the present embodiment, even when only the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100 , automatic discharge of the docking station 100 can be effectively performed.

[0087] Therefore, the user can only detach the dust collection container 15 from the vacuum cleaner 10 and dock the dust collection container 15 to the docking station 100, rather than docking the vacuum cleaner 10 as a whole to the docking station 100. Therefore, the size of the docking station 100 can be miniaturized, and dust can be automatically discharged by simply detaching the dust collection container 15.

[0088] However, the type of the docking station 100 is not limited to the above example, and according to an embodiment, the docking station 100 may include a component to which the dust collection guide 30 is docked so that the vacuum cleaner 10 can be docked to the docking station 100 as a whole, and the docking station 100 can use the integrally docked vacuum cleaner 10 to provide a suction airflow to the dust collection container 15.

[0089] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the dust collection container 15 is separated and docked to the docking station 100 will be described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and the following description may be applicable to an embodiment in which the vacuum cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100 as a whole.

[0090] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a docking station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is a side sectional view showing the docking station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The docking station 100 according to the present embodiment may be equipped with a suction device 150 and discharge impurities collected in the dust collection container 15 from the dust collection container 15. The suction device 150 may be arranged inside the body 101 and include a suction fan 153 for moving air and a first motor 151 for rotating the suction fan 153.

[0092] The docking station 100 according to the present embodiment may include a collector 190 in which foreign matter discharged from the dust collection container 15 is collected. The collector 190 may be arranged inside the body 101. The collector 190 may be arranged upstream of the airflow relative to the suction device 150.

[0093] The docking station 100 according to the present embodiment includes a suction flow path 180 including one end connected to the dust collection container 15 and the other end connected to the suction device 150 , and air moved by the suction device 150 flows through the suction flow path 180 .

[0094] In detail, the suction flow path 180 may connect the docking housing 102 to the suction device 150. In this case, the collector 190 may be provided on the suction flow path 180.

[0095] That is, the suction flow path 180 connects the docking housing 102 to the collector 190 so that foreign matter discharged from the dust collecting container 15 is sucked into the collector 190 through the docking housing 102 .

[0096] The docking housing 102 may include a seating portion 181 communicating with the suction flow path 180 , and the dust collection container 15 is seated on the seating portion 181 .

[0097] The placement portion 181 may be a space in the docking housing 102 that is open to the outside so that the dust collection container 15 is inserted and placed thereon. When the dust collection container 15 is placed on the placement portion 181, the docking of the dust collection container 15 with the docking station 100 may be completed.

[0098] Although not shown in the drawings, a sensor may be provided inside the placement portion 181 to detect whether the dust collection container 15 is connected. Therefore, when the dust collection container 15 is placed on the placement portion 181, the docking station 100 may detect whether the dust collection container 15 is connected by the sensor 110 (see FIG. Figure 5 ) is used to identify the state of the dust collection container 15 being docked to the docking station 100.

[0099] The multi-cyclone separator 18 may be arranged inside the dust collecting container 15. The dust collecting container 15 may be configured to collect impurities in the lower side 18a of the multi-cyclone separator 18. The dust collecting container 15 includes a first dust collector 15a and a second dust collector 15b, wherein the first dust collector 15a collects relatively large impurities that are mainly collected, and the second dust collector 15b collects relatively small impurities collected by the multi-cyclone separator 18.

[0100] When the dust collection container door 19 is opened, both the first dust collector 15a and the second dust collector 15b may be configured to be open to the outside.

[0101] Therefore, when the dust collection container door 19 disposed below the dust collection container 15 is opened, foreign matter collected in the dust collection container 15 can be easily discharged to the seating portion 181 .

[0102] To this end, the dust collection container 15 may include a dust collection container door 19, which is configured to open the dust collection container 15 when the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100; and the docking station 100 may include an opening guide, which is configured to squeeze one side of the dust collection container door 19 to open the dust collection container door 19 when the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100.

[0103] The opening guide may be formed as a part of the inner circumferential surface of the seating portion 181. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto; and the opening guide may be provided as an area protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the seating portion 181 toward the center side, or may be provided in the shape of a protrusion, rib, etc. protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the seating portion 181 toward the center side. However, the position and type of the opening guide are not limited to the above examples, and the opening guide may be implemented in various structures without restriction as long as it can open the dust collection container door 19 when the dust collection container 15 is seated.

[0104] Therefore, when the dust collection container 15 is docked to the seating portion 181 , the pushing member provided at one side of the dust collection container door 19 is automatically pressed against the opening guide so that the dust collection container door 19 can be opened simultaneously when the dust collection container 15 is docked to the docking station 100 .

[0105] The suction flow path 180 may pass through the main body 101 from the docking housing 102 and then be connected to the suction device 150 .

[0106] The suction flow path 180 can transfer the flow of the airflow generated by the suction device 150 to the dust collection container 15. That is, the suction airflow generated by the suction device 150 is transmitted to the inside of the dust collection container 15 along the collector 190 and the placement part 181 through the suction flow path 180, and the impurities in the dust collection container 15 are discharged from the dust collection container 15 to the placement part 181 according to the flow of the airflow through the suction airflow, and then collected by the collector 190 through the suction flow path 180.

[0107] The collector 190 may include a collector housing 191. The collector housing 191 may form an inner space. That is, the collector housing 191 may correspond to a portion of the suction flow path 180, but for ease of description, it is described as a separate component.

[0108] The collector 190 may include a collector cover 192. The collector cover 192 may be disposed on a front surface of the collector housing 191. The collector cover 192 may open or close the collector housing 191 so that the inside of the collector 190 is open to the outside in a state where the panel 104 is separated.

[0109] The collector 190 may include a dust bag 193 that is disposed in an inner space of the collector housing 191 and collects foreign matter flowing through the suction flow path 180 .

[0110] The dust collecting bag 193 is formed of a material that transmits air but blocks foreign matter, so that foreign matter introduced from the dust collecting container 15 into the collector 190 may be collected in the dust collecting bag 193 .

[0111] The dust bag 193 may be provided on the suction flow path 180 , and the dust bag 193 may be provided separately from the collector 190 .

[0112] When the docking station 100 is driven and foreign matter is collected in the dust bag 193 , the user separates the panel 104 and opens the collector cover 192 to separate the dust bag 193 from the collector 190 , so that the foreign matter collected in the docking station 100 is discharged.

[0113] The suction device 150 includes a suction fan 153, a first motor 151 for rotating the suction fan 153, and a suction device housing 106 forming an inner space in which the suction fan 153 is arranged.

[0114] The suction device housing 106 may include a suction device cover 107 that is disposed on the body 101 and opens and closes the inside of the suction device 150. The suction device cover 107 may be configured to exhaust air sucked by the suction fan 153.

[0115] The suction airflow formed by the suction fan 153 may be supplied to the collector 190 through the suction flow path 180 in the inner space of the suction device housing 106 , and then supplied to the dust collection container 15 .

[0116] As described above, the suction device 150 may supply a suction airflow to the dust collection container 15 by rotating the suction fan 153 , and the air flowing by the suction fan 153 may move from the dust collection container 15 to the collector and eventually to the outside of the docking station 100 .

[0117] The docking station 100 may further include a flow regulating device 160, which is configured to selectively change the amount of suction airflow supplied to the dust collection container 15 according to the embodiment. The flow regulating device 160 may include a flow path valve 163 configured to open or close the suction flow path 180 and a second motor 161 that transmits power to the flow path valve 163.

[0118] The flow regulating device 160 may be arranged inside the body 101. The flow regulating device 160 may be arranged between the collector 190 and the suction device 150. In detail, the flow path valve 163 may be arranged between the connection flow path (suction flow path) 180 that connects the collector 190 to the suction device 150 and allows air to flow therein. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flow path valve 163 may be provided to be arranged between the connection flow path (suction flow path) 180 that connects the collector 190 and the seating portion 181.

[0119] That is, the flow path valve 163 may open and close the suction flow path 180 based on the power supplied from the second motor 161. To this end, the flow path valve 163 may be provided on the suction flow path 180.

[0120] For example, the flow path valve 163 may include a body portion having a plate shape and configured to reciprocate in one direction, and may be configured to open and close the suction flow path 180 by the reciprocating motion of the body portion.

[0121] In addition, the flow path valve 163 may be configured to be in a roughly cylindrical form that can rotate around a central axis, and may include a main body portion providing a cylindrical form and a cutout portion formed by cutting both sides of the main body portion around a central side; and as the main body portion and the cutout portion rotate around the central axis, the suction flow path 180 is opened and closed.

[0122] However, the type of the flow path valve 163 is not limited to the above example, and the flow path valve 163 may be implemented without limitation as long as it can open and close the suction flow path 180 based on the power transmitted from the second motor 161 .

[0123] In the above, the structural characteristics of the cleaning device 1 have been described in detail. The following description will be related to the control configuration of irregularly providing the suction airflow to the dust collection container 15 connected to the docking station 100.

[0124] Figure 5 is a control block diagram illustrating the docking station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] Reference Figure 5According to the present embodiment, the docking station 100 includes a sensor 110, an input device 120, a position detection sensor 130, a collector sensor 195, a controller 140, a suction device 150, a flow regulating device 160, a display component 170, and an ultraviolet irradiator 185, wherein the sensor 110 is used to detect whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100; the input device 120 is used to receive input from the user; the position detection sensor 130 is used to detect the position of the flow path valve 163 of the flow regulating device 160; the collector sensor 195 is used to detect whether the collector 190 is in a full state. state; the controller 140 is used to control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to provide irregular suction airflow to the dust collecting container 15; the suction device 150 includes a first motor 151 and a suction fan 153 and generates a suction airflow to be supplied to the dust collecting container 15; the flow regulating device 160 includes a second motor 161 and a flow path valve 163 for opening and closing the suction flow path 180, and adjusts the flow rate of the suction airflow to be supplied to the dust collecting container 15; the operation state is displayed on the display part 170; the ultraviolet irradiator 185 irradiates the dust collecting container 15 or the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays.

[0126] However, depending on the implementation, the Figure 5 Some components of the docking station 100 are shown, and the docking station 100 may further include Figure 5 Other components than those shown (for example, a storage device storing various information such as a flash memory, a random access memory device (RAM), and a hard disk drive (HDD)).

[0127] The sensor 110 according to the present embodiment may detect whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 .

[0128] To this end, the sensor 110 may be provided at one end of the suction flow path 180 connected to the dust collection container 15, and the output when the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 may be different from the output when the dust collection container 15 is not connected to the docking station 100. In detail, the sensor 110 may be installed at one end of the installation part 181.

[0129] For example, the sensor 110 may be provided as an infrared sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, etc., but is not limited thereto. Various sensors may be provided without limitation as long as the sensor can change an output value depending on whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 .

[0130] The inputter 120 according to the present embodiment may receive an input from a user.

[0131] To this end, the inputter 120 may be provided on the main body 101 of the docking station 100 and may be implemented using a physical button, a switch, a knob, a touch pad, or the like.

[0132] For example, the inputter 120 may be provided on the upper side of the docking station 100 and may be provided as a button or a switch. However, the position and type of the inputter 120 are not limited as long as it can receive a user input.

[0133] In detail, the inputter 120 may receive a motion command and a stop command from the user for an operation of removing foreign matter from the dust collection container 15. In addition, according to an embodiment, the inputter 120 may receive motion commands for various modes, such as a suction mode, a display mode, and the like.

[0134] The position detection sensor 130 according to the present embodiment may detect the position of the flow regulating device 160 .

[0135] In detail, the position detection sensor 130 may detect whether the flow path valve 163 of the flow regulating device 160 is in a position where the flow path valve 163 closes the suction flow path 180 or in a position where the flow path valve 163 opens the suction flow path 180 .

[0136] For example, the position detection sensor 130 may be configured as a micro switch that is pressurized according to the movement of the flow path valve 163 to output a first value when the flow path valve 163 closes the suction flow path 180 and to output a second value when the flow path valve 163 opens the suction flow path 180 .

[0137] However, the position detection sensor 130 is not limited to the above example, and the position detection sensor 130 may be provided as a motor position sensor configured to measure the position of the second motor 161 transmitting power to the flow path valve 163 to output a first value when the flow path valve 163 closes the suction flow path 180, and output a second value when the flow path valve 163 opens the suction flow path 180. In this case, the position detection sensor 130 may detect the position of the rotor included in the second motor 161, and for this purpose, may be provided on a surface facing the rotating shaft of the second motor 161. For example, the position detection sensor 130 may correspond to a Hall sensor using a Hall effect, but is not limited thereto, and the position detection sensor 130 may be variously provided without limitation as long as it may change an output signal according to the rotation of the motor.

[0138] The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 so that when the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 , foreign matter in the dust collection container 15 is discharged into the docking station 100 .

[0139] In detail, the controller 140 may determine whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 based on the output value of the sensor 110 , and when the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 , the controller 140 may control the operation of the first motor 151 to start.

[0140] However, the controller 140 may also consider a user's motion command input through the inputter 120 in addition to the output value of the sensor 110 to control the operation start only in the presence of the motion command from the user.

[0141] In this case, when the first motor 151 is kept turned on and the same suction airflow is supplied to the dust collection container 15, some impurities may be trapped by the internal components of the dust collection container 15 and may not be discharged to the outside. For example, impurities (e.g., hair) may be trapped by the internal structure of the dust collection container 15, and despite the suction airflow, the impurities may remain in the dust collection container 15 and may not be separated to the outside of the dust collection container 15. That is, the suction airflow delivered to the inside of the dust collection container 15 may only be formed in the same direction. Therefore, some impurities may have resistance to the direction in which the suction airflow is formed, and therefore may not be separated to the outside of the dust collection container 15 by the suction airflow. In this way, the impurities inside the dust collection container 15 may not be effectively discharged.

[0142] When the suction airflow is supplied to the dust collecting container 15 by the suction fan 153 and the air in the dust collecting container 15 is sucked, the docking station 100 according to the present embodiment allows the suction airflow to be changed, thereby changing the flow rate of the air inside the dust collecting container 15 and diversifying the flow of the air inside the dust collecting container 15.

[0143] In order to provide an irregular suction airflow to the dust collection container 15 , the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to periodically open and close the suction flow path 180 during operation of the suction device 150 (ie, when the first motor 151 remains turned on).

[0144] In this case, the controller 140 may continuously supply voltage to the first motor 151 so that the suction device 150 operates; and during the operation of the suction device 150 , the controller 140 may even continuously supply voltage to the second motor 161 of the flow regulating device 160 .

[0145] With this configuration, the suction device 150 may continuously generate a suction airflow through the suction fan 153 , and the flow regulating device 160 may periodically open and close the suction flow path 180 so that the flow rate of the suction airflow formed by the suction device 150 is periodically changed.

[0146] As the direction of the airflow changes instantaneously, some impurities having resistance to a specific direction may lose resistance due to the air flow in another direction, and thus may escape the dust collecting container 15 together with the airflow.

[0147] In this case, the foreign matter separated and discharged from the dust collecting container 15 may be moved together with the air by the driving of the suction fan 153 and then collected by the collector 190 provided in the suction flow path 180 .

[0148] That is, the controller 140 may allow the flow regulating device 160 to periodically open and close the suction flow path 180, so that the flow of the air inside the dust collection container 15 is changed. Through this configuration, the impurities in the dust collection container 15 can be discharged more effectively.

[0149] An embodiment in which the suction flow path 180 is periodically opened and closed by the flow regulating device 160 during continuous operation of the suction device 150 (first motor 151 ) to remove impurities from the dust collecting container 15 will be described in detail below.

[0150] Furthermore, in order to provide an irregular suction airflow to the dust collecting container 15 , the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may adjust at least one of the driving time and the rotation speed of the first motor 151 when repeatedly turning on / off the first motor 151 of the suction device 150 .

[0151] That is, the controller 140 may control the first motor 151 so that the first motor 151 is repeatedly turned on and off.

[0152] In this case, whenever the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off, the controller 140 adjusts at least one of a time when the first motor 151 is turned on and a time when the first motor 151 is turned off, thereby adjusting a driving time of the first motor 151 .

[0153] In addition, whenever the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off, the controller 140 may adjust a pulse width of a power voltage supplied to the first motor 151 , thereby adjusting a rotation speed of the first motor 151 .

[0154] In this case, according to the driving time of the first motor 151 or the change in the rotation speed of the first motor 151, the suction fan 153 can provide a suction airflow with different suction powers whenever the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off, and since the internal pressure of the dust collecting container 15 changes due to the irregular suction airflow, impurities in the dust collecting container 15 can be smoothly discharged from the dust collecting container 15.

[0155] That is, as the air flow rate inside the dust collecting container 15 changes, the air diffuses in all directions within the space inside the dust collecting container 15, and therefore, the air flow inside the dust collecting container 15 may change in different directions.

[0156] As the direction of the air flow changes instantaneously, some impurities having resistance to a specific direction may lose resistance due to the air flow in another direction and may escape the dust collecting container 15 together with the air flow.

[0157] In this case, the foreign matter separated and discharged from the dust collecting container 15 may be moved together with the air by the driving of the suction fan 153 and collected in the collector 190 provided in the suction flow path 180 .

[0158] That is, the controller 140 can repeatedly supply and stop the suction airflow to the dust collection container 15 through the on-off control of the first motor 151, and change the supply time or suction power during the supply of the suction airflow, thereby periodically changing the flow of air in the dust collection container 15. Through this configuration, impurities in the dust collection container 15 can be discharged more effectively.

[0159] In addition, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may set different pulse widths for the pulses of the power supply voltage in at least one period of time when the first motor 151 is turned on and off, so that the first motor 151 vibrates.

[0160] That is, the controller 140 sets pulse widths of pulses of the power voltage to be different from each other within a turn-on time for turning on the first motor 151 by supplying a voltage to the first motor 151 , and supplies the set pulse widths to the first motor 151 .

[0161] For example, the controller 140 may adjust the pulse width of the power supply voltage so that a first pulse width and a second pulse width are alternately provided as a pulse of the power supply voltage propagates in at least one time interval.

[0162] In this case, the first motor 151 may be subjected to a rapid change in rotation speed based on a pulse width difference between pulses of the power voltage, and thus, the first motor 151 may vibrate.

[0163] The vibration of the first motor 151 may be transmitted to the main body of the docking station 100 and the dust collection container 15 connected to the docking station 100. That is, the dust collection container 15 may vibrate according to the vibration of the first motor 151, and impurities in the dust collection container 15 may be more effectively discharged according to the vibration. For example, even if the suction airflow is trapped in the internal components of the dust collection container 15, impurities that are not discharged from the dust collection container 15 may be discharged from the dust collection container 15 along with the suction airflow according to the vibration of the dust collection container 15.

[0164] The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may repeat on / off control of the first motor 151 when the dust collection container 15 is separated from the docking station 100 or a stop command is input, or until the first motor 151 completes a predetermined number of on operations (e.g., a preset operation duration).

[0165] When the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 and then detached from the docking station 100 , the controller 140 may drive the first motor 151 for a preset time set in advance so that the impurities remaining in the suction flow path 180 are collected by the collector 190 .

[0166] In addition to the control of the first motor 151 , the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the flow path valve 163 so that the suction flow path 180 is periodically opened and closed while the suction airflow is supplied by the suction fan 153 according to the driving of the first motor 151 .

[0167] That is, the controller 140 controls the second motor 161 so that the flow path valve 163 periodically opens and closes the suction flow path 180 to repeatedly supply and stop the suction airflow to the dust collection container 15, thereby periodically changing the flow of air inside the dust collection container 15. In other words, the flow path valve 163 can adjust the flow rate of the air moved by the suction fan 153, and completely stop the suction airflow that may remain during the off time when the voltage is not supplied to the first motor 151, thereby more effectively changing the flow of air inside the dust collection container 15.

[0168] In this case, the controller 140 can determine whether the suction flow path 180 is opened or closed by the flow path valve 163 based on the output value of the position detection sensor 130, and drive the first motor 151 based on the opening or closing of the suction flow path 180, thereby improving the noise and overload of the first motor 151.

[0169] In detail, when the flow path valve 163 opens the suction flow path 180 , the controller 140 controls the first motor 151 to be turned on, and when the flow path valve 163 closes the suction flow path 180 , the controller 140 controls the first motor 151 to be turned off.

[0170] That is, the controller 140 controls the first motor 151 and the second motor 161 in conjunction with each other, thereby more effectively performing the supply and repetition of the suction airflow, and preventing the suction fan 153 from causing noise due to rotation when the suction flow path 180 is closed, and improving the overload of the first motor 151.

[0171] The controller 140 may control the second motor 161 so that the flow path valve 163 opens and closes the suction flow path 180 at a preset cycle, or may control the second motor 161 to operate in response to a changed driving time of the first motor 151 when the first motor 151 is alternately opened and closed.

[0172] That is, when an on time when voltage is supplied to the first motor 151 or an off time when voltage is not supplied to the first motor 151 changes, the controller 140 may control the second motor 161 to operate the flow path valve 163 in response to the changed on time or off time.

[0173] The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the flow path valve 163 to close the suction flow path 180 when the dust collection container 15 is separated from the docking station 100. That is, the controller 140 may control the second motor 161 so that the flow path valve 163 closes the suction flow path 180.

[0174] In this case, closing of the suction flow path 180 according to the embodiment may be performed after the first motor 151 is driven for a preset time set so that foreign matter remaining in the suction flow path 180 is collected by the collector 190 .

[0175] An embodiment in which the suction device 150 (first motor 151 ) repeats the opening operation and the closing operation to remove foreign matter from the dust collecting container 15 will be described in detail below.

[0176] In response to an action command for the suction mode received through the input 120, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment can control the operation of the suction device 150 by continuously supplying voltage to the suction device 150, and control the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180 so that the suction fan 153 rotates continuously without closing the suction flow path 180.

[0177] The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may determine whether the collector 190 is in a full state based on the output of the collector sensor 195 , and when the collector 190 is in a full state, the controller 140 may control the display part 170 to display that the collector 190 is full.

[0178] The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the ultraviolet irradiator 185 to irradiate the dust collecting container 15 or the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays.

[0179] In detail, the controller 140 may control the ultraviolet irradiator 185 to perform ultraviolet irradiation when the suction device 150 operates to remove foreign matter from the dust collection container 15 , and may control the ultraviolet irradiator 185 to perform ultraviolet irradiation based on a user input input through the inputter 120 .

[0180] In response to receiving a user input for a display mode through the inputter 120 , the controller 140 according to an embodiment may control the display part 170 to emit light.

[0181] The controller 140 may include at least one memory and at least one processor, wherein the at least one memory stores a program for performing the above-mentioned operations and the following operations, and the at least one processor is used to execute the stored program. When the memory and the processor are provided in plurality, the plurality of memories and the plurality of processors may be integrated into one chip, or may be provided in physically separate locations.

[0182] The suction device 150 according to the present embodiment may supply a suction airflow to the dust collecting container 15 , and to this end, the suction device 150 may include a suction fan 153 and a first motor 151 for transmitting power to the suction fan 153 .

[0183] The first motor 151 rotates according to the power supply voltage to transmit the rotation power to the suction fan 153 .

[0184] The suction fan 153 rotates based on the power supplied from the first motor 151 to move air from the dust collection container 15 into the docking station 100 .

[0185] To this end, the suction fan 153 may be provided at one end thereof connected to the other end of the suction flow path 180 of the dust collecting container 15 , and may be mechanically connected to the first motor 151 to receive power from the first motor 151 .

[0186] The flow regulating device 160 according to the present embodiment can open and close the suction flow path 180 at a predetermined cycle when voltage is supplied. To this end, the flow regulating device 160 includes a flow path valve 163 capable of opening and closing the suction flow path 180 and a second motor 161 transmitting power to the flow path valve 163.

[0187] The second motor 161 may transmit power to the flow path valve 163 to open and close the suction flow path 180 .

[0188] In detail, under the control of the controller 140, the second motor 161 can transmit power to the flow path valve 163 at a preset cycle, or can transmit power to the flow path valve 163 corresponding to the changed driving time of the first motor 151 whenever the first motor 151 is alternately opened and closed.

[0189] The flow path valve 163 according to the present embodiment may open and close the suction flow path 180 based on the power supplied by the second motor 161. To this end, the flow path valve 163 may be provided on the suction flow path 180.

[0190] For example, the flow path valve 163 may include a body portion having a plate shape and disposed to reciprocate in one direction, and may open and close the suction flow path 180 by the reciprocating motion of the body portion.

[0191] In addition, the flow path valve 163 may include a generally cylindrical form configured to rotate about a central axis, and include a main body portion providing the cylindrical form and a cutout portion formed by cutting both sides of the main body portion relative to the central axis, and the flow path valve 163 may be configured to open and close the suction flow path 180 when the main body portion and the cutout portion rotate relative to the central axis.

[0192] However, the type of the flow path valve 163 is not limited to the above example, and the flow path valve 163 may be implemented without limitation as long as it can open and close the suction flow path 180 based on the power transmitted from the second motor 161 .

[0193] The display part 170 according to the present embodiment may display an operation state of the docking station 100 .

[0194] For example, the display component 170 may correspond to a light emitting diode (LED) panel for emitting light, and may include a front display provided at the front surface of the docking station 100 to emit light to the outside of the docking station 100 and an internal display provided on the seating portion 181 to emit light to the dust collection container 15 from the inside of the seating portion 181.

[0195] The display part 170 may correspond to an LED panel provided on the seating portion 181 , and may emit light from the inside of the seating portion 181 toward the dust collection container 15 .

[0196] However, the position and type of the display part 170 are not limited thereto as long as the display part 170 can display the operation status.

[0197] The ultraviolet irradiator 185 according to the present embodiment may irradiate the dust collecting container 15 or the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays.

[0198] To this end, the ultraviolet irradiator 185 can be set as an ultraviolet lamp disposed on the placement portion 181 and emitting ultraviolet rays. In this case, the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiator 185 can be irradiated to the dust collection container 15 connected to the docking station 100 and irradiated to the collector 190 through the suction flow path 180.

[0199] In addition, the ultraviolet irradiator 185 according to the embodiment may include a motor, and may irradiate the dust collecting container 15 or the collector 190 by mechanically adjusting an irradiation angle based on the rotation power of the motor using ultraviolet rays.

[0200] In addition, the ultraviolet irradiator 185 according to the embodiment may include a plurality of ultraviolet lamps, and may irradiate the dust collecting container 15 or the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays by adjusting the irradiation intensity of each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps in an array form to electrically adjust the irradiation angle.

[0201] In addition, the ultraviolet irradiator 185 according to the embodiment may include an ultraviolet lamp provided on the seating portion 181 to irradiate the dust collecting container 15 with ultraviolet rays and an ultraviolet lamp provided on the collector housing 191 to irradiate the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays.

[0202] The collector sensor 195 according to the present embodiment may detect whether the collector 190 is in a full state.

[0203] For example, the collector sensor 195 may be configured as a pressure sensor, and when the collector 190 is in a full state and disturbs the suction airflow of the suction device 150, the collector sensor 195 may detect a pressure different from the pressure in normal operation. With this configuration, when the collector sensor 195 outputs a pressure different from the pressure in normal operation, the controller 140 may determine that the collector 190 is in a full state.

[0204] However, the collector sensor 195 is not limited to the above examples and may be various as long as it can detect the fullness of the collector 190, for example, an optical sensor or a camera.

[0205] In the above, the components of the docking station 100 have been described in detail. The following will describe providing an irregular suction airflow to the dust collection container 15 so as to effectively discharge the impurities in the dust collection container 15.

[0206] First, an embodiment will be described in detail in which, in order to provide an irregular suction airflow to the dust collecting container 15 , the suction device 150 is controlled to operate continuously and the flow regulating device 160 is controlled to periodically open and close the suction flow path 180 .

[0207] Figure 6 is a view showing a situation in which the docking station 100 automatically operates when connected with the dust collection container 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 is a view showing a situation where the docking station 100 operates in response to an input of a motion command according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 is a view for describing a time point when the docking station 100 determines closing of the suction flow path 180 in combination with an external power frequency according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 9 1 is a view for describing a case where the docking station 100 starts an operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] Reference Figure 6 The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may be configured to, when connected to the dust collecting container 15, initiate an operation for removing impurities from the dust collecting container 15 by supplying voltage to the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 upon receiving a separate user input.

[0209] In detail, in response to determining that the dust collection container 15 is docked to the seating portion 181 of the docking station 100 based on the output of the sensor 110 , the controller 140 may control supplying voltage to the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to start an operation of removing impurities from the dust collection container 15 .

[0210] In addition, refer to Figure 7 When an action command from a user is received through the input device 120 while being connected to the dust collecting container 15, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may be configured to start the operation of removing impurities from the dust collecting container 15 by supplying voltage to the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160.

[0211] For example, the user may input a motion command by pressing a button corresponding to the inputter 120 .

[0212] Regardless of whether the operation is initiated by connection of the dust collection container 15 or by input of a motion command from the user, the details of the operation of removing impurities from the dust collection container 15 are the same, and will be referred to hereinafter. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The operation of removing foreign matter from the dust collecting container 15 will be described.

[0213] When the start of operation is determined based on the connection of the dust collection container 15 or the user inputs an action command, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 to operate to remove dust. That is, the controller 140 may supply voltage to the suction device 150 to drive the suction fan 153 to form a suction airflow.

[0214] In addition, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to periodically open and close the suction flow path 180 while the suction device 150 operates. That is, the controller 140 may supply voltage to the flow regulating device 160 to open and close the suction flow path 180 at a preset cycle.

[0215] Through this configuration, the suction device 150 may continuously generate a suction airflow through the suction fan 153 , and the flow regulating device 160 may periodically open and close the suction flow path 180 to periodically change the flow rate of the suction airflow generated by the suction device 150 .

[0216] As the direction of the air flow changes instantaneously, some impurities having resistance to a specific direction may lose resistance due to the air flow in another direction and may escape the dust collecting container 15 together with the air flow.

[0217] In this case, the foreign matter separated and discharged from the dust collecting container 15 may be moved together with the air by the driving of the suction fan 153 and collected in the collector 190 provided in the suction flow path 180 .

[0218] That is, the controller 140 can change the flow of air inside the dust collection container 15 by allowing the flow regulating device 160 to periodically open or close the suction flow path 180. Through this configuration, impurities in the dust collection container 15 can be discharged more effectively.

[0219] The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to operate the suction device 150 after a preset operation time T is reached after the operation of the suction device 150 is started. O Stop dust removal operation.

[0220] That is, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to operate at a preset operation time T. O During the operation, the dust collecting container 15 is operated to discharge impurities, and when the preset operation time T has passed after the operation is started, the dust collecting container 15 is operated to discharge impurities from the dust collecting container 15. O When the voltage is supplied to the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160, the voltage supply can be stopped.

[0221] In this case, the flow regulating device 160 can be operated at a preset operation time T O During this period, the opening and closing of the suction flow path 180 is repeated for a preset number of times (for example, five times). That is, considering the opening and closing cycle of the flow regulating device 160, the preset operation time T O The time may be set to repeat the opening and closing of the suction flow path 180 a preset number of times (for example, five times).

[0222] In this case, as the frequency of the external power source becomes lower, the controller 140 may increase the operation time T O As the frequency of the external power source becomes lower, the number of revolutions per hour of the second motor 161 driving the flow regulating device 160 can be increased, and the cycle of opening and closing the flow regulating device 160 can be extended. Therefore, the controller 140 can adjust the operation time T O , so that even when the frequency of the external power supply changes, the number of times the suction flow path 180 is opened and closed by the flow regulating device 160 is constant.

[0223] For example, when the external power frequency is 60 Hz, the opening and closing cycle of the flow regulating device 160 may correspond to 3.3 seconds, and when the external power frequency is 50 Hz, the opening and closing cycle of the flow regulating device 160 may correspond to 3.9 seconds. Therefore, the controller 140 may allow the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to operate at an external power frequency of 50 Hz for a longer operating time (e.g., 21 seconds) than the operating time (e.g., 18 seconds) at an external power frequency of 60 Hz.

[0224] Through this configuration, the docking station 100 ensures the number of times the suction flow path 180 is opened and closed regardless of the external power frequency, thereby ensuring the performance of removing foreign matter from the dust collection container 15 .

[0225] In this case, the controller 140 according to the embodiment may set a preset operation time T O , so that the flow regulating device 160 stops in a state where the suction flow path 180 is opened based on the opening and closing cycle of the flow regulating device 160 with respect to the suction flow path 180 .

[0226] The controller 140 may be operated during the operation time T O Thereafter, the supply of voltage to the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 is stopped. However, even if the power supply voltage is not supplied to the suction device 150, the suction fan 153 may continue to rotate due to inertia. Until the suction fan 153 completely stops after the supply voltage to the suction device 150 is interrupted, the suction airflow on the suction flow path 180 may remain present and decrease. When the flow regulating device 160 closes the suction flow path 180 in a state where the air pressure changes due to a change in the suction airflow, noise may be generated due to the instantaneous change in the air pressure.

[0227] The controller 140 can set the operation time T O , so that after the operation starts, the operation time T O When the flow regulating device 160 stops while the suction flow path 180 is opened, the suction flow path 180 is prevented from being closed when the suction fan 153 continues to rotate after the supply voltage to the suction device 150 is interrupted, thereby preventing noise.

[0228] For example, when the flow regulating device 160 starts operating in a state where the suction flow path 180 is closed, the controller 140 may determine the operation time T in consideration of the opening period and the closing period. O is an odd number of times the opening and closing cycle of the flow regulating device 160 with respect to the suction flow path 180 .

[0229] According to the present embodiment, the controller 140 may be operated during the operation time TO After a preset waiting time T W (eg, 2.5 seconds) and the flow regulating device 160 is controlled to close the suction flow path 180 .

[0230] That is, the controller 140 can O The flow regulating device 160 is then controlled to allow the suction flow path 180 to be maintained for the waiting time T W It is closed when passing by, thereby protecting the suction device 150 from the influence of foreign matter remaining on the suction flow path 180; and when the operation is started, the suction device 150 is allowed to open in a state where the suction flow path 180 is opened, thereby reducing noise.

[0231] As described above, the controller 140 controls the flow regulating device 160 to operate during the operation time T O The waiting time after that is T W During this time, the suction flow path 180 is opened, and then during the waiting time T W The suction flow path 180 is closed during the pass.

[0232] That is, the controller 140 can prevent the suction flow path 180 from being closed after the supply voltage to the suction device 150 is interrupted and before the suction fan 153 is completely stopped, and can control the flow regulating device 160 to operate when the suction fan 153 is in the operation time T. O After that, after waiting time T W When the pump is completely stopped, the suction flow path 180 is closed.

[0233] In other words, in order to prevent noise from being generated due to a change in the suction airflow caused by the residual rotation power after the operation of removing impurities from the dust collecting container 15 is stopped, the controller 140 may stop the flow regulating device 160 so that the suction flow path 180 is closed during the predetermined waiting time T. W In addition, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to remain open during the waiting time T W The suction flow path 180 is then closed to protect the suction device 150 from the impurities remaining in the suction flow path 180, and when the operation of removing the impurities is started, the suction device 150 can be allowed to operate with the suction flow path 180 open to prevent noise generation.

[0234] In this case, the controller 140 may adjust a time point of closing the suction flow path 180 according to the frequency of the external power source.

[0235] As described above, as the frequency of the external power source becomes lower, the number of rotations of the second motor 161 decreases, and the opening and closing cycle of the flow regulating device 160 with respect to the suction flow path 180 may be prolonged.

[0236] Therefore, as the frequency of the external power source becomes lower, the time to close the suction flow path 180 may become longer. For example, the closing time at 60 Hz may be 0.8 seconds, while the closing time at 50 Hz may be 1.05 seconds.

[0237] Therefore, when the control flow regulating device 160 is in the waiting time T W When the suction flow path 180 is closed thereafter, the controller 140 may delay a time point at which the suction flow path 180 is determined to be closed in proportion to a decrease in the frequency of the external power source.

[0238] For example, refer to Figure 8 When the external power frequency is 60 Hz, the controller 140 may determine that the suction flow path 180 is in the waiting time T W After that, a time T elapses from when the position detection sensor 130 outputs the first value indicating that the suction flow path 180 is closed. a1 (e.g., 0.1 seconds). In addition, Figure 8 As shown, when the external power frequency is 50 Hz, the controller 140 may determine that the suction flow path 180 is in the waiting time T W After that, a time T elapses from when the position detection sensor 130 outputs the first value indicating that the suction flow path 180 is closed. a2 (e.g., 0.5 seconds) to turn off.

[0239] That is, because the time to close the suction flow path 180 is prolonged as the external power frequency becomes lower, the controller 140 may delay the time point at which the suction flow path 180 is determined to be closed after the output of the first value of the position detection sensor 130 is started.

[0240] With this configuration, when the operation of removing foreign matter from the dust collection container 15 is newly started, the suction device 150 can start the operation with the suction flow path 180 opened regardless of the external power frequency.

[0241] That is, in response to a decrease in the frequency of the external power supply, the controller 140 may be configured to delay the point in time at which the suction flow path 180 is determined to be closed after the position detection sensor 130 starts to output the first value, so that the time taken for the flow regulating device 160 to start opening the suction flow path 180 when a new operation is started may be constant regardless of the frequency of the external power supply, thereby reducing the variation in noise caused by different frequencies of the external power supply. Figure 8 As shown, the time T taken to open the suction flow path 180 at an external power frequency of 60 Hz b1 The time T taken to open the suction flow path 180 at an external power frequency of 50 Hz can be compared tob2 Same or slightly different.

[0242] In other words, considering that the time to close the suction flow path 180 at an external power frequency of 50 Hz is longer than the time to close the suction flow path 180 at an external power frequency of 60 Hz, the controller 140 may delay the closing determination time point at the external power frequency of 50 Hz to be later than the closing determination time point at the external power frequency of 60 Hz, so that the flow regulating device 160 further operates in the delayed time. With this configuration, the time remaining before closing at an external power frequency of 60 Hz may be the same as or slightly different from the time remaining before closing at an external power frequency of 50 Hz, so that when a new operation is started, a change in noise generation can be ignored.

[0243] When supplying voltage to the suction device 150 to start operation, the controller 140 may gradually increase the magnitude of the voltage supplied during the soft start time, and supply a voltage having a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the target voltage from a point in time when the soft start time has passed.

[0244] That is, the voltage supplied to the pumping device 150 may gradually increase and reach the target voltage during the soft start time, and then may be maintained at the target voltage until the operation time T is reached. O .

[0245] This is to prevent the first motor 151 from being violently vibrated by being instantaneously supplied with a high voltage, and to prevent the docking station 100 from being vibrated due to the violent vibration of the first motor 151 , and to prevent noise from being generated due to the vibration of the docking station 100 .

[0246] During the soft start time when the voltage supplied to the suction device 150 increases, the flow rate of the suction airflow generated by the suction device 150 may increase, and when the suction flow path 180 is closed with the increase in the flow rate of the suction airflow, noise may be generated due to the sudden change in air pressure in the suction flow path 180.

[0247] The controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180 during a soft start time in which a voltage supplied to the suction device 150 increases to a target voltage, in order to prevent the occurrence of noise.

[0248] For example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the controller 140 can be controlled by considering the opening and closing cycle T of the flow regulating device 160 for the suction flow path 180. f To determine the time T of opening the suction flow path 180 f1 The corresponding soft start time T SS .

[0249] That is to say, the soft start time T SS It may be determined as the time from the time point of starting the opening of the suction flow path 180 to the time point of starting the closing of the suction flow path 180 in the continuous operation of the flow regulating device 160 .

[0250] In addition, the controller 140 may determine the soft start time T SS , regardless of the opening and closing cycle T of the flow regulating device 160 for the suction flow path 180 f For example, the controller 140 may set the soft start time T SS is set to be longer than the opening and closing cycle T of the flow regulating device 160 for the suction flow path 180 f The time T of opening the suction flow path 180 in f1 , so that the vibration of the docking station 100 can be minimized.

[0251] In this case, if Fig. 9 As shown, the controller 140 can be set at a soft start time T SS and the time T of opening the suction flow path 180 f1 The difference between the corresponding time T f3 The flow regulating device 160 is stopped within the soft start time T SS Open during.

[0252] In addition, when the operation of removing impurities in the dust collection container 15 is started in a state where the suction flow path 180 is opened, the controller 140 according to the embodiment may stop the operation of the flow regulating device 160 for a predetermined time so that the suction flow path 180 is closed during the soft start time T. SS During the soft start time T SS The suction flow path 180 is then closed.

[0253] With this configuration, the docking station 100 can prevent noise from being generated due to the suction flow path 180 being closed during the soft start time in which the voltage supplied to the suction device 150 is increased.

[0254] The above description is made with respect to such an embodiment in which, in order to provide an irregular suction airflow to the dust collection container 15, the suction device 150 is controlled to operate continuously, and the flow regulating device 160 is controlled to periodically open and close the suction flow path 180. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a stop command is received from a user during the period in which the suction device 150 operates continuously and the flow regulating device 160 periodically opens and closes the suction flow path 180 will be described in detail.

[0255] Fig.10 is a view illustrating a case where the docking station 100 stops operating in response to an input of a stop command with the suction flow path 180 opened according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0256] Fig.11 is a view illustrating a case where the docking station 100 stops operating in response to an input of a stop command with the suction flow path 180 closed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0257] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 In response to receiving an input of a stop command for the dust exhaust operation through the input device 120 when the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 are operating to perform dust exhaust, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180 and control the suction device 150 to stop for a first waiting time T after the stop command is input. W1 Stop the operation after (for example, 1 second).

[0258] As described above, even when the supply voltage of the suction device 150 is interrupted, the suction fan 153 may continue to rotate due to inertia. Until the suction fan 153 completely stops after the supply voltage of the suction device 150 is interrupted, the suction airflow on the suction flow path 180 may remain present and decrease. In the case where the air pressure changes due to the change in the suction airflow, when the suction flow path 180 is closed by the flow regulating device 160, noise may be generated due to the instantaneous change in the air pressure.

[0259] Therefore, in response to receiving a stop command for the dust removal operation after the dust removal operation is started, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to stop operating when the suction flow path 180 is opened by the flow regulating device 160, thereby preventing the suction flow path 180 from closing when the suction fan 153 continues to rotate after the voltage supply to the suction device 150 is interrupted, thereby preventing the occurrence of noise.

[0260] In detail, Fig.10 As shown, when an input of a stop command for the dust exhaust operation is received in a state where the suction flow path 180 is open, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may stop the flow regulating device 160 so that the suction flow path 180 remains open.

[0261] That is, when the flow regulating device 160 is in a position to open the suction flow path 180 during operation, the controller 140 may stop supplying voltage to the flow regulating device 160 to keep the suction flow path 180 open in response to receiving an input of a stop command.

[0262] When the first waiting time T elapses after the time point when the stop command is input W1 , the controller 140 may stop supplying voltage to the suction device 150 so that the suction device 150 stops operating.

[0263] In this case, according to an embodiment, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to stop when the second waiting time T elapses after the time when the stop command is input. W2 (e.g., 2.5 seconds) to close the suction flow path 180.

[0264] Through this configuration, the controller 140 can prevent the suction flow path 180 from being closed in a case where the suction fan 153 continues to rotate after the supply voltage of the suction device 150 is interrupted, thereby preventing the generation of noise.

[0265] Reference Fig.11 In response to receiving an input of a stop command for the dust exhaust operation in a state where the suction flow path 180 is closed, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may operate the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180 .

[0266] That is, when the flow regulating device 160 is in a position to close the suction flow path 180 during operation, in response to receiving an input of a stop command for dust exhaust, the controller 140 may wait for a first waiting time T after the input of the stop command. W1 The voltage supply to the flow regulating device 160 is maintained within 1:1, thereby opening the suction flow path 180. In this case, the first waiting time T W1 It may correspond to the time required for the flow regulating device 160 to move from a position where the suction flow path 180 is closed to a position where the suction flow path 180 is open.

[0267] The controller 140 may stop supplying voltage to the suction device 150 so that when the first waiting time T elapses after the input time of the stop command for the dust exhaust operation, the suction device 150 stops supplying voltage to the suction device 150. W1 When the suction device 150 stops operating, and when the voltage supply to the suction device 150 stops, the voltage supply to the flow regulating device 160 also stops, so that the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 can stop in a state where the suction flow path 180 is opened by the flow regulating device 160.

[0268] As described above, the controller 140 may consider the first waiting time T W1To control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to stop operating, and according to an embodiment, the controller 140 can control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to stop operating by determining whether the flow regulating device 160 opens the suction flow path 180 based on the output value of the position detection sensor 130.

[0269] That is, in response to determining that the suction flow path 180 is open based on the output value of the position detection sensor 130 after a stop command for the dust exhaust operation of the docking station 100 is input, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to stop operating.

[0270] In this case, according to an embodiment, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to wait for a second waiting time T after the voltage supply to the suction device 150 is interrupted. W2 (e.g., 2.5 seconds) to close the suction flow path 180.

[0271] Through this configuration, the controller 140 can prevent the suction flow path 180 from being closed while preventing the suction fan 153 from continuing to rotate after the power supply voltage of the suction device 150 is interrupted, thereby preventing the generation of noise.

[0272] As described above, the controller 140 terminates the cycle by finally closing the suction flow path 180 after the stop command for the dust removal operation is input, thereby preventing the suction device 150 from being affected by impurities remaining in the suction flow path 180, and when the operation for removing impurities is newly started, allowing the suction device 150 to operate with the suction flow path 180 open, thereby preventing the generation of noise.

[0273] In the above, an embodiment has been described in which, while the suction device 150 is continuously operated, the suction airflow supplied to the dust collection container 15 is changed by the flow regulating device 160. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the suction airflow supplied to the dust collection container 15 is changed by changing the on / off operation of the first motor 151 of the suction device 150 will be described in detail.

[0274] Fig.12 is a graph showing time-varying switching control of the first motor 151 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig.13 1 is a view for describing a case where different rotation speeds are provided whenever a turning-on operation of the first motor 151 is repeated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0275] Reference Fig.12, the docking station 100 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 so that when the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the docking station 100 , foreign matter in the dust collection container 15 is discharged.

[0276] In detail, the docking station 100 may determine whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 based on the output value of the sensor 110 , and start control of the first motor 151 when the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 .

[0277] However, the controller 140 may also consider a user control command input through the inputter 120 in addition to the output value of the sensor 110 , so that the control of the first motor 151 is activated only in the presence of a motion command from the user.

[0278] In this case, when the first motor 151 is kept turned on and the same suction airflow is supplied to the dust collection container 15, some impurities may be trapped by the internal components of the dust collection container 15 and may not be discharged to the outside. For example, impurities (e.g., hair) may be trapped by the internal structure of the dust collection container 15, and despite the suction airflow, the impurities may remain in the dust collection container 15 and may not be separated to the outside of the dust collection container 15. That is, the suction airflow delivered to the inside of the dust collection container 15 may be formed only in the same direction. Therefore, some impurities may have resistance to the direction in which the suction airflow is formed, and therefore may not be separated to the outside of the dust collection container 15 by the suction airflow. Therefore, the impurities inside the dust collection container 15 may not be effectively discharged.

[0279] While the suction airflow is supplied to the dust collecting container 15 by the suction fan 153 and the air in the dust collecting container 15 is sucked, the docking station 100 according to the present embodiment changes the suction airflow so that the flow rate of the air inside the dust collecting container 15 changes and the flow of the air inside the dust collecting container 15 is diversified.

[0280] In order to provide an irregular suction airflow to the dust collecting container 15 , the controller 140 may adjust at least one of a driving time and a rotation speed of the first motor 151 when the first motor 151 is repeatedly turned on / off.

[0281] That is to say, Fig.12 As shown, the controller 140 may control the first motor 151 so that the first motor 151 is repeatedly turned on and off.

[0282] In detail, the controller 140 may control the first motor 151 so that the first motor 151 is turned on and then turned off in each of a plurality of time periods.

[0283] For example, refer to Fig.12, the first motor 151 may be repeatedly turned on / off according to the progress of the time period. In this case, one time period may include an on time, in which the first motor 151 is turned on by supplying a rated voltage to the first motor 151, and an off time, in which the first motor 151 is turned off by not supplying the rated voltage to the first motor 151, and in which the time taken (soft start time) to change the rotation speed at the beginning of each time period until the voltage supplied to the first motor 151 increases to the rated voltage may be set to be different for each time period.

[0284] In this case, whenever the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off (ie, whenever the time period changes), the controller 140 adjusts at least one of the time when the first motor 151 is turned on and the time when the first motor 151 is turned off, thereby adjusting the driving time of the first motor 151.

[0285] For example, the on time in the first time period may be longer than the on time in the second time period, and the off time in the first time period may be shorter than the off time in the third time period.

[0286] In addition, whenever the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off, the controller 140 may adjust a pulse width of a power voltage supplied to the first motor 151 to adjust a rotation speed of the first motor 151 .

[0287] For example, refer to Fig.13 , the controller 140 may set the pulse width of the power supply voltage supplied to the first motor 151 during the on time of the first period to 80%, and may set the pulse width of the power supply voltage supplied to the first motor 151 during the on time of the second period after the first period to 65%. Therefore, the rotation speed of the first motor 151 may decrease as the first period progresses to the second period.

[0288] In this case, whenever the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off, the suction fan 153 can provide a suction airflow with different suction powers to the dust collecting container 15 according to the driving time of the first motor 151 or the change in the rotation speed of the first motor 151, and as the internal pressure of the dust collecting container 15 changes due to the irregular suction airflow, impurities in the dust collecting container 15 can be smoothly discharged from the dust collecting container 15.

[0289] That is, as the air flow rate in the dust collecting container 15 changes, the air diffuses in all directions in the internal space of the dust collecting container 15, so the air flow inside the dust collecting container 15 can change in different directions.

[0290] As the direction of the airflow changes instantaneously, some impurities having resistance to a specific direction may lose resistance due to the air flow in another direction and may escape from the dust collecting container 15 together with the airflow.

[0291] In this case, the foreign matter separated and discharged from the dust collecting container 15 may be moved together with the air by the driving of the suction fan 153 and collected in the collector 190 provided in the suction flow path 180 .

[0292] That is, the controller 140 repeatedly supplies and interrupts the suction airflow to the dust collection container 15 through the on-off control of the first motor 151, and changes the supply time or suction power when supplying the suction airflow, thereby periodically changing the flow of air inside the dust collection container 15. Through this configuration, impurities in the dust collection container 15 can be discharged more effectively.

[0293] The above has been described for providing an irregular suction airflow to the dust container 15 by repeatedly opening and closing the first motor 151 of the suction device 150 so that the impurities in the dust container 15 are effectively discharged. Hereinafter, the vibration is transmitted to the dust container 15 so that the impurities in the dust container 15 are effectively discharged.

[0294] Fig.14 1 is a view for describing a case in which the first motor 151 vibrates to transmit the vibration to the dust collection container 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0295] Reference Fig.14 , the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may set different pulse widths for the pulses of the power voltage in at least one time period when the first motor 151 is turned on and off, so that the first motor 151 vibrates.

[0296] That is, the controller 140 sets the pulse widths of the pulses of the power voltage to be different from each other within a turn-on time in which the first motor 151 is turned on by being supplied with a voltage, and provides the set pulse width to the first motor 151 .

[0297] For example, refer to Fig.14 , the controller 140 may adjust the pulse width of the power supply voltage so that as the pulse of the power supply voltage propagates in the third time period, the first pulse width ① and the second pulse width ② are alternately provided.

[0298] In this case, the first motor 151 may be subjected to a rapid change in rotation speed based on a pulse width difference between pulses of the power voltage, so that the first motor 151 may vibrate.

[0299] The vibration of the first motor 151 may be transmitted to the main body of the docking station 100 and the dust collection container 15 connected to the docking station 100. That is, the dust collection container 15 may vibrate according to the vibration of the first motor 151, and impurities in the dust collection container 15 may be more effectively discharged according to the vibration. For example, even impurities that cannot escape from the dust collection container 15 according to the suction airflow due to being trapped in the internal components of the dust collection container 15 may be discharged from the dust collection container 15 along with the suction airflow according to the vibration of the dust collection container 15.

[0300] As described above, the docking station 100 according to the present embodiment repeats the supply and interruption of the suction airflow to the dust collecting container 15 through the switching control of the first motor 151, and adjusts the pulse width when supplying the suction airflow within the same time period to cause the vibration of the dust collecting container 15, so that impurities in the dust collecting container 15 can be discharged more effectively.

[0301] The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may repeat the on / off control of the first motor 151 until the dust collection container 15 is separated from the docking station 100 or the first motor 151 is turned on a preset number of times.

[0302] When the dust collecting container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 and then separated from the docking station 100, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may drive the first motor 151 for a preset time, which is set for impurities remaining in the suction flow path 180 and to be collected by the collector 190.

[0303] In the above, the vibration is transmitted to the dust container 15 to effectively discharge the impurities in the dust container 15. The following will be described in conjunction with the control of the first motor 151 for the irregular suction airflow, about controlling the second motor 161 through the flow regulating device 160 to open and close the suction flow path 180.

[0304] Fig.15 1 is a view for describing control of the first motor 151 according to operation of the flow path valve 163 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0305] Reference Fig.15 In addition to controlling the first motor 151 , the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may also control the flow regulating device 160 so as to periodically open and close the suction flow path 180 when the suction airflow is supplied by the suction fan 153 according to the driving of the suction device 150 .

[0306] That is, the controller 140 controls the second motor 161 so that the flow path valve 163 periodically opens and closes the suction flow path 180 to repeatedly supply and stop the suction airflow to the dust collection container 15, thereby periodically changing the flow of air inside the dust collection container 15. In other words, the flow path valve 163 can adjust the flow rate of the air moved by the suction fan 153, and completely stop the suction airflow that may remain during the off time when the voltage is not supplied to the first motor 151, thereby more effectively changing the flow of air inside the dust collection container 15.

[0307] In this case, the controller 140 determines whether the suction flow path 180 is opened or closed by the flow path valve 163 based on the output value of the position detection sensor 130, and drives the first motor 151 based on whether the suction flow path 180 is opened or closed, thereby improving the noise and overload of the first motor 151.

[0308] In detail, when the flow regulating device 160 opens the suction flow path 180 , the controller 140 controls the first motor 151 to turn on, and when the flow regulating device 160 closes the suction flow path 180 , the controller 140 controls the first motor 151 to turn off.

[0309] That is, the controller 140 controls the first motor 151 and the second motor 161 connected to each other, thereby more efficiently performing the supply and repetition of the suction airflow, and preventing the suction fan 153 from causing noise due to rotation when the suction flow path 180 is closed, and improving the overload of the first motor 151.

[0310] In this case, the controller 140 may control the second motor 161 so that the flow path valve 163 opens and closes the suction flow path 180 at a preset cycle, and may control the second motor 161 corresponding to the changed driving time of the first motor 151 whenever the first motor 151 is alternately opened and closed.

[0311] That is, when an on time when voltage is supplied to the first motor 151 or an off time when voltage is not supplied to the first motor 151 changes, the controller 140 may control the second motor 161 to operate the flow path valve 163 corresponding to the changed on time and off time.

[0312] The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the flow path valve 163 to close the suction flow path 180 when the dust collection container 15 is separated from the docking station 100. That is, the controller 140 may control the second motor 161 so that the flow path valve 163 closes the suction flow path 180.

[0313] In this case, closing of the suction flow path 180 may be performed after driving the first motor 151 for a predetermined time set in advance, so that foreign matter remaining in the suction flow path 180 is collected by the collector 190 .

[0314] Hereinafter, a suction mode in which the suction device 150 continuously operates with the suction flow path 180 opened will be described in detail.

[0315] Fig.16 2 is a view for describing a case in which the docking station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure performs a suction mode.

[0316] Reference Fig.16 When an action command for the suction mode is received through the input device 120, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 so that the suction airflow is continuously supplied while the suction flow path 180 is open.

[0317] In detail, in response to receiving a motion command for the suction mode from the user in a state in which the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 , the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to perform the suction mode.

[0318] The controller 140 may determine whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 based on the output of the sensor 110 , and determine an input of the suction mode based on the output of the inputter 120 .

[0319] The suction mode is a mode for checking the suction power of the suction device 150 and may refer to a period in which a suction airflow is continuously supplied in a state in which the suction flow path 180 is opened.

[0320] In response to receiving the input of the suction mode, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180 .

[0321] For details, refer to Fig.16 , when the suction flow path 180 is closed upon receiving an input of a suction mode, the controller 140 may supply voltage to the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180, and may stop supplying voltage to the flow regulating device 160 when the suction flow path 180 becomes open.

[0322] In addition, Fig.16 Differently, when the suction flow path 180 is opened upon receiving an input of the suction mode, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to stop so that the suction flow path 180 remains open.

[0323] In response to receiving an input of the suction mode, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 to operate, and may continuously supply voltage to the first motor 151 .

[0324] Reference Fig.16 , the controller 140 may execute the suction mode until the dust collection container 15 is separated from the docking station 100 or an input of a stop command is received. That is, when the dust collection container 15 is separated from the docking station 100 or a stop command of the suction mode is received, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 to stop. However, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 to execute the suction mode only within a preset operation time, and stop when the preset operation time has passed.

[0325] In addition, the controller 140 according to the embodiment may control the flow regulating device 160 to close the suction flow path 180 when a predetermined waiting time elapses after the suction mode is terminated.

[0326] That is, when a predetermined waiting time has passed after the supply of voltage to the suction device 150 is stopped, the controller 140 can allow the suction flow path 180 to be closed by controlling the flow regulating device 160, thereby preventing the suction flow path 180 from being closed when the suction fan 153 continues to rotate after the power supply voltage to the suction device 150 is stopped, thereby preventing the generation of noise.

[0327] The controller 140 according to an embodiment terminates the cycle by finally closing the suction flow path 180 after the suction mode is terminated, thereby protecting the suction device 150 from the influence of impurities remaining in the suction flow path 180, and when the operation for removing impurities is newly started, the suction device 150 is allowed to operate with the suction flow path 180 open, thereby preventing the generation of noise.

[0328] Hereinafter, a display mode in which the display part 170 continuously emits light will be described in detail.

[0329] Fig.17 is a view for describing a case in which the docking station 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure executes a display mode.

[0330] Reference Fig.17 In response to receiving an input of a display mode through the inputter 120, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may execute the display mode by controlling the display part 170 to emit light.

[0331] In detail, in response to receiving an input of a display mode through the inputter 120, the controller 140 may perform at least one of the following: control a front display 170a provided on the front surface of the docking station 100 to emit light to the outside of the docking station 100, and may control an internal display 170b provided on the placement portion 181 to emit light from the inside of the placement portion 181 to the dust collection container 15.

[0332] When the display mode is executed, the controller 140 may control the display part 170 to continuously emit light regardless of the operation of the suction device 150, and the display mode may be continuously executed until the external power source is stopped.

[0333] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the display part 170 displays whether the collector 190 performs collection according to whether the collector 190 is in a full state will be described in detail.

[0334] Fig.18 1 is a view for describing a situation in which the docking station 100 determines whether the collector 190 is full according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0335] Reference Fig.18 , the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may determine whether the collector 190 is in a full state based on the output of the collector sensor 195, and may control the display part 170 to display the fullness of the collector 190 when the collector 190 is in a full state.

[0336] For example, when the collector 190 is in a full state, the controller 140 may control the front display 170a to output “red” light, and control the front display 170a to keep outputting the “red” light until the dust bag 193 of the collector 190 is replaced.

[0337] According to an embodiment, the collector sensor 195 may be configured as a pressure sensor located in the suction flow path 180. For example, Fig.18 As shown, the collector sensor 195 may be disposed in the collector housing 191. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the collector sensor 195 may be located at different positions as long as it can measure the pressure of the suction airflow. For example, the collector sensor 195 may be located on the suction device housing 106.

[0338] In this case, when the accumulator 190 in a full state blocks the suction airflow of the suction device 150, the accumulator sensor 195 may sense a pressure different from that in a normal operation.

[0339] Through this configuration, when the collector sensor 195 outputs a pressure different from the pressure in a normal operation, the controller 140 may determine that the collector 190 is full, and may control the display part 170 to display the fullness of the collector 190 .

[0340] However, the collector sensor 195 is not limited to the above example and may be provided as an optical sensor or a camera provided in the collector housing 191 and capable of detecting the fullness of the collector 190 .

[0341] As described above, the docking station 100 may inform the user of a situation in which foreign matter in the dust collection container 15 cannot be normally discharged due to the fullness of the collector 190 , and may inform the user to replace the dust collection bag 193 .

[0342] Hereinafter, an embodiment of sterilizing the dust collection container 15 or the collector 190 by irradiating the dust collection container 15 or the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays will be described in detail.

[0343] Fig.19 2 is a view for describing a case where the docking station 100 irradiates ultraviolet rays according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0344] Reference Fig.19 , the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the ultraviolet irradiator 185 to irradiate the dust collecting container 15 or the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays for disinfection.

[0345] The ultraviolet irradiator 185 according to the present embodiment may irradiate the dust collecting container 15 or the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays.

[0346] To this end, the ultraviolet irradiator 185 can be set as an ultraviolet lamp that is set on the placement part 181 and irradiates ultraviolet rays. In this case, the ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet irradiator 185 can be transmitted to the dust collection container 15 connected to the docking station 100, and can be transmitted to the collector 190 through the suction flow path 180.

[0347] In addition, the ultraviolet irradiator 185 according to the embodiment may include a motor, and may irradiate the dust collecting container 15 or the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays by mechanically adjusting an irradiation angle based on a rotation force of the motor.

[0348] In addition, the ultraviolet irradiator 185 according to the embodiment may include a plurality of ultraviolet lamps and may irradiate the dust collecting container 15 or the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays by electronically adjusting an irradiation angle in a manner of adjusting irradiation intensity of each of the plurality of ultraviolet lamps in an array form.

[0349] In addition, the ultraviolet irradiator 185 according to the embodiment may include an ultraviolet lamp disposed on the seating portion 181 to transmit ultraviolet rays to the dust collecting container 15 and an ultraviolet lamp disposed on the collector housing 191 to transmit ultraviolet rays to the collector 190 .

[0350] According to an embodiment, when the suction device 150 operates to remove foreign matter from the dust collecting container 15, the controller 140 may control the ultraviolet irradiator 185 to perform ultraviolet irradiation.

[0351] In addition, when receiving a user input for ultraviolet irradiation through the inputter 120 , the controller 140 according to the embodiment may control the ultraviolet irradiator 185 to irradiate ultraviolet rays at a predetermined time.

[0352] In this way, the docking station 100 can sterilize the dust collection container 15 and the collector 190 by irradiating the dust collection container 15 and the collector 190 with ultraviolet rays.

[0353] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method of controlling a cleaning device 1 according to an aspect will be described. The cleaning device 1 according to the above-described embodiment may be used in a method of controlling a cleaning device 1. Therefore, the above reference Figures 1 to 19 The description made is applicable to the method of controlling the cleaning device 1 .

[0354] Fig. 20 is a flowchart of a method of controlling the cleaning device 1 according to an embodiment, which illustrates an automatic operation when the docking station 100 is connected to the dust collection container 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0355] Reference Fig. 20 , when connected to the dust collecting container 15 ("Yes" in operation 2010), the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to operate in operation 2020 to discharge dust.

[0356] That is, in response to determining that the dust collection container 15 is docked to the seating portion 181 of the docking station 100 based on the output of the sensor 110 , the controller 140 may control the supply of voltage to the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to start the operation of removing impurities from the dust collection container 15 .

[0357] When the operation is determined to be started based on the connection of the dust collection container 15, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 to operate. That is, the controller 140 may supply a voltage to the suction device 150 to drive the suction fan 153 to form a suction airflow.

[0358] In addition, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to periodically open and close the suction flow path 180 when the suction device 150 operates. That is, the controller 140 may supply voltage to the flow regulating device 160 to open and close the suction flow path 180 at a preset cycle.

[0359] Through this configuration, the suction device 150 may continuously generate a suction airflow through the suction fan 153 , and the flow regulating device 160 may periodically open and close the suction flow path 180 , thereby periodically changing the flow rate of the suction airflow generated by the suction device 150 .

[0360] As the direction of the air flow changes instantaneously, some impurities having resistance to a specific direction may lose resistance due to the air flow in another direction and may escape the dust collecting container 15 together with the air flow.

[0361] In operation 2040, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to operate the suction device 150 after a preset operation time T is elapsed after the operation of the suction device 150 is started. O ("Yes" in operation 2030) the dust removal operation is stopped.

[0362] That is, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to operate for a preset operation time T for discharging impurities from the dust collecting container 15. O During operation, and after the operation starts, the preset operation time T O When the voltage is supplied to the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160, the voltage supply can be stopped.

[0363] In this case, the flow regulating device 160 can be operated at a preset operation time T O During this period, the opening and closing of the suction flow path 180 is repeated a preset number of times (for example, five times). That is, when considering the opening and closing cycle of the flow regulating device 160, the preset operation time T O The time may be set to repeat the opening and closing of the suction flow path 180 a preset number of times (for example, five times).

[0364] In this case, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may set a preset operation time T O , so that the flow regulating device 160 stops in a state where the suction flow path 180 is open based on the opening and closing cycle of the flow regulating device 160 of the suction flow path 180 .

[0365] The controller 140 can set the operation time T O , so that after the operation starts, the preset operation time T O When the flow regulating device 160 is stopped in a state where the suction flow path 180 is opened, the suction flow path 180 is prevented from being closed when the suction fan 153 continues to rotate after the power supply voltage of the suction device 150 is interrupted, thereby preventing noise.

[0366] In operation 2060, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may be operated for an operation time T O After a preset waiting time T W (eg, 2.5 seconds) (“Yes” in operation 2050 ), the flow regulating device 160 is controlled to close the suction flow path 180 .

[0367] That is, the controller 140 may allow the flow regulating device 160 to stop so that the suction flow path 180 is opened during a predetermined waiting time to prevent noise from being generated due to a change in the suction airflow caused by the suction power remaining after the operation of removing impurities from the dust collecting container 15 is stopped. In addition, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to close the suction flow path 180 after the waiting time, thereby protecting the suction device 150 from the impurities remaining on the suction flow path 180, and when the operation of removing impurities is started, allow the suction device 150 to operate in a state where the suction flow path 180 is opened, thereby reducing noise.

[0368] Fig.21 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the cleaning device 1 , which illustrates an operation in response to an input of a motion command according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0369] Reference Fig.21 , when connected to the dust collection container 15 ("Yes" in operation 2110), the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may be configured to control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 in response to receiving an action command ("Yes" in operation 2120) to operate in operation 2130 for dust removal.

[0370] Thereafter, in operation 2150, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to operate the suction device 150 after a preset operation time T has elapsed after the operation of the suction device 150 is started. o ("Yes" in operation 2140) the dust exhaust operation is stopped.

[0371] In addition, in operation 2170, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may O After a preset waiting time T W When the time (eg, 2.5 seconds) is reached (“Yes” in operation 2160 ), the flow regulating device 160 is controlled to close the suction flow path 180 .

[0372] Since operations 2130 to 2170 correspond to Fig. 20 Operations 2030 to 2060 in the flowchart are described above, and thus detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0373] Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the cleaning device 1 , which illustrates a stop operation in response to an input of a stop command according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0374] Reference Fig. 22 In operation 2210, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to operate for dust discharge based on the connection of the dust collection container 15 or the input of a user's motion command.

[0375] In this case, when a stop command for the dust exhaust operation is input ("Yes" in operation 2220) and the suction flow path 180 is closed ("Yes" in operation 2230), in operation 2250, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 so that the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 are closed when the first waiting time T elapses after the input of the stop command. W1 Afterwards, when the suction flow path 180 becomes open ("Yes" in operation 2240), the dust exhaust operation is stopped.

[0376] That is, in response to receiving an input of a stop command for the dust exhaust operation in a state where the suction flow path 180 is closed, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may operate the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180 .

[0377] In other words, in response to receiving an input of a stop command when the flow regulating device 160 is in a position to close the suction flow path 180 during operation, the controller 140 may maintain the voltage supplied to the flow regulating device 160 for the first waiting time T from the time point when the stop command is input. W1 , thereby opening the suction flow path 180. In this case, the first waiting time T W1 It may correspond to the time required for the flow regulating device 160 to move from a position where the suction flow path 180 is closed to a position where the suction flow path 180 is open.

[0378] In this way, the controller 140 may stop supplying voltage to the suction device 150 so that the first waiting time T elapses after a stop command for the dust exhaust operation is input. W1 When the suction device 150 stops operating, and when the voltage supply to the suction device 150 is stopped, the voltage supply to the flow regulating device 160 is also stopped, so that the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 stop in a state where the flow regulating device 160 opens the suction flow path 180.

[0379] As described above, the controller 140 can calculate the first waiting time T W1To control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to stop operating, and can also control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to stop operating by determining whether the flow regulating device 160 opens the suction flow path 180 based on the output value of the position detection sensor 130.

[0380] That is, after a stop command for the dust exhaust operation of the docking station 100 is input, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to stop operating in response to determining that the suction flow path 180 is open based on the output value of the position detection sensor 130 .

[0381] Through this configuration, the controller 140 can prevent the suction flow path 180 from being closed in a case where the suction fan 153 continues to rotate after the power supply voltage of the suction device 150 is interrupted, thereby preventing the generation of noise.

[0382] As described above, the suction fan 153 may continue to rotate due to inertia even without the power supply voltage of the suction device 150. After the power supply voltage of the suction device 150 is interrupted, the suction airflow on the suction flow path 180 may remain present and decrease until the suction fan 153 is completely stopped. When the suction flow path 180 is closed by the flow regulating device 160 in the case where the air pressure changes due to the change of the suction airflow, noise may be generated due to the instantaneous change of the air pressure.

[0383] Therefore, in response to receiving a stop command for the dust removal operation after the dust removal operation is started, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to stop operating in a state where the flow regulating device 160 opens the suction flow path 180, thereby preventing the suction flow path 180 from being closed when the suction fan 153 continues to rotate after the power supply voltage of the suction device 150 is interrupted, thereby preventing the generation of noise.

[0384] In addition, when a stop command for the dust exhaust operation is input ("Yes" in operation 2220) and the suction flow path 180 is opened ("No" in operation 2230), in operation 2260, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the flow regulating device 160 to stop the operation. Thereafter, in operation 2280, when the first waiting time T elapses after the stop command is input, W1 (“Yes” in Operation 2270 ), the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 may control the suction device 150 to stop operating.

[0385] That is, in response to receiving an input of a stop command for the dust exhaust operation in a state where the suction flow path 180 is open, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may allow the flow regulating device 160 to stop so that the suction flow path 180 is kept open by the flow regulating device 160 .

[0386] In other words, in response to receiving input of a stop command when the flow regulating device 160 is in a position to open the suction flow path 180 during operation, the controller 140 may stop supplying voltage to the flow regulating device 160 to keep the suction flow path 180 open.

[0387] Through this configuration, the controller 140 can prevent the suction flow path 180 from being closed in a case where the suction fan 153 continues to rotate after the power supply voltage of the suction device 150 is interrupted, thereby preventing the generation of noise.

[0388] The docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may be operated in operation 2290 when the second waiting time T elapses after the flow regulating device 160 stops. W2 (eg, 2.5 seconds) and the flow regulating device 160 is controlled to close the suction flow path 180 .

[0389] As described above, the controller 140 terminates the cycle by finally closing the suction flow path 180 after the input of the stop command of the dust removal operation, thereby protecting the suction device 150 from the influence of impurities remaining in the suction flow path 180, and when the operation for removing impurities is newly started, allowing the suction device 150 to operate with the suction flow path 180 open, thereby preventing the generation of noise.

[0390] Fig.23 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the cleaning device 1 , which illustrates a case where the flow rate of the suction airflow is adjusted by controlling the first motor 151 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0391] Reference Fig.23 In operation 2310 , the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may determine whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 based on the output value of the sensor 110 .

[0392] The docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the first motor 151 to turn on and off when the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 (“Yes” in 2320 ).

[0393] That is, the controller 140 of the docking station 100 may control the first motor 151 so that when the dust collection container 15 of the vacuum cleaner 10 is connected to the docking station 100 , foreign matter in the dust collection container 15 is discharged.

[0394] In detail, the controller 140 may determine whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 based on the output value of the sensor 110 , and start to perform control of the first motor 151 when the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 .

[0395] However, the controller 140 may also consider a user's control command input through the inputter 120 in addition to the output value of the sensor 110 , and start performing control of the first motor 151 only in the presence of a command from the user.

[0396] When a suction airflow is supplied to the dust collecting container 15 through the suction fan 153 according to the drive of the first motor 151 and the air in the dust collecting container 15 is sucked, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment allows the suction airflow to be changed, thereby changing the flow rate of the air inside the dust collecting container 15 and diversifying the flow of the air inside the dust collecting container 15.

[0397] To this end, when the dust collection container 15 is not separated ("No" in operation 2340), and the number of times the first motor 151 is turned on does not reach a preset number of times ("No" in operation 2350), the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 may adjust at least one of the driving time of the first motor 151 and the rotation speed of the first motor 151 in operation 2360. Thereafter, in operation 2330, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 may control the first motor 151 so that the first motor 151 is turned on and then turned off based on the adjusted driving time and / or the adjusted rotation speed.

[0398] In this way, in order to provide an irregular suction airflow to the dust collecting container 15 , the controller 140 may adjust at least one of the driving time and the rotation speed of the first motor 151 , and repeatedly turn on / off the first motor 151 .

[0399] That is, the controller 140 may control the first motor 151 so that the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off.

[0400] In this case, whenever the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off, the controller 140 may adjust the driving time of the first motor 151 by adjusting at least one of the time when the first motor 151 is turned on and the time when the first motor 151 is turned off.

[0401] Furthermore, the controller 140 may adjust the rotation speed of the first motor 151 by adjusting the pulse width of the power voltage supplied to the first motor 151 whenever the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off.

[0402] In this case, whenever the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off according to the driving time of the first motor 151 or the change in the rotation speed of the first motor 151, the suction fan 153 can provide a suction airflow with different suction powers, and since the internal pressure of the dust collecting container 15 changes due to the irregular suction airflow, impurities in the dust collecting container 15 can be smoothly discharged from the dust collecting container 15.

[0403] That is, as the air flow rate inside the dust collecting container 15 changes, the air diffuses in all directions within the space inside the dust collecting container 15, and therefore, the air flow inside the dust collecting container 15 may change in different directions.

[0404] As the direction of the air flow changes instantaneously, some impurities having resistance to a specific direction may lose resistance due to the air flow in another direction and may escape the dust collecting container 15 together with the air flow.

[0405] That is, the controller 140 repeatedly supplies and interrupts the suction airflow to the dust collection container 15 through the on-off control of the first motor 151, and changes the supply time or suction power when supplying the suction airflow, thereby periodically changing the flow of air inside the dust collection container 15. Through this configuration, impurities in the dust collection container 15 can be discharged more effectively.

[0406] According to an embodiment, the controller 140 may set different pulse widths for the pulses of the power voltage in at least one period in which the first motor 151 is alternately turned on and off, so that the first motor 151 vibrates.

[0407] In this case, the first motor 151 may be subjected to a rapid change in rotation speed based on a pulse width difference between pulses of the power voltage, and thus, the first motor 151 may vibrate.

[0408] The vibration of the first motor 151 may be transmitted to the body of the docking station 100 and the dust collection container 15 connected to the docking station 100. That is, the dust collection container 15 may vibrate according to the vibration of the first motor 151, and impurities in the dust collection container 15 may be more effectively discharged according to the vibration.

[0409] The docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may repeat the on / off control of the first motor 151 until the dust collection container 15 is separated from the docking station 100 ("Yes" in operation 2340) or the first motor 151 is turned on a preset number of times ("Yes" in operation 2350). In this case, the preset number of times may be set at the design stage of the cleaning device 1, or may be set by the user through the input 120. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the controller 140 may set the preset number of times based on information on the amount of impurities collected in the dust collection container 15 obtained by a sensor or the like.

[0410] The controller 140 according to the present embodiment may drive the first motor 151 for a predetermined time set for impurities remaining in the suction flow path 180 to be collected by the collector 190 when the dust collecting container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 and then separated from the docking station 100.

[0411] Fig.24 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the cleaning device 1 , which illustrates a case where the first motor 151 is controlled according to the operation of the flow path valve 163 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0412] Reference Fig.24 In operation 2410 , the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may determine whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 based on the output value of the sensor 110 .

[0413] When the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 (YES in operation 2420 ), in operation 2430 , the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the second motor 161 so that the flow path valve 163 periodically opens and closes the suction flow path 180 .

[0414] In detail, in addition to controlling the first motor 151 , the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may also control the flow path valve 163 to periodically open and close the suction flow path 180 when the suction airflow of the suction fan 153 is supplied according to the driving of the first motor 151 .

[0415] That is, the controller 140 controls the second motor 161 so that the flow path valve 163 periodically opens and closes the suction flow path 180 to repeat the supply and interruption of the suction airflow of the dust collection container 15, thereby periodically changing the flow of air inside the dust collection container 15. In other words, the flow path valve 163 can adjust the flow rate of the air moved by the suction fan 153 and completely stop the suction airflow that may remain during the off time when the voltage is not supplied to the first motor 151, thereby more effectively changing the flow of air inside the dust collection container 15.

[0416] In operation 2440 , the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control on / off of the first motor 151 in response to opening and closing of the suction flow path 180 .

[0417] In other words, the controller 140 of the docking station 100 determines whether the suction flow path 180 is opened or closed by the flow path valve 163 based on the output value of the position detection sensor 130, and turns on or off the first motor 151 based on whether the suction flow path 180 is opened or closed, thereby improving the noise and overload of the first motor 151.

[0418] In detail, when the flow path valve 163 opens the suction flow path 180 , the controller 140 controls the first motor 151 to be turned on, and when the flow path valve 163 closes the suction flow path 180 , the controller 140 controls the first motor 151 to be turned off.

[0419] That is, the controller 140 controls the first motor 151 and the second motor 161 in conjunction with each other, thereby more effectively performing the supply and repetition of the suction airflow, preventing the suction fan 153 from causing noise due to rotation when the suction flow path 180 is closed, and improving overload of the first motor 151.

[0420] In this case, the controller 140 may control the second motor 161 so that the flow path valve 163 opens and closes the suction flow path 180 at a preset cycle, and whenever the first motor 151 is alternately opened and closed, the second motor 161 may be controlled corresponding to the changed driving time of the first motor 151.

[0421] That is, when the on time when voltage is supplied to the first motor 151 or the off time when voltage is not supplied to the first motor 151 changes, the controller 140 may control the second motor 161 to operate the flow path valve 163 corresponding to the changed on time and off time.

[0422] Fig.25 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling the cleaning device 1 , which illustrates performing a suction mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0423] Reference Fig.25 , when connected to the dust collection container ("Yes" in operation 2510) and receiving a command for the suction mode ("Yes" in operation 2520), the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment can control the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180 in operation 2530, and control the suction device 150 to operate in operation 2540.

[0424] That is, in response to receiving an action command for the suction mode through the input 120, the controller 140 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 so that the suction airflow is continuously supplied with the suction flow path 180 opened.

[0425] In detail, in response to receiving a motion command for the suction mode from the user in a state in which the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 , the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to perform the suction mode.

[0426] The controller 140 may determine whether the dust collection container 15 is connected to the docking station 100 based on the output of the sensor 110 , and determine an input of the suction mode based on the output of the inputter 120 .

[0427] The suction mode is a mode for checking the suction power of the suction device 150 and may refer to a period in which a suction airflow is continuously supplied in a state in which the suction flow path 180 is opened.

[0428] In response to receiving the input of the suction mode, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180 .

[0429] In detail, when the suction flow path 180 is closed upon receiving the input of the suction mode, the controller 140 may supply voltage to the flow regulating device 160 to open the suction flow path 180, and may stop supplying voltage to the flow regulating device 160 when the suction flow path 180 becomes open.

[0430] Furthermore, in a case where the suction flow path 180 is opened upon receiving an input of the suction mode, the controller 140 may control the flow regulating device 160 to stop operating so that the suction flow path 180 remains open.

[0431] In response to receiving the input of the suction mode, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 to operate, and may continue to supply voltage to the first motor 151 of the suction device 150 .

[0432] When the dust collection container is detached ("Yes" in operation 2550) or a stop command for the suction mode is received through the input 120 ("Yes" in operation 2560), in operation 2570, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 to stop operating.

[0433] In this way, the controller 140 may execute the suction mode until the dust collection container 15 is separated from the docking station 100 or an input of a stop command is received. That is, when the dust collection container 15 is separated from the docking station 100 or a stop command of the suction mode is received, the controller 140 may control the suction device 150 to stop operating. However, the controller 140 according to an embodiment may control the suction device 150 to execute the suction mode only for a preset operation time and stop when the preset operation time has passed.

[0434] Furthermore, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the flow regulating device 160 to close the suction flow path 180 when a predetermined waiting time has passed after the suction mode is terminated.

[0435] Fig.26 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the cleaning device 1 , which illustrates executing a display mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0436] Reference Fig.26In response to receiving the input of the display mode in operation 2610, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the display part 170 to emit light in operation 2620 and terminate the display mode when the external power is interrupted ("Yes" in operation 2630).

[0437] In detail, in response to receiving an input of a display mode through the inputter 120, the controller 140 may perform at least one of the following: control a front display 170a provided on the front surface of the docking station 100 to emit light to the outside of the docking station 100, and may control an internal display 170b provided on the seating portion 181 to emit light from the inside of the seating portion 181 to the dust collection container 15.

[0438] When the display mode is executed, the controller 140 may control the display part 170 to continuously emit light regardless of the operation of the suction device 150, and may continue to execute the display mode until the external power source stops.

[0439] Fig. 27 is a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling the cleaning device 1 , which shows the filling of the display collector 190 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0440] Reference Fig. 27 In operation 2710, the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 to operate for dust discharge based on the connection of the dust collection container 15 or the input of a motion command from the user.

[0441] When the collector 190 is in the full state (“Yes” in operation 2720 ), the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment may control the display part 170 to display the fullness of the collector 190 in operation 2730 .

[0442] In addition, when the suction device 150 and the flow regulating device 160 newly perform a dust removal operation ("Yes" in operation 2740), the docking station 100 of the cleaning device 1 according to the present embodiment can re-determine whether the collector 190 is in a full state, and when the collector is not in a full state ("Yes" in operation 2750), the display part 170 is controlled not to display whether the collector 190 is in a full state in operation 2760.

[0443] For example, when the collector 190 is in a full state, the controller 140 may control the front display 170a to output “red” light, and control the front display 170a to keep outputting the “red” light until the dust bag 193 of the collector 190 is replaced.

[0444] In this way, the docking station 100 can inform the user that the impurities in the dust collection container 15 cannot be normally discharged due to the fullness of the collector 190, and can inform the user to replace the dust collection bag 193.

[0445] On the other hand, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing instructions executable by a computer. The instructions may be stored in the form of program code, and when executed by a processor, a program module may be generated to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium may be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0446] The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording media in which instructions decodable by a computer are stored, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tapes, magnetic disks, flash memories, optical data storage devices, and the like.

[0447] As apparent from the above, the cleaning device according to the present embodiment allows the foreign matter in the dust collection container of the vacuum cleaner to be automatically and efficiently removed by providing an irregular suction airflow when the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station.

[0448] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, comprising: Vacuum cleaner including dust container; as well as a docking station to which the dust collection container can be connected and detached, Wherein, the docking station comprises: a sensor configured to detect whether the dust collection container is connected to the docking station, a suction device configured to move air from the dust collection container to the interior of the docking station, a suction flow path along which air moves to the interior of the docking station, a collector configured to collect foreign matter moving with the air, and At least one processor configured to: In response to the dust collection container being connected to the docking station, controlling the suction device to provide a suction airflow to the dust collection container, and During the operation of the suction device, in response to the dust collection container being separated from the docking station, the suction device is controlled to stop operating after the operation continues for a predetermined time.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to, in response to the dust collection container not being detached from the docking station during the period when the suction device is controlled to operate, control the suction device to stop operating after the operation continues for a predetermined operation time.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to periodically open and close the suction flow path while the suction device is in operation.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one processor is also configured to close the suction flow path after stopping the suction device.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, in, The docking station also includes an input device configured to receive input from a user, and Wherein, the at least one processor is further configured to: during the operation of the suction device, in response to receiving a stop command through the input device, control the suction device to stop operating after a first predetermined waiting time.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, in, The at least one processor is further configured to, during operation of the suction device, close the suction flow path after a second predetermined waiting time in response to receiving the stop command via the input device.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, in, The suction device includes a suction fan and a motor configured to rotate the suction fan, and Wherein, the at least one processor is further configured to adjust the rotation speed of the motor during operation of the suction device.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 7, in, The at least one processor is further configured to adjust the rotational speed of the motor by controlling a pulse width of a power supply voltage supplied to the motor during operation of the suction device.

9. A method performed by a cleaning device, the cleaning device comprising a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, the vacuum cleaner comprising a dust collection container, the dust collection container being connectable to and detachable from the docking station, the docking station comprising a sensor configured to detect whether the dust collection container is connected to the docking station, a suction device configured to move air from the dust collection container to the interior of the docking station, a suction flow path along which the air moves to the interior of the docking station, a collector configured to collect foreign matter moving with the air, and at least one processor, the method comprising: In response to the dust collection container being connected to the docking station, the at least one processor controls the suction device to provide a suction airflow to the dust collection container; as well as During the operation of the suction device, in response to the dust collection container being separated from the docking station, the suction device is controlled by the at least one processor to stop operating after the operation continues for a predetermined time.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: During the period when the suction device is controlled to operate, in response to the dust collection container not being separated from the docking station, the suction device is controlled by the at least one processor to stop operating after the operation continues for a predetermined operation time.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: The suction flow path is periodically opened and closed by the at least one processor while the suction device is in operation.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: After stopping the suction device, the suction flow path is closed by the at least one processor.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising: During the operation of the suction device, in response to receiving a stop command through the input device of the docking station, the at least one processor controls the suction device to stop operating after a first predetermined waiting time.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: During operation of the suction device, in response to receiving the stop command through the input device, the at least one processor closes the suction flow path after a second predetermined waiting time.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The suction device comprises a suction fan and a motor configured to rotate the suction fan, and the method further comprises: During operation of the suction device, the rotational speed of the motor is adjusted by the at least one processor.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Adjusting the rotation speed of the motor includes: during the operation of the suction device, adjusting the rotation speed of the motor by controlling the pulse width of the power supply voltage provided to the motor by the at least one processor.

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