Robot vacuum cleaner station and method for controlling robot vacuum cleaner station

Abstract

This robot vacuum cleaner station comprises: a user interface; a water supply tank for storing water supplied from the outside; a washing chamber that is connected to the water supply tank and stores water for washing a mop of the robot vacuum cleaner; a gray water tank that is connected to the washing chamber and stores gray water when the mop is being washed; a plurality of valves provided in pipes connected to the water supply tank, the washing chamber, and the gray water tank; a plurality of pumps for transferring water stored in each of the water supply tank, the washing chamber, and the gray water tank; and a control unit which, on the basis of acquiring a first execution command for a residual water discharge mode or a second execution command for a washing mode via the user interface, controls the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water supply tank is discharged to the outside via the washing chamber and the gray water tank.

Description

Robot vacuum cleaner station and robot vacuum cleaner station control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device comprising a robot vacuum cleaner including a mop and a station.

[0002] Generally, a robot vacuum cleaner is a device that automatically cleans a cleaning space by moving around and sucking up dirt, such as dust accumulated on the floor, without user operation. The robot vacuum cleaner cleans the cleaning space by driving through it.

[0003] The robot vacuum cleaner determines the distance to obstacles such as furniture, office supplies, and walls installed within the cleaning area using distance sensors, and cleans the area while autonomously changing direction by selectively driving the left and right wheel motors.

[0004] Recently, robot vacuum cleaners that not only suck up dust and other foreign substances from the floor but also wipe them away are appearing. In other words, robot vacuum cleaners can perform wet cleaning using a mop, in addition to conventional dry cleaning.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a robot vacuum cleaner station with improved mobility during repair and reinstallation of a cleaning device comprising a robot vacuum cleaner station capable of automatically supplying and draining water, and a method for controlling the robot vacuum cleaner station.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cleaning device comprising a robot vacuum cleaner station capable of automatically supplying and draining water, a robot vacuum cleaner station for ensuring hygiene and cleanliness within the cleaning device, and a method for controlling the robot vacuum cleaner station.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] A robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure comprises a user interface, a water tank for storing water supplied from the outside, a washing chamber connected to the water tank for storing water for washing a robot vacuum cleaner mop, a wastewater tank connected to the water tank for storing wastewater during washing of the mop, a plurality of valves provided in piping connected to the water tank, the washing chamber, and the wastewater tank, a plurality of pumps for moving water stored in each of the water tank, the washing chamber, and the wastewater tank, and a control unit for controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water tank passes through the washing chamber and the wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside based on obtaining a first execution command for a residual water discharge mode or a second execution command for a washing mode through the user interface.

[0009] A robot vacuum cleaner station control method according to the present disclosure, comprising a user interface, a water tank, a washing chamber, a wastewater tank, a plurality of valves, and a plurality of pumps, comprises obtaining a first execution command for a residual water discharge mode or a second execution command for a washing mode through the user interface, and controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water tank passes through the washing chamber and the wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cleaning device comprising a robot vacuum cleaner station that includes a water supply and drainage device connected to an external water source and capable of direct drainage, wherein residual water in a water tank within the water supply and drainage device is removed to prevent the occurrence of odors, mold, etc. caused by prolonged use or prolonged non-use of the cleaning device.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cleaning device comprising a robot vacuum cleaner station that includes a water supply and drainage device connected to an external water source and capable of direct drainage, wherein limescale components generated inside the cleaning device are removed by a cleaning solution supplied by a user and purified water supplied from the outside, thereby preventing the generation of foreign substances, odors, etc. inside the robot vacuum cleaner station and providing a hygienic cleaning device.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a robot vacuum cleaner being removed from a station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a robot vacuum cleaner mounted on a station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a robot vacuum cleaner in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 shows the robot vacuum cleaner of Figure 3 from a different angle.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates the internal structure of a station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates the rear of a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a cleaning device according to one embodiment, a robot vacuum cleaner station body, and a water supply and drainage device drawn from the robot vacuum cleaner station body.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a water supply and drainage device, a water supply pipe, and a drain pipe in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a water supply and drainage device in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a rear view of a water supply and drainage device, a water supply pipe, and a drain pipe in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a disassembled water supply and drainage device in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a rear view of the internal configuration of a robot vacuum cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the interior of a robot vacuum cleaner station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of a robot vacuum cleaner station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the flowchart of a residual water discharge process according to the residual water discharge mode of a robot vacuum cleaner station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the flowchart of the residual water discharge and cleaning cycles according to the cleaning mode of a robot vacuum cleaner station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the sequence of residual water discharge, washing, and rinsing actions according to the washing mode of a robot vacuum cleaner station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the flowchart of the washing and rinsing administration according to the washing mode of a robot vacuum cleaner station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely preferred examples of the disclosed invention, and various modifications that may replace the embodiments and drawings of this specification may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0031] Additionally, the same reference numerals or symbols presented in each drawing of this specification represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function.

[0032] Additionally, the singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] Additionally, in this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0034] Additionally, the terms "part," "module," and "component" may be implemented in hardware or software. Depending on the embodiments, a plurality of "parts," "modules," and "components" may be implemented as a single component, or a single "part," "module," or "component" may include a plurality of components.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit or / or restrict the disclosed invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any one of a plurality of related described items.

[0037] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0038] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0039] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0040] Meanwhile, terms such as "up-and-down direction" and "front-and-back direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] In the following, the +X direction indicated in the drawing may indicate the front side, and the -X direction may indicate the rear side. The +Y direction indicated in the drawing may indicate the left side, and the -Y direction may indicate the right side. The +Z direction indicated in the drawing may indicate the upper side, and the -Z direction may indicate the lower side.

[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates a robot vacuum cleaner detached from a station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a robot vacuum cleaner mounted on a station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a robot vacuum cleaner in a cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates the robot vacuum cleaner of FIG. 3 from a different angle. FIG. 5 illustrates the internal structure of a station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates the rear of a cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a station body and a water supply and drainage device withdrawn from the station body in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaning device (1) may include a robot vacuum cleaner (10) and a station (20). The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be referred to as the vacuum cleaner (10). The cleaning device (1) may be referred to as the cleaning system (1). The station (20) may be referred to as the robot vacuum cleaner station (20).

[0045] A robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be configured to move along a floor surface and clean the floor surface. In the following description, the floor surface that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) cleans may be referred to as the surface to be cleaned. The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may perform dry cleaning and wet cleaning. The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may perform only wet cleaning. When performing dry cleaning, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may suck up dirt from the surface to be cleaned. When performing wet cleaning, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may wipe away dirt from the surface to be cleaned. Here, dirt may collectively refer to foreign substances such as dust, hair, and food crumbs.

[0046] A robot vacuum cleaner (10) can be mounted on a station (20). A robot vacuum cleaner (10) can be placed on a station (20). A robot vacuum cleaner (10) can be docked on a station (20). Referring to FIG. 2, when a robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked on a station (20), at least a portion of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) can be placed in a receiving space (210a) formed on the station (20). In the following, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) being docked on a station (20) may have the same meaning as the robot vacuum cleaner (10) being placed on a station (20). The robot vacuum cleaner (10) being docked on a station (20) may have the same meaning as the robot vacuum cleaner (10) being mounted on a station (20).

[0047] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may move to the station (20) while cleaning or after cleaning is completed. For example, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may move to the station (20) in at least one of the following cases: when charging is required, when the dirt in the dust collection container needs to be emptied, when the water in the water tank (114, FIG. 3) is low, when the moisture content of the mop (160) is low, when washing the mop (160) is required, when sterilization of the mop (160) is required, and when drying of the mop (160) is required.

[0048] The station (20) can be provided to dock with the robot vacuum cleaner (10). The robot vacuum cleaner (10) can be docked to the station (20). The station (20) can be provided so that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is mounted on the station (20). The station (20) can be provided so that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is seated on the station (20).

[0049] For example, while the robot vacuum (10) is docked at the station (20), the station (20) can charge the battery of the robot vacuum (10). For example, while the robot vacuum (10) is docked at the station (20), the station (20) can collect dirt collected in the dust container of the robot vacuum (10). For example, while the robot vacuum (10) is docked at the station (20), the station (20) can supply water to the water tank (114) of the robot vacuum (10). For example, while the robot vacuum (10) is docked at the station (20), the station (20) can supply at least one of water and steam to the mop (160).

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a vacuum cleaner body (110). The vacuum cleaner body (110) may form the overall exterior of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). Components constituting the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be accommodated inside the vacuum cleaner body (110). Electrical components may be placed inside the vacuum cleaner body (110).

[0051] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a suction port (111). The suction port (111) may be formed in the vacuum cleaner body (110). The suction port (111) may be formed on the lower surface of the vacuum cleaner body (110). The suction port (111) may be formed approximately in the center of the lower surface of the vacuum cleaner body (110). The suction port (111) may be formed penetrating the lower surface of the vacuum cleaner body (110). The suction port (111) may be formed to face the surface to be cleaned. The suction port (111) may be open toward the surface to be cleaned. Dirt on the surface to be cleaned may be sucked in or introduced into the vacuum cleaner body (110) through the suction port (111) along with air. The suction port (111) may be referred to as the vacuum cleaner suction port (111).

[0052] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a brush (130). The brush (130) may strike the surface to be cleaned to scatter dirt on the surface to be cleaned. The dirt scattered by the brush (130) may be introduced into the suction port (111) along with air.

[0053] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a first brush (131). At least a portion of the first brush (131) may be positioned inside the suction port (111). The first brush (131) may be rotatably provided with respect to the vacuum cleaner body (110). The axis of rotation of the first brush (131) may be an axis extending along a roughly horizontal direction. For example, the axis of rotation of the first brush (131) may be a straight line extending to penetrate the left and right directions of the vacuum cleaner body (110). The first brush (131) may be referred to as the main brush (131).

[0054] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may further include a second brush (132) positioned adjacent to the edge of the vacuum cleaner body (110). For example, the second brush (132) may be positioned adjacent to the rear end of the vacuum cleaner body (110) as the edge of the vacuum cleaner body (110). The second brush (132) may scatter dirt in an area not reached by the first brush (131) or move it toward the suction port (111). The second brush (132) may be rotatably provided relative to the vacuum cleaner body (110). The axis of rotation of the second brush (132) may be an axis extending approximately along the vertical direction. For example, the axis of rotation of the second brush (132) may be a straight line extending to penetrate a point adjacent to the edge of the vacuum cleaner body (110) in the vertical direction. The second brush (132) may be referred to as a side brush (132).

[0055] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a dust collection container (115). Dirt and / or air sucked in through the suction port (111) may move to the dust collection container (115). Dirt sucked in through the suction port (111) may be collected in the dust collection container (115). Air sucked in through the suction port (111) may be filtered as it passes through the dust collection container (115). Dirt and air sucked in through the suction port (111) may be separated in the dust collection container (115).

[0056] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include an exhaust port (112). The exhaust port (112) may be formed in the main body (110) of the vacuum cleaner. The exhaust port (112) may be formed on the rear side of the main body (110) of the vacuum cleaner. Air sucked in through the intake port (111) may be filtered inside the main body (110) of the vacuum cleaner and then discharged to the outside of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) through the exhaust port (112). A filter may be provided inside the main body (110) of the vacuum cleaner to filter out dirt that enters along with the air through the intake port (111). The exhaust port (112) may be provided in multiple numbers. Each of the multiple exhaust ports (112) may be composed of multiple holes. The exhaust port (112) may be referred to as the vacuum cleaner exhaust port (112).

[0057] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a vacuum cleaner motor. The vacuum cleaner motor may generate suction force. By the suction force generated by the vacuum cleaner motor, air and dirt may be sucked into the robot vacuum cleaner (10) through the suction port (111). By the suction force generated by the vacuum cleaner motor, the air and dirt sucked into the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be filtered by a filter, and the air from which dirt has been removed may be discharged to the outside of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) through the discharge port (112). The vacuum cleaner motor may be placed on the air passage formed between the suction port (111) and the discharge port (112). The filter may be placed on the air passage formed between the suction port (111) and the discharge port (112). The vacuum cleaner motor may be referred to as a vacuum cleaner suction motor.

[0058] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a driving device (120) for driving the robot vacuum cleaner (10). The driving device (120) may be mounted on the vacuum cleaner body (110). The driving device (120) may be provided to move the vacuum cleaner body (110). The driving device (120) may include a pair of first wheels (121). The driving device (120) may include a driving motor that provides power to rotate the pair of first wheels (121). At least one of the pair of first wheels (121) may be rotated by the driving motor. By rotating at least one of the first wheels (121), the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may move forward, backward, and change the direction of movement. The driving device (120) may further include a second wheel (122). The second wheel (122) may be provided for stable driving of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). The second wheel (122) may be provided on the lower rear side of the vacuum cleaner body (110). The second wheel (122) may be provided so as not to be supplied with separate power. The first wheel (121) may be referred to as the main wheel (121). The second wheel (122) may be referred to as the auxiliary wheel (122).

[0059] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a battery. The battery may be rechargeable. The battery may supply power required to operate the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0060] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a vacuum cleaner charging terminal (151). The vacuum cleaner charging terminal (151) may be electrically connected to a battery. While the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), the vacuum cleaner charging terminal (151) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be electrically connected to the station charging terminal (218) of the station (20). As the vacuum cleaner charging terminal (151) is electrically connected to the station charging terminal (218), the battery of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be charged. The station (20) may detect that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked as it is electrically connected to the station charging terminal (218), and may charge the battery while the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20).

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a mop (160). The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a mop motor provided to rotate the mop (160). The mop (160) can clean the surface to be cleaned by rotating it by the mop motor. The mop (160) can be detachably mounted to the lower part of the vacuum cleaner body (110). The mop (160) may be rotatably provided relative to the vacuum cleaner body (110). The mop (160) can wipe away dirt or stains from the surface to be cleaned. For example, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a pair of mops (160). There is no limit to the number of mops, and one mop or three or more mops may be provided. The mop (160) may be referred to as a cleaning pad (160) or a wet pad (160).

[0062] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a water tank (114) provided to supply water to a mop (160). The mop (160) may receive water from the water tank (114) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). The mop (160) may receive water from a station (20). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), water from a water supply tank (301) provided at the station (20) may be supplied to the water tank (114) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). For example, if the moisture content of the mop (160) decreases while the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is performing cleaning, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may return to the station (20) and be docked at the station (20). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), the station (20) can supply water to the water tank (114) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), the station (20) can wash the mop (160) by supplying water and steam to the mop (160). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), the robot vacuum cleaner (10) can rotate the mop (160) by operating the mop motor.

[0063] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include a water inlet (140). The water inlet (140) may be formed in the main body (110) of the vacuum cleaner. The water inlet (140) may be formed at a location adjacent to the rear end of the main body (110), but is not limited thereto. When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), water from the station (20) may flow into the robot vacuum cleaner (10) through the water inlet (140). The water flowing into the water inlet (140) may be stored in the water tank (114) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), the water inlet (140) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be connected to the water supply unit (217) of the station (20).

[0064] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) may include an obstacle detection sensor (170). The obstacle detection sensor (170) may be configured to detect the location of an obstacle or the distance to the obstacle. The obstacle detection sensor (170) may be mounted on the vacuum cleaner body (110). For example, the obstacle detection sensor (170) may be placed on the upper surface of the vacuum cleaner body (110). The obstacle detection sensor (170) may protrude upward from the upper surface (110a) of the vacuum cleaner body (110).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the station (20) may include a station body (210). The station body (210) may form the overall appearance of the station (20). The station body (210) may form a receiving space (210a) for receiving at least a part of the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0066] The station (20) may further include a base (220). The base (220) may be detachably coupled to the station body (210).

[0067] The base (220) can guide the robot vacuum cleaner (10) so that at least a portion of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is received in the receiving space (210a) of the station body (210). The base (220) may include a guide surface (221) inclined with respect to the floor surface so that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) can move to the receiving space (210a) which is spaced upward from the floor surface. For example, the guide surface (221) may be provided to be inclined upward along the direction in which the robot vacuum cleaner (10) enters the station body (210). One end of the guide surface (221) may be provided to be in contact with the floor surface. The other end of the guide surface (221) may be connected to the receiving space (210a) or placed inside the receiving space (210a).

[0068] The base (220) may include an anti-slip portion (222) provided to prevent the robot vacuum cleaner (10) from sliding on the guide surface (221). The anti-slip portion (222) can prevent the robot vacuum cleaner (10) from sliding while moving along the guide surface (221). The anti-slip portion (220) can prevent the robot vacuum cleaner (10) docked at the station (20) from moving or sliding along the guide surface (221) which is inclined downward toward the floor.

[0069] The anti-slip portion (222) may be provided on at least a portion of the guide surface (221). For example, the anti-slip portion (222) may be formed of a material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber. For example, the anti-slip portion (222) may be provided to correspond to the position and movement path of each of the pair of first wheels (121) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). For example, the anti-slip portion (222) may include a plurality of stepped portions having a roughly stepped shape.

[0070] The base (220) may include a wheel mounting portion (223) provided at a position adjacent to the top of the anti-slip portion (222). The first wheel (121) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be mounted on the wheel mounting portion (223). For example, the wheel mounting portion (223) may have a cross-section with a shape corresponding to at least a part of the first wheel (121), that is, an arc-shaped cross-section. For example, the wheel mounting portion (223) may include a barrier or a step portion provided so that the first wheel (121) cannot pass over it without power supply from the driving motor. The robot vacuum cleaner (10) docked to the station (20) by the wheel mounting portion (223) may not be able to detach from the station (20).

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, the station (20) may include a washing chamber (230). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), a mop (160) may be accommodated in the washing chamber (230). The washing chamber (230) may refer to a specific space in which the mop (160) is accommodated when the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20). The washing chamber (230) may refer to a space in which the washing of the mop (160) takes place. The washing chamber (230) may form a space corresponding to the shape of the mop (160).

[0072] The washing chamber (230) may be provided to contain water. The washing chamber (230) may have a shape for holding water. When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), the mop (160) may be washed by the water contained in the washing chamber (230). The water in the washing chamber (230) may be supplied from the water tank (301) described later.

[0073] The washing chamber (230) may be formed inside the receiving space (210a) of the station body (210). The washing chamber (230) may be formed in the base (220). The washing chamber (230) may be formed on the upper surface adjacent to the top of the base (220) as inside the receiving space (210a). The washing chamber (230) may be formed by at least a portion of the upper surface of the base (220) being recessed downward. As described above, the washing chamber (230) may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the mop (160). For example, the mop (160) may have a disc shape, and the washing chamber (230) may have a disc or cylinder shape.

[0074] The station (20) may include a washing frame (240). The washing frame (240) may be detachably mounted to the washing chamber (230). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked to the station (20), the washing frame (240) may be arranged to come into contact with the mop (160). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked to the station (20), the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may rotate the mop (160). A plurality of protrusions may be provided on the upper surface of the washing frame (240) arranged to come into contact with the mop (160). As the mop (160) rotates while in contact with the washing frame (240), the mop (160) may be cleaned by friction between the plurality of protrusions and the mop (160).

[0075] The station (20) may include a dirt suction port (224). The dirt suction port (224) may be formed in the base (220). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked to the station (20), the dirt suction port (224) may be connected to the dust collection container (115) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). Through the dirt suction port (224), dirt collected in the dust collection container (115) may move into the station (20). The dirt suction port (224) may be referred to as the station dirt suction port (224).

[0076] The station (20) may include a station motor (225). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked to the station (20), the station motor (225) may generate a suction force to suck up dirt from the dust collection container (114). The station motor (225) may be provided to provide a suction force to the dirt suction port (224). By the suction force of the station motor (225), the dirt in the dust collection container (114) may move along the dirt suction port (224) and the dirt collection duct and be collected in the dirt collection container (303). By the suction force generated by the station motor (225), the exhaust port (227) may suck air into the station (20) and discharge air that has passed through the exhaust filter (226) to the outside. The station motor (225) may be referred to as the station suction motor (225).

[0077] The station (20) may include a charging terminal (218). While the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), the charging terminal (218) of the station (20) may be electrically connected to the charging terminal (151) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). As the charging terminal (218) of the station (20) and the charging terminal (151) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) are electrically connected, the battery (150) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be charged. That is, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be charged while docked at the station (20). The charging terminal (218) may be referred to as the station charging terminal (218).

[0078] The station (20) may include a water supply and drainage device (300). The water supply and drainage device (300) may be configured to supply water from outside the station (20) into the station (20) and to discharge wastewater from inside the station (20) to outside the station (20). Hereinafter, water after washing the mop (160) or water supplied to the mop (160) and then discharged may be referred to as wastewater. The water supply and drainage device (300) may be configured to be connected to a water source outside the station (20) to receive water from the external water source. The water supply and drainage device (300) may be configured to be connected to a drainage channel outside the station (20) to discharge wastewater generated in the station (20) to the external drainage channel.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 5, the station (20) may include a water tank (301). The water supply and drainage device (300) of the station (20) may include a water tank (301). The water tank (301) may be provided to store water. The water tank (301) may be provided to receive and store water supplied from outside the station (20). The water stored in the water tank (301) may be supplied to the water tank (114) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). The water stored in the water tank (301) may be supplied to the washing chamber (230) of the station (20). The water stored in the water tank (301) may be supplied to the mop (160) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). The water stored in the water tank (301) may be used to wash the mop (160) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0080] The station (20) may include a wastewater tank (302). The water supply and drainage device (300) of the station (20) may include a wastewater tank (302). The wastewater tank (302) may be provided to receive and store wastewater discharged from the robot vacuum cleaner (10). The wastewater tank (302) may be provided to be separated from the water supply tank (301). The water supply tank (301) and the wastewater tank (302) may be provided separately or formed by partitioning a single space.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the water supply and drainage device (300) may be detachably mounted on the station body (210). The water supply and drainage device (300) may be mounted on the receiving portion (260) of the station body (210). The water supply and drainage device (300) may be detached or withdrawn from the receiving portion (260) of the station body (210).

[0082] The water supply and drainage device (300) according to the present disclosure is configured to receive water from an external water source and to discharge wastewater through an external drainage channel, so the water supply and drainage device (300) may not be separated from the station body (210) to supply water to the water supply tank (301) or to discharge wastewater from the wastewater tank (302). However, the water supply and drainage device (300) may be configured to be separable from the station body (210) for cleaning the inside of the water supply tank (301) and the wastewater tank (302), or for replacing and repairing parts inside the water supply and drainage device (300).

[0083] For example, the user can detach the water supply and drainage device (300) from the station body (210) by grasping the handle (300a) provided on the water supply and drainage device (300) and lifting the water supply and drainage device (300a) upward. The user can mount the water supply and drainage device (300) to the station body (210) by grasping the handle (300a) and moving the water supply and drainage device (300) downward to settle it in its original position inside the station body (210).

[0084] The station (20) may include a waste collection container (303). The waste collection container (303) may be provided to store waste collected from the dust collection container (115) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). The waste collection container (303) may be placed on one side of the water supply and drainage device (300). According to one embodiment, the waste collection container (303) and the water supply and drainage device (300) may be mounted on the station body (210) to form the upper surface of the station body (210). The waste collection container (303) may be detachably mounted on the station body (210). A user may detach the waste collection container (303) from the station body (210) to empty or clean the waste collection container (303). After emptying or cleaning the waste collection container (303), the user can attach the waste collection container (303) to the station body (210). For example, the user can detach the waste collection container (303) from the station body (210) by grasping the waste collection container handle (303a) and lifting the waste collection container (303) upward. The user can attach the waste collection container (303) to the station body (210) by grasping the waste collection container handle (303a) and moving the waste collection container (303) downward to settle it in its original position inside the station body (210).

[0085] According to one embodiment, a water supply and drainage device (300) may be placed on one side of the waste collection container (303). More specifically, a wastewater container (302) may be placed on one side of the water supply container (301), and a waste collection container (303) may be placed on the other side of the water supply container (301). In other words, the water supply container (301) may be placed on the central side of the station body (210), and the wastewater container (302) and the waste collection container (303) may be placed on each side of the water supply container (301). However, this is not limited thereto. There are no restrictions on the arrangement order or position of the water supply container (301), the wastewater container (302), and the waste collection container (303).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the station (20) may include a heating device (250). The heating device (250) may be placed inside the station body (210). The heating device (250) may be placed at the rear side inside the station body (210) and may be placed adjacent to the bottom inside the station body (210).

[0087] The heating device (250) can generate high-temperature water and / or steam. The heating device (250) can generate high-temperature water and / or steam using water stored in the water supply tank (301). The heating device (250) can generate high-temperature water and / or steam by receiving water stored in the water supply tank (301). For example, the heating device (250) can heat water to 40°C or higher, or heat it to 100°C or higher to turn it into steam. The high-temperature water and / or steam generated by the heating device (250) can be supplied to the washing chamber (230).

[0088] The heating device (250) may be positioned below the water tank (301). By positioning the heating device (250) below the water tank (301), water inside the water tank (301) can move to the heating device (250) using gravity. Alternatively, a pump and a valve may be provided to supply water from the water tank (301) to the heating device (250).

[0089] The station (20) may include a drying device (270). The drying device (270) may be configured to generate drying air for drying the mop (160). The drying device (270) may be configured to provide drying air to the washing chamber (230). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20), the drying air generated in the drying device (270) may be supplied to the mop (160) placed in the washing chamber (230). The drying air generated in the drying device (270) may have relatively low humidity. The drying air generated in the drying device (270) may have a relatively high temperature. The drying air may be referred to as hot air or drying air. For example, after washing and / or sterilizing the mop (160), the station (20) may supply drying air to the mop (160) placed in the washing chamber (230).

[0090] Referring to FIG. 5, the station (20) may include a station charging terminal (218). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked to the station (20), the station charging terminal (218) may be electrically connected to the vacuum cleaner charging terminal (151). Upon detecting that the station charging terminal (218) and the vacuum cleaner charging terminal (151) are electrically connected, the station (20) determines that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked and can charge the battery of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). In other words, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) can be charged while docked to the station (20).

[0091] The station (20) may include a first water supply unit (217). The first water supply unit (217) may receive water stored in a water tank (301) and supply it to the robot vacuum cleaner (10). When the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked to the station (20), the first water supply unit (217) of the station (20) may be connected to the water inlet (140) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). Water discharged from the first water supply unit (217) may flow into the water inlet (140). Water flowing in through the water inlet (140) may be stored in the water tank (114) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0092] The station (20) may include a second water supply unit (241). The second water supply unit (241) may be in communication with the washing chamber (230). The second water supply unit (241) may receive water stored in the water tank (221) and supply it to the washing chamber (230). Water discharged from the second water supply unit (241) may be received in the washing chamber (230). Water discharged from the second water supply unit (241) may be used to wash the mop (160). Although the drawing shows two second water supply units (241), there is no limit to the number of second water supply units (241). For example, the number of second water supply units (241) may correspond to the number of mops (160).

[0093] FIG. 8 illustrates a water supply and drainage device, a water supply pipe, and a drain pipe in a cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a water supply and drainage device in a cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a rear view of a water supply and drainage device, a water supply pipe, and a drain pipe in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 8, a water supply pipe (340) and a drain pipe (350) may be connected to the water supply and drainage device (300). An external water supply pipe (341), which is connected to an external water source and is provided outside the station (20), may be detachably connected to the water supply and drainage device (300). An external drain pipe (351), which is connected to an external drainage channel and is provided outside the station (20), may be detachably connected to the water supply and drainage device (300).

[0095] The water supply and drainage device (300) may include a housing (330) provided to accommodate a water supply pipe connecting member (310) and a drain pipe connecting member (320), which will be described later, inside. The housing (330) may form a predetermined space inside and may accommodate the water supply pipe connecting member (310) and the drain pipe connecting member (320) in the predetermined space. In other words, by accommodating the water supply pipe connecting member (310) and the drain pipe connecting member (320) inside, the housing (330) can protect the water supply pipe connecting member (310) and the drain pipe connecting member (320) from damage.

[0096] The housing (330) may include a first part (330a) protruding upward from the upper surface of the station body (210) and a second part (330b) protruding backward from the rear surface of the station body (210). However, it is not limited thereto. The housing (330) may be provided so as not to protrude from the upper surface, rear surface, or side surface of the station body (210).

[0097] Referring to FIG. 9, the water supply and drainage device (300) may include a coupling hole (331) formed in the housing (330) to connect a water supply pipe (340) to a water supply pipe connecting member (310) housed inside the housing (330). The water supply and drainage device (300) may include a coupling hole (331) formed in the housing (330) to connect a drain pipe (350) to a drain pipe connecting member (320) housed inside the housing (330).

[0098] The coupling hole (331) may include a first coupling hole (332) formed in the housing (330) to allow a water supply pipe (340) outside the housing (330) to be inserted into the housing (330), and a second coupling hole (333) formed in the housing (330) to allow a drain pipe (350) outside the housing (330) to be inserted into the housing (330). According to one embodiment, the first coupling hole (332) and the second coupling hole (333) may be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. However, they are not limited thereto. The water supply pipe and the drain pipe may be inserted from the outside of the housing into the inside of the housing by passing through a single coupling hole.

[0099] The water supply pipe (340) can be connected to a water supply pipe connecting member (310) disposed inside the housing (330) through a first connecting hole (332). One end of the water supply pipe (340) can be connected to the water supply pipe connecting member (310) inside the housing (330) by passing through the first connecting hole (332). The water supply pipe (340) can be connected to a drain pipe connecting member (320) disposed inside the housing (330) through a second connecting hole (333). One end of the drain pipe (350) can be connected to the drain pipe connecting member (320) inside the housing (330) by passing through the second connecting hole (333).

[0100] The water supply and drainage device (300) may include a separation hole (334) formed in the housing (330) to separate the water supply pipe (340) connected to the water supply pipe connecting member (310) inside the housing (330). The water supply and drainage device (300) may include a separation hole (334) formed in the housing (330) to separate the drain pipe (350) connected to the drain pipe connecting member (320) inside the housing (330).

[0101] The separation hole (334) may include a first separation hole (335) provided to expose at least a portion of the water supply pipe connecting member (310) disposed inside the housing (330) to the outside, and a second separation hole (336) provided to expose at least a portion of the drain pipe connecting member (320) disposed inside the housing (330) to the outside. At least a portion of the water supply pipe connecting member (310) may be exposed to the outside of the housing (330) through the first separation hole (335), and the water supply pipe (340) coupled to the water supply pipe connecting member (310) may be separated through the first separation hole (335) without disassembling the housing (330). At least a portion of the drain pipe connecting member (320) can be exposed outside the housing (330) by the second separation hole (336), and the drain pipe (350) connected to the drain pipe connecting member (320) can be separated through the second separation hole (336) without disassembling the housing (330).

[0102] The first separation hole (335) and the second separation hole (336) may be spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. However, they are not limited thereto. The water supply pipe and the drain pipe may be exposed to the outside of the housing through a single separation hole, and a separation member to be described later may pass through the separation hole to separate the water supply pipe and the drain pipe from the water supply pipe connecting member and the drain pipe connecting member, respectively.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 10, the water supply and drainage device (300) may include a water supply pipe connecting member (310) arranged to connect a water supply pipe (340), which is arranged to supply water to a water supply tank (301), to a station (20). The water supply and drainage device (300) may include a drain pipe connecting member (320) arranged to connect a drain pipe (350), which is arranged to discharge wastewater from a wastewater tank (302), to a station (20). The water supply pipe (340) may be connected to the station (20) by being coupled to or connected to the water supply pipe connecting member (310). The drain pipe (350) may be connected to the station (20) by being coupled to or connected to the drain pipe connecting member (320). The water supply pipe (340) can be detachably connected to the water supply pipe connecting member (310), and the drain pipe (350) can be detachably connected to the drain pipe connecting member (320).

[0104] FIG. 11 illustrates a disassembled water supply and drainage device in a cleaning device according to one embodiment.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 11, the water supply and drainage device (300) may include a case (370) provided to accommodate a water supply tank (301) and a wastewater tank (302), and a cover (360) provided to cover the upper surface of the case (370). The case (370) may be provided in the form of a box with an open front and upper surface. The open front of the case (370) may be covered by a case cover (371). The case (370) may form the lower surface and four sides of the housing (330), and the cover (360) may form the four sides and upper surface of the housing (330). The housing (330) may have two layers of sides formed by the case (370) and the cover (360). However, it is not limited thereto. Either the cover (360) or the case (370) may form the four sides of the housing (330).

[0106] The water supply tank (301) may include an opening for washing the inside of the water supply tank (301) or for a user to directly supply water or a cleaning solution into the water supply tank (301). The opening may be formed on the upper surface of the water supply tank (301). The water supply tank (301) may include a water supply tank cover (301a) provided to cover the opening. The water supply tank cover (301a) may be detachably mounted on the water supply tank (301).

[0107] A cleaning solution detection sensor (301b, not shown) may be placed inside the water tank (301). The cleaning solution detection sensor (301b) is located inside the water tank (301) of the station (20) and can monitor whether a cleaning solution has been introduced into the water tank (301) and / or is present therein. The cleaning solution detection sensor (301b) may include at least one sensor that detects physical and / or electrical changes regarding the presence of the cleaning solution.

[0108] A water tank high level detection sensor (345) and a water tank low level detection sensor (346) may be placed inside the water tank (301).

[0109] When the liquid inside the water tank (301) is detected to be above a certain level by the water tank high level detection sensor (345), the supply of purified water from outside the station (20) into the water tank (301) may be stopped.

[0110] When the water level inside the water tank (301) is detected by the water tank low-level detection sensor (346) to be below a certain level, the discharge of water or cleaning solution, etc. from the water tank (301) to the cleaning chamber (230), robot vacuum cleaner (10), heating device (250), etc., can be controlled.

[0111] A water supply valve (343) may be installed inside the water supply tank (301). The water supply valve (343) connects the water supply tank (301) with the internal water supply pipe (342), and by opening and closing the water supply valve (343), the inflow of liquid, etc. from an external water source of the station (20) into the water supply tank (301) can be controlled.

[0112] The wastewater tank (302) may include an opening for washing the inside of the wastewater tank (302) or for a user to directly discharge wastewater from inside the wastewater tank (302). The opening may be formed on the upper surface of the wastewater tank (302). The wastewater tank (302) may include a wastewater tank cover (302a) provided to cover the opening. The wastewater tank cover (302a) may be detachably mounted on the wastewater tank (302).

[0113] A sewage filter detection sensor (302b) may be present in the sewage tank (302). The sewage filter detection sensor (302b) is located at the opening of the sewage tank (302) of the station (20) and can detect whether the sewage filter is detached and / or reattached. The sewage filter detection sensor (302b) may include at least one sensor that detects mechanical and / or electrical changes when the sewage filter is detached and / or reattached.

[0114] For example, the wastewater filter detection sensor (302b) may include a sensor that detects whether the wastewater filter is electrically connected to a wastewater tank cover (302a) that is provided to cover the opening of the wastewater tank. As another example, the wastewater filter detection sensor (302b) may include a sensor (e.g., an elastic sensor) that detects mechanical deformation when the wastewater filter is detached and / or reattached.

[0115] A wastewater tank high-level detection sensor (354) may be placed inside the wastewater tank (302). When the wastewater tank high-level detection sensor (354) detects that the liquid or other substances present inside the wastewater tank (302) is above a certain level, the liquid or other substances may be discharged from the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20).

[0116] A drainage pump (353) may be placed inside the wastewater tank (302). The drainage pump (353) connects the wastewater tank (302) and the internal drain pipe (352), and can pump the liquid present inside the wastewater tank (302) to be discharged to an external water supply source of the station (20).

[0117] A receiving space (320a) forming at least a part of the housing (330) may be formed on the rear side of the case (370). The receiving space (320a) may refer to the internal space of the housing (330). A water supply pipe connecting member (310) and a drain pipe connecting member (320) may be mounted so as to be fixed in the receiving space (320a).

[0118] In the receiving space (320a), a first connecting member (310a) may be provided to connect the water supply pipe connecting member (310) and the internal water supply pipe (342) between the water supply pipe connecting member (310) and the internal water supply pipe (342). In the receiving space (320a), a second connecting member (320a) may be provided to connect the drainage pipe connecting member (320) and the internal drainage pipe (352) between the drainage pipe connecting member (320) and the internal drainage pipe (352). For example, the first connecting member (310a) and the second connecting member (320a) may have substantially the same structure as the water supply pipe connecting member (310) described later.

[0119] An internal water supply pipe (342) connected to a water supply pipe connecting member (310) can be accommodated in the upper inner side of the case (370). An internal drain pipe (352) connected to a drain pipe connecting member (320) can be accommodated in the inner side of the case (370). The internal water supply pipe (342) can be connected to an external water source of the water tank (301) and the station (20), and the internal drain pipe (352) can be connected to an external water source of the wastewater tank (302) and the station (20).

[0120] Various electrical components may be accommodated in the internal space (370a) on the lower side of the case (370). For example, a water supply tank (301) and a wastewater tank (302) may be accommodated in the internal space (370a) of the case (370). Additionally, a solenoid valve provided between the internal water supply pipe (342) and the water supply tank (301), and a pump connected to the internal drain pipe (352) may be accommodated in the internal space (370a).

[0121] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the rear view of the internal configuration of a station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the interior of a station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure from the rear view.

[0122] The station (20) may include at least one pipe (201, 202, 2023, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, and / or 2010). The station (20) may include at least one pump (21 and / or 22). The station (20) may include at least one valve (23 and / or 24).

[0123] The station (20) may include a first pipe (201). The first pipe (201) may be arranged to connect a water tank (221) and a first pump (21). One end of the first pipe (201) may be in communication with the water tank (221). The other end of the first pipe (201) may be in communication with the first pump (21). The first pipe (201) may be arranged to guide water flowing out from the water tank (221) or water flowing out from the first pump (21). Water may flow along a first flow path formed inside the first pipe (201).

[0124] The station (20) may include a second pipe (202). The second pipe (202) may be arranged to connect the first pump (21) and the first valve (23). One end of the second pipe (202) may be in communication with the first pump (21). The other end of the second pipe (202) may be in communication with the first valve (23). The second pipe (202) may be arranged to allow water pumped by the first pump (21) to flow through it. The second pipe (202) may be arranged to guide water flowing out from the first pump (21) or water flowing out from the first valve (23). Water may flow along a second flow path formed inside the second pipe (202).

[0125] The station (20) may include a third pipe (203). The third pipe (203) may be arranged to connect the first valve (23) and the second valve (24). The third pipe (203) may be placed between the first pump (21) and the second valve (24). The third pipe (203) may be placed between the first valve (23) and the second valve (24). One end of the third pipe (203) may be in communication with the first valve (23). The other end of the third pipe (203) may be in communication with the second valve (24). The third pipe (203) may be arranged to allow water pumped by the first pump (21) to flow through it. The third pipe (203) may be arranged to guide water flowing out from the first valve (23) or water flowing out from the second valve (24). Water can flow along the third flow path formed inside the third pipe (203).

[0126] The station (20) may include a fourth pipe (204). The fourth pipe (204) may be arranged to connect the second valve (24) and the base (220). The fourth pipe (204) may be arranged to connect the second valve (24) and the second water supply unit (241). One end of the fourth pipe (204) may be in communication with the second valve (24). The other end of the fourth pipe (204) may be in communication with the second water supply unit (231). The other end of the fourth pipe (204) may be in communication with the washing chamber (230). The fourth pipe (204) may be arranged to guide water flowing out from the second valve (24). The fourth pipe (204) may be arranged to guide water pumped by the first pump (21) to the washing chamber (230). Thus, the water stored in the water tank (301) can be guided by the fourth pipe (205) and flow into the washing chamber (230). Water can flow along the fourth flow path formed inside the fourth pipe (204).

[0127] The station (20) may include a fifth pipe (205). The fifth pipe (205) may be arranged to connect the second valve (24) and the heating device (250). One end of the fifth pipe (205) may be in communication with the second valve (24). The other end of the fifth pipe (205) may be in communication with the heating device (250). The fifth pipe (205) may be arranged to guide water flowing out from the second valve (24) or water flowing out from the heating device (250). The fifth pipe (205) may be arranged to guide water pumped by the first pump (21) to the heating device (250). Thus, water stored in the water tank (301) may be guided by the fifth pipe (205) and flow to the heating device (250). Alternatively, the fifth pipe (205) may be provided to guide water pumped by the first pump (21) from the heating device (250) to the second valve (24). Thus, water from the heating device (250) can be guided by the fifth pipe (205) and flow to the second valve (24). Water can flow along the fifth flow path formed inside the fifth pipe (205).

[0128] The station (20) may include a seventh pipe (207). The seventh pipe (207) may be provided to connect the first valve (23) and the base (220). The seventh pipe (207) may be provided to connect the first valve (23) and the first water supply unit (217). One end of the seventh pipe (207) may be in communication with the first valve (23). The other end of the seventh pipe (207) may be in communication with the first water supply unit (217). The seventh pipe (207) may be provided to guide water flowing out from the first valve (23). The seventh pipe (207) may be provided to guide water flowing from the second pipe (202) to the robot vacuum cleaner (10) mounted on the station (20). Water may flow along a seventh flow path formed inside the seventh pipe (207).

[0129] The station (20) may include an eighth pipe (208). The eighth pipe (208) may be provided to connect the sewage tank (302) and the second pump (22). One end of the eighth pipe (208) may be in communication with the sewage tank (302). The other end of the eighth pipe (208) may be in communication with the second pump (22). The eighth pipe (208) may be provided to guide air flowing out of the sewage tank (302). Air may flow along an eighth flow path formed inside the eighth pipe (208).

[0130] The station (20) may include a ninth pipe (209). The ninth pipe (209) may be provided to connect the second pump (22) and the base (220). The ninth pipe (209) may be provided to connect the second pump (22) and an air discharge hole (not shown). One end of the ninth pipe (209) may be in communication with the second pump (22). The other end of the ninth pipe (209) may be in communication with the outside through the air discharge hole. The ninth pipe (209) may be provided to guide air pumped by the second pump (22). Air may flow along a ninth flow path formed inside the ninth pipe (209).

[0131] The station (20) may include a tenth pipe (2010). The tenth pipe (2010) may be provided to connect the wastewater tank (302) and the base (220). The other end of the tenth pipe (2010) may be in communication with the washing chamber (230). The tenth pipe (2010) may be provided to guide wastewater within the washing chamber (230). Wastewater may flow along a tenth flow path formed inside the tenth pipe (2010).

[0132] The station (20) may include a waste collection duct (225a). The waste collection duct (225a) may be provided to connect the waste collection container (303) and the base (220). The waste collection duct (225a) may be provided to connect the waste collection container (303) and the waste suction port (224). One end of the waste collection duct (225a) may be in communication with the waste collection container (303). The other end of the waste collection duct (225a) may be in communication with the waste suction port (224). The waste collection duct (225a) may be provided to guide waste and / or air. The waste collection duct (225a) may be referred to as the first pipe (225a). Dirt and / or air may flow along the 11th flow path formed inside the 11th pipe (225a).

[0133] The station (20) may include a drying duct (271). The drying duct (271) may be provided to guide drying air. The drying duct (271) may be provided to guide air blown by a fan (272) and heated by a heater (273) to a base (220). The drying duct (271) may be in communication with the base (220). The drying duct (271) may be in communication with a drying air supply unit (242, see FIG. 5). The drying duct (271) may be in communication with a washing chamber (230) through the drying air supply unit (242). The drying duct (271) may be referred to as a 12th pipe (271). Drying air may flow along a 12th flow path formed inside the 12th pipe (271).

[0134] Meanwhile, the first pipe (201), second pipe (202), third pipe (203), fourth pipe (204), fifth pipe (205), sixth pipe (206), seventh pipe (207), eighth pipe (208), ninth pipe (209), tenth pipe (2010), eleventh pipe (2011) and twelveth pipe (2012) are not limited by the ordinal numbers "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "fifth," "sixth," "seventh," "eighth," "ninth," "tenth," "eleventh," and "twelfth." For example, the fourth pipe (204) may be referred to as the first pipe (204), and the fifth pipe (205) may be referred to as the second pipe (205).

[0135] The station (20) may include a first pump (21). The first pump (21) may be connected to a water tank (301). The first pump (21) may be connected to the water tank (301) through a first pipe (201). The first pump (21) may be connected to a first valve (23). The first pump (21) may be connected to the first valve (23) through a second pipe (202). The first pump (21) may be placed between the water tank (301) and the first valve (23).

[0136] The first pump (21) may be configured to pump water stored in the water tank (301). The first pump (21) may be configured to pump water from the heating device (250). For example, power to flow water may be generated as the internal components (e.g., piston, rotor, or impeller) of the first pump (21) rotate. For example, when the internal components of the first pump (21) rotate in a first direction, water stored in the water tank (301) may be pumped, and when the internal components of the first pump (21) rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, water from the heating device (250) may be pumped.

[0137] The station (20) may include a second pump (22). The second pump (22) may be connected to a wastewater tank (302). The second pump (22) may be connected to the wastewater tank (302) through an eighth pipe (208). The second pump (22) may be connected to an air discharge hole (not shown). The second pump (22) may be connected to the air discharge hole through a ninth pipe (209). The second pump (22) may be placed between the wastewater tank (302) and the base (220).

[0138] The second pump (22) may be provided to pump air from the wastewater tank (302). The air inside the wastewater tank (302) may be discharged from the wastewater tank (302) by the second pump (22).

[0139] Meanwhile, the first pump (21) and the second pump (22) are not configured by the ordinal numbers "first" and "second". For example, the first pump (21) may be referred to as the second pump (21), and the second pump (22) may be referred to as the first pump (22).

[0140] The station (20) may include a first valve (23). The first valve (23) may be connected to a second pipe (202). The first valve (23) may be connected to a seventh pipe (207). The first valve (23) may be connected to a third pipe (203).

[0141] The first valve (23) may be configured to connect the second pipe (202) and the seventh pipe (207) or to connect the second pipe (202) and the third pipe (203). The first valve (23) may be configured to regulate the flow of water pumped by the first pump (21). The first valve (23) may selectively open the seventh pipe (207) and the third pipe (203) by the first pump (21).

[0142] The station (20) may include a second valve (24). The second valve (24) may be connected to a third pipe (203). The second valve (24) may be connected to a fourth pipe (204). The second valve (24) may be connected to a fifth pipe (205).

[0143] The second valve (24) may be configured to connect the third pipe (203) and the fourth pipe (204) or to connect the third pipe (203) and the fifth pipe (205). The second valve (24) may be configured to regulate the flow of water guided by the third pipe (203). The second valve (24) may allow the water guided by the third pipe (203) to flow to the second water supply unit (241) or the heating device (250). For example, the second valve (24) may selectively open the fourth pipe (204) and the fifth pipe (205).

[0144] Meanwhile, the first valve (23) and the second valve (24) are not configured by the ordinal numbers "first" and "second". For example, the first valve (23) may be referred to as the second valve (23), and the second valve (24) may be referred to as the first valve (24).

[0145] FIG. 14 is a control block diagram of a station within a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 14, a station (20) of a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment may include a user interface (500), a cleaning solution detection sensor (301b), a wastewater filter detection sensor (302b), a communication unit (282), a charging terminal (218), a drying device (170), a control unit (400), a water supply valve (343), a first pump (21), a first valve (23), a second valve (24), a second pump (22), and a drainage pump (253).

[0147] The user interface (500) may exist in the station (20). The user interface (500) may exist in an application within an external digital device connected to the robot vacuum cleaner (10) and the cleaning device (1).

[0148] The user interface (500) may include an output interface and an input interface.

[0149] At least one output interface can transmit various information related to the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) to the user by generating sensory information.

[0150] For example, at least one output interface can transmit information related to the settings of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) and the operating time of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) to the user. Information regarding the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be output via a display, an indicator, and / or voice. At least one output interface may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, an indicator, a light-emitting diode (LED) panel, a speaker, etc.

[0151] If the display includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may correspond to an example of an output interface and an input interface.

[0152] In one embodiment, at least one output interface can output sensory information (e.g., visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to the control of the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0153] At least one input interface can convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal.

[0154] At least one input interface may include a power button for turning on the power of the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0155] Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g., text, icon, etc.) that can represent its function.

[0156] At least one input interface may include, for example, a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a jog dial, and / or a microphone.

[0157] In the present disclosure, 'button' may be replaced with a UI element (User Interface Element), tact switch, push switch, slide switch, toggle switch, micro switch, touch switch, touch pad, touch screen, jog dial, and / or microphone, etc.

[0158] The robot vacuum cleaner (10) processes user input received through the user interface (500) and can output information related to the robot vacuum cleaner (10) through the user interface (500).

[0159] In one embodiment, the user interface (500) may include an input interface for receiving a residual water discharge mode in the water tank (first execution command), a water tank and wastewater tank cleaning mode (second execution command), a mop cleaning command and / or a mop steam command.

[0160] If the user determines that it is necessary to discharge residual water present in the water tank (301) within the robot vacuum cleaner station (20) to the outside, the user can input a residual water discharge mode (first execution command) through the input interface.

[0161] If the user determines that it is necessary to remove foreign substances, such as limescale, present in the internal piping, water tank (301), wastewater tank (302) and cleaning chamber (230) of the robot vacuum cleaner station (20), the user can input a cleaning mode (second execution command) through the input interface.

[0162] If the user determines that cleaning or sterilization of the mop (160) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is necessary, the user may input a mop cleaning command and / or a mop steam command through the input interface. When the mop cleaning command and / or a mop steam command are input through the input interface, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may return to the station (20). When the mop cleaning command and / or a mop steam command are input through the input interface, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may transmit a mop cleaning request signal and / or a mop steam request signal to the station (20). Accordingly, when the robot vacuum cleaner (10) subsequently returns to the station (20) and docks at the station (20), the station (20) may perform a cleaning operation and / or a steam operation.

[0163] The control unit (400) may include at least one processor (410) for controlling the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) and at least one memory (420) for storing a program and data for controlling the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0164] At least one processor (410) controls the overall operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). Specifically, at least one processor (410) is connected to each component of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) to control the overall operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). For example, at least one processor (410) is electrically connected to a memory (420) to control the overall operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (10). The processor (410) may be composed of one or more processors.

[0165] At least one processor (410) can perform the operation of a robot vacuum cleaner (10) according to various embodiments by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (420).

[0166] At least one memory (420) can store data necessary for various embodiments. Depending on the purpose of data storage, the memory (420) may be implemented in the form of a memory embedded in the robot vacuum cleaner (10) or in the form of a memory that can be attached to and detached from the robot vacuum cleaner (10). For example, data for driving the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be stored in a memory embedded in the robot vacuum cleaner (10), and data for the expansion function of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be stored in a memory that can be attached to and detached from the robot vacuum cleaner (10). Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be implemented as at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (dynamic RAM), SRAM (static RAM), or SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., OTPROM (one time programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), EPROM (erasable and programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or NOR flash, etc.), hard drive, or solid state drive (SSD). Additionally, the memory that can be attached to and detached from the robot vacuum cleaner (10) may be implemented in the form of a memory card (e.g., CF (compact flash), SD (secure digital), Micro-SD (micro secure digital), Mini-SD (mini secure digital), xD (extreme digital), MMC (multi-media card), etc.), external memory connectable to a USB port (e.g., USB memory). there is.

[0167] At least one processor (410) may include one or more of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), MIC (Many Integrated Core), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), NPU (Neural Processing Unit), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. At least one processor (410) may control one or any combination of other components of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) and may perform operations or data processing related to communication. At least one processor (410) may execute at least one program or instruction stored in memory (420). For example, at least one processor (410) may perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (420).

[0168] The communication unit (282) can communicate with an external device (e.g., server, user device, robot vacuum cleaner (10)) via wired and / or wireless communication.

[0169] The communication unit (282) can transmit data to an external device (e.g., server, user device, robot vacuum cleaner (10)) or receive data from an external device. To this end, the communication unit (282) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication unit (282) may include a wireless communication module (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a long-range communication network such as a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0170] A short-range wireless communication module may include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth communication modules, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) communication modules, Near Field Communication modules, WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication modules, Zigbee communication modules, infrared (IrDA, infrared Data Association) communication modules, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication modules, UWB (ultrawideband) communication modules, Ant+ communication modules, microwave (uWave) communication modules, etc.

[0171] The remote communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of remote communication and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives wireless signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network.

[0172] In one embodiment, the communication unit (282) can communicate with an external device through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect the local network (LAN) to which the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The station (20) can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0173] In one embodiment, the communication unit (282) can communicate wirelessly with the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0174] Various examples of how the robot vacuum cleaner (10) and the station (20) communicate can be adopted.

[0175] In one embodiment, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) and the station (20) can communicate directly through a short-range communication module.

[0176] In one embodiment, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) and the station (20) can communicate directly via wired communication while the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at the station (20).

[0177] In one embodiment, the robot vacuum cleaner (10) and the station (20) can communicate indirectly through an external server via a remote communication module.

[0178] Indirect communication via an external server may include the external server transmitting a predetermined signal to the external server when the robot vacuum cleaner (10) transmits the predetermined signal received from the robot vacuum cleaner (10) to the station (20) and / or the external server transmitting a predetermined signal received from the station (20) to the robot vacuum cleaner (10) when the station (20) transmits the predetermined signal to the external server.

[0179] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can control a plurality of valves and a plurality of pumps present in the station (20) to discharge residual water, water, or liquid present in the water tank (301), washing chamber (230), and wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20) based on input from the user interface (500).

[0180] In one embodiment, when the control unit (400) obtains a residual water discharge mode, i.e., a first execution command, for removing residual water present inside the water tank (301) from the user interface (500), it can control the first pump (21), the first valve (23), the second valve (24), the second pump (22), and the drainage pump (353) to perform a residual water discharge operation for discharging residual water present inside the water tank (301) to the outside of the station (20).

[0181] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) can introduce residual water present in the water supply tank (301) into the washing chamber (230). By the control unit (400), the first pump (21) can pump water stored in the water supply tank (301). When the internal configuration of the first pump (21) rotates in the first direction, it can pump water stored in the water supply tank (301). The pumped water can flow along the second pipe (202) and be guided to the third pipe (203) by the first valve (23), and then guided to the fourth pipe (204) by the second valve (24) and then to the other end of the washing chamber (230). At this time, the other end of the washing chamber (230) may be the second water supply unit (241). The control unit (400) can detect a certain low water level by the water tank low water level detection sensor (346) present in the water tank (301) or allow residual water inside the water tank (301) to flow into the washing chamber (230) until a certain amount of time has passed after detection.

[0182] The control unit (400) can draw residual water present in the water supply tank (301) into the washing chamber (230), and then draw the residual water that has flowed into the washing chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). By the control unit (400), the second pump (22) can pump air from the wastewater tank (302) and discharge it from the wastewater tank (302) through the ninth pipe (209). At this time, pressure is created inside the wastewater tank (302) due to the air discharge by the second pump (22), and accordingly, residual water that has flowed into the washing chamber (230) through the tenth pipe (2010) can be drawn into the wastewater tank (302).

[0183] The control unit (400) can discharge residual water that has flowed into the wastewater tank (302) from the water supply tank (301) through the washing chamber (230) to the outside of the station (20). By the control unit (400), the drainage pump (353) can pump the residual water inside the wastewater tank (302) and discharge it to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350). The control unit (400) can pump the drainage pump (353) whenever a certain high level is detected by the wastewater tank high level detection sensor (354) present inside the wastewater tank (302) to discharge the residual water to the outside, or discharge the residual water to the outside until the residual water discharge process is completed.

[0184] In one embodiment, when the control unit (400) obtains a second execution command, i.e., a cleaning mode for removing limescale or foreign substances present in the internal piping of the station (20), water tank (301), cleaning chamber (230), wastewater tank (302), etc. from the user interface (500), it can control the water supply valve (343), the first pump (21), the first valve (23), the second valve (24), the second pump (22), and the drainage pump (353) to perform the cleaning mode.

[0185] In one embodiment, the control unit (400) may first execute a residual water discharge operation to remove residual water present inside the water tank (301) in accordance with the second execution command.

[0186] The control unit (400) can introduce residual water present in the water supply tank (301) into the washing chamber (230). By the control unit (400), the first pump (21) can pump water stored in the water supply tank (301). When the internal configuration of the first pump (21) rotates in the first direction, it can pump water stored in the water supply tank (301). The pumped water can flow along the second pipe (202) and be guided to the third pipe (203) by the first valve (23), and then guided to the fourth pipe (204) by the second valve (24) and then to the other end of the washing chamber (230). At this time, the other end of the washing chamber (230) may be the second water supply unit (241). The control unit (400) can detect a certain low water level by the water tank low water level detection sensor (346) present in the water tank (301) or allow residual water inside the water tank (301) to flow into the washing chamber (230) until a certain amount of time has passed after detection.

[0187] The control unit (400) can draw residual water present in the water supply tank (301) into the washing chamber (230), and then draw the residual water that has flowed into the washing chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). By the control unit (400), the second pump (22) can pump air from the wastewater tank (302) and discharge it from the wastewater tank (302) through the ninth pipe (209). At this time, pressure is created inside the wastewater tank (302) due to the air discharge by the second pump (22), and accordingly, the residual water that has flowed into the washing chamber (230) through the tenth pipe (2010) can be drawn into the wastewater tank (302).

[0188] The control unit (400) can discharge residual water that has flowed into the wastewater tank (302) from the water supply tank (301) through the washing chamber (230) to the outside of the station (20). By the control unit (400), the drainage pump (353) can pump the residual water inside the wastewater tank (302) and discharge it to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350). The control unit (400) can discharge the residual water inside the wastewater tank (302) to the outside whenever a certain high level is detected by the wastewater tank high level detection sensor (354) present inside the wastewater tank (302) or until the residual water discharge process is completed.

[0189] The control unit (400) can perform a cleaning process in accordance with the second execution command, by discharging residual water inside the water tank (301) to the outside of the station (20) and cleaning the inside of the station (20) with a cleaning solution.

[0190] The cleaning solution detection sensor (301b) is located inside the water supply tank (301) of the station (20) and can detect whether a cleaning solution has been introduced into the water supply tank (301) and / or whether it is present. The cleaning solution detection sensor (301b) may include at least one sensor that detects physical changes and / or electrical changes regarding the presence of the cleaning solution.

[0191] The control unit (400) can determine whether the cleaning solution has been supplied to the water supply tank (301) based on the output value signal of the cleaning solution detection sensor (301b).

[0192] The control unit (400) can perform a cleaning operation when it detects a cleaning solution detection signal from a cleaning solution detection sensor (301b) present inside a water supply tank (301) and obtains a cleaning operation mode input from a user interface (500).

[0193] The cleaning solution can be introduced into the water tank (301) through a water tank cover (301a) provided to cover the opening of the water tank by the user. The cleaning solution may include, but is not limited to, surfactants, citric acid, alkaline substances, acidic substances, alcohol, etc.

[0194] The control unit (400) can introduce the cleaning solution supplied by the user into the water supply tank (301) into the cleaning chamber (230). The first pump (21) can pump the cleaning solution stored in the water supply tank (301) by the control unit (400). The cleaning solution stored in the water supply tank (301) can be pumped when the internal configuration of the first pump (21) rotates in the first direction. The pumped water can flow along the second pipe (202) and be guided to the third pipe (203) by the first valve (23), and then guided to the fourth pipe (204) by the second valve (24) and then to the other end of the cleaning chamber (230). At this time, the other end of the cleaning chamber (230) may be the second water supply unit (241).

[0195] The control unit (400) can draw the cleaning solution present in the water supply tank (301) into the cleaning chamber (230), and then draw the cleaning solution that has flowed into the cleaning chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). By the control unit (400), the second pump (22) can pump air from the wastewater tank (302) and discharge it from the wastewater tank (302) through the ninth pipe (209). At this time, pressure is created inside the wastewater tank (302) due to the air discharge by the second pump (22), and accordingly, the cleaning solution can be drawn from the cleaning chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302) through the tenth pipe (2010).

[0196] The control unit (400) can discharge the cleaning solution that flows from the water supply tank (301) through the cleaning chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20). By the control unit (400), the drainage pump (353) can pump the cleaning solution inside the wastewater tank (302) and discharge it to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350). The control unit (400) can discharge the cleaning solution inside the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20) whenever a certain high level is detected by the wastewater tank high level detection sensor (354) present inside the wastewater tank (302) or at regular time intervals.

[0197] That is, as the cleaning solution moves along the water supply tank (301), cleaning chamber (230), and wastewater tank (302) by the control unit (400), foreign substances such as limescale present inside the pipes, water supply tank (301), cleaning chamber (230), and wastewater tank (302) can be removed.

[0198] The control unit (400) can perform a rinsing operation in accordance with the second execution command, by discharging residual water inside the water tank (301) to the outside of the station (20), washing the inside of the station (20) with a washing solution, and then circulating purified water inside the station (20).

[0199] When the washing process is finished, the control unit (400) controls the water supply valve (343) to open so that water can be supplied from outside the station (20) to the water supply tank (301). The user can open the water supply tank cover (301a) and supply water directly to the water supply tank (301).

[0200] The control unit (400) can introduce water supplied to the water supply tank (301) into the washing chamber (230). By the control unit (400), the first pump (21) can pump water stored in the water supply tank (301). When the internal configuration of the first pump (21) rotates in the first direction, it can pump water stored in the water supply tank (301). The pumped water can flow along the second pipe (202) and be guided to the third pipe (203) by the first valve (23), and then be guided to the fourth pipe (204) by the second valve (24) and guided to the other end of the washing chamber (230). At this time, the other end of the washing chamber (230) may be the second water supply unit (241).

[0201] The control unit (400) can draw water present in the water supply tank (301) into the washing chamber (230), and then draw the water that has flowed into the washing chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). By the control unit (400), the second pump (22) can pump air from the wastewater tank (302) and discharge it from the wastewater tank (302) through the ninth pipe (209). At this time, pressure is created inside the wastewater tank (302) due to the air discharge by the second pump (22), and accordingly, water can be drawn from the washing chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302) through the tenth pipe (2010).

[0202] The control unit (400) can discharge water flowing from the water supply tank (301) through the washing chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20). By the control unit (400), the drainage pump (353) can pump the water inside the wastewater tank (302) and discharge it to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350).

[0203] That is, as water moves along the water supply tank (301), washing chamber (230), and wastewater tank (302) by the control unit (400), the washing solution present inside the pipes, water supply tank (301), washing chamber (230), and wastewater tank (302) can be removed.

[0204] The user can input the number of repetitions of the rinsing process through the user interface (500). The rinsing process may be repeated multiple times to more completely remove the cleaning solution remaining inside the station (20).

[0205] The control unit (400) can perform a rinsing operation as many times as the number of rinsing operation repetitions obtained from the user interface (500).

[0206] According to one embodiment, the control unit (400) can determine that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked by detecting that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is electrically connected to the station charging terminal (218). When the control unit (400) detects that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked from the charging terminal (218) during the execution of a first execution command or a second execution command obtained from the user interface (500), the drying device (270) can be controlled so that drying air is introduced into the mop (160) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0207] When the first execution command or the second execution command is executed, a cleaning solution, etc. flows into the second water supply unit (241, see FIG. 5) inside the cleaning chamber (230), and if the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked at this time, the mop (160) gets wet. Accordingly, the control unit (400) can control the drying device (270) to supply drying air from the drying air supply unit (242, see FIG. 5) to the mop (160) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) to dry it.

[0208] According to one embodiment, when the control unit (400) executes a first execution command or a second execution command obtained from the user interface (500), if it detects that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is docked from the charging terminal (218), the robot vacuum cleaner (10) can be controlled so that the robot vacuum cleaner (10) is separated from the station (20) to prevent the mop (160) of the robot vacuum cleaner (10) from getting wet.

[0209] The wastewater filter is located at the opening of the wastewater tank (302) of the station (20) and can filter out foreign substances larger than a certain size present in the water (liquid) flowing into the wastewater tank (302). The wastewater filter can be detached from or replaced by the user from the wastewater tank (302).

[0210] The sewage filter detection sensor (302b) is located at the opening of the sewage tank (302) of the station (20) and can detect whether the sewage filter is separated and / or reattached. The sewage filter detection sensor (302b) may include at least one sensor that detects mechanical changes and / or electrical changes when the sewage filter is separated and / or reattached.

[0211] For example, the wastewater filter detection sensor (302b) may include a sensor that detects whether the wastewater filter is electrically connected to a wastewater tank cover (302a) that is provided to cover the opening of the wastewater tank. As another example, the wastewater filter detection sensor (302b) may include a sensor (e.g., an elastic sensor) that detects mechanical deformation when the wastewater filter is detached and / or reattached.

[0212] The control unit (400) can determine whether the sewage filter has been separated from and / or reattached to the sewage tank (302) based on the output value signal of the sewage filter detection sensor (302b).

[0213] A control unit (400) according to one embodiment can control a drainage pump (353) so that water (liquid) present inside the wastewater tank (302) is discharged outside the station (20) when a signal for the separation and reinstallation of the wastewater filter is detected from the wastewater filter detection sensor (302b). By the control unit (400), the drainage pump (353) can pump the water (liquid) inside the wastewater tank (302) and discharge it outside the station (20) through the drain pipe (350). The control unit (400) can operate the drainage pump (353) at regular intervals or until the current value required to operate the drainage pump (353) becomes less than a certain value, thereby discharging the water inside the wastewater tank (302) outside the station (20).

[0214] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the flowchart of a residual water discharge process according to the residual water discharge mode of a station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 15, a residual water discharge operation (1000-1003) can be performed according to the input of a user's residual water discharge mode (first execution command) through the user interface (500).

[0216] The control unit (400) can determine whether a residual water discharge mode (first execution command) has been entered from the user interface (500) (1000).

[0217] The control unit (400) can perform a residual water discharge operation in response to the input of a first execution command through the user interface (500). That is, it can discharge the residual water stored in the water tank (301) to the outside of the station (20).

[0218] When a first execution command is input through the user interface (500) (e.g., 1000), the control unit (400) can control the first pump (21), the first valve (23), and the second valve (24). Accordingly, the residual water stored in the water tank (301) can pass through the first pump (21), the second pipe (202), the first valve (23), the second valve (24), and the fourth pipe (204) to flow into the washing chamber (230) (1001). Discharging the residual water from the water tank (301) to the washing chamber (230) can continue until a certain low water level is detected by the water tank low water level detection sensor (346) located inside the water tank (301) or until a certain amount of time has passed after detection.

[0219] The control unit (400) can control the second pump (22) to suck the residual water flowing into the washing chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). Accordingly, the residual water present in the washing chamber (230) can pass through the 10th pipe (2010) and be sucked into the wastewater tank (302) by the pressure inside the wastewater tank (302) generated by the second pump (22) (1002).

[0220] The control unit (400) can control the drainage pump (353) to discharge residual water sucked into the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20). That is, the residual water inside the wastewater tank (302) is pumped by the drainage pump (353) and discharged to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350) (1003). Discharging residual water inside the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20) may proceed whenever a certain high level is detected by the wastewater tank high level detection sensor (354) present inside the wastewater tank (302), or may proceed until the residual water discharge process is completed.

[0221] Since the residual water discharge mode (first execution command) is a function required when the user does not use the robot vacuum cleaner for a long time or moves the product, the mode may continue until the user disables the residual water discharge mode through the user interface (500) or inputs a cleaning command to the robot vacuum cleaner (10).

[0222] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the flowchart of the residual water discharge and cleaning administration according to the cleaning mode of a station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0223] Referring to FIG. 16, a residual water discharge process (2000-2003) and a washing process (2004-2007) can be performed according to the user's input of a washing mode (second execution command) through the user interface (500).

[0224] The control unit (400) can determine whether a cleaning mode (second execution command) has been entered from the user interface (500) (2000).

[0225] The control unit (400) can perform a residual water discharge operation in response to a second execution command being entered through the user interface (500). That is, it can discharge the residual water stored in the water tank (301) to the outside of the station (20).

[0226] When a second execution command is input through the user interface (500) (e.g., 2000), the control unit (400) can control the first pump (21), the first valve (23), and the second valve (24). Accordingly, the residual water stored in the water tank (301) can pass through the first pump (21), the second pipe (202), the first valve (23), the second valve (24), and the fourth pipe (204) to flow into the washing chamber (230) (2001). Discharging the residual water from the water tank (301) to the washing chamber (230) can continue until a certain low water level is detected by the water tank low water level detection sensor (346) located inside the water tank (301) or until a certain amount of time has passed after detection.

[0227] The control unit (400) can control the second pump (22) to suck the residual water flowing into the washing chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). Accordingly, the residual water present in the washing chamber (230) can pass through the 10th pipe (2010) by the pressure inside the wastewater tank (302) generated by the second pump (22) and be sucked into the wastewater tank (302) (2002).

[0228] The control unit (400) can control the drainage pump (353) to discharge the residual water sucked into the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20). That is, the residual water inside the wastewater tank (302) is pumped by the drainage pump (353) and discharged to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350) (2003). Discharging the residual water inside the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20) may be carried out whenever a certain high level is detected by the wastewater tank high level detection sensor (354) present inside the wastewater tank (302), or until the residual water process is completed.

[0229] The control unit (400) can determine whether a cleaning solution is detected from a cleaning solution detection sensor (301b) present inside a water supply tank (301) and whether a cleaning operation mode is entered from a user interface (500) after performing a residual water discharge operation according to a second execution command (2004).

[0230] The control unit (400) obtains a cleaning solution detection signal from the cleaning solution detection sensor (301b), and when a cleaning stroke mode is input through the user interface (500) (e.g., 2004), it can control the first pump (21), the first valve (23), and the second valve (24). Accordingly, the cleaning solution introduced into the water supply tank (301) can pass through the first pump (21), the second pipe (202), the first valve (23), the second valve (24), and the fourth pipe (204) and flow into the cleaning chamber (230) (2005).

[0231] The control unit (400) can control the second pump (22) to suck the cleaning solution flowing into the cleaning chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). Accordingly, the cleaning solution present in the cleaning chamber (230) can pass through the 10th pipe (2010) by the pressure inside the wastewater tank (302) generated by the second pump (22) and be sucked into the wastewater tank (302) (2006).

[0232] The control unit (400) can control the drainage pump (353) to discharge the cleaning solution sucked into the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20). That is, the cleaning solution inside the wastewater tank (302) is pumped by the drainage pump (353) and discharged to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350) (2007). Discharging the cleaning solution inside the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20) may be performed whenever a high level is detected by the wastewater tank high level detection sensor (354) present inside the wastewater tank (302), or at regular intervals.

[0233] That is, as the cleaning process is performed by the control unit (400) in which the cleaning solution moves along the water supply tank (301), cleaning chamber (230), and wastewater tank (302), foreign substances such as limescale present in the piping within the station (20), the water supply tank (301), the cleaning chamber (230), and the wastewater tank (302) can be removed.

[0234] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the residual water discharge, washing, and rinsing actions according to the washing mode of a robot vacuum cleaner station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the washing and rinsing actions according to the washing mode of a robot vacuum cleaner station in a cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0235] Referring to FIG. 17, a residual water discharge process (3000-3003) can be performed according to the user's input of a washing mode (second execution command) through the user interface (500).

[0236] The control unit (400) can determine whether a cleaning mode (second execution command) has been entered from the user interface (500) (3000).

[0237] The control unit (400) can perform a residual water discharge operation in response to a second execution command being entered through the user interface (500). That is, it can discharge the residual water stored in the water tank (301) to the outside of the station (20).

[0238] When a second execution command is input through the user interface (500) (e.g., 3000), the control unit (400) can control the first pump (21), the first valve (23), and the second valve (24). Accordingly, the residual water stored in the water tank (301) can pass through the first pump (21), the second pipe (202), the first valve (23), the second valve (24), and the fourth pipe (204) to flow into the washing chamber (230) (3001). Discharging the residual water from the water tank (301) to the washing chamber (230) can continue until a certain low water level is detected by the water tank low water level detection sensor (346) located inside the water tank (301), or until a certain amount of time has passed after detection.

[0239] The control unit (400) can control the second pump (22) to suck the residual water flowing into the washing chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). Accordingly, the residual water present in the washing chamber (230) can pass through the 10th pipe (2010) by the pressure inside the wastewater tank (302) generated by the second pump (22) and be sucked into the wastewater tank (302) (3002).

[0240] The control unit (400) can control the drainage pump (353) to discharge residual water sucked into the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20). That is, the residual water inside the wastewater tank (302) is pumped by the drainage pump (353) and discharged to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350) (3003). Discharging residual water inside the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20) may proceed whenever a certain high level is detected by the wastewater tank high level detection sensor (354) present inside the wastewater tank (302), or may proceed until the residual water discharge process is completed.

[0241] Referring to FIG. 18, when the residual water discharge process (3000-3003) is completed according to the user's input of a washing mode (second execution command) through the user interface (500), the washing process (3004-3007) and the rinsing process (3008-3011) can be performed.

[0242] The control unit (400) can determine whether a cleaning solution is detected from a cleaning solution detection sensor (301b) present inside a water supply tank (301) and whether a cleaning operation mode is entered from a user interface (500) after performing a residual water discharge operation according to a second execution command (3004).

[0243] The control unit (400) obtains a cleaning solution detection signal from the cleaning solution detection sensor (301b), and when a cleaning stroke mode is input through the user interface (500) (e.g., 3004), it can control the first pump (21), the first valve (23), and the second valve (24). Accordingly, the cleaning solution supplied to the water tank (301) can pass through the first pump (21), the second pipe (202), the first valve (23), the second valve (24), and the fourth pipe (204) and flow into the cleaning chamber (230) (3005).

[0244] The control unit (400) can control the second pump (22) to suck the cleaning solution flowing into the cleaning chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). Accordingly, the cleaning solution present in the cleaning chamber (230) can pass through the 10th pipe (2010) by the pressure inside the wastewater tank (302) generated by the second pump (22) and be sucked into the wastewater tank (302) (3006).

[0245] The control unit (400) can control the drainage pump (353) to discharge the cleaning solution sucked into the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20). That is, the cleaning solution inside the wastewater tank (302) is pumped by the drainage pump (353) and discharged to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350) (3007). Discharging the cleaning solution inside the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20) may be performed whenever a high level is detected by the wastewater tank high level detection sensor (354) present inside the wastewater tank (302), or at regular intervals.

[0246] That is, as a cleaning mode is performed by the control unit (400) in which the cleaning solution moves along the water supply tank (301), cleaning chamber (230), and wastewater tank (302), foreign substances such as limescale present in the piping within the station (20), the water supply tank (301), the cleaning chamber (230), and the wastewater tank (302) can be removed.

[0247] The control unit (400) can perform residual water discharge and washing operations, and control the water supply valve (343) to open for rinsing operations so that water can be supplied from outside the station (20) to the water supply tank (301) (3008).

[0248] The control unit (400) can control the first pump (21), the first valve (23), and the second valve (24) to move the water supplied to the water tank (301) to the washing chamber (230). Accordingly, the water stored in the water tank (301) can flow into the washing chamber (230) by passing through the first pump (21), the second pipe (202), the first valve (23), the second valve (24), and the fourth pipe (204) (3009). Discharging residual water from the water tank (301) to the washing chamber (230) can continue until a certain low water level is detected by the water tank low water level detection sensor (346) located inside the water tank (301), or until a certain amount of time has passed after detection.

[0249] The control unit (400) can control the second pump (22) to suck water flowing into the washing chamber (230) into the wastewater tank (302). Accordingly, the water present in the washing chamber (230) can pass through the 10th pipe (2010) by the pressure inside the wastewater tank (302) generated by the second pump (22) and be sucked into the wastewater tank (302) (3010).

[0250] The control unit (400) can control the drainage pump (353) to discharge water sucked into the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20). That is, the water inside the wastewater tank (302) is pumped by the drainage pump (353) and discharged to the outside of the station (20) through the drain pipe (350) (3011). Discharging the water inside the wastewater tank (302) to the outside of the station (20) may be performed whenever a high level is detected by the wastewater tank high level detection sensor (354) present inside the wastewater tank (302), or at regular intervals.

[0251] As water moves along the water supply tank (301), washing chamber (230), and wastewater tank (302) by the control unit (400), the washing solution present inside the pipes, water supply tank (301), washing chamber (230), and wastewater tank (302) can be removed.

[0252] The user can input the number of rinsing cycle repetitions through the user interface (500). The control unit (400) can perform the rinsing cycle as many times as the number of rinsing cycle repetitions obtained from the user interface (500) to more completely remove the cleaning solution remaining inside the station (20).

[0253] The washing mode (second execution command) entered from the user interface (500) can be automatically deactivated when the residual water discharge, washing, and rinsing operations are completed.

[0254] A robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure may include a user interface, a water tank for storing water supplied from the outside, a washing chamber connected to the water tank for storing water for washing a robot vacuum cleaner mop, a wastewater tank connected to the water tank for storing wastewater during washing of the mop, a plurality of valves provided in piping connected to the water tank, the washing chamber, and the wastewater tank, a plurality of pumps for moving water stored in each of the water tank, the washing chamber, and the wastewater tank, and a control unit for controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water tank passes through the washing chamber and the wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside based on obtaining a first execution command for a residual water discharge mode or a second execution command for a washing mode through the user interface.

[0255] In a robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure, the plurality of valves includes a first valve and a second valve provided in a pipe connecting the water supply tank and the washing chamber, and the plurality of pumps include a first pump for moving water from the water supply tank to the washing chamber, a second pump for moving water from the washing chamber to the wastewater tank, and a drainage pump for moving water from the wastewater tank to the outside, and may include a control unit that controls the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that residual water present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber based on obtaining the first execution command, controls the second pump so that residual water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controls the drainage pump so that residual water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside to perform a residual water discharge operation.

[0256] In a robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure, the plurality of valves includes a first valve and a second valve provided in a pipe connecting the water supply tank and the washing chamber, and the plurality of pumps include a first pump for moving water from the water supply tank to the washing chamber, a second pump for moving water from the washing chamber to the wastewater tank, and a drainage pump for moving water from the wastewater tank to the outside, and based on obtaining the second execution command, the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve are controlled so that residual water present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber, the second pump is controlled so that residual water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and the drainage pump is controlled so that residual water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside to perform a residual water discharge operation, and based on a washing solution detection signal obtained from the washing solution detection sensor and a washing operation command obtained through the user interface, the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve are controlled so that a washing solution present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber, and the washing solution flowing into the washing chamber It may include a control unit that controls the second pump so that the solution is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controls the drainage pump so that the cleaning solution sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside to perform a cleaning process.

[0257] In a robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure, the plurality of valves includes a water supply valve provided in a pipe connecting the outside and the water supply tank, and may include a control unit that sequentially performs the residual water discharge operation and the washing operation based on obtaining the second execution command, controls the water supply valve so that water flows from the outside into the water supply tank, controls the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that water present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber, controls the second pump so that water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controls the drainage pump so that water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside to perform a rinsing operation.

[0258] A robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure may include a control unit that identifies the number of repetitions of the rinsing process based on user input obtained through the user interface and performs the rinsing process as many times as the number of repetitions.

[0259] A robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure further includes a charging terminal for charging the robot vacuum cleaner and a drying device for generating drying air, and may include a control unit that controls the drying device to allow drying air to flow into the mop based on a robot vacuum cleaner charging signal obtained from the charging terminal.

[0260] A robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure further includes a charging terminal for charging the robot vacuum cleaner, and may include a control unit that controls the robot vacuum cleaner to be separated from the robot vacuum cleaner station based on a robot vacuum cleaner charging signal obtained from the charging terminal.

[0261] In a robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure, the plurality of pumps includes a drainage pump that moves water from the wastewater tank to the outside, the wastewater tank includes a wastewater filter and a wastewater filter detection sensor, and may include a control unit that controls the drainage pump to discharge water from the wastewater tank to the outside based on a signal for the separation and reinstallation of the wastewater filter obtained from the wastewater filter detection sensor.

[0262] A robot vacuum cleaner station control method according to the present disclosure, comprising a user interface, a water supply tank, a washing chamber, a wastewater tank, a plurality of valves, and a plurality of pumps, may include obtaining a first execution command for a residual water discharge mode or a second execution command for a washing mode through the user interface, and controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water supply tank passes through the washing chamber and the wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside.

[0263] In a method for controlling a robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure, the plurality of valves includes a first valve and a second valve provided in a pipe connecting the water supply tank and the washing chamber, and the plurality of pumps include a first pump for moving water from the water supply tank to the washing chamber, a second pump for moving water from the washing chamber to the wastewater tank, and a drainage pump for moving water from the wastewater tank to the outside. Controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water supply tank passes through the washing chamber and the wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside may include, upon obtaining the first execution command, controlling the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that residual water present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber, controlling the second pump so that residual water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controlling the drainage pump so that residual water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside, thereby performing a residual water discharge operation.

[0264] In a robot vacuum cleaner station control method according to the present disclosure, the plurality of valves includes a first valve and a second valve provided in a pipe connecting the water supply tank and the washing chamber, and the plurality of pumps include a first pump for moving water from the water supply tank to the washing chamber, a second pump for moving water from the washing chamber to the wastewater tank, and a drainage pump for moving water from the wastewater tank to the outside. Controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water supply tank passes through the washing chamber and the wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside involves controlling the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that residual water present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber based on obtaining the second execution command, controlling the second pump so that residual water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controlling the drainage pump so that residual water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside to perform a residual water discharge operation, and based on a washing solution detection signal obtained from a washing solution detection sensor and a washing operation command obtained through the user interface, to the water supply tank The method may include controlling the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that the existing cleaning solution flows into the cleaning chamber, controlling the second pump so that the cleaning solution flowing into the cleaning chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controlling the drainage pump so that the cleaning solution sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside to perform a cleaning process.

[0265] In a method for controlling a robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure, the plurality of valves includes a water supply valve provided in a pipe connecting the outside and the water supply tank, and controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water supply tank passes through the washing chamber and the wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside may include sequentially performing the residual water discharge procedure and the washing procedure based on obtaining the second execution command, controlling the water supply valve so that water flows into the water supply tank from the outside, controlling the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that water present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber, controlling the second pump so that water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controlling the drainage pump so that water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside to perform a rinsing procedure.

[0266] In a method for controlling a robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure, controlling the drainage pump to discharge water sucked into the wastewater tank to the outside to perform a rinsing operation may include identifying the number of repetitions of the rinsing operation based on user input obtained through the user interface, and performing the rinsing operation as many times as the number of repetitions.

[0267] In a method for controlling a robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure, the robot vacuum cleaner station further comprises a charging terminal for charging a robot vacuum cleaner and a drying device, and the method for controlling the robot vacuum cleaner station may further comprise controlling the drying device so that drying air is introduced to the mop of the robot vacuum cleaner based on a robot vacuum cleaner charging signal obtained from the charging terminal.

[0268] In a method for controlling a robot vacuum cleaner station according to the present disclosure, the robot vacuum cleaner station further includes a charging terminal for charging a robot vacuum cleaner, and the method for controlling the robot vacuum cleaner station may further include controlling the robot vacuum cleaner so that the robot vacuum cleaner is separated from the robot vacuum cleaner station based on a robot vacuum cleaner charging signal obtained from the charging terminal.

[0269] In a robot vacuum cleaner station control method according to the present disclosure, the plurality of pumps includes a drainage pump that moves water from the wastewater tank to the outside, and the wastewater tank includes a wastewater filter and a wastewater filter detection sensor, and the robot vacuum cleaner station control method may include controlling the drainage pump so that water in the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside based on a signal for the separation and reinstallation of the wastewater filter obtained from the wastewater filter detection sensor.

[0270] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cleaning device comprising a robot vacuum station that includes a water supply and drainage device connected to the outside of the robot vacuum station and capable of direct drainage, wherein residual water in the water tank within the water supply and drainage device is removed to prevent the occurrence of odors, mold, etc. caused by prolonged use or prolonged non-use of the cleaning device.

[0271] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cleaning device comprising a robot vacuum cleaner station that includes a water supply and drainage device connected to the outside of the robot vacuum cleaner station and capable of direct drainage, wherein limescale components inside the cleaning device are removed by a cleaning solution supplied by a user and purified water supplied from the outside, thereby preventing the generation of foreign substances, odors, etc. inside the robot vacuum cleaner station and providing a hygienic cleaning device.

[0272] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. User interface; A water tank that stores water supplied from the outside; A washing chamber connected to the above-mentioned water tank and storing water for washing the robot vacuum cleaner mop; A wastewater tank connected to the washing chamber and storing wastewater during the washing of the mop; A plurality of valves provided in the piping connected to the above water supply tank, the above washing chamber, and the above wastewater tank; A plurality of pumps for moving water stored in each of the above-mentioned water supply tank, the above-mentioned washing chamber, and the above-mentioned wastewater tank; and A robot vacuum cleaner station comprising: a control unit that controls the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water supply tank passes through the washing chamber and the wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside, based on obtaining a first execution command of a residual water discharge mode or a second execution command of a washing mode through the user interface.

2. In Paragraph 1, The plurality of valves above include a first valve and a second valve provided in the piping connecting the water supply tank and the washing chamber, and The plurality of pumps includes a first pump for moving water from the water supply tank to the washing chamber, a second pump for moving water from the washing chamber to the wastewater tank, and a drainage pump for moving water from the wastewater tank to the outside. The above control unit is, A robot vacuum cleaner station that, based on obtaining the first execution command, controls the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that residual water present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber, controls the second pump so that the residual water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controls the drainage pump so that the residual water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside, thereby performing a residual water discharge operation.

3. In Paragraph 1, Further comprising a cleaning solution detection sensor that detects the cleaning solution inside the water supply tank; The plurality of valves above include a first valve and a second valve provided in the piping connecting the water supply tank and the washing chamber, and The plurality of pumps includes a first pump for moving water from the water supply tank to the washing chamber, a second pump for moving water from the washing chamber to the wastewater tank, and a drainage pump for moving water from the wastewater tank to the outside. The above control unit is, Based on obtaining the second execution command above, the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve are controlled so that residual water present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber, the second pump is controlled so that the residual water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and the drainage pump is controlled so that the residual water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside to perform a residual water discharge operation. A robot vacuum cleaner station that performs a cleaning process by controlling the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that the cleaning solution present in the water supply tank flows into the cleaning chamber based on a cleaning solution detection signal obtained from the cleaning solution detection sensor and a cleaning process command obtained through the user interface, controlling the second pump so that the cleaning solution flowing into the cleaning chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controlling the drainage pump so that the cleaning solution sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside.

4. In Paragraph 3, The plurality of valves above include a water supply valve provided in the piping connecting the outside and the water supply tank, and The above control unit is, Based on obtaining the above second execution command, the above residual water discharge process and the above washing process are performed sequentially, and A robot vacuum cleaner station that performs a rinsing operation by controlling the water supply valve so that water flows into the water supply tank from the outside, controlling the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that water present in the water supply tank flows into the washing chamber, controlling the second pump so that the water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and controlling the drainage pump so that the water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above control unit is, Identifying the number of repetitions of the rinsing process based on user input obtained through the above user interface, and A robot vacuum cleaner station that performs the rinsing process as many times as the above repetitions.

6. In Paragraph 1, A charging terminal for charging the above-mentioned robot vacuum cleaner; and A drying device that generates dry air; further comprising, The above control unit is, A robot vacuum cleaner station that controls the drying device to allow drying air to flow into the mop based on a robot vacuum cleaner charging signal obtained from the charging terminal.

7. In Paragraph 1, A charging terminal for charging the robot vacuum cleaner; further comprising, The above control unit is, A robot vacuum cleaner station that controls the robot vacuum cleaner so that the robot vacuum cleaner is separated from the robot vacuum cleaner station based on a robot vacuum cleaner charging signal obtained from the charging terminal.

8. In Paragraph 1, The plurality of pumps above include a drainage pump that moves water from the sewage tank to the outside, and The above wastewater tank includes a wastewater filter and a wastewater filter detection sensor, and The above control unit is, A robot vacuum cleaner station that controls the drainage pump to discharge water from the wastewater tank to the outside based on the separation and re-installation signal of the wastewater filter obtained from the wastewater filter detection sensor.

9. A method for controlling a robot vacuum cleaner station comprising a user interface, a water tank, a washing chamber, a wastewater tank, a plurality of valves and a plurality of pumps, wherein Obtaining a first execution command for a residual water discharge mode or a second execution command for a washing mode through the above user interface, A robot vacuum cleaner station control method comprising controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that residual water stored in the water supply tank passes through the washing chamber and the wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside.

10. In Paragraph 9, The plurality of valves above include a first valve and a second valve provided in the piping connecting the water supply tank and the washing chamber, and The plurality of pumps includes a first pump for moving water from the water supply tank to the washing chamber, a second pump for moving water from the washing chamber to the wastewater tank, and a drainage pump for moving water from the wastewater tank to the outside. Controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that the residual water stored in the above water supply tank passes through the washing chamber and the above wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside is, Based on obtaining the above first execution command, the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve are controlled so that residual water present in the water tank flows into the washing chamber, and The second pump is controlled so that residual water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and A robot vacuum cleaner station control method comprising controlling the drainage pump to discharge residual water sucked into the wastewater tank to the outside, thereby performing a residual water discharge operation.

11. In Paragraph 9, The plurality of valves above include a first valve and a second valve provided in the piping connecting the water supply tank and the washing chamber, and The plurality of pumps includes a first pump for moving water from the water supply tank to the washing chamber, a second pump for moving water from the washing chamber to the wastewater tank, and a drainage pump for moving water from the wastewater tank to the outside. Controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that the residual water stored in the above water supply tank passes through the washing chamber and the above wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside is, Based on obtaining the above second execution command, the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve are controlled so that residual water present in the water tank flows into the washing chamber, and The second pump is controlled so that residual water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and The drainage pump is controlled to discharge the residual water sucked into the above wastewater tank to the outside, thereby performing a residual water discharge process. Based on a cleaning solution detection signal obtained from a cleaning solution detection sensor and a cleaning administration command obtained through the user interface, the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve are controlled so that the cleaning solution present in the water supply tank flows into the cleaning chamber. Control the second pump so that the cleaning solution introduced into the cleaning chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and A robot vacuum cleaner station control method comprising controlling the drainage pump to perform a cleaning process so that the cleaning solution sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside.

12. In Paragraph 11, The plurality of valves above include a water supply valve provided in the piping connecting the outside and the water supply tank, and Controlling the plurality of valves and the plurality of pumps so that the residual water stored in the above water supply tank passes through the washing chamber and the above wastewater tank and is discharged to the outside is, Based on obtaining the above second execution command, the above residual water discharge process and the above washing process are performed sequentially, and Control the water supply valve so that water flows into the water supply tank from the outside, and Control the first pump, the first valve, and the second valve so that water present in the above water tank flows into the washing chamber, and Control the second pump so that water flowing into the washing chamber is sucked into the wastewater tank, and A robot vacuum cleaner station control method comprising controlling the drainage pump to perform a rinsing operation so that water sucked into the wastewater tank is discharged to the outside.

13. In Paragraph 12, Performing a rinsing process by controlling the drainage pump so that the water sucked into the above sewage tank is discharged to the outside is, Identifying the number of repetitions of the rinsing process based on user input obtained through the above user interface, and A robot vacuum cleaner station control method comprising performing the rinsing process as many times as the above repetitions.

14. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned robot vacuum cleaner station further includes a charging terminal for charging the robot vacuum cleaner and a drying device, and The above robot vacuum cleaner station control method is, A robot vacuum cleaner station control method further comprising controlling the drying device to allow drying air to flow into the mop of the robot vacuum cleaner based on a robot vacuum cleaner charging signal obtained from the charging terminal.

15. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned robot vacuum cleaner station further includes a charging terminal for charging the robot vacuum cleaner, and The above robot vacuum cleaner station control method is, A robot vacuum cleaner station control method for controlling the robot vacuum cleaner so that the robot vacuum cleaner is separated from the robot vacuum cleaner station based on a robot vacuum cleaner charging signal obtained from the above charging terminal.

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