Station device on which cleaner is mounted and operating method of station device

Abstract

Disclosed is a station device, which uses a zero crossing point (ZCP) circuit for detecting the ZCP of an alternating current (AC) input voltage applied to the station device, so as to: detect a first ZCP and a second ZCP for an AC input voltage; obtain information related to a pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP; identify, on the basis of the information related to the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP, whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state; and deactivate the operation of a suction motor if the AC input voltage is in the overvoltage state. Here, detecting the first ZCP and the second ZCP can include detecting a voltage point that is offset from 0 V by a predetermined value in the AC input voltage.

Description

A station device on which a vacuum cleaner is mounted and a method of operating the station device

[0001] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a station device for detecting overvoltage and a method of operating the station device.

[0002] A cordless vacuum cleaner is a type of vacuum cleaner that recharges its built-in battery without the need for a corded outlet. Cordless vacuum cleaners incorporate a suction motor that generates suction. The suction generated by the motor draws in dust and other foreign substances along with the air through the vacuum head (brush), separating these foreign substances from the air and collecting them.

[0003] Cordless vacuum cleaners have limited dustbin size, making them unable to capture significant amounts of dust. Furthermore, if the vacuum cleaner is continuously operated with a full dustbin, its internal airflow can become clogged, significantly reducing cleaning performance. In this case, simply emptying the dustbin will not restore cleaning performance, and disassembling the dustbin for cleaning can be inconvenient. Therefore, it's crucial to empty the dustbin of your cordless vacuum cleaner at the right time.

[0004] Recently, the function of the storage station for cordless vacuum cleaners has been updated. Beyond storing and charging the vacuum cleaner's battery, the station also provides a function to manually or automatically eject dust collected in the vacuum cleaner's dustbin. The station includes an AC suction motor that uses alternating current (AC) power for dust ejection. Therefore, if AC overvoltage exceeding the AC rated voltage is applied to the station, the AC suction motor may be damaged or even cause a fire. Therefore, it is important to prevent fire or damage caused by AC power input errors.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a station device may include a suction motor that generates a suction force for sucking dust from a dust bin included in a vacuum cleaner; a ZCP circuit for detecting a zero crossing point (ZCP) of an alternating current (AC) input voltage applied to the station device; and at least one processor that controls the supply of the AC input voltage to the suction motor. The at least one processor may detect a first ZCP and a second ZCP for the AC input voltage using the ZCP circuit. The at least one processor may obtain information regarding a pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP. The at least one processor may identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the information regarding the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP. The at least one processor may disable operation of the suction motor when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state.

[0006] A method of operating a station device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the steps of: detecting a first ZCP and a second ZCP for an AC input voltage using a ZCP circuit for detecting a zero crossing point (ZCP) of an AC input voltage applied to the station device; obtaining information about a pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP; identifying whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP; and, if the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state, disabling the operation of a suction motor (207).

[0007] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a cleaning system for overvoltage detection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 1b is a drawing for explaining a robot cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the zero crossing point (ZCP) of the alternating current (AC) input voltage.

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the pulse width between zero crossing points (ZCPs) of the AC input voltage.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a station device and a wireless cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of a station device and a wireless vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a vacuum cleaner body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of processors of a wireless vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting overvoltage of a station device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a ZCP circuit and a standby power cut-off circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an operation of detecting ZCP according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation of measuring a pulse width between ZCPs detected in a processor using a timer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an operation of measuring a pulse width between ZCPs detected in a processor using a timer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the magnitude of the AC input voltage and the pulse width between ZCPs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a pulse width between ZCPs detected in a processor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of a station device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining an operation of identifying a power distortion state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the state of an AC input voltage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a final state of an AC input voltage based on a result of classifying the state of the AC input voltage during a predetermined cycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 19a is a diagram for explaining a plurality of groups corresponding to states of an AC input voltage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 19b is a diagram for explaining an operation of identifying a final state of an AC input voltage based on a result of classifying the state of the AC input voltage during a predetermined cycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining a non-insulated half-wave ZCP circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a phase control circuit for soft start according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a phase control operation using a photo triac according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 23 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a station device driving a suction motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 24a is a diagram for explaining the operating current of an AC suction motor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 24b is a diagram for explaining the operating current of an AC suction motor according to phase control.

[0034] FIG. 25 is a drawing for explaining a cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an operation of adjusting a reference range for overvoltage detection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] The terms used in this disclosure will be briefly explained, and one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described.

[0037] The terms used in this disclosure are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of one embodiment of the disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant embodiments of the disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on the meanings of the terms and the overall content of the disclosure.

[0038] In this disclosure, the expression “at least one of a, b or c” may refer to “a”, “b”, “c”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, “all of a, b and c”, or variations thereof.

[0039] Throughout this disclosure, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated. Furthermore, terms such as "part," "module," etc., used in this disclosure refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and "part" and "module" may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0040] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, one embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly describe one embodiment of the present disclosure, and similar parts are designated with similar drawing reference numerals throughout the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a cleaning system for overvoltage detection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a robot cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1A, a cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cleaner and a station device (200). However, not all of the components illustrated in FIG. 1A are essential components. The cleaning system may be implemented with more or fewer components than those illustrated in FIG. 1A. For example, the cleaning system may be implemented to further include a server device (not illustrated) and a user terminal (not illustrated). A cleaning system further including a server device and a user terminal will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 25.

[0043] In FIG. 1A, a cordless vacuum cleaner (100) is described as an example, but is not limited thereto. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, an embodiment of the present disclosure can also be applied to a robot vacuum cleaner (100-1). The robot vacuum cleaner (100-1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a robot device that can move on its own using wheels or the like, and can perform a cleaning operation while moving around a cleaning space. The cleaning space may be, for example, a space that requires cleaning, such as a home or an office. The robot vacuum cleaner (100-1) can explore an indoor space using at least one sensor (e.g., a camera sensor, a 3D sensor, a lidar sensor, etc.) and generate an indoor space map. The indoor space map may include, for example, data regarding at least one of a navigation map used for driving during cleaning, a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) map used for location recognition, and an obstacle recognition map in which information regarding recognized obstacles is recorded.

[0044] A cordless vacuum cleaner (100) may refer to a vacuum cleaner that has a built-in rechargeable battery and does not require a power cord to be connected to an outlet during cleaning. A user may use a handle mounted on the main body of the cleaner to move the cordless vacuum cleaner (100) back and forth, allowing the brush device (cleaner head) to suck up foreign substances (e.g., dust, hair, trash) from the surface to be cleaned. Foreign substances sucked from the surface to be cleaned through the brush device may be collected in a dust bin (1200, also referred to as a dust collector) of the main body of the cleaner. The cordless vacuum cleaner (100) may include a suction motor (1110) that forms a vacuum inside the cordless vacuum cleaner (100). Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the suction motor (1110) of the cordless vacuum cleaner (100) may be expressed as a first suction motor (1110). The cordless vacuum cleaner (100) may also include a communication interface for communicating with a station device (200). For example, a wireless vacuum cleaner (100) can transmit and receive data with a station device (200) via a wireless personal area network (WPAN). The configuration of the wireless vacuum cleaner (100) will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1A, the station device (200) may be a device for dust discharge, battery charging, or storage of the cordless vacuum cleaner (100). The station device (200) may provide only the battery charging function of the cordless vacuum cleaner (100), or may provide both the battery charging function and the dust discharge function. The station device (200) may also be referred to as a cleaning station or a charging station.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1B, the station device (200) may be a device for dust discharge, battery charging, or storage of the robot cleaner (100-1). For example, the station device (200) may provide a dust discharge function and a battery charging function of the robot cleaner (100-1) (see 101 of FIG. 1B), or may provide only a battery charging function of the robot cleaner (100-1) (see 102 of FIG. 1B).

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can communicate with the wireless cleaner (100), the robot cleaner (100-1), or the server device (not shown) through a network. For example, the station device (200) can transmit and receive data with the wireless cleaner (100) through a wireless local area network (WPAN) that does not use an access point (AP). The station device (200) can also transmit and receive data with the server device through an access point (AP) that connects a local area network (LAN) to which the station device (200) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server device is connected. For example, the station device (200) can be connected to the wireless cleaner (100) through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, and can be connected to the server device through Wi-Fi™ (IEEE 802.11) communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may include, but is not limited to, at least one processor (203), a suction motor (207) (hereinafter also referred to as a second suction motor (207)), and a ZCP circuit (212).

[0049] The second suction motor (207) may be a device that generates suction force to discharge foreign substances collected in the dust bin (1200) of the cordless vacuum cleaner (100) from the cordless vacuum cleaner (100). For example, the second suction motor (207) may generate a pressure difference inside the dust bin (1200). The second suction motor (207) may be positioned lower than the collection unit (209) when the station device (200) is in an upright state. The second suction motor (207) is a motor that uses alternating current (AC) power and may be expressed as an AC suction motor.

[0050] The ZCP circuit (212) is a circuit for detecting the ZCP (Zero Crossing Point) of the alternating current (AC) input voltage applied to the station device (200).

[0051] Referring to Fig. 2, a ZCP (Zero Crossing Point) may refer to a point where the AC input voltage (sine wave) is 0 V. The ZCP may include a rising zero crossing point (rising ZCP) where the AC input voltage (sine wave) rises from a negative value to a positive value, and a falling zero crossing point (falling ZCP) where the AC input voltage (sine wave) falls from a positive value to a negative value.

[0052] Referring back to FIG. 1A, after using the wireless cleaner (100), the user can dock the wireless cleaner (100) onto the station device (200). When the distance between the wireless cleaner (100) and the station device (200) becomes short, the wireless cleaner (100) and the station device (200) can establish a short-range wireless communication channel and transmit and receive data. The station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can automatically or manually perform a dust discharge operation when the wireless cleaner (100) is mounted on the station device (200). In the present disclosure, the dust discharge operation may mean driving the second suction motor (207) of the station device (200) so that dust in the dust bin (1200) of the wireless cleaner (100) is discharged to the collection unit (209) of the station device (200).

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may be a product that uses AC power. Accordingly, when the power cord (213) of the station device (200) is connected to an outlet so that the station device (200) is supplied with AC power, and a cordless vacuum cleaner (100) is mounted on the station device (200), the station device (200) can drive the AC suction motor (207) to perform a dust discharge operation.

[0054] However, if the user connects the power cord (213) of the station device (200) to the wrong outlet, and AC overvoltage exceeding the AC rated voltage is applied to the station device (200), component failure, burnout, fire, etc. may occur in the station device (200). For example, if the rated voltage of the station device (200) is AC 110 to 127 V, and the power cord (213) of the station device (200) is incorrectly connected to an AC 220 to 240 V outlet, component failure, fire, etc. may occur. In particular, in Brazil, the AC commercial power in households differs by region, and both AC 127 V and AC 220 V may be supplied to a single household, so there is a possibility that the user may incorrectly apply power to the station device (200). In addition, since Brazil has power cords (AC plugs) that correspond to AC 127 V and AC 220 V and outlets that correspond to AC 127 V and AC 220 V that have the same shape, and the shape of outlets that correspond to AC 127 V and AC 220 V are also the same, the possibility of users misusing the power cannot be ruled out. Therefore, it is necessary to detect when overvoltage is applied to the station device (200) to prevent malfunction, damage, fire, etc. of the station device (200).

[0055] However, in the case of AC power, overvoltage detection is not simple. The measurement time of the + / - peak level of AC power is short, a separate circuit is required to detect the - peak level, and it is difficult to use AC GND, so it is difficult to directly detect the AC voltage level. In addition, the range of the ADC (Analog-to-digital converter, a chip (I / C) that converts a continuous analog signal into a digital signal composed of 0 and 1) of the processor (203) is 0 to 5 V or 0 to 3.3 V, but the range of the AC voltage (e.g., from the rated AC 127 V to the rated AC 220 V) is large, so it is not easy to directly detect abnormal overvoltage with the processor (203).

[0056] Meanwhile, since a separate circuit for AC overvoltage detection requires multiple components, such as a photocoupler, OP-AMP comparator, and transistor, the material cost increases, and the size of the printed circuit board (PCB) increases, which may reduce product competitiveness. Furthermore, when the overvoltage detection conditions are to be changed (e.g., level up, level down, or detection time adjustment, etc.), the time constant of the AC overvoltage detection circuit must be changed, making a quick response difficult.

[0057] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can implement AC overvoltage detection using the ZCP circuit (212) without configuring a separate circuit for AC overvoltage detection. Most circuits that control AC loads include the ZCP circuit (212). This is because AC load control basically requires phase control (soft start), and the basic circuit for phase control is the ZCP circuit (212). Phase control is a method of controlling the phase of AC power according to a control input signal. The phase control method is a method of proportionally dividing each 1 / 2 cycle of AC power between 0 and 180 degrees according to an input control signal and outputting power.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can detect AC overvoltage using the pulse width between ZCPs detected by the processor (203) through the ZCP circuit (212). The pulse width between ZCPs can include the time from the first ZCP to the second ZCP.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 3, when the frequency is the same (e.g., 60 Hz or 50 Hz), the pulse width of the + waveform of AC 127 V and the + waveform of AC 220 V are the same. For example, when the frequency is 60 Hz, both the half cycle (pulse width of the + waveform) of AC 127 V and the half cycle (pulse width of the + waveform) of AC 220 V are 1 / 120 sec. However, based on a specific voltage level, the width (A) of the + waveform of AC 127 V and the width (B) of the + waveform of AC 220 V are different. That is, when ZCP is detected based on a specific voltage value rather than 0 V, the pulse width between ZCPs will vary depending on the magnitude of the AC input voltage.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor (203) of the station device (200) detects a ZCP based on a voltage point that is a predetermined value higher than 0 V through the ZCP circuit (212), so that the station device (200) can detect AC overvoltage based on the pulse width between ZCPs. The operation of the station device (200) detecting AC overvoltage based on the pulse width between ZCPs will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the station device (200) detects AC overvoltage, it disables the operation of the suction motor (207) and notifies the user that overvoltage has been detected, thereby preventing product failure, damage, fire, etc. Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user or manufacturer may connect the station device (200) to a network (wired / wireless) to vary the AC overvoltage detection conditions (e.g., level, time, etc.). For example, in an area where the power supply is unstable, the user or manufacturer may adjust the sensitivity of the station device (200) to a low level for detecting overvoltage. The operation of the station device (200) adjusting the AC overvoltage detection conditions (e.g., level, time, etc.) according to an external input or external signal will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 26.

[0062] Below, the station device (200) and the wireless vacuum cleaner (100) will be examined in more detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a station device (200) and a wireless cleaner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] A cordless cleaner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a stick-type cleaner including a cleaner body (1000), a brush device (2000), and an extension tube (3000). However, not all of the components illustrated in FIG. 4 are essential components. The cordless cleaner (100) may be implemented with more components than those illustrated in FIG. 4, or may be implemented with fewer components. For example, the cordless cleaner (100) may be implemented with a cleaner body (1000) and a brush device (2000), excluding the extension tube (3000).

[0065] The vacuum cleaner body (1000) is a part that a user can hold and move during cleaning, and may include a suction motor (1110, hereinafter also referred to as a first suction motor (1110)) that forms a vacuum inside the cordless vacuum cleaner (100). The suction motor (1110) may be located in a dust bin (1200) that receives foreign substances sucked from a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor, bedding, a sofa, etc.). In addition to the suction motor (1110), the vacuum cleaner body (1000) may further include, but is not limited to, at least one processor (1001), a battery (not shown), a memory (not shown) in which software related to the control of the cordless vacuum cleaner (100) is stored, a motion sensor (not shown), etc. The vacuum cleaner body (1000) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0066] The brush device (2000) is a device that is in close contact with a surface to be cleaned and can suck up air and foreign substances from the surface to be cleaned. The brush device (2000) may be expressed as a vacuum cleaner head. The brush device (2000) may be rotatably coupled to an extension tube (3000). The brush device (2000) may include, but is not limited to, a motor, a drum having a rotating brush attached thereto, and the like. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the brush device (2000) may further include at least one processor for controlling communication with the vacuum cleaner body (1000). The types of the brush device (2000) may vary.

[0067] The extension pipe (3000) may be formed as a hollow pipe. In one embodiment, the extension pipe (3000) may have a predetermined rigidity. In one embodiment, the extension pipe (3000) may be formed as a flexible hose. The extension pipe (3000) may transfer the suction force generated by the suction motor (1110) of the cleaner body (1000) to the brush device (2000) and move the air and foreign substances sucked through the brush device (2000) to the cleaner body (1000). The extension pipe (3000) may be detachably connected to the brush device (2000). The extension pipe (3000) may be formed in multiple stages between the cleaner body (1000) and the brush device (2000). There may be two or more extension pipes (3000).

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the cleaner body (1000), the brush device (2000), and the extension tube (3000) included in the cordless cleaner (100) may include a power line (e.g., a + power line, a - power line) and a signal line.

[0069] The power line may be a line for transmitting power supplied from a battery to the vacuum cleaner body (1000) and the brush device (2000) connected to the vacuum cleaner body (1000). The signal line is different from the power line and may be a line for transmitting and receiving signals between the vacuum cleaner body (1000) and the brush device (2000). The signal line may be implemented to be connected to the power line within the brush device (2000).

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (1001) of the cleaner body (1000) and each processor of the brush device (2000) can perform two-way communication between the cleaner body (1000) and the brush device (2000) by controlling the operation of a switch element connected to a signal line. Hereinafter, when the cleaner body (1000) and the brush device (2000) communicate through a signal line, the communication between the cleaner body (1000) and the brush device (2000) can be defined as 'signal line communication'. Meanwhile, the cleaner body (1000) and the brush device (2000) may also communicate using I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication or UART (Universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter) communication.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaner body (1000) can go beyond detecting whether the brush device (2000) is attached or detached and can also identify the type of the brush device (2000) and adaptively control the operation (e.g., drum RPM (Rotations Per Minute)) of the brush device (2000) according to the usage environment condition of the brush device (2000) (e.g., hard floor, carpet, mat, corner, lifted from the surface to be cleaned, etc.). For example, the cleaner body (1000) can transmit a signal for controlling the operation of the brush device (2000) to the brush device (2000) by periodically communicating with the brush device (2000).

[0072] A station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a suction motor (207, also referred to as a second suction motor (207)), at least one processor (203), and a ZCP circuit (212). In addition, the station device (200) may further include a communication interface (201), a memory (202), a user interface (204), a wired connector (205), a pressure sensor (206) (hereinafter also referred to as a second pressure sensor (206)), a power supply device (208), a dust collector coupling unit (not shown), a collection unit (209), a filter unit (not shown), etc. However, not all of the components illustrated in FIG. 4 are essential components. The station device (200) may be implemented with more components than the components illustrated in FIG. 4, or may be implemented with fewer components. Each component will be described below.

[0073] The station device (200) may include a communication interface (201) for communicating with an external device. For example, the station device (200) may communicate with the cleaner body (1000) of the wireless cleaner (100) or a server device (not shown) through the communication interface (201). At this time, the communication interface (201) may communicate with the server device through a first communication method (e.g., Wi-Fi communication method) and communicate with the wireless cleaner (100) through a second communication method (e.g., BLE communication method).

[0074] The communication interface (201) may include a short-range communication unit, a long-range communication unit, etc. The short-range wireless communication interface may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication interface (NFC), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto. The long-range communication unit may be used for the station device (200) to remotely communicate with a server device. The long-range communication unit may include the Internet, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), and a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit may include a 3G module, a 4G module, a 5G module, an LTE module, an NB-IoT module, an LTE-M module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The communication interface (201) can transmit data to the processor (203) via UART (Universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter) communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] The memory (202) of the station device (200) may store a program (e.g., one or more commands) for processing and controlling the processor (203), and may also store input / output data. For example, the memory (202) of the station device (200) may include, but is not limited to, software related to the control of the station device (200), status data of the suction motor (207), measurement values ​​of the pressure sensor (206), error occurrence data (failure history data), information on the operation mode for dust discharge (e.g., operation time of the suction motor (207) for each operation mode, suction force generation pattern for each operation mode), threshold reduction amount preset for the smart discharge mode, discharge timing conditions, etc. The memory (202) of the station device (200) may also store data received from the vacuum cleaner body (1000). For example, the station device (200) may store product information (e.g., identification information, model information, etc.) of the cordless cleaner (100) mounted on the station device (200), version information of the software installed in the cordless cleaner (100), error occurrence data (failure history data) of the cordless cleaner (100), information on the main cleaning mode, information on the amount of suction power reduction calculated in the lifting state of the brush device (2000), information on the cumulative cleaning time after dust discharge, information on the cumulative number of cleanings after dust discharge, etc.

[0077] The memory (202) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. The programs stored in the memory (202) may be classified into a plurality of modules according to their functions.

[0078] The station device (200) may include at least one processor (203). The station device (200) may include one processor or may include a plurality of processors. The at least one processor (203) according to the present disclosure may include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). The at least one processor (203) may be implemented in the form of an integrated system on a chip (SoC) including one or more electronic components. Each of the at least one processor (203) may be implemented as a separate hardware (H / W). The at least one processor (203) may be expressed as a MICOM (Micro-Computer, Microprocessor Computer, Microprocessor controller), an MPU (Micro Processor unit), or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0079] At least one processor (203) according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a single core processor or may be implemented as a multicore processor.

[0080] The user interface (204) of the station device (200) may include an input interface and an output interface. The input interface may include a discharge start button, a discharge end button, a mode selection button, etc. The output interface may include, but is not limited to, an LED, an LCD, a touch screen, an audio output module for voice guidance, etc. The output interface may display, but is not limited to, information on the battery charge level of the vacuum cleaner body (1000), software update progress, etc.

[0081] The station device (200) may include a wired connector (205). The wired connector (205) may include a terminal for connecting a computing device of a system administrator (e.g., a service technician). The system administrator may connect a computing device storing a new version of software to the wired connector (205) and transfer the new version of software to the memory (202) of the station device (200). At this time, if the new version of software is software related to the control of the station device (200), the pre-installed software of the station device (200) may be updated. On the other hand, if the new version of software is software related to the control of the cordless vacuum cleaner (100), the station device (200) may transmit the new version of software to the cordless vacuum cleaner (100) depending on whether a preset condition is satisfied. For example, if a wireless cleaner (100) is mounted on a station device (200) and BLE communication is possible with the wireless cleaner (100), the station device (200) can transmit a new version of software to the wireless cleaner (100). At this time, the wireless cleaner (100) can update the already installed software.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may receive a signal for adjusting a reference range for detecting overvoltage via a wired connector (205). For example, a system administrator may connect an external device containing information related to adjusting a reference range for detecting overvoltage to the station device (200) via the wired connector (205).

[0083] The pressure sensor (206, second pressure sensor) of the station device (200) may be a sensor for measuring the pressure inside the station device (200). The pressure sensor (206) may measure the pressure value before dust discharge, the pressure value during dust discharge, or the pressure value after dust discharge. The pressure sensor (206) may transmit the pressure measurement value to at least one processor (203) through I2C communication or UART communication. The pressure sensor (206) may be provided between the collecting unit (209) and the suction motor (207), but is not limited thereto. When the pressure sensor (206) is provided between the collecting unit (209) and the suction motor (207), the pressure sensor (206) may be implemented as a negative pressure sensor because it is located at the front end of the suction motor (207).

[0084] The suction motor (207, second suction motor) may be a device that generates suction force to discharge foreign substances collected in the dust bin (1200) of the vacuum cleaner body (1000) from the vacuum cleaner body (1000). The suction motor (207) may rotate a suction fan that moves air. The suction fan may include an impeller.

[0085] The power supply unit (208) may include a switching mode power supply (SMPS) that receives AC power from a power source and converts it into DC power. When the cordless vacuum cleaner (100) is docked to the station device (200), the DC power converted by the power supply unit (208) is supplied to the battery of the vacuum cleaner body (1000) through the charging terminal, thereby charging the battery.

[0086] The dust collector coupling part may be provided so that the dust collector (dust container, 1200) of the cleaner body (1000) is docked. When the dust container (1200) is secured to the dust collector coupling part, docking of the cleaner body (1000) and the station device (200) may be completed. The dust collector coupling part may include a docking detection sensor for detecting docking of the cleaner body (1000). The docking detection sensor may be a TMR (Tunnel Magneto-Resistance) sensor, but is not limited thereto. The TMR sensor may sense whether the cleaner body (1000) is docked by detecting a magnetic body attached to the dust container (1200). The station device (200) may include a step motor (also referred to as a first step motor) that presses one side of the cover of the dustbin (1200) to open the cover (also referred to as a door of the dustbin (1200)) when the dustbin (1200) is docked to the station device (200). The station device (200) may further include a step motor (also referred to as a second step motor) that presses one side of the cover of the dustbin (1200) to close the cover after dust discharge is completed.

[0087] The collection unit (209) is a space where foreign substances discharged from the dust bin (1200) of the vacuum cleaner body (1000) can be collected. The collection unit (209) may include a dust bag that collects foreign substances discharged from the dust bin (1200). The dust bag may be formed of a material that is permeable to air but impermeable to foreign substances, so that foreign substances flowing into the collection unit (209) from the dust bin (1200) can be captured. The dust bag may be provided to be detachable from the collection unit (209). The station device (200) may also include an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates ultraviolet rays to the collection unit (209). The ultraviolet irradiation unit may include a plurality of ultraviolet lamps. The ultraviolet irradiation unit may suppress the growth of bacteria in the collection unit (209) including the dust bag. For example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit may suppress the growth of bacteria in dust accumulated in the dust bag.

[0088] The filter unit can filter out ultrafine dust and the like that are not captured by the collection unit (209). The filter unit can include an outlet that allows air passing through the filter to be discharged to the outside of the station device (200). The filter unit can include a motor filter, a HEPA filter, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] The ZCP circuit (212) is a circuit for detecting the zero crossing point (ZCP) of the alternating current (AC) input voltage applied to the station device (200). The ZCP circuit (212) may include, but is not limited to, an insulated half-wave ZCP circuit or a non-insulated half-wave ZCP circuit. The insulated half-wave ZCP circuit may include a photo coupler and a diode. The non-insulated half-wave ZCP circuit may include a transistor and a diode that operate as switching elements. At least one processor (203) may detect the ZCP of the AC input voltage based on a state change (e.g., High ↔ Low) of an input port connected to the ZCP circuit (212). The ZCP circuit (212) will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 9 and 20.

[0090] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the function of a station device (200) and a wireless cleaner (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cordless cleaner (100) may include, but is not limited to, a suction motor (1100) (hereinafter also referred to as a first suction motor), a battery (1500) (hereinafter also referred to as a battery module), a charging terminal (1501), a communication interface (1600) (hereinafter also referred to as a first communication interface), an input interface (1710), an output interface (1720), and a main processor (1800) (hereinafter also referred to as a first main processor). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first communication interface (1600), the input interface (1710), and the first main processor (1800) may be included in a main PBA (Printed Board Assembly or Printed Circuit Board Assembly) of the cleaner body (1000). The configuration of the cordless cleaner (100) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may include, but is not limited to, a communication interface (201) (hereinafter also referred to as a second communication interface), a main processor (203) (hereinafter also referred to as a second main processor), a user interface (204), a suction motor (207) (hereinafter also referred to as a second suction motor), a power supply device (208), and a charging terminal (211). The second communication interface (201) and the second main processor (203) may be included in a main PBA (Printed Board Assembly) of the station device (200). Since the configuration of the station device (200) has been described in detail in FIG. 4, a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may be for charging a battery (1500) included in a wireless cleaner (100). Accordingly, when the wireless cleaner (100) is mounted on the station device (200), the charging terminal (1501) of the wireless cleaner (100) may be brought into contact with the charging terminal (211) of the station device (200) connected to a power supply device (208) (e.g., SMPS), and the battery (1500) of the wireless cleaner (100) may receive direct current power from the power supply device (208) of the station device (200) through the charging terminals (1501, 211).

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a wireless cleaner (100) is mounted on a station device (200), a first communication interface (1600) of the wireless cleaner (100) and a second communication interface (201) of the station device (200) can form a short-range wireless communication channel. For example, the first communication interface (1600) of the wireless cleaner (100) and the second communication interface (201) of the station device (200) can perform BLE communication, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The configuration of the wireless cleaner (100) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a vacuum cleaner body according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, the cleaner body (1000) may include a suction force generating device (hereinafter referred to as a motor assembly (1100)) that generates suction force required to suck up foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned, a dust collector (1200, also referred to as a dust container) that receives foreign substances sucked up from the surface to be cleaned, a filter unit (1300), a pressure sensor (1400), a battery module (1500) that can supply power to the motor assembly (1100), a communication interface (1600), a user interface (1700), a main processor (1800), and a memory (1900). However, not all of the components illustrated in FIG. 6 are essential components. The cleaner body (1000) may be implemented with more components than the components illustrated in FIG. 6, or may be implemented with fewer components. For example, the cleaner body (1000) may further include a motion sensor (not illustrated).

[0097] Let's take a look at each component below.

[0098] The motor assembly (1100) may include a suction motor (1110) that converts electrical power into mechanical rotational power, an impeller (1120) that is connected to the suction motor (1110) and rotates, and a printed circuit board (PCB) (1130) that is connected to the suction motor (1110). The suction motor (1110) and the impeller (1120) that is connected to the suction motor (1110) and rotates may create a vacuum inside the cleaner. Here, the vacuum means a state lower than atmospheric pressure. The suction motor (1110) may include, but is not limited to, a brushless motor (hereinafter, referred to as a BLDC (Brμshless Direct Current) motor).

[0099] The printed circuit board (1130) may include, but is not limited to, a processor (hereinafter referred to as a first processor (1131)) that controls the suction motor (1110) and controls communication with the brush device (2000), a first switch element (1132) connected to a signal line, a switch element (1133) (hereinafter referred to as a PWM control switch element) used to supply power to the brush device (2000), a load detection sensor (1134) that detects the load of the brush device (2000), and a moisture detection circuit (1135) for detecting moisture flowing into the cleaner body (1000) through the path. The PWM control switch element (1133) may include, but is not limited to, a FET (Field Effect Transistor), a BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor), an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), or the like. The load detection sensor (1134) may include a shunt resistor, a shunt resistor and an amplifier circuit (OP-AMP), a current detection sensor, a magnetic field detection sensor (non-contact type), etc. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an FET will be described as an example of a PWM control switch element (1133), and a shunt resistor will be described as an example of a load detection sensor (1134). The moisture detection circuit (1135) may include a part that is open when no liquid flows in and forms resistance according to the flow of liquid. The moisture detection circuit (1135) may include a voltage distribution circuit. The moisture detection circuit (1135) may be located between the + terminal and the - terminal that electrically connect the motor assembly (1100) and the battery module (1500). The moisture detection circuit (1135) may be connected to the input port of the first processor (1131) and the + power line that receives power from the battery module (1500), but is not limited thereto.

[0100] The motor assembly (1100) may have an inverted motor structure in which the positions of the impeller (1120) and the PCB (1130) are inverted. In the inverted motor structure, the PCB (1130) may be positioned lower than the suction motor (1110) and the impeller (1120) may be positioned higher than the suction motor (1110) based on the air flow direction. Accordingly, the impeller (1120) may be positioned closer to the filter unit (1300) than the PCB (1130).

[0101] The first processor (1131) can obtain data related to the status of the suction motor (1110) (hereinafter referred to as status data) and data on moisture inflow, and transmit the status data of the suction motor (1110) and data on moisture inflow to the main processor (1800). In addition, the first processor (1131) can control the operation of the first switch element (1132) connected to the signal line (e.g., turn on or turn off) to transmit a signal (hereinafter referred to as the first signal) to the brush device (2000) through the signal line. The first switch element (1132) is an element that can make the status of the signal line Low. For example, the first switch element (1132) is an element that can make the voltage of the signal line 0 V. The first signal may include data representing at least one of a target rotational speed per minute (hereinafter, also referred to as target drum RPM) of the brush device (2000), a target trip level of the brush device (2000), or power consumption of the suction motor (1110), but is not limited thereto. For example, the first signal may include data for controlling a lighting device included in the brush device (2000). The first signal may be implemented with a preset number of bits. For example, the first signal may be implemented with 5 bits, 8 bits, and may have a transmission cycle of 10 ms per bit, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The first processor (1131) can detect a signal (hereinafter referred to as a second signal) transmitted from the brush device (2000) through a signal line. The second signal may include data indicating a current state of the brush device (2000), but is not limited thereto. For example, the second signal may include data regarding a current operating condition (e.g., current drum RPM, current restraint level, current lighting device setting value, etc.). In addition, the second signal may further include data indicating a type of the brush device (2000). The first processor (1311) can transmit data indicating a current state of the brush device (2000) or data indicating a type of the brush device (2000) included in the second signal to the main processor (1800).

[0103] The motor assembly (1100) may be located within a dust collector (dust collector, 1200). The dust collector (1200) may be configured to filter and collect dust or dirt in the air drawn in through a brush device (2000). The dust collector (1200) may be configured to be detachable from the vacuum cleaner body (1000).

[0104] The dust collector (1200) can collect foreign substances through a cyclone method that separates foreign substances using centrifugal force. The air from which foreign substances have been removed through the cyclone method can be discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner body (1000), and the foreign substances can be stored in the dust collector (1200). A multi-cyclone can be arranged inside the dust collector (1200). The dust collector (1200) can be arranged so that foreign substances are collected toward the lower side of the multi-cyclone. The dust collector (1200) can include a dust collector door (also referred to as a cover of the dust collector (1200)) that is arranged so that the dust collector (1200) can be opened when connected to the station device (200). The dust collector (1200) can include a first dust collector in which relatively large foreign substances are primarily collected and a second dust collector in which relatively small foreign substances are collected by the multi-cyclone. Both the first dust collection unit and the second dust collection unit can be arranged to be open to the outside when the dust collection box door is opened.

[0105] The filter unit (1300) can filter ultrafine dust, etc., that is not filtered out by the dust collector (1200). The filter unit (1300) can include an outlet that allows air that has passed through the filter (197) to be discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner. The filter unit (1300) can include a motor filter, a HEPA filter, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0106] The pressure sensor (1400) can measure the pressure inside the flow path (hereinafter, also referred to as flow path pressure). In the case of a pressure sensor (1400) provided at a suction end (e.g., suction duct (40)), the static pressure can be measured to measure the change in flow rate at the corresponding location. The pressure sensor (1400) may be an absolute pressure sensor or a relative pressure sensor. When the pressure sensor (1400) is an absolute pressure sensor, the main processor (1800) can sense a first pressure value before operating the suction motor (1110) using the pressure sensor (1400). In addition, the main processor (1800) can sense a second pressure value after operating the suction motor (1110) at a target RPM, and use the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value as the pressure value inside the flow path. At this time, the first pressure value may be a pressure value due to internal / external influences such as weather, altitude, vacuum cleaner status, and dust inflow, and the second pressure value may be a pressure value due to internal / external influences such as altitude, vacuum cleaner status, and dust inflow and a pressure value due to the operation of the suction motor (1110), and the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value may be a pressure value due to the operation of the suction motor (1110). Therefore, when the difference between the first pressure value and the second pressure value is used as the pressure value inside the passage, internal / external influences other than the suction motor (1110) can be minimized.

[0107] The euro pressure measured by the pressure sensor (1400) can be used to identify the current usage environment status of the brush device (2000) (e.g., the status of the surface to be cleaned (floor, carpet, mat, corner, etc.), the state of being lifted from the surface to be cleaned, etc.), and can also be used to measure the suction power that changes depending on the degree of contamination of the dust collector (1200) or the degree of dust collection.

[0108] The pressure sensor (1400) may be located at the suction end (e.g., suction duct (40)). The suction duct (40) may be a structure that connects the dust collector (1200) and the extension pipe (3000) or the dust collector (1200) and the brush device (2000) to allow a fluid containing foreign substances to move to the dust collector (1200). The pressure sensor (1400) may be located at the end of the straight portion of the suction duct (40) (or the inflection point between the straight portion and the curved portion) in consideration of contamination by foreign substances / dust, but is not limited thereto. The pressure sensor (1400) may also be located in the middle of the straight portion of the suction duct (40). Meanwhile, when the pressure sensor (1400) is located in the suction duct (40), the pressure sensor (1400) can be implemented as a negative pressure sensor because it is located in front of the suction motor (1110) that generates suction force.

[0109] In the present disclosure, the pressure sensor (1400) is described as an example in which it is located in the suction duct (40), but is not limited thereto. The pressure sensor (1400) may also be located in the discharge end (e.g., within the motor assembly (1100)). When the pressure sensor (1400) is located in the discharge end, the pressure sensor (1400) may be implemented as a positive pressure sensor because it is located at the rear end of the suction motor (1110). In addition, a plurality of pressure sensors (1400) may be provided within the cleaner.

[0110] The battery module (1500) may be detachably mounted on the cleaner body (1000). The battery module (1500) may be electrically connected to a charging terminal provided in the station device (200). The battery module (1500) may be charged by receiving power from the charging terminal. According to one embodiment, the battery module (1500) may control the voltage supplied to the cleaner body (1000) and may include a processor (e.g., MICOM (Micro-Computer, Microprocessor Computer, Microprocessor controller)) for communicating with the main processor (1800). The battery module (1500) may perform data communication with the main processor (1800). The battery module (1500) may periodically transmit information regarding the battery charging status, output voltage, etc. to the main processor (1800).

[0111] The battery module (1500) may include an LED display to indicate the charging, discharging, or status of the battery. For example, the LED display may display red, orange, or yellow depending on the charging rate, and green when charging is complete.

[0112] The communication interface (1600) may include a module for performing communication with an external device. For example, the cleaner body (1000) may perform communication with the station device (200) or the server device through the communication interface (1600). The communication interface (1600) may include a short-range communication unit and a long-range communication unit, etc. The short-range wireless communication unit (short-range wireless communication interface) may include a Bluetooth communication unit, a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication unit, a near field communication interface (NFC), a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an IrDA (Infrared Data Association) communication unit, a WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, an UWB (ultra wideband) communication unit, an ANT+ communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto. The long-range communication unit may be used for the cleaner body (1000) to remotely communicate with a server device. The telecommunications unit may include the Internet, a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN), and a mobile communication unit. The mobile communication unit may include, but is not limited to, a 3G module, a 4G module, a 5G module, an LTE module, an NB-IoT module, an LTE-M module, and the like.

[0113] A user interface (1700) may be provided on the handle. The user interface (1700) may include an input interface and an output interface. The vacuum cleaner body (1000) may receive user input related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner through the user interface (1700) and output information related to the operation of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner body (1000) may output information related to the operation status, information related to the remaining battery level, information related to the docking status, information related to the status of the dustbin (1200), information related to the status of the dust bag, information related to moisture inflow, etc. through the user interface (1700).

[0114] The input interface may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a motion input unit, a voice input unit (e.g., a microphone), or a manipulation input unit (e.g., a power button, a suction strength adjustment button). The output interface may include, but is not limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch screen, a speaker, or the like.

[0115] The vacuum cleaner body (1000) may include at least one processor. The vacuum cleaner body (1000) may include one processor or multiple processors. For example, the vacuum cleaner body (1000) may include a main processor (1800) connected to a user interface (1700) and a first processor (1131) connected to a suction motor (1110). At least one processor (1001) may control the overall operation of the vacuum cleaner. For example, at least one processor (1001) may determine the power consumption (suction force strength) of the suction motor (1110), the drum RPM of the brush device (2000), the trip level of the brush device (2000), etc.

[0116] At least one processor (1001) according to the present disclosure may include at least one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), a MIC (Many Integrated Core), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and an NPU (Neural Processing Unit). The at least one processor (1001) may be implemented in the form of an integrated system on a chip (SoC) including one or more electronic components. Each of the at least one processor (1001) may also be implemented as a separate hardware (H / W). The at least one processor (1001) may also be expressed as a MICOM (Micro-Computer, Microprocessor Computer, Microprocessor controller), an MPU (Micro Processor unit), or an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0117] At least one processor (1001) according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a single core processor or may be implemented as a multicore processor.

[0118] The memory (1900) may store a program for processing and controlling the main processor (1800) and / or the first processor (1131), and may store input / output data. For example, the memory (1900) may store information about a pre-learned artificial intelligence (AI) model (e.g., SVM (Support Vector Machine) algorithm, etc.), status data of the suction motor (1110), measurement values ​​of the pressure sensor (1400), status data of the battery module (1500), status data of the brush device (2000), error occurrence data (failure history data), power consumption of the suction motor (1110) corresponding to the operating condition, RPM of the drum with the rotating brush, constraint level, operation sequence of the suction motor (1110) corresponding to the suction force generation pattern, type of the brush device (2000) corresponding to the voltage value input through the signal line, PWM frequency by type of the brush device (2000), average input voltage by type of the brush device (2000), high load reference value (low load reference value) by type of the brush device (2000), information about movement patterns (user gestures) pre-defined in response to multiple control commands, and information about the vacuum cleaner body (1000) It can store information about moisture inflow, etc.

[0119] The memory (1900) may include external memory and internal memory. For example, the memory (1900) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk. Programs stored in the memory (1900) may be classified into a plurality of modules according to their functions.

[0120] Below, the operation of the vacuum cleaner's processors will be examined in detail with reference to Fig. 7.

[0121] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of processors of a wireless vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, the main processor (1800) can check the status of components within the vacuum cleaner by communicating with the battery module (1500), the pressure sensor (1400), the motion sensor (not shown) (e.g., a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor), and the first processor (1131) within the motor assembly (1100). At this time, the main processor (1800) can periodically communicate with each component using universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) communication or I2C (Inter Integrated Circuit) communication, but is not limited thereto. For example, the main processor (1800) can obtain data on the voltage status of the battery (e.g., normal, abnormal, fully charged, fully discharged, etc.) from the battery module (1500) using UART. The main processor (1800) can obtain data on the euro pressure from the pressure sensor (1400) using I2C communication. The main processor (1800) can obtain angular velocity data from a gyro sensor (not shown) via UART communication, and can also obtain acceleration data from an acceleration sensor (not shown) via I2C communication.

[0123] In addition, the main processor (1800) can obtain data on the suction force, RPM of the suction motor (1110), and status (e.g., normal, abnormal, etc.) of the suction motor (1110) from the first processor (1131) connected to the suction motor (1110) using UART communication. The suction force is an electrical power consumed to operate the cordless vacuum cleaner (100) and may be expressed as power consumption. The main processor (1800) can also obtain data related to the load of the brush device (2000) and data related to the type of the brush device (2000) from the first processor (1131). The main processor (1800) can also obtain data on moisture inflow into the vacuum cleaner body (1000) from the first processor (1131).

[0124] Meanwhile, the first processor (1131) may obtain status data (e.g., drum RPM, trip level, normal, abnormal, etc.) of the brush device (2000) from the brush device (2000) through signal line communication with the second processor (2410) of the brush device (2000). At this time, the first processor (1131) may transmit the status data of the brush device (2000) to the main processor (1800) through UART communication. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first processor (1131) may transmit the status data of the suction motor (1110) and the status data of the brush device (2000) to the main processor (1800) at different cycles. For example, the first processor (1131) may transmit status data of the suction motor (1110) to the main processor (1800) once every 0.02 seconds and transmit status data of the brush device (2000) to the main processor (1800) once every 0.2 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] The main processor (1800) may determine whether an error has occurred based on the status of components within the wireless vacuum cleaner (100), the status of the suction motor (1110), and the status of the brush device (2000), and may periodically transmit data related to the occurrence of an error to the station device via short-range wireless communication (e.g., BLE communication).

[0126] When the first processor (1131) of the cleaner body (1000) and the second processor (2410) of the brush device (2000) are connected via UART communication or I2C communication, problems may arise, such as high impedance influence due to internal wires of the extension tube (3000), damage to circuit elements due to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and / or overvoltage (e.g., exceeding the maximum voltage of the Micom AD port). Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first processor (1131) of the cleaner body (1000) and the second processor (2410) of the brush device (2000) may communicate via signal line communication instead of UART communication or I2C communication. At this time, the circuit for signal line communication may include a voltage distribution circuit (hereinafter referred to as a voltage divider) to prevent damage to circuit elements due to overvoltage, power noise, surge, electrostatic discharge (ESD), electrical overstress (EOS), etc. However, communication between the first processor (1131) of the cleaner body (1000) and the second processor (2410) of the brush device (2000) is not limited to signal line communication.

[0127] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a noise reduction circuit is applied to the cleaner body (1000) and the brush device (2000), the first processor (1131) of the cleaner body (1000) and the second processor (2410) of the brush device (2000) may communicate using UART communication or I2C communication. The noise reduction circuit may include at least one of a low pass filter, a high pass filter, a band pass filter, a damping resistor, and a distribution resistor, but is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when a level shifter circuit is applied to the cleaner body (1000) or the brush device (2000), the first processor (1131) of the cleaner body (1000) and the second processor (2410) of the brush device (2000) may communicate using UART communication or I2C communication. In the following, for convenience of explanation, the case where the vacuum cleaner body (1000) and the brush device (2000) communicate through signal line communication will be described as a main example.

[0128] Meanwhile, the main processor (1800) may receive user input for setting buttons (e.g., ON / OFF button, + / - setting button) included in the user interface (1700) and control the output of the LCD. The main processor (1800) may identify the usage environment state of the brush device (2000) (e.g., the state of the surface to be cleaned (floor, carpet, mat, corner, etc.), the state of being lifted from the surface to be cleaned, etc.) using a pre-learned AI model (e.g., SVM algorithm), and may determine the operation information of the cordless cleaner (100) that matches the usage environment state of the brush device (2000) (e.g., power consumption of the suction motor (1110), drum RPM, trip level, etc.). At this time, the main processor (1800) may transmit the operation information of the cordless cleaner (100) that matches the usage environment state of the brush device (2000) to the first processor (1131). The first processor (1131) can adjust the suction power (power consumption, RPM) of the suction motor (1110) according to the operation information of the cordless cleaner (100), and can also transmit the operation information of the cordless cleaner (100) that is suitable for the usage environment of the brush device (2000) to the second processor (2410) through signal line communication. In this case, the second processor (2410) can adjust the drum RPM, the restraint level, the lighting device (e.g., an LED display), etc. according to the operation information of the cordless cleaner (100).

[0129] Hereinafter, a method for detecting overvoltage in a station device (200) on which a wireless vacuum cleaner (100) is mounted will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

[0130] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an overvoltage detection method of a station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 8, a method for detecting overvoltage by a station device (200) according to one embodiment may include steps S810 to S850. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps S810 to S850 may be executed by at least one processor (203) included in the station device (200). The method for detecting overvoltage by the station device (200) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 8, and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 8 may be further included, or some steps may be omitted.

[0132] In step S810, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can detect a first ZCP and a second ZCP for an AC input voltage applied to the station device (200) using the ZCP circuit (212).

[0133] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ZCP may be a falling zero crossing point (falling ZCP) where the AC input voltage (sine wave) falls from a positive value to a negative value, and the second ZCP may be a rising zero crossing point (rising ZCP) where the AC input voltage (sine wave) rises from a negative value to a positive value, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first ZCP may be a rising zero crossing point (a point where the AC input voltage (sine wave) rises from a first value to a second value), and the second ZCP may be a falling zero crossing point (a point where the AC input voltage (sine wave) falls from a second value to a first value). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an example in which the first ZCP is a falling zero crossing point and the second ZCP is a rising zero crossing point will be described.

[0134] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) of the station device (200) can detect a voltage point that is a predetermined value higher than 0 V in the AC input voltage (sine wave) as the first ZCP and the second ZCP. That is, the first ZCP and the second ZCP detected by the at least one processor (203) through the ZCP circuit (212) may be somewhat different from the actual ZCP of the AC input voltage. At this time, the predetermined value may vary depending on the type of the ZCP circuit (212). For example, the at least one processor (203) can detect a point where the AC input voltage is 31.725 V as the first ZCP and the second ZCP in an insulated half-wave ZCP circuit, and can detect a point where the AC input voltage is 2.1 V as the first ZCP and the second ZCP in a non-insulated half-wave ZCP circuit.

[0135] Referring to Fig. 9, we will first examine the insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1). Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the ZCP circuit (212) and the standby power cutoff circuit (214) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 9, the insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1) may include resistors (e.g., R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21), a diode (D1), a capacitor (C7), a photocoupler (PC3), etc. Here, the resistors (e.g., R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21) may be a circuit for operating the photocoupler (PC3). The diode (D1) may be for a half-wave circuit (reverse voltage prevention). The capacitor (C7) may be for preventing the photocoupler (PC3) from malfunctioning due to noise. The photocoupler (PC3) is for completely isolating two circuits with different operating power sources. The photocoupler (PC3) serves to transmit an electric signal as light. A photocoupler (PC3) may be composed of a light-emitting element (e.g., a light-emitting diode) that transmits light and a light-receiving element (e.g., a phototransistor: Photo TR) that acts as a switch. Since there is an insulating material between the light-emitting element and the photoreceiving element, current may not flow. In the photocoupler (PC3), the light-emitting element sends a signal to the Photo TR as an IRED light output, allowing the Photo TR to act as a switch.

[0137] In the insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1) of Fig. 9, Live / Neutral is an AC input voltage input terminal, and Power_ZCD (zero crossing detector)_INT is connected to an input port (e.g., Micom Input port) of the processor (203), so that the processor (203) can detect ZCP.

[0138] For example, referring to table (900) of FIG. 9, when the AC input voltage rises and reaches the reference voltage (e.g., 31.725 V), the photo coupler (PC3) of the insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1) may operate (e.g., light is output from the input side LED of the photo coupler (PC3)). When the photo coupler (PC3) operates, the voltage input to at least one processor (203) (e.g., Micom) is lowered from 5 V (High) to 0.2 V (Low). At least one processor (203) may detect the point where the input voltage changes from 5 V (High) to 0.2 V (Low) as a rising ZCP (e.g., a second ZCP).

[0139] On the other hand, when the AC input voltage drops and becomes lower than the reference voltage (e.g., 31.725 V), the operation of the photo coupler (PC3) may be stopped. When the operation of the photo coupler (PC3) is stopped, the voltage input to at least one processor (203) may change from 0.2 V (Low) to 5 V (High). At least one processor (203) may detect the point where the input voltage changes from 0.2 V (Low) to 5 V (High) as a falling ZCP (e.g., a first ZCP).

[0140] That is, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) can detect ZCPs as the input state changes (e.g., from High to Low or from Low to High) based on the minimum reference voltage at which the photocoupler (PC3) operates. For example, the minimum reference voltage at which the photocoupler (PC3) operates in the insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1) of FIG. 9 is as follows.

[0141] The current flowing in the secondary side (output side) of the photocoupler (PC3) is

[0142] IC = 5V / 10kohm = 0.5mA,

[0143] The current flowing in the primary side (PC3 1 and 3) of the photocoupler (PC3) is

[0144] IF = {AC input voltage - (PC2 VTH 1.7V + PC3 VF 1.2V + D1 VF 0.7V)} / {(R16 || R19) + (R17 || R20) + (R18 || R21)}

[0145] = (AC input voltage - 3.6V) / {(R16 || R19) + (R17 || R20) + (R18 || R21)}

[0146] = (AC input voltage - 3.6V) / 112.5kohm

[0147] Here, the operating characteristics of the photocoupler (PC3) are IF * CTR > IC, so

[0148] (CRT (Current Transfer Ratio) means the ratio of the collector current (IC) of the output side (Photo TR) to the current (IF) applied to the input side (IRED) expressed as a percentage (%))

[0149] IF * CTR > IC

[0150] { (AC input voltage - 3.6V) / 112.5kohm} * CTR > IC

[0151] { (AC input voltage - 3.6V) / 112.5kohm} > IC / CTR

[0152] (AC input voltage - 3.6V) > (IC / CTR) * 112.5kohm

[0153] AC input voltage > {(IC / CTR) * 112.5kohm} + 3.6V

[0154] At least one processor (203) of the station device (200) detects ZCP based on the minimum AC input voltage that satisfies the above formula.

[0155] For example, if we calculate CTR = 200%,

[0156] AC input voltage > {(0.5mA / 2.0) * 112.5kohm} + 3.6V

[0157] AC input voltage > 31.725V

[0158] That is, at least one processor (203) of the station device (200) detects a point where the AC input voltage is 31.725 V as ZCP. At least one processor (203) of the station device (200) detects a point of a slightly higher voltage rather than a point of 0 V as ZCP due to the ZCP detection and protection circuit. Here, the protection circuit may include a standby power cut-off (reduction) circuit (214). That is, referring to FIG. 9, a standby power cut-off circuit (214) may be connected to an insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1). At least one processor (203) may adjust the PHOTO_TRIAC_ZCD of the standby power cutoff circuit (214) to High (5 V) to cut off power consumption due to the resistors (R16 to R21), the photocoupler (PC3) (primary LED Vf), the diode (D1), etc. included in the insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1) when there is no need to detect ZCP (e.g., when there is no need to perform a dust discharge operation). When the PHOTO_TRIAC_ZCD becomes High (5 V), current may not flow to the resistors (R16 to R21), the photocoupler (PC3), the diode (D1), etc. included in the insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1).

[0159] In conclusion, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) can detect the ZCP of the AC input voltage according to a state change of the input port connected to the insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1). For example, at least one processor (203) can detect the point in time (rising edge) when the input value changes from Low to High as a first ZCP (falling zero crossing point), and can detect the point in time (falling edge) when the input value changes from High to Low as a second ZCP (rising zero crossing point). At this time, at least one processor (203) can detect a point of a first reference value (e.g., 4 V) among the rising edges as the first ZCP, and can detect a point of a second reference value (e.g., 1 V) among the falling edges as the second ZCP, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] Returning to FIG. 8 again, in step S820, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP.

[0161] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP may refer to the time from the first ZCP to the second ZCP. If the first ZCP is a falling zero crossing point where the AC input voltage (sine wave) falls from a positive value to a negative value, and the second ZCP is a rising zero crossing point where the AC input voltage (sine wave) rises from a negative value to a positive value, the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP may be a pulse width corresponding to a negative waveform of the AC input voltage.

[0162] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) detects a voltage point higher than 0 V by a predetermined value as the first ZCP and the second ZCP according to the characteristics of the ZCP circuit (212), so that the pulse width between the first ZCP and the second ZCP can vary depending on the magnitude (Vp or Vrms) of the AC input voltage.

[0163] Referring to FIG. 10, for example, the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP of AC 127 V may be 'A', and the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP of AC 220 V may be B. That is, the larger the magnitude of the AC input voltage, the smaller the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP.

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) may obtain the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP as information on the pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP using a timer. At this time, at least one processor (203) may count the pulse width corresponding to a first reference value of a rising edge at which the voltage of an input port connected to the ZCP circuit (212) rises to a second reference value of a falling edge at which the voltage of the input port connected to the ZCP circuit (212) falls using a timer. For example, at least one processor (203) may count from an 80% value (e.g., 4 V) of a rising edge to an 80% value (e.g., 1 V) of a falling edge using a timer, but is not limited thereto.

[0165] The timer is intended to measure the pulse width (time) between the first ZCP and the second ZCP, and may be expressed as a counter. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the period of the timer may be 100 μs, but is not limited thereto.

[0166] As the magnitude of the AC input voltage increases, the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP decreases. Therefore, as the magnitude of the AC input voltage increases, the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP may decrease. For example, as the peak value (Vp) of the AC input voltage or the root mean square value (Vrms) of the AC input voltage increases, the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP may decrease.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 11, at least one processor (203) can count the pulse width between the first ZCP and the second ZCP of AC 110 V (60 Hz) using a timer. For example, at least one processor (203) can detect the 4 V point of the rising edge as the first ZCP, and can detect the 1 V point of the falling edge as the second ZCP. At this time, the first ZCP and the second ZCP detected by at least one processor (203) may be different from the actual ZCP. For example, the first ZCP may be located to the left of the actual falling ZCP, and the second ZCP may be located to the right of the actual rising ZCP. At least one processor (203) can measure the pulse width from the first ZCP (the 4 V point of the rising edge) to the second ZCP (the 1 V point of the falling edge) using a 100 μs timer. If the pulse width between the first ZCP and the second ZCP is 9.82 ms, the number of pulse widths counted between the first ZCP and the second ZCP by a 100 μs timer can be 98.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 12, at least one processor (203) can count the pulse width between the first ZCP and the second ZCP of AC 150 V (60 Hz) with a timer. For example, at least one processor (203) can detect the 4 V point of the rising edge as the first ZCP, and can detect the 1 V point of the falling edge as the second ZCP. In addition, at least one processor (203) can measure the pulse width from the first ZCP (the 4 V point of the rising edge) to the second ZCP (the 1 V point of the falling edge) with a 100 μs timer. When the pulse width between the first ZCP and the second ZCP is 9.42 ms, the number of pulse widths counted between the first ZCP and the second ZCP with the 100 μs timer can be 94.

[0169] Referring to Fig. 13, when the pulse width between the first ZCP and the second ZCP is measured with a 100 μs timer while increasing the level of the AC input voltage, it can be confirmed that as the size (Vrms) of the AC input voltage increases, the number of pulse widths counted by the timer decreases. In addition, when the number of pulse widths between the first ZCP and the second ZCP counted with a 100 μs timer is obtained, the size of the AC input voltage can be estimated. For example, when the number of pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP counted with a 100 μs timer is 98, the size of the AC input voltage can be estimated to be approximately 108 Vrms, and when the number of counts is 92, the size of the AC input voltage can be estimated to be approximately 180 Vrms.

[0170] Returning to FIG. 8 again, in step S830, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify whether the AC input voltage applied to the station device (200) is in an overvoltage state based on information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP.

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP varies depending on the magnitude of the AC input voltage, the station device (200) can identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP. The overvoltage state may mean a state exceeding the rated voltage of the station device (200). For example, when the rated voltage of the station device (200) is AC 127 V, an AC 187 V or higher may be an overvoltage, and when the rated voltage of the station device (200) is AC 220 V, an AC 275 V or higher may be an overvoltage.

[0172] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can identify that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state when the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is outside a preset reference range. Here, the preset reference range may include a range corresponding to a normal state and a range corresponding to a low voltage state. The preset reference range may vary depending on the frequency of the AC input voltage (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz). Since the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP varies depending on the frequency of the AC input voltage, the preset reference range corresponding to the normal state may also vary depending on the frequency of the AC input voltage.

[0173] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is obtained as information on the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP using a timer, a preset reference range corresponding to a normal state may be defined by the number of pulse widths between the first ZCP and the second ZCP counted by the timer. For example, referring to FIG. 13, when the rated voltage of the station device (200) is AC 127 V, the preset reference range corresponding to a normal state may be from 98 corresponding to AC 108 V to 92 corresponding to AC 190 V. Accordingly, at least one processor (203) may identify that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state when the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is 91 or less, and may identify that the AC input voltage is in a normal state when the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is between 92 and 98.

[0174] In steps S840 and S850, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can disable the operation of the suction motor (207) if the AC input voltage applied to the station device (200) is in an overvoltage state (Yes in S840).

[0175] In the present disclosure, disabling the operation of the suction motor (207) may include, but is not limited to, stopping or suspending the operation of the suction motor (207), preventing the suction motor (207) from operating, or ignoring a drive command to the suction motor (207).

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may not drive the AC suction motor (207) when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state. For example, at least one processor (203) may disable the operation of the suction motor (207) by not transmitting a trigger signal to the gate of a photo triac for phase control.

[0177] Accordingly, when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state, even if the cordless vacuum cleaner (100) is placed on the station device (200) in automatic discharge mode, the station device (200) may not perform a dust discharge operation. In addition, when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state, even if the user selects the dust discharge button in manual discharge mode, the station device (200) may not perform a dust discharge operation.

[0178] In steps S840 and S860, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can activate the operation of the suction motor (207) if the AC input voltage applied to the station device (200) is not in an overvoltage state (No in S840).

[0179] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the AC input voltage is not in an overvoltage state, if the cordless cleaner (100) is placed on the station device (200) in an automatic discharge mode, the station device (200) can perform a dust discharge operation. In addition, when the AC input voltage is not in an overvoltage state, the station device (200) can perform a dust discharge operation when the user selects a dust discharge button in a manual discharge mode. That is, when the AC input voltage is not in an overvoltage state, the station device (200) can drive the suction motor (207) to discharge dust from the cordless cleaner (100) to the collection unit (209) of the station device (200).

[0180] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) can activate the operation of the suction motor (207) by gradually increasing the power supplied to the suction motor (207) using a photo triac. The operation of the station device (200) to phase control (soft start) the suction motor (207) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 21.

[0181] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can prevent product failure, damage, fire, etc. by disabling the operation of the suction motor (207) in response to detecting an AC overvoltage applied to the station device (200) exceeding the AC rated voltage using the ZCP circuit (212).

[0182] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the pulse width between ZCPs detected by the processor (203) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0183] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the ZCP circuit (212) includes a diode for half-wave prevention, at least one processor (203) can detect a point where the AC input voltage is at a positive reference voltage level as a ZCP. For example, at least one processor (203) can detect point b, which is slightly earlier than the falling ZCP, as a first ZCP, and point e, which is slightly later than the rising ZCP, as a second ZCP. At this time, at least one processor (203) can identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the pulse width from point b to point e. That is, at least one processor (203) can identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the pulse width of the - waveform. The pulse width from point b to point e may decrease as the magnitude of the AC input voltage increases. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0184] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) may detect point a, which is slightly later than the rising ZCP, as a first ZCP, and point b, which is slightly earlier than the falling ZCP, as a second ZCP. At this time, at least one processor (203) may identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the pulse width from point a to point b. That is, at least one processor (203) may identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the pulse width of the + waveform. The pulse width from point a to point b may be proportional to the magnitude of the AC input voltage.

[0185] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) can detect a point where the AC input voltage is at a negative reference voltage level as a ZCP. For example, at least one processor (203) can detect point c as a first ZCP and point d as a second ZCP. At this time, at least one processor (203) can identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on a pulse width from point c to point d. The pulse width from point c to point d can be proportional to the magnitude of the AC input voltage.

[0186] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) may identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on a pulse width from point b to point c. The pulse width from point b to point c may decrease as the magnitude of the AC input voltage increases. In addition, at least one processor (203) may also identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on a pulse width from point d to point e. The pulse width from point d to point e may decrease as the magnitude of the AC input voltage increases.

[0187] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an example will be described in which at least one processor (203) identifies whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the pulse width from point b to point e.

[0188] Fig. 15 is a flowchart for explaining an operation method of a station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In Fig. 15, an example will be explained in which information regarding a pulse width from a first ZCP to a second ZCP includes a count of the number of pulses from the first ZCP to the second ZCP using a timer.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 15, an operating method of a station device (200) according to one embodiment may include steps S1501 to S1512. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps S1501 to S1512 may be executed by at least one processor (203) included in the station device (200). The operating method of the station device (200) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 15, and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 15 may be further included, or some steps may be omitted.

[0190] In step S1501, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can check for product abnormalities when powered on. For example, at least one processor (203) can check for abnormalities in components by communicating with a suction motor (207), etc.

[0191] In step S1502, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify the frequency of the AC input voltage if there is no abnormality in the product.

[0192] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) of the station device (200) can cumulatively count 10 cycles of the AC input voltage to determine the frequency of the AC input voltage. The station device (200) can identify the frequency of the AC input voltage as 50 Hz when 10 cycles correspond to 0.2 s (= 1 / 50 sec X 10), and can identify the frequency of the AC input voltage as 60 Hz when 10 cycles correspond to 0.167 s (= 1 / 60 sec X 10).

[0193] In step S1503, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can select a preset reference range corresponding to the frequency of the AC input power.

[0194] The preset reference range may be a range corresponding to a normal state. The preset reference range may be defined based on the number of counts by the timer of at least one processor (203). For example, if the rated voltage of the station device (200) is AC 127 V (60 Hz), the preset reference range corresponding to a normal state may be from 98 timer counts corresponding to AC 108 V to 92 timer counts corresponding to AC 187 V.

[0195] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a reference range corresponding to a normal state may vary depending on the frequency of the AC input voltage. For example, since the pulse width between ZCPs when the frequency of the AC input power is 50 Hz is different from the pulse width between ZCPs when the frequency of the AC input power is 60 Hz, the reference range may be set differently depending on the frequency. Accordingly, the station device (200) may select a preset reference range corresponding to the frequency of the AC input voltage.

[0196] In step S1504, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can count the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP using a timer.

[0197] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) may count a pulse width corresponding to a first reference value of a rising edge at which the voltage of an input port connected to the ZCP circuit (212) rises to a second reference value of a falling edge at which the voltage of the input port connected to the ZCP circuit (212) falls using a timer. For example, at least one processor (203) may count from an 80% value (e.g., 4 V) of a rising edge to an 80% value (e.g., 1 V) of a falling edge using a timer, but is not limited thereto. In addition, a period of the timer may be, for example, 100 μs, but is not limited thereto.

[0198] Depending on the magnitude of the AC input voltage, the number of pulses counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP may vary. For example, as the magnitude of the AC input voltage increases, the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP decreases, and therefore, as the magnitude of the AC input voltage increases, the number of pulses counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP may decrease.

[0199] In step S1505, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is within a reference range corresponding to a normal state.

[0200] For example, if the reference range corresponding to the normal state is from 98 corresponding to AC 108 V to 92 corresponding to AC 187 V, the station device (200) can determine whether the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is between 92 and 98.

[0201] In step S1506, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify the AC input voltage as being in a normal state if the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is within a reference range (Yes in S1505). The normal state may mean a state in which the AC input voltage does not significantly deviate from the rated voltage of the station device (200).

[0202] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the AC input voltage is normal, the station device (200) can perform normal operation (S1511). For example, the station device (200) can normally drive the suction motor (207) to perform a dust discharge operation or support battery charging of the vacuum cleaner body (1000).

[0203] In step S1507, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state if the number counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is outside the reference range (No in S1505).

[0204] As the magnitude of the AC input voltage increases, the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP decreases. Therefore, when the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is outside the reference range, the station device (200) can determine whether the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is smaller than the minimum value of the reference range.

[0205] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may determine that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state if the number of counted pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is less than the minimum value of the reference range. On the other hand, the station device (200) may determine that the AC input voltage is not in an overvoltage state if the number of counted pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is not less than the minimum value of the reference range. For example, if the reference range corresponding to a normal state is between 92 and 98, and the number of counted pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is 88, the station device (200) may determine that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state.

[0206] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, even if the number of counted pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is less than the minimum value of the reference range, if it greatly deviates from the reference range (e.g., if the number of counted pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is much less than the minimum value), the station device (200) can determine that the AC input voltage is in a power distortion state rather than an overvoltage state.

[0207] In step S1508, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may stop all operations when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state.

[0208] For example, the station device (200) may disable the operation of the suction motor (207) for dust discharge operation when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state. Accordingly, the station device (200) may not perform the dust discharge operation even if the user selects the dust discharge button when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state.

[0209] In step S1509, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may output a notification when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state.

[0210] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can visually display a notification that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state through an output interface. For example, at least one processor (203) can control a status indicator light (e.g., blinking a red light on an LED display) to indicate that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state. At least one processor (203) can output a message indicating that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state to the LCD of the station device (200) or the LCD of the cordless vacuum cleaner (100). At least one processor (203) can also cause a user terminal (e.g., a smart phone) connected to the server device to output a message indicating that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state.

[0211] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can audibly display a notification that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state through an output interface. For example, a notification message indicating that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state can be output audibly through a speaker, or a specific notification sound corresponding to the overvoltage state can be output.

[0212] Therefore, the user can check the notification and properly reconnect the power cord (213) connected to the wrong outlet.

[0213] In step S1510, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine whether a power distortion state exists if the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is outside the reference range (No in S1505) and the AC input voltage is not in an overvoltage state (No in S1507).

[0214] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the number of counted pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is smaller than the minimum value of the reference range and significantly deviates from the reference range (e.g., if the number of counted pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is much smaller than the minimum value of the reference range), the station device (200) may determine that a power distortion state exists.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 16, when a power distortion waveform (1610) in which a momentary voltage dip occurs is input, at least one processor (203) can identify the power distortion using a timer. For example, referring to 1611 of FIG. 16, the voltage dip level at the first point (1601) may not be detected as the ZCP level because it is not large. Therefore, at least one processor (203) can ignore the voltage dip at the first point (1601) and count the pulse width from the first ZCP before the first point (1601) to the second ZCP after the first point (1601) using a timer. At this time, the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP may be 96. At least one processor (203) can determine that the AC input voltage is normal because the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP (e.g., 96) is within a preset reference range (e.g., 92 to 98). On the other hand, referring to 1612 of FIG. 16, the second point (1602) can be detected as a ZCP because the voltage dip level is large. At this time, the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP of the second point (1602) by the timer by at least one processor (203) can be 10. At least one processor (203) can estimate that the second point (1602) is a power distortion state in which a momentary voltage dip occurs because the number of times counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP (e.g., 10) is significantly outside the preset reference range (e.g., 92 to 98).

[0216] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the AC input voltage is in a power distortion state (Yes in S1510), the station device (200) can stop all operations (S1508) and output a notification (S1509). For example, if the AC input voltage is in a power distortion state, the station device (200) can disable the operation of the suction motor (207). In addition, the station device (200) can provide a user with a visual or auditory notification indicating the power distortion state or a notification that the operation of the suction motor (207) is disabled. For example, the station device (200) can blink an LED display in red. If the LED display blinks in red, the user can check the outlet to which the power line (213) is connected.

[0217] In step S1511, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify the AC input voltage as a low voltage state if the AC input voltage is neither in an overvoltage state (No in S1507) nor in a power distortion state (No in S1510).

[0218] For example, the station device (200) can identify the AC input voltage as being in a low voltage state if the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is greater than the maximum value of the reference range. For example, if the reference range corresponding to the normal state is 92 to 98 and the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is 100, the station device (200) can determine that the AC input voltage is in a low voltage state.

[0219] In step S1512, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can perform normal operation when the AC input voltage is in a low voltage state.

[0220] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the AC input voltage is in a low voltage state, the performance of the suction motor (207) is only degraded, and problems such as fire or component damage do not occur, so the station device (200) can perform normal operations. For example, the station device (200) can normally drive the suction motor (207) to perform a dust discharge operation or support battery charging of the vacuum cleaner body (1000).

[0221] With reference to Fig. 17, let us examine a little more closely the relationship between the pulse width between the first ZCP and the second ZCP and the AC input voltage state.

[0222] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the state of an AC input voltage according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 17, at least one processor (203) can determine the state of the AC input voltage based on the result of measuring the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP with a 100 μs timer.

[0224] For example, at least one processor (203) may determine the AC input voltage as an abnormal overvoltage state (or power distortion state) when the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is 87 or less. At least one processor (203) may determine the AC input voltage as a state corresponding to AC 220 V when the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is 88 to 91. At least one processor (203) may determine the AC input voltage as a state corresponding to AC 127 V when the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is 92 to 98. At least one processor (203) may determine the AC input voltage as an abnormal undervoltage state when the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is 99 or more.

[0225] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the rated voltage of the station device (200) is AC 127 V and the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is 88 to 91, at least one processor (203) may determine that the user has incorrectly connected the power line (213) to an AC 220 V outlet. That is, at least one processor (203) may determine that the AC input voltage applied to the station device (200) is in an overvoltage state and may disable the operation of the suction motor (207).

[0226] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the rated voltage of the station device (200) is AC 220 V and the number of pulse widths counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is 92 to 98, at least one processor (203) can determine that the user has incorrectly connected the power line (213) to an AC 127 V outlet. That is, at least one processor (203) can determine that the AC input voltage applied to the station device (200) is in a low voltage state. However, when the AC input voltage is in a low voltage state, although the performance of the suction motor (207) may be degraded, there is no effect such as fire or component damage, and thus the station device (200) can operate normally.

[0227] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can increase the accuracy of overvoltage detection by repeatedly measuring the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP multiple times. For example, at least one processor (203) can measure the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP for a predetermined cycle of the AC input voltage to primarily classify the state of the AC input voltage (e.g., low voltage / normal / overvoltage / power distortion, etc.), and can identify the final state of the AC input voltage by accumulating the results of the primary classification of the state of the AC input voltage for the predetermined cycle. Referring to FIG. 18, a method for identifying the final state of the AC input voltage based on the results of the station device (200) accumulating the states of the AC input voltage for the predetermined cycle will be described in detail.

[0228] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for identifying a final state of an AC input voltage based on a result of classifying the state of the AC input voltage during a predetermined cycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 18, a method for identifying a final state of an AC input voltage by a station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include steps S1801 to S1806. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, steps S1801 to S1806 may be executed by at least one processor (203) included in the station device (200). The method for identifying a final state of an AC input voltage by the station device (200) is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 18, and in one or more embodiments, steps not illustrated in FIG. 18 may be further included, or some steps may be omitted.

[0230] In step S1801, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can classify the state of the AC input voltage into a plurality of groups.

[0231] Referring to FIG. 19a, the station device (200) can classify the state of the AC input voltage into, for example, a group A corresponding to an abnormal overvoltage state, a group B corresponding to a state of AC 220 V, a group C corresponding to a state of AC 127 V (+margin), and a group D corresponding to an abnormal undervoltage state. At this time, the number of pulse widths counted by a timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP may be 87 or less for group A, 88 to 91 for group B, 92 to 98 for group C, and 99 or more for group D.

[0232] Meanwhile, although Fig. 19a illustrates an example in which the status of the AC input voltage is classified into four groups, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the station device (200) may classify the status of the AC input power into three groups, or may classify it into five or more groups.

[0233] In step S1802, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may count the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP of the n-th cycle using a timer. Here, n may be an integer greater than or equal to 1. For example, the station device (200) may count the pulse width from the first ZCP of the first cycle to the second ZCP of the first cycle using a timer.

[0234] In step S1803, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can assign the state of the AC input voltage for the n-th cycle to one of a plurality of groups based on the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP of the n-th cycle.

[0235] For example, referring to FIG. 19A, when the number of pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP of the first cycle counted by the timer (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of timer counts of the first cycle) is 87 or less, at least one processor (203) can assign the state of the AC input voltage of the first cycle to Group A (abnormal overvoltage group). When the number of timer counts of the first cycle is 88 to 91, at least one processor (203) can assign the state of the AC input voltage of the first cycle to Group B (AC 220V group). When the number of timer counts of the first cycle is 92 to 98, at least one processor (203) can assign the state of the AC input voltage of the first cycle to Group C (AC 127V + margin group). If the number of timer counts of the first cycle is 99 or more, at least one processor (203) can assign the state of the AC input voltage of the first cycle to the D group (abnormal low voltage group).

[0236] In step S1804, the station device (200) can determine whether n has reached a preset value.

[0237] For example, if the station device (200) is set to accumulate classification results for 50 cycles and determine the final state of the AC input voltage, the station device (200) can determine whether n has reached 50. Here, 50 cycles is merely an example and is not limited thereto.

[0238] In step S1805, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the cycle of the AC input voltage does not reach a preset cycle (e.g., 50 cycles) (No in S1804), the station device (200) may repeat steps S1802 and S1803. That is, the station device (200) may count the pulse width between the first ZCP and the second ZCP for 50 cycles with a timer, and assign the state of the AC input voltage corresponding to each cycle to one of a plurality of groups.

[0239] In step S1806, the station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can determine the final state of the AC input voltage based on the number assigned to each of the plurality of groups when the cycle of the AC input voltage reaches a preset cycle (e.g., 50 cycles) (Yes in S1804).

[0240] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the final state of the AC input voltage may include, but is not limited to, a normal state, an overvoltage state, a power distortion state, and a low voltage state. Referring to FIG. 19b, the operation of the station device (200) determining the final state of the AC input voltage based on the number assigned to each of the multiple groups will be further examined.

[0241] FIG. 19b is a diagram for explaining an operation of identifying a final state of an AC input voltage based on a result of classifying the state of the AC input voltage during a predetermined cycle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 19b, if the rated voltage of the station device (200) is AC 127 V and the number of C groups (AC 127 V + margin groups) is greater than the sum of the number of A groups (abnormal overvoltage groups), B groups (AC 220 V groups), and D groups (abnormal undervoltage groups) (C ≥ (A + B + D)), the station device (200) can determine the final state of the AC input voltage as a normal state. For example, if the states of the AC input voltage are all classified as group C for 50 cycles, the station device (200) can determine the final state of the AC input voltage as a normal state. At this time, the station device (200) can operate normally.

[0243] Meanwhile, if the rated voltage of the station device (200) is AC 127 V and the number of group B is greater than the sum of the number of group A, the number of group C, and the number of group D (B ≥ (A + C + D)), the station device (200) can determine the final state of the AC input voltage as an overvoltage state. For example, if the number of group A is 5, the number of group B is 40, and the number of group C is 5, the station device (200) can determine the final state of the AC input voltage as an overvoltage state. In particular, the station device (200) can identify that the user has incorrectly connected the power line (213) of the station device (200) with the rated voltage of AC 127 V to an outlet of AC 220 V. At this time, the station device (200) can flash the LED display in red and stop the operation of the station device (200).

[0244] If the sum of the numbers of group A and group D is greater than the sum of the numbers of group B and group C, and the number of group D is less than the sum of the numbers of group A, group B, and group D (A+D≥(B+C) & D<(A+B+C)), the station device (200) can determine the final state of the AC input voltage as a power distortion state. For example, if the number of group A is 20, the number of group B is 5, the number of group C is 5, and the number of group D is 20, the station device (200) can determine the final state of the AC input voltage as a power distortion state. At this time, the station device (200) can blink the LED display in red and stop the operation of the station device (200).

[0245] If the sum of the numbers of group A and group D is greater than the sum of the numbers of group B and group C, and the number of group D is greater than the sum of the numbers of group A, group B, and group C (A+D≥(B+C) & D≥(A+B+C)), the station device (200) can determine the final state of the AC input voltage to be a low voltage state. For example, if the number of group A is 0, the number of group B is 0, the number of group C is 10, and the number of group D is 40, the station device (200) can determine the final state of the AC input voltage to be a low voltage state. At this time, the station device (200) can operate normally because there are no problems such as fire or component damage.

[0246] So far, the ZCP circuit (212) has been described as an example of an insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1), but it is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20, a non-insulated half-wave ZCP circuit will be examined.

[0247] FIG. 20 is a drawing for explaining a non-insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0248] Referring to FIG. 20, the non-insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-2) may include, but is not limited to, resistors (e.g., R11, R12, R13), a diode (D2), a capacitor (C20), a transistor (Q1), etc. Here, the resistors (e.g., R11, R12, R13) may be a circuit for operating the transistor (Q1). The diode (D2) may be for a half-wave circuit (for preventing reverse voltage). The capacitor (C20) may be for preventing the transistor (Q1) from malfunctioning due to noise.

[0249] At least one processor (203) can detect ZCP through a non-isolated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-2). For example, referring to table (2001) of FIG. 20, when the AC input voltage rises and reaches a reference voltage (e.g., 2.1 V), the transistor (Q1) can be turned on (or saturated) when the voltage across the base-emitter of the transistor (Q1) becomes 0.7 V or higher. When the transistor (Q1) is turned on, the voltage input to at least one processor (203) (e.g., Micom) can change from 5 V (High) to 0.2 V (Low). At least one processor (203) can detect the point where the input voltage changes from 5 V (High) to 0.2 V (Low) as a rising ZCP (e.g., a second ZCP).

[0250] On the other hand, when the AC input voltage drops and becomes lower than the reference voltage (e.g., 2.1 V), the transistor (Q1) may be turned off. When the transistor (Q1) is turned off, the voltage input to at least one processor (203) may change from 0.2 V (Low) to 5 V (High). At least one processor (203) may detect the point where the input voltage changes from 0.2 V (Low) to 5 V (High) as a falling ZCP (e.g., a first ZCP).

[0251] That is, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) can detect ZCPs as the input state changes (e.g., from High to Low or from Low to High) based on the minimum reference voltage at which the transistor (Q1) operates. For example, the minimum reference voltage that turns on the transistor (Q1) in the non-insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-2) of FIG. 20 is as follows.

[0252] AC input voltage* R13 / (R11+R12+R13) > 0.7V

[0253] AC input voltage*330 / (330+330+330) > 0.7V

[0254] AC input voltage > 2.1V

[0255] That is, the transistor (Q1) can be turned on only when the AC input voltage is approximately 2.1 Vac or higher.

[0256] However, since the non-insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-2) of Fig. 20 includes a diode (D2) for half-wave rectification, when considering the voltage of the diode (D2) (Vf 0.7 V), the AC input voltage must be 2.8 Vac or higher to turn on the transistor (Q1).

[0257] [AC input voltage - D2 Vf(0.7V)] * R13 / (R11+R12+R13) > 0.7V

[0258] [AC input voltage - 0.7V]*330 / (330+330+330) > 0.7V

[0259] AC input voltage - 0.7V > 2.1V

[0260] AC input voltage > 2.8 V

[0261] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a phase control circuit (215) for soft start according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 21, the phase control circuit (215) for soft start may include a photo triac (PC1).

[0263] A photo triac is a 3-pin semiconductor and can be an AC switching element. The photo triac has a structure in which electricity flows when a small amount of current is applied to the gate. At this time, the current applied to the gate can be referred to as a trigger current or a trigger signal. The photo triac (PC1) can be turned on only when a current of about 70 mA is applied to the control pin while AC power is applied. That is, at least one processor (203) can turn on the photo triac (PC1) by transmitting a trigger signal when the AC input power passes 0 V and becomes + or -. The photo triac (PC1) can be turned on by receiving a signal every half cycle. For example, if the AC input voltage is 60 Hz, at least one processor (203) transmits a trigger signal to the photo triac (PC1) 120 times per second. When the sine wave of the AC input voltage crosses 0 V, the photo triac (PC1) can be turned off.

[0264] With reference to Figure 22, let us take a closer look at the phase control operation using the photo triac (PC1).

[0265] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a phase control operation using a photo triac according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0266] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) can drive the suction motor (207) when the AC input voltage is in a normal state or a low voltage state. At this time, the at least one processor (203) can gradually turn on the suction motor (207) so as not to cause a strain on the suction motor (207). When 100% AC power (e.g., 220 V) is supplied to the suction motor (207) from the beginning, inrush current, mechanical recoil, abnormal noise, etc. may occur, so the at least one processor (203) can gradually increase the power supplied to the suction motor (207). For example, the at least one processor (203) can control the timing at which a trigger signal is transmitted to the photo triac (PC1).

[0267] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) can transmit a trigger signal from a point in time farther from the ZCP to a point in time closer to the ZCP. That is, at least one processor (203) can increase a duty value. At this time, the power supplied to the suction motor (207) can gradually increase from Zero (0 V) to 100% (e.g., 220 V) as in (c) to (b).

[0268] Referring to Fig. 23, let us look a little more closely at the operation of the station device (200) driving the suction motor (207).

[0269] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a station device (200) driving a suction motor (207) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 illustrates a non-insulated half-wave ZCP (212-2) as an example, but is not limited thereto. FIG. 23 can also be applied to an insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1).

[0270] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) can detect a ZCP level near 0 V through a ZCP circuit (212), and transmit a trigger signal for phase control to a photo triac based on the time point at which the ZCP level is detected.

[0271] For example, when the AC input voltage crosses 0 V and becomes 2.1 V or more, the voltage (TR_VBE) between the base-emitter terminals of the transistor (TR) may become 0.7 V or more, thereby turning on (or saturating) the transistor (TR). At this time, the input voltage of at least one processor (203) may change from 5 V (High) to 0.2 V (Low). At least one processor (203) may determine the point in time when the input voltage changes from 5 V (High) to 0.2 V (Low) as the ZCP level, and transmit a trigger signal to the gate of the photo-triac.

[0272] On the other hand, when the AC input voltage drops and becomes less than 2.1 V, the voltage (TR_VBE) between the base-emitter terminals of the transistor (TR) becomes less than 0.7 V, and the transistor (TR) may be turned off. At this time, the input voltage of at least one processor (203) may change from 0.2 V (Low) to 5 V (High). At least one processor (203) may determine the point in time when the input voltage changes from 0.2 V (Low) to 5 V (High) as the ZCP level, and transmit a trigger signal to the gate of the photo-triac.

[0273] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one processor (203) can control the timing of transmitting a trigger signal to the photo triac to control the phase of the AC load. When at least one processor (203) transmits the trigger signal to the gate of the photo triac, the state of the photo triac can be changed from off to on. In addition, the photo triac can be turned off when the AC input voltage becomes 0 V.

[0274] As the state of the photo triac changes under the control of at least one processor (203), the AC power supplied to the suction motor (207) can gradually increase from 0% (0 V) to 100% (e.g., 220 V). If the maximum power is suddenly supplied to the suction motor (207), the load may be damaged or the power device may be destroyed. However, if the load voltage is gradually increased for a set period of time (soft start), load damage can be prevented.

[0275] Referring to FIGS. 24a and 24b, the soft start waveform of the AC suction motor (207) will be examined.

[0276] FIG. 24a is a diagram for explaining the operating current of an AC suction motor (207) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 24b is a diagram for explaining the operating current of an AC suction motor (207) according to phase control.

[0277] The first screen (2409) of FIG. 24a shows a soft start waveform of an AC suction motor (207) over time. A graph that enlarges a first point in time (2401) of the soft start waveform appears on a second screen (2420). The second screen (2420) displays an AC input voltage waveform (2411), an input voltage waveform (2412) of at least one processor (203) including a falling edge and a rising edge, a gate signal waveform (2413) of a photo triac, and an operating current waveform (2414) of the AC suction motor (207). Referring to the operating current waveform (2414) of the AC suction motor (207), it can be seen that the operating current of the AC suction motor (207) is not large because the first point in time (2401) is a point in time not long after the soft start function starts.

[0278] FIG. 24b shows a third screen (2430) that enlarges the second point (2402) of the soft start waveform, a fourth screen (2440) that enlarges the third point (2403) of the soft start waveform, a fifth screen (2450) that enlarges the fourth point (2404) of the soft start waveform, a sixth screen (2460) that enlarges the fifth point (2405) of the soft start waveform, a seventh screen (2470) that enlarges the sixth point (2406) of the soft start waveform, and an eighth screen (2480) that enlarges the seventh point (2407) of the soft start waveform. When observing the operating current waveform (2414) of the AC suction motor (207) in each of the third screen (2430), fourth screen (2440), fifth screen (2450), sixth screen (2460), seventh screen (2470), and eighth screen (2480), it can be confirmed that the operating current of the AC suction motor (207) gradually increases over time. In other words, it can be seen that the power supplied to the AC suction motor (207) gradually increases.

[0279] FIG. 25 is a drawing for explaining a cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0280] Referring to FIG. 25, a cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a server device (300) and a user terminal (400) in addition to a wireless cleaner (100) and a station device (200). Since the cleaning system including the wireless cleaner (100) and the station device (200) has been described in FIG. 1A, the server device (300) and the user terminal (400) will be described herein.

[0281] A server device (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a device for managing a station device (200) and a wireless cleaner (100). For example, the server device (300) may be a home appliance management server. The server device (300) may manage user account information and information on home appliances connected to the user account. For example, a user may access the server device (300) through a user terminal (400) and create a user account. The user account may be identified by an ID and password set by the user. The server device (300) may register the station device (200) and the wireless cleaner (100) to the user account according to a set procedure. For example, the server device (300) may link identification information (e.g., serial number or MAC address) of the station device (200) and identification information of the wireless cleaner (100) to the user account, thereby registering the station device (200) and the wireless cleaner (100). When a station device (200) and a wireless cleaner (100) are registered in a server device (300), the server device (300) can manage the status of the station device (200) or the status of the wireless cleaner (100) by periodically receiving status information of the station device (200) or status information of the wireless cleaner (100) from the station device (200).

[0282] The user terminal (400) may be a device registered to the server device (300) with the same account as the station device (200) or the wireless vacuum cleaner (100). The user terminal (400) may be, but is not limited to, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet PC, a digital camera, an e-book terminal, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a wearable device, a device including a display, etc. For the convenience of explanation, the following description will be made using a smart phone as an example of the user terminal (400).

[0283] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user terminal (400) can communicate with at least one of a server device (300), a station device (200), and a wireless cleaner (100). The user terminal (400) can directly communicate with the station device (200) or the wireless cleaner (100) via short-range wireless communication, or can indirectly communicate with the station device (200) or the wireless cleaner (100) via the server device (300).

[0284] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user terminal (400) can execute a specific application (e.g., a home appliance management application) provided by a server device (300) based on user input. In this case, the user can check the status of the wireless vacuum cleaner (100) or the status of the station device (200) through the application's execution window.

[0285] For example, the user terminal (400) may provide, through the execution window of the application, information related to the operation of the ultraviolet irradiation unit (e.g., UV LED in operation), information related to dust discharge of the station device (200) (e.g., last dustbin emptying - 1 minute ago), an icon related to dust discharge (e.g., emptying the dustbin), an icon for setting an operation mode related to dust discharge (e.g., automatic dustbin emptying), etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0286] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user terminal (400) may provide a GUI (Graphical Micro Interface) for adjusting the criteria for overvoltage detection (or overvoltage detection sensitivity). With reference to FIG. 26, an operation of the user terminal (400) providing a GUI for adjusting a preset overvoltage detection criteria will be described.

[0287] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining an operation of adjusting a criterion for overvoltage detection according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0288] Referring to 2610 of FIG. 26, a user terminal (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may display a GUI for setting a criterion (or overvoltage detection sensitivity) for overvoltage detection in an application execution window. In this case, if the overvoltage detection criterion is set high (overvoltage detection sensitivity is set low), the criterion range corresponding to a normal state may be widened. Conversely, if the overvoltage detection criterion is set low (overvoltage detection sensitivity is set high), the criterion range corresponding to a normal state may be narrowed.

[0289] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the overvoltage detection standard is set too high in an area with an unstable power environment, the suction motor (207) may be more likely to fail due to abnormal overvoltage. Furthermore, if the overvoltage detection standard is set too low in an area with an unstable power environment, the suction motor (207) may not operate frequently, reducing usability. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately adjust the overvoltage detection standard (or overvoltage detection sensitivity) considering the power environment.

[0290] Referring to 2620 of FIG. 26, the user terminal (400) may display a GUI in the application execution window that allows for detailed adjustment of the criterion (sensitivity) for overvoltage detection.

[0291] When the criterion for overvoltage detection (or overvoltage detection sensitivity) is adjusted through the user terminal (400), the user terminal (400) can transmit information about the adjusted overvoltage detection criterion (or overvoltage detection sensitivity) to the station device (200) through the server device (300).

[0292] Meanwhile, although FIG. 26 illustrates an example in which a user adjusts the criterion for overvoltage detection (or overvoltage detection sensitivity) through a user terminal (400), the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user may adjust the criterion for overvoltage detection (or overvoltage detection sensitivity) through an input interface of a station device (200). In addition, a user may adjust the criterion for overvoltage detection (or overvoltage detection sensitivity) through an external device connected to a wired connector of the station device (200).

[0293] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a station device may be provided that detects an AC overvoltage applied to the station device (200) exceeding the AC rated voltage using a ZCP circuit (212). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a station device (200) may be provided that detects the AC overvoltage, disables the operation of the suction motor (207), and provides a notification to the user.

[0294] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a station device (200) on which a cleaner is docked may include a suction motor (207) that generates a suction force for sucking dust from a dust bin (1200) included in the cleaner; a ZCP circuit (212) for detecting a zero crossing point (ZCP) of an alternating current (AC) input voltage applied to the station device (200); and at least one processor (203) that controls the supply of the AC input voltage to the suction motor (207). The at least one processor (203) may detect a first ZCP and a second ZCP for the AC input voltage using the ZCP circuit (212). The at least one processor (203) may obtain information about a pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP. The at least one processor (203) may identify whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP. At least one processor (203) may disable the operation of the suction motor (207) when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may detect the overvoltage using the existing ZCP circuit (212) without configuring a separate overvoltage detection circuit. In addition, the station device (200) may prevent the suction motor (207) from being damaged or causing a fire by disabling the operation of the suction motor (207) when detecting the overvoltage. The first ZCP and the second ZCP may correspond to voltage points offset from 0 V by a predetermined value in the AC input voltage.

[0295] At least one processor (203) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can identify that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state when the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP falls outside a preset reference range. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can simply detect the overvoltage by comparing the pulse width between the ZCPs with the preset reference range.

[0296] At least one processor (203) can identify the frequency of the AC input voltage. At least one processor (203) can select a preset reference range corresponding to the identified frequency. Since the frequency of the AC input voltage affects the pulse width between ZCPs, the station device (200) can increase the accuracy of overvoltage detection by selecting a preset reference range corresponding to the frequency of the AC input voltage.

[0297] At least one processor (203) may control a status light to indicate that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage condition. For example, at least one processor (203) may blink an LED display in red to notify the user that the power cord of the station device (200) is connected to the wrong outlet.

[0298] A ZCP circuit (212) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an insulated half-wave ZCP circuit (212-1) including a photo coupler and a diode. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, two circuits with different operating power sources can be completely separated by using the photo coupler (PC3).

[0299] At least one processor (203) can detect a voltage point higher than 0 V in the AC input voltage as a first ZCP and a second ZCP. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, since the first ZCP and the second ZCP detected by the at least one processor (203) are different from the actual ZCP, the at least one processor (203) can detect an overvoltage using a pulse width between the first ZCP and the second ZCP.

[0300] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined value may vary depending on the type (or operating characteristics) of the ZCP circuit (212).

[0301] At least one processor (203) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can obtain the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP as information on the pulse widths from the first ZCP to the second ZCP using a timer. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one processor (203) can detect overvoltage based on the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP using a timer.

[0302] At least one processor (203) can obtain the number of pulse widths corresponding to a first reference value of a rising edge of a voltage of an input port connected to the ZCP circuit (212) rising to a second reference value of a falling edge of a voltage of an input port connected to the ZCP circuit (212) falling, counted by a timer, as information on the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP.

[0303] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the number counted by the timer from the first ZCP to the second ZCP may decrease as the magnitude of the AC input voltage increases.

[0304] At least one processor (203) can identify that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state if the counted number is less than a first threshold value. At least one processor (203) can identify that the AC input voltage is in a lowvoltage state if the counted number exceeds a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value. At least one processor (203) can identify that the AC input voltage is in a normal state if the counted number is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than or equal to the second threshold value. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can identify a lowvoltage state, an overvoltage state, and a normal state based on the result of counting between ZCPs by a timer.

[0305] At least one processor (203) can identify a power distortion state and disable the operation of the suction motor (207) when the counted number is less than or equal to a third threshold value that is less than the first threshold value.

[0306] At least one processor (203) can activate the operation of the suction motor (207) when the AC input voltage is in a low voltage state or a normal state.

[0307] At least one processor (203) can activate the operation of the suction motor (207) by gradually increasing the power supplied to the suction motor (207) using a photo triac. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, if 100% AC power (e.g., 220 V) is supplied to the suction motor (207) from the beginning, inrush current, mechanical recoil, abnormal noise, etc. may occur, and therefore, at least one processor (203) can gradually increase the power supplied to the suction motor (207).

[0308] At least one processor (203) can classify the state of the AC input voltage based on the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP using a timer during a predetermined cycle of the AC input voltage. At least one processor (203) can identify the final state of the AC input voltage based on the result of classifying the state of the AC input voltage during the predetermined cycle. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) can increase the accuracy of overvoltage detection by repeatedly measuring the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP multiple times.

[0309] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the ZCP circuit (212) may be connected to a standby power cutoff circuit (214) including a photo triac. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when there is no need to detect the ZCP, power consumption due to resistors, photo couplers, diodes, etc. included in the ZCP circuit (212) may be cut off through the standby power cutoff circuit (214).

[0310] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may include an input interface. At least one processor (203) may receive a user input for adjusting a preset reference range through the input interface. At least one processor (203) may adjust the preset reference range based on the user input. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user may appropriately adjust the reference range for overvoltage detection (the reference range classified as a normal state) taking into account the power environment.

[0311] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may include a communication interface (201) for communicating with an external server device (300). At least one processor (203) may receive a signal for adjusting a preset reference range from the external server device (300) through the communication interface (201). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may vary (control) AC overvoltage detection conditions (e.g., Level, time, etc.) using a network.

[0312] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the station device (200) may include a wired connector (205) for connecting an external device. The station device (200) may receive a signal for adjusting a preset reference range from the external device through the wired connector (205).

[0313] A method of operating a station device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include the steps of: detecting a first ZCP and a second ZCP for an AC input voltage using a ZCP circuit (212) for detecting a zero crossing point (ZCP) of an AC input voltage applied to the station device (200); obtaining information about a pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP; identifying whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP; and disabling the operation of a suction motor (207) when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state. Here, detecting the first ZCP and the second ZCP may include detecting a voltage point offset from 0 V by a preset value in the AC input voltage.

[0314] Although the present disclosure primarily addresses overvoltage protection in the context of a vacuum cleaner station device, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, the disclosed overvoltage protection method and system can be implemented in any electronic device to prevent damage to the electronic device that may result from inadvertently connecting the electronic device to an inappropriate power supply. For example, the disclosed overvoltage protection method and system can be applied to corded vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances, and the like.

[0315] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for protecting an electronic device is provided. The method may include detecting a first zero crossing point (ZCP) and a second ZCP for an alternating current (AC) input voltage using a ZCP circuit configured to detect a ZCP of an AC input voltage applied to the electronic device, and obtaining information about a pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP. The method may also include identifying whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on the information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP, and disabling operation of at least a portion of the electronic device if the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state. Here, detecting the first ZCP and the second ZCP includes detecting a voltage point offset from 0 V by a predetermined value in the AC input voltage.

[0316] A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term "non-transitory storage medium" simply means a tangible device that does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves). This term does not distinguish between cases where data is permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored. For example, a "non-transitory storage medium" may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

[0317] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a Universal Serial Bus (MSB) flash drive), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., a downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

Claims

1. In a station device (200) where a vacuum cleaner is docked, A suction motor (207) that generates suction force to suck up dust from a dust bin (1200) included in the above vacuum cleaner; A ZCP circuit (212) for detecting the zero crossing point (ZCP) of the alternating current (AC) input voltage applied to the above station device (200); and At least one processor (203) for controlling the supply of the AC input voltage to the suction motor (207), At least one processor (203) above, Using the above ZCP circuit (212), the first ZCP and the second ZCP for the AC input voltage are detected, Obtain information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP, Based on information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP, it is identified whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state, A station device (200) that disables the operation of the suction motor (207) when the above AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state.

2. In the first paragraph, at least one processor (203) A station device that identifies the AC input voltage as being in an overvoltage state when the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is outside a preset reference range.

3. In the second paragraph, at least one processor (203) Identify the frequency of the above AC input voltage, A station device (200) for selecting the above-described preset reference range corresponding to the above-described identified frequency.

4. In any one of clauses 1 to 3, at least one processor (203) A station device (200) that controls a status light to indicate that the above AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state.

5. In any one of clauses 1 to 4, the ZCP circuit (212) A station device (200) comprising an insulated half-wave ZCP circuit including a photo coupler and a diode.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above first ZCP and the above second ZCP correspond to voltage points offset from 0 V by a predetermined value in the AC input voltage, At least one processor (203) above, The voltage point higher than the predetermined value than 0V in the above AC input voltage is detected as the first ZCP and the second ZCP, The above specified values ​​are, Station device (200) that varies depending on the type of the above ZCP circuit (212).

7. In any one of clauses 1 to 6, the at least one processor (203) A station device (200) that obtains the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP using a timer as information on the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP.

8. In the 7th paragraph, at least one processor (203) The number of pulse widths corresponding to the first reference value of the rising edge of the voltage of the input port connected to the ZCP circuit (212) rising to the second reference value of the falling edge of the voltage of the input port connected to the ZCP circuit (212) is counted by the timer, and information on the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP is acquired. The above counted number is, Station device (200) which decreases as the size of the above AC input voltage increases.

9. In the 8th paragraph, at least one processor (203) If the above counted number is less than the first threshold value, it is identified that the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state, If the counted number exceeds a second threshold value greater than the first threshold value, it is identified that the AC input voltage is in a low voltage state, If the counted number is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than or equal to the second threshold value, it is determined that the AC input voltage is in a normal state, When the above AC input voltage is in a low voltage state or normal state, the operation of the suction motor (207) is activated, A station device (200) that identifies the AC input voltage as a power distortion state and deactivates the operation of the suction motor (207) when the counted number is less than or equal to a third threshold value that is less than the first threshold value.

10. In the 9th paragraph, at least one processor (203) A station device (200) that activates the operation of the suction motor (207) by gradually increasing the power supplied to the suction motor (207) using a photo triac.

11. In the 9th paragraph, at least one processor (203) Classify the state of the AC input voltage based on the number of pulse widths counted from the first ZCP to the second ZCP using the timer during a predetermined cycle of the AC input voltage, A station device (200) that identifies the final state of the AC input voltage based on the result of classifying the state of the AC input voltage during the above-described cycle.

12. In any one of clauses 1 to 11, the ZCP circuit (212) A station device (200) connected to a standby power cut-off circuit (214) including a photo triac.

13. In the second paragraph, the station device (200) Including more input interfaces, At least one processor (203) above, Receiving user input for adjusting the above-described preset reference range through the above-described input interface, A station device (200) that adjusts the preset reference range based on the user input.

14. In the second paragraph, the station device (200) It further includes a communication interface (201) for communicating with an external server device (300) or a wired connector (205) for connecting an external device, The station device (200) wherein the at least one processor (203) receives a signal for adjusting the preset reference range from the external server device (300) through the communication interface (201) or receives a signal for adjusting the preset reference range from the external device through the wired connector (205).

15. In the operating method of a station device (200) including a suction motor (207) that generates suction force for sucking dust from a dust bin (1200) included in a vacuum cleaner, A step (S810) of detecting a first ZCP and a second ZCP for the AC input voltage by using a ZCP circuit (212) for detecting a zero crossing point (ZCP) of the AC input voltage applied to the station device (200); A step (S820) of obtaining information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP; A step (S830) of identifying whether the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state based on information about the pulse width from the first ZCP to the second ZCP; and An operating method of a station device (200), including a step (S850) of disabling the operation of the suction motor (207) when the AC input voltage is in an overvoltage state.

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