ROBOT CLEANER, STATION, AND CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus including a robot cleaner including a main body having a lower portion to which a mop is detachably mountable; and a station on which the robot cleaner is placeable, the station including a water storage container configured to store water, a washing chamber configured so that, while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and a mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the mop is washable in the washing chamber, a steam generation device to generate steam using water from the water storage container, a pump configured to pump the water in the water storage container out of the water storage container, a first pipe to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container to the washing chamber, and a second pipe to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container to the steam generation device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a robot cleaner, a station, and a cleaning apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a robot cleaner is a device that automatically cleans an area by moving across the cleaning area and picking up dirt, such as dust on the floor, without user intervention. The robot cleaner travels across the cleaning area to clean.

The robot cleaner identifies a distance to an obstacle, such as furniture, office equipment, walls, and the like, installed in the cleaning area using a distance sensor, and selectively drives left and right wheel motors of the robot cleaner, thereby changing its direction and cleaning the cleaning area by itself.

Recently, robot cleaners have been developed that not only vacuum foreign substances, such as dirt and dust on the floor, but also wipe the dirt and dust off the floor. The robot cleaners may perform wet cleaning with a mop.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Solution

An aspect of the disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus with improved ease of use.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus with improved cleaning efficiency.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus with easy mop maintenance.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus including a robot cleaner and a station that may supply steam to a mop of the robot cleaner.

Technical objects that may be achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a robot cleaner including a main body having a lower portion to which a mop is detachably mountable; and a station on which the robot cleaner is placeable, the station including a water storage container configured to store water, a washing chamber configured so that, while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and a mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the mop is washable in the washing chamber, a steam generation device configured to generate steam using water stored in the water storage container, a pump configured to pump the water stored in the water storage container out of the water storage container, a first pipe configured to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the washing chamber, and a second pipe configured to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the steam generation device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may include a valve connected to the first pipe and the second pipe, a third pipe between the pump and the valve, and configured to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the valve. The valve may be configured to direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the third pipe to the first pipe, or direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the third pipe to the second pipe.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the valve may be a first valve. The station may include a fourth pipe configured to, when the robot cleaner is placed on the station, guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the robot cleaner, a second valve connected to the third pipe and the fourth pipe, and a fifth pipe connecting the pump and the second valve. The second valve may be configured to direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the fifth pipe to the third pipe, or direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the fifth pipe to the fourth pipe.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may include a third pipe configured to guide the steam generated by the steam generation device to the washing chamber, and including a first end configured to communicate with the steam generation device, and a second end configured to communicate with the washing chamber.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may include a washing frame that is detachably mountable to the washing chamber, and including a steam discharge opening. The washing frame may be configured so that, while the washing frame is mounted to the washing chamber, the robot cleaner is placed on the station, and the mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the washing frame may be positioned to rub against the mop, and the steam discharge opening may be positioned to spray the steam guided to the washing chamber through the third pipe to the mop.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe may be connected to a lower portion of the steam generation device. The third pipe may be connected to an upper portion of the steam generation device.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the steam generation device may be disposed below the water storage container. The third pipe may include a bending portion at a height between the steam generation device and the water storage container.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and the mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, at least a portion of the steam discharge opening may be disposed below a lower surface of the mop.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a size of the second end of the third pipe may be greater than a size of the steam discharge opening.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a bottom of the washing chamber may be inclined downward along a direction in which the robot cleaner enters the station.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may include a steam container configured to accommodate the water guided by the second pipe, a heater configured to heat the water accommodated in the steam container, a water level sensor configured to detect a water level in the steam container, and a controller configured to operate the heater based on a predetermined water level being detected by the water level sensor.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may include a steam container configured to accommodate the water guided by the second pipe, a heater configured to heat the water accommodated in the steam container, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature in the steam container, and a controller configured to stop the heater based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaching a predetermined temperature.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and the mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the station may be configured to, based on an end of a washing operation that washes the mop in the washing chamber, or receipt of a steam operation signal from at least one of the robot cleaner or a user device, control the steam generation device to perform a steam generation operation.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may be configured to transmit a steam start signal to the robot cleaner based on a start of the steam generation operation.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the robot cleaner may be configured to rotate the mop based on receiving the steam start signal from the station.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method for controlling a robot cleaner may include: returning to a station in response to a station return condition being satisfied, and rotating a mop in response to receiving a steam start signal from the station.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspect of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which a robot cleaner is away from a station in a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which a robot cleaner is seated on a station in a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a robot cleaner according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the robot cleaner shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a lower portion of the robot cleaner shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a rear portion of the station shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a rear surface of the station shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a portion of a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which a washing frame is separated from a washing chamber in a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a view schematically illustrating a portion of components of a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a dirt collection operation of a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a water supply operation to a robot cleaner from a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a water supply operation to a washing chamber from a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a wastewater collection operation of a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a steam supply operation of a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates a water recovery operation of a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates a drying operation of a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 3.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 3.

FIG. 23 is a control block diagram of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a control block diagram of a station according to an embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for cleaning a mop of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment.

MODES OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments described in the specification and configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples of the disclosure, and various modifications may replace the embodiments and the drawings of the disclosure at the time of filing of the application.

Like reference numerals throughout the disclosure denote like elements.

A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of the items unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, each of the expressions “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 one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with a corresponding expression among the expressions.

The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of a plurality of associated listed items.

The terms such as “˜portion”, “˜module”, “˜member”, and the like may refer to at least one process processed by at least one hardware or software. According to embodiments, a plurality of “˜portion”, “˜module”, “˜member” may be embodied as a single element, or a single of “˜portion”, “˜module”, “˜member” may include a plurality of elements.

It will be understood that the terms “first”, “second”, or the like, may be used only to distinguish one component from another, not intended to limit the corresponding component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

When it is said that one (e.g., first) component is “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively”, it means that one component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

An expression that one component is “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with another component includes a case in which the components are directly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other and a case in which the components are indirectly “connected”, “coupled”, “supported”, or “in contact” with each other through a third component.

It will also be understood that when one component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it may be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

Meanwhile, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” etc., 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. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a direction in which a robot cleaner 10 enters a station 20 may be defined as the rear (−X direction), and an opposite direction may be defined as the front (+X direction).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which a robot cleaner is away from a station in a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which a robot cleaner is seated on a station in a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a rear view of the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, a cleaning apparatus 1 may include a robot cleaner 10 and a station 20. The cleaning apparatus 1 may be referred to as a cleaning system 1.

The robot cleaner 10 may clean a floor while moving across the floor. The floor cleaned by the robot cleaner 10 may be referred to as a surface to be cleaned (surface being cleaned). The robot cleaner 10 may perform dry cleaning and/or wet cleaning. The robot cleaner 10 may draw in (pick up) or wipe away dirt on the surface to be cleaned. Here, the term “dirt” may refer to foreign substances, such as dust, hair, food particles, and the like.

The robot cleaner 10 may be seated on the station 20. The robot cleaner 10 may be placed on the station 20. The robot cleaner 10 may be docked at the station 20. At least a portion of the robot cleaner 10 may be placed in a receiving space 210a of the station 20.

The robot cleaner 10 may move to the station 20 during cleaning and/or after completion of the cleaning.

For example, the robot cleaner 10 may move to the station 20 in a case where recharging is required, in a case where dirt in a dust bin 141 (see FIG. 21 and FIG. 22) requires to be emptied, in a case where a water tank 114 (see FIG. 21) is low on water, in a case where moisture content of a mop 160 is low, in a case where the mop 160 requires to be washed, in a case where the mop 160 requires to be sterilized, and/or in a case where the mop 160 requires to be dried.

The station 20 may allow the robot cleaner 10 to be placed. The station 20 may allow the robot cleaner 10 to be seated. The station 20 may be configured to store the robot cleaner 10.

For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the station 20 may charge a battery 150 (see FIG. 23) of the robot cleaner 10. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the station 20 may collect the dirt collected in the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the station 20 may supply water to the water tank 114 of the robot cleaner 10. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the station 20 may wet the mop 160 with water and/or steam. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the station 20 may wash (clean) the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the station 20 may sterilize the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the station 20 may dry the mop 160.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a robot cleaner according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the robot cleaner shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a lower portion of the robot cleaner shown in FIG. 4.

The robot cleaner 10 may include a main body 110. The main body 110 may form an overall exterior of the robot cleaner 10. Components of the robot cleaner 10 may be accommodated in the main body 110. Electronic components may be disposed in the main body 110. The main body 110 may be referred to as the cleaner main body 110.

The robot cleaner 10 may include an inlet 111. The inlet 111 may face the surface to be cleaned. The inlet 111 may be open to the surface to be cleaned. The inlet 111 may be formed in the main body 110. The inlet 111 may be formed in a lower portion of the main body 110. The inlet 111 may be formed through a lower surface 110b of the main body 110. Dirt on the surface to be cleaned may be drawn into the main body 110 through the inlet 111 together with air. The inlet 111 may be referred to as the cleaner inlet 111.

The robot cleaner 10 may include a brush 130. The brush 130 may scatter dirt by scrubbing the surface to be cleaned. Dirt scattered by the brush 130 may flow into the inlet 111 together with air.

For example, the robot cleaner 10 may include a first brush 131 disposed in the inlet 111. The first brush 131 may be rotatably mounted with respect to the main body 110. A rotation axis of the first brush 131 may be an axis extending along a substantially horizontal direction (Y direction). The first brush 131 may be referred to as the main brush 131.

For example, the robot cleaner 10 may include a second brush 132 disposed adjacent to a lower edge of the main body 110. The second brush 132 may direct, to the inlet 111, dirt around the main body 110 where the first brush 131 may not sweep. The second brush 132 may be rotatably mounted with respect to the main body 110. A rotation axis of the second brush 132 may be an axis extending along a substantially vertical direction (Z direction). The second brush 132 may be referred to as the side brush 132.

The robot cleaner 10 may include the dust bin 141 (see FIG. 21 and FIG. 22). Dirt and/or air drawn in through the inlet 111 may move to the dust bin 141. Dirt drawn in through the inlet 111 may be collected in the dust bin 141. The air drawn in through the inlet 111 may be filtered while passing through the dust bin 141. The dirt and air drawn in through the inlet 111 may be separated within the dust bin 141.

The robot cleaner 10 may include an outlet 112. The outlet 112 may be formed in the main body 110. The outlet 112 may be formed on a rear side of the main body 110. The air drawn in through the inlet 111 may be filtered and discharged to the outside of the robot cleaner 10 through the outlet 112. For example, a plurality of outlets 112 may be formed, and the plurality of outlets may be formed as a plurality of holes. The outlet 112 may be referred to as the cleaner outlet 112.

The robot cleaner 10 may include an intake motor 142 (see FIG. 23). The intake motor 142 may generate suction force. Due to the suction force generated by the intake motor 142, dirt and/or air may be drawn in through the inlet 111. Due to the suction force generated by the intake motor 142, the air drawn into and filtered in the robot cleaner 10 may be discharged to the outside through the outlet 112. The intake motor 142 may be disposed in an air flow path formed between the inlet 111 and the outlet 112. The intake motor 142 may be referred to as the cleaner intake motor 142.

The robot cleaner 10 may include a motion driver 120 for moving the robot cleaner 10. The motion driver 120 is mounted to the main body 110 and may move the main body 110. For example, the motion driver 120 may include a pair of main wheels 121. For example, the motion driver 120 may further include at least one auxiliary wheel 122 to enable the robot cleaner 10 to travel stably.

The robot cleaner 10 may include the battery 150 (see FIG. 23). The battery 150 may be rechargeable. The battery 150 may provide power required to drive the robot cleaner 10.

The robot cleaner 10 may include a charging terminal 151. The charging terminal 151 may be electrically connected to the battery 150. While the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the charging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 may be electrically connected to a charging terminal 218 of the station 20. Because the charging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 may be electrically connected to the charging terminal 218 of the station 20, the battery 150 of the robot cleaner 10 may be charged. That is, while the robot cleaner 10 is docked at the station 20, the battery 150 may be charged. The charging terminal 151 may be referred to as the cleaner charging terminal 151.

The robot cleaner 10 may include the mop 160. The mop 160 is detachably mountable to a lower portion of the main body 110. The mop 160 may be rotatably mounted with respect to the main body 110. The mop 160 may clean the surface to be cleaned by contacting the surface to be cleaned. In a state where the mop 160 is wet, the mop 160 may wipe away dirt on the surface to be cleaned. Although the two mops 160 are illustrated in the drawings, the number of mops 160 is not limited thereto. The mop 160 may be referred to as the cleaning pad 160. The mop 160 may also be referred to as the wet pad 160.

The mop 160 may receive moisture from the water tank 114 of the robot cleaner 10. The mop 160 may receive moisture from the station 20. For example, in a case where a moisture content of the mop 160 decreases while the robot cleaner 10 is cleaning, water stored in the water tank 114 may be provided to the mop 160. For example, in a case where the moisture content of the mop 160 decreases while the robot cleaner 10 is cleaning, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 and be seated on the station 20. In this case, the station 20 may supply water to the water tank 114 or spray water and/or steam toward the mop 160. Seating the robot cleaner 10 on the station 20 may include docking the robot cleaner 10 at the station 20.

The robot cleaner 10 may include a water filling portion 113. The water filling portion 113 may be formed in the main body 110. The water filling portion 113 may be formed on the rear side of the main body 110. While the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the water filling portion 113 may receive water from the station 20. The water supplied to the robot cleaner 10 through the water filling portion 113 may be stored in the water tank 114. While the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the water filling portion 113 of the robot cleaner 10 may be docked at a first water supply 217 (see FIG. 12) of the station 20, which will be described later.

The robot cleaner 10 may include a rotation driver 161 (see FIG. 23) that rotates the mop 160. The rotation driver 161 may include a motor. The rotation driver 161 may be referred to as the motor 161. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is mounted to (seated on) the station 20 and the mop 160 is washed and/or sterilized, the motor 161 may rotate the mop 160. As will be described later, a controller 190 (see FIG. 23) of the robot cleaner 10 may control the motor 161 to rotate the mop 160.

The robot cleaner 10 may include a lifting driver 162 (FIG. 23) that moves the mop 160 up and down. While the robot cleaner 10 is cleaning, the lifting driver 162 may move the mop 160 downward. As a result, the mop 160 may come into contact with the surface being cleaned. While the robot cleaner 10 completes cleaning and returns to the station 20, the lifting driver 162 may move the mop 160 upward. As a result, the mop 160 may be spaced apart from the surface to be cleaned. While the robot cleaner 10 is moving to the station 20, the mop 160 may be prevented from colliding with an obstacle on the surface to be cleaned or from leaving moisture on the surface to be cleaned. As will be described later, the controller 190 (see FIG. 23) of the robot cleaner 10 may control the lifting driver 162 to move the mop 160 up and down.

The robot cleaner 10 may include an obstacle sensor 170. The obstacle sensor 170 may detect a location of an obstacle or a distance to the obstacle. The obstacle sensor 170 may be mounted to the main body 110. For example, the obstacle sensor 170 may protrude from an upper surface 110a of the main body 110.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a station according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a rear portion of the station shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a rear surface of the station shown in FIG. 7.

The station 20 may include a main body 210. The main body 210 may form an overall exterior of the station 20. The main body 210 may form the receiving space 210a to receive at least a portion of the robot cleaner 10. The main body 210 may be referred to as the station main body 210.

The main body 210 may include a base 211 and a housing 212 that may be detachably coupled to the base 211.

The base 211 may include a cleaner seating portion 211a on which the robot cleaner 10 is seated (placed). The cleaner seating portion 211a may be inclined from a surface to be cleaned to allow the robot cleaner 10 to enter. For example, the cleaner seating portion 211a may be inclined upward along a direction in which the robot cleaner 10 enters the station 20. For example, an anti-slip portion 216 may be formed on the cleaner seating portion 211a to allow the robot cleaner 10 to easily climb the inclined surface of the cleaner seating portion 211a. For example, an anti-slip bump 215 may be formed on the cleaner seating portion 211a to prevent the robot cleaner 10 seated on the station 20 from slipping along the inclined surface of the cleaner seating portion 211a. The robot cleaner 10 seated on the station 20 may not be separated from the station 20 by the anti-slip bump 215.

The base 211 may include a side wall portion 211b extending upward from the cleaner seating portion 211a. The side wall portion 211b may surround at least a portion of the cleaner seating portion 211a.

The housing 212 may cover the side wall portion 211b of the base 211. The housing 212 may accommodate components of the station 20. Electronic components may be disposed in the housing 212. The housing 212 may have an opening 212a, and the robot cleaner 10 may enter the receiving space 210a of the station 20 through the opening 212a.

The station 20 may include a water storage container 221. The water storage container 221 may store water. Relatively clean water may be stored in the water storage container 221. The water stored in the water storage container 221 may be provided to the water tank 114 of the robot cleaner 10 or to a washing chamber 230 of the station 20, which will be described later. That is, the water stored in the water storage container 221 may be used to wet the mop 160 or to wash the mop 160. The water storage container 221 is detachably mountable to the main body 210. For example, a user may separate the water storage container 221 from the main body 210 or couple the water storage container 221 to the main body 210 by holding a handle 221a of the water storage container 221.

The station 20 may include a wastewater container 222. The wastewater container 222 may store water. Relatively dirty water may be stored in the wastewater container 222. The dirty water (wastewater) generated by washing the mop 160 may be stored in the wastewater container 222. The wastewater container 222 is detachably mountable to the main body 210. For example, a user may separate the wastewater container 222 from the main body 210 or couple the wastewater container 222 to the main body 210 by holding a handle 222a of the wastewater container 222.

The station 20 may include a dirt container 223. The dirt container 223 may store dirt collected from the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10. The dirt container 223 is detachably mountable to the main body 210. For example, a user may separate the dirt container 223 from the main body 210 or couple the dirt container 223 to the main body 210 by holding a handle 223a of the dirt container 223.

Although the wastewater container 222, the water storage container 221, and the dirt container 223 are shown as being arranged side by side along the approximately horizontal direction (Y direction), a position of each of the wastewater container 222, the water storage container 221, and the dirt container 223 is not limited thereto.

The station 20 may include an inlet 213. The inlet 213 may be formed in the cleaner seating portion 211a. While the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the inlet 213 may communicate with the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10. The dirt collected in the dust bin 141 may be drawn in through the inlet 213. The inlet 213 may be referred to as the station inlet 213.

The station 20 may include a dirt collection duct 225. The dirt collection duct 225 may guide the dirt drawn in through the inlet 213 to the dirt container 223. The dirt collection duct 225 may be disposed between the inlet 213 and the dirt container 223. One end of the dirt collection duct 225 may communicate with the inlet 213. The other end of the dirt collection duct 225 may communicate with the dirt container 223.

The station 20 may include an outlet 214 (see FIG. 3). The outlet 214 may be formed on a rear side of the main body 210. The outlet 214 may be formed at a rear of the housing 212. The air drawn into and filtered in the station 20 may be discharged to the outside through the outlet 214. For example, a plurality of outlets 214 may be formed, and the plurality of outlets 214 may be formed as a plurality of holes. The outlet 214 may be referred to as the station outlet 214.

The station 20 may include an intake motor 224. When the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the intake motor 224 may generate suction force to draw dirt from the dust bin 141. Due to the suction force of the intake motor 224, the dirt in the dust bin 141 may flow along the inlet 213 and the dirt collection duct 225 and may be collected in the dirt container 223. Due to the suction force generated by the intake motor 224, the air drawn into the station 20 and passed through an exhaust filter 226 may be discharged to the outside through the outlet 214. The intake motor 224 may be referred to as the station intake motor 224.

The station 20 may include a steam generation device 250. The steam generation device 250 may generate steam. The steam generation device 250 may generate steam using water stored in the water storage container 221. The steam generation device 250 may generate steam by receiving water stored in the water storage container 221.

The steam generation device 250 may be disposed below the water storage container 221. In supplying water from the water storage container 221 to the steam generation device 250, a first pump 21 (see FIG. 13) may pump the water from the water storage container 221 even with relatively low power by gravity.

The steam generation device 250 may include a steam container 251 that may accommodate water delivered from the water storage container 221.

The steam generation device 250 may include a heater 252 to heat water in the steam container 251. Steam may be generated as the water in the steam container 251 is heated by the heater 252. As will be described later, a controller 290 (see FIG. 24) of the station 20 may control the heater 252.

For example, the heater 252 may heat water using vibration and/or electrical resistance. However, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and the type of heater 252 is not limited as long as it may generate steam by heating water.

The steam generation device 250 may include a water level sensor 253 (see FIG. 24) to detect a water level in the steam container 251. As will be described later, the controller 290 (see FIG. 24) of the station 20 may operate the heater 252 based on a predetermined water level being detected by the water level sensor 253. Detecting the predetermined water level by the water level sensor 253 may include detecting that the water level in the steam container 251 reaches the predetermined water level by the water level sensor 253.

As a result, the heater 252 may operate only when the steam container 251 is filled with a predetermined amount of water or more, thereby preventing accidents such as fire.

The steam generation device 250 may include a temperature sensor 254 (FIG. 24) to detect a temperature in the steam container 251. As will be described later, the controller 290 (see FIG. 24) of the station 20 may stop an operation of the heater 252 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 254 being higher than a predetermined temperature. As a result, in a case where a steam temperature is extremely high, the operation of the heater 242 may be stopped, preventing accidents such as fires in advance and preventing damage to the cleaning apparatus (e.g., a mop).

The station 20 may include a drying device 260. The drying device 260 may generate air for drying the mop 160 (hereinafter referred to as “dry air”). The drying device 260 may provide dry air to the washing chamber 230 to be described later. While the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, dry air discharged from the drying device 260 may be directed to the mop 160. The air (dry air) generated and provided by the drying device 260 may have relatively low humidity or high temperature. The dry air may also be referred to as hot air or dry wind.

For example, after washing and/or sterilizing the mop 160, the station 20 may provide dry air to the mop 160. For example, in a case where a moisture content of the mop 160 increases as the mop 160 wipes water from the surface to be cleaned during cleaning, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 and the station 20 may discharge dry air to the mop 160.

The drying device 260 may include a fan 262 that generates blowing force. The drying device 260 may include a drying duct 261 to guide air blown by the fan 262. The drying duct 261 may connect the fan 262 and the washing chamber 230 to be described later. The drying device 260 may include a heater 263 to heat the air blown by the fan 262. The heater 263 may heat the air guided by the drying duct 261. At least a portion of the heater 263 may be disposed in the drying duct 261.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a portion of a station according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which a washing frame is separated from a washing chamber in a station according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a station according to an embodiment.

The station 20 may include the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the washing chamber 230 may correspond to the mop 160. The washing chamber 230 may be defined as a space where the mop 160 is washed. The washing chamber 230 may receive water from the water storage container 221. The washing chamber 230 may have a shape to accommodate water. While the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the mop 160 may be washed with the water accommodated in the washing chamber 230.

The washing chamber 230 may be formed in the base 211 of the main body 210. The washing chamber 230 may be recessed from the cleaner seating portion 211a. The washing chamber 230 may be defined by a chamber bottom 230a and a chamber side wall 230b extending upward from the chamber bottom 230a. The chamber side wall 230b may have a predetermined height.

The chamber bottom 230a may be inclined downward along a direction in which the robot cleaner 10 enters the station 20. For example, the chamber bottom 230a may be inclined downwardly toward the rear. Accordingly, after washing of the mop 160 is completed, the water (wastewater) in the washing chamber 230 may easily flow to a wastewater collection portion 234 located at the rear of the washing chamber 230 along the inclined surface of the chamber bottom 230a. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and an inclination direction of the chamber bottom 230a may vary depending on a location of the wastewater collection portion 234.

For example, the station 20 may include a tray 2301. The tray 2301 is detachably mountable to the base 211 of the main body 210 to form at least a portion of the washing chamber 230. For example, the tray 2301 may form at least a portion of the chamber bottom 230a and the chamber side wall 230b. The tray 2301 may include at least one tray hole 2302. The wastewater in the washing chamber 230 may pass through the tray hole 2302 and flow into the wastewater collection portion 234. Because the tray 2301 includes the tray hole 2302, foreign substances larger than the tray hole 2302 may be filtered into the tray 2301. That is, the tray 2301 may first filter the wastewater after washing the mop 160.

The station 20 may include a washing frame 240. The washing frame 240 may correspond to the washing chamber 230. The washing frame 240 is detachably mountable to the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the washing frame 240 may contact the mop 160. While the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the washing frame 240 may be rubbed (scrubbed) against the mop 160. The mop 160 may be washed by rubbing against the washing frame 240. In this instance, the mop 160 may be rotatable.

For example, the washing frame 240 may include a frame body 240a, a frame protrusion 240b, and a frame opening 240c. The frame body 240a may be detachably coupled to the chamber side wall 230b. The frame opening 240c may be formed through the frame body 240a. The frame protrusion 240b may be formed on the frame body 240a to interfere with the mop 160.

The station 20 may include the charging terminal 218. While the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the charging terminal 218 of the station 20 may be electrically connected to the charging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10. Because the charging terminal 218 of the station 20 and the charging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 are electrically connected, the battery 150 of the robot cleaner 10 may be charged. That is, the robot 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.

The station 20 may include the first water supply 217. The first water supply 217 may receive water from the water storage container 221 and supply the water to the robot cleaner 10. While the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the first water supply 217 of the station 20 may be connected to the water filling portion 113 of the robot cleaner 10. The water discharged from the first water supply 217 may flow into the water filling portion 113. The water introduced through the water filling portion 113 may be stored in the water tank 114. In a case where a moisture content of the mop 160 decreases during cleaning of the robot cleaner 1, the water stored in the water tank 114 may be provided to the mop 160. For example, the first water supply 217 may be formed on the side wall 211b of the base 211 of the main body 210.

The station 20 may include a second water supply 231. The second water supply 231 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The second water supply 231 may receive water from the water storage container 221 and supply the water to the washing chamber 230. The water discharged from the second water supply 231 may be accommodated in the washing chamber 230. The water discharged from the second water supply 231 may be used to wash the mop 160. Although two second water supplies 231 are shown in the drawings, the number of second water supplies 231 is not limited. For example, the number of second water supplies 231 may be equal to the number of mops 160.

The station 20 may include a water discharge opening 241. The water discharge opening 241 may be formed in the washing frame 240. While the washing frame 240 is mounted to the washing chamber 230, the water discharge opening 241 may correspond to the second water supply 231. The water discharge opening 241 may communicate with the second water supply 231. The water discharge opening 241 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The water discharge opening 241 may receive water from the second water supply 231 and spray the water to the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the water discharge opening 241 may spray water toward the mop 160. Although two water discharge openings 241 are shown in the drawings, the number of water discharge openings 241 is not limited. For example, the number of water discharge openings 241 may be equal to the number of mops 160.

The station 20 may include a dry air supply 232. The dry air supply 232 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The dry air supply 232 may receive dry air from the drying device 260 and supply the dry air to the washing chamber 230. The dry air discharged from the drying device 260 may be supplied to the washing chamber 230 through the dry air supply 232. Although two dry air supplies 232 are shown in the drawings, the number of dry air supplies 232 is not limited. For example, the number of dry air supplies 232 may be equal to the number of mops 160.

The station 20 may include a dry air discharge opening 242. The dry air discharge opening 242 may be formed in the washing frame 240. While the washing frame 240 is mounted to the washing chamber 230, the dry air discharge opening 242 may correspond to the dry air supply 232. The dry air discharge opening 242 may communicate with the dry air supply 232. The dry air discharge opening 242 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The dry air discharge opening 242 may receive dry air from the dry air supply 232 and spray the dry air to the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the dry air discharge opening 242 may spray dry air toward the mop 160. Although two vertically arranged dry air discharge openings 242 are shown as corresponding to a single dry air supply 232 in the drawings, the disclosure is not limited thereto. A shape and/or location of the dry air discharge opening 242 is not limited.

The station 20 may include a steam supply 233. The steam supply 233 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The steam supply 233 may receive steam from the steam generation device 250 and supply the steam to the washing chamber 230. The steam generated by the steam generation device 250 may flow to the washing chamber 230 through the steam supply 233. Although only one steam supply 233 is shown in the drawings, the number of steam supplies 233 is not limited. For example, a plurality of steam supplies 233 may be provided.

Station 20 may include a steam discharge opening 243. The steam discharge opening 243 may be formed in the washing frame 240. While the washing frame 240 is mounted to the washing chamber 230, the steam discharge opening 243 may correspond to the steam supply 233. The steam discharge opening 243 may communicate with the steam supply 233. The steam discharge opening 243 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The steam discharge opening 243 may receive steam from the steam supply 233 and spray the steam to the washing chamber 230. While the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the steam discharge opening 243 may spray steam toward the mop 160. Although two steam discharge openings 243 are shown in the drawings, the number of steam discharge openings 243 is not limited. For example, the number of steam discharge openings 243 may be equal to the number of mops 160.

The station 20 may include the wastewater collection portion 234 (see FIG. 21). The wastewater collection portion 234 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The wastewater collection portion 234 may collect wastewater in the washing chamber 230. The wastewater collection portion 234 may guide the wastewater in the washing chamber 230.

FIG. 13 is a view schematically illustrating a portion of components of a station according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, the station 20 may include at least one pipe 201, 202, 203, 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.

The station 20 may include a first pipe 201. The first pipe 201 may connect the water storage container 221 and the first pump 21. One end of the first pipe 201 may communicate with the water storage container 221. The other end of the first pipe 201 may communicate with the first pump 21. The first pipe 201 may guide water flowing from the water storage container 221 or water flowing from the first pump 21. Water may flow along a first flow path formed inside the first pipe 201.

The station 20 may include a second pipe 202. The second pipe 202 may connect the first pump 21 and a first valve 23. One end of the second pipe 202 may communicate with the first pump 21. The other end of the second pipe 202 may communicate with the first valve 23. The second pipe 202 may allow water pumped by the first pump 21 to flow. The second pipe 202 may guide water flowing from the first pump 21 or water flowing from the first valve 23. Water may flow along a second flow path formed inside the second pipe 202.

The station 20 may include a third pipe 203. The third pipe 203 may connect the first valve 23 and a second valve 24. The third pipe 203 may be disposed between the first pump 21 and the second valve 24. The third pipe 203 may be disposed between the first valve 23 and the second valve 24. One end of the third pipe 203 may communicate with the first valve 23. The other end of the third pipe 203 may communicate with the second valve 24. The third pipe 203 may allow water pumped by the first pump 21 to flow. The third pipe 203 may guide water flowing from the first valve 23 or the water flowing from the second valve 24. Water may flow along a third flow path formed inside the third pipe 203.

The station 20 may include a fourth pipe 204. The fourth pipe 204 may connect the second valve 24 and the base 211. The fourth pipe 204 may connect the second valve 24 and the second water supply 231. One end of the fourth pipe 204 may communicate with the second valve 24. The other end of the fourth pipe 204 may communicate with the second water supply 231. The other end of the fourth pipe 204 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The fourth pipe 204 may guide water flowing from the second valve 24. The fourth pipe 204 may guide the water pumped by the first pump 21 to the washing chamber 230. Water may flow along a fourth flow path formed inside the fourth pipe 204.

The station 20 may include a fifth pipe 205. The fifth pipe 205 may connect the second valve 24 and the steam generation device 250. One end of the fifth pipe 205 may communicate with the second valve 24. The other end of the fifth pipe 205 may communicate with the steam generation device 250. The fifth pipe 205 may guide water flowing from the second valve 24 or water flowing from the steam generation device 250. The fifth pipe 205 may guide the water pumped by the first pump 21 to the steam generation device 250. Accordingly, the water stored in the water storage container 221 may be guided by the fifth pipe 205 and flow to the steam generation device 250. Alternatively, the fifth pipe 205 may guide the water pumped by the first pump 21 to the second valve 24. Accordingly, the water stored in the steam generation device 250 may be guided by the fifth pipe 205 and flow to the second valve 24. Water may flow along a fifth flow path formed inside the fifth pipe 205.

For example, the fifth pipe 205 may be connected to a lower portion of the steam generation device 250. Water may be filled from a lower portion of the steam container 251 of the steam generation device 250.

The station 20 may include a sixth pipe 206. The sixth pipe 206 may connect the steam generation device 250 and the base 211. The sixth pipe 206 may connect the steam generation device 250 and the steam supply 233. One end 206a (see FIG. 9) of the sixth pipe 206 may communicate with the steam generation device 250. The other end 206b (see FIG. 9) of the sixth pipe 206 may communicate with the steam supply 233. The other end 206b of the sixth pipe 206 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The sixth pipe 206 may guide steam generated by the steam generation device 250. The sixth pipe 206 may guide the steam generated by the steam generation device 250 to the washing chamber 230. Steam may flow along a sixth flow path formed inside the sixth pipe 206.

For example, the sixth pipe 206 may be connected to an upper portion of the steam generation device 250. Considering that a density of steam is generally lower than that of air and steam moves upward, the sixth pipe 206 may be connected to the upper portion of the steam generation device 250.

For example, the sixth pipe 206 may include a bending portion 2061 (see FIG. 9) that is bent at a height between the steam generation device 250 and the water storage container 221. Accordingly, water and/or dirt in the washing chamber 230 may be prevented from flowing back into the steam generation device 250.

The station 20 may include a seventh pipe 207. The seventh pipe 207 may connect the first valve 23 and the base 211. The seventh pipe 207 may connect the first valve 23 and the first water supply 217. One end of the seventh pipe 207 may communicate with the first valve 23. The other end of the seventh pipe 207 may communicate with the first water supply 217. The seventh pipe 207 may guide water flowing from the first valve 23. The seventh pipe 207 may guide water flowing from the second pipe 202 to the robot cleaner 10 seated on the station 20. Water may flow along a seventh flow path formed inside the seventh pipe 207.

The station 20 may include an eighth pipe 208. The eighth pipe 208 may connect the wastewater container 222 and a second pump 22. One end of the eighth pipe 208 may communicate with the wastewater container 222. The other end of the eighth pipe 208 may communicate with the second pump 22. The eighth pipe 208 may guide air flowing from the wastewater container 222. Air may flow along an eighth flow path formed inside the eighth pipe 208.

The station 20 may include a ninth pipe 209. The ninth pipe 209 may connect the second pump 22 and the base 211. The ninth pipe 209 may connect the second pump 22 and an air discharge hole 219 (see FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12). One end of the ninth pipe 209 may communicate with the second pump 22. The other end of the ninth pipe 209 may communicate with the outside through the air discharge hole 219. The ninth pipe 209 may guide air pumped by the second pump 22. Air may flow along a ninth flow path formed inside the ninth pipe 209.

The station 20 may include a tenth pipe 2010. The tenth pipe 2010 may connect the wastewater container 222 and the base 211. The tenth pipe 2010 may connect the wastewater container 222 and the wastewater collection portion 234. One end of the tenth pipe 2010 may communicate with the wastewater container 222. The other end of the tenth pipe 2010 may communicate with the wastewater collection portion 234. The other end of the tenth pipe 2010 may communicate with the washing chamber 230. The tenth pipe 2010 may guide wastewater in the washing chamber 230. Wastewater may flow along a tenth flow path formed inside the tenth pipe 2010.

The station 20 may include the dirt collection duct 225. The dirt collection duct 225 may connect the dirt container 223 and the base 211. The dirt collection duct 225 may connect the dirt container 223 and the inlet 213. One end of the dirt collection duct 225 may communicate with the dirt container 223. The other end of the dirt collection duct 225 may communicate with the inlet 213. The dirt collection duct 225 may guide dirt and/or air. The dirt collection duct 225 may be referred to as an eleventh pipe 225. Dirt and/or air may flow along an eleventh flow path formed inside the eleventh pipe 225.

The station 20 may include the drying duct 261. The drying duct 261 may guide dry air. The drying duct 261 may guide air, blown by the fan 262 and heated by the heater 263, to the base 211. The drying duct 261 may communicate with the base 211. The drying duct 261 may communicate with the dry air supply 232. The drying duct 261 may communicate with the washing chamber 230 through the dry air supply 232. The drying duct 261 may be referred to as a twelfth pipe 261. Dry air may flow along a twelfth flow path formed inside the twelfth pipe 261.

Meanwhile, with respect to the first pipe 201, the second pipe 202, the third pipe 203, the fourth pipe 204, the fifth pipe 205, the sixth pipe 206, the seventh pipe 207, the eighth pipe 208, the ninth pipe 209, the tenth pipe 2010, the eleventh pipe 225, and the twelfth pipe 261, the ordinals of “first”, “second”, “third”, “fourth”, “fifth”, “sixth”, “seventh”, “eighth”, “ninth”, “tenth”, “eleventh” and “twelfth” do not limit the configuration of the disclosure. 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.

The station 20 may include the first pump 21. The first pump 21 may be connected to the water storage container 221. The first pump 21 may be connected to the water storage container 221 through the first pipe 201. The first pump 21 may be connected to the first valve 23. The first pump 21 may be connected to the first valve 23 through the second pipe 202. The first pump 21 may be disposed between the water storage container 221 and the first valve 23.

The first pump 21 may pump water stored in the water storage container 221. The first pump 21 may pump water accommodated in the steam generation device 250. For example, power to flow water may be generated while internal components (e.g., piston, rotor, or impeller) of the first pump 21 rotate. For example, while the internal components of the first pump 21 rotate in a first direction, the first pump 21 may pump the water stored in the water storage container 221 (see FIG. 18), and while the internal components of the first pump 21 rotate in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, the first pump 21 may pump the water in the steam generation device 250 (see FIG. 19).

The station 20 may include the second pump 22. The second pump 22 may be connected to the wastewater container 222. The second pump 22 may be connected to the wastewater container 222 through the eighth pipe 208. The second pump 22 may be connected to the air discharge hole 219. The second pump 22 may be connected to the air discharge hole 219 through the ninth pipe 209. The second pump 22 may be disposed between the wastewater container 222 and the base 211.

The second pump 22 may pump air from the wastewater container 222. The air in the wastewater container 222 may be discharged from the wastewater container 222 by the second pump 22.

Meanwhile, the ordinals of “first” and “second” do not limit the configuration of the first pump 21 and the second pump 22. 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.

The station 20 may include the first valve 23. The first valve 23 may be connected to the second pipe 202. The first valve 23 may be connected to the seventh pipe 207. The first valve 23 may be connected to the third pipe 203.

The first valve 23 may allow communication between the second pipe 202 and the seventh pipe 207 or communication between the second pipe 202 and the third pipe 203. The first valve 23 may adjust a flow of water pumped by the first pump 21. The first valve 23 may allow the water pumped by the first pump 21 to flow to the first water supply 217 or the second valve 24. For example, the first valve 23 may selectively open the seventh pipe 207 and the third pipe 203.

The station 20 may include the second valve 24. The second valve 24 may be connected to the third pipe 203. The second valve 24 may be connected to the fourth pipe 204. The second valve 24 may be connected to the fifth pipe 205.

The second valve 24 may allow communication between the third pipe 203 and the fourth pipe 204 or communication between the third pipe 203 and the fifth pipe 205. The second valve 24 may adjust a 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 231 or the steam generation device 250. For example, the second valve 24 may selectively open the fourth pipe 204 and the fifth pipe 205.

Meanwhile, the ordinals of “first” and “second” do not limit the configuration of the first valve 23 and the second valve 24. 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.

FIG. 14 illustrates a dirt collection operation of a station according to an embodiment.

The station 20 may perform an operation of collecting dirt in the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10 in order to empty the dust bin 141. In a state where the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10 may communicate with the inlet 213 of the station 20. Due to a suction force of the intake motor 142 of the station 20, dirt in the dust bin 141 may be drawn into the station 20 through the inlet 213. The dirt collection duct 225 may transfer the dirt drawn in through the inlet 213 to the dirt container 223. Accordingly, the dirt in the dust bin 141 of the robot cleaner 10 may be collected in the dirt container 223 of the station 20.

FIG. 15 illustrates a water supply operation to a robot cleaner from a station according to an embodiment.

The station 20 may perform an operation of supplying water to the robot cleaner 10 to fill the robot cleaner 10 with water. The robot cleaner 10 may be seated on the station 20. The water filling portion 113 of the robot cleaner 10 may be docked at the first water supply 217 of the station 20. The first valve 23 may allow communication between the second pipe 202 and the seventh pipe 207. The first pump 21 may pump water stored in the water storage container 221. The water stored in the water storage container 221 may flow to the first water supply 217 by passing through the first pipe 201, the first pump 21, the second pipe 202, the first valve 23, and the seventh pipe 207. The water discharged through the first water supply 217 may be provided to the water filling portion 113. The seventh pipe 207 may guide the water pumped by the first pump 21 to the robot cleaner 10.

FIG. 16 illustrates a water supply operation to a washing chamber from a station according to an embodiment.

The station 20 may perform an operation of supplying water to the washing chamber 230 to wash the mop 160. The first valve 23 may allow communication between the second pipe 202 and the third pipe 203. The second valve 24 may allow communication between the third pipe 203 and the fourth pipe 204. The first pump 21 may pump water stored in the water storage container 221. The water stored in the water storage container 221 may flow to the second water supply 231 by passing through the first pipe 201, the first pump 21, the second pipe 202, the first valve 23, the third pipe 203, the second valve 24, and the fourth pipe 204. The water discharged through the second water supply 231 may flow into the washing chamber 230. The second pipe 204 may guide the water pumped by the first pump 21 to the washing chamber 230.

For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the water discharged through the second water supply 231 may flow toward the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the water discharged through the second water supply 231 may be sprayed onto the mop 160 through the water discharge opening 241. The water discharged through the second water supply 231 may be used to wash the mop 160.

FIG. 17 illustrates a wastewater collection operation of a station according to an embodiment.

The washing chamber 230 may be filled with dirty water (wastewater) after washing the mop 160. The station 20 may perform an operation to collect wastewater from the washing chamber 230. The second pump 22 may pump air in the wastewater container 222. The air in the wastewater container 222 may flow to the air discharge hole 219 by passing through the eighth pipe 208, the second pump 22, and the ninth pipe 209. The air in the wastewater container 222 may be discharged to the outside through the air discharge hole 219. The wastewater container 222 is kept airtight except for a portion connected to the eighth pipe 208 and a portion connected to the tenth pipe 2010.

Accordingly, as the second pump 22 operates to remove the air from the wastewater container 222, an inside of the wastewater container 222 may become negative pressure, and the wastewater in the washing chamber 230 may flow to the wastewater container 222 along the tenth pipe 2010. The wastewater container 222 may be filled with wastewater.

In a case where a water level of the wastewater in the wastewater container 222 reaches a predetermined water level, the operation of the second pump 22 may be stopped. For example, a water level sensor (not shown) may be disposed in the wastewater container 222, and may detect the water level in the wastewater container 222. As will be described later, the controller 290 (see FIG. 24) may control the operation of the second pump 22 based on information obtained from the water level sensor. The controller 290 may stop the operation of the second pump 22 based on the water level in the wastewater container 222 reaching the predetermined water level.

For example, the water level sensor may prevent wastewater from flowing into the wastewater container 222. The water level sensor may float by the wastewater flowing into the wastewater container 222. In a case where the wastewater in the wastewater container 222 reaches the predetermined water level, at least a portion of the water level sensor may float by the wastewater to cover an area (e.g., a connection port, a hole, etc.) where the wastewater container 222 and the tenth pipe 2010 are connected. The wastewater flowing along the tenth pipe 2010 may be blocked by the water level sensor, thereby limiting flow of wastewater into the wastewater container 222.

FIG. 18 illustrates a steam supply operation of a station according to an embodiment.

The station 20 may perform an operation of supplying steam to the washing chamber 230 to sterilize the mop 160. The first valve 23 may allow communication between the second pipe 202 and the third pipe 203. The second valve 24 may allow communication between the third pipe 203 and the fifth pipe 205. The first pump 21 may pump water stored in the water storage container 221. The water stored in the water storage container 221 may flow to the steam generation device 250 by passing through the first pipe 201, the first pump 21, the second pipe 202, the first valve 23, the third pipe 203, the second valve 24, and the fifth pipe 205. The steam generation device 250 may generate steam by receiving the water stored in the water storage container 221. The steam generated by the steam generation device 250 may be guided by the sixth pipe 206. The steam guided by the sixth pipe 206 may flow to the steam supply 233. The steam discharged through the steam supply 233 may flow into the washing chamber 230. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the steam discharged through the steam supply 233 may flow toward the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the steam discharged through the steam supply 233 may be sprayed onto the mop 160 through the steam discharge opening 243.

FIG. 19 illustrates a water recovery operation of a station according to an embodiment.

The station 20 may perform an operation to recover water remaining in the steam generation device 250 after the steam generation device 250 is operated. The first valve 23 may allow communication between the second pipe 202 and the third pipe 203. The second valve 24 may allow communication between the third pipe 203 and the fifth pipe 205. The first pump 21 may pump the water remaining in the steam generation device 250. The water accommodated in the steam generation device 250 may flow to the water storage container 221 by passing through the fifth pipe 205, the second valve 24, the third pipe 203, the first valve 23, the second pipe 202, the first pump 21, and the first pipe 201.

FIG. 20 illustrates a drying operation of a station according to an embodiment.

The station 20 may perform an operation of supplying dry air to the washing chamber 230 to dry the mop 160. The drying duct 261 may guide dry air to the washing chamber 230. Dry air may be guided by the drying duct 261 and flow to the dry air supply 232. The dry air discharged through the dry air supply 232 may flow into the washing chamber 233. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20, the dry air discharged through the dry air supply 232 may flow toward the mop 160. For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the dry air discharged through the dry air supply 232 may be sprayed toward the mop 160 through the dry air discharge opening 242.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 3. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ of FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the robot cleaner 10 may be placed on the station 20. In a state where the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the mop 160 may be arranged to correspond to the washing chamber 230 of the station 20. While the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, the mop 160 may be sterilized by steam discharged from the station 20. The mop 160 may rotate with respect to the main body 110 while being sterilized by steam. As a result, steam may reach the entire mop 160.

The sixth pipe 206 may guide the steam generated by the steam generation device 250 to the washing chamber 230. The one end 206a of the sixth pipe 206 may be connected to the steam generation device 250 (see FIG. 9), and the other end 206b of the sixth pipe 206 may be connected to the steam supply 233. The sixth pipe 206 may communicate with the washing chamber 230.

The washing frame 240 is detachably mountable to the washing chamber 230. The steam discharge opening 243 of the washing frame 240 may be arranged to correspond to the steam supply 233. The steam discharge opening 243 may spray the steam guided to the washing chamber 230 through the sixth pipe 206 toward the mop 160.

For example, while the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20, at least a portion of the steam discharge opening 243 may be disposed below a lower surface of the mop 160. The steam sprayed from the steam discharge opening 243 may reach the lower surface of the mop 160. At least a portion of the steam sprayed from the steam discharge opening 243 may move upward and reach the lower surface of the mop 160. As a result, steam may be intensively sprayed onto the lower surface of the mop 160 that is in direct contact with the surface to be cleaned. In other words, steam may be supplied intensively to the lower surface of the mop 160 where sterilization is most required.

For example, a size of the other end 206b of the sixth pipe 206 may be larger than that of the steam discharge opening 243. For example, a width of the other end 206b of the sixth pipe 206 in the vertical direction (Z direction) may be larger than that of the steam discharge opening 243 in the vertical direction. Accordingly, as steam flows from the sixth pipe 206 to the steam discharge opening 243 that is relatively smaller than the sixth pipe 206, a speed of steam may increase. Accordingly, steam may be discharged at a relatively high speed through the steam discharge opening 243 and may be sprayed farther. The steam sprayed through the steam discharge opening 243 may easily reach the mop 160.

In general, a mop of a robot cleaner retains moisture, making it easy for bacteria to grow. In a case where bacteria grow on a dirty mop, the mop may emit a foul odor, and the contaminated mop may cause secondary contamination of the surface being cleaned. In addition, bacteria growing on the mop may affect a user's respiratory health, and cause discomfort. As a result, cleaning efficiency and ease of use of the cleaning apparatus may be reduced.

However, according to the disclosure, the station 20 may spray steam to sterilize the mop 160 of the robot cleaner 10. The steam may prevent bacteria, and the like, from growing on the mop 160. Accordingly, the creation of foul odors in the mop 160 and secondary contamination of the surface being cleaned may be prevented. Because the mop 160 may be kept clean, maintenance of the mop 160 becomes easier. In addition, in a case where a moisture content of the mop 160 decreases while the robot cleaner 10 is cleaning, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20, and the station 20 may spray steam toward the mop 160 of the robot cleaner 10. That is, steam may be used not only to sterilize the mop 160 but also to supply moisture to the mop 160. For example, in a case where an area to be cleaned is small, the station 20 may spray steam on the mop 160, and thus the mop 160 may be supplied with moisture easily and quickly. As a result, cleaning efficiency and ease of use of the cleaning apparatus 1 may be improved.

FIG. 23 is a control block diagram of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 23, the robot cleaner 10 according to an embodiment may include the obstacle sensor 170, a humidity sensor 171, the battery 150, a user interface 181, the motion driver 120, a brush motor 133, the intake motor 142, a driver 163, a communication circuitry 182, and/or the controller 190.

The obstacle sensor 170 may detect obstacles that impede movement of the robot cleaner 10. An obstacle may refer to any object that interferes with the movement of the robot cleaner 10 on or around a floor of a cleaning area. For example, in addition to the presence or absence of a table, sofa, and the like, located in the cleaning area, walls that divide a space may be obstacles, and objects that the robot cleaner 10 may climb or descend, such as a threshold or a round bar, may also be obstacles.

Specifically, the obstacle sensor 170 may detect obstacles in a non-contact manner using electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays, visible ray, or ultrasonic waves. For example, the obstacle sensor 170 may irradiate infrared rays and then detect the infrared rays reflected from an obstacle, and may output, to the controller 190, an intensity of the detected infrared rays or a Time Of Flight (TOF) from the irradiation of the infrared rays to the detection of the reflected infrared rays.

The controller 190 may calculate the presence or absence of an obstacle, or a distance between the obstacle and the robot cleaner 10 based on an output value of the obstacle sensor 170.

As another example, the obstacle sensor 170 may include an emitter that emits electromagnetic waves and a receiver that receives the electromagnetic waves reflected from the obstacle.

The emitter may be disposed on the front of the main body 110 and transmit electromagnetic waves toward the front of the main body 110. In addition, depending on the embodiment, the emitter may include a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that generates electromagnetic waves and a wide-angle lens that disperses the electromagnetic waves in all directions by refracting the transmitted electromagnetic waves.

As another example, the obstacle sensor 170 may include a camera that obtains images around the robot cleaner 10 (e.g., in front, behind, and/or side).

The controller 190 may calculate the presence or absence of an obstacle or the distance between the obstacle and the robot cleaner 10 based on the image obtained by the obstacle sensor 170.

The humidity sensor 171 may include at least one sensor for measuring a humidity (or moisture content) of the mop 160.

In one embodiment, the humidity sensor 171 may measure a change in moisture in the air. The humidity sensor 171 may be located around the mop 160 to measure the humidity (or moisture content) of the mop 160. In this case, an output humidity of the humidity sensor 171 may be proportional to the moisture content of the mop 160.

The controller 190 may determine the humidity (or moisture content) of the mop 160 based on the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 171.

In one embodiment, the humidity sensor 171 may irradiate light such as infrared rays and visible rays, or electromagnetic waves such as ultrasonic waves to the mop 160, and then may measure an intensity of the electromagnetic waves reflected from the mop 160 and/or a Time Of Flight (TOF) from the irradiation of the electromagnetic waves to the detection of the reflected electromagnetic waves.

For example, the humidity sensor 171 may include a light emitter that irradiates light to the mop 160 and a light receiver that receives light reflected from the mop 160.

The controller 190 may determine the humidity (or moisture content) of the mop 160 based on an output value of the humidity sensor 171.

The controller 190 may perform various operations depending on the humidity (or moisture content) of the mop 160. For example, the controller 190 may control the motion driver 120 to allow the robot cleaner 10 to return to the station 20 based on the humidity of the mop 160 being measured to be greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum humidity. As another example, the controller 190 may control the motion driver 120 to allow the robot cleaner 10 to return to the station 20 based on the humidity of the mop 160 being measured to be less than a predetermined minimum humidity.

The battery 150 may supply power to various electronic components of the robot cleaner 10. The battery 150 may be charged while the robot cleaner 10 is seated on the station 20.

The robot cleaner 10 may include a battery sensor that detects a charge level of the battery 150.

The controller 190 may control the motion driver 120 to allow the robot cleaner 10 to return to the station 20 in response to the charge level of the battery 150 falling below a predetermined charge level.

The user interface 181 may include an output interface and an input interface.

At least one output interface may generate sensory information and convey various information related to operations of the robot cleaner 10 to a user.

For example, the at least one output interface may convey information related to the settings and an operation time of the robot cleaner 10 to the user. Information about the operation of the robot cleaner 10 may be output through a display, indicator, and/or may be output as voice. The 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, and the like.

In a case where the display includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may correspond to an example of the output interface and the input interface.

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

At least one input interface may convert the sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

The at least one input interface may include a power button for turning on the robot cleaner 10.

Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g. text, icon, etc.) that may indicate its function.

The 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 touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone, and the like.

In the disclosure, a “button” may be replaced by a User Interface Element (UI element), a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone, and the like.

The robot cleaner 10 may process a user input received via the user interface 181 and may output information related to the robot cleaner 10 via the user interface 181.

In one embodiment, the user interface 181 may include an input interface for receiving a mop wash command and/or a mop steam command.

When a user determines that the mop 160 of the robot cleaner 10 requires to be washed or sterilized, the user may input the mop wash command and/or the mop steam command via the input interface.

The robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 based on receiving the mop wash command and/or the mop steam command via the input interface.

Based on receiving the mop wash command and/or the mop steam command via the input interface, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit a mop wash request signal and/or a mop steam request signal to the station 20.

Accordingly, in a case where the robot cleaner 10 later returns to the station 20 and docks with the station 20, the station 20 may perform a washing process and/or a steam process.

The motion driver 120 may include traveling wheels 121 and 122 arranged in the main body 110, and a wheel motor that provides power to the traveling wheels 121 and 122.

Rotation of the traveling wheels 121 and 122 may move the main body 110. Rotation of the traveling wheels 121 and 122 may move the main body 110 forward, backward, or rotate the main body 110. For example, by rotation of both the left and right traveling wheels 121 and 122 in a forward direction, the main body 110 may move straight forward, and by rotation of both the left and right traveling wheels 121 and 122 in a backward direction, the main body 110 may move straight backward.

In addition, in a case where the left and right traveling wheels 121 and 122 rotate in the same direction but at different speeds, the main body 110 may turn to the right or left. In a case where the left and right traveling wheels 121 and 122 rotate in different directions, the main body 110 may rotate in place and turn left or right.

The wheel motor may generate rotational force to rotate the traveling wheels 121 and 122. A Direct Current (DC) motor or a Brushless DC Electric Motor (BLDC) may be used as the wheel motor, but an embodiment of the robot cleaner 10 is not limited thereto. In addition to the wheel motor, the types of other motors included in the robot cleaner 10 are not limited.

The wheel motor may include a left wheel motor that rotates the left traveling wheel and a right wheel motor that rotates the right traveling wheel.

Each of the left and right wheel motors may operate independently of each other according to a control signal from the controller 190, and the main body 110 may move forward, backward, or rotate according to the operation of the left and right wheel motors.

The controller 190 may control the movement of the robot cleaner 10 by controlling the motion driver 120 (e.g., wheel motor).

The brush motor 133 may rotate the brush 130.

The controller 190 may control the brush motor 133 to rotate the brush 130 during dry cleaning, thereby allowing the brush 130 to scatter foreign substances on the floor.

The intake motor 142 may draw the foreign substances scattered by the brush 130 into the dust bin 141 and may rotate an intake fan that generates a suction force to draw the foreign substances into the dust bin 141.

The controller 190 may control the intake motor 142 to rotate the intake fan during dry cleaning, thereby allowing the foreign substances scattered by the brush 130 to draw into the dust bin 141 through the inlet 111.

The driver 163 may include the rotation driver 161 that rotates the mop 160 and/or the lifting driver 162 that lifts or lowers the mop 160.

The controller 190 may control the rotation driver 161 to rotate the mop 160. The rotation driver 161 may include a motor for rotating the mop 160 and a drive circuit for driving the motor.

The controller 190 may control the lifting driver 162 to lift or lower the mop 160. That is, the controller 190 may control the lifting driver 162 to move the mop 160. The lifting driver 162 may include an actuator capable of moving the mop 160.

The communication circuitry 182 may communicate with external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, the station 20) wired and/or wirelessly.

The communication circuitry 182 may transmit data to an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, and/or the station 20) or receive data from the external device. For the communication, the communication circuitry 182 may establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between external devices, and support the performance of the communication through the established communication channel. According to an embodiment, the communication circuitry 182 may include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module may communicate with an external device through a first network (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated as one component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips).

The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

In one embodiment, the communication circuitry 182 may communicate with an external device through an access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN), to which the robot cleaner 10 is connected, to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The robot cleaner 10 may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

In one embodiment, the communication circuitry 182 may communicate wirelessly with the station 20.

The controller 190 may control an overall operation of the robot cleaner 10.

The controller 190 may include at least one processor 191 that controls an operation of the robot cleaner 10 and at least one memory 192 storing programs and data for controlling the operation of the robot cleaner 10.

The at least one processor 191 may control overall operations of the robot cleaner 10. Specifically, the at least one processor 191 may be connected to each component of the robot cleaner 10 and may control overall operations of the robot cleaner 10. For example, the at least one processor 191 may be electrically connected to the memory 192 to control the overall operations of the robot cleaner 10. A single processor 191 or a plurality of processors 191 may be provided.

The at least one processor 191 may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 192, thereby allowing the robot cleaner 10 to perform operations according to various embodiments.

The at least one memory 192 may store data required for various embodiments. The memory 192 may be implemented as a memory embedded in the robot cleaner 10 or as a memory detachable from the robot cleaner 10 depending on a data storage use. For example, data for driving the robot cleaner 10 may be stored in the memory embedded in the robot cleaner 10, and data for an extended function of the robot cleaner 10 may be stored in the memory detachable from the robot cleaner 10. Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the robot cleaner 10 may be implemented as at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.), or a non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable read only memory (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g. NAND flash or NOR flash, etc.), a hard drive, or a solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, the memory detachable from the robot cleaner 10 may be implemented as a memory card (e.g., compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), etc.), an external memory (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) memory) connectable to a USB port, and the like.

The at least one processor 191 may include at least one of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), Many Integrated Core (MIC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Neural Processing Unit (NPU), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. The at least one processor 191 may control one or any combination of other components of the robot cleaner 10, and may perform communication-related operations or data processing. The at least one processor 191 may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory 192. For example, the at least one processor 191 may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 192 to perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

In one embodiment, the controller may control the driver 163 according to a predetermined condition. Controlling the driver 163 may include rotating or moving the mop 160.

In one embodiment, the controller may control the motion driver 120 according to a predetermined condition. Controlling the motion driver 120 may include moving the robot cleaner 10.

In one embodiment, the controller may control the brush motor 133 and/or the intake motor 142 according to a predetermined condition.

FIG. 24 is a control block diagram of a station according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 24, the station 20 may include a docking sensor 270, the intake motor 224, a user interface 281, a communication circuitry 282, the first pump 21, the second pump 22, the first valve 23, the second valve 24, the steam generation device 250, the drying device 260, and/or the controller 290.

The docking sensor 270 may detect whether the robot cleaner 10 is docked at the station 20. The docking sensor 270 may include at least one sensor that detects mechanical and/or electrical changes when the robot cleaner 10 is docked at the station 20.

For example, the docking sensor 270 may include a sensor detecting whether the charging terminal 151 of the robot cleaner 10 is electrically connected to the charging terminal 218 of the station 20. As another example, the docking sensor 270 may include a sensor (e.g., an elastic sensor) that detects mechanical deformation when the robot cleaner 10 is docked.

The controller 290 may determine whether the robot cleaner is docked at the station based on an output value of the docking sensor 270.

The intake motor 224 may generate a suction force to draw dirt from the dust bin 141.

The controller 290 may draw the dirt from the dust bin 141 into the dirt container 223 by operating the intake motor 224.

The operation of the controller 290 to operate the intake motor 224 to draw the dirt from the dust bin 141 into the dirt container 223 may be referred to as an intake process.

The user interface 281 may include an output interface and an input interface.

At least one output interface may generate sensory information and convey various information related to operations of the station to a user.

For example, the at least one output interface may convey information related to settings, operation time, and the like, of the station to the user. Information about the operation of the station may be output through a display, indicator, and/or may be output as voice. The 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, and the like.

In a case where the display includes a touch screen display, the touch screen display may correspond to an example of the output interface and the input interface. In one embodiment, the at least one output interface may output sensory information (e.g., visual information, auditory information, etc.) related to control of the station.

At least one input interface may convert the sensory information received from the user into an electrical signal.

The at least one input interface may include a power button for turning on the station.

Each button may include a visual indicator (e.g. text, icon, etc.) that may indicate its function.

The 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 touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone, and the like.

In the disclosure, a “button” may be replaced by a User Interface Element (UI element), a tact switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch pad, a touch screen, a jog dial, and/or a microphone, and the like.

The station 20 may process a user input received via the user interface 281 and may output information related to the station via the user interface 281.

In one embodiment, the user interface 281 may include an input interface for receiving a mop wash command and/or a mop steam command.

When a user determines that the mop 160 of the robot cleaner 10 requires to be washed or sterilized, the user may input the mop wash command and/or the mop steam command via the input interface.

The station 20 may perform a washing process, a steam process, and/or a drying process in response to the mop wash command and/or the mop steam command being input via the user interface 281.

The communication circuitry 282 may communicate with external devices (e.g., a server, a user device, the robot cleaner 10) wired and/or wirelessly.

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

The short-range wireless communication module may include a Bluetooth communication module, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication module, a near field communication module, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication module, and a Zigbee communication module, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication module, a Wi-Fi Direct (WFD) communication module, an ultrawideband (UWB) communication module, an Ant+ communication module, a microwave (uWave) communication module, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The long-range wireless communication module may include a communication module that performs various types of long-range wireless communication, and may include a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, or a server on a mobile communication network.

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

In one embodiment, the communication circuitry 282 may communicate wirelessly with the robot cleaner 10.

A variety of examples may be employed as a communication method between the robot cleaner 10 and the station 20.

In one embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 and the station 20 may communicate directly through a short-range communication module.

In one embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 and the station 20 may communicate directly through wired communication in a state where the robot cleaner 10 is docked at the station 20.

In one embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 and the station 20 may communicate indirectly through a long-range communication module via an external server.

Indirect communication via an external server may include, in response to transmitting a predetermined signal to an external server from the robot cleaner 10, transmitting the predetermined signal to the station 20 by the external server, and/or in response to transmitting a predetermined signal to an external server from the station 20, transmitting the predetermined signal to the robot cleaner 10 by the external server.

The first pump 21 may pump water stored in the water storage container 221 or pump water stored in the steam generation device 250.

In a case where internal components of the first pump 21 rotate in a first direction, the water stored in the water storage container 221 may be pumped, and in a case where the internal components of the first pump 21 rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the water in the steam generation device 250 may be pumped.

The controller 290 may control a pumping direction of the first pump 21 and operate the first pump 21.

The second pump 22 may pump air in the wastewater container 222.

The controller 290 may operate the second pump 22.

A water level sensor (not shown) disposed in the wastewater container 222 may transmit information about a water level of the wastewater container 222 to the controller 290.

The controller 290 may control the second pump 22 based on information obtained from the water level sensor. The controller 290 may stop the second pump 22 based on the water level in the wastewater container 222 reaching a predetermined water level.

The first valve 23 may adjust a flow of water pumped by the first pump 21 and may operate based on a control signal from the controller 290.

The second valve 24 may adjust a flow of water guided by the third pipe 203 and may operate based on a control signal from the controller 290.

The steam generation device 250 may include the heater 252, the water level sensor 253, and/or the temperature sensor 254.

The heater 252 may heat water in the steam container 251 and may operate based on a control signal from the controller 290.

The water level sensor 253 may detect a water level in the steam container 251.

For example, the water level sensor 253 may be implemented as a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and the like, that may measure the water level in the steam container 251.

As another example, the water level sensor 253 may be implemented as an electrode sensor that may detect that the water level of the steam container 251 has reached a predetermined water level.

The water level sensor 253 may transmit information about the water level of the steam container 251 to the controller 290.

In one embodiment, the water level sensor 253 may detect that the water level of the steam container 251 has reached the predetermined water level, and in response to the water level of the steam container 251 reaching the predetermined water level, the water level sensor 253 may transmit an electrical signal to the controller 290.

The controller 290 may operate the heater 252 based on the predetermined water level being detected by the water level sensor 253.

The temperature sensor 254 may detect a temperature in the steam container 251 and may transmit information related to the temperature in the steam container 251 to the controller 290.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may control the heater 252 based on temperature information received from the temperature sensor 254. For example, the controller 290 may stop the operation of the heater 252 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 254 reaching a predetermined temperature.

The controller 290 may perform a steam process by controlling the at least one pump 21 and/or 22, the at least one valve 23 and/or 24, and the steam generation device 250 described above.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may start the steam process in response to a steam process start condition being satisfied.

In response to the start of the steam process, the controller 290 may control the first valve 23 to allow communication between the second pipe 202 and the third pipe 203, control the second valve 24 to allow communication between the third pipe 203 and the fifth pipe 205, and control the first pump 21 to pump the water stored in the water storage container 221. Accordingly, the water stored in the water storage container 221 may flow to the steam generation device 250 by passing through the first pipe 201, the first pump 21, the second pipe 202, the first valve 23, the third pipe 203, the second valve 24 and the fifth pipe 205.

Thereafter, the controller 290 may operate the heater 252 based on the predetermined water level being detected by the water level sensor 253, thereby allowing the steam generation device 253 to spray steam into the washing chamber 230. The controller 290 may stop the operation of the first pump 21 based on the predetermined water level being detected by the water level sensor 253.

The controller 290 may operate the heater 252 until the steam process ends based on the predetermined water level being detected by the water level sensor 253, and may also temporarily stop the operation of the heater 252 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 254 reaching the predetermined temperature during the steam process. Accordingly, the heater 252 may be prevented from overheating.

The controller 290 may end the steam process based on a steam process end condition being satisfied.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may end the steam process in response to detection of the predetermined water level (minimum water level) by the water level sensor 253.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may end the steam process in response to an execution time of the steam process exceeding a predetermined time.

The controller 290 may perform a water recovery operation in response to the end of the steam process.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may perform a water recovery operation based on a predetermined time having elapsed after the end of the steam process.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may perform a water recovery operation based on a predetermined time having elapsed after the heater 252 is turned off in response to the end of the steam process.

The predetermined time may be set in advance as a time for the water heated by the steam generation device 253 to cool sufficiently.

In one embodiment, after the heater 252 is turned off in response to the end of the steam process, the controller 290 may perform a water recovery operation based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 254 falling below a predetermined temperature.

According to the disclosure, microorganisms may be prevented from growing in the water storage container 221 by hot water recovered in the water storage container 221.

In response to the end of the steam process, the controller 290 may control the first valve 23 to allow communication between the second pipe 202 and the third pipe 203, control the second valve 24 to allow communication between the third pipe 203 and the fifth pipe 205, and control the first pump 21 to pump the water remaining in the steam generation device 250. Accordingly, the water in the steam generation device 250 may flow to the water storage container 221 by passing through the fifth pipe 205, the second valve 24, the third pipe 203, the first valve 23, the second pipe 202, the first pump 21 and the first pipe 201.

The controller 290 may turn off the heater 252 in response to the end of the steam process.

The controller 290 may end the water recovery operation according to various conditions.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may end the water recovery operation in response to an execution time of the water recovery operation exceeding a predetermined time.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may start a drying process in response to the end of the water recovery operation.

The drying device 260 may include the heater 263 that heats air, and the fan 262 that blows the heated air. Air heated by the heater 263 may be blown into the washing chamber 230 according to the operation of the fan 262.

The controller 290 may control the drying device 260 to blow the heated air into the washing chamber 230, thereby performing the drying process.

The controller 290 may perform the drying process by operating the heater 263 and the fan 262.

The controller 290 may end the drying process according to a drying process end condition.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may end the drying process in response to an execution time of the drying process exceeding a predetermined time.

In one embodiment, the controller 290 may end the drying process in response to receiving a drying end request signal from the robot cleaner 10. To this end, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit the drying end request signal to the station 20 in response to a humidity measured by the humidity sensor 171 falling below a predetermined humidity during the drying process.

The controller 290 may control overall operations of the station 20.

The controller 290 may include at least one processor 291 that controls an operation of the station 20 and at least one memory 292 storing programs and data for controlling the operation of the station 20.

The at least one processor 291 may control overall operations of the station 20. Specifically, the at least one processor 291 may be connected to each component of the station 20 and may control overall operations of the station 20. For example, the at least one processor 291 may be electrically connected to the memory 292 to control the overall operations of the station 20. A single processor 291 or a plurality of processors 291 may be provided.

The at least one processor 291 may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 292, thereby allowing the station 20 to perform operations according to various embodiments.

The at least one memory 292 may store data required for various embodiments. The memory 292 may be implemented as a memory embedded in the station 20 or as a memory detachable from the station 20 depending on a data storage use. For example, data for driving the station 20 may be stored in the memory embedded in the station 20, and data for an extended function of the station 20 may be stored in the memory detachable from the station 20. Meanwhile, the memory embedded in the station 20 may be implemented as at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), or synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.), or a non-volatile memory (e.g., one time programmable read only memory (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, flash memory (e.g. NAND flash or NOR flash, etc.), a hard drive, or a solid state drive (SSD)). In addition, the memory detachable from the station 20 may be implemented as a memory card (e.g., compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), multi-media card (MMC), etc.), an external memory (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) memory) connectable to a USB port, and the like.

The at least one processor 291 may include a at least one of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Accelerated Processing Unit (APU), Many Integrated Core (MIC), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Neural Processing Unit (NPU), hardware accelerator, or machine learning accelerator. The at least one processor 291 may control one or any combination of other components of the station 20, and may perform communication-related operations or data processing. The at least one processor 291 may execute at least one program or instruction stored in the memory 292. For example, the at least one processor 291 may execute at least one instruction stored in the memory 292 to perform a method according to at least one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for cleaning a mop of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 25, the robot cleaner 10 according to an embodiment may return to the station 20 in response to a station return condition being satisfied.

For example, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 in response to a charge level of the battery 150 falling below a predetermined charge level.

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 in response to a humidity of the mop 160 measured by the humidity sensor 171 being greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum humidity.

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 in response to a humidity of the mop 160 measured by the humidity sensor 171 being less than or equal to a predetermined minimum humidity.

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 in response to receiving a station return command from an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, the station 20).

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 in response to completion of cleaning according to a cleaning plan.

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 in response to a contamination level of the mop 160 being greater than or equal to a predetermined contamination level. To this end, the robot cleaner 10 may further include a separate sensor to measure a contamination level of the mop 160, and may estimate the contamination level of the mop 160 based on an output value of the humidity sensor 171.

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 in response to the dust bin 141 being full. Fullness of the dust bin 141 may include detecting that the amount of foreign substances is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount by a sensor for measuring the amount of foreign substances stored in the dust bin 141.

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may return to the station 20 in response to a lack of water in the water tank 114. The lack of water in the water tank 114 may include detecting that the amount of water is less than or equal to a predetermined amount by a sensor for measuring the amount of water stored in the water tank 114.

The station 20 may start a washing process (S1), in response to the robot cleaner 10 being docked at the station 20 and a washing condition being satisfied.

In one embodiment, the station 20 may start the washing process in response to receiving a mop wash request signal from the robot cleaner 10 in a state where the robot cleaner 10 is docked at the station 20, or in response to the robot cleaner 10 being docked at the station 20 after the mop wash request signal is received from the robot cleaner 10.

To this end, based on a determination that the mop 160 requires to be washed, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit the mop wash request signal to the station 20.

For example, the robot cleaner 10 may determine that the mop 160 requires to be washed in response to completion of cleaning according to the cleaning plan.

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may determine that the mop 160 requires to be washed in response to receiving a mop wash command from an external device (e.g., a server, a user device).

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may determine that the mop 160 requires to be washed in response to a humidity of the mop 160 measured by the humidity sensor 171 being less than or equal to a predetermined minimum humidity.

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may determine that the mop 160 requires to be washed in response to a contamination level of the mop 160 being greater than or equal to a predetermined contamination level.

As another example, the robot cleaner 10 may determine that the mop 160 requires to be washed in response to a lack of water in the water tank 114.

The station 20 may perform an operation of supplying water to the washing chamber 230 for the washing process.

For example, the controller 290 may control the first valve 23 to allow communication between the second pipe 202 and the third pipe 203, control the second valve 24 to allow communication between the third pipe 203 and the fourth pipe 204, and control the first pump 21 to pump water stored in the water storage container 221, thereby performing the washing process.

The water stored in the water storage container 221 during the washing process may flow to the second water supply 231 by passing through the first pipe 201, the first pump 21, the second pipe 202, the first valve 23, the third pipe 203, the second valve 24 and the fourth pipe 204. The water discharged through the second water supply 231 may flow into the washing chamber 230, and thus the mop 160 in the washing chamber 230 may be washed.

The station 20 may transmit a washing start signal to the robot cleaner 10 (S2), in response to the start of the washing process.

The washing start signal is a signal for notifying that the washing process has started, and may be transmitted from the station 20 to the robot cleaner 10 in various manners.

In one embodiment, the station 20 may transmit the washing start signal to the robot cleaner 10 before or after operating the first pump 21.

The robot cleaner 10 may rotate the mop 160 (S3), in response to receiving the washing start signal from the station 20.

In one embodiment, the controller 190 may control the rotation driver 161 to rotate the mop 160 in response to receiving the washing start signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182.

According to various embodiments, the controller 190 may control the lifting driver 162 to move (lift or lower) the mop 160 to a predetermined height suitable for washing, in response to receiving the washing start signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182. Data about the predetermined height suitable for washing may be stored in advance in the memory 192. According to the disclosure, the mop 160 may be efficiently washed by rotating the mop 160 during the washing process.

The station 20 may end the washing process (S4), in response to a washing process end condition being satisfied. The station 20 may perform a wastewater collection operation in response to the end of the washing process.

For example, the controller 290 may control the first valve 23 to block the second pipe 202 and the third pipe 203, control the second valve 24 to block the third pipe 203 and the fourth pipe 204, and stop the operation of the first pump 21, thereby ending the washing process.

The controller 290 may operate the second pump 22 to pump the air in the wastewater container 222 to the outside in order to perform the wastewater collection operation.

By pumping the air in the wastewater container 222 to the outside, the inside of the wastewater container 222 may become negative pressure, and the wastewater in the washing chamber 230 may flow into the wastewater container 222 along the tenth pipe 2010.

The washing process end condition may include various conditions, such as an execution time of the washing process exceeding a predetermined time, a water level in the water storage container 221 falling below a predetermined water level, and the like.

In response to the end of the washing process, the station 20 may transmit a washing end signal to the robot cleaner 10 (S5).

The washing end signal is a signal for notifying that the washing process has ended, and may be transmitted from the station 20 to the robot cleaner 10 in various manners.

In one embodiment, the station 20 may transmit the washing end signal to the robot cleaner 10 before or after stopping the first pump 21.

The robot cleaner 10 may stop the rotation of the mop 160 (S6), in response to receiving the washing end signal from the station 20.

In one embodiment, the controller 190 may control the rotation driver 161 to stop the rotation of the mop 160 in response to receiving the washing end signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182.

According to the disclosure, the mop 160 may be prevented from rotating and continuously generating wastewater while the station 20 performs the wastewater collection operation.

Meanwhile, the station 20 may start a steam process (S7), in response to the completion of the wastewater collection operation. That is, the station 20 may start the steam process based on the end of the washing process.

A wastewater collection end condition may include various conditions, such as an execution time of the wastewater collection operation exceeding a predetermined time a water level in the wastewater container 222 reaching a predetermined water level, no change in flow rate being detected by a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate flowing into the wastewater container 222, and the like.

According to various embodiments, the station 20 may omit the washing process and start the steam process. For example, the station 20 may start the steam process (S7) in response to receiving a mop steam request signal from an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, the robot cleaner 10). The term “mop steam request signal” may be replaced with the term “steam operation signal” in that the steam process of the station 20 is induced.

In one embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit the steam operation signal to the station 20 in response to receiving a mop steam command via the user interface 181.

In one embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit the steam operation signal to the station 20, in response to detecting that a humidity of the mop 160 is less than or equal to a predetermined minimum humidity or detecting that the humidity of the mop 160 is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum humidity, but a contamination level of the mop 160 is less than or equal to a predetermined contamination level.

In one embodiment, a user device may transmit the steam operation signal to the station 20 in response to receiving the mop steam command through an application for controlling the robot cleaner 10.

As described above, the station 20 may perform the steam process by controlling the at least one pump 21 and/or 22, the at least one valve 23 and/or 24, and the steam generation device 250.

The station 20 may transmit a steam start signal to the robot cleaner 10 based on the start of the steam process (S8).

The robot cleaner 10 may rotate the mop 160 (S9), in response to receiving the steam start signal from the station 20.

In one embodiment, the controller 190 may control the rotation driver 161 to rotate the mop 160 based on receiving the steam start signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182.

For example, the controller 190 may control the rotation driver 161 to rotate the mop 160, based on a predetermined time having elapsed after the steam start signal is received from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182.

As another example, the controller 190 may control the rotation driver 161 to rotate the mop 160, based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor 254 reaching a predetermined temperature after the steam start signal is received from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182.

According to the disclosure, by rotating the mop 160 at the time when steam is generated by the steam generation device 253, the mop 160 may be prevented from rotating unnecessarily before steam is generated by the steam generation device 253.

According to various embodiments, the controller 190 may control the lifting driver 162 to move (lift or lower) the mop 160 to a predetermined height suitable for sterilization, in response to receiving the steam start signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182. Data about the predetermined height suitable for sterilization may be stored in advance in the memory 192.

In one embodiment, the predetermined height suitable for sterilization may be higher than the predetermined height suitable for washing. That is, the height of the mop 160 during the steam process may be higher than that of the mop 160 during the washing process. Accordingly, the steam sprayed through the steam discharge opening 243 may sterilize the entire mop 160.

In addition, according to various embodiments, the controller 190 may control the lifting driver 162 to move (lift or lower) the mop 160 to a predetermined height suitable for sterilization in advance in response to receiving the washing end signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182.

According to the disclosure, the mop 160 may be efficiently sterilized by rotating the mop 160 during the steam process.

The station 20 may end the steam process in response to a steam process end condition being satisfied (S10).

The station 20 may turn off the heater 252 in response to the end of the steam process.

The station 20 may start a water recovery operation in response to the end of the steam process.

The station 20 may transmit a steam end signal to the robot cleaner 10 in response to the end of the steam process (S11).

The robot cleaner 10 may stop the rotation of the mop 160 in response to receiving the steam end signal from the station 20 (S12).

In one embodiment, the controller 190 may control the rotation driver 161 to stop the rotation of the mop 160 in response to receiving the steam end signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182.

According to the disclosure, the mop 160 may be prevented from rotating and continuously generating wastewater while the station 20 performs the water recovery operation.

Meanwhile, the station 20 may start a drying process (S13), in response to completion of the water recovery operation. That is, the station 20 may start the drying process based on the completion of the steam process.

According to various embodiments, the station 20 may omit the washing process and/or the steam process and may start the drying process. For example, the station 20 may start the drying process (S13), in response to receiving a mop drying request signal from an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, the robot cleaner 10). The term “mop drying request signal” may be replaced with the term “drying operation signal” in that the steam process of the station 20 is induced.

In one embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit the drying operation signal to the station 20 in response to receiving a mop drying command via the user interface 181.

In one embodiment, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit the drying operation signal to the station 20, in response to detecting that a humidity of the mop 160 is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum humidity, but a contamination level of the mop 160 is less than or equal to a predetermined contamination level.

For example, the robot cleaner 10 may transmit the drying operation signal to the station 20 in a case where only the humidity of the mop 160 increases without an increase in the contamination level of the mop 160 by wiping clean liquid from a floor with the mop 160.

In one embodiment, a user device may transmit the drying operation signal to the station 20 in response to receiving the mop drying command through an application for controlling the robot cleaner 10.

As described above, the station 20 may perform the drying process by controlling the drying device 260.

The station 20 may transmit a drying start signal to the robot cleaner 10 based on the start of the drying process (S14).

The robot cleaner 10 may rotate the mop 160 (S15), in response to receiving the drying start signal from the station 20.

In one embodiment, the controller 190 may control the rotation driver 161 to rotate the mop 160 in response to receiving the drying start signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182.

According to various embodiments, the controller 190 may control the lifting driver 162 to move (lift or lower) the mop 160 to a predetermined height suitable for drying, in response to receiving the drying start signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182. Data about the predetermined height suitable for drying may be stored in advance in the memory 192.

According to the disclosure, the mop 160 may be efficiently dried by rotating the mop 160 during the drying process.

The station 20 may end the drying process (S16), in response to a drying process end condition being satisfied.

The station 20 may turn off the drying device 260 in response to the end of the drying process.

The station 20 may transmit a drying end signal to the robot cleaner 10 (S17), in response to the end of the drying process.

The robot cleaner 10 may stop the rotation of the mop 160 (S18), in response to receiving the drying end signal from the station 20.

In one embodiment, the controller 190 may control the rotation driver 161 to stop the rotation of the mop 160, in response to receiving the drying end signal from the station 20 through the communication circuitry 182.

According to the disclosure, the mop 160 may be sterilized and less contaminated by the washing process, the steam process, and the drying process, allowing the robot cleaner 10 to perform wet cleaning with the clean mop.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a cleaning apparatus may include: a robot cleaner 10 including a main body 110 and a mop 160 detachably mountable to a lower portion of the main body; and a station 20 on which the robot cleaner 10 is placed. The station 20 may include: a water storage container 221 configured to store water; a washing chamber 230 configured to correspond to the mop 160 while the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20; a steam generation device 250 configured to generate steam using the water stored in the water storage container; a pump 21 configured to pump the water stored in the water storage container 221; a first pipe 204 configured to guide the water pumped by the pump 21 to the washing chamber 230; and a second pipe 205 configured to be distinguished from the first pipe 204 and guide the water pumped by the pump 21 to the steam generation device 250.

The station 20 may further include: a valve 24 configured to be connected to the first pipe 204 and the second pipe 205; and a third pipe 203 arranged between the pump 21 and the valve 24 and configured to allow the water pumped by the pump to flow. The valve 24 may be configured to allow communication between the third pipe 203 and the first pipe 204, or allow communication between the third pipe 203 and the second pipe 205.

The valve may be a first valve 24. The station 20 may further include: a second valve 23 configured to be connected to the third pipe 203 and disposed to allow the third pipe 203 to be arranged between the first valve 24 and the second valve 23; a fourth pipe 202 configured to connect the pump 21 and the second valve 23 and allow the water pumped by the pump 21 to flow; and a fifth pipe 207 configured to guide water flowing from the fourth pipe 202 to the robot cleaner 10 placed on the station 20. The second valve 23 may be configured to allow communication between the fourth pipe 202 and the third pipe 203, or allow communication between the fourth pipe 202 and the fifth pipe 207.

The station 20 may further include: a third pipe 206 configured to guide the steam generated by the steam generation device 250 to the washing chamber 230, and including a first end 206a configured to communicate with the steam generation device 250 and a second end 206b configured to communicate with the washing chamber 230.

The station 20 may further include: a washing frame 240 configured to be detachably mountable to the washing chamber 230, and rub against the mop while the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20. The washing frame 240 may include a steam discharge opening 243 configured to spray steam, guided to the washing chamber 230 through the third pipe 206, to the mop 160.

The second pipe 205 may be connected to a lower portion of the steam generation device 250. The third pipe 206 may be connected to an upper portion of the steam generation device 250.

The steam generation device 250 may be disposed below the water storage container 221. The third pipe 206 may include a bending portion 2061 configured to bend at a height between the steam generation device 250 and the water storage container 221.

At least a portion of the steam discharge opening 243 may be disposed below a lower surface of the mop 160 while the robot cleaner 10 is placed on the station 20.

A size of the second end 206b of the third pipe 206 may be greater than a size of the steam discharge opening 243.

A bottom 230a of the washing chamber 230 may be inclined downward along a direction in which the robot cleaner 10 enters the station 20.

The station 20 may further include: a steam container 251 configured to accommodate the water guided by the second pipe; a heater 252 configured to heat the water accommodated in the steam container; a water level sensor 253 configured to detect a water level in the steam container; and a controller 290 configured to operate the heater 252 based on a predetermined water level being detected by the water level sensor 253.

The station 20 may further include: a steam container 251 configured to accommodate the water guided by the second pipe; a heater 252 configured to heat the water accommodated in the steam container; a temperature sensor 254 configured to detect a temperature in the steam container; and a controller 290 configured to stop operating the heater 252 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 254 reaching a predetermined temperature.

The station 20 may be configured to control the steam generation device 250 to perform a steam generation operation, based on an end of a washing operation that washes the mop 160 in the washing chamber 230 or receipt of a steam operation signal from at least one of the robot cleaner 10 or a user device.

The station 20 may be configured to transmit a steam start signal to the robot cleaner 10 based on a start of the steam generation operation.

The robot cleaner 10 may be configured to rotate the mop 160 based on receiving the steam start signal from the station 20.

The robot cleaner 10 may be configured to move the mop 160 to a predetermined height based on receiving the steam start signal from the station 20.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for controlling a robot cleaner may include: returning to a station in response to a station return condition being satisfied; and rotating a mop 160 in response to receiving a steam start signal from the station 20.

The method may further include: moving the mop 160 to a predetermined location before rotating the mop 160 in response to receiving the steam start signal from the station 20.

The method may further include: stopping rotation of the mop 160 in response to receiving a steam end signal from the station 20 during the rotation of the mop 160.

The method may further include: rotating the mop 160 in response to receiving a drying start signal from the station 20 after the rotation of the mop 160 is stopped.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a cleaning apparatus includes a robot cleaner 10 including a main body 110 having a lower portion to which a mop 160 is detachably mountable; and a station 20 on which the robot cleaner 10 is placeable, the station including a water storage container 221 configured to store water, a washing chamber 230 configured so that, while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and a mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the mop is washable in the washing chamber, a steam generation device 250 configured to generate steam using water stored in the water storage container, a pump configured to pump 21 the water stored in the water storage container out of the water storage container, a first pipe 204 configured to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the washing chamber 230, and a second pipe 205 configured to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the steam generation device 250.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station 20 may include a valve 24 connected to the first pipe 204 and the second pipe 205, a third pipe 203 between the pump 21 and the valve 24, and configured to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the valve. The valve 24 may be configured to direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the third pipe 203 to the first pipe 204, or direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the third pipe 203 to the second pipe 205.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the valve may be a first valve 24. The station may include a fourth pipe 207 configured to, when the robot cleaner is placed on the station, guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the robot cleaner, a second valve 23 connected to the third pipe 203 and the fourth pipe 207, and a fifth pipe 202 connecting the pump 21 and the second valve 23. The second valve 23 may be configured to direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the fifth pipe 202 to the third pipe 203, or direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the fifth pipe 202 to the fourth pipe 207.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may include a third pipe 206 configured to guide the steam generated by the steam generation device 250 to the washing chamber 230, and including a first end 206a configured to communicate with the steam generation device, and a second end 206b configured to communicate with the washing chamber.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may include a washing frame 240 that is detachably mountable to the washing chamber, and including a steam discharge opening 243. The washing frame may be configured so that, while the washing frame is mounted to the washing chamber, the robot cleaner is placed on the station, and the mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the washing frame 240 may be positioned to rub against the mop, and the steam discharge opening 243 may be positioned to spray the steam guided to the washing chamber through the third pipe 206 to the mop.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe 205 may be connected to a lower portion of the steam generation device 250. The third pipe 206 may be connected to an upper portion of the steam generation device 250.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the steam generation device 250 may be disposed below the water storage container 221. The third pipe 206 may include a bending portion 2061 at a height between the steam generation device and the water storage container.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and the mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, at least a portion of the steam discharge opening 243 may be disposed below a lower surface of the mop 160.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a size of the second end 206b of the third pipe 206 may be greater than a size of the steam discharge opening 243.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a bottom 230a of the washing chamber 230 may be inclined downward along a direction in which the robot cleaner enters the station.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may include a steam container 251 configured to accommodate the water guided by the second pipe, a heater 252 configured to heat the water accommodated in the steam container, a water level sensor 253 configured to detect a water level in the steam container, and a controller 290 configured to operate the heater based on a predetermined water level being detected by the water level sensor.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station may include a steam container 251 configured to accommodate the water guided by the second pipe, a heater 252 configured to heat the water accommodated in the steam container, a temperature sensor 254 configured to detect a temperature in the steam container, and a controller 290 configured to stop the heater based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaching a predetermined temperature.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and the mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the station 20 may be configured to, based on an end of a washing operation that washes the mop in the washing chamber, or receipt of a steam operation signal from at least one of the robot cleaner or a user device, control the steam generation device 250 to perform a steam generation operation.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station 20 may be configured to transmit a steam start signal to the robot cleaner 10 based on a start of the steam generation operation.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the robot cleaner 10 may be configured to rotate the mop 160 based on receiving the steam start signal from the station.

According to the disclosure, ease of use of a cleaning apparatus may be improved.

According to the disclosure, cleaning efficiency of a cleaning apparatus may be improved.

According to the disclosure, a station may spray steam onto a mop of a robot cleaner placed on the station, thereby sterilizing the mop with the steam and keeping the mop clean.

The effects that may achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.

Although disclosure has been shown and described in relation to specific embodiments, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleaning apparatus, comprising: a robot cleaner including a main body having a lower portion to which a mop is detachably mountable; anda station on which the robot cleaner is placeable, the station including: a water storage container configured to store water,a washing chamber configured so that, while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and a mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the mop is washable in the washing chamber,a steam generation device configured to generate steam using water stored in the water storage container,a pump configured to pump the water stored in the water storage container out of the water storage container,a first pipe configured to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the washing chamber, anda second pipe configured to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the steam generation device.

2. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the station includes: a valve connected to the first pipe and the second pipe,a third pipe between the pump and the valve, and configured to guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the valve, andthe valve is configured to: direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the third pipe to the first pipe, ordirect the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the third pipe to the second pipe.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the valve is a first valve, andthe station includes: a fourth pipe configured to, when the robot cleaner is placed on the station, guide the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump to the robot cleaner,a second valve connected to the third pipe and the fourth pipe, anda fifth pipe connecting the pump and the second valve, andwherein the second valve is configured to: direct the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the fifth pipe to the third pipe, ordirect the water pumped out of the water storage container by the pump from the fifth pipe to the fourth pipe.

4. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the station includes: a third pipe configured to guide the steam generated by the steam generation device to the washing chamber, and including: a first end configured to communicate with the steam generation device, anda second end configured to communicate with the washing chamber.

5. The cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the station includes: a washing frame that is detachably mountable to the washing chamber, and including a steam discharge opening,wherein the washing frame is configured so that, while the washing frame is mounted to the washing chamber, the robot cleaner is placed on the station, and the mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body: the washing frame is positioned to rub against the mop, andthe steam discharge opening is positioned to spray the steam guided to the washing chamber through the third pipe to the mop.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second pipe is connected to a lower portion of the steam generation device, andthe third pipe is connected to an upper portion of the steam generation device.

7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein the steam generation device is disposed below the water storage container, andthe third pipe includes a bending portion at a height between the steam generation device and the water storage container.

8. The cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and the mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, at least a portion of the steam discharge opening is disposed below a lower surface of the mop.

9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein a size of the second end of the third pipe is greater than a size of the steam discharge opening.

10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein a bottom of the washing chamber is inclined downward along a direction in which the robot cleaner enters the station.

11. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the station includes: a steam container configured to accommodate the water guided by the second pipe,a heater configured to heat the water accommodated in the steam container,a water level sensor configured to detect a water level in the steam container, anda controller configured to operate the heater based on a predetermined water level being detected by the water level sensor.

12. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the station includes: a steam container configured to accommodate the water guided by the second pipe,a heater configured to heat the water accommodated in the steam container,a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature in the steam container, anda controller configured to stop the heater based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaching a predetermined temperature.

13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein while the robot cleaner is placed on the station and the mop is mounted to the lower portion of the main body, the station is configured to, based on an end of a washing operation that washes the mop in the washing chamber, or receipt of a steam operation signal from at least one of the robot cleaner or a user device: control the steam generation device to perform a steam generation operation.

14. The cleaning apparatus of claim 13, wherein the station is configured to transmit a steam start signal to the robot cleaner based on a start of the steam generation operation.

15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 14, wherein the robot cleaner is configured to rotate the mop based on receiving the steam start signal from the station.