Robot cleaner station

Abstract

The present invention relates to a robot cleaner station. The robot cleaner station comprises: a housing disposed in the lower part of a kitchen cabinet; a seating part which is disposed in the housing and in which a robot cleaner is accommodated; and a door which is rotatably coupled to the housing and opens or closes an entrance of the seating part, wherein the door has a rotating shaft disposed at the lower end of the housing so as to improve convenience.

Description

Robot Vacuum Station

[0001] The present invention relates to a robot vacuum cleaner station, and more particularly, to a built-in station that, when combined with a robot vacuum cleaner, can collect dust from a dust bin of the robot vacuum cleaner, wash a mop of the robot vacuum cleaner, and dry the mop.

[0002] With the recent advancement of industrial technology, robot vacuum cleaners are being developed that can move around and clean areas that require cleaning on their own without the user's intervention.

[0003] These robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with sensors that can recognize the space to be cleaned, an agitator that can sweep the floor, and a mop that can wipe the floor. They can drive while sucking up dust on the floor in the space recognized by the sensor and wiping it with a mop, etc.

[0004] Among robot vacuum cleaners, there are dry robot vacuums that can suction and remove debris scattered on the floor, and wet robot vacuums that can wipe the floor with a moist mop to effectively remove debris attached to the floor. Dry robot vacuums are equipped with a dustbin and use the suction power of a suction motor to suck up debris from the floor. Wet robot vacuums are equipped with a water tank, and the water contained in the water tank is supplied to a mop, which wipes the floor while still moist, effectively removing debris attached to the floor. There are also robot vacuums that are equipped with both an agitator and a mop.

[0005] A robot vacuum cleaner's charging station is a device that docks the robot vacuum cleaner after cleaning and supplies power to the battery, charging it. The charging station has a power supply module inside. The charging station has a charging terminal connected to the power supply module, and the robot vacuum cleaner has a corresponding terminal. When the charging terminal and the corresponding terminal make contact, power is supplied to the battery, charging it.

[0006] Meanwhile, if a robot vacuum cleaner charging station is placed indoors, it will occupy a certain portion of the interior space. This can reduce indoor space efficiency. Furthermore, users or pets passing by may collide with the robot vacuum cleaner, resulting in injury to the user or pet, as well as damage to the robot vacuum.

[0007] Additionally, in the case of stations with added dust collection functions for robot vacuum cleaners, there is a limit to how much they can damage the interior of a room as the volume they occupy increases.

[0008] In this regard, Chinese Utility Model Registration No. CN 218922467 U discloses a cleaning station in which a robot cleaner is combined with the lower part of a washing machine to charge the robot cleaner, collect dust, and wash the mop of the robot cleaner.

[0009] However, the above-mentioned cleaner station has an open space formed at the bottom of the washing machine into which a robot cleaner can enter, a detergent and water supply device for washing a mop is provided at the vertical upper side of the space into which the robot cleaner enters, and a dust bag is placed on the side of the space into which the robot cleaner enters.

[0010] In this arrangement, the height of the overall cleaner station increases, so there is a limitation in that it cannot be installed using the space underneath the furniture, including the sink.

[0011] In addition, since the above-mentioned cleaner station must be installed at the bottom of the washing machine, a space for installing the washing machine must be provided, and there is a limitation that an installation space with a height exceeding the height of the washing machine itself as well as the height of the cleaner station must be provided.

[0012] In addition, since the above-mentioned vacuum cleaner station always has an open space where the robot vacuum cleaner enters and exits, there is a limitation that dust may fly out during the process of collecting dust in the robot vacuum cleaner's dust bin, and sewage may leak during the process of washing the robot vacuum cleaner's mop.

[0013] In addition, the above-mentioned cleaner station has a limitation in that the height of the cleaner station must increase and its volume must increase because the detergent container where the detergent is stored is placed at the top of the space where the robot cleaner enters.

[0014] The present invention was created to improve the problems of the conventional robot vacuum cleaner station as described above, and its purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner station that can be built into the lower part of a kitchen cabinet without providing a separate installation space.

[0015] Additionally, the purpose is to provide a robot cleaner station capable of accommodating a robot cleaner in the lower space of a kitchen cabinet having a predetermined height restriction.

[0016] In addition, when a robot vacuum cleaner is combined, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner station that can automatically collect dust in the dust bin of the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0017] Additionally, when a robot vacuum cleaner is combined, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner station that can automatically wash the mop of the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0018] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner station that can automatically dry the mop after washing the mop of the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0019] Additionally, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner station that can be withdrawn for cleaning and repair as needed.

[0020] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot cleaner station that can prevent dust from flying outside when the robot cleaner collects dust.

[0021] In particular, the purpose is to provide a robot cleaner station that provides a clean appearance by having a door that covers the entire front part and can protect parts such as the robot cleaner, detergent container, and dust bag drawer from the outside.

[0022] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot cleaner station that can prevent wastewater from leaking outside when washing the mop of the robot cleaner.

[0023] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner station in which the detergent container and dust bag drawer are provided in a removable manner, making replacement and cleaning easy, and in which detergent can be easily refilled inside the detergent container.

[0024] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner station that can provide structural stability and facilitates withdrawal and insertion by placing the detergent container and dust bag drawer adjacent to the ground.

[0025] In addition, the purpose is to provide a robot vacuum cleaner station that can reduce the overall volume and provide a compact design by utilizing the upper space of the detergent container.

[0026] To achieve the above-described purpose, the robot cleaner station according to the present invention comprises a door at the front of the housing, allowing the user to easily access the housing when the door is opened. Furthermore, the door can provide various functions and guide the movement of the robot cleaner.

[0027] Specifically, the robot cleaner station includes a housing disposed at the bottom of a kitchen cabinet; a mounting portion disposed within the housing and housing a robot cleaner; and a door rotatably coupled to the housing to open and close an entrance / exit of the mounting portion; wherein the door has a rotation axis disposed at the bottom of the housing.

[0028] The robot cleaner further includes a mop washing unit for washing the mop of the robot cleaner coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the mop washing unit includes a detergent container in which a liquid including detergent is stored, and one side of the detergent container can be exposed to the outside when the door is opened.

[0029] The robot cleaner further comprises a dust collection unit that collects internal dust of the robot cleaner coupled to the mounting unit, wherein the dust collection unit comprises a dust bag drawer that accommodates a dust bag therein and is retractably coupled to the housing, and one side of the dust bag drawer can be exposed to the outside when the door is opened.

[0030] The above door may be provided with an entryway that guides the robot cleaner to the mounting portion when opened.

[0031] The above-mentioned entrance may be provided such that a portion of one side of the door is formed to be inclined.

[0032] The above-mentioned entrance may be provided with a downward slope as it goes forward when the door is opened.

[0033] The above access road may be formed to have a width greater than the width of the left and right directions of the entrance and exit, and to have a width that gradually narrows toward the entrance and exit.

[0034] The above door may be provided with an entry guide that guides the wheel of the robot cleaner entering the mounting portion when the door is opened.

[0035] The above door may be provided with a pair of entry guides spaced apart in the left and right directions.

[0036] The above entry guide may be provided from the rotation axis of the door to the opposite end of the rotation axis.

[0037] The above entry guide may be formed so that its width gradually narrows toward the housing.

[0038] The above entry guide may be provided to be connected to a wheel guide provided on the bottom surface of the mounting portion.

[0039] A sensor installed at the front of the housing is further included, wherein one side of the sensor can be exposed to the outside even when the door is closed.

[0040] The door may further include a door operating unit having at least one button for operating the door, wherein the button is installed at the front of the housing and is positioned so that one side of the door is exposed to the outside when the door is opened, and the door may have an external button unit that presses the button when an external force is applied while the door is closed.

[0041] A robot cleaner station may include a housing disposed under a kitchen cabinet; a drawer extending from the housing and having a mounting portion for accommodating a robot cleaner; a door frame installed in front of the drawer and having an entrance / exit of the mounting portion; and a door installed in the door frame for opening and closing the entrance / exit.

[0042] The above door can be rotatably connected to the bottom of the drawer.

[0043] The door operating unit is installed inside the drawer and further includes at least one button for operating the door, wherein the button can be exposed to the outside when the door is opened.

[0044] The above door may be provided with an external button portion that presses the button when an external force is applied while the door is closed.

[0045] The above external button portion may include a button installation hole provided in the door; and a pressing member installed in the button installation hole, one side of which is exposed to the outside when the door is closed and the other side of which is positioned to face the button.

[0046] A robot cleaner station includes a housing disposed under a kitchen cabinet; a mounting portion disposed within the housing and housing a robot cleaner; and a door opening and closing an entrance / exit of the mounting portion and having an entrance / exit provided on one side; wherein the entrance / exit can guide the robot cleaner to the mounting portion when the door is opened.

[0047] As described above, according to the robot cleaner station according to the present invention, a module capable of charging the robot cleaner, collecting dust, and washing the mop is arranged in a horizontal direction with the robot cleaner, thereby having the effect of utilizing the lower space of the kitchen cabinet.

[0048] In addition, the charging terminal, dust collection unit, mop washing unit, and mop drying unit are arranged in a way that surrounds the robot cleaner, which has the effect of enabling the robot cleaner to perform various functions simultaneously.

[0049] In addition, the washing water supply unit, washing plate, washing tank, wastewater discharge path, external air supply module, and power supply module are centrally placed at the rear of the robot cleaner's mop, which has the effect of enabling both washing and drying of the mop within a limited space.

[0050] Additionally, since all sides except the front are covered by kitchen cabinets, it has the effect of providing users with an aesthetically pleasing interior.

[0051] In addition, it provides a clean appearance by having a door that covers the entire front, which can provide an aesthetic appeal to the user, and it has the effect of protecting parts such as the robot vacuum cleaner, detergent container, and dust bag drawer from the outside.

[0052] In addition, when a robot vacuum cleaner is combined, the dust inside the robot vacuum cleaner's dust bin is automatically collected, so the user only needs to take out the dust bag at regular intervals, which has the effect of reducing the user's workload.

[0053] Additionally, when a robot vacuum cleaner is combined, the robot vacuum cleaner's mop can be automatically washed, reducing the hassle of having to separate the mop and wash it separately.

[0054] Additionally, since detergent can be added as needed, it has the effect of increasing the cleaning effect of the mop.

[0055] Additionally, since the mop is washed using the kitchen water supply and drain pipes, it reduces the hassle of the user having to separately add water or drain wastewater.

[0056] In addition, after washing the mop of the robot vacuum cleaner, it can automatically dry the mop by supplying hot air to the mop, which has the effect of preventing bad odors from being generated due to the wet mop.

[0057] Additionally, during the process of drying the mop, the air after drying is discharged downstream of the yutrap, which has the effect of preventing bad odors from flowing back.

[0058] Additionally, when the robot cleaner enters the robot cleaner station, the door of the robot cleaner station closes, which has the effect of preventing dust from flying outside while the dust bin is being collected.

[0059] Additionally, when washing the mop of a robot vacuum cleaner, it has the effect of preventing wastewater from leaking outside.

[0060] In addition, since the detergent container and dust bag drawer are provided in a removable manner, they are easy to replace and clean, and detergent can be easily replenished inside the detergent container.

[0061] Additionally, the detergent container and dust bag drawer are placed adjacent to the ground, providing structural stability and facilitating easy withdrawal and insertion.

[0062] Additionally, by utilizing the upper space of the detergent container, the overall volume can be reduced.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the lower side of a kitchen cabinet.

[0064] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the relationship in which the pipe of the vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a drain pipe.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 4 is a plan view of Figure 3.

[0067] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the front-back direction of Figure 3.

[0068] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a robot vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 7 is a side view of Figure 6.

[0070] Figure 8 is a bottom view of Figure 6.

[0071] Figure 9 is a back view of Figure 6.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 11 is a plan view of Figure 10.

[0074] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are side views illustrating a dust collection unit of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection path of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating a mop washing unit of a robot vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view illustrating a washing water supply unit of a mop washing unit of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a dust collection unit and a detergent container are withdrawn from a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Fig. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a mop drying unit of a robot vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a mop drying unit of a robot vacuum cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how air flows inside an external air supply module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are drawings for explaining the arrangement relationship on a horizontal plane of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 23 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a drawer is provided in a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] FIG. 24 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a drawer is withdrawn from a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] FIG. 25 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a door in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 27 is a perspective view showing the door in the open state in Figure 26.

[0088] Figure 28 is an enlarged drawing illustrating the door drive unit with the door frame separated from Figure 27.

[0089] Figure 29 is an enlarged drawing of the portion where the drive belt and the door are connected in Figure 28.

[0090] Fig. 30 is a front view of Fig. 27.

[0091] Figure 31 is a plan view of Figure 27.

[0092] Figure 32 is a side view of Figure 27.

[0093] Fig. 33 is a partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 27 for explaining the entry guide.

[0094] Fig. 34 is a partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 27 for explaining the external button portion.

[0095] Fig. 35 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the closed state of the door in Fig. 34.

[0096] FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of a cover portion in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] FIG. 37A is a partial plan view illustrating another embodiment of a cover portion in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] FIG. 37B is a partial plan view illustrating another embodiment of a cover portion in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating a robot cleaner station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 39 is a front view of Figure 38.

[0101] Figure 40 is a back view of Figure 38.

[0102] Fig. 41 is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 38.

[0103] FIG. 42 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a door is opened in a robot cleaner station according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Fig. 43 is a partial plan view of Fig. 42.

[0105] Fig. 44 is a partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 42.

[0106] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0107] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0108] When describing the present invention, terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components. However, these components may not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the "first component."

[0109] The term "and / or" may include any combination of multiple related listed items or any one of multiple related listed items.

[0110] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it can be understood that it is directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it can be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0111] The terminology used in this application is solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions may include plural expressions, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0112] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, and can be understood as not excluding in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0113] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries, such as those defined in the present application, may be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and, unless explicitly defined herein, may not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0114] In addition, the following examples are provided to provide a more complete explanation to a person having average knowledge in the art, and the shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for a clearer explanation.

[0115]

[0116] Kitchen cabinetry and vacuum system

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on the lower side of a kitchen cabinet, and FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a relationship in which a pipe of a cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a drain pipe.

[0119] The cleaning system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be installed on the lower side of a kitchen cabinet (2). Specifically, the kitchen cabinet (2) is placed in a kitchen and can store dishes, plates, cups, etc., and can provide a space for cooking food or washing dishes.

[0120] Additionally, the kitchen cabinet (2) may be equipped with a worktop that can serve as a sink, cooking surface, or work surface.

[0121] For example, a kitchen cabinet (2) may include a sink on the countertop, providing a space for washing dishes. Alternatively, the kitchen cabinet (2) may include a cooking surface for performing cooking tasks. Furthermore, the kitchen cabinet (2) may include a gas range, an induction range, or a stovetop on which a highlighter or oven is installed.

[0122] In general, a kitchen cabinet (2) with a width of 600 mm in the front-back direction and a width of 600 mm in the left-right direction can be used.

[0123] A cleaning system (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be provided on the lower side of a structure including at least one of a water supply pipe and a drain pipe. Specifically, the water supply pipe may refer to a conduit connected to an external water source that supplies fluid to the structure, and the drain pipe may refer to a conduit that discharges fluid discharged from the structure into a sewer.

[0124] A storage space for storing dishes and kitchen tools, etc., may be provided at the bottom of the kitchen cabinet (2) or the structure. That is, the kitchen cabinet (2) or the structure may include a top plate (22) that provides a space for cooking or washing dishes, a lower plate (23) that is arranged at a predetermined height from the ground, and a storage space formed between the top plate (22) and the lower plate (23) to store dishes and kitchen tools, etc. In this case, when the kitchen cabinet (2) is a sink, a sink (22a) may be arranged on the top plate (22).

[0125] Additionally, the lower plate (23) may be supported by a pedestal (21). The pedestal (21) is positioned perpendicular to the kitchen floor and may support the load of the kitchen cabinet (2). At this time, a space may be formed between the kitchen floor and the lower plate (23) depending on the height of the pedestal (21).

[0126] Alternatively, it is also possible to secure the kitchen cabinet (2) to the wall of the building without a pedestal (21). In this case, a space may be formed between the kitchen floor and the lower plate (23).

[0127] The vacuum cleaner system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted in the space between the kitchen floor and the lower plate (23) as described above (hereinafter, referred to as the mounting space).

[0128] For example, the mounting space may be no more than 200 mm high, and typically no more than 160 mm high.

[0129] Therefore, according to the present invention, since the cleaner system (1) is placed in the lower space of the kitchen cabinet (2), there is an effect of minimizing the exposure of the cleaner system (1) to the outside.

[0130] In addition, compared to placing a charging stand for a robot vacuum cleaner in a certain space in a living room, room, or kitchen, the vacuum cleaner system (1) is placed in an unused space created by kitchen furniture (2) without taking up a separate space, thereby maximizing space efficiency.

[0131]

[0132] Meanwhile, a kitchen cabinet (2) or the structure is provided with a drain pipe (25) for draining liquid used in cooking or water used in washing dishes. At least a part of the drain pipe (25) may be arranged in the storage space formed between the upper plate (22) and the lower plate (23). Typically, the drain pipe (25) may be connected to a drain formed in a sink basin (22a). The drain pipe (25) includes a drain trap (25a) for preventing backflow of polluted gas or foul odor. The drain trap (25a) may be arranged in the storage space. Liquid flowing through the drain may flow downward by gravity in the upstream (25b) of the drain trap, accumulate in the drain trap (25a), and when the water rises above a predetermined level set by the drain trap (25a), flow downward along the downstream (25c) of the drain trap and be discharged into the sewer.

[0133] The cleaning system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention can wash and dry the mop (242) of the robot cleaner (200) using the drain pipe (25) as described above.

[0134] Additionally, although not shown, the kitchen cabinet (2) may be equipped with a water supply pipe. Through the water supply pipe, tap water (or purified water) may be supplied to the cleaning system (1).

[0135] Below, the specific structure of the vacuum cleaner system (1) will be described.

[0136]

[0137] Vacuum cleaner system

[0138]

[0139] Meanwhile, FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate drawings for explaining a cleaning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] A vacuum cleaner system (1) according to an embodiment of the present specification may include a robot vacuum cleaner station (100) and a robot vacuum cleaner (200).

[0141] The vacuum cleaner system (1) includes a robot vacuum cleaner station (100). A robot vacuum cleaner (200) can be coupled to the robot vacuum cleaner station (100). Specifically, the robot vacuum cleaner (200) can enter the front of the robot vacuum cleaner station (100), and the robot vacuum cleaner (200) can be accommodated inside the robot vacuum cleaner station (100). The robot vacuum cleaner station (100) can remove dust from a dust bin (220) of the robot vacuum cleaner (200). The robot vacuum cleaner station (100) can wash a rotating cleaning unit (240) of the robot vacuum cleaner (200). The robot vacuum cleaner station (100) can dry the rotating cleaning unit (240) of the robot vacuum cleaner (200). The robot vacuum cleaner station (100) can supply power to the robot vacuum cleaner (200).

[0142]

[0143] robot vacuum cleaner

[0144]

[0145] Meanwhile, FIGS. 6 to 9 disclose drawings for explaining a robot cleaner in a robot cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] The structure of the robot vacuum cleaner (200) is described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0147] A robot vacuum cleaner (200) can automatically clean an area to be cleaned by driving on its own in the area to be cleaned and sucking up foreign substances such as dust from the floor.

[0148] The robot cleaner (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to clean the floor while being placed on the floor and moving along the floor surface. Accordingly, the following description will be made with the up-down direction defined based on the state in which the robot cleaner (200) is placed on the floor.

[0149] And, based on a pair of wheels (260), the side where the auxiliary wheel (270) to be described later is placed is set as the front, and the side where the rotary cleaner (240) to be described later is placed is set as the rear.

[0150] The 'lowest part' of each configuration described in the embodiment of the present invention may be the part that is positioned lowest in each configuration when the robot cleaner (200) according to the embodiment of the present invention is used while placed on the floor, or may be the part closest to the floor.

[0151] A robot vacuum cleaner (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a body (210), a dust bin (220), a water bin (230), a rotating cleaning part (240), an agitator (250), a wheel (260), an auxiliary wheel (270), and a charging terminal (280).

[0152] The body (210) can form the overall exterior of the robot cleaner (200). Each component of the robot cleaner (200) can be combined into the body (210), and some components of the robot cleaner (200) can be accommodated inside the body (210).

[0153] Specifically, the body (210) may have components of the robot cleaner (200) installed in the internal space. For example, the body (210) may accommodate a battery and at least one motor in the internal space.

[0154] In an embodiment of the present invention, the body (210) may be formed in a form in which the width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction (parallel to X and Y) is greater than the height in the vertical direction (parallel to Z). Such a body (210) may help the robot cleaner (200) to have a stable structure and may provide a structure that is advantageous in avoiding obstacles when the robot cleaner (200) moves (drives).

[0155] When viewed from above or below, the body (210) can be formed in various shapes, such as circular, oval, or square.

[0156] The body (210) can be divided into a lower body and an upper body, and the lower body and the upper body can be combined to form a space inside.

[0157] The lower body can be joined to the upper body to form a space that can accommodate a battery, at least one sensor, and at least one motor therein.

[0158] The lower body may be formed with an intake (211) for air intake and a hole for accommodating a pair of wheels (260).

[0159] The suction part (211) may be a passage through which dust from the floor surface is drawn in. In addition, the suction part (211) may be connected to a suction path (not shown) formed inside the body (210), and the suction path may be connected to the internal space of the dust bin (220).

[0160] Meanwhile, the lower body may further be equipped with an exhaust path. One side of the exhaust path may be connected to the internal space of the dustbin (220), and the other side may be connected to the air return port (125b). At this time, a filter may be placed in the air return port (125b).

[0161] With this configuration, air drawn in through the suction part (211) can flow into the dust bin (220) through the suction path and be discharged to the air return port (125b) through the exhaust path.

[0162] An agitator (250), which will be described later, can be rotatably accommodated in the suction unit (211). With this configuration, dust around the suction unit (211) can be guided into the suction unit (211) by the rotation of the agitator (250), thereby increasing the efficiency of suctioning dust.

[0163] The upper body may form the upper exterior of the robot vacuum cleaner (200). Although not shown, the upper body may be equipped with a display.

[0164] The robot cleaner (200) of the present invention may include a bumper. The bumper is coupled along the edge of the body (210) and is configured to move relative to the body (210).

[0165] The bumper may be coupled along a portion of the edge of the body (210), or may be coupled along the entire edge of the body (210). At least one elastic member (not shown) may be provided between the bumper and the body (210). With this configuration, when the bumper comes into contact with an obstacle or the like and moves relatively toward the center of the body (210), the bumper can return to its original position by the restoring force of the elastic member (not shown), and can absorb or disperse the shock applied to the bumper, thereby preventing and reducing the shock from being transmitted to the body (210).

[0166]

[0167] A dust bin (220) may be provided to suck in external dust and air and store the dust.

[0168] The dust bin (220) can store dust that flows in through the suction passage. The dust bin (220) can be formed with a dust inlet that communicates with the suction passage, an internal space that can store dust, and an air outlet through which air can be discharged.

[0169] The dustbin (220) may be provided inside the body (210). At this time, the dustbin (220) may be fixedly connected to the body (210) or may be provided in a detachable manner according to an embodiment.

[0170] Meanwhile, in the present invention, a dust discharge path may be formed in the dust bin (220). The dust discharge path may connect the internal space of the dust bin (220) with the external space of the robot cleaner (200). With this configuration, when dust is collected through the robot cleaner station (100), the dust inside the dust bin (220) may be removed.

[0171] Meanwhile, a dust discharge port (221) communicating with the dust discharge path may be formed in the dust bin (220) according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, the dust discharge port (221) may be formed on one side of the rear of the outer surface (or outer circumference) of the body (210). As another example, the dust discharge port (221) may be formed on the outer surface of the dust bin (220).

[0172] In addition, the robot cleaner (200) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a dust bin door (222) that can selectively open and close the dust outlet (221). Specifically, the dust bin door (222) may be coupled to the body (210) and positioned so as to block the dust outlet (221). For example, the dust bin door (222) may be formed of a rubber or resin material and provided in a flip-able manner so that one side may be fixedly coupled to the body (210).

[0173] With this configuration, when the dust collecting motor (145) of the robot cleaner station (100) described later is operated, the dust bin door (222) is elastically deformed by the driving force of the dust collecting motor (145), and the dust discharge port (221) is opened, so that dust inside the dust bin (220) can be collected by the dust collecting unit (140) of the robot cleaner station (100).

[0174]

[0175] The water tank (230) is formed in the form of a container having an internal space for storing a liquid such as water. The water tank (230) is placed inside the body (210), and may be fixedly connected to the body (210), or may be detachably connected to the body (210).

[0176] The water tank (230) includes a supply unit (231) and a nozzle (not shown). The supply unit (231) may be provided to supply a liquid, such as water, from the outside. For example, the supply unit (231) may have an inlet formed on the rear side of the outer surface (or outer circumference) of the body (210) and may be connected to a storage space inside the water tank (230) via a water supply hose.

[0177] At this time, the supply unit (231) may be placed on the opposite left and right sides of the robot cleaner (200) in relation to the dust discharge port (221). For example, if the dust discharge port (221) is placed on the rear left side of the body (210), the supply unit (231) may be placed on the rear right side of the body (210).

[0178] Through this configuration, when the robot cleaner (200) is coupled to the robot cleaner station (100), the robot cleaner station (100) can simultaneously perform dust collection and water injection.

[0179] Meanwhile, the nozzle (not shown) is formed in the form of a tube or pipe and is connected to the water tank (230) so that the liquid inside the water tank (230) can flow through the inside thereof. The nozzle (not shown) is arranged so that one end is connected to the water tank (230) and the other end is positioned on the upper side or on the rotating plates of a pair of rotating plates (241), thereby allowing the liquid inside the water tank (230) to be supplied to each of the pair of mops (242).

[0180] That is, the nozzle (not shown) may be formed in the form of a single pipe branched into two, and at this time, one of the branched ends may be located on the upper side of the left mop, and the other branched end may be located on the upper side of the right mop.

[0181] Meanwhile, although not shown, the water tank (230) is equipped with a pump to cause the water inside the water tank (230) to flow to a nozzle (not shown). Therefore, when the pump of the water tank (230) is operated, the liquid stored in the water tank (230) can be discharged to the rotating cleaning unit (240) through the nozzle (not shown).

[0182]

[0183] The rotary cleaner (240) includes a rotary plate (241) and a mop (242).

[0184] The turntable (241) may be provided as a pair including a left turntable and a right turntable, and the mop (242) may be provided as a pair including a left mop and a right mop.

[0185] The turntable (241) can be rotatably placed on the bottom surface of the body (210), and a mop (242) can be coupled to the lower side.

[0186] The turntable (241) is formed to have a predetermined area and is formed in the form of a flat plate or a flat frame. The turntable (241) is generally laid horizontally, and accordingly, the horizontal width (or diameter) is formed in a form sufficiently larger than the vertical height. The turntable (241) coupled to the body (210) may be parallel to the bottom surface (B), or may be inclined with the bottom surface (B). The turntable (241) may be formed in the form of a circular plate, the bottom surface of the turntable (241) may be generally circular, and the turntable (241) may be formed in an overall rotationally symmetrical form.

[0187] A pair of rotating plates (241) can be symmetrical to each other.

[0188] The mop (242) can be attached to the lower side of the turntable (241) so as to face the floor surface (B).

[0189] The mop (242) is formed so that the bottom surface facing the floor has a predetermined area, and the mop (242) is formed in a flat shape. The mop (242) is formed so that the horizontal width (or diameter) is sufficiently larger than the vertical height. When the mop (242) is coupled to the body (210), the bottom surface of the mop (242) may be parallel to the floor surface (B), or may be inclined with the floor surface (B).

[0190] The bottom surface of the mop (242) may be generally circular, and the mop (242) may be formed in an overall rotationally symmetrical shape. In addition, the mop (242) may be detachably attached to the bottom surface of the turntable (241), and may be coupled to the turntable (241) and rotate together with the turntable (241).

[0191] Meanwhile, although not shown, the rotary cleaning unit (240) may be equipped with a driving unit that applies rotational force to the rotary plate (241). For example, the driving unit may include a motor and at least one gear. Accordingly, when the driving unit is operated, the rotary plate (241) and the mop (242) rotate to clean the floor surface.

[0192]

[0193] The agitator (250) is equipped with a plurality of rotatable brushes to guide external dust and air into the dust bin (220). At this time, the agitator (250) may be equipped with at least one gear.

[0194] Meanwhile, the agitator (250) according to the present embodiment receives rotational power from a separate agitator motor (not shown) installed therein, and may also receive rotational power from a driving motor according to the embodiment, and may also receive rotational power from a driving unit of a rotational cleaning unit (240).

[0195]

[0196] The wheel (260) may be provided on the bottom surface of the body (210) and may be connected to a driving unit (not shown). At this time, the driving unit (not shown) may be coupled to the body (210).

[0197] The wheel (260) is provided on the body (210) and can roll on the floor surface.

[0198] The wheel (260) may be composed of a first driving wheel and a second driving wheel. At this time, the first driving wheel may be formed identically to the second driving wheel, or may be formed symmetrically. For example, if the first driving wheel is located on the left side of the robot cleaner (200), the second driving wheel may be located on the right side of the robot cleaner (200), and at this time, the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel may be symmetrical to each other.

[0199] The driving unit (not shown) may include a driving motor and a gear. In this case, the driving motor may be housed within the body (210) and provide power to the wheel (260). The driving motor may include a first driving motor and a second driving motor.

[0200] The driving motor may be an electric motor. A plurality of gears are configured to mesh with each other and rotate, connecting the driving motor and the wheel (260), and transmitting the rotational power of the driving motor to the wheel (260). Therefore, the wheel (260) can rotate when the rotational axis of the driving motor rotates.

[0201] With this configuration, when the driving motor is operated, the wheel (260) rotates and the body (210) can travel on the floor at a predetermined driving speed.

[0202] The auxiliary wheel (270) is provided on the lower side of the body (210) and can roll on the floor surface (surface to be cleaned). The auxiliary wheel (270) can support the body (210) on the floor surface together with a pair of wheels (260). With this configuration, the auxiliary wheel (270) can minimize friction between the robot cleaner (200) and the floor surface while simultaneously guiding the movement of the robot cleaner (200).

[0203] A suction motor (not shown) can generate suction force to suck in external dust and air through a suction unit (211). For example, the suction motor (not shown) may be an electric motor. By the suction force generated by the suction motor (not shown), external dust and air can be drawn into the suction unit (211) and, after passing through the suction path, can reach the dust bin (220).

[0204] Although not shown, the battery is coupled to the body (210) to supply power to other components of the robot cleaner (200). The battery may supply power to at least one motor provided in the robot cleaner (200). For example, the battery may supply power to the motors provided in the rotating cleaner (240), the agitator (250), the wheels (260), and the suction motor (not shown).

[0205] Additionally, the battery can supply power to the sensor unit (not shown) and the control unit (not shown).

[0206] The battery can be charged by an external power source, and for this purpose, a charging terminal (280) for charging may be provided on one side of the body (210). For example, the charging terminal (280) may be arranged on the rear side of the outer surface of the body (210). When the robot cleaner (200) is connected to the robot cleaner station (100), the charging terminal (280) may be supplied with power by coming into contact with the power supply terminal (123b) of the robot cleaner station (100).

[0207]

[0208] Robot Vacuum Station

[0209]

[0210] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a plan view of FIG. 10.

[0211] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the robot cleaner station (100) of the present invention is described as follows.

[0212] A robot cleaner (200) can be accommodated in a robot cleaner station (100). A robot cleaner (200) can be coupled to a mounting portion (120) of the robot cleaner station (100).

[0213] The robot vacuum cleaner station (100) may include a housing (110).

[0214] The housing (110) may form the exterior of the robot cleaner station (100). For example, the housing (110) may be formed in a shape similar to a hexahedron including at least one outer wall.

[0215] The housing (110) may have a space formed therein that can accommodate a mounting portion (120), a dust collection path (147, 148), a dust collection portion (140), a dust collection motor (145), a mop washing portion (160), a mop drying portion (170), and a circulation path.

[0216] The housing (110) can be mounted on the lower side of the kitchen cabinet (2). Specifically, the housing (110) can be installed in a mounting space formed between the lower side plate (23) of the kitchen cabinet (2) and the floor of the kitchen.

[0217] The housing (110) includes a pair of outer walls (111) facing each other. The outer walls (111) may refer to a surface formed along the direction of gravity.

[0218] For example, a pair of outer walls (111) may be installed at a predetermined interval on the lower side of the kitchen cabinet (2). As another example, the housing (110) may further include a bottom surface facing the floor of the kitchen, and the pair of outer walls may be connected through the bottom surface. As another example, the housing (110) may further include a lower surface facing the floor of the kitchen and an upper surface facing the lower plate (23) of the kitchen cabinet (2), and the upper and lower ends of the pair of outer walls may be connected to each other through the lower and upper surfaces. Accordingly, even if foreign substances fall downward from the kitchen cabinet (2), the components of the robot cleaner (200) and the robot cleaner station (100) may be prevented from being contaminated. As another example, the housing (110) may further include a rear surface facing the lower side, the upper side, and the wall of the building.

[0219] With this configuration, components of the robot cleaner station (100) can be accommodated inside the housing (110) (between a pair of outer walls).

[0220] Additionally, a robot cleaner (200) may be accommodated inside the housing (110). The housing (110) may be arranged so that a pair of outer walls (111) have a gap greater than the maximum horizontal width of the robot cleaner (200). With this configuration, the robot cleaner (200) may enter and exit inside the housing (110).

[0221] At this time, in this embodiment, the robot cleaner (200) can enter and exit from the front of the robot cleaner station (100). Here, the front may mean the direction in which the door (126) is provided based on the interior of the robot cleaner station (100).

[0222] Additionally, the rear may mean the opposite direction of the front based on the interior of the robot cleaner station (100). For example, a building wall (not shown) may be placed at the rear of the robot cleaner station (100).

[0223] Additionally, when looking forward from inside the robot cleaner station (100), the left side can be called the left room and the right side can be called the right room.

[0224] That is, the outer walls of the robot cleaner station (100) can be placed on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0225] Accordingly, the upper side of the housing (110) may be covered by the kitchen cabinet (2), and the lower side of the housing (110) may be covered by the kitchen floor. In addition, the left and right sides of the housing (110) are covered by the outer wall, but are placed at the lower part of the kitchen cabinet (2). At this time, the lower part of the kitchen cabinet (2) is finished by a baseboard (26) except for the robot cleaner station (100), so that as a result, only the front of the housing (110) may be exposed to the outside.

[0226] Through this, the exposure of the robot cleaner station (100) and the robot cleaner (200) to the outside can be minimized.

[0227] With this configuration, the robot cleaner station (100) of the present invention has the effect of providing an aesthetic appeal to the user in terms of interior design.

[0228] With this configuration, the outer wall (111) of the housing (110) may include a left side (111c) and a right side (111d). The left side (111c) of the housing (110) may refer to an outer side positioned on the left when looking forward from inside the robot cleaner station (100), and the right side (111d) of the housing (110) may refer to an outer side positioned on the right when looking forward from inside the robot cleaner station (100).

[0229] In addition, the housing (110) may have a front surface, which is an outer surface disposed at the front, and the front surface may be formed to be open. That is, the housing (110) may have a drawer (190) to be described later installed on the inside thereof so as to be withdrawable, and the drawer (190) may be withdrawn through the open space on the front surface of the housing (110).

[0230] The housing (110) may have a rear surface (111b) positioned opposite the front surface. The rear surface (111b) refers to an outer surface positioned at the rear, and may be positioned opposite the wall of the building.

[0231] In addition, the housing (110) may include an upper side (113) that is covered by the kitchen cabinet (2). The housing (110) may include a lower side that is covered by the kitchen floor. The upper side (113) and the lower side of the housing (110) may refer to outer sides disposed on the upper and lower sides, and may be disposed to face each other. In addition, the housing (110) may be formed such that the lower side is open.

[0232] The front side, rear side (111b), left side (111c), right side (111d), lower side and upper side (113) of the housing (110) can form the exterior of the robot cleaner station (100) together with the door (126, 1126) described later.

[0233] Meanwhile, although not shown, the housing (110) may be provided with a space through which a water supply hose connected to a water supply pipe passes, a space through which a drain hose for discharging wastewater generated after washing a mop (242) passes, and a space through which a hose for discharging moisture generated during the drying process of the mop (242) passes. For example, a space through which the above hoses can pass may be provided in at least one of the outer wall, rear side, and upper side of the housing (110).

[0234]

[0235] anchorage (120)

[0236]

[0237] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the robot cleaner station (100) may include a mounting portion (120).

[0238] The robot cleaner (200) and the robot cleaner station (100) can be physically, electrically and / or axially connected through the mounting portion (120).

[0239] The fixing member (120) can be placed inside the housing (110).

[0240] At this time, depending on the embodiment, the mounting portion (120) may be provided so as to be withdrawable from the housing (110) through a drawer (190).

[0241] With this configuration, when the mounting part (120) needs to be cleaned or repaired, or when some parts need to be replaced, the user can easily withdraw and manage the mounting part (120).

[0242] An entrance (127) through which a robot cleaner (200) is introduced may be formed in the mounting portion (120). The entrance (127) may refer to a space formed on the front surface of the robot cleaner station (100).

[0243] The entrance (127) may be formed to a size that allows the robot cleaner (200) to pass through. That is, the height of the entrance (127) is formed to be greater than the height of the robot cleaner (200). At this time, the entrance (127) may refer to a space formed upward in a vertical direction from the front end of the base (121) described later, and the upper end of the entrance may be the same as the lower surface of the lower plate (23) of the kitchen cabinet (2) or the upper end of the housing (110).

[0244] In addition, the entrance (127) is formed so that the width in the left and right directions is larger than the maximum width of the robot cleaner (200). At this time, at least one of a dust collection unit (140) and a mop washing unit (160) may be arranged on the left and right sides of the entrance (127). Accordingly, the left and right ends of the entrance (127) may form a boundary with the dust collection unit (140) and the mop washing unit (160). If there is no dust collection unit (140) or mop washing unit (160), the outer wall of the housing (110) may also form a boundary.

[0245] At this time, the entrance (127) can be opened and closed by the door (126). The door (126) is described in detail below.

[0246]

[0247] The mounting portion (120) may include a receiving space (S), a base (121), a joining wall (123), and an inner wall (124).

[0248] A robot cleaner (200) can be accommodated in the accommodation space (S) of the mounting portion (120). For example, the accommodation space (S) may refer to a space surrounded by a base (121), a joining wall (123), and an inner wall (124). As another example, the accommodation space (S) may refer to a space surrounded by a base (121), a washing plate (122), a joining wall (123), and an inner wall (124). As another example, the accommodation space (S) may refer to a space where a robot cleaner (200) is located while the robot cleaner (200) is connected to a power supply terminal (123b), or a space where a robot cleaner (200) is located while the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200) is connected to a dust passage hole (123a).

[0249] The base (121) can be positioned so that the robot cleaner station (100) is in contact with the floor, and is configured to support the robot cleaner (200) when the robot cleaner (200) is coupled to the robot cleaner station (100). The base (121) can include a base body (121a), an inclined portion (121b), a wheel coupling portion (121c), an agitator receiving portion (121d), and a washing tank (128).

[0250] The base body (121a) can form the overall appearance of the base (121). An inclined portion (121b), a wheel coupling portion (121c), an agitator receiving portion (121d), and a washing tank (128) can be arranged on the base body (121a).

[0251] The base body (121a) may be formed in a form in which the width (or diameter) in the horizontal direction (parallel to X and Y) is greater than the height in the vertical direction (parallel to Z). This structure has the effect of stably supporting the robot cleaner station (100) on the floor surface.

[0252] A circulation path may be provided inside the base body (121a). Accordingly, air discharged from the dust collecting motor (145) may flow through the circulation path formed inside the base body (121a) and be exhausted to the air return port (125b).

[0253] The slope (121b) can be placed at the entrance through which the robot cleaner (200) climbs from the base body (121a).

[0254] The inclined portion (121b) may have an upward slope toward the front in the direction in which the robot cleaner (200) enters. More specifically, the inclined portion (121b) may be connected so that the front end of the entrance side has no height difference with the ground, but may have an upward slope toward the front in the direction in which the robot cleaner (200) enters. In this case, the forward end in the direction in which the robot cleaner (200) enters means the rear with respect to the robot cleaner station (100). As a result, the robot cleaner (200) can easily climb up from the ground to the robot cleaner station (100).

[0255] A wheel guide portion (121ba) may be provided on the slope portion (121b).

[0256] The wheel guide part (121ba) may be formed in the form of a groove to guide the movement of the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200). The surface of the wheel guide part (121ba) may be formed to correspond to the surface of the wheel (260) so that the robot cleaner (200) can travel stably. In addition, the wheel guide part (121ba) may be formed so that the width of the groove at the entrance through which the robot cleaner (200) climbs is larger than the width of the wheel (260), and the width of the groove compared to the entrance becomes narrower as it goes forward in the climbing path of the robot cleaner (200). As a result, the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) can easily enter the robot cleaner station (100), but the left and right movement is restricted by the groove that becomes narrower, so that the wheel (260) can be guided to the correct position.

[0257] An auxiliary wheel guide part (121bb) may be provided on the slope part (121b).

[0258] The auxiliary wheel guide part (121bb) may be formed in a groove shape to guide the movement of the auxiliary wheel (270) of the robot cleaner (200). In addition, the auxiliary wheel guide part (121bb) may be formed in a protruding shape so as to come into contact with the auxiliary wheel (270) when the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) is seated on the wheel guide part (121ba). Accordingly, when the robot cleaner (200) drives on an inclined part (121b), it can drive while being stably supported by not only the wheel (260) but also the auxiliary wheel (270).

[0259] The wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) that has moved upward along the wheel guide (121ba) can be seated on the wheel coupling portion (121c). When the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) is seated on the wheel coupling portion (121c), the physical connection between the robot cleaner (200) and the robot cleaner station (100) can be formed. The surface of the wheel coupling portion (121c) can be formed to correspond to the surface of the wheel (260) so that the robot cleaner (200) can be stably stopped. The wheel coupling portion (121c) can extend from the upper end of the wheel guide portion (121ba). The wheel coupling portion (121c) can be connected to the wheel guide portion (121ba) without a step. As a result, the robot cleaner (200) can easily move past the inclined portion (121b) to the wheel coupling portion (121c).

[0260] The wheel coupling portion (121c) can be positioned at the stop position of the left and right wheels (260) of the robot cleaner (200) so that the robot cleaner (200) stops at the designated position. Here, the stop position of the wheel (260) means a position at which the robot cleaner (200) stops in order to be connected to the power supply terminal (123b) and / or a position at which the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200) stops in order to be connected to the dust passage hole (123a).

[0261] The shape of the wheel coupling portion (121c) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200), i.e., in an arch shape. Through this configuration, the robot cleaner (200) can move along the wheel guide portion (121ba) and stop at the same time as the wheel (260) is inserted into the wheel coupling portion (121c), and the wheel (260) can be stably seated in the arch-shaped wheel coupling portion (121c).

[0262] The agitator receiving portion (121d) can receive at least a portion of the agitator (250) of the robot cleaner (200). Specifically, the agitator receiving portion (121d) can provide a space in which the lower portion of the agitator (250) of the robot cleaner (200) is received while the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) is seated on the wheel coupling portion (121c).

[0263] The agitator receiving portion (121d) may be formed between the wheel coupling portions (121c). The agitator receiving portion (121d) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the agitator (250) of the robot cleaner (200). The agitator receiving portion (121d) may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open upper portion. The lower surface of the agitator receiving portion (121d) may be sealed by the bottom surface of the base body (121a) or the lower surface of the housing (110). Accordingly, the agitator (250) of the robot cleaner (200) that has moved upward along the inclined portion (121b) may be settled into the recessed portion (121da) through the open upper surface of the agitator receiving portion (121d). At this time, the depth of the recessed portion (121da) may be formed shallower than the depth of the wheel coupling portion (121c).

[0264] The agitator receiving portion (121d) may include a recessed portion (121da) and a protruding portion (121db).

[0265] The recessed portion (121da) may be formed to be recessed in the base (121). The recessed portion (121da) may form a receiving space in which at least a portion of the agitator (250) is received. Through this, when the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) is seated on the wheel coupling portion (121c), at least a portion of the agitator (250) may be received in the receiving space of the recessed portion (121da).

[0266] The accommodation space of the recessed portion (121da) can be communicated with the accommodation space (S) of the settling portion (120).

[0267] The protrusion (121db) may be formed to protrude from the base (121). The protrusion (121db) may be arranged along the edge of the recessed portion (121da). In addition, when the agitator (250) is accommodated in the accommodation space of the recessed portion (121da), the protrusion (121db) may be arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance from the body (210) of the robot cleaner (200).

[0268] The protrusion (121db) can guide the air discharged through the air return port (125b) to the suction part (211) of the robot cleaner (200). Through this, the air discharged into the receiving space of the recessed part (121da) can be guided to the suction part (211) of the robot cleaner (200) by the protrusion (121db).

[0269] An air circulating port (125b) may be formed in the agitator receiving portion (121d). The air circulating port (125b) may be formed on a side of the agitator receiving portion (121d). The air circulating port (125b) may connect the recessed portion (121da) and the dust collecting motor (145) through a circulation path. The recessed portion (121da) and the circulation path may be communicated through the air circulating port (125b). Therefore, air discharged from the dust collecting motor (145) may pass through the air circulating port (125b) and be discharged to the recessed portion (121da) of the agitator receiving portion (121d).

[0270]

[0271] The joining wall (123) is configured to place the dust passage hole (123a), power supply terminal (123b), and water supply nozzle (123c) of the robot cleaner station (100). The joining wall (123) can spatially separate the receiving space (S) from the components of the robot cleaner station (100). The joining wall (123) can extend vertically from the rear side of the base (121). The joining wall (123) can be formed to correspond to the shape of the robot cleaner (200). For example, when the body (210) of the robot cleaner (200) has a cylindrical shape, the joining wall (123) can be formed in an arc shape with a predetermined radius. With such a configuration, the outer surface of the robot cleaner (200) can be surrounded, and the area facing the outer surface of the robot cleaner (200) can be increased. Additionally, it can stably support the robot vacuum cleaner (200).

[0272]

[0273] A dust passage hole (123a) may be formed in the mounting portion (120) to allow air from outside the housing (110) to flow into the inside. Specifically, a dust passage hole (123a) may be formed in the joining wall (123) to allow air from outside the housing (110) to flow into the inside. The dust passage hole (123a) may be communicated with a dust bin (220) of a robot cleaner (200). The dust passage hole (123a) may be communicated with a dust outlet (221) of the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200). The dust passage hole (123a) may be formed in a hole shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bin (220) so that dust in the dust bin (220) may flow into the dust collection unit (140). The dust passage hole (123a) may be formed corresponding to the shape of the dust outlet (221) of the dust bin (220). The dust passage hole (123a) can be formed to communicate with the dust collection path (147, 148). Air sucked into the dust passage hole (123a) can flow through the dust collection path (147, 148) and then be exhausted through the exhaust section (125).

[0274]

[0275] The power supply terminal (123b) can supply power to the robot cleaner (200) coupled to the mounting portion (120). The power supply terminal (123b) can be electrically connected by contacting the charging terminal of the robot cleaner (200). The power supply terminal (123b) can be arranged on the mounting portion (120). Specifically, the power supply terminal (123b) can be arranged on the coupling wall (123). The power supply terminal (123b) can be electrically connected to the robot cleaner (200) coupled to the coupling wall (123). The power supply terminal (123b) can supply power to the battery of the robot cleaner (200) coupled to the coupling wall (123).

[0276]

[0277] The robot cleaner station (100) may further include a water supply nozzle (123c).

[0278] The water supply nozzle (123c) can be connected to the supply part (231) of the water tank (230) of the robot cleaner (200). Specifically, the water supply nozzle (123c) can be connected to the inlet of the water tank (230). The inlet is configured to be connected to the water tank (230) of the robot cleaner (200). The water supply nozzle (123c) can supply water supplied from the water supply pipe of the kitchen cabinet (2) to the storage space inside the water tank (230) of the robot cleaner (200).

[0279]

[0280] The inner wall (124) is a configuration that spatially divides the receiving space (S) of the mounting portion (120) from the components of the robot cleaner station (100). A pair of inner walls (124) may be arranged on the left and right sides of the base (121). The inner walls (124) may be connected to both ends of the connecting wall (123). The inner walls (124) may extend in a direction intersecting the base (121) from the left and right sides of the base (121). Specifically, the inner walls (124) may extend in a vertical direction from the left and right sides of the base (121). The height of the inner walls (124) may be formed to correspond to the height of the pedestal (21). Specifically, the height of the inner walls (124) may be formed to be the same as the height of the pedestal (21).

[0281] Meanwhile, various components such as a dust collection path (147, 148), a dust collection unit (140), a dust collection motor (145), a detergent container (163), and a waste container (164) can be arranged on the outside of the inner wall (124). Specifically, the dust collection unit (140), the detergent container (163), and the waste container (164) can be accommodated in the space between the inner wall (124) and the outer wall of the housing (110).

[0282] The dust collection unit (140) and the detergent container (163) can be separated from the space between the inner wall (124) and the outer wall of the housing (110) in a sliding manner. The width in the left and right direction of the dust collection unit (140) and the detergent container (163) can be formed to correspond to the distance between the inner wall (124) and the outer wall of the housing (110).

[0283]

[0284] The washing tank (128) is configured to accommodate the washing plate (122) described later. The washing tank (128) may be positioned on the rear side of the base body (121a). The washing tank (128) may be formed to correspond to the washing plate (122) so that the washing plate (122) can be inserted therein.

[0285]

[0286] The washing plate (122) is configured to wash the mop of the robot vacuum cleaner (200), and the washing plate (122) can be installed in the washing tank (128) of the base (121).

[0287] A protrusion (122a) and a drain hole (122b) may be formed on the washing plate (122). When the mop (242) of the robot cleaner (200) is installed on the washing plate (122) and the driving unit of the rotating cleaning unit (240) is driven, the mop (242) rotates. At this time, when the mop (242) rotates while washing water is supplied to the washing plate (122), the mop (242) can be washed by rubbing against the protrusion (122a) that is in a stationary state.

[0288] In addition, the washing plate (122) may be formed to slope downward toward the center. Accordingly, the washing water flowing along the inclined washing plate (122) can, after washing the mop (242), drain into the space formed between the washing plate (122) and the washing tank (128) through the drain hole (122b).

[0289]

[0290] Dust collection unit (140)

[0291]

[0292] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are side views illustrating a dust collection unit of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a dust collection path of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0293] Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 17, the dust collection unit (140), the dust collection module (150), and the dust collection path (147, 148) are described as follows.

[0294] The dust collection unit (140) can collect dust from the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200). The dust collection unit (140) can be placed inside the housing (110). The dust collection unit (140) can be placed outside the mounting unit (120). At this time, the receiving space (S) can be placed inside the mounting unit (120).

[0295] The dust collection unit (140) may include a dust collection unit housing (141), a dust bag (not shown), a filter (142), and a dust bag drawer (144).

[0296] The dust collection unit housing (141) can form a space inside which a dust bag (not shown), a filter (142), and a dust bag drawer (144) can be accommodated.

[0297] The dust collection unit housing (141) is connected to a dust bag drawer (144) so ​​that a dust bag can be withdrawn therein, and a dust bag (not shown) can be stored inside the dust bag drawer (144). For example, the dust collection unit housing (141) is formed in a rectangular tube shape with an open front, and the rear internal space can be connected to the first flow path (131) and the second flow path (132).

[0298] One side of the inside of the dust collector housing (141) can be communicated with the first flow path (131), and the other side can be communicated with the second flow path (132). In addition, when a dust bag (not shown) is combined with the dust collector housing (141), the dust bag (not shown) can be communicated with the first flow path (131) inside the dust collector housing (141).

[0299] A dust bag (not shown) may refer to a dust bag that collects dust sucked from inside a dust bin (220) of a robot cleaner (200) by a dust collecting motor (145). The dust bag (not shown) may be detachably coupled to a dust collecting unit housing (141). Accordingly, the dust bag (not shown) may be separated from the dust collecting unit housing (141) and discarded, and a new dust bag (not shown) may be coupled to the dust collecting unit housing (141). That is, the dust bag (not shown) may be defined as a consumable part.

[0300] The dust bag (not shown) may be provided so that when suction power is generated by the dust collection motor (145), its volume increases and dust is accommodated inside.

[0301] To this end, the dust bag (not shown) may be made of a material that is permeable to air but impermeable to foreign substances such as dust. For example, the dust bag (not shown) may be made of a non-woven material and may have a hexahedral shape corresponding to the shape of the dust collection unit housing (141) when its volume increases.

[0302] Alternatively, the dust bag (not shown) may be formed of an impermeable material. For example, the dust bag (not shown) may include a roll of vinyl (not shown). With this configuration, when the dust bag (not shown) is sealed or bonded, dust or odors captured inside the dust bag (not shown) can be prevented from leaking out of the dust bag (not shown). At this time, the dust bag (not shown) may be mounted on the dust collection unit housing (141) via a dust bag cartridge (not shown). If necessary, the dust bag (not shown) may be replaced via the dust bag cartridge.

[0303] A filter (142) may be placed between the dust collection housing (141) and the second passage (132). The filter (142) may be placed at the outlet (141b). The filter (142) may be a pre-filter or a HEPA filter. Air passing through the dust bag (not shown) may flow into the second passage (132) through the filter (142).

[0304] A filter (142) may be placed between the dust collection housing (141) and the second passage (132). The filter (142) may be placed at the outlet (141b). The filter (142) may be a pre-filter or a HEPA filter. Air passing through the dust bag (not shown) may flow into the second passage (132) through the filter (142).

[0305] The dust bag drawer (144) is connected to the dust collection unit housing (141) so that a dust bag (not shown) can be accommodated inside.

[0306] This dust bag drawer (144) can be placed between the other side of the left and right sides of the housing (110) and the mounting portion (120). Specifically, the dust bag drawer (144) can be placed between the left side (111c) of the housing (110) and the mounting portion (120).

[0307] At this time, referring to FIG. 17, the dust bag drawer (144) includes a dust bag drawer body (144a), a handle (144d), and a drawer rail (144e).

[0308] The dust bag drawer body (144a) may provide a space where a dust bag (not shown) can be combined inside. For example, the dust bag drawer body (144a) may be formed in a box shape with an open top, and an inlet (144b) and an outlet (144c) may be formed at the rear to enable communication with the first flow path (131) and the second flow path (132).

[0309] For example, the dust bag drawer body (144a) may be formed so that the upper left-right width and the lower left-right width are different. For example, the upper left-right width of the dust bag drawer body (144a) may be formed so that it is larger than the lower left-right width. That is, the interior of the dust bag drawer body (144a) may be formed in a step. Through this, the upper space where the dust bag (not shown) is provided can be maximized, and a path can be formed so that the air passing through the dust bag (not shown) can easily escape to the lower side.

[0310] The upper side of the dust bag drawer body (144a) can be connected to the first flow path (131) through the inlet (144b). The inlet (144b) may be configured to guide air flowing through the first flow path (131) into the interior of the dust bag (not shown). The inlet (144b) can connect the first flow path (131) and the dust bag (not shown). Therefore, dust sucked from the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200) can move into the interior of the dust bag (not shown) through the first flow path (131) and the inlet (144b).

[0311] The dust bag drawer (144) can be connected to the second flow path (132) through an outlet (144c) formed on the lower side. The outlet (144c) may be configured to guide air passing through the dust bag drawer (144) to the second flow path (132). The outlet (144c) may be arranged at a different height from the inlet (144b). The outlet (144c) may be arranged lower than the inlet (144b). The outlet (144c) may connect the internal space of the dust bag drawer (144) and the second flow path (132). Therefore, air filtered of dust while passing through the dust bag (not shown) can move to the second flow path (132) through the outlet (144c).

[0312] A handle (144d) may be provided at the front of the dust bag drawer body (144a). The handle (144d) may be provided so that a user can grip it. For example, the handle (144d) may include a pair of connecting portions hingedly connected to the front surface of the dust bag drawer body (144a), and a grip portion formed by connecting the pair of connecting portions so that a user can grip it.

[0313] With this configuration, when a user holds the grip portion and pulls it forward, the dust bag drawer body (144a) can be pulled forward and withdrawn together. Therefore, according to the present invention, a user can easily pull the dust bag drawer (144) forward, and then lift the dust bag (not shown) upward to remove and replace it.

[0314] A drawer rail (144e) may be formed on the left and right sides of the dust bag drawer body (144a). The drawer rail (144e) may guide the movement of the dust bag drawer body (144a).

[0315] For example, the drawer rail (144e) may be formed in the form of a groove or rib along the front-back direction on the left and right sides of the dust bag drawer body (144a).

[0316] With this configuration, when the user attaches the dust bag drawer (144) to the dust collection unit housing (141), it can be attached in the correct position, and the dust collection unit (140) and the first flow path (131) and the second flow path (132) can be connected in the correct position to reduce flow loss.

[0317] Meanwhile, a rail (141a) may also be formed on the inner surface of the dust collector housing (141) corresponding to the drawer rail (144e). The rail (141a) of the dust collector housing (141) may be formed corresponding to the shape and position of the drawer rail (144e). For example, if the drawer rail (144e) is formed in a groove shape, the rail (141a) of the dust collector housing (141) may be formed in a rib or protruding ledge shape.

[0318]

[0319] Euro structure

[0320]

[0321] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 17, the dust collection module (150) and the dust collection path (147, 148) are described as follows.

[0322] The robot cleaner station (100) may include a dust collection path (147, 148). The dust collection path (147, 148) may refer to a path through which air sucked in through the dust passage hole (123a) flows through the dust collection unit (140) to the dust collection motor (145).

[0323] Specifically, the dust collection path (147, 148) may include a first path (131) that connects the dust bin (220) and the dust collection unit (140) when the robot cleaner (200) is coupled to the robot cleaner station (100) and the dust passage hole (123a) and the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200) are connected, and a second path (132) that connects the dust collection unit (140) and the dust collection motor (145).

[0324] The first flow path (131) can connect the dust bin (220) and the dust collection unit (140) of the robot cleaner (200). The first flow path (131) can connect the dust bin (220) and the dust collection unit (140) of the robot cleaner (200). The first flow path (131) can connect the dust passage hole (123a) of the mounting part (120) and the dust collection unit (140). The first flow path (131) can mean a space between the dust bin (220) and the dust collection unit (140) of the robot cleaner (200). The first flow path (131) can be formed close to the horizontal direction. The first flow path (131) can be a space formed rearward from the dust passage hole (123a), and can be a flow path formed by bending toward the side from the dust passage hole (123a) so that dust and air can flow. Dust in the dust bin (220) of the robot vacuum cleaner (200) can move to the dust collection unit (140) through the first euro (131).

[0325] The second flow path (132) can connect the dust collection unit (140) and the dust collection motor (145). The second flow path (132) can be formed in a nearly horizontal direction. At this time, the first flow path (132) and the second flow path (131) can be formed at different heights. The first flow path (131) and the second flow path (132) can be formed in a stacked structure. The second flow path (132) can be arranged lower than the first flow path (131). With this configuration, the left-right width and the overall volume of the robot cleaner station (100) can be minimized.

[0326] The dust collection module (150) can provide suction airflow to the dust collection path (147, 148).

[0327] Specifically, the dust collection module (150) may include a dust collection motor housing (146) and a dust collection motor (145).

[0328] The dust collecting motor housing (146) can be placed inside the housing (110). The dust collecting motor housing (146) can accommodate the dust collecting motor (145) inside.

[0329] The internal space of the dust collecting motor housing (146) can be communicated with the second passage (132). Therefore, air flowing through the second passage (132) can be guided to the dust collecting motor (145).

[0330] The internal space of the dust collecting motor housing (146) can be communicated with the circulation path. Therefore, air passing through the dust collecting motor (145) can be guided to the circulation path.

[0331] The dust collection motor (145) can generate suction force in the dust collection path (147, 148).

[0332] The dust collecting motor (145) may be placed at the rear of the dust collecting unit (140). Through this, the dust collecting motor (145) may provide suction power capable of sucking up dust inside the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200).

[0333] The dust collecting motor (145) can generate suction force by rotation. For example, the dust collecting motor (145) can be formed in a shape similar to a cylinder.

[0334] The dust collecting motor (145) can have one side connected to the second flow path (132) and the other side connected to the circulation flow path. When the dust collecting motor (145) is driven, air flowing through the second flow path (132) can be introduced into the dust collecting motor housing (146). In addition, the air introduced into the interior of the dust collecting motor housing (146) can flow through the circulation flow path after passing through the dust collecting motor (145) and be exhausted through the air return port (125b).

[0335] Meanwhile, the rotation axis of the dust collection motor (145) can be formed close to the horizontal direction. With this configuration, the overall volume of the robot cleaner station (100) placed in the kitchen cabinet (2) or the installation space (21a) of the structure can be minimized.

[0336] The exhaust unit (125) can guide air discharged from the dust collection motor (145) to the outside of the housing (110). The exhaust unit (125) can connect the internal space and the external space of the housing (110).

[0337] The exhaust section (125) may be composed of a circulation path and an air return port (125b).

[0338] The circulation path can provide a path through which air discharged from the dust collector motor (145) flows. The circulation path can be arranged inside the base body (121a).

[0339] The circulation path may be connected to the dust collecting motor (145) in a flow direction. The circulation path may refer to a flow path connecting the internal space of the motor housing (151) and the air return port (125b). One end of the circulation path may be connected to the internal space of the dust collecting motor housing (146), and the other end of the circulation path may be connected to the receiving space of the recessed portion (121da).

[0340] The circulation path may be a path formed horizontally within the housing (110). The circulation path may be electrically connected to the dust collecting motor (145). Specifically, one end of the circulation path may be connected to the dust collecting unit (140), and the other end of the circulation path may be connected to the air return port (125b).

[0341] The air return port (125b) can serve as an outlet that guides air discharged from the dust collecting motor (145) to the receiving space of the recessed portion (121da). Accordingly, air discharged from the dust collecting motor (145) and flowing through the circulation path can be discharged to the outside of the housing (110) through the air return port (125b).

[0342] The air reflux port (125b) may be formed in the base (121). The air reflux port (125b) may be formed in the agitator receiving portion (121d). The air reflux port (125b) may be formed in the side wall of the recessed portion (121da).

[0343]

[0344] The circulation path according to the embodiment of the present invention can guide the air discharged from the dust collecting motor (145) to the suction part (211) of the robot cleaner (200).

[0345] The circulation path can create a structure in which the air discharged from the dust collecting motor (145) is guided to the suction part (211) of the robot cleaner (200) instead of being discharged to the outside, so that the air continuously circulates between the robot cleaner (200) and the robot cleaner station (100). As a result, the heat discharged from the dust collecting motor (145) is not discharged to the kitchen cabinet (2), but is re-introduced into the interior of the robot cleaner (200) and circulated, thereby preventing the interior of the kitchen cabinet (2) from being damaged.

[0346] The air passing through the dust collecting motor (145) is discharged to the receiving space (S) through the air return port (125b), and the air discharged to the receiving space (S) can be re-introduced to the suction unit (211) due to the suction force of the dust collecting motor (145). Therefore, the air sucked in from the dust bin (220) by the suction force of the dust collecting motor (145) can flow sequentially through the dust passage hole (123a), the first flow path (131), the dust collecting unit (140), the second flow path (132), the dust collecting motor (145), the circulation flow path, and the air return port (125b), and then be discharged to the receiving space (S).

[0347] At this time, the dust collection motor (145) can be driven together with the suction motor (not shown) of the robot cleaner (200). The air exhausted through the air return port (125b) is sucked into the suction unit (211) by the suction power of the suction motor (not shown) in addition to the dust collection motor (145), thereby improving the dust collection efficiency.

[0348]

[0349] Mop washing unit (160)

[0350]

[0351] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view illustrating a mop washing unit of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is an enlarged view illustrating a washing water supply unit of a mop washing unit of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a dust collection unit and a detergent container are withdrawn from a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0352] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the mop washing unit (160) of the robot cleaner station (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

[0353] A robot cleaner station (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a mop washing unit (160). The mop washing unit (160) may wash a mop (242) of a robot cleaner (200) coupled to a mounting unit (120).

[0354] The mop washing unit (160) may include a washing water supply unit (161) that discharges washing water to the washing plate (122), a detergent container (163) that stores liquid including detergent, and a waste water container (164) that stores washing water after washing the mop (242).

[0355] In the washing water supply unit (161), purified water and detergent can be mixed to produce washing water for washing the mop (242).

[0356] A pair of washing water supply units (161) may be spaced apart from each other on the rear side of the joining wall (123). The washing water supply units (161) may discharge washing water toward the washing plate (122) from the upper sides of both ends of the washing plate (122). At this time, purified water supplied from the water supply pipe of the kitchen cabinet (2) and passing through the regulator (162) may be branched to both sides through a branch path (161a) and connected to each of the washing water supply units (161) spaced apart from each other. That is, the branch path (161a) may be formed in the form of one pipe branching into two, and at this time, one of the branched ends may be connected to one of the pair of washing water supply units (161), and the other of the branched ends may be connected to the other of the pair of washing water supply units (161).

[0357] The washing water supply unit (161) may be formed integrally with the joining wall (123) on the rear side of the joining wall (123), or may be detachably joined to the joining wall (123).

[0358] A water purification inlet (161b), a detergent inlet (161c), and a water discharge outlet (not shown) may be formed in the washing water supply unit (161).

[0359] The purified water inlet (161b) is configured to guide purified water supplied from the water supply pipe of the kitchen cabinet (2) to the washing water supply unit (161). Specifically, the water supply pipe of the kitchen cabinet (2) is connected to a regulator (162), so that the flow rate supplied from the water supply pipe can be adjusted. In addition, a portion of the purified water that has passed through the regulator (162) can be supplied to the water tank (230) of the robot cleaner (200) through the water supply nozzle (123c), and the remainder can be introduced into a pair of washing water supply units (161) that are spaced apart from each other through the purified water inlet (161b).

[0360] The detergent inlet (161c) is configured to guide the liquid containing detergent supplied from the detergent container (163) to the washing water supply unit (161). Specifically, the liquid containing detergent stored in the detergent container (163) can be supplied to the washing water supply unit (161) via a pump (not shown).

[0361] In addition, the detergent and purified water introduced into the washing water supply unit (161) can be mixed and used as washing water. The washing water supply unit (161) can discharge the washing water to the upper surface of the washing plate (122) through the washing water discharge port. The washing water discharge port can be formed on the lower surface of the washing water supply unit (161). The washing water discharge port can be opened in a direction facing the upper surface of the mop (242) mounted on the washing plate (122).

[0362]

[0363] The detergent container (163) can store liquids including detergent.

[0364] This detergent container (163) can be placed between one of the left and right sides of the housing (110) and the mounting portion (120). Specifically, the detergent container (163) can be placed between the right side (111d) of the housing (110) and the mounting portion (120).

[0365] At this time, the distance in the left-right direction from the right side (111d) of the housing (110) to the mounting portion (120) may be formed to be closer than the distance in the left-right direction from the left side (111c) of the housing (110) to the mounting portion (120). In addition, the width in the left-right direction of the detergent container (163) may be formed to be narrower than the width in the left-right direction of the dust bag drawer (144). Accordingly, the mounting portion (120) may be arranged so that the center in the left-right direction is shifted to the right from the center in the left-right direction of the housing (110).

[0366] The detergent container (163) includes a detergent container body (163a), a handle (163b), and a detergent container rail (163c) (see Fig. 17).

[0367] The detergent container body (163a) may provide a space for storing liquid, including detergent. For example, the detergent container body (163a) may be formed in a box shape with an open top, and the rear may be connected to a washing water supply unit (161).

[0368] A handle (163b) may be provided at the front end of the detergent container body (163a). The handle (163b) may be provided so that a user can grip it. For example, the handle (163b) may include a pair of connecting portions hingedly connected to the front surface of the detergent container body (163a), and a grip portion formed by connecting the pair of connecting portions so that a user can grip it.

[0369] With this configuration, when a user holds the handle and pulls it forward, the detergent container body (163a) can be pulled forward and withdrawn. Therefore, according to the present invention, a user can easily pull the detergent container (163) forward and then supply detergent.

[0370] A detergent container rail (163c) may be formed on the left and right sides of the detergent container body (163a). The detergent container rail (163c) may guide the movement of the detergent container body (163a).

[0371] For example, the detergent container rail (163c) may be formed in the form of a groove or rib along the front-back direction on the left and right sides of the detergent container body (163a).

[0372] With this configuration, when the user attaches the detergent container (163) to the housing (110), it can be attached in the correct position and the washing water can be prevented from leaking out.

[0373] Meanwhile, although not shown, a rail may be formed in the housing (110) corresponding to the detergent container rail (163c). The above rail may be formed corresponding to the shape and position of the detergent container rail (163c).

[0374] The wastewater tank (164) can provide a space for storing the washing water used to wash the mop (242). The washing water discharged from the upper surface of the washing plate (122) can be drained into the drain hole (122b) while descending along the slope of the washing plate (122) after washing the mop (242). The washing water passing through the drain hole (122b) accumulates in the washing tank (128). In addition, the washing water accumulated in the washing tank (128) can be introduced into the wastewater tank (164) through the wastewater suction path (164b).

[0375] Washing water stored in the wastewater tank (164) can be drained to the drain pipe (25) of the kitchen cabinet (2) through the wastewater discharge path (164a). One end of the wastewater discharge path (164a) can be connected to the wastewater tank (164), and the other end can be connected to the drain pipe (25). At this time, the washing water stored in the wastewater tank (164) can be drained to the drain pipe by flowing through the wastewater discharge path (164a) by a centrifugal pump (not shown).

[0376] The sewage discharge path (164a) connected to the sewage tank (164) can be connected upstream (25b) based on the drain trap (25a) of the drain pipe (25) of the kitchen cabinet (2). This is because, if the sewage discharge path (164a) is connected downstream (25c) based on the drain trap (25a) of the drain pipe (25), foul odors or fluids inside the drain pipe (25) may flow back into the sewage discharge path (164a).

[0377] Additionally, the mop washing unit (160) may include a check valve (not shown). The check valve may prevent the fluid inside the drain pipe (25) from flowing back into the sewage discharge path (164a). The check valve may be provided at the other end of the sewage discharge path (164a) connected to the drain pipe (25).

[0378] Meanwhile, the detergent container (163) and the waste container (164) can be accommodated in the space formed between the inner wall (124) and the outer wall (111) of the housing. The detergent container (163) can be placed on the lower side of the space between the inner wall (124) and the outer wall (111) of the housing, and the waste container (164) can be placed on the upper side of the detergent container (163) in the space between the inner wall (124) and the outer wall (111) of the housing.

[0379]

[0380] Mop drying section (170)

[0381]

[0382] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating a mop drying unit of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is an enlarged view illustrating a mop drying unit of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating how air flows into an outside air supply module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0383] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, a robot cleaner station (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a mop drying unit (170). At this time, the mop drying unit (170) may dry a mop (242) of a robot cleaner (200) that has been washed by a mop washing unit (160) or a mop (242) that is wet after a water cleaning task is completed.

[0384] A mop drying unit (170) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an external air supply module (171), an air discharge unit (172), an exhaust fan (173), and a check valve (not shown).

[0385] The outside air supply module (171) can supply heat to the receiving space (S) and may include an outside air supply path (171a), a blower fan (not shown), and a heater (171d).

[0386] The external air supply path (171a) can connect the external space of the housing (110) and the receiving space (S). One side of the external air supply path (171a) can be connected to the external space through the external air inlet (171b), and the other side of the external air supply path (171a) can be connected to the receiving space (S) through the external air outlet (171c).

[0387] The external air inlet (171b) can be formed on the rear surface of the housing (110).

[0388] The outside air outlet (171c) may be positioned on the upper side of the washing plate (122). The outside air outlet (171c) may be opened in a direction facing the washing plate (122). A pair of outside air outlets (171c) may be provided, with the outside air outlets (171c) being opened downward.

[0389] In a state where the mop (242) is placed on the cleaning plate (122), the outside air outlet (171c) can be opened toward the upper side of the mop (242). That is, the outside air outlet (171c) can be opened in a direction facing the mop (242). Accordingly, the outside air outlet (171c) is positioned adjacent to the mop (242) and opens downward, so that air discharged from the outside air outlet (171c) can flow toward the mop (242).

[0390] A blower fan (not shown) is placed on the outside air supply path (171a) and can blow air toward the receiving space (S). When the blower fan (not shown) is driven, air drawn in through the outside air inlet (171b) can be heated by the heater (171d) and discharged to the receiving space (S) through the outside air discharge port (171c).

[0391] The heater (171d) is placed on the outside air supply passage (171a) and can heat the air flowing through the outside air supply passage (171a). The heater (171d) can heat the air discharged through the outside air discharge port (171c).

[0392] The heater (171d) may include a heater housing (171da) and a heating element (not shown). At this time, the heater housing may be placed on an external air supply path (171a), and a space may be provided therein in which the heating element can be accommodated. In addition, the heating element may heat air flowing into the heater housing. Accordingly, the air heated by the heating element may be discharged into the accommodation space (S) through the external air discharge port (171c) to dry the wet mop (242).

[0393] The air exhaust unit (172) can exhaust the hot and humid air inside the robot cleaner station (100) generated while drying the mop (242) to the drain pipe (25). Specifically, the air exhaust unit (172) can connect the receiving space (S) and the drain pipe (25) of the kitchen cabinet (2).

[0394] One end of the air discharge unit (172) can be connected to the receiving space (S), and the other end can be connected to the drain pipe (25). Specifically, one end of the air discharge unit (172), which is an air intake port (172a), can be connected to the receiving space (S), and the other end, which is an air discharge port (172b), can be connected to the drain pipe (25).

[0395] Meanwhile, the air intake port (172a) may be positioned at various locations on the receiving space (S). For example, the air intake port (172a) may be positioned on the joint wall (123). As another example, the air intake port (172a) may be positioned higher from the ground than the mop (242), but may be positioned forward of the outside air discharge port (171c). Through this, water vapor generated during the drying process of the mop (242) can be discharged.

[0396] The air exhaust unit (172) may be connected downstream (25c) with respect to the oil trap (25a) of the drain pipe (25) of the kitchen cabinet (2). This is because, when the air exhaust unit (172) is connected upstream (25b) with respect to the oil trap (25a) of the drain pipe (25), the heat exhausted through the air exhaust unit (172) may not pass through the drain pipe (25) due to water accumulated in the oil trap (25a).

[0397] Meanwhile, the air discharge unit (172) may be formed by branching one pipe into two inside the housing (110) and penetrating both sides of the housing (110). At this time, one of the branches may penetrate the left outer wall of the housing (110), and the other branch may penetrate the right outer wall of the housing (110). The air discharge unit (172) penetrating the outer walls (111) on both sides of the housing (110) may be connected to a drain pipe (25). Therefore, the vapor in the receiving space (S) sucked in through the air discharge unit (172) may flow through the air discharge unit (172) branched to both sides and be exhausted downstream (25c) based on the oil trap (25a) of the drain pipe (25).

[0398] The exhaust fan (173) can exhaust air from the receiving space (S) through the air discharge unit (172) to the drain pipe (25). The exhaust fan (173) can cause flow in the air introduced into the air discharge unit (172). The exhaust fan (173) can be placed on the air discharge unit (172).

[0399] When the exhaust fan (173) is driven, air in the receiving space (S) can be drawn into the air intake port (172a). The air drawn into the air intake port (172a) can flow through the air discharge portion (172) and be exhausted to the drain pipe (25). Specifically, when the exhaust fan (173) is driven and the air flowing through the air discharge portion (172) can be exhausted downstream (25c) based on the oil trap (25a) of the drain pipe (25).

[0400] The mop drying unit (170) may include a check valve (not shown). The check valve may be provided at the other end of the air discharge unit (172) connected to the drain pipe (25). This prevents the fluid inside the drain pipe (25) from flowing back into the air discharge unit (172).

[0401]

[0402] Layout

[0403]

[0404] FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 are drawings illustrating the arrangement relationship on a horizontal plane of a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0405] The arrangement of the robot cleaner station (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 21, and FIG. 22 as follows.

[0406] The robot cleaner station (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it is installed in the lower space of a kitchen cabinet (2).

[0407] To this end, the robot cleaner station (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it is arranged horizontally to fit the space formed between the lower plate (23) of the kitchen cabinet (2) and the floor of the kitchen.

[0408] Specifically, the robot cleaner station (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a dust collection unit (140) and / or a mop washing unit (160) placed on the side of the entrance (127).

[0409] At this time, if both a dust collection unit (140) and a mop washing unit (160) are provided, the mounting unit (120) can be placed between the dust collection unit (140) and the mop washing unit (160).

[0410] For example, an entrance (127) and a door (126) may be arranged at the front of the robot cleaner station (100). In addition, a mounting part (120) to which a robot cleaner (200) is coupled may be arranged at the rear from the entrance (127). At this time, a dust collection part (140) may be arranged from the front end of the robot cleaner station (100) to the rear by a predetermined length. In addition, a mop washing part (160) may also be arranged from the front end of the robot cleaner station (100) to the rear by a predetermined length.

[0411] Therefore, when looking at the robot cleaner station (100) from the front outside of the robot cleaner station (100), the front end of the dust collection unit (140) and / or the front end of the mop washing unit (160) can be placed on the left and right of the entrance (127).

[0412] At this time, the dust bag (not shown) of the dust collection unit (140) is detachably coupled to the housing (110) and can move forward when separated from the housing (110). In addition, the detergent container (163) of the mop washing unit (160) is detachably coupled to the housing (110) and can move forward when separated from the housing (110).

[0413] Specifically, the dust bag (not shown) of the dust collection unit (140) may be arranged along the front-back direction inside the housing (110) and may be provided so as to be withdrawable toward the front of the housing (110). In addition, the detergent container (163) of the mop washing unit (160) may be arranged along the front-back direction inside the housing (110) and may be provided so as to be withdrawable toward the front of the housing (110).

[0414] That is, a handle (144d) may be provided at the front end of the dust collection unit (140) so that a user can hold the dust collection unit housing (141). In addition, a handle (163b) may be provided at the front end of the mop washing unit (160) so that the detergent container (163) can be pulled.

[0415] With this configuration, when a user wants to withdraw a dust bag (not shown) or detergent container (163), the withdrawal location can be immediately recognized, and the convenience of being able to withdraw the dust bag (not shown) or detergent container (163) with just a simple action of pulling the handle can be provided.

[0416] Meanwhile, the rear end of the dust collection unit (140) and the mop washing unit (160) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the rear end of the housing (110). In addition, a dust collection motor (145) may be positioned between the rear end of the housing (110) and the rear end of the dust collection unit (140). With this configuration, the connection of a wire supplying power to the dust collection motor (145) may be facilitated. In addition, there is an effect of minimizing the total space occupied by the mounting unit (120), the dust collection unit (140), and the dust collection motor (145) within a limited space.

[0417] In addition, a path through which washing water for washing the mop (242) can flow and a pump providing the flow force of the washing water can be at least partially arranged between the rear end of the housing (110) and the rear end of the mop washing unit (160). With this configuration, the path through which washing water flows from the water supply pipe can be minimized. In addition, there is an effect of minimizing the total space occupied by the mounting unit (120), the mop washing unit (160), and the path through which the washing water flows within a limited space.

[0418] In addition, a detergent passage (not shown) that connects detergent to a washing water supply unit (161) may be arranged between the rear end of the housing (110) and the rear end of the detergent container (163). When the detergent container (163) is withdrawn from the housing (110), the rear end may be separated from the detergent passage, and when the detergent container (163) is introduced into the housing (110), the rear end may be connected to the detergent passage.

[0419] Meanwhile, the robot cleaner station (100) may have a mop drying unit (170) positioned rearward of the mounting unit (120). At this time, the mop drying unit (170) may be positioned between the rear end of the mounting unit (120) and the rear end of the housing (110).

[0420] Accordingly, the robot cleaner station (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention may have a dust collection unit (140) and a mop washing unit (160) arranged on the left and right sides of the mounting unit (120), and a mop drying unit (170) arranged on the rear side.

[0421] That is, in the robot cleaner station (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention, the dust collection unit (140), the mop washing unit (160), and the mop drying unit (170) can all be placed within a predetermined distance range from the outer edge of the mounting unit (120).

[0422] Through this arrangement, there is an effect in which the mounting unit (120), dust collection unit (140), mop washing unit (160), and mop drying unit (170) can all be placed in the narrowest space on the horizontal plane.

[0423] This has the effect of minimizing the loss of the flow path by shortening the distance between the dust bin (220) and the dust collection unit (140) of the robot cleaner (200). In addition, it has the effect of limiting the range in which the washing water and the washed wastewater exist by minimizing the distance between the mop (242) and the mop washing unit (160) of the robot cleaner (200) and the distance between the mop (242) and the mop drying unit (170) of the robot cleaner (200).

[0424] In addition, by this arrangement, the robot cleaner station (100) of the present invention can place all components within a limited height.

[0425] Specifically, based on the state in which the robot cleaner (200) is coupled to the mounting portion (120), at least a portion of the dust collection portion (140) may be positioned lower than the uppermost portion of the robot cleaner (200). In addition, at least a portion of the mop washing portion (160) may be positioned lower than the uppermost portion of the robot cleaner (200). In addition, at least a portion of the mop drying portion (170) may be positioned lower than the uppermost portion of the robot cleaner (200). In addition, at least a portion of the mop washing portion (160) may be positioned lower than the uppermost portion of the dust collection portion (140).

[0426] In addition, based on the state in which the robot cleaner (200) is coupled to the mounting portion (120), the top of the robot cleaner (200) may be positioned higher than the dust bag (not shown). In addition, the top of the robot cleaner (200) may be positioned higher than the detergent container (163). In addition, the top of the dust bag (not shown) may be positioned higher than the detergent container (163).

[0427] As a result, the robot cleaner station (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention can have a dust collection unit (140), a mop washing unit (160), and a mop drying unit (170) arranged on three sides surrounding the mounting portion (120) except for the front side where the robot cleaner (200) enters. By this arrangement, even in a situation where the vertical height is limited, it is possible to charge the robot cleaner (200) using a minimum of horizontal space, as well as collect dust from the robot cleaner (200), wash the mop (242), and dry the mop (242).

[0428]

[0429] Drawer (190)

[0430]

[0431] When the charging base for a robot vacuum cleaner is placed under a kitchen cabinet, it minimizes external exposure, thereby providing an interior effect. However, if the robot vacuum cleaner breaks down while inside the cabinet, or if the charging base for the robot vacuum cleaner breaks down, it may be difficult for the user to remove it for repair. To address this, the present invention may add a drawer (190) to the robot vacuum cleaner station (100).

[0432] In this regard, FIG. 23 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a drawer is provided in a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a drawer is withdrawn in a robot cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0433] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the drawer (190) of the robot cleaner station (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

[0434] A robot cleaner station (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a drawer (190) that is drawn out from the housing (110).

[0435] When the drawer (190) is inserted into the housing (110), the door (126) can be closed when the robot cleaner (200) enters the mounting portion (120). In this case, the inside and outside of the housing (110) of the robot cleaner (200) can be blocked by the door (126).

[0436] Due to this, the robot cleaner (200) can prevent dust from flying out of the robot cleaner station (100) while collecting dust from the dust bin (220) inside the housing (110). In addition, it can prevent wastewater from leaking out of the robot cleaner station (100) while washing the mop (242).

[0437] The drawer (190) can be moved relative to the housing (110). For example, the housing (110) is fixedly connected to the kitchen cabinet (2), and the drawer (190) can be pulled forward from the housing (110).

[0438] At this time, the drawer (190) can be withdrawn with the mounting portion (120) provided inside. With this configuration, when the drawer (190) is withdrawn, the mounting portion (120) and / or the robot cleaner (200) can be withdrawn outside the kitchen cabinet (2).

[0439] At this time, when the drawer (190) is pulled out from the housing (110) while the door (126) closes the entrance (127), the robot cleaner (200) placed in the mounting portion (120) may be exposed to the outside.

[0440] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, when maintenance such as repair or cleaning of the robot cleaner station (100) is required, the user can easily withdraw the mounting portion (120) and / or the robot cleaner (200) through the drawer (190) to expose the internal components of the robot cleaner station (100) or the robot cleaner (200).

[0441] Meanwhile, the drawer (190) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be withdrawn with the dust collection unit (140) provided therein. That is, the drawer (190) can be withdrawn together with the dust collection unit (140).

[0442] On the other hand, the dust collection unit (140) of the present invention can be pulled out from the housing (110) separately from the drawer (190). At this time, the pulling out direction of the dust collection unit (140) can be parallel to the pulling out direction of the drawer (190). For example, the pulling out direction of the dust bag drawer (144) can be parallel to the pulling out direction of the drawer (190).

[0443] In addition, the drawer (190) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be withdrawn with at least a portion of the mop washing unit (160) provided therein. That is, the drawer (190) can be withdrawn together with at least a portion of the mop washing unit (160). For example, the drawer (190) can be withdrawn together with the detergent container (162) and the waste water container (163).

[0444] On the other hand, the detergent container (163) of the present invention can be withdrawn from the housing (110) separately from the drawer (190). At this time, the withdrawal direction of the detergent container (163) can be parallel to the direction in which the drawer (190) is withdrawn.

[0445] With this configuration, the robot cleaner station (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided with the drawer (190), dust collector (140), and detergent container (163) having the withdrawal directions all parallel.

[0446] Accordingly, the user can easily recognize the direction of withdrawal of the components of the robot cleaner station (100) of the present invention, and can easily withdraw them for repair and maintenance.

[0447]

[0448] The drawer (190) includes a drawer side wall (191), a fitting portion (192), and a drawer rail (193).

[0449] The drawer side walls (191) are provided to be relatively movable with respect to the outer wall of the housing (110). For example, a pair of drawer side walls (191) may be arranged to face the outer walls of a pair of housings (110).

[0450] At this time, a pair of drawer side walls (191) may be placed closer to the inner side of the robot cleaner station (100) than the outer walls of a pair of housings (110). That is, a pair of drawer side walls (191) may be placed closer to the mounting portion (120) than the outer walls of a pair of housings (110).

[0451] At this time, a pair of drawer side walls (191) may be directly connected to the base (121) of the mounting portion (120). Alternatively, a pair of drawer side walls (191) may be connected by a drawer base (not shown), and the mounting portion (120) may be coupled to the upper side of the drawer base (not shown) and may move together.

[0452] Meanwhile, a dust collection unit (140) and / or a mop washing unit (160) may be placed between the drawer side wall (191) and the mounting portion (120). That is, based on the state in which the robot cleaner (200) is coupled to the mounting portion (120), a dust collection unit (140) and / or a mop washing unit (160) may be placed between the robot cleaner (200) and the drawer side wall (191).

[0453] With this configuration, there is an effect that the dust collection unit (140) and the mop washing unit (160) can be placed by utilizing the minimum horizontal space.

[0454] The fitting part (192) is provided on the drawer side wall (191), and at least one of a hose and a wire is detachably connected thereto. For example, the fitting part (192) is arranged on the drawer side wall (191), and a hose and / or a wire can be connected thereto.

[0455] The fitting part (192) is connected to the drawer side wall (191), one side of the fitting part (192) is positioned in the inner space of the drawer (190) than the drawer side wall (191), and the other side of the fitting part (192) is positioned on the outer side of the drawer side wall (191).

[0456] The fitting (192) is detachably connected to at least one of a hose and a wire. For example, the fitting (192) may be detachably connected to at least one of a water supply pipe connection to which a water supply pipe is connected, a drain pipe connection to which a drain pipe is connected, an exhaust pipe connection to which a steam exhaust pipe through which air inside the drawer (190) is discharged, and a power connection to which a power source is connected.

[0457] At this time, the water supply pipe of the mop washing unit (160) and the water supply pipe connected to an external water source can be connected to both sides of the water supply pipe connection. In addition, the drain pipe of the mop washing unit (160) and the drain pipe connected to the upstream (25b) of the utensil trap of the kitchen cabinet (2) can be connected to both sides of the drain pipe connection.

[0458] That is, the fitting part (192) of the present invention may be a structure that detachably connects a water supply pipe and a drain pipe for direct drainage using a water source and a drain pipe provided in a kitchen cabinet (2) and a water supply pipe and a drain pipe inside a robot cleaner station (100).

[0459] In addition, on both sides of the exhaust pipe connection, a steam exhaust pipe connected from the outside air outlet (171c) of the mop drying unit (170) and a steam exhaust pipe connected to the downstream (25c) of the oil trap of the kitchen cabinet (2) can be connected, respectively.

[0460] Accordingly, the air discharged from the mop drying unit (170) can be exhausted to the downstream (25c) of the utrap.

[0461] Additionally, the power connector may be connected to a wire to allow an external power source to be connected. The wire may be connected directly to the power connector, or may be connected using a wire connection means such as a connector or adapter.

[0462] The drawer rail (193) is arranged on the drawer side wall (191) and can guide the movement of the drawer side wall (191). The drawer rail (193) is fixedly connected to the drawer side wall (191) or is formed integrally with the drawer side wall (191) and can be connected to a rail installed on the outer wall (111) of the housing (110) to guide the movement path of the drawer side wall (191). Meanwhile, although the present invention describes that the drawer (190) and the housing (110) are provided with rails, it is not necessarily limited to the form of a rail, and may include all forms such as rollers, guide grooves, or guide ribs that can replace the rails.

[0463] Meanwhile, a door (1126) may be installed in the drawer (190). The door (1126) may be installed in the drawer (190) through a door frame (115). The door frame (115) constitutes the front of the housing (110) and the door (1126) may be installed to cover or expose the front surface. The housing (110) may have the door frame (115) installed in the front, and the door (1126) may be rotatably coupled to the door frame (115). The door (1126) may have a rotation axis (1126a) disposed at the bottom of the door frame (115) and may be rotatably coupled to the bottom of the door frame (115).

[0464] The door frame (115) is formed to have a thickness in the front-back direction and is provided to cover the front end of the housing (110) and may be provided to form the front of the housing (110). Accordingly, the door frame (115) may be provided with a sensor installation portion (115a), an entrance (115b), a detergent container insertion port (115c), a dust bag insertion port (115d), and a button insertion port (115e) on the front surface. In addition, when the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b), it is provided to cover the entire front surface of the door frame (115) except for the sensor installation portion (115a).

[0465] The sensor installation part (115a) is installed so that the sensor (101) is exposed to the outside. For example, the sensor installation part (115a) is provided so that a part of the door frame (115) protrudes forward, and can be placed on the upper part of the door frame (115) and can be placed in the center of the left and right directions of the door frame (115).

[0466] The mounting portion (120) may be provided to be opened forward through an entrance (127).

[0467] The door frame (115) may be provided with a detergent container insertion port (115c) on the right side of the entrance (127) and a dust bag insertion port (115d) on the left side of the entrance (127). In addition, the door frame (115) may be provided with a detergent container insertion port (115d) located at the lower part of the space on the right side of the entrance (127) and a button insertion port (115e) located at the upper part thereof.

[0468] In addition, the door frame (115) may have a door operating part (133), a driving belt (132c), and an operating rod (132b) disposed therein, and at least a portion of a door driving motor (131) may be disposed therein. In addition, the door frame (115) may have a handle (163b) of a detergent container (163) disposed therein so that it can be withdrawn.

[0469]

[0470] Control configuration

[0471] FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0472] Referring to FIG. 25, the control configuration of the robot cleaner station (100) of the present invention is described as follows.

[0473] The cleaner station (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a control unit (300) that controls a mounting unit (120), a dust collection motor (145), a mop washing unit (160), and a mop drying unit (170).

[0474] The control unit (300) may be composed of a printed circuit board and components mounted on the printed circuit board.

[0475] The control unit (300) can detect the approach of the robot cleaner (200) and control the door drive unit (126a) to rotate the door (126). Specifically, the control unit (300) can rotate the door (126) to open the entrance (127) when the distance between the robot cleaner (200) and the door (126) is closer than a preset distance. In addition, the control unit (300) can rotate the door (126) to close the entrance (127) when the robot cleaner (200) is coupled to the mounting unit (120).

[0476] Alternatively, the control unit (300) can detect the approach of the robot cleaner (200) and then rotate the door (126) to open the entrance (115b), and after a certain period of time, rotate the door (126) to close the entrance (115b).

[0477] In addition, the control unit (300) can open the entrance (115b) by rotating the door (126) when the robot cleaner (200) starts to drive, and close the entrance (115b) by rotating the door (126) after the robot cleaner (200) passes through the entrance (115b).

[0478] When power is supplied to the battery of the robot cleaner (200) from the power supply terminal (123b), the control unit (300) can determine that the robot cleaner (200) is connected to the mounting unit (120).

[0479] The control unit (300) can drive the dust collection motor (145) to suck up dust inside the dust bin (220) of the robot vacuum cleaner (200).

[0480] Meanwhile, the robot cleaner station (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a memory (not shown). The memory may include various data for driving and operating the robot cleaner station (100).

[0481] Meanwhile, the robot cleaner station (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit may support wireless communication with other devices existing outside the robot cleaner station (100), including the robot cleaner (200) or a terminal (not shown). A short-range communication module or a long-range communication module may be provided as a wireless communication module for supporting wireless communication.

[0482] Short-range communication can be, for example, Bluetooth communication, NFC (Near Field Communication), etc.

[0483] Long-distance communication includes, for example, Wireless LAN (WLAN), Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax), Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Code Division Multi Access (CDMA), Code Division Multi Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only (EV-DO), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSUPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), IEEE 802.16, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTEA), Wireless Mobile Broadband Service (WMBS), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Radio Frequency (RF), and Long Range (LoRa). It can be done.

[0484] The control unit (300) can control the mop washing unit (160).

[0485] Specifically, the control unit (300) can control the detergent pump (161d). The control unit (300) can operate the detergent pump (161d) to discharge the detergent stored in the detergent container (163) to the mop (242).

[0486] Additionally, the control unit (300) can control the regulator (162). The control unit (300) can operate the regulator (162) to control the amount of purified water discharged to the mop (242).

[0487] Additionally, the control unit (300) can control the drain pump (168). The control unit (300) can operate the drain pump (168) to drain the wastewater after washing the mop (242).

[0488] The control unit (300) can control the mop drying unit (170).

[0489] Specifically, the control unit (300) can control the heater (171d). The control unit (300) can operate the heater (171d) to heat the air discharged to the mop (242).

[0490] Additionally, the control unit (300) can control the blower fan (171e). The control unit (300) can operate the blower fan (171e) to discharge air to the mop (242).

[0491] Additionally, the control unit (300) can control the exhaust fan (173). The control unit (300) can operate the exhaust fan (173) to discharge the air after drying the mop (242) to the outside.

[0492] In addition, the control unit (300) can receive a signal from the temperature sensor (174). The control unit (300) can measure the temperature of the air within the housing (110) through the temperature information received from the temperature sensor (174). In addition, the control unit (300) can control the operation of the heater (171d) based on the temperature information received from the temperature sensor (174) to sterilize bacteria present in the mop (242).

[0493]

[0494] Meanwhile, the door (126) may be positioned at the bottom of the entrance (127) and may be provided with a rotation axis parallel to the base (121). The door (126) may be hinged to the housing (110). Alternatively, the door (126) may be hinged to the inner wall (124) of the mounting portion (120).

[0495] The door (126) can be rotated by a door driving unit (126a). For example, the door driving unit (126a) can be a motor.

[0496] For example, the door (126) may be formed in a rectangular flat plate shape, may be provided with a hinge portion (not shown) at the bottom, and a door driving portion (126a) may be connected to one axial end of the hinge portion. At this time, the hinge portion of the door (126) may be directly connected to the shaft of the door driving portion (126a), or may be connected so as to transmit power through at least one gear.

[0497] The door (126) can keep the entrance (127) closed when the robot cleaner (200) is accommodated in the mounting portion (120). In addition, when the robot cleaner (200) starts to move from the mounting portion (120), the door (126) can be rotated to open the entrance (127). In addition, the door (126) can be rotated to close the entrance (127) after the robot cleaner (200) passes through the entrance (127). In addition, the door (126) can be rotated to open the entrance (127) when the robot cleaner (200) approaches from outside the cleaner station (100).

[0498] The door (126) is positioned at the front end of the housing (110) and can be positioned between the dust collection unit (140) and the mop washing unit (160). Specifically, the door (126) can be positioned between the dust bag drawer (144) and the detergent container (163).

[0499]

[0500] FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of a door in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the door is opened in FIG. 26, FIG. 28 is an enlarged view illustrating a door drive unit in a state in which the door frame is separated in FIG. 27, FIG. 29 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion in which a drive belt and a door are connected in FIG. 28, FIG. 30 is a front view illustrating FIG. 27, FIG. 31 is a plan view illustrating FIG. 27, FIG. 32 is a side view illustrating FIG. 27, FIG. 33 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating FIG. 27 for explaining an entry guide, FIG. 34 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating FIG. 27 for explaining an external button, FIG. 35 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating FIG. 34 for explaining a closed state of the door, and FIG. 36 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of a cover unit in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention. 37A is a partial plan view illustrating another embodiment of a cover portion in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 37B is a partial plan view illustrating another embodiment of a cover portion in a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0501] Referring to FIGS. 26 to 37, the door (1126) may be provided to cover the entire front end of the housing (110). The door (1126) keeps the entrance (115b) closed when the robot cleaner (200) is accommodated in the mounting portion (120), and covers the dust bag drawer (144) and the detergent container (163) so that they are not exposed to the outside.

[0502] The door (1126) can form the front exterior of the robot cleaner station (100) when the entrance (115b) is closed. The left-right length of the door (1126) can be provided to be greater than or equal to the left-right length of the housing (110). With this configuration, the dust bag drawer (144) and the detergent container (163) can be protected from the outside, and the exterior of the robot cleaner station (100) has the effect of making it neat.

[0503] In addition, when the door (1126) opens the entrance (115b), at least one side of the dust bag drawer (144) and at least one side of the detergent container (163) are provided to be exposed to the outside. When the door (1126) opens the entrance (115b), the front side of the dust bag drawer (144) and the front side of the detergent container (163) are exposed to the outside, and the handle (144d) of the dust bag drawer (144) and the handle (163b) of the detergent container (163) are exposed to the outside. With this configuration, the dust bag drawer (144) and the detergent container (163) can be easily taken out or put in, and a neat appearance can be provided.

[0504] In particular, the door (1126) exposes the detergent container (163) and the dust bag drawer (144) to the outside when the entrance (115b) is opened, and supports the detergent container (163) and the dust bag drawer (144) when the entrance (115b) is closed, so that the detergent container (163) and the dust bag drawer (144) can be each installed in the housing (110).

[0505] Specifically, the door (1126) may have a cover portion (1126h) that covers the front of the housing (110) when the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b) on one side. When the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b), the cover portion (1126h) is positioned in front of the detergent container (163), and when one side of the door (1126) is flat, the cover portion (1126h) may be positioned to face the front surface of the detergent container body (163a), but may be positioned to be in contact with the detergent container body (163a).

[0506] In addition, when the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b), the cover part (1126h) is placed in front of the dust bag drawer (144), and when one side of the door (1126) is flat, the cover part (1126h) may be placed facing the front side of the dust bag drawer (144), but may be placed in contact with the dust bag drawer body (144a).

[0507] This cover part (1126h) may be provided with a detergent container support part (1126h1) and a drawer support part (1126h2).

[0508] The detergent container support (1126h1) can secure the detergent container (163) to the housing (110) when the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b) and can couple the detergent container (163) to a fixed position inside the housing (110). The door (1126) can have the detergent container support (1126h1) on one side arranged between the entrance (1126e) to be described later and the right end of the door (1126), and supports the detergent container (163) so that the front surface thereof is aligned with the front surface of the housing (110) when the entrance (115b) is closed. As shown in FIG. 34, since the detachment of the detergent container (163) is not completed, a part of the handle (163b) may protrude forward of the door frame (115). In this state, when the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b), as shown in FIG. 35, the detergent container support (1126h1) supports the detergent container (163), so that the detergent container (163) can be stably fixed and stored inside the housing (110). In particular, the rear of the detergent container (163) is connected to the washing water supply, but if the detergent container (163) is not completely connected to the housing (110), the detergent container (163) may not be connected to the washing water supply, which may cause a water leak. However, when the door (1126) is closed, the detergent container support (1126h1) supports the detergent container (163), so that the detergent container (163) can be positioned in the correct position connected to the washing water supply.

[0509] The drawer support (1126h2) can secure the dust bag drawer (144) to the housing (110) when the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b), and can connect the dust bag drawer (144) to the correct position inside the housing (110). Accordingly, the dust bag drawer (144) can be stably connected to surrounding components.

[0510] The door (1126) may have a drawer support member (1126h2) disposed between the entrance (1126e) to be described later and the left end of the door (1126), and supports the front surface of the dust bag drawer (144) so ​​that it is aligned with the front surface of the housing (110) when the entrance (115b) is closed. As in the detergent container (163) of FIG. 34, when the door (1126) is open, the dust bag drawer (144) may also protrude forward from the door frame (115) and may not be completely stored in the housing (110). In this state, when the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b), as shown in FIG. 35, the dust bag drawer (144) may be completely coupled to the housing (110) as the drawer support member (1126h2) supports the dust bag drawer (144). In particular, the dust bag drawer (144) can be stably connected to surrounding connecting parts.

[0511] In addition, the door (1126) may be provided with at least one support protrusion (1126h3) that supports at least one of the detergent container (163) and the dust bag drawer (144) when closed. Referring to FIG. 36, the cover portion (1126h) is provided with a support protrusion (1126h3), and when the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b), the support protrusion (1126h3) may support the detergent container (163) or the dust bag drawer (144) to secure it to the housing (110).

[0512] These support protrusions (1126h3) may be formed by protruding a portion of the cover portion (1126h), as illustrated in FIG. 27A, and may be formed in a circular or polygonal shape, but are not limited thereto. These support protrusions (1126h3) are preferably provided at a position facing the detergent container (163) or the dust bag drawer (144) when the door (1126) is closed.

[0513] In addition, the support protrusion (1126h4) is provided in the form of a protrusion on the cover portion (1126h) as shown in Fig. 27B and may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0514] Meanwhile, FIGS. 26 to 37 illustrate another embodiment of a door (1126), wherein the door (1126) may be rotatably coupled to the lower end of the housing (110). Specifically, the door (1126) may be rotatably coupled to the lower end of a door frame (115) installed in the housing (110). The door (1126) may be provided to protrude forward from the lower end of the door frame (115) when opened.

[0515] The door (1126) may be provided in the shape of a plate having a certain thickness. The rotation axis (1126a) is positioned at the bottom of the housing (110) and may be positioned parallel to the ground when the entrance (115b) is opened. Alternatively, the door (1126) may be positioned so that it slopes downward toward the front when the entrance (127) is opened, so that the end is positioned so as to contact the ground.

[0516] The door (1126) is rotatably connected to the housing (110) via a door hinge portion (1126b) and may include at least one door hinge portion (1126b). The door hinge portions (1126b) may be arranged in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis (1126a), and may be arranged spaced apart from each other at different intervals. In addition, the door hinge portions (1126b) may be arranged spaced apart from the wheel guide portion (121ba) and the auxiliary wheel guide portion (121bb) along the rotation axis (1126a). That is, the door hinge portions (1126b) may be arranged spaced apart from the entry guide (1126f) described below in the left-right direction at a distance therefrom.

[0517] The door (1126) may be provided with at least one of an entryway (1126e) and an entry guide (1126f) so that the robot cleaner (200) can stably travel and be positionally guided between the entryway (120) and the ground when the robot cleaner (200) moves to or from the entryway (120) to the outside.

[0518] The access road (1126e) provides a travel path between the ground and the base (121) when the robot cleaner (200) moves to the mounting portion (120). The access road (1126e) can guide the robot cleaner (200) to the mounting portion (120) when the door (1126) is opened. The access road (1126e) can be provided on one side of the door (1126) facing the door frame (115) when the door (1126) is closed. In addition, the door (1126) can be provided with a cover portion (1126h) and an access road (1126e) on one side, and the access road (1126e) can be provided between the detergent container support portion (1126h1) and the drawer support portion (1126h2). Accordingly, the access road (1126e) is exposed to the outside when the door (1126) is opened, is arranged adjacent to the ground, and can be arranged at an angle to the ground.

[0519] This entrance (1126e) is positioned in the center of the left and right sides of one side of the door (1126) and may be provided with a width greater than the left and right width of the entrance (127). The entrance (1126e) may be formed so that the width gradually narrows toward the entrance (127) so that the robot cleaner (200) is aligned as it moves toward the entrance (127).

[0520] The access road (1126e) may be provided by slanting a portion of one side of the door (1126). The access road (1126e) may be provided in the form of a slope that becomes closer to the ground the farther away from the rotation axis (1126a) the closer it is to the ground so that the robot cleaner (200) can easily drive. The access road (1126e) may be provided to slope downward as it goes forward when the door (1126) is opened. Accordingly, the portion of the door (1126) where the access road (1126e) is provided may be formed to have a thickness that becomes thinner the farther away from the rotation axis (1126a), and the remaining portion of the door (1126) may be formed to have a constant thickness.

[0521] At least one access ramp (1126e) may be provided on the door (1126). The access ramp (1126e) may be provided at a step from the inner side of the door (1126), and both inner sides connected to the inner side of the door (1126) may be inclined.

[0522] Specifically, the door (1126) has a step surface (1126ea) connecting one side and an entrance (1126e) to limit the left and right movement of the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) and guide the robot cleaner (200) to a fixed position.

[0523] These step surfaces (1126ea) are formed so that the step depth becomes shallower as they go toward the entrance (115b), and the access road (1126e) can be arranged to slope downward as they go toward the opposite side of the entrance (115b).

[0524] In addition, the step surface (1126ea) is formed so that the width gradually narrows as it goes toward the entrance (115b), so that the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) can easily enter and the left-right movement of the wheel (260) can be restricted. In particular, the step surface (1126ea) can be arranged to be inclined with respect to one side of the door (1126), so that the width in the left-right direction becomes wider as it goes from the entrance (1126e) to one side of the door (1126).

[0525] In addition, the door (1126) may be provided with an entry guide (1126f) that guides the wheels (260) of the robot cleaner (200) entering the mounting portion (120) when the door (1126) is opened. The door (1126) may be provided with an entry guide (1126f) on the inner side facing the housing (110) when the entrance (115b) is closed. The entry guide (1126f) is provided so that the robot cleaner (200) can stably travel to the mounting portion (120) or the entrance (115b), and may be provided to slope upward toward the rear. These entry guides (1126f) are provided as a pair spaced apart in the left and right directions, and a pair of wheels (260) of the robot cleaner (200) can be mounted on each of the entry guides to travel. In addition, the entry guide (1126f) may be provided from the rotation axis (1126a) of the door (1126) to the opposite end of the rotation axis (1126a).

[0526] Specifically, the entry guide (1126f) may be composed of a plurality of guide members (1126g) having a groove shape for stable inclined driving of the robot cleaner (200). The guide members (1126g) may be arranged at equal intervals along the front-back direction on the inner surface of the door (1126). The entry guide (1126f) may be formed by having grooves formed long in the left-right direction and arranged at equal intervals in the front-back direction. The entry guide (1126f) may be formed so that the width in the left-right direction becomes narrower as it goes rearward so as to guide the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) to a fixed position while restricting its left-right movement as it goes toward the mounting portion (120) or the entrance (115b). Specifically, the entry guide (1126f) may be provided so that the width in the left-right direction of the guide member (1126g) gradually becomes narrower as it goes rearward. Additionally, the entry guide (1126f) may be provided to be connected to the wheel guide portion (121ba) of the base (121).

[0527] The entry guide (1126f) guides the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) to the wheel guide part (121ba) placed on the mounting part (120). The entry guides (1126f) are provided in pairs and can be placed at respective positions corresponding to the pair of wheel guide parts (121ba).

[0528] Meanwhile, the door (1126) can be operated depending on whether the robot cleaner (200) approaches or starts driving, or can be operated according to input from the door operating unit (133).

[0529] The housing (110) has a sensor (101) installed therein to recognize the approach of a robot cleaner (200). The sensor (101) may be placed at the front of the housing (110) to recognize the approach of the robot cleaner (200).

[0530] The housing (110) may be provided with a sensor installation portion (115a) formed by protruding a portion of the front surface forward. The sensor installation portion (115a) may be positioned in the center of the left and right directions of the housing (110), and may be positioned at the top of the housing (110).

[0531] Here, the robot cleaner station (100) is arranged so that the sensor (101) can detect the front even when the door (1126) closes the entrance (115b). The door (1126) may be arranged to cover the entire front end of the housing (110) except for the sensor (101) when the entrance (115b) is closed.

[0532] Specifically, the door (1126) may be provided with a sensor exposure portion (1126d) into which a sensor (101) is inserted and which exposes the sensor (101) to the outside when the entrance (115b) is closed. Specifically, when the door (1126) is closed, the sensor installation portion (115a) may be inserted into the sensor exposure portion (1126d) and the sensor (101) may be provided so that it is exposed forward. The sensor exposure portion (1126d) may be provided by cutting out a portion of an end opposite to an end where the door hinge portion (1126b) of the door (1126) is provided. In addition, the door (1126) may be arranged so that a transparent window is installed in the sensor exposure portion (1126d) and the transparent window covers the sensor (101), thereby protecting the sensor (101) when the door (1126) is closed.

[0533] The housing (110) has a door operating unit (133) installed so that the door (1126) can be rotated arbitrarily.

[0534] The door operating unit (133) is arranged in the housing (110) and may be provided with at least one button (133a) for operating the door (1126). The door operating unit (133) is provided to rotate the door (1126) without considering the position or state of the robot cleaner (200). The door operating unit (133) may be provided with one button for opening or closing the door (1126), or may be provided with a button for opening the door (1126) and a button for closing the door (1126).

[0535] Specifically, referring to FIG. 34, the door operation unit (133) may be arranged on the upper portion of the handle (163b) of the detergent container (163) inside the door frame (115). The door operation unit (133) may include at least one button (133a) and a door operation board (133b). The button (133a) may be provided on the door operation board (133b) and installed in the button insertion opening (115e) so that one side thereof is exposed when the door (1126) is opened. The button (133a) may be installed in the button insertion opening (115e) and may be arranged to protrude forward from the front surface of the door frame (115). The door operation board (133b) may be arranged to be fixed to the door frame (115) and may be arranged in an upright state inside the door frame (115).

[0536] The door operation unit (133) may be disposed inside the housing (110), and may be disposed forward inside the housing (110) so as to be adjacent to the door (1126). In addition, the door operation unit (133) may be disposed inside the door frame (115). In addition, the door operation unit (133) may be disposed so that at least one button (133a) is exposed to the outside of the housing (110). At this time, the housing (110) may be provided with at least one button insertion hole (115e) into which the button (133a) is inserted. In particular, the door operation unit (133) may be disposed in the space between the detergent container (163) and the upper surface of the housing (110). The door operation unit (133) may be disposed in the left space of the mounting portion (120) in the housing (110), and the button (133a) may be disposed in the upper left space of the front surface of the housing (110). With this arrangement, the accessibility and visibility of the button (133a) are improved when the door (1126) is open.

[0537] Here, the door (1126) is provided to cover the door operation unit (133) when the entrance (115b) is closed, and is provided with an external button unit (1126c) so that the door operation unit (133) can be operated even when the entrance (115b) is closed. The external button units (1126c) are provided in the same number as the buttons (133a), and each external button unit (1126c) is provided at a position corresponding to the button (133a) of the door operation unit (133).

[0538] The external button portion (1126c) is installed on the door (1126) so that the button (133a) can be pressed even when the door (1126) is closed. The external button portion (1126c) is installed on the door (1126) so that when an external force is applied to the external button portion (1126c) when the door (1126) is closed, the button (133a) can be pressed.

[0539] For example, the external button portion (1126c) is inserted into a button installation hole (1126ca) formed in the door (1126), and may be formed of a deformable material. Accordingly, when an external force is applied to the external button portion (1126c), the external button portion (1126c) is deformed and comes into close contact with the button (133a) of the door operation portion (133), and an external force can be applied to the button (133a) while the door (1126) is closed. In other words, the external button portion (1126c) is provided as a medium that transmits an external force to the button (133a) of the door operation portion (133) while being deformed.

[0540] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 34, the external button portion (1126c) may be composed of a button installation hole (1126ca) and a pressing member (1126cb). The button installation hole (1126ca) may be provided at a position corresponding to the position of the button (133a) when the door (1126) is closed, and may be provided by penetrating the outer and inner surfaces of the door (1126). That is, the button installation hole (1126ca) may be provided by penetrating the surface facing the door frame (115) and the surface exposed to the outside when the door (1126) is closed. The pressing member (1126cb) may be installed in the button installation hole (1126ca), and may be provided such that one surface of the pressing member (1126cb) is exposed to the outside when the door (1126) is closed, and the other surface faces the button (133a). The pressing member (1126cb) is arranged to move rearward when an external force is applied to the door (1126) while it is closed, transmit the external force to the button (133a), and return to the original position when the external force is removed.

[0541] With this configuration, the door operation unit (133) is positioned on the housing (110) side, and the door operation unit (133) can be pressed even when the door (1126) is closed, thereby improving convenience. In particular, even when forced opening of the door (1126) is required, the door (1126) can be opened using the external button unit (1126c) while the door (1126) is closed. In addition, since the door (1126) is arranged to cover the front surface except for the sensor installation unit (115a) of the door frame (115) when closed, the appearance of the robot cleaner station (100) can be improved.

[0542] Additionally, the external button portion (1126c) may be placed in a portion of the door (1126) that is not provided with an entryway (1126e).

[0543] The door (1126) can be rotated by a door driving unit (130). For example, the door driving unit (130) may include a door driving motor (131) and a driving gear unit (132).

[0544] The door driving motor (131) may be placed inside the housing (110) and may be placed in the upper space of the detergent container (163). The door driving motor (131) may be placed between the detergent container (163) and the upper surface (113) of the housing (110). In addition, the door driving motor (131) may be placed forward in the space provided between the right side (111d) of the housing (110) and the mounting portion (120).

[0545] The driving gear unit (132) is provided to connect the door driving motor (131) and the door (1126) to transmit power. The driving gear unit (132) transmits the driving force of the door driving motor (131) to the door (1126) to rotate the door (1126).

[0546] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, the drive gear portion (132) may include a motor shaft connecting portion (132a), an operating rod (132b), a drive belt (132c), a pinion (132d), a transmission gear (132e), and a driven gear (132f).

[0547] The motor shaft connecting portion (132a) is connected to the motor shaft of the door driving motor (131), and may be configured by connecting the operating rod (132b) to the motor shaft of the door driving motor (131) in a straight line, or by including at least one gear and being provided at the end of the operating rod (132b) and the motor shaft of the door driving motor (131) to be gear-coupled.

[0548] The operating rod (132b) is arranged along the left-right direction of the housing (110), and one end may be connected to the motor shaft connection portion (132a) and the other end may be connected to the drive belt (132c) to be described later. Specifically, the operating rod (132b) may be provided in the shape of a long bar in the left-right direction, and the left end may be connected to the motor shaft connection portion (132a) and the right end may be gear-coupled to the drive belt (132c). The operating rod (132b) may be arranged between the upper surface (113) of the housing (110) and the mounting portion (120), and may be arranged inside the door frame (115).

[0549] The drive belt (132c) may be gear-coupled with an end opposite to the end connected to the motor shaft connection portion (132a) of the operating rod (132b). The drive belt (132c) is provided for power transmission between the rotational axis (1126a) of the door (1126) spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction in the housing (110) and the operating rod (132b). The drive belt (132c) may be arranged between the dust bag drawer (144) and the left side (111c) of the housing (110).

[0550] Specifically, the drive belt (132c) can be gear-coupled on one side with a first belt connection (132ba) provided on the operating rod (132b), and on the other side with a second belt connection (132da) provided on the pinion (132d).

[0551] The first belt connecting portion (132ba) and the second belt connecting portion (132da) may be provided in a gear shape, and the first belt connecting portion (132ba) may be provided on the operating rod (132b) and may rotate together with the operating rod (132b) around the rotational axis of the operating rod (132b).

[0552] The pinion (132d) is rotatably installed inside the housing (110), and may be provided with a first belt connection part (132ba) on one side and a drive gear (132db) on the other side. The first belt connection part (132ba) and the drive gear (132db) are arranged coaxially, and when the first belt connection part (132ba) rotates, the drive gear (132db) may also rotate.

[0553] And, the driving gear (132db) is gear-coupled with the transmission gear (132e). The transmission gear (132e) is rotatably installed inside the housing (110) and is gear-coupled with the driven gear (132f) to rotate the driven gear (132f). The driven gear (132f) is provided on the rotation axis (1126a) of the door (1126) and rotates together with the rotation axis (1126a) of the door (1126) when it rotates.

[0554] With this configuration, the door drive motor (131) can be placed on the upper part of the detergent container (163), and the door drive motor (131) can rotate the rotation shaft (1126a) placed on the lower part of the housing (110), thereby improving space utilization and accessibility, thereby providing convenience to the user.

[0555] Below, the housing (110) and detergent container (163) are described in detail.

[0556] The housing (110) is connected so that the detergent container (163) and the dust bag drawer (144) can be pulled out, and the detergent container (163) and the dust bag drawer (144) can be separated in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. In addition, the housing (110) is provided with a detergent container insertion port (115c) into which the detergent container (163) is inserted and a dust bag insertion port (115d) into which the dust bag drawer (144) is inserted.

[0557] At this time, the housing (110) may be provided with a front frame to which a door (1126) is rotatably coupled and is arranged in the front, and a detergent container insertion port (115c), a dust bag insertion port (115d), an entrance (115b), and a button insertion port (115e) may be provided on the front surface of the front frame. In addition, one surface (front surface) of the housing (110) described below may be the front surface of the front frame.

[0558] The detergent container insertion port (115c), the dust bag insertion port (115d), the entrance (115b), and the button insertion port (115e) are all arranged on the same surface, and can be arranged on one surface (front surface) of the housing (110). The entrance (115b) is arranged between the detergent container insertion port (115c) and the dust bag insertion port (115d). When the robot cleaner station (100) is viewed from above, the center space in the front portion can be configured as a space in which the mounting portion (120) is arranged, the left space can be configured as a space in which the detergent container (163) is arranged, and the right space can be configured as a space in which the dust collection portion (140) is arranged. That is, the mounting portion (120) can be arranged between the detergent container (163) and the dust bag drawer (144).

[0559] Here, in the left space, the door drive motor (131) and the door operation unit (133) can be placed together with the detergent container (163). In the left space, the door drive motor (131) can be placed on top of the detergent container (163), and the door operation unit (133) can also be placed on top of the detergent container (163).

[0560] Additionally, the operating rod (132b) may be placed on the upper portion of the mounting portion (120), and the driving belt (132c) may be placed between the dust bag drawer (144) and the outer wall (111) of the housing (110). The mounting portion (120) and the dust bag drawer (144) may be placed between the detergent container (163) and the driving belt (132c).

[0561] Referring to FIG. 30, the detergent container (163) may be placed lower in the housing (110) such that the vertical center (C1) of the detergent container (163) is placed lower than the vertical center (C2) of the housing (110). Due to this arrangement, the detergent container (163) is placed apart from the kitchen cabinet (2), so that the user can recognize the detergent container (163) at a glance, and the detergent container (163) can be easily inserted and removed. In addition, when replenishing detergent while the detergent container (163) is pulled out or partially pulled out, the detergent container (163) is placed close to the ground, so that the detergent container (163) can be prevented from falling to the ground or tilting. Accordingly, the detergent container (163) can be easily inserted and removed, and structural stability can be provided. For example, the detergent container (163) may be pulled out in a direction parallel to the ground when pulled out, or the lower part of the front part may be supported on the ground while the pulled out part is inclined downward. In addition, the upper space of the detergent container (163) is utilized to place the door drive motor (131) and the door operating part (133), thereby making the robot cleaner station (100) more compact. In addition, the lower surface of the detergent container body (163a) may be placed adjacent to the lower surface of the housing (110), and may be placed opposite to each other.

[0562] Meanwhile, the detergent container (163) is formed in the form of a sealed box with a detergent container body (163a) so that liquid containing detergent can be stored inside. The detergent container (163) is provided with an injection port in the detergent container body (163a) so that liquid containing detergent can be injected into the interior of the detergent container body (163a) or the interior can be cleaned, and may also be provided with a refill cap for opening and closing the injection port.

[0563]

[0564] Robot cleaner station (2100) according to another embodiment

[0565]

[0566] FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating a robot cleaner station according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 38 is a front view of FIG. 38, FIG. 39 is a rear view of FIG. 38, FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 38, FIG. 41 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a door is opened in a robot cleaner station according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 42 is a partial plan view of FIG. 41, and FIG. 43 is a partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 41.

[0567] Referring to FIGS. 38 to 43, a robot cleaner station (2100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

[0568] A cleaner system (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a robot cleaner station (2100) and a robot cleaner (200).

[0569] A robot cleaner (200) can be accommodated in a robot cleaner station (2100). A robot cleaner (200) can be mounted in a mounting portion (2120) of the robot cleaner station (2100).

[0570] The robot vacuum station (2100) may include a housing (2110).

[0571] The housing (2110) may form the exterior of the robot cleaner station (2100). For example, the housing (2110) may be formed in a shape similar to a hexahedron.

[0572] The housing (2110) may have a space formed therein that can accommodate a mounting portion (2120), a storage portion (2140), a dust collection portion (2150), a drawer (2160), a mop washing portion (2170), and a mop drying portion (2180).

[0573] Here, the forward direction may refer to the direction in which the door (2131) is installed based on the interior of the robot cleaner station (2100).

[0574] Additionally, the rear may mean the opposite direction of the front based on the interior of the robot cleaner station (2100).

[0575] Additionally, when looking forward from inside the robot cleaner station (2100), the left side can be called the left room and the right side can be called the right room.

[0576] The front surface (2111) can be formed in the shape of a square surface overall.

[0577] An entrance (2111a) through which a robot cleaner (200) enters and exits may be formed on the front surface (2111). A drawer (2160) may be withdrawn on the front surface (2111). A storage compartment cover (2144) and a drawer cover (2163) may be provided on the front surface (2111). A space for storing items may be formed on the front surface (2111).

[0578] Accordingly, the front surface (2111) may have an appearance similar to a chest of drawers.

[0579] In addition, the robot cleaner (200) can pass through the front surface (2111) and enter the interior of the mounting portion (2120). Therefore, according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing an aesthetic feel similar to that of indoor furniture without exposing the robot cleaner (200) to the outside.

[0580] The housing (2110) may include a rear surface (2112). The rear surface (2112) may be positioned at the rear of the robot cleaner station (2100). The rear surface (2112) may be positioned opposite the front surface (2111) with respect to the dust collection motor (2153). The rear surface (2112) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the front surface (2111). For example, the rear surface (2112) may be formed in a rectangular surface shape. An exhaust port (2112a) may be formed in the rear surface (2112).

[0581] The housing (2110) may include an upper surface (2113). The upper surface (2113) may cover the upper side of the drawer (2160). For example, the upper surface (2113) may be formed in a rectangular surface shape. In this case, the upper surface (2113) may be formed in a shape in which the edge portion protrudes by a predetermined height. In other words, the upper surface (2113) may be formed in a concave shape on the inside. An object may be placed on the upper side of the upper surface (2113). Specifically, a charging unit (2113a) for charging an electronic device may be provided on the upper surface (2113). Therefore, when an electronic device is placed on the upper surface (2113), the electronic device may be charged.

[0582] The housing (2110) may include a lower surface (2114). The lower surface (2114) may be positioned to face the ground. The lower surface (2114) may be positioned on the lower side of the base (2121) to support the base (2121). A plurality of legs (2115) may be provided on the lower side of the lower surface (2114).

[0583] The leg (2115) can support the lower side of the housing (2110). The leg (2115) can be in contact with the ground to support the housing (2110). Accordingly, the lower side (2114) can be spaced apart from the ground (the kitchen floor) by a predetermined height.

[0584]

[0585] The robot cleaner (200) and the robot cleaner station (2100) can be physically, electrically and / or axially connected through the mounting portion (2120).

[0586] The fixing member (2120) can be placed inside the housing (2110).

[0587] An entrance (2127) through which a robot cleaner (200) is introduced may be formed in front of the mounting portion (2120). The entrance (2127) may refer to a space formed on the front surface of the robot cleaner station (2100).

[0588] The entrance (2127) may be formed to a size that allows the robot cleaner (200) to pass through. That is, the height of the entrance (2127) is formed to be greater than the height of the robot cleaner (200). In this case, the entrance (2127) may refer to a space formed upward in a vertical direction from the front end of the base (2121) to be described later. Alternatively, the entrance (2127) may refer to a space formed in a door frame (2132) to be described later and through which the robot cleaner (200) passes.

[0589] At this time, the entrance (2127) can be opened and closed by the door (2131).

[0590] The anchorage (2120) may include a receiving space (S), a base (2121), a docking wall (2123), and an inner wall (2124).

[0591] A robot cleaner (200) can be accommodated in the accommodation space (S) of the mounting portion (2120). For example, the accommodation space (S) may refer to a space surrounded by a base (2121), a docking wall (2123), and an inner wall (2124). As another example, the accommodation space (S) may refer to a space surrounded by a base (2121), a washing plate (2122), a docking wall (2123), and an inner wall (2124). As another example, the accommodation space (S) may refer to a space where a robot cleaner (200) is located while the robot cleaner (200) is connected to a power supply terminal, or a space where a robot cleaner (200) is located while the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200) is connected to a dust passage hole.

[0592] The base (2121) is configured to support the robot cleaner (200) when the robot cleaner (200) enters the robot cleaner station (2100). The upper surface of the base (2121) can be contacted by the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200). In addition, the upper surface of the base (2121) can be contacted by the auxiliary wheel (270) of the robot cleaner (200).

[0593] The base (2121) may include a base body (2121a), a slope (2121b), a wheel coupling portion, an agitator receiving portion, and a washing tank (2128).

[0594] The base body (2121a) can form the overall appearance of the base (2121). An inclined portion (2121b), a wheel coupling portion, an agitator receiving portion, and a washing tank (2128) can be arranged on the base body (2121a).

[0595] The slope (2121b) can be placed at the entrance through which the robot cleaner (200) climbs from the base body (2121a).

[0596] The inclined portion (2121b) may have an upward slope toward the front in the direction in which the robot cleaner (200) enters. More specifically, the inclined portion (2121b) may be connected at the front end so that there is no height difference with the lower side (2114), but may have an upward slope toward the rear. In other words, the inclined portion (2121b) may be formed to gradually rise when the robot cleaner (200) enters.

[0597] The wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) that has moved upward along the inclined portion (2121b) can be mounted on the wheel coupling portion. The wheel coupling portion can be positioned at the stop position of the left and right wheels (260) of the robot cleaner (200) so that the robot cleaner (200) stops at a fixed position. Here, the stop position of the wheel (260) means a position at which the robot cleaner (200) stops in order to be connected to a power supply terminal and / or a position at which the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200) stops in order to be connected to a dust passage hole.

[0598] The docking wall (2123) is a configuration in which the dust passage hole, power supply terminal, and water supply nozzle of the robot cleaner station (2100) are arranged. The docking wall (2123) can spatially separate the receiving space (S) from the components of the robot cleaner station (2100). The docking wall (2123) can extend vertically from the rear side of the base (2121). The docking wall (2123) can be formed to correspond to the shape of the robot cleaner (200). For example, when the body (210) of the robot cleaner (200) has a cylindrical shape, the docking wall (2123) can be formed in an arc shape with a predetermined radius. With such a configuration, the outer periphery of the robot cleaner (200) can be surrounded, and the area facing the outer surface of the robot cleaner (200) can be increased. In addition, the robot cleaner (200) can be stably supported.

[0599] A dust passage hole may be formed in the mounting portion (2120) to allow air from outside the housing (2110) to flow into the interior. The dust passage hole may be connected to a dust bin (220) of a robot cleaner (200).

[0600] The robot cleaner station (2100) may include a power supply module that supplies power to the robot cleaner (200). The power supply terminal may supply power to the robot cleaner (200) coupled to the mounting portion (2120). The power supply terminal may be electrically connected by contacting the charging terminal of the robot cleaner (200). The power supply terminal may be disposed on the mounting portion (2120). Specifically, the power supply terminal may be disposed on the docking wall (2123).

[0601] The inner wall (2124) may be formed on the left and right inner surfaces of the housing (2110). A pair of inner walls (2124) may be arranged on the left and right sides of the base (2121). The inner walls (2124) may be connected to both ends of the docking wall (2123).

[0602] The washing plate (2122) is configured to wash the mop of the robot cleaner (200), and the washing plate (2122) can be mounted on the washing tank (2128) of the base (2121). In addition, the washing plate (2122) can come into contact with the mop (242) while the robot cleaner (200) is mounted.

[0603] The washing plate (2122) may be a plate formed to slope downwards toward the center.

[0604] Specifically, the cleaning plate (2122) includes a flow guide surface formed in a curved shape. Furthermore, at least one passage hole (2122b) through which a fluid can pass may be formed on the flow guide surface. Furthermore, a cleaning protrusion (2122a) may be formed protrudingly on the flow guide surface.

[0605] With this configuration, the washing water and / or air can flow along the flow guide surface and escape into the space formed between the washing plate (2122) and the washing tank (2128) through the passage hole (2122b).

[0606] When washing water is supplied to the washing plate (2122) and the mop (242) rotates, the mop (242) can be washed by rubbing against the stationary washing projection (2122a).

[0607] The washing tank (2128) is configured to accommodate the washing plate (2122). The washing tank (2128) may be positioned on the rear side of the base body (2121a). The washing tank (2128) is positioned on the lower side of the washing plate (2122) and is detachably coupled to the washing plate (2122). The washing tank (2128) may be formed to correspond to the washing plate (2122) so that the washing plate (2122) can be inserted therein. Liquid that has passed through the washing plate (2122) may flow into the washing tank (2128).

[0608] The washing tank (2128) may include a washing tank base surface through which a fluid passing through the washing plate (2122) flows and a washing tank wall that protrudes vertically from the outer surface of the washing tank base surface. At this time, the height of the washing tank base surface from the ground (kitchen floor) may decrease toward the rear of the robot cleaner station (2100). Through this, the fluid passing through the washing plate (2122) can be collected toward the rear of the washing tank (2128) and discharged to the outside through a wastewater suction unit to be described later.

[0609]

[0610] The door part (2130) may be provided to cover a portion of the lower front end of the housing (2110).

[0611] The door unit (2130) includes a door (2131). The door (2131) may form the front exterior of the robot cleaner station (2100) when the entrance (2127) is closed. For example, the door (2131) may be formed in a shape close to a rectangular flat plate. The left-right length of the door (2131) may be provided to be greater than or equal to the left-right length of the housing (2110). This configuration has the effect of making the exterior of the robot cleaner station (2100) neater.

[0612] A door frame (2132) may be placed on the front lower side of the housing (2110). A door (2131) is connected to the door frame (2132) so that it can be opened and closed. In addition, an entrance (2127) through which a robot cleaner (200) can enter and exit may be formed on the door frame (2132).

[0613] The door frame (2132) can form the front exterior of the robot cleaner station (2100) when the door (2131) is open.

[0614] The door (2131) has a rotation axis (2131a) positioned at the bottom of the door frame (2132), and can be positioned parallel to the floor surface when the entrance (2127) is opened, or can be formed to slope downward as it goes forward so that the end is in contact with the ground.

[0615] The door (2131) has a hinge portion and can be rotatably connected to the door frame (2132). A plurality of hinge portions can be spaced apart from each other along the rotation axis (2131a), and can be spaced apart from each other at different intervals.

[0616] In addition, the door (2131) may be provided with an access road (2131b) on the side facing the housing (2110) when the entrance (2127) is closed. The access road (2131b) is provided so that the robot cleaner (200) can stably travel to the mounting portion (2120) or the entrance (2127), and may be provided to slope upwards toward the rear. Specifically, the access road (2131b) may be provided to guide the robot cleaner (200) to a fixed position and guide the left and right wheels (260) of the robot cleaner (200) to be positioned in a stopped position.

[0617] At this time, the access road (2131b) may not be positioned in the center of the left and right directions of the door (2131) in order to guide the robot cleaner (200) to the correct position, but may be positioned offset to the left. That is, the straight-line distance (b1) between the access road (2131b) and the left end of the door (2131) may be positioned closer than the straight-line distance (b2) between the access road (2131b) and the right end of the door (2131).

[0618] Additionally, the door (2131) may be arranged vertically with respect to the ground when the entrance (2127) is closed to cover the entire front of the door frame (2132) of the housing (2110), and may be arranged inclined with respect to the ground when the entrance (2127) is opened.

[0619] The door (2131) may be arranged to slope downwards as it moves forward when opened, and may provide an incline such that the access road (2131b) connects to the incline (2121b) inside the mounting portion (120). For example, the incline angle of the access road (2131b) with respect to the ground may be arranged to be the same as the incline angle of the incline (2121b) with respect to the ground.

[0620] Additionally, the door (2131) may be arranged so that the front end supports the ground when the entrance (2127) is opened.

[0621] In particular, the door (2131) has a step surface (2131d) connecting one side and the entrance (2131b) to limit the left and right movement of the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) and guide the robot cleaner (200) to the correct position.

[0622] Referring to FIG. 43, a step surface (2131d) is formed by stepping on an entrance (2131b) on one side of a door (2131), and is arranged on both sides of the entrance (2131b) in the left and right directions, and may be designed so that its width becomes narrower as it goes toward the rotation axis (2131a) of the door (2131). The step surface (2131d) may be configured by connecting a first guide surface (2131da) and a second guide surface (2131db), and the first guide surface (2131da) may be arranged adjacent to the rotation axis (2131a) of the door (2131) and may be designed so that it has the same width. The second guide surface (2131db) may be connected to the first guide surface (2131da) and may be designed so that its width becomes wider as it goes away from the rotation axis (2131a).

[0623] With this configuration, the robot cleaner (200) can easily enter the entrance (2131b), align its left-right position along the second guide surface (2131db), and stably enter the entrance (2127) along the first guide surface (2131da).

[0624] However, as the entrance (2131b) is formed to be inclined with respect to one side of the door (2131) and the step depth becomes deeper as it goes toward the opposite side of the rotation axis (2131a), the step depth of the first guide surface (2131da) becomes shallower as it goes toward the entrance (2127), and the step depth of the second guide surface (2131db) is also formed to become shallower as it goes toward the entrance (2127).

[0625] Additionally, the access road (2131b) may be equipped with an access guide (2131c).

[0626] The entry guide (2131c) may be formed in the form of a groove to ensure stable inclined movement of the robot cleaner (200). The entry guide (2131c) may have grooves formed along the left-right direction and spaced at equal intervals in the front-back direction. The entry guide (2131c) may be formed so that the width in the left-right direction becomes narrower as it moves rearward, or may be formed so as to have the same width. Accordingly, as the wheel (260) of the robot cleaner (200) moves toward the mounting portion (2120) or the entrance (2127), the left-right movement may be restricted and the robot cleaner may be guided to a fixed position.

[0627] The entry path (2131b) guides the wheel (260) to the wheel guide portion (2121ba) arranged on the mounting portion (2120). In addition, the entry guides (2131c) are provided in pairs and can be arranged at respective positions continuous with the pair of wheel guide portions (2121ba).

[0628] Additionally, the door (2131) may be provided with a convex portion (2131e) positioned between a pair of entry guides (2131c). The convex portion (2131e) may be positioned adjacent to an end opposite to an end where the rotational axis (2131a) of the door (2131) is positioned. The convex portion (2131e) provides a space in which a fastening structure can be stored inside, and may provide a handle function.

[0629] Additionally, the door (2131) may be provided with a link insertion groove at a position facing the door drive unit (2134) when closing the entrance (2127) on one side. The link insertion groove may be positioned adjacent to the right end of one side of the door (2131).

[0630] The door frame (2132) can be equipped with an entry sensor (2135) to detect the approach of a robot cleaner (200). The entry sensor (2135) can be positioned at the front of the housing (2110) to detect the approach of the robot cleaner (200). For example, the entry sensor (2135) can be an IR sensor.

[0631] The entry sensor (2135) may be installed at the upper portion of the front surface of the door frame (2132). This maximizes the detection range. In addition, the entry sensor (2135) may be installed at the center of the left and right sides of the entrance (2127). This allows the entry direction of the robot cleaner (200) to be guided through communication with the robot cleaner (200).

[0632] The door (2131) can be rotated by a door driving unit (2134). For example, the door driving unit (2134) can include a door driving motor and a driving force transmission unit (2132).

[0633] The door drive motor may be placed inside the housing (2110) and may be placed in the upper space of the door frame (2132). Specifically, the door drive motor may be placed in the storage body (2141). For example, the door drive motor may be placed on the upper side of the drive link unit.

[0634] Through this, space utilization is improved and accessibility is enhanced, providing convenience to users.

[0635] Meanwhile, except for the contents specifically described to avoid repetitive explanation, the driving force transmission unit (2132) of the present invention can utilize the detailed configuration and effects of the driving force transmission unit (1132).

[0636] That is, the driving force transmission unit (2132), the operating rod (2132b), the driving belt (not shown), the pinion (not shown), the link structure (2132e, 2132f), and the gear frame (2132g) have the same structure and function as the driving force transmission unit (1132), the operating rod (1132b), the driving belt (1132c), the pinion (1132d), the link structure (1132e, 1132f), and the gear frame (1132g), and thus can be used.

[0637] However, the operating load (2132b) may be positioned above the door (2131), and at least a part of the door driving motor (not shown) may be positioned above the door (2131).

[0638] In addition, the link detection unit (2134) of the driving force transmission unit (2132) may include a closing detection unit (2134a) and an opening detection unit (2134b). The closing detection unit (2134a) and the opening detection unit (2134b) are provided to detect the first link (2132e) when the door (2131) is closed or opened, respectively, to recognize the rotation and positional states of the door (2131). That is, when the door (2131) is in a closed state, the first link (2132e) can apply an external force to the closing detection unit (2134a), and when the door (2131) is in an open state, the pressing projection (2134ea) of the first link (2132e) can apply an external force to the opening detection unit (2134b).

[0639] The first link (2132e) is provided with a pusher (2134ea) at one end connected to the pinion so as to contact the open detection unit (2134b) when the door (2131) is opened, and the other end is provided so as to contact the close detection unit (2134a) when the door (2131) is closed.

[0640] In addition, the second frame (2132gb) may be provided with a link insertion portion (2132gc) into which a link structure is inserted, and a push-protrusion insertion portion (2132ge) formed by extending one side of the link insertion portion (2132gc). In addition, the second frame (2132gb) may be provided with two detection portion insertion portions (2132gd) that are in communication with the link insertion portion (2132gc), and a closing detection portion (2134a) and an opening detection portion (2134b) may be inserted into each of them.

[0641]

[0642] A robot cleaner station (2100) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a storage unit (2140). The storage unit (2140) can provide at least one storage space.

[0643] Based on the vertical direction of the robot cleaner station (2100), the storage unit (2140) may be placed between the mounting unit (2120) and the drawer (2160). Specifically, the storage unit (2140) may be placed above the mounting unit (2120). Additionally, the storage unit (2140) may be placed below the drawer (2160).

[0644] The storage unit (2140) includes a storage unit body (2141). The storage unit body (2141) can provide a space in which items can be stored. Specifically, the storage unit body (2141) can be positioned at the front of the housing (2110). At this time, the storage unit body (2141) can be positioned above the entrance (2127). The storage unit body (2141) and the mounting unit (2120) can be partitioned by a mounting unit cover (2125).

[0645] Specifically, a space in which a dust bag (2151) can be accommodated may be formed in the storage body (2141). A space in which a storage drawer (2143) can be accommodated may be formed in the storage body (2141). A space in which items such as consumables for a robot cleaner station (2100) or a robot cleaner (200) can be stored may be formed in the storage body (2141).

[0646] The storage body (2141) can be covered by a storage cover (2145). Specifically, the storage space formed in the storage body (2141) can be exposed to the outside when the storage cover (2145) is separated. Therefore, in a state where the storage cover (2145) is separated or opened, the storage body (2141) can be exposed in a state where it is arranged in front of the robot cleaning station (2100) and formed in a plate shape along the vertical direction and has a plurality of holes formed therein.

[0647] On the other hand, the storage space may be closed and not visible from the outside when the storage cover (2145) is closed. Therefore, according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing an aesthetic feel similar to indoor furniture without exposing items stored in the robot cleaner station (2100) to the outside.

[0648] The dust bag housing (2142) can form a space inside which a filter (not shown) and a dust bag (not shown) can be accommodated.

[0649]

[0650] The dust collection unit (2150) can collect dust from the dust bin (220) of the robot cleaner (200). The dust collection unit (2150) can be placed inside the housing (2110). The dust collection unit (2150) can be placed above the base (2121).

[0651] The dust collection unit (2150) may include a filter, a dust bag, a dust collection path unit (2152), a dust collection motor (2153), a motor housing (2154), and an exhaust path unit.

[0652]

[0653] Meanwhile, the robot cleaner station (2100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drawer (2160). The drawer (2160) may be positioned within the housing (2110), but may be provided so as to be withdrawable from the housing (2110).

[0654] The drawer (2160) can be withdrawn from the housing (2110). The drawer (2160) can be withdrawn from the housing (2110) in a first direction. Specifically, the drawer (2160) can be withdrawn forward from the housing (2110). The drawer (2160) can be withdrawn in the direction in which the door (2131) is arranged.

[0655] Meanwhile, the drawer (2160) may accommodate at least one liquid container. Specifically, a wash water container and a waste water container may be accommodated within the drawer (2160). The wash water container and the waste water container may be detachably accommodated within the drawer (2160). At this time, the wash water container and the waste water container may be detachable from the drawer (2160) along a second direction. The second direction may be a direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the second direction may be a vertical direction.

[0656] Meanwhile, the following describes a position where the user can attach or detach the wash water tank (2171) and / or the waste water tank (2179) from the drawer (2160) without bending the back.

[0657] In order for the user to detach or attach the liquid container to the drawer (2160) without bending the waist, the user must move the liquid container horizontally or attach or detach the liquid container to the drawer (2160) by adding a simple movement of the wrist or forearm.

[0658] Therefore, the lowest height at which a user can attach or detach a liquid container to or from the drawer (2110) without bending over may refer to the height from the ground to the bottom of the palm when the user drops his or her arm while standing. This may be the height at which a user can pull the handle of the drawer (2160) without bending over, and may also be the height at which a user can grip the handle of the liquid container without bending over.

[0659] For example, the height of the top of the drawer may be more than 50 cm from the ground.

[0660] Specifically, if you calculate the height of the fingertips from the ground, it can be the value obtained by subtracting the upper arm length, lower arm length, and hand length from the outer shoulder height.

[0661] At this time, to find the minimum height at which the user can hold the handle of the liquid container without bending the waist, the human body measurements of a woman over 60 years old, who has the shortest average height among adults, are used, which is approximately 50 cm (based on the Korean National Institute of Standards and Technology).

[0662] Therefore, the shortest distance from the ground to the top of the drawer (2160) may be 50 cm or more.

[0663] Meanwhile, if the user can attach the liquid container to the drawer (2160) using only the lower arm or wrist without rotating the upper arm, the user can enjoy convenience without exerting relatively much force.

[0664] Accordingly, the maximum height at which a user can conveniently attach the liquid container to the drawer (2160) may refer to the height from the ground to the elbow (lower arm) when the user drops his or her arm while standing. In this case, if the height of the elbow is lower than the height of the upper part of the drawer (2160) plus the height of the liquid container, the user can detach and attach the liquid container to the drawer (2160) by lifting only the lower arm.

[0665] For example, the sum of the heights of the liquid container and the top of the drawer (2160) may be less than 108 cm from the ground.

[0666] Specifically, if you calculate the height from the ground to the elbow, it can be the value obtained by subtracting the upper arm length (B) from the outer shoulder height (A) (AB).

[0667] At this time, using the human body measurements of a 30-year-old male, the person with the greatest height from the ground to the elbow among adults, it is approximately 107.6 cm. Furthermore, considering the diameter of the handle of the liquid container, etc., it is desirable that the combined height of the liquid container and the top of the drawer (2160) be no more than 108 cm.

[0668] This configuration allows the user to comfortably insert and remove the liquid container into the drawer (2160) without bending over.

[0669]

[0670] Meanwhile, the drawer (2160) may be positioned at the top within the housing (2110). The drawer (2160) may be positioned lower than the upper side (2113) of the housing (2110). Accordingly, the drawer (2160) may be positioned lower than the charging unit (2113a).

[0671] As described above, when the height of the drawer (2160) and the liquid tank is secured, a space for storing items can be secured between the base (2121) on which the robot cleaner (200) is mounted and the drawer (2160). Accordingly, a storage section (2140) can be arranged on the lower side of the drawer (2160). Specifically, the drawer (2160) can be arranged above the dust bag (2151). In addition, the drawer (2160) can be arranged above the storage section drawer (2143). In addition, the drawer (2160) can be arranged above the storage box (2144).

[0672]

[0673] The drawer (2160) may include a drawer body, a rail, and a drawer cover (2163).

[0674] The drawer cover (2163) can form the front exterior of the drawer body (2161). The drawer cover (2163) can form the front surface of the housing (2110). The drawer cover (2163) can be positioned above the storage cover (2145).

[0675] The drawer cover (2163) may be formed to have a width greater than the maximum diameter of the drawer body (2161). In addition, the drawer cover (2163) may be formed to have a height greater than the maximum height of the drawer body (2161). Accordingly, when the drawer (2160) is inserted into the housing (2110), the drawer cover (2163) may cover the front of the drawer body (2161) to prevent the inside of the drawer body (2161) from being exposed.

[0676] Meanwhile, the drawer (2160) can accommodate a relatively heavy washing water tank (2171) and a waste water tank (2179) within the robot cleaner station (2100). Accordingly, as the withdrawal distance of the washing water tank (2171) and the waste water tank (2179) increases, the overall center of gravity of the robot cleaner station (2100) moves outside the robot cleaner station (2100), which may cause the robot cleaner station (2100) to fall over.

[0677] To solve this problem, in the present invention, the maximum withdrawal distance of the drawer (2160) may be less than half of the front-rear length of the housing (2110). In this case, the center of gravity may remain inside the housing (2110) due to the weight of the relatively heavy dust collection motor (2153) and pumps.

[0678] Therefore, according to the present invention, even if the drawer (2160) is pulled out, the robot cleaner station (2100) can be prevented from falling over.

[0679]

[0680] Meanwhile, the mop washing unit (2170) of the robot cleaner station (2100) according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described as follows.

[0681] A robot cleaner station (2100) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a mop washing unit (2170). The mop washing unit (2170) may supply washing water to a mop (242) of a robot cleaner (200) mounted on a mounting unit (2120) to wash the mop (242), and may drain wastewater after washing the mop (242).

[0682]

[0683] A robot cleaner station (2100) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a mop drying unit (2180). At this time, the mop drying unit (2180) may dry the mop (242) of the robot cleaner (200) that has been washed by the mop washing unit (2170) or the mop (242) that is wet after the water cleaning task is completed.

[0684] The mop drying unit (2180) may include an external air supply module and an air exhaust unit.

[0685] The outside air supply module can heat air outside the housing (2110) and supply it to the receiving space (S). The outside air supply module can include an outside air supply path, an outside air discharge port, a heater, and a blower fan.

[0686] Air heated by heat discharged from the air supply module can be discharged through the air exhaust port.

[0687] The air exhaust portion may be positioned at least partially above the receiving space (S).

[0688]

[0689] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, this is for the purpose of specifically explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is clear that the present invention can be modified or improved by a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant field within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0690] All simple modifications or changes of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific scope of protection of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Housing; A mounting portion disposed within the housing and housing a robot cleaner; and A door is rotatably coupled to the housing and opens and closes the entrance of the mounting portion; The above door, A robot cleaner station characterized in that a rotation axis is arranged at the bottom of the housing, a cover part that covers the housing when closed on one side, and an access path that guides the robot cleaner to the mounting part when open are provided.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a mop washing unit for washing the mop of the robot cleaner coupled to the above-mentioned mounting unit; The above mop washing part, Includes a detergent container in which liquid including detergent is stored; The above detergent container, When the above door is opened, one side is exposed to the outside, The above cover part, A robot cleaner station characterized in that it is positioned in front of the detergent container when the door is closed.

3. In paragraph 2, The above cover part, A robot cleaner station characterized by comprising a detergent container support member for securing the detergent container to the housing when the door closes the entrance.

4. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a dust collection unit for collecting internal dust of the robot cleaner coupled to the above-mentioned mounting unit; The above dust collection unit, A dust bag drawer that accommodates a dust bag inside and is retractably connected to the housing; The above dust bag drawer, When the above door is opened, one side is exposed to the outside, The above cover part, A robot cleaner station characterized in that it is positioned in front of the dust bag drawer when the door is closed.

5. In paragraph 4, The above cover part, A vacuum cleaner station characterized by comprising a drawer support member for seating the dust bag drawer in the housing when the door closes the entrance.

6. In paragraph 1, The above door, A cleaner station characterized in that it is provided to cover the entire front part of the housing when the above entrance is closed.

7. In paragraph 1, A robot cleaner station characterized in that the above door is positioned in the center of the left and right directions of the entrance.

8. In paragraph 1, The above access road is, A robot cleaner station characterized in that a portion of one side of the door is formed to be inclined, and is provided so that the door is inclined downward as it goes forward when opened.

9. In paragraph 1, The above door, A robot vacuum cleaner station characterized by being arranged with a downward slope toward the front when opened.

10. In paragraph 8, The above access road is, A robot cleaner station characterized in that it is provided with a width greater than the width in the left and right directions of the entrance and exit, and is formed so that the width gradually narrows toward the entrance and exit.

11. In paragraph 8, The above door, A robot cleaner station characterized in that it has a step surface connecting one side of the door and the entrance, and the width of the step surface is formed so that the width gradually narrows as it goes toward the entrance.

12. In paragraph 1, The above door, An entry guide is provided to guide the wheel of the robot cleaner entering the mounting portion when the door is opened; The above entry guide is, A robot cleaner station characterized in that it is formed so that the width gradually narrows toward the housing side.

13. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a sensor installed at the front of the housing; The above sensor, The above door has one side exposed to the outside even when the above entrance is closed, The above door, A robot cleaner station characterized by having a sensor exposure portion into which the sensor is inserted when the entrance is closed.

14. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a door operating unit having at least one button for operating the door; The above button is, It is installed at the front of the above housing and positioned so that one side is exposed to the outside when the door is opened. The above door, An external button portion is provided that presses the button when an external force is applied while the door is closed; The above external button part, A button installation hole provided in the above door; and A robot cleaner station characterized by including a pressing member installed in the button installation hole, one side of which is exposed to the outside when the door is closed and the other side of which is positioned to face the button.

15. In paragraph 1, The above door, A robot cleaner station characterized in that the cover part and the access road form a step.

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