ROBOT CLEANER STATION

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0177841, filed Dec. 3, 2024, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a robot cleaner station, and more specifically, to a built-in station, which may collect dust in a dust bin of a robot cleaner, wash a duster of the robot cleaner, and dry the duster when the robot cleaner is coupled.

Description of the Related Art

Recently, with the development of an industrial technology, robot cleaners that clean while traveling in areas that need cleaning without user intervention are being developed.

These robot cleaners are provided with a sensor for recognizing a space to be cleaned, an agitator for sweeping and cleaning the floor, a mop for mopping the floor, etc. and may travel while suctioning dust on the floor of the space detected by the sensor and mopping the floor using the mop, etc.

Among the robot cleaners, there are a dry robot cleaner capable of suctioning and removing a foreign substance scattered on the floor and a wet robot cleaner capable of mopping the floor using a moisture-containing mop to effectively remove a foreign substance attached to the floor. The dry robot cleaner is provided with a dust bin and suctions the foreign substance on the floor using suction power of a suction motor. The wet robot cleaner is provided with a water container and is configured to effectively remove the foreign substance attached to the floor by mopping the floor in a state in which water stored in the water container is supplied to the mop and the mop contains moisture. In addition, there are robot cleaners in the form of having both an agitator and a mop.

A robot cleaner charging station is a device for docking a robot cleaner finishing cleaning and charging a battery by supplying power to the battery installed in the robot cleaner. The charging station has a power supply module therein. The charging station has a charging terminal connected to the power supply module, and the robot cleaner has a corresponding terminal. When the charging terminal is in contact with the corresponding terminal, the battery is charged by receiving power.

Meanwhile, when the robot cleaner charging station is disposed inside a building, the charging station occupies a predetermined range of an indoor space. In this case, indoor space efficiency may be poor. In addition, a user or a pet may collide with the robot cleaner while passing by, thereby causing problems of injury to the user or the pet and damage to the robot cleaner.

In addition, a station with a dust collection function of the robot cleaner has a limitation in that it may damage an interior of the indoor as the space of the station increases.

Meanwhile, Chinese utility model registration CN 218922468 U discloses a cleaner station in which a robot cleaner is coupled to a lower side of a washing machine to charge the robot cleaner, collect dust, and wash a wet mop of the robot cleaner.

However, the cleaner station has an open space into which the robot cleaner may enter at a lower side of the washing machine, detergent and water supply devices for washing a wet mop are provided at a vertical upper side of the space into which the robot cleaner enters, and a dust bag is disposed on a side surface of the space into which the robot cleaner enters.

In the case of such arrangement, since an overall height of the cleaner station is high, there is a limitation that the station may not be mounted using a lower space of furniture including a kitchen sink.

In addition, since the cleaner station should be installed at the lower side of the washing machine, there are limitations that a space in which the washing machine is installed should be basically, necessarily provided and the installation space with a height exceeding a height of the washing machine and a height of the cleaner station should be provided in consideration of the height of the washing machine and the height of the cleaner station.

In addition, since a space for coupling the dust bag is positioned close to the ground, users are inconvenienced because they need to kneel or crouch in front of the station to couple the dust bag, which is inconvenient, and the narrow space for coupling the dust bag forces users to insert their hand into the station, causing inconvenience.

In addition, Chinese Utility Model Registration No. CN 219166318 U discloses a cleaning base in which a dust bag is stored.

The cleaning base is configured to remove the dust bag disposed therein after opening a cover.

However, in the cleaning base, even when the cover is opened, the dust bag is disposed inside the cleaning base, making it difficult to visually identify the dust bag and complicating the removal process of the dust bag for replacement. In particular, the cleaning base has the inconvenience of requiring the user to manually reach inside the cleaning base to remove the dust bag after opening the cover.

In addition, since the dust bag is disposed inside the cleaning base, it is difficult to determine whether the dust bag is coupled or detached, leading to problems with dust collection due to the dust bag being uncoupled or incorrectly assembled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to providing a robot cleaner station, which may be built-in at a lower side of kitchen furniture without a separate installation space.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a robot cleaner station capable of accommodating a robot cleaner in a lower space of kitchen furniture with a predetermined height limit.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a robot cleaner station capable of automatically collecting dust in a dust bin of a robot cleaner when the robot cleaner is coupled.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a robot cleaner station capable of maximizing the capacity of a dust bag.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a robot cleaner station capable of easily recognizing the presence of a dust bag and facilitating attachment and detachment thereof.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a robot cleaner station capable of determining whether a dust bag is coupled.

In addition, the present invention is directed to providing a robot cleaner station capable of sterilizing the interior of a dust bag.

According to the present invention, there is provided a robot cleaner station including a housing disposed on a lower portion of kitchen furniture, a seating unit which is disposed in the housing and in which at least a portion of a robot cleaner is accommodated, and a dust collection unit configured to collect dust inside a dust bin of the robot cleaner, wherein the dust collection unit further includes a dust collection unit housing into which the dust inside the dust bin is introduced, a dust bag drawer coupled to the dust collection unit housing to be pulled out, a dust bag which is detachably coupled to the dust bag drawer and in which dust introduced from the dust bin is collected, and a dust bag detection unit which is provided in the dust collection unit housing and detects the dust bag.

With this configuration, whether the dust bag is coupled may be detected.

The dust bag detection unit may be configured to come into contact with the dust bag to detect whether the dust bag is present.

At least a portion of the dust bag detection unit may be disposed through a sensor through-hole of the dust bag drawer.

The dust bag may be pulled out together with the dust bag drawer when the dust bag drawer is pulled.

Accordingly, whether the dust bag is present can be easily detected, and the dust bag can be easily replaced and removed.

The dust collection unit may further include a dust collection motor configured to provide suction power for suctioning the dust inside the dust bin, and the dust collection motor is operable in a state in which the dust bag detection unit detects the dust bag.

The dust bag detection unit may include a detection unit body provided in the dust collection unit housing, and an actuating unit which comes into contact with the detection unit body by the dust bag drawer.

The dust bag may include a dust bag body in which dust is collected, and a detachable portion coupled to the dust bag body and detachably coupled to the dust bag drawer, and the dust bag detection unit may be configured to come into contact with the detachable portion to detect whether the dust bag is present.

The dust bag drawer may include a dust bag drawer body in which the dust bag is stored, and a coupling rib disposed within the dust bag drawer body and disposed to be spaced apart from a rear surface of the dust bag drawer body, and the detachable portion may be coupled by sliding between the dust bag drawer body and the coupling rib.

The dust bag detection unit may be disposed to face the dust bag drawer at a rear side of the dust collection unit housing.

The dust bag drawer may include a housing support provided on an outer peripheral portion thereof to support an inner peripheral surface of the dust collection unit housing.

The dust collection unit may further include a dust collection flow path connecting an internal space of the dust bin to an internal space of the dust collection unit housing, and the dust collection flow path may include an outlet end fixed to the dust collection unit housing, and a flow path sealing portion provided at the outlet end to support the dust bag.

At least a portion of the flow path sealing portion may be inserted into an inlet formed in the dust collection unit housing and disposed between the outlet end and the dust bag.

At least a portion of an inner upper surface of the dust collection unit housing may be provided to be inclined downward toward a direction in which the dust bag drawer is inserted.

According to the present invention, there is provided a robot cleaner station including a housing disposed on a lower portion of kitchen furniture, a seating unit which is disposed in the housing and in which at least a portion of a robot cleaner is accommodated, and a dust collection unit configured to collect dust inside a dust bin of the robot cleaner, wherein the dust collection unit further includes a dust collection unit housing into which the dust inside the dust bin is introduced, a dust bag which is disposed inside the dust collection unit housing and in which dust introduced from the dust bin is collected, and a dust bag detection unit which is provided in the dust collection unit housing and detects the dust bag, and the dust collection unit collects the dust inside the dust bin depending on whether the dust bag detection unit detects the dust bag.

As described above, in the robot cleaner station according to the present invention, the modules for charging the robot cleaner, collecting dust, and washing the mop can be disposed horizontally with the robot cleaner, thereby effectively using the lower space of the kitchen furniture.

In addition, the charging terminal, the dust collection unit, the mop washing unit, and the mop drying unit may be disposed in the form of surrounding the robot cleaner to simultaneously perform various functions on the robot cleaner.

In addition, since other surfaces excluding the front surface are covered by the kitchen furniture, it is possible to provide the user with the aesthetic sense in terms of an interior design.

In addition, since the dust in the dust bin of the robot cleaner is automatically collected when the robot cleaner is coupled, the user pulls out only the dust bag at a regular cycle, and thus it is possible to reduce the user's labor.

In addition, since the duster of the robot cleaner may be automatically washed when the robot cleaner is coupled, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience of separating and separately washing the duster.

In addition, since detergent may be added as needed, it is possible to increase the washing effect of the duster.

In addition, since the duster is washed using the water supply pipe and the drain pipe of kitchen, it is possible to reduce the user's inconvenience of injecting water or discharging wastewater separately.

In addition, since the duster may be automatically dried by supplying hot air to the duster after the duster of the robot cleaner is washed, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of odor due to the wet duster.

In addition, it is possible to prevent the backflow of the odor by discharging the air after drying to the downstream of the U-trap.

In addition, since the door of the robot cleaner station is closed when the robot cleaner enters the robot cleaner station, it is possible to prevent dust from scattering to the outside while the dust in the dust bin is collected.

In addition, it is possible to prevent wastewater from leaking to the outside when the duster of the robot cleaner is washed.

In addition, it is possible to easily detect the presence of the dust bag and facilitating attachment and detachment of the dust bag.

In addition, it is possible to determine whether the dust bag is coupled, thereby providing convenience and improving product reliability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view for describing a state in which a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed at a lower side of kitchen furniture.

FIG. 2 is a view for describing a relationship in which a pipe of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to a drain pipe.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view for describing the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for describing a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the robot cleaner in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view for describing a structure of a robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view for describing a door unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view for describing an internal structure of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the robot cleaner station in FIG. 12.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are views for describing a washing plate and a washing tank of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view for describing a dust collection unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a view for describing a dust bag drawer of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a front view for describing a rear surface of a dust collection unit housing of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view for describing a dust bag of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the dust bag of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, with a bag portion removed.

FIG. 22 is a view for describing a dust collection motor and a dust collection motor housing of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view for describing a dust collection flow path and a return flow path in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 13 to describe a flow path of the dust collection unit.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of FIG. 13 to describe the flow path of the dust collection unit.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 24 to describe the dust bag drawer and the dust bag.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 26 to describe a housing support.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 27 to describe a dust bag detection unit and a flow unit sealing unit.

FIG. 29 is a view for describing the dust bag detection unit when the dust bag drawer with the dust bag removed is coupled in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view for describing a mop washing unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view for describing a washing water supply unit of a mop washing unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view for describing a washing water nozzle of the mop washing unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 33 and 34 are views for describing a detergent container of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are views for describing an outside air supply module of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a plan view for describing an air outlet of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view for describing a path of air flowing for mop drying in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a view for describing the air outlet in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a view for describing a drawer provided in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Since the present invention may have various changes and various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and specifically described in the detailed descriptions. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments and should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components may not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a second component may be referred to as a first component, and similarly, the first component may also be referred to as the second component without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The term “and/or” includes a combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of the plurality of related listed items.

When a first component is described as being “connected” or “coupled” to a second component, it can be understood that the first component may be directly connected or coupled to the second component, but a third component may be present therebetween. On the other hand, when the first component is described as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to the second component, it can be understood that the third component is not present therebetween.

The terms used in the present application are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present application, it can be understood that terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, a component, a part, or a combination thereof described in the specification is present, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The terms defined in a generally used dictionary can be construed as meanings that match with the meanings of the terms from the context of the related technology and are not construed as an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless clearly defined in the present application.

In addition, the following embodiments are provided to provide a more complete description to those with average knowledge in the art, and the shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer description.

FIG. 1 is a view for describing a state in which a cleaner system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed at a lower side of kitchen furniture, FIG. 2 is a view for describing a relationship in which a pipe of the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention is connected to a drain pipe, FIG. 3 is a perspective view for describing the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a perspective view for describing a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the robot cleaner in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 is a rear view of FIG. 5, FIG. 9 is a perspective view for describing a structure of a robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective view for describing a door unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a front view of FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a perspective view for describing an internal structure of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a plan view of the robot cleaner station in FIG. 12, FIGS. 14 and 15 are views for describing a washing plate and a washing tank of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a view for describing a dust collection unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is a view for describing a dust bag drawer of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 18 is a front view for describing a rear surface of a dust collection unit housing of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 19 is a perspective view for describing a dust bag of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a rear view of FIG. 19, FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the dust bag of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, with a bag portion removed, FIG. 22 is a view for describing a dust collection motor and a dust collection motor housing of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 23 is an enlarged view for describing a dust collection flow path and a recirculation flow path in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 13 to describe a flow path of the dust collection unit, FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of FIG. 13 to describe the flow path of the dust collection unit, FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 24 to describe the dust bag drawer and the dust bag, FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 26 to describe a housing support, FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 27 to describe a dust bag detection unit and a flow unit sealing unit, FIG. 29 is a view for describing the dust bag detection unit when the dust bag drawer with the dust bag removed is coupled in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 30 is an enlarged view for describing a mop washing unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 31 is an enlarged view for describing a washing water supply unit of a mop washing unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view for describing a washing water nozzle of the mop washing unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 33 and 34 are views for describing a detergent container of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 35 and 36 are views for describing an outside air supply module of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 37 is a plan view for describing an air outlet of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view for describing a path of air flowing for mop drying in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 39 is a view for describing the air outlet in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 40 is a view for describing a drawer provided in the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 41 is a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Kitchen Furniture and Cleaner System

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cleaning system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be installed on a lower side of kitchen furniture 2. Specifically, the kitchen furniture 2 may be disposed in kitchen to store dishes, plates, cups, etc. and provide a space in which food may be cooked or the dishes may be washed.

In addition, the kitchen furniture 2 may be provided with a top plate (worktop) that may function as a sink, a cooking table, or a worktop.

For example, the kitchen furniture 2 may include a kitchen sink, which provides the space in which the dishes may be washed, on the top plate. Alternatively, the kitchen furniture 2 may include a cooking table on which cooking operations are performed. In addition, the kitchen furniture 2 may include a gas range support on which a gas range, an induction, a highlight, an oven, or the like are installed.

In general, the kitchen furniture 2 may use a standard cabinet with 600 mm wide in a front-rear direction and 600 mm wide in a left-right direction.

The cleaner system 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention may be provided at a lower side of a structure including at least any one of a water supply pipe and a drain pipe. Specifically, the water supply pipe may be a flow path connected to an external water supply source for supplying a fluid to the structure, and the drain pipe may be a flow path through which fluid discharged from the structure is discharged to a sewer.

A lower portion of the kitchen furniture 2 or the structure may be provided with a storage cabinet for storing dishes, kitchen tools, etc. That is, the kitchen furniture 2 or the structure may include a top plate 22 that provides a space in which operations such as cooking or dish-washing may be performed, a bottom plate 23 disposed to be spaced a predetermined height from the ground, and a storage space formed between the top plate 22 and the bottom plate 23 to store dishes, kitchen tools, etc. In this case, when the kitchen furniture 2 is a kitchen sink, a sink 22a may be disposed on the top plate 22.

In addition, the bottom plate 23 may be supported by a pedestal 21. The pedestal 21 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to a kitchen floor to support a load of the kitchen furniture 2. In this case, a space may be formed between the kitchen floor and the bottom plate 23 depending on a height of the pedestal 21.

Alternatively, the kitchen furniture 2 may be fixed to a building wall without the pedestal 21. Even in this case, a space may be formed between the kitchen floor and the bottom plate 23.

The cleaner system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted in the space (hereinafter referred to as a mounting space) between the kitchen floor and the bottom plate 23 as described above.

For example, the mounting space may have a height of 200 mm or less and generally have a height of 160 mm or less.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, since the cleaner system 1 is disposed in the lower space of the kitchen furniture 2, it is possible to minimize external exposure of the cleaner system 1.

In addition, compared to a robot cleaner charging station being disposed in a predetermined space of a living room, a room, or kitchen, the cleaner system 1 is disposed in a unused space formed by the kitchen furniture 2 without a separate space, and thus it is possible to maximize space efficiency.

Meanwhile, the kitchen furniture 2 or the structure is provided with a drain pipe 25 through which a liquid used for cooking or water used for dish-washing may drain. At least a portion of the drain pipe 25 may be disposed in the storage space formed between the top plate 22 and the bottom plate 23. In general, the drain pipe 25 may be connected to a drain port formed in the sink 22a of the kitchen sink. The drain pipe 25 includes a U-trap 25a for preventing a backflow of contaminated gas or odor. The U-trap 25a may be disposed in the storage space. A liquid introduced through the drain port flows downward due to gravity at an upstream side 25b of the U-trap, accumulates in the U-trap 25a, and when water rises a predetermined level or more set by the U-trap 25a, the water may flow downward along a downstream 25c of the U-trap and may be discharged to a sewer.

The cleaner system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may wash and dry a mop 242 of a robot cleaner 200 using the drain pipe 25.

In addition, although not illustrated, the kitchen furniture 2 may be provided with the water supply pipe. Fresh water (or purified water) may be supplied to the cleaner system 1 through the water supply pipe.

Hereinafter, a specific structure of the cleaner system 1 will be described.

Cleaner System

Meanwhile, FIGS. 3 and 4 are views for describing the cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The cleaner system 1 according to the embodiment of the present specification may include a robot cleaner station 100 and the robot cleaner 200.

The cleaner system 1 includes the robot cleaner station 100. The robot cleaner 200 may be coupled to the robot cleaner station 100. Specifically, the robot cleaner 200 may enter a front surface of the robot cleaner station 100, and the robot cleaner 200 may be accommodated inside the robot cleaner station 100. The robot cleaner station 100 may remove dust in a dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200. The robot cleaner station 100 may wash a rotational cleaning unit 240 of the robot cleaner 200. The robot cleaner station 100 may dry the rotational cleaning unit 240 of the robot cleaner 200. The robot cleaner station 100 may supply power to the robot cleaner 200.

Robot Cleaner

Meanwhile, FIGS. 5 to 8 are views for describing a robot cleaner in the robot cleaner system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

A structure of the robot cleaner 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 as follows.

The robot cleaner 200 may automatically clean an area to be cleaned by suctioning a foreign substance, such as dust, from the floor while autonomously traveling in the area to be cleaned.

The robot cleaner 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is disposed on the floor to clean the floor while moving along a floor surface. Accordingly, the following description will be made by setting a vertical direction based on a state in which the robot cleaner 200 is disposed on the floor.

In addition, description will be made by setting a side at which an auxiliary wheel 270 to be described below is positioned as a front side and setting a side at which the rotational cleaning unit 240 to be described below is positioned as a rear side based on a pair of wheels 260.

A “lowest portion” of each component described in embodiments of the present invention may be a lowest portion of each component when the robot cleaner 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention is used by being disposed on the floor, or may be a portion closest to the floor.

The robot cleaner 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a body 210, a dust bin 220, a water container 230, the rotational cleaning unit 240, an agitator 250, the wheel 260, the auxiliary wheel 270, and a charging terminal 280.

The body 210 may form the overall appearance of the robot cleaner 200. Components of the robot cleaner 200 may be coupled to the body 210, and some components of the robot cleaner 200 may be accommodated inside the body 210.

Specifically, the body 210 may be provided with the components of the robot cleaner 200 in its internal space. As an example, the body 210 may accommodate a battery and at least one motor in the internal space.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the body 210 may be formed to have a horizontal width (or a diameter) larger than a vertical height. The body 210 may support the robot cleaner 200 to have a stable structure and provide an advantageous structure for avoiding obstacles when the robot cleaner 200 moves (travels).

When viewed from top or bottom, the body 210 may have various shapes, such as a circular, elliptical, or quadrangular shape.

The body 210 may be divided into a lower body and an upper body, and the lower body and the upper body may be coupled to form an internal space.

The lower body may be coupled to the upper body to form a space in which a battery, at least one sensor, and at least one motor may be accommodated.

A hole for accommodating a suction unit 211 through which air is introduced and the pair of wheels 260 may be formed in the lower body.

The suction unit 211 may be a passage through which dust on the floor is introduced. In addition, the suction unit 211 may communicate with a suction flow path (not illustrated) formed inside the body 210, and the suction flow path may communicate with an internal space of the dust bin 220.

Meanwhile, an exhaust flow path may be further provided in the lower body. The exhaust flow path may have one side communicating with the internal space of the dust bin 220 and the other side communicating with an exhaust port. In this case, a filter may be disposed on the exhaust port.

With this configuration, air introduced through the suction unit 211 may be introduced into the dust bin 220 through the suction flow path and may be discharged to the exhaust port through the exhaust flow path.

The agitator 250 to be described below may be rotatably accommodated in the suction unit 211. With this configuration, dust around the suction unit 211 may be guided into the suction unit 211 by the rotation of the agitator 250, and the efficiency of suctioning the dust can be increased.

The upper body may form an upper appearance of the robot cleaner 200. Although not illustrated, a display may be provided on the upper body.

Although not illustrated, the robot cleaner 200 according to the present invention may include a bumper. The bumper is coupled along an edge of the body 210 and is configured to move relatively with respect to the body 210.

The bumper may be coupled along a portion of the edge of the body 210 or coupled along the entire edge of the body 210. At least one elastic member (not illustrated) may be provided between the bumper and the body 210. With this configuration, when the bumper is in contact with an obstacle, etc. to move relatively toward the center of the body 210, the bumper may be returned to an original position by a restoring force of the elastic member (not illustrated) and can prevent and reduce the transmission of an impact to the body 210 by absorbing or dispersing the impact applied to the bumper.

The dust bin 220 may be provided to suction external dust and air and store the dust.

The dust bin 220 may store dust introduced through the suction flow path. The dust bin 220 may have a dust inlet that communicates with the suction flow path, an internal space in which dust may be stored, and an air outlet through which air may be discharged.

The dust bin 220 may be provided inside the body 210. In this case, the dust bin 220 may be not only fixedly coupled to the body 210 but also may be detachably provided according to an embodiment.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, a dust discharge flow path may be formed in the dust bin 220. The dust discharge flow path may allow the internal space of the dust bin 220 to communicate with an external space of the robot cleaner 200. With this configuration, when dust is collected through the robot cleaner station 100, the dust inside the dust bin 220 may be removed.

Meanwhile, a dust outlet 221 communicating with the dust discharge flow path may be formed in the dust bin 220 according to the embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the dust outlet 221 may be formed at one side of a rear outer surface (or an outer circumferential surface) of the body 210. As another example, the dust outlet 221 may be formed on an outer surface of the dust bin 220.

In addition, the robot cleaner 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a dust bin door 222 capable of selectively opening and closing the dust outlet 221. Specifically, the dust bin door 222 may be coupled to the body 210 and disposed at a position at which the dust outlet 221 may be blocked. As an example, the dust bin door 222 may be made of a rubber or resin material and provided in a flippable manner so that one side may be fixedly coupled to the body 210.

With this configuration, when a dust collection motor 145 of the robot cleaner station 100, which will be described below, is operated, the dust bin door 222 may be elastically deformed by a driving force of the dust collection motor 145, and as the dust outlet 221 is opened, the dust in the dust bin 220 may be collected in a dust collection unit 140 of the robot cleaner station 100.

The water container 230 is formed in the form of a container having an internal space so that a liquid such as water is stored therein. The water container 230 may be disposed inside the body 210 and may be fixedly coupled to the body 210 or detachably coupled to the body 210.

The water container 230 includes a supply unit 231 and a nozzle (not illustrated). The supply unit 231 may be provided to supply an external liquid such as water. For example, the supply unit 231 may have an injection port formed at the other side of the rear outer surface (or the outer circumferential surface) of the body 210 and may be connected to a storage space inside the water container 230 through a water supply hose.

In this case, the supply unit 231 may be disposed at opposite sides in a left-right direction of the robot cleaner 200 in the relationship with the dust outlet 221. For example, when the dust outlet 221 is disposed at a rear left side of the body 210, the supply unit 231 may be disposed at a rear right side of the body 210.

With this configuration, the robot cleaner station 100 may simultaneously collect dust and inject water in a state in which the robot cleaner 200 is coupled to the robot cleaner station 100.

Meanwhile, the nozzle (not illustrated) is formed in the form of a tube or a pipe and is connected to the water container 230 so that a liquid inside the water container 230 may flow through an inside of the nozzle. Since the nozzle (not illustrated) may have one side connected to the water container 230 and the other end portion disposed to be positioned above a pair of rotational plates 241, the liquid inside the water container 230 may be supplied to each of the pair of mops 242.

That is, the nozzle (not illustrated) may be formed in the form of one pipe branched into two pipes, and in this case, an end portion of any one branched pipe may be positioned above a left mop, and an end portion of the other branched pipe may be positioned above a right mop.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the water container 230 may be provided with a pump to flow the water inside the water container 230 to the nozzle (not illustrated). Accordingly, when the pump of the water container 230 is operated, the liquid stored in the water container 230 may be discharged to the rotational cleaning unit 240 through the nozzle (not illustrated).

The rotational cleaning unit 240 includes the rotational plate 241 and the mop 242.

The rotational plate 241 may be provided as a pair of the left rotational plate and the right rotational plate, and the mop 242 may be provided as a pair of a left mop and a right mop.

The rotational plate 241 may be rotatably disposed on a bottom surface of the body 210, and the mop 242 may be coupled to a lower side thereof.

The rotational plate 241 is configured to have a predetermined area and is configured in the form of a flat plate, a flat frame, etc. The rotational plate 241 is generally laid horizontally, and thus has a shape in which a width (or a diameter) in the horizontal direction is sufficiently greater than a height in the vertical direction. The rotational plate 241 coupled to the body 210 may be parallel to the floor surface or may be inclined with respect to the floor surface. The rotational plate 241 may be formed in a circular plate shape, a bottom surface of the rotational plate 241 may be generally circular, and the rotational plate 241 may be entirely symmetrical rotationally.

The pair of rotational plates 241 may be symmetrical.

The mop 242 may be coupled to a lower side of the rotational plate 241 to face the floor.

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

The bottom surface of the mop 242 may be generally circular, and the mop 242 may be entirely symmetrical rotationally. In addition, the mop 242 may be detachably attached to the bottom surface of the rotational plate 241 and coupled to the rotational plate 241 to rotate together with the rotational plate 241.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the rotational cleaning unit 240 may be provided with a driving unit for applying a rotational force to the rotational plate 241. For example, the driving unit may include a motor and at least one gear. Accordingly, when the driving unit is operated, the rotational plate 241 and the mop 242 rotate to mop and clean the floor.

The agitator 250 may be rotatably provided with a plurality of brushes to guide external dust and air to the dust bin 220. In this case, the agitator 250 may be provided with at least one gear.

Meanwhile, the agitator 250 according to the present embodiment may be provided with a separate agitator motor (not illustrated) to receive rotational power and according to an embodiment, may receive rotational power from a driving motor and receive rotational power from the driving unit of the rotational cleaning unit 240.

The wheel 260 may be provided on the bottom surface of the body 210 and connected to the driving unit (not illustrated). In this case, the driving unit (not illustrated) may be coupled to the body 210.

The wheel 260 may be provided on the body 210 and may roll on the floor.

The wheel 260 may be composed of a first driving wheel and a second driving wheel. In this case, the first driving wheel may be configured identically to or symmetrically to the second driving wheel. As an example, when the first driving wheel is positioned at the left side of the robot cleaner 200, the second driving wheel may be positioned at the right side of the robot cleaner 200, and in this case, the first driving wheel and the second driving wheel may be symmetrical in a left-right direction.

The driving unit (not illustrated) may include a driving motor and a gear. In this case, the driving motor may be accommodated inside the body 210 and may provide power to the wheel 260. The driving motor may include a first driving motor and a second driving motor.

The driving motor may be configured as an electric motor. A plurality of gears are configured by being engaged to rotate, connect the driving motor to the wheel 260, and transmit the rotational power of the driving motor to the wheel 260. Accordingly, the wheel 260 may rotate when a rotation shaft of the driving motor rotates.

With this configuration, when the driving motor is operated, the wheel 260 may rotate, and the body 210 may travel at a predetermined traveling speed on the floor surface.

The auxiliary wheel 270 may be provided on a lower surface of the body 210 and may roll on the floor surface (surface to be cleaned). The auxiliary wheel 270 may support the body 210 on the floor surface together with the pair of wheels 260. With this configuration, the auxiliary wheel 270 can minimize friction between the robot cleaner 200 and the floor surface and at the same time, guide the movement of the robot cleaner 200.

A suction motor (not illustrated) may generate suction power capable of suctioning external dust and air through the suction unit 211. As an example, the suction motor (not illustrated) may be an electric motor. External dust and air may be introduced into the suction unit 211 by the suction power generated by the suction motor (not illustrated) and reach the dust bin 220 after passing through the suction flow path.

Although not illustrated, the battery is coupled to the body 210 to supply power to other components of the robot cleaner 200. The battery may supply power to at least one motor provided in the robot cleaner 200. For example, the battery may supply power to motors provided in the rotational cleaning unit 240, the agitator 250, the wheel 260, and the suction motor (not illustrated).

In addition, the battery may supply power to a sensor unit (not illustrated) and a controller (not illustrated).

The battery may be charged by an external power source, and to this end, the charging terminal 280 for charging may be provided at one side of the body 210. For example, the charging terminal 280 may be disposed on the rear outer surface of the body 210. When the robot cleaner 200 is coupled to the robot cleaner station 100, the charging terminal 280 may receive power by being in contact with a power supply terminal 123b of the robot cleaner station 100.

Robot Cleaner Station

The cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 15 as follows.

The robot cleaner 200 may be accommodated in the robot cleaner station 100. The robot cleaner 200 may be coupled to a seating unit 120 of the robot cleaner station 100.

The robot cleaner station 100 may include a housing 110.

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

The housing 110 may have a space in which the seating unit 120, a door unit 130, the dust collection unit 140, a mop washing unit 160, and a mop drying unit 170 may be accommodated.

The housing 110 may be mounted at the lower side of the kitchen furniture 2. Specifically, the housing 110 may be installed in the mounting space formed between the bottom plate 23 of the kitchen furniture 2 and the kitchen floor.

The housing 110 includes a pair of outer walls 111 facing each other. The outer wall 111 may be a surface formed in a direction of gravity.

For example, the pair of outer walls 111 may be installed at the lower side of the kitchen furniture 2 at a predetermined distance. In this case, the housing 110 may further include a bottom surface 112 facing the kitchen floor, and the pair of outer walls 111 may be connected through the bottom surface 112. Meanwhile, the housing 110 may further include an upper cover 113 facing the bottom plate 23 of the kitchen furniture 2, and the upper cover 113 may be detachably attached to upper ends of the pair of outer walls 111. With this configuration, even when foreign substances fall downward from the kitchen furniture 2, the components of the robot cleaner 200 and the robot cleaner station 100 can be prevented from being contaminated. In addition, the housing 110 may further include a rear surface 115 facing a building wall. With this configuration, the components of the robot cleaner station 100 may be accommodated inside the housing 110 (between a pair of outer wall surfaces).

In addition, the robot cleaner 200 may be accommodated inside the housing 110. The housing 110 may be disposed so that the pair of outer walls 111 have a gap that is greater than a maximum width of the robot cleaner 200 in a horizontal direction. With this configuration, the robot cleaner 200 may enter and exit the housing 110.

In this case, in the present embodiment, the robot cleaner 200 may enter and exit the front of the robot cleaner station 100. Here, the front may be a direction in which a door 131 is provided with respect to the inside of the robot cleaner station 100.

In addition, the rear may be a direction opposite to the front with respect to the inside of the robot cleaner station 100. For example, a building wall (not illustrated) may be disposed behind the robot cleaner station 100.

In addition, a left side may be referred to as a left room, and a right side may be referred to as a right room with respect to when viewing the front from the inside of the robot cleaner station 100.

That is, the outer walls 111 of the robot cleaner station 100 may be disposed in left and right rooms, respectively.

Accordingly, the top side of the housing 110 may be covered by the kitchen furniture 2, and the bottom side of the housing 110 may be covered by the kitchen floor. In addition, left and right side surfaces of the housing 110 are present while covered with the outer wall, but are disposed below the kitchen furniture 2. In this case, since a portion below the kitchen furniture 2 that excludes the robot cleaner station 100 is finished by a baseboard 26, consequently, only a front surface of the housing 110 may be exposed to the outside.

Accordingly, it is possible to minimize external exposure of the robot cleaner station 100 and the robot cleaner 200.

With this configuration, the robot cleaner station 100 according to the present invention can provide an aesthetic sense to a user in terms of an interior design.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated, a space in which the water supply hose connected to the water supply pipe passes and a space in which a drain hose through which wastewater generated after cleaning the mop 242 is discharged passes may be formed in the housing 110, and a space in which a hose through which moisture generated in the drying process for the mop 242 is discharged passes may be formed. For example, a space through which the hoses may pass may be formed in the outer wall 111 of the housing 110.

Layout

The robot cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed in the lower space of the kitchen furniture 2.

To this end, the robot cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is disposed in the horizontal direction according to a space formed between the bottom plate 23 of the kitchen furniture 2 and the kitchen floor.

Specifically, the robot cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may have the dust collection unit 140 and/or the mop washing unit 160 that are disposed on side surfaces of an entrance 127, respectively.

In this case, when both the dust collection unit 140 and the mop washing unit 160 are provided, the seating unit 120 may be disposed between the dust collection unit 140 and the mop washing unit 160.

For example, the entrance 127 and the door 131 may be disposed at the front of the robot cleaner station 100. In addition, the seating unit 120 to which the robot cleaner 200 is coupled may be disposed rearward from the entrance 127. In this case, the dust collection unit 140 may be disposed rearward from a front end of the robot cleaner station 100 by a predetermined length. In addition, the mop washing unit 160 may also be disposed rearward from the front end of the robot cleaner station 100 by a predetermined length.

Accordingly, when viewing the robot cleaner station 100 from a front outside of the robot cleaner station 100, a front end of the dust collection unit 140 and/or a front end of the mop washing unit 160 may be disposed at the left and right sides of the entrance 127, respectively.

In this case, the dust bag drawer 144 of the dust collection unit 140 may be provided to be pulled out to a front side of the housing 110. In addition, a detergent container 163 of the mop washing unit 160 may be provided to be pulled out forward from the housing.

Meanwhile, rear ends of the dust collection unit housing 141 and the detergent container 163 may be disposed to be spaced a predetermined distance from a rear end of the housing 110. In addition, the dust collection motor 145 may be disposed between the rear end of the dust collection unit housing 141 and the rear end of the housing 110. With this configuration, the overall space of the seating unit 120, the dust collection unit housing 141, and the dust collection motor 145 can be minimized within a limited space.

In addition, at least a flow path for washing water for washing the mop 242 may be disposed between the rear end of the housing 110 and a rear end of the detergent container 163. With this configuration, a path through which washing water is supplied from the water supply pipe can be minimized. In addition, the overall space of the seating unit 120, the mop detergent container 163, and the flow path through which the washing water flows can be minimized within the limited space.

Meanwhile, the robot cleaner station 100 may have the mop drying unit 170 disposed behind the seating unit 120. In this case, the mop drying unit 170 may be disposed between a rear end of the seating unit 120 and the rear end of the housing 110.

Accordingly, in the robot cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the dust collection unit 140 and the mop washing unit 160 may be disposed on the left and right side surfaces of the seating unit 120, respectively, and the mop drying unit 170 may be disposed at the rear of the robot cleaner station 100.

That is, in the robot cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the dust collection unit 140, the mop washing unit 160, and the mop drying unit 170 may all be disposed within a predetermined distance range from an outer edge of the seating unit 120.

Since this shortens a distance between the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200 and the dust collection unit 140, it is possible to minimize flow path loss. In addition, it is possible to restrict a range in which washing water and wastewater used for washing are present by minimizing a distance between the mop 242 of the robot cleaner 200 and the mop washing unit 160 and a distance between the mop 242 of the robot cleaner 200 and the mop drying unit 170.

In addition, with this arrangement, the components of the robot cleaner station 100 according to the present invention may all be disposed within a limited height.

Consequently, in the robot cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the dust collection unit 140, the mop washing unit 160, and the mop drying unit 170 may be disposed on three surfaces surrounding the seating unit 120, except for the front surface into which the robot cleaner 200 enters. With this arrangement, even in a situation in which the vertical height is limited, the robot cleaner 200 may be charged using the minimum horizontal space, the dust of the robot cleaner 200 may be collected, the mop 242 may be washed, and the mop 242 may be dried.

Seating Unit

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 15, the robot cleaner station 100 may include the seating unit 120.

The robot cleaner 200 and the robot cleaner station 100 may be connected through the seating unit 120 in a physical, electrical, and/or fluidic manner.

The seating unit 120 may be disposed inside the housing 110.

An entrance 127 through which the robot cleaner 200 enters may be formed at the front of the seating unit 120. The entrance 127 may be a space formed in the front surface of the robot cleaner station 100.

The entrance 127 may be formed in a size that may allow the robot cleaner 200 to pass therethrough. That is, a height of the entrance 127 is formed to be greater than a height of the robot cleaner 200. In this case, the entrance 127 may refer to a space formed vertically upward from a front end of a base 121, which will be described below. Alternatively, the entrance 127 may refer to a hole which is formed in a door frame 132, which will be described below, and through which the robot cleaner 200 passes.

At least one of the dust collection unit 140 and the mop washing unit 160 may be disposed on left and right sides of the entrance 127. Accordingly, left and right end portions of the entrance 127 may form a boundary with the dust collection unit 140 and the mop washing unit 160.

In this case, the entrance 127 may be opened and closed by the door 131.

The seating unit 120 may include an accommodation space S, the base 121, a coupling wall 123, and an inner wall 124.

The robot cleaner 200 may be accommodated in the accommodation space S of the seating unit 120. For example, the accommodation space S may be a space surrounded by the base 121, the coupling wall 123, and the inner wall 124. As another example, the accommodation space S may be a space surrounded by the base 121, a washing plate 122, the coupling wall 123, and the inner wall 124. As still another example, the accommodation space S may be a space in which the robot cleaner 200 is positioned in a state in which the robot cleaner 200 is coupled to the power supply terminal 123b or a space in which the robot cleaner 200 is positioned in a state in which the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200 communicates with a dust through-hole 123a.

The base 121 is a component for supporting the robot cleaner 200 when the robot cleaner 200 is coupled to the robot cleaner station 100. The base 121 may have an upper surface that may come into contact with the wheels 260 of the robot cleaner 200. In addition, the base 121 may have the upper surface that may come into contact with the auxiliary wheel 270 of the robot cleaner 200.

The base 121 may include a base body 121a, an inclined portion 121b, a wheel coupling portion 121c, an agitator accommodation portion 121d, and a washing tank 128.

The base body 121a may form the overall exterior of the base 121. The inclined portion 121b, the wheel coupling portion 121c, the agitator accommodation portion 121d, and the washing tank 128 may be disposed on the base body 121a.

The base body 121a may have a larger horizontal length and width than a vertical height. With this structure, the robot cleaner station 100 can be stably supported on the floor surface.

The recirculation flow path may be provided within the base body 121a. Accordingly, air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 may flow through the recirculation flow path 125a formed within the base body 121a and may be exhausted to an air recirculation port 125b.

The inclined portion 121b may be disposed at an access opening along which the robot cleaner 200 moves upward from the base body 121a.

The inclined portion 121b may have upward inclination forward in a direction in which the robot cleaner 200 enters. More specifically, the inclined portion 121b may be connected such that a front end has at the same height as the ground and may be inclined upward toward the rear. That is, the inclined portion 121b may be formed to gradually move upward from the ground when the robot cleaner 200 enters. Accordingly, the robot cleaner 200 may easily move upward from the ground to the robot cleaner station 100.

The inclined portion 121b may be provided with a wheel guide portion 121ba.

The wheel guide portion 121ba may be formed in the form of a groove to guide the movement of the wheels 260 of the robot cleaner 200. A surface of the wheel guide portion 121ba may be formed to correspond to a surface of the wheel 260 so that the robot cleaner 200 may travel stably. In addition, the wheel guide portion 121ba may be formed to have a width of the groove greater than a width of the wheel 260 at the inlet at which the robot cleaner 200 moves upward and formed to have the smaller width of the groove compared to the inlet forward from an upward movement path of the robot cleaner 200. Accordingly, the wheel 260 of the robot cleaner 200 may easily enter the robot cleaner station 100, and due to the restriction to the left and right movement by the groove with a gradually decreasing width, the wheel 260 may be guided to a correct location.

The inclined portion 121b may be provided with an auxiliary wheel guide portion 121bb.

The auxiliary wheel guide portion 121bb may be formed in the form of a groove to guide the movement of the auxiliary wheel 270 of the robot cleaner 200. In addition, the auxiliary wheel guide portion 121bb may be formed in a protruding form to be in contact with the auxiliary wheel 270 when the wheels 260 of the robot cleaner 200 is seated on the wheel guide portion 121ba. Accordingly, when the robot cleaner 200 travels on the inclined portion 121b, the robot cleaner 200 may travel while being stably supported by both the wheels 260 and the auxiliary wheel 270.

The wheels 260 of the robot cleaner 200, which move upward along the wheel guide portion 121ba, may be seated on wheel coupling portions 121c. When the wheels 260 of the robot cleaner 200 are seated on the wheel coupling portions 121c, the robot cleaner 200 and the robot cleaner station 100 may be physically coupled. A surface of the wheel coupling portion 121c may be formed to correspond to a surface of the wheel 260 so that the robot cleaner 200 may stop stably. The wheel coupling portion 121c may extend from an upper end of the wheel guide portion 121ba. The wheel coupling portion 121c may be connected to the wheel guide portion 121ba without any step. Accordingly, the robot cleaner 200 may easily move to the wheel coupling portion 121c through the inclined portion 121b.

The wheel coupling portion 121c may be disposed at stop locations of the left and right wheels 260 of the robot cleaner 200 so that the robot cleaner 200 stops at a correct location. Here, the stop locations of the wheels 260 are locations determined so that the robot cleaner 200 stops so as to be coupled to the power supply terminal 123b and/or locations determined so that the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200 stops so as to communicate with the dust through-hole 123a.

A shape of the wheel coupling portion 121c may be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the wheel 260 of the robot cleaner 200, that is, an arch shape. With this configuration, the robot cleaner 200 may move along the wheel guide portion 121ba and then stop at the same time as the wheels 260 are inserted into the wheel coupling portions 121c, and the wheels 260 may be stably seated on the arch-shaped wheel coupling portions 121c.

At least a portion of the agitator 250 of the robot cleaner 200 may be accommodated in the agitator accommodation portion 121d.

The agitator accommodation portion 121d may be formed between the wheel coupling portions 121c. The agitator accommodation portion 121d may be formed in a shape corresponding to the agitator 250 of the robot cleaner 200. The agitator accommodation portion 121d may be formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open top. A lower surface of the agitator accommodation portion 121d may be sealed by a bottom surface of the base body 121a or a bottom surface of the housing 110. Accordingly, the agitator 250 of the robot cleaner 200, which moves upward along the inclined portion 121b, may be seated in a recess 121da through an open upper surface of the agitator accommodation portion 121d. In this case, a depth of the recess 121da may be formed to be smaller than a depth of the wheel coupling portion 121c.

The agitator accommodation portion 121d may be formed to be recessed in the base body 121a. Thus, in a state in which the wheels 260 of the robot cleaner 200 are seated on the wheel coupling portions 121c, the agitator accommodation portion 121d may provide a space in which a lower end of the agitator 250 is accommodated.

The air recirculation port 125b may be formed in the agitator accommodation portion 121d. The air recirculation port 125b may be formed on a side surface of the agitator accommodation portion 121d. The air recirculation port 125b may connect the recess 121da to the dust collection motor 145 through the recirculation flow path. The recess 121da and the recirculation flow path may communicate with each other through the air recirculation port 125b. Accordingly, the air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 may be discharged to the recess 121da of the agitator accommodation portion 121d through the air recirculation port 125b.

The agitator accommodation portion 121d may guide the air discharged through the air recirculation port 125b to the suction unit 211 of the robot cleaner 200.

Meanwhile, the base 121 may be provided to be pulled out from the housing 110 and a drawer 190. In this case, the base 121 may be pulled out through the entrance 127 along the space between the inner walls 124.

To facilitate this, a base handle 121e may be formed on the base 121. The base handle 121e may be formed between the agitator accommodation portion 121d and the auxiliary wheel guide portion 121bb. In addition, the base handle 121e may be formed between the pair of wheel guide portions 121ba.

The base handle 121e may be formed as a recessed portion of the base body 121a and recessed forward and downward from a rear side. For example, the base handle 121e may be formed in the shape of an oval-shaped groove, with a front side covered and a rear side open.

With this configuration, a user can easily pull out the base 121 by grasping and pulling the handle 121e.

The coupling wall 123 is a component on which the dust through-hole 123a, the power supply terminal 123b, and a water supply nozzle 123c of the robot cleaner station 100 are disposed. The coupling wall 123 may spatially separate the accommodation space S from the components of the robot cleaner station 100. The coupling wall 123 may extend from the rear side of the base 121 in the vertical direction. The coupling wall 123 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the robot cleaner 200. For example, when the body 210 of the robot cleaner 200 is cylindrical, the coupling wall 123 may be formed in an arc shape with a predetermined radius. With this configuration, the outside of the robot cleaner 200 can be surrounded, and an area capable of facing the outer surface of the robot cleaner 200 can be increased. In addition, the robot cleaner 200 can be stably supported.

The dust through-hole 123a may be formed in the seating unit 120 so that air outside the housing 110 may be introduced into the housing 110. Specifically, the dust through-hole 123a may be formed in the coupling wall 123 so that the air outside the housing 110 may be introduced into the housing 110. In this case, the dust through-hole 123a may be disposed behind a dust collection unit housing 141 to be described below.

The dust through-hole 123a may communicate with the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200. The dust through-hole 123a may communicate with the dust outlet 221 of the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200. The dust through-hole 123a may be formed in a hole shape to correspond to the shape of the dust bin 220 so that the dust of the dust bin 220 flows into the dust collection unit 140.

The dust through-hole 123a may be formed to communicate with dust collection flow paths 147 and 148. The air suctioned into the dust through-hole 123a may flow through the dust collection flow paths 147 and 148 and then may be exhausted through an exhaust unit 125.

The robot cleaner station 100 may include a power supply module for supplying power to the robot cleaner 200. The power supply module may include a power supply module housing and the power supply terminal 123b, and a circuit board and elements for power supply may be mounted within the power supply module housing. In addition, the power supply terminal 123b may be disposed at the front of the power supply module housing and disposed to be exposed on the coupling wall 123.

The power supply terminal 123b may supply power to the robot cleaner 200 coupled to the seating unit 120. The power supply terminal 123b may be electrically connected in contact with the charging terminal of the robot cleaner 200. The power supply terminal 123b may be disposed on the seating unit 120. Specifically, the power supply terminal 123b may be disposed on the coupling wall 123. The power supply terminal 123b may be electrically connected to the robot cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling wall 123. The power supply terminal 123b may supply power to the battery of the robot cleaner 200 coupled to the coupling wall 123.

The robot cleaner station 100 may further include a water supply nozzle 123c.

The water supply nozzle 123c may be connected to the supply unit 231 of the water container 230 of the robot cleaner 200. Specifically, the water supply nozzle 123c may be connected to the injection port of the water container 230. The water supply nozzle 123c may supply water supplied from the water supply pipe of the kitchen furniture 2 to the storage space inside the water container 230 of the robot cleaner 200.

The inner wall 124 is a component for spatially separating the accommodation space S of the seating unit 120 from the components of the robot cleaner station 100. A pair of inner walls 124 may be disposed at left and right sides of the base 121. The inner wall 124 may be connected to both ends of the coupling wall 123. The inner wall 124 may extend from the left and right sides of the base 121 in a direction intersecting the base 121. Specifically, the inner wall 124 may extend from the left and right sides of the base 121 in the vertical direction.

Meanwhile, various components such as the dust collection flow paths 147 and 148, the dust collection unit 140, the dust collection motor 145, a detergent container 163, and a wastewater container 166 may be disposed outside the inner wall 124. Specifically, the dust collection unit 140, the detergent container 163, and the wastewater container 166 may be accommodated in a space between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the housing 110.

The dust collection unit 140 and the detergent container 163 may be separated from the space between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the housing 110 in a sliding manner. Widths of the dust collection unit 140 and the detergent container 163 in the left-right direction may be formed to be smaller than a distance between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the housing 110.

The washing plate 122 is a component for washing the mop of the robot cleaner 200 and may be seated on the washing tank 128 of the base 121. In addition, the washing plate 122 may come into contact with a mop 242 in a state in which the robot cleaner 200 is seated.

The washing plate 122 may be formed to be inclined downward toward a central portion thereof.

Specifically, the washing plate 122 includes a curved flow guide surface 122c. In addition, at least one through-hole 122b through which a fluid may pass may be formed on the flow guide surface 122c. In addition, a washing protrusion 122a may be formed to protrude from the flow guide surface 122c.

In this case, a pair of washing protrusions 122a may be symmetrically formed on the flow guide surface 122c. Specifically, the pair of washing protrusions 122a may be disposed vertically below the pair of mops 242 of the robot cleaner 200 to face the pair of mops 242, and disposed to come into contact with at least portions of the pair of mops 242.

In addition, the through-hole 122b may be formed as a plurality of through holes 122b in the flow guide surface 122c and formed between the pair of washing protrusions 122a. For example, the plurality of through holes 122b may be formed on the flow guide surface 122c, including a position closest to the ground (kitchen floor), and formed between the pair of washing protrusions 122a. Accordingly, the fluid discharged between the pair of washing protrusions 122a may be guided and flow into the through-hole 122b.

Meanwhile, the height of the flow guide surface 122c from the kitchen floor may increase rearward from the position at which the through-hole 122b is formed. That is, the height of the flow guide surface 122c from the kitchen floor may increase as it approaches an outside air outlet 171c to be described below.

With this configuration, the flow of the washing water and/or air may flow along the flow guide surface 122c and discharged into a space formed between the washing plate 122 and the washing tank 128 through the through-hole 122b.

When washing water is supplied to the washing plate 122 and the mop 242 rotates, the mop 242 may be washed by friction against the stationary washing protrusion 122a.

Meanwhile, at least a portion of the washing plate 122 may be disposed above a flow path forming portion 128c to be described below. That is, the washing plate 122 may further include a recirculation flow path cover portion 122d formed to protrude upward from the flow guide surface 122c and coupled to an upper side of the flow path forming portion 128c.

The washing plate 122 of the present embodiment may be formed to correspond to the shape of the flow path forming portion 128c. For example, a front left portion of the washing plate 122 may be formed to protrude upward from the flow guide surface 122c to cover the flow path forming portion 128c at a lower side.

With this configuration, the washing plate 122 and the washing tank 128 can be accurately coupled, and at the same time, can provide a sufficient space to form a recirculation flow path 125a.

The washing tank 128 is a component on which the washing plate 122 is seated. The washing tank 128 may be disposed behind a base body 121a. The washing tank 128 is disposed below the washing plate 122 and is detachably coupled to the washing plate 122. The washing tank 128 may be formed to correspond to the washing plate 122 so that the washing plate 122 may be inserted therein. A liquid passing through the washing plate 122 may be introduced into the washing tank 128.

The washing tank 128 may include a washing tank base surface 128a through which the fluid passing through the washing plate 122 flows, and a washing tank wall 128b formed to protrude and extend vertically from an outer edge of the washing tank base surface 128a. In this case, the washing tank base surface 128a may have a lower height from the ground (kitchen floor) to the rear of the robot cleaner station 100. Accordingly, the fluid passing through the washing plate 122 may be collected toward the rear side of the washing tank 128 and discharged to the outside through a wastewater inlet 164c to be described below.

In this case, a wastewater pipe connection port 128d may be formed on a washing tank wall 128b to be coupled to the wastewater inlet 164c.

Meanwhile, the flow path forming portion 128c may be formed in the washing tank 128. The flow path forming portion 128c may be formed to protrude upward from the washing tank base surface 128a to form the recirculation flow path 125a at the bottom. Specifically, at least a portion of the recirculation flow path 125a may be formed between a lower surface of the base 121 and the flow path forming portion 128c.

Meanwhile, in the present invention, the washing tank 128 is provided to be pulled out from the mop washing unit 160. That is, the washing tank 128 may be pulled out from the housing 110 together with the base 121. In addition, the washing plate 122 may also be pulled out from the mop washing unit 160.

Door Unit

The door unit 130 may be provided to cover an entire front end portion of the housing 110. The door 131 may cover the dust bag drawer 144 and the detergent container 163, thereby preventing the dust bag drawer 144 and the detergent container 163 from being exposed to the outside.

In a state in which the entrance 127 is closed, the door 131 may form a front exterior of the robot cleaner station 100. For example, the door 131 may be formed as an approximately rectangular flat plate. A length of the door 131 in the left-right direction may be larger than or equal to a length of the housing 110 in the left-right direction. With this configuration, the dust bag drawer 144 and the detergent container 163 can be protected from the outside, and the exterior of the robot cleaner station 100 appears neat.

The door frame 132 may be disposed at the front of the housing 110. The door 131 is coupled to the door frame 132 to be openable and closable. In addition, on the door frame 132, the entrance 127 through which the robot cleaner 200 may enter and exit, a dust bag outlet 132a to which the dust bag drawer 144 is coupled to be pulled out, and a detergent container insertion port 132b to which the detergent container 163 is coupled to be pulled out.

The door frame 132 may form the front exterior of the robot cleaner station 100 in a state in which the door 131 is open.

In a state in which the door 131 opens the entrance 127, at least one surface of the dust bag drawer 144 coupled to the door frame 132 and at least one surface of the detergent container 163 may be exposed to the outside. When the door 131 opens the entrance 127, a front surface of the dust bag drawer 144 and a front surface of the detergent container 163 are exposed to the outside, and a handle 144d of the dust bag drawer 144 and a handle 163b of the detergent container 163 are exposed to the outside. With this configuration, the dust bag drawer 144 and the detergent container 163 can be easily pulled out or inserted, thereby providing a clean exterior.

The door 131 may have a rotational shaft 131a disposed at the lower end of the door frame 132, and when opening the entrance 127, the door 131 may be disposed parallel to the floor surface or formed to be inclined downward toward the front such that the end portion may be disposed in contact with the ground.

The door 131 may include a hinge portion and may be rotatably connected to the door frame 132. A plurality of hinge portions may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the rotational shaft 131a and disposed to be spaced different distances from each other.

In addition, the door 131 may include an auxiliary access path 131b on a surface facing the housing 110 when closing the entrance 127. The auxiliary access path 131b may be provided to enable the robot cleaner 200 to travel stably toward the seating unit 120 or the entrance 127 and may be provided to be inclined upward toward the rear.

Specifically, the auxiliary access path 131b may be formed as a groove to ensure stable inclined travel of the robot cleaner 200. The auxiliary access path 131b may have grooves formed in the left-right direction and disposed to be spaced equal distances from each other in the front-rear direction. The auxiliary access path 131b may be formed such that its width in the left-right direction narrows toward the rear. Accordingly, as the wheels 260 of the robot cleaner 200 move toward the seating unit 120 or the entrance 127, the lateral movement thereof may be restricted and guided to a home position.

The auxiliary access path 131b guides the wheels 260 to the wheel guide portions 121ba disposed in the seating unit 120. The auxiliary access path 131b may be provided in pairs and may each be disposed at a position continuous with a corresponding one of the pair of wheel guide portions 121ba.

Meanwhile, the door 131 may be driven depending on whether the robot cleaner 200 is approaching, whether it has started traveling, or the like or driven according to an input from a door operating unit 133.

The door frame 132 may be provided with an entry sensor 135 to detect the approach of the robot cleaner 200. The entry sensor 135 may be disposed at a front side of the housing 110 to detect the approach of the robot cleaner 200. For example, the entry sensor 135 may be an IR sensor.

The entry sensor 135 may be installed at an upper portion of a front surface of the door frame 132. Accordingly, a detection range can be maximized. In addition, the entry sensor 135 may be installed at a central portion of the entrance 127 in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the entry sensor 135 may communicate with the robot cleaner 200 to guide the entry direction of the robot cleaner 200.

Meanwhile, the door 131 may be formed with a cut at a position facing the entry sensor 135 so that the entry sensor 135 may detect the front even when the door 131 is closed. Alternatively, the door 131 may be provided with a transmissive window at a position facing the entry sensor 135.

The door operating unit 133 may be installed on the door frame 132 to allow the door 131 to be rotated by user manipulation.

The door operating unit 133 may be disposed on the door frame 132 and may include at least one button for driving the door 131. The door operating unit 133 may rotate the door 131 regardless of the position or state of the robot cleaner 200. The door operating unit 133 may include a single button for opening or closing the door 131 or include a button for opening the door 131 and a button for closing the door 131.

The door operating unit 133 may be disposed inside the door frame 132. In addition, the door operating unit 133 may be disposed such that at least one button is exposed to the outside.

In this case, the button may be disposed adjacent to the detergent container 163 with respect to the entrance. For example, the button may be disposed at an upper side of the handle 163b of the detergent container 163.

Meanwhile, when closing the entrance 127, the door 131 also covers the door operating unit 133. In this case, the door 131 is provided with an external button 131c so that the door operating unit 133 may be operated even when the entrance 127 is closed. The external buttons 131c correspond in number to the buttons of the door operating unit 133, each of which is provided at a position facing its corresponding button. The external button 131c may be formed of an elastically deformable material and may press the button when receiving an external force.

The door 131 may be rotated by a door driving unit 134. For example, the door driving unit 134 may include a door driving motor and a driving gear unit.

The door driving motor may be disposed inside the housing 110 and disposed in an upper space of the detergent container 163. The door driving motor may be disposed between the detergent container 163 and the upper cover 113 of the housing 110. In addition, the door driving motor may be disposed at the front of a space provided between the outer wall 111 and the seating unit 120. That is, the door driving motor may be disposed adjacent to the door operating unit 133.

Accordingly, it is possible to improve space utilization and accessibility, thereby providing user convenience.

The driving gear unit is provided to transmit power by connecting the door driving motor to the door 131. The driving gear unit transmits a driving force of the door driving motor to the door 131 to rotate the door 131.

Dust Collection Unit

FIGS. 12 to 29 are views for describing the dust collection unit of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The dust collection unit 140 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 29 as follows.

The dust collection unit 140 may collect dust from the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200. The dust collection unit 140 may be disposed inside the housing 110. The dust collection unit 140 may be disposed outside the seating unit 120. That is, the dust collection unit 140 may be disposed between the housing 110 and the seating unit 120. For example, the dust collection unit 140 may be disposed at one side of the seating unit 120 in the left-right direction.

The dust collection unit 140 may include the dust collection unit housing 141, the dust bag 143, the dust bag drawer 144, the dust collection motor 145, the dust collection motor housing 146, a first dust collection flow path 147, and a second dust collection flow path 148.

The dust collection unit housing 141 may form a space in which a filter (not illustrated), the dust bag 143, and the dust bag drawer 144 may be accommodated.

The dust collection unit housing 141 may be coupled to the dust bag drawer 144 to be pulled out therefrom, and the dust bag 143 may be stored inside the dust bag drawer 144. For example, the dust collection unit housing 141 may be formed in the form of a rectangular pipe with an open front, and a rear internal space thereof may communicate with a first dust collection flow path 147 and a second dust collection flow path 148.

The dust inside the dust bin 220 may be introduced into the dust collection unit housing 141.

The dust collection unit housing 141 may have an internal one side communicating with the first dust collection flow path 147 and the other side communicating with the second dust collection flow path 148. In addition, when the dust bag 143 is coupled to the dust collection unit housing 141, the dust bag 143 may communicate with the first dust collection flow path 147 within the dust collection unit housing 141.

Specifically, the dust collection unit housing 141 may have an inlet 141a communicating with the first dust collection flow path 147 and an outlet 141b communicating with the second dust collection flow path 148.

In this case, the inlet 141a may be disposed above the outlet 141b. Accordingly, air and dust introduced through the inlet 141a may flow downward, and the dust may be collected in the dust bag 143 and then discharged through the outlet 141b. Since the air flows from top to bottom during this process, it is possible to effectively prevent air from flowing back upward or dust from scattering upward.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the outlet 141b may be disposed in front of the inlet 141a. For example, the inlet 141a may be formed on a rear surface of the dust collection unit housing 141, and the outlet 141b may be formed on a lower surface of the dust collection unit housing 141. In this case, the outlet 141b may be disposed in front of a rear surface of the dust collection unit housing 141.

Meanwhile, the outlet 141b may be formed by coupling the dust collection unit housing 141 to the dust bag drawer 144. In this case, the outlet 141b of the dust collection unit housing 141 and the outlet 144c of the dust bag drawer 144 may be the same space.

Meanwhile, a sterilization module 150 may be coupled to the dust collection unit housing 141. For example, the dust collection unit housing 141 may be provided with a hot air inlet through which hot air is introduced from the sterilization module 150 and a hot air outlet through which the hot air is exhausted. In this case, the hot air inlet and the hot air outlet may be formed on the rear surface of the dust collection unit housing 141 and disposed at both sides of the rear surface of the dust collection unit housing 141 in the left-right direction. In addition, the hot air inlet may be disposed closer to the ground than the hot air outlet. That is, the hot air inlet and the hot air outlet may be disposed diagonally on the rear surface of the dust collection unit housing 141, which has a rectangular surface shape. Accordingly, a flow path of the hot air can be maximized in length.

As another example, the sterilization module 150 for emitting a light beam into the dust collection unit housing 141 may be coupled to the upper surface of the dust collection unit housing 141. In this case, the light beam may be ultraviolet (UV-C).

The dust bag drawer 144 includes a dust bag drawer body 144a, an inlet 144b, an outlet 144c, the handle 144d, and a flow path forming portion 144e.

The dust bag drawer body 144a may provide a space in which the dust bag 143 may be coupled. For example, the dust bag drawer body 144a may be formed in a box shape with an open top, and the inlet 144b may be formed on the rear surface to communicate with the first dust collection flow path 147. In this case, the inlet 144b may communicate with the inlet 141a of the dust collection unit housing 141.

The upper side of the dust bag drawer body 144a may communicate with the first dust collection flow path 147 through the inlet 144b. The inlet 144b may be a component for guiding the air flowing through the first dust collection flow path 147 into the dust bag 143. The inlet 144b may communicate with the first dust collection flow path 147 and the dust bag 143. Accordingly, the dust suctioned from the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200 may move into the dust bag 143 through the first dust collection flow path 147, the inlet 141a of the dust collection unit housing 141, and the inlet 144b of the dust bag drawer 144.

The dust bag drawer 144 may communicate with the second dust collection flow path 148 through the outlet 144c formed on the lower surface (bottom surface) thereof. The outlet 144c may be a component for guiding the air passing through the dust bag 143 to the second dust collection flow path 148. That is, the outlet 144c may be formed to communicate with an internal space formed by coupling the flow path forming portion 144e and a bottom surface of the dust collection unit housing 141.

In this case, the outlet 144c may be disposed at a different height from the inlet 144b. The outlet 144c may be disposed below the inlet 144b with respect to the lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bag drawer 144. The outlet 144c may allow an internal space of the dust bag drawer 144 to communicate with the second dust collection flow path 148. Accordingly, the air in which dust has been filtered while passing through the dust bag 143 may move to the second dust collection flow path 148 through the outlet 144c.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the outlet 144c may be disposed in front of the inlet 144b. For example, the outlet 144c may be disposed closer to the handle 144d than the inlet 144b.

Meanwhile, the dust bag drawer 144 forms a flow path that discharges the air passing through the dust bag 143 to the dust collection motor 145. That is, the dust bag drawer 144 includes the flow path forming portion 144e which is formed to protrude upward from a bottom surface of the dust bag drawer body 144a and forms a flow path between itself and the dust collection unit housing 141.

The flow path forming portion 144e may be provided on a lower surface of the dust bag drawer body 144a and may form at least a portion of the second dust collection unit flow path 148. The flow path forming portion 144e may be formed such that a pair of facing sidewalls are bent and extended upward from a lower surface (bottom surface) of the dust bag drawer body 144a and formed to be covered by an upper wall connecting the pair of sidewalls.

Accordingly, at least a portion of the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed by coupling the flow path forming portion 144e to the bottom surface of the dust collection unit housing 141.

Meanwhile, the flow path forming portion 144e may be formed in a longitudinal direction of the dust bag drawer 144. In this case, the outlet 144c may be formed at one end portion of the flow path forming portion 144e in the longitudinal direction.

Accordingly, the air introduced into the outlet 144c may flow rearward from the flow path forming portion in the longitudinal direction and may be discharged to the dust collection motor 145.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the second dust collection flow path 148 may be a space formed by coupling a dust collection motor support 146c and a dust collection motor lower housing 146b, which will be described below.

Accordingly, in the present invention, the first dust collection flow path 147 and the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed at different heights. That is, the first dust collection flow path 147 and the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed in a stacked structure. In this case, at least a portion of the first dust collection flow path 147 may be disposed above the second dust collection flow path 148.

In addition, the first dust collection flow path 147 and the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed on different surfaces of the dust collection unit housing 141. For example, the first dust collection flow path 147 may be formed on the rear surface of the dust collection unit housing 141, and the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed along the lower surface of the dust collection unit housing 141.

Accordingly, since air introduced from an upper rear side of the dust bag drawer 144 flows toward a lower front side of the dust bag drawer 144 while passing through the dust bag 143, the air containing dust can be evenly distributed inside the dust bag 143, and the dust can be prevented from accumulating intensively at a specific position of the dust bag 143.

Meanwhile, the handle 144d may be provided in front of the dust bag drawer body 144a. The handle 144d may be provided so that a user may grasp the same. For example, the handle 144d may have a groove shape that is recessed rearward from the front surface of the dust bag drawer body 144a.

The dust bag drawer body 144a may have a handle connection portion 144ac formed by extending an outer peripheral surface of the front end portion forward, and the handle 144d may be provided on the handle connection portion 144ac.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, a user can easily pull the dust bag drawer 144 forward (in a first direction) and then lift the dust bag 143 upward (in a second direction) to remove and replace the dust bag 143.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the dust bag drawer 144 may further include a housing support 144g. The housing support 144g may be disposed around a front end of the dust bag drawer 144. The housing support 144g may seal a gap formed between the dust collection unit housing 141 and the dust bag drawer 144 in a state in which the dust bag drawer 144 is inserted into the dust collection unit housing 141.

Meanwhile, a sensor through-hole 144f may be formed in the dust bag drawer 144. The sensor through-hole 144f may be formed such that at least a portion of a dust bag detection unit 149 of the dust collection unit housing 141 may pass therethrough. For example, the sensor through-hole 144f may be formed as a rectangular hole at a position facing the dust bag detection unit 149. Accordingly, at least a portion of the dust bag detection unit 149 may be disposed to extend through the sensor through-hole 144f and may come into contact with the dust bag 143 in a state in which the dust bag 143 is coupled to the dust bag drawer 144.

A filter may be provided in the dust bag drawer 144. The filter may be disposed at the outlet 144c of the dust bag drawer 144. That is, the filter may be placed on the lower surface of the dust bag drawer 144. Accordingly, the filter may be pulled out together with the dust bag drawer 144 when the dust bag drawer 144 is pulled out. Meanwhile, the filter may be disposed below the dust bag 143.

The filter may filter foreign substances from the air discharged after flowing through internal spaces of the dust bag 143 and the dust bag drawer 144. Accordingly, the filter can prevent foreign substances from entering and damaging the dust collection motor 145. For example, the filter may be a prefilter.

The dust bag 143 may refer to a dust bag for collecting dust suctioned from the inside of the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200 by the dust collection motor 145.

The dust bag 143 may be detachably coupled to the dust bag drawer 144.

In this case, the dust bag drawer 144 may be coupled to be pulled out from the dust collection unit housing 141 in the first direction, and the dust bag 143 may be detachably coupled to the dust bag drawer 144 in the second direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the dust bag drawer 144 may be coupled to be pulled out from the dust collection unit housing 141 in the front-rear direction, and the dust bag 143 may be detachably coupled to the dust bag drawer 144 in the vertical direction.

The dust bag 143 may be separated from the dust bag drawer 144 and discarded, and a new dust bag 143 may be coupled to the dust bag drawer 144. That is, the dust bag 143 may be defined as a consumable component.

The dust bag 143 includes a dust bag body 143a, a detachable portion 143b, a light-transmitting portion 143c, and an air inlet 143d.

The dust bag body 143a may collect dust. The dust bag body 143a may be configured to expand in volume and accommodate dust when suction power is generated by the dust collection motor 145. To this end, the dust bag body 143a may be formed of a material that allows air to pass therethrough but preventing foreign substances such as dust from passing therethrough. For example, the dust bag body 143a may be made of non-woven fabric and, when expanded, may have a hexahedral shape corresponding to the shape of the dust bag drawer 144.

The detachable portion 143b may be coupled to the dust bag body 143a and may be detachably coupled to a rear surface of the dust bag drawer 144 in a sliding manner. For example, the detachable portion 143b may be formed in a flat plate shape, coupled to a rear surface of the dust bag body 143a, and detachably coupled to a coupling rib 144ab disposed on the rear surface of the dust bag drawer 144 in a sliding manner.

In this case, the detachable portion 143b may be formed in an overall rectangular plate shape. In this case, a vertical height and horizontal width of the detachable portion 143b may be larger than or equal to a vertical height and horizontal width of the rear surface of the dust bag body 143a. Accordingly, the user can easily grip the detachable portion 143b and couple the detachable portion 143b to the dust bag drawer 144.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the detachable portion 143b having a rectangular plate shape may be formed by cutting two diagonally opposite corners. For example, a cutout portion 143ba may be formed by cutting the two diagonally opposite corners of the detachable portion 143b into a rectangular shape. These may be positions that communicate with inflow and discharge flow paths of hot air for sterilization. Accordingly, the dust bag 143 may be sterilized using hot air.

With this configuration, the dust bag 143 may be coupled vertically. Accordingly, in the dust bag 143 formed such that the horizontal length is larger than the vertical height, a volume of a structure required for mounting the dust bag 143 can be reduced. As a result, the dust collection capacity within a limited space can be expanded.

Meanwhile, a gripping portion 143bb may be formed on the detachable portion 143b. The gripping portion 143bb may be formed to protrude toward the dust bag drawer 144 from an upper end of an outer surface of the detachable portion 143b (surface facing the dust bag drawer 144). In this case, the gripping portion 143bb may be formed to protrude in a rib shape in the left-right direction (width direction). With this configuration, when the dust bag 143 is coupled to the dust bag drawer 144, the gripping portion 143bb may be caught on an upper portion of the rear surface of the dust bag drawer 144. Accordingly, even when the dust bag 143 is coupled to the dust bag drawer 144, a portion of an upper end of the gripping portion 143bb may be exposed upward, and user convenience can be provided by allowing the dust bag 143 to be detached by grasping and lifting the gripping portion 143bb upward.

Meanwhile, an inlet 143bc through which dust from the dust bin 220 is introduced may be formed on the detachable portion 143b. The inlet 143bc may be disposed to communicate with the inlet 144b of the dust bag drawer 144. Accordingly, when the dust collection motor 145 operates, air and dust within the dust bin 220 may be introduced and collected into the dust bag body 143a. The inlet 143bc may communicate with an inflow pipe 143db to be described below.

The light-transmitting portion 143c may be coupled to the dust bag body 143a and may transmit light into the dust bag body 143a. In this case, the light-transmitting portion 143c and the detachable portion 143b may be disposed on different surfaces of the dust bag body 143a. For example, the light-transmitting portion 143c may be formed in a flat plate shape, coupled to an upper surface of the dust bag body 143a, and transmit light emitted by a sterilization module disposed on an inner upper surface of the dust collection unit housing.

In this case, the light-transmitting portion 143c may be formed in an overall rectangular plate shape. In this case, the light-transmitting portion 143c may be formed integrally with the detachable portion 143b. Specifically, the light-transmitting portion 143c may be formed to be bent and extended from the detachable portion 143b. Accordingly, when the detachable portion 143b is coupled to the dust bag drawer 144, the light-transmitting portion 143c is also stably supported.

Meanwhile, the light-transmitting portion 143c may be optionally configured with the cutout portion 143ba, but both may be provided. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the hygiene of the dust bag 143.

The light-transmitting portion 143c is provided with a light-transmitting window 143ca. The light-transmitting window 143ca is formed of a material that allows light to pass therethrough. Specifically, the light-transmitting window 143ca may be formed of a material that allows light including ultraviolet light to pass therethrough. For example, the light-transmitting window 143ca may be formed of a material that allows UV-C light to pass therethrough.

The light-transmitting window 143ca may be disposed at a position facing a light source of the sterilization module 150 provided in the dust collection unit housing 141. Accordingly, light emitted from the light source may pass through the light-transmitting window 143ca and sterilize the interior of the dust bag body 143a.

With this configuration, hygiene can be improved by sterilizing insects and microorganisms, in addition to powdery mites, which are present inside the dust bag 143.

Meanwhile, the inlet 143bc through which dust from the dust bin 220 is introduced may be formed on the detachable portion 143b. The inlet 143bc may be disposed to communicate with the inlet 144b of the dust bag drawer 144. Accordingly, when the dust collection motor 145 operates, air and dust within the dust bin 220 may be introduced and collected into the dust bag body 143a.

Meanwhile, the dust bag 143 may further include the air inlet 143d inside the dust bag body 143a having a bag shape. The air inlet 143d may be disposed at a position facing the detachable portion 143b with the dust bag body 143a interposed therebetween. The air inlet 143d may be coupled to the detachable portion 143b with the dust bag body 143a interposed therebetween. That is, when the detachable portion 143b is provided on a rear outer surface of the dust bag body 143a, the air inlet 143d may be provided on a rear inner surface of the dust bag body 143a. Accordingly, the shape of a rear portion of the dust bag body 143a having a bag shape may be supported, and a coupling portion between the dust bag body 143a and the detachable portion 143b can be prevented from being damaged, thereby causing the bag portion of the dust bag body 143a to rupture and disperse dust.

The air inlet 143d may include an air inlet plate 143da, the inflow pipe 143db, an inlet cover 143dc, and a guide wall 143dd.

The inlet plate 143da may be formed in a flat shape, with one side surface disposed to face the detachable portion 143b and coupled with the detachable portion 143b and/or the dust bag body 143a and the inflow pipe 143db and the guide wall 143dd formed to protrude from the other side.

For example, the inlet plate 143da may be formed in a rectangular flat shape, with four corners formed in a curved shape. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent damage to the dust bag body 143a due to the corners.

The inflow pipe 143 db may be formed to protrude from the inlet plate 143da in a cylindrical shape. In this case, the inflow pipe 143db may be formed in a direction in which the dust bag drawer 144 is pulled out. Accordingly, air can be smoothly introduced from the dust bin 220 disposed behind the dust bag 143.

Meanwhile, a protrusion height of the inflow pipe 143db may not be constant. For example, the protrusion height of the inflow pipe 143db may increase in the vertical direction from bottom to top. Accordingly, the inlet cover 143dc may close the inflow pipe 143db with uniform surface pressure.

The inflow pipe 143db may be formed to include an inlet and may communicate with the inlet 143bc formed on the detachable portion 143b. Accordingly, the inflow pipe 143db may guide dust within the dust bin 220 into the dust bag body 143a.

The inlet cover 143dc may open and close the inlet. The inlet cover 143dc may be formed to have a larger diameter than the inflow pipe 143db.

The inlet cover 143dc includes a fixing portion 143dca fixedly coupled to the inflow plate 143da and an opening/closing portion 143dcb that opens and closes the inflow pipe 143db by the suction power of the dust collection motor 145. In this case, in a state in which the dust bag 143 is coupled to the dust bag drawer 144, the fixing portion 143dca may be disposed below the opening/closing portion 143dcb.

With this configuration, when the dust collection motor 145 is operated, an upper portion of the inflow pipe 143db opens first to allow air to be introduced into the upper side of the internal space of the dust bag 143. Accordingly, dust introduced into the dust bag 143 can be prevented from intensively accumulating directly below the inlet.

In addition, the inlet cover 143dc may be formed of an elastic material. For example, the inlet cover 143dc may be formed of a resin or rubber material. Accordingly, when the dust collection motor 145 is operated, the opening/closing portion 143dcb may be rotated by the suction power of the dust collection motor 145 to open and close the inlet.

The guide wall 143dd may guide the flow direction of air passing through the inflow pipe 143db. A pair of guide walls 143dd may be formed to protrude from the inlet plate 143da. The pair of guide walls 143dd may be formed vertically from the inlet plate 143da.

In this case, the inflow pipe 143db and the inlet cover 143dc may be disposed between the pair of guide walls 143dd. In this case, protrusion heights of the pair of guide walls 143dd may be larger than that of the inflow pipe 143db.

With this configuration, the pair of guide walls 143dd can block air introduced between the inflow pipe 143db and the inlet cover 143dc from spreading in the left-right direction and guide the air to flow forward from the cleaner station 100.

Accordingly, the air introduced into the dust bag 143 may be evenly dispersed throughout the dust bag 143 through the pair of guide walls 143dd.

Meanwhile, the dust collection unit 140 may include a fixing structure between the dust collection unit housing 141 and the dust bag drawer 144, a fixing structure between the dust bag drawer 144 and the dust bag 143, a sealing structure, and the dust bag detection unit 149.

The dust bag drawer 144 may be coupled to the dust collection unit housing 141 to be pulled out, and the dust bag 143 is detachably coupled to the dust bag drawer 144.

The dust bag drawer 144 is provided such that the dust bag 143 is easily detachably attached to the housing 110. The dust bag drawer 144 is pulled out from the housing 110 together with the dust bag 143, and when the dust bag drawer 144 is inserted into the housing 110, the dust bag 143 is connected to and disposed on the dust collection flow path.

The dust bag drawer 144 may be inserted into and supported by the dust collection unit housing 141. To this end, a fixing structure is provided between the dust bag drawer 144 and the dust collection unit housing 141. For example, the fixing structure may include a catch protrusion 141e and a catch groove 144aa. One of the dust collection unit housing 141 and the dust bag drawer 144 may be provided with the catch protrusion 141e, and the other may be provided with the catch groove 144aa.

Referring to the drawing, one surface of the dust collection unit housing 141 is provided with at least one catch protrusion 141e. For example, the catch protrusion 141e may be provided on an inner lower surface of the dust collection unit housing 141 and provided at the front of the dust collection unit housing 141. With this configuration, the dust bag drawer 144 may be inserted into the dust collection unit housing 141 with its front raised and then fixedly seated by the load on the catch protrusion 141e. Conversely, the dust bag drawer 144 may be slightly raised, separated from the catch protrusion 141e, and then pulled out from the dust collection unit housing 141.

The catch protrusion 141e may have rounded corners to facilitate insertion into or removal from the catch groove 144aa.

In addition, a surface of the dust bag drawer 144 is provided with at least one catch groove 144aa. The dust bag drawer 144 may be provided with the catch groove 144aa at a position corresponding to the catch protrusion 141e, and as illustrated in the drawing, the catch groove 144aa may be provided on the lower surface of the dust bag drawer body 144a. The catch groove 144aa may be provided at an end portion adjacent to the handle 144d of the dust bag drawer body 144a.

The catch groove 144aa may have rounded corners connected to the dust bag drawer body 144a to easily engage with or disengage from the catch protrusion 141e.

By providing the fixing structure in this way, the dust bag drawer 144 may be coupled to the dust collection unit housing 141, and the forward and rearward movement of the dust bag drawer 144 may be fixed.

In addition, the dust bag 143 may be stored within the dust bag drawer 144, with its position fixed. To this end, a fixing structure is provided between the dust bag 143 and the dust bag drawer 144. The fixing structure may be provided at the rear of the dust bag drawer 144 to maintain connection between the inlet of the dust bag 143 and the first dust collection flow path 147, thereby maintaining airtightness.

Specifically, the dust bag 143 may include the detachable portion 143b coupled to the rear surface of the dust bag body 143a, and the detachable portion 143b may be detachably coupled to the dust bag drawer 144. The detachable portion 143b may be coupled to an inner rear surface of the dust bag drawer 144.

The fixing structure may include the coupling rib 144ab. The coupling rib 144ab is provided to protrude from at least one surface of the dust bag drawer 144 and is disposed to face the rear surface of the dust bag drawer 144 with a gap therebetween. The coupling rib 144ab is disposed to face the rear surface of the dust bag drawer 144 with a space into which the detachable portion 143b will be inserted therebetween. The detachable portion 143b may be slidably inserted between the rear surface of the dust bag drawer 144 and the coupling rib 144ab and coupled to the dust bag drawer 144.

The dust bag 143 may move to a lower side of the dust bag drawer 144 such that the detachable portion 143b is inserted and coupled between the coupling rib 144ab and the rear surface of the dust bag drawer 144, and may then be raised upward from the dust bag drawer 144 and separated from the dust back drawer 144.

Accordingly, the detachable portion 143b is at least prevented from moving in the front-rear direction while coupled to the dust bag drawer 144.

The dust bag 143 can be accurately coupled to the dust bag drawer 144 by coupling the detachable portion 143b to the coupling rib 144ab in a sliding manner and then coupling the dust bag drawer 144 to the dust collection unit housing 141. In particular, the dust collection unit housing 141 may include a dust bag support 141d such that the dust bag 143 is accurately coupled while the dust bag drawer 144 is inserted. The dust bag support 141d may be provided on an inner upper surface of the dust collection unit housing 141 and provided to be inclined downward in a direction in which the dust bag drawer 144 is inserted. That is, the dust bag support 141d may be provided such that a portion of the inner upper surface of the dust collection unit housing 141 is formed to be inclined downward toward the rear. The dust bag support 141d seats the dust bag 143 on the bottom surface of the dust bag drawer 144 as the dust bag drawer 144 moves rearward.

In addition, the dust collection unit housing 141 may be formed to have different vertical heights. The dust collection unit housing 141 may have a vertical height at the front that is larger than the vertical height at the rear of the dust bag support 141d.

Meanwhile, the dust collection unit 140 can secure dust collection performance by including a sealing structure that seals an internal space of the dust collection unit housing 141. The sealing structure may include a housing support 144g that seals between the dust collection unit housing 141 and the dust bag drawer 144, and a flow path seal portion 147b that seals between the dust bag 143 and the first dust collection flow path 147.

The housing support 144g is provided at the front of the dust bag drawer 144 to support the dust collection unit housing 141. The housing support 144g may be provided to surround an outer peripheral portion of the handle connection portion 144ac of the dust bag drawer 144 to support the dust collection unit housing 141, thereby sealing the internal space of the dust collection unit housing 141.

Specifically, the housing support 144g may include an inner support 144ga that comes into contact with the dust bag drawer 144 and an outer support 144gb that comes into contact with the dust collection unit housing 141. The inner support 144ga may be provided in a hollow shape, disposed to surround the handle connection portion 144ac of the dust bag drawer body 144a, and fixed to the handle connection portion 144ac. The outer support 144gb may be formed by extending a front end portion of the inner support 144ga and extending rearward and outward. The outer support 144gb may be deformed as the dust bag drawer 144 is coupled to the dust collection unit housing 141 and may elastically support the dust collection unit housing 141 to seal a gap between the dust bag drawer 144 and the dust collection unit housing 141.

According to the present invention, as the housing support 144g supports the dust collection unit housing 141, the internal space of the dust collection unit housing 141 may be sealed, thereby improving dust collection performance.

The flow path sealing portion 147b is provided to seal the gap between the dust bag 143 and the dust collection flow path. The flow path sealing portion 147b is provided to prevent dust from the dust collection flow path from leaking out while the dust flows to the dust bag 143. The flow path sealing portion 147b is provided at an outlet end 147a of the first dust collection flow path 147 to support the dust bag 143.

The first dust collection flow path 147 may be disposed in the dust collection unit housing 141 and may include the outlet end 147a connected to the inlet 144b of the dust bag drawer 144 and connected to the inlet 143bc of the dust bag 143. In addition, the flow path sealing portion 147b may be provided at the outlet end 147a to support the dust bag 143 through the dust bag drawer 144.

For example, the flow path sealing portion 147b is disposed to surround an outer peripheral portion of the outlet end 147a, with at least a portion disposed between the outlet end 147a and the dust bag 143 to seal a gap between the first dust collection flow path 147 and the dust bag 143.

Specifically, the flow path sealing portion 147b may include a sealing body 147ba, a first support 147bb, a second support 147bc, and a third support 147bd. The sealing body 147ba is provided to surround the outer peripheral portion of the outlet end 147a.

The first support 147bb is disposed between the outlet end 147a and the dust bag 143 to seal a gap between the first dust collection flow path 147 and the inlet 143bc. The first support 147bb may be provided at a front end portion of the sealing body 147ba and may support an outer rear surface of the dust bag 143 through the inlet 144b of the dust bag drawer 144. The first support 147bb may support a rear surface of the detachable portion 143b.

In addition, in order for the first support 147bb to support the detachable portion 143b, the inlet 143bc of the detachable portion 143b may be provided with a smaller size than the inlet 144b of the dust bag drawer 144.

The second support 147bc is provided such that a portion of the sealing body 147ba protrudes outward and supports the dust collection unit housing 141. The third support 147bd is provided by extending a rear end of the sealing body 147ba and provided by protruding outward and then extending forward and inward to support the dust collection unit housing 141. The flow path sealing portion 147b may support the gap between the dust collection unit housing 141 and the first dust collection flow path 147 as the second support 147bc and the third support 147bd support the dust collection unit housing 141.

Meanwhile, the dust collection unit 140 may include the dust bag detection unit 149, and when the dust bag detection unit 149 detects the dust bag 143, the dust collection motor 145 or the sterilization module may be operated. This is to prevent the dust collection motor 145 or the sterilization module from operating in the absence of the dust bag 143. Alternatively, this is to prevent the dust collection motor 145 or the sterilization module from operating in a misassembly state of the dust bag 143.

The dust collection unit housing 141 may include the dust bag detection unit 149. The dust bag detection unit 149 may be disposed on the rear surface of the dust collection unit housing 141 and disposed from the rear surface of the dust collection unit housing 141 toward the dust bag drawer 144. The dust bag detection unit 149 may be disposed at the rear of the dust collection unit housing 141 to face the dust bag drawer 144.

The dust bag detection unit 149 may detect the dust bag 143. The dust bag detection unit 149 may come into contact with the dust bag 143 to detect the presence of the dust bag 143. Specifically, the dust bag detection unit 141c may detect the presence of the dust bag 143 by coming into contact with the detachable portion 143b of the dust bag 143.

To this end, the dust bag detection unit 149 is provided to come into contact with the dust bag 143 through the dust bag drawer 144. Accordingly, at least a portion of the dust bag detection unit 149 is disposed to protrude inward from the dust bag drawer 144 through the sensor through-hole 144f.

For example, the dust bag detection unit 149 may be a micro switch. The dust bag detection unit 149 may include a detection unit body 149a and an actuating unit 149b. The detection unit body 149a may be provided in the dust collection unit housing 141, and one end portion of the actuating unit 149b may be fixed to the detection unit body 149a. The other end portion of the actuating portion 149b may protrude inward from the dust bag drawer 144 through the sensor through-hole 144f, and when the dust bag 143 and the dust bag drawer 144 are coupled, the actuating portion 149b may be deformed in contact with the dust bag 143, thereby allowing the dust bag detection unit 149 to be turned on. In addition, when the dust bag 143 is re-separated, the actuating portion 149b may be restored and spaced apart from the detection unit body 149a, thereby allowing the dust bag detection unit 149 to be turned off.

According to the present invention, by including the dust bag detection unit 149 in the dust collection unit housing 141, it is possible to detect the dust bag 143 mounted when the dust bag 143 is coupled. In addition, the dust collection unit 140 may operate the dust collection motor 145 in a state in which the dust bag detection unit 149 detects the dust bag 143, and when the dust bag detection unit 149 does not detect the dust bag 143, a dust emptying function of the dust bin is not activated, thereby enhancing product reliability.

In addition, the detachable portion 143b may include a sensor contact portion 143bd that comes into contact with the dust bag detection unit 149. The sensor contact portion 143bd may be a portion of the detachable portion 143b or provided by protruding a portion of the detachable portion 143b from the rear surface of the detachable portion 143b. The detachable portion 143bd is disposed below the inlet 143bc. The sensor contact portion 143bd may be disposed to cover the sensor through-hole 144f.

The dust collection unit 140 may further include a dust collection module. The dust collection module may provide a suction airflow to the dust collection flow path.

Specifically, the dust collection unit 140 may further include the dust collection motor 145 and the dust collection motor housing 146.

The dust collection motor 145 may generate suction power in the dust collection unit flow paths 147 and 148. That is, the dust collection motor 145 may provide suction power to suction the dust within the dust bin 220 into the dust bag 143 disposed within the dust collection unit housing 141.

The dust collection motor 145 may be disposed behind the dust collection unit housing 141. Accordingly, the dust collection motor 145 may provide suction power to suction the dust in the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200.

The dust collection motor 145 may generate the suction power by rotation. For example, although not illustrated, the dust collection motor 145 may include a rotor and a stator that rotate relatively when receiving power, and an impeller that rotates about a rotational axis in response to the rotation of the rotor. Accordingly, the suction power may be generated by the rotation of the impeller.

The dust collection motor 145 may have one side connected to the second dust collection flow path 148 and the other side connected to the recirculation flow path 125a. When the dust collection motor 145 is operated, the air flowing through the second dust collection flow path 148 may be introduced into the dust collection motor housing 146. In addition, the air introduced into the dust collection motor housing 146 may flow through the recirculation flow path through the dust collection motor 145.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a rotational axis of the dust collection motor 145 may be disposed in the vertical direction. In this case, the horizontal space of the dust collection motor 145 can be minimized.

Meanwhile, when the rotational axis of the dust collection motor 145 is disposed in the vertical direction, heights of a side at which air flows into the dust collection motor 145 and a side at which air is discharged from the dust collection motor 145 may be disposed differently. Accordingly, a structure of the dust collection motor housing 146 may be formed.

The dust collection motor housing 146 may accommodate the dust collection motor 145 therein. The dust collection motor housing 146 may be disposed behind the dust collection unit housing 141. In addition, the dust collection motor housing 146 may be disposed behind the first dust collection flow path 147. In addition, the dust collection motor housing 146 may be disposed behind the second dust collection flow path 148.

That is, the dust collection unit housing 141 may be disposed at a frontmost position in the front-rear direction of the robot cleaner station 100, and the first dust collection flow path 147 and the second dust collection flow path 148 may be disposed behind the dust collection unit housing 141. In addition, the dust through-hole 123a may be disposed behind the first dust collection flow path 147, and the dust collection motor housing 146 may be disposed behind the second dust collection flow path 148. In addition, the dust collection motor housing 146 may be disposed behind the dust through-hole 123a.

Accordingly, the dust collection unit 140 may be disposed in the front-rear direction of the robot cleaner station 100, thereby reducing the overall height of the robot cleaner station 100.

In the present embodiment, the dust collection motor housing 146 includes a dust collection motor upper housing 146a, the dust collection motor lower housing 146b, the dust collection motor support 146c, and a motor damper 146d.

In this case, the dust collection motor 145 may be seated on the dust collection motor support 146c, the dust collection motor upper housing 146a may be coupled to an upper side of the dust collection motor support 146c, and the dust collection motor lower housing 146b may be disposed below the dust collection motor 145. Meanwhile, the motor damper 146d may be coupled between the dust collection motor support 146c and the dust collection motor upper housing 146b.

With this arrangement, in a state in which the dust collection motor 145 is seated on the dust collection motor support 146c, after the motor damper 146d is coupled, the dust collection motor upper housing 146a may be assembled, and the dust collection motor lower housing 146b may be assembled on a lower surface of the housing 110.

Accordingly, by allowing the components of the dust collection motor housing 146 to be assembled to the upper and lower sides of the dust collection motor 145, it is possible to facilitate assembly and repair work.

The dust collection motor upper housing 146a may cover an upper side of the dust collection motor 145. The dust collection motor upper housing 146a may include a motor accommodation portion that accommodates a portion of the upper side of the dust collection motor 145 and an upper flow path forming portion that is connected to the motor accommodation portion and forms a flow path therein.

The motor accommodation portion may be formed in an approximately cylindrical shape, with an upper end closed. The air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 may flow through a space between the motor accommodation portion and the dust collection motor 145 and may be discharged through the upper flow path forming portion.

The upper flow path forming portion may be formed to extend radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of the motor accommodation portion. Accordingly, a flow direction of air discharged between the motor accommodation portion and the dust collection motor 145 may be guided. In addition, a groove may be formed in an upper surface of the upper flow path forming portion to accommodate at least a portion of a pipe or hose forming the first dust collection flow path 147.

With this configuration, at least a portion of the first dust collection flow path 147 may pass through an upper side of the upper flow path forming portion.

The upper flow path forming portion may form at least a portion of the recirculation flow path 125a therein. Specifically, a space formed by coupling the upper flow path forming portion to the dust collection motor support 146c may form a portion of the recirculation flow path 125a.

The dust collection motor lower housing 146b may cover a lower side of the dust collection motor 145. The dust collection motor lower housing 146b may be coupled to a lower surface of the drawer 190. The dust collection motor lower housing 146b may include a lower cover portion disposed at a lower side of the dust collection motor 145 and a lower flow path forming portion that forms a flow path for air introduced into the dust collection motor 145.

The lower cover portion may be formed in a disk shape, with a central portion of a circle formed to protrude toward the dust collection motor 145. With this configuration, an upward flow of the air introduced into the dust collection motor 145 may be guided.

The lower flow path forming portion may be formed to extend radially outward from the lower cover portion. Accordingly, the flow of air introduced into the dust collection motor 145 from the dust collection unit housing 141 may be guided.

At least a portion of the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed within the lower flow path forming portion. Specifically, a space formed by coupling the lower flow path forming portion to the dust collection motor support 146c may form a portion of the second dust collection flow path 148.

The dust collection motor support 146c may support the dust collection motor 145.

The dust collection motor support 146c may be connected to various components constituting the internal structure of the robot cleaner station 100. The dust collection motor support 146c may be connected to the dust collection unit housing 141. The dust collection motor support 146c may be connected to the inner wall 124 or the coupling wall 123 of the seating unit 120. Accordingly, the dust collection motor support 146c may provide a support force for supporting the dust collection motor 145.

The dust collection motor support 146c may be coupled to the dust collection motor upper housing 146a and the dust collection motor lower housing 146b to form the recirculation flow path 125a and the second dust collection flow path 148, respectively. Specifically, the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed below the dust collection motor support 146c, and the recirculation flow path 125a may be formed above the dust collection motor support 146c.

Accordingly, a plurality of flow paths may be disposed in a stacked manner, thereby maximizing space efficiency within a limited height.

As a result of this arrangement, the air flowing into the dust bin 220 may be introduced into the dust collection motor 145 through a gap between the dust collection motor support 146c and the dust collection motor lower housing 146b and may be discharged between the dust collection motor support 146c and the dust collection motor upper housing 146a through the dust collection motor 145.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, the dust collection motor 145 may be disposed vertically, and at the same time, two flow paths vertically separated through the dust collection motor support 146c may be formed. Accordingly, by stacking the required flow paths for dust collection within a limited height and left-right space and allowing air to be introduced and discharged using the stacked flow paths, space efficiency can be maximized.

Meanwhile, the motor damper 146d may be coupled between the dust collection motor support 146c and the dust collection motor 145 and may elastically support the dust collection motor 145.

The motor damper 146d may be coupled between the dust collection motor support 146c and the dust collection motor upper housing 146a. That is, an upper side of the motor damper 146d may be coupled to the dust collection motor upper housing 146a, and a lower side of the motor damper 146d may be coupled to the dust collection motor support 146c. With this configuration, when the dust collection motor support 146c and the dust collection motor upper housing 146a are coupled, the motor damper 146d may be fixed between the dust collection motor support 146c and the dust collection motor upper housing 146a, thereby securing a support force.

Meanwhile, the motor damper 146d may be formed of an elastic material.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, as the dust collection motor 145 is disposed in the vertical direction, the damper 146d may be provided below the dust collection motor 145, thereby reducing vibration and noise generated by the operation of the dust collection motor 145.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, the damper 146d may seal the recirculation flow path 125a formed between the dust collection motor support 146c and the dust collection motor upper housing 146a, thereby preventing air leakage.

Meanwhile, the dust collection unit 140 may further include the dust collection flow paths 147 and 148. The dust collection flow path may be a flow path through which the air suctioned through the dust through-hole 123a flows to the dust collection motor 145 through the dust bag.

Specifically, when the robot cleaner 200 is coupled to the robot cleaner station 100 and the dust through-hole 123a communicates with the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200, the dust collection flow path may include the first dust collection flow path 147 that allows the dust bin 220 to communicate with an internal space of the dust collection unit housing 141, and the second dust collection flow path 148 that allows the internal space of the dust collection unit housing 141 to communicate with an internal space of the dust collection motor housing 146.

The first dust collection flow path 147 may connect the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200 to the internal space of the dust collection unit housing 141. The first dust collection flow path 147 may connect the dust through-hole 123a of the seating portion 120 to the internal space of the dust collection unit housing 141. The first dust collection flow path 147 may be formed in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. For example, the first dust collection flow path 147 may be formed close to the horizontal direction. The first dust collection flow path 147 may be a space that is formed rearward from the dust through-hole 123a and may be a flow path that is formed to be bent laterally from the dust through-hole 123a to allow dust and air to flow therethrough. The dust within the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200 may move to the internal space of the dust collection unit housing 141 through the first dust collection flow path 147.

The second dust collection flow path 148 may connect the internal space of the dust collection unit housing 141 to the internal space of the dust collection motor housing 146. The second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. For example, the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed close to the horizontal direction.

In this case, the first dust collection flow path 147 and the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed at different heights. That is, the first dust collection flow path 147 and the second dust collection flow path 148 may be formed in a stacked structure. At least a portion of the first dust collection flow path 147 may be disposed above the second dust collection flow path 148.

With this configuration, the plurality of flow paths may be disposed close to the horizontal direction, thereby reducing the overall height, and at the same time, the flow paths may be stacked, thereby minimizing the lateral width and overall volume of the robot cleaner station 100.

An air recirculation unit 125 may guide the air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 to the robot cleaner 200.

The air recirculation unit 125 may be composed of the recirculation flow path 125a and the air recirculation port 125b.

The recirculation flow path 125a may provide a flow path through which the air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 flows. The recirculation flow path 125a may be formed by the dust collection motor housing 146 and the base 121. Specifically, one side of the recirculation flow path 125a may be a space formed by coupling the dust collection motor support 146c and the dust collection motor upper housing 146a. In addition, the other side of the recirculation flow path 125a may be disposed inside the base body 121a. For example, the recirculation flow path 125a may be a space formed between upper and lower surfaces of the base body 121a.

Accordingly, the one side of the recirculation flow path 125a may pass through the dust collection motor housing 146. In addition, the other side of the recirculation flow path 125a may pass through the lower side of the base 121. In addition, at least a portion of the recirculation flow path 125a may be disposed below the robot cleaner 200 seated on the base body 121a.

The recirculation flow path 125a may be connected to the dust collection motor 145 in a fluidic manner. One end of the recirculation flow path 125a may communicate with the internal space of the dust collection motor housing 146, and the other end of the recirculation flow path 125a may communicate with the air recirculation port 125b.

The recirculation flow path 125a may be a flow path formed in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. For example, the recirculation flow path 125a may be a flow path formed in the horizontal direction within the housing 110.

In this case, at least a portion of the recirculation flow path 125a may be disposed below the first dust collection flow path 147. That is, the recirculation flow path 125a may be disposed to pass through the lower side of the first dust collection flow path 147. Accordingly, the flow directions of the air flowing through the first dust collection flow path 147 and the air flowing through the recirculation flow path 125a may intersect each other on a horizontal plane.

In addition, at least a portion of the recirculation flow path 125a may be disposed above the second dust collection flow path 148. That is, the recirculation flow path 125a may be disposed to pass through an upper side of the second dust collection flow path 148.

Accordingly, it is possible to maximize space efficiency by vertically arranging (stacking) the first dust collection flow path 147, the second dust collection flow path 148, and the recirculation flow path 125a within a limited height.

In addition, by using an excess space within the base 121 to form the recirculation flow path 125a, an increase in the height of the robot cleaner station 100 can be prevented, and a separate space for forming a flow path is not required, thereby maximizing space efficiency.

The air recirculation port 125b may be formed in the base 121. The air recirculation port 125b may be formed in the agitator accommodation portion 121d. In this case, the suction unit 211 of the robot cleaner 200 may be disposed above the agitator accommodation portion 121d. Accordingly, the recirculation flow path 125a may discharge air downward from the suction unit 211, and air passing through the recirculation flow path 125a may be introduced into the suction unit 211 disposed immediately above the suction unit 211.

Accordingly, the recirculation flow path 125a according to the embodiment of the present invention may guide the air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 to the suction unit 211 of the robot cleaner 200.

The recirculation flow path 125a may form a structure that continuously circulates the air between the robot cleaner 200 and the robot cleaner station 100 by guiding the air discharged from the dust collection motor 145 to the suction unit 211 of the robot cleaner 200 without discharging the air to the outside. Accordingly, the heat discharged from the dust collection motor 145 flows back into the robot cleaner 200 and circulates without being discharged to the kitchen furniture 2, thereby preventing damage to the interior of the kitchen furniture 2.

The air passing through the dust collection motor 145 may be discharged to the accommodation space S through the air recirculation port 125b, and the air discharged to the accommodation space S may flow back into the suction unit 211 due to the suction power of the dust collection motor 145. Accordingly, the air suctioned from the dust bin 220 by the suction power of the dust collection motor 145 may be discharged to the accommodation space S after sequentially flowing through the dust through-hole 123a, the first dust collection flow path 147, the dust collection unit 141, the second dust collection flow path 148, the dust collection motor 145, the recirculation flow path 125a, and the air recirculation port 125b.

In this case, the dust collection motor 145 may be driven together when the suction motor (not illustrated) of the robot cleaner 200 is operated. Since the air exhausted through the air recirculation port 125b is suctioned to the suction unit 211 by the suction force of the suction motor (not illustrated) in addition to the dust collection motor 145, dust collection efficiency can be increased.

Sterilization Module

The robot cleaner station 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the sterilization module 150. The sterilization module 150 may be coupled to the dust collection unit housing 141.

In the robot cleaner station 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the sterilization module 150 may sterilize the dust bag 143. Specifically, the sterilization module 150 may emit light onto the dust bag 143.

The sterilization module 150 may include a light source that emits sterilization light and a protective panel that is disposed below the light source to protect the light source.

Here, the light source may include at least one light emitting diode (LED) capable of emitting sterilization light having sterilization power capable of removing bacteria. The sterilization light emitted by the light source may have a wavelength that varies depending on the type of the LED.

For example, the light source may be an LED that emits ultraviolet light having a UV-C wavelength range. The ultraviolet light is classified as UV-A (315 nm to 400 nm), UV-B (280 nm to 315 nm), and UV-C (200 nm to 280 nm) depending on a wavelength, and among them, ultraviolet light in the UV-C range can damage a DNA double helix of microorganisms and suppress the proliferation of the microorganisms.

Meanwhile, the sterilization module 150 may be disposed on the inner upper surface of the dust collection unit housing 141. The sterilization module 150 may emit light downward. Accordingly, even when dust is present inside the dust bag 143, the dust settles downward due to gravity, allowing light to be emitted onto the dust bag 143 regardless of the presence of dust.

Meanwhile, the sterilization module 150 according to another embodiment of the present invention may supply hot air to the dust bag 143.

The sterilization module 150 may include a fan for generating a flow force in the air, a heater for supplying heat to the air flowing inside the dust collection unit housing 141, and a duct for guiding the hot air into the dust collection unit housing 141.

The hot air supplied from the sterilization module 150 may supply heat to the dust bag 143 through the dust collection unit housing 141 and the dust bag drawer 144 and sterilize insects and microorganisms.

Mop Washing Unit

The mop washing unit 160 of the robot cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 to 34 as follows.

The robot cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include the mop washing unit 160. The mop washing unit 160 may supply washing water to the mop 242 of the robot cleaner 200 coupled to the seating unit 120 to wash the mop 242 and drain wastewater generated after the mop 242 is washed.

The mop washing unit 160 may include a washing water supply unit for mixing a liquid containing detergent with purified water and discharging the mixture to an upper side of the washing plate 122. The washing water supply unit may include a regulator 161, a mixing chamber 162, a detergent container 163, a branch flow path 164, and a washing water nozzle 165.

In addition, the detergent container 163 and the wastewater container 166 may be accommodated in a space formed between the inner wall 124 and the housing outer wall 111. The detergent container 163 may be disposed on a lower side of the space between the inner wall 124 and the outer wall 111 of the housing, and the wastewater container 166 may be disposed above the detergent container 163.

The water supply pipe of the kitchen furniture 2 may be connected to the regulator 161 to adjust a flow rate supplied from the water supply pipe. In addition, a portion of the purified water passing through the regulator 161 may be supplied to the water tank 230 of the robot cleaner 200 through a water supply nozzle 123c, and the remainder may be supplied to the mixing chamber 162.

In addition, the liquid containing detergent stored in the detergent container 163 may be supplied to the mixing chamber 162 by the pressure generated by a pump. A specific structure of the detergent container 163 will be described below.

The mixing chamber 162 may have a space in which a liquid containing detergent and purified water may be separately introduced and mixed and discharge washing water containing the detergent and purified water. The mixing chamber 162 may include a purified water inlet 162a, a detergent inlet 162b, and a branch flow path connection port 162c.

The mixing chamber 162 may be provided within the housing 110 and disposed behind the seating unit 120. In this case, a flow path 161a through which purified water is introduced from the regulator 161 may be connected to the purified water inlet 162a. In addition, a flow path 163a through which a liquid containing detergent is introduced from the detergent container 163 may be connected to the detergent inlet 162b. Accordingly, pumps of the regulator 161 and detergent container 163 may operate for a predetermined time to flow a predetermined amount of purified water and detergent into the mixing chamber 162.

Meanwhile, the branch flow path connection port 162c may be connected to the branch flow path 164. The branch flow path 164 may supply the washing water containing purified water and detergent to each of the pair of washing water nozzles 165.

The branch flow path 164 may be formed in the form of one pipe branched into two, and in this case, an end portion of any one branched may be connected to any one of the pair of washing water nozzles 165, and an end portion of the other branched may be connected to the other of the pair of washing water nozzles 165.

A pair of the washing water nozzles 165 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. In this case, the pair of washing water nozzles 165 may be disposed symmetrically.

In addition, the washing water nozzle 165 may be connected to the branch flow path 164 to allow washing water to be introduced into the washing water nozzle 165 and discharge the washing water to the washing plate 122. The washing water nozzle 165 may discharge the washing water to an upper surface of the washing plate 122 through a washing water outlet 165a. The washing water outlet 165a may be opened in a direction facing an upper surface of the mop 242 seated on the washing plate 122. More specifically, the washing water outlet 165a formed on the washing water nozzle 165 may discharge the washing water toward the washing protrusion 122a of the washing plate 122.

The washing water nozzle 165 may be provided on a nozzle installation wall 123d connected to the coupling wall 123. The washing water nozzle 165 may be positioned above an uppermost end of the washing plate 122 to enable the washing plate 122 to be detached. Accordingly, when the washing plate 122 is detached or the drawer 190 is pulled out, the washing plate 122 and the washing tank 128 do not collide with the washing water nozzle 165, and a washing water discharge space may be provided between the nozzle installation wall 123d and the washing plate 122.

In addition, the washing water nozzle 165 may be disposed to be vertically and upwardly spaced apart from a central portion of the washing protrusion 122a in a width direction. Specifically, when it is assumed that a rotational direction of the mop 242 during the washing of the mop 242 is one direction, the washing water nozzle 165 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the central portion of the washing protrusion 122a in the width direction. The washing water outlet 161c may be disposed between a protrusion 122aa and a washing rib 122ab and disposed to be spaced apart from the protrusion 122aa in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the mop 242. With this configuration, washing water may flow along the central portion of the washing protrusion 122a in the width direction.

The detergent container 163 includes a detergent container body 163a, the handle 163b, and a detergent container rail 163c.

The detergent container body 163a may provide a space in which the liquid containing detergent may be stored. For example, the detergent container body 163a may be formed in the shape of a box with an open top.

The handle 163b may be provided at the front of the detergent container body 163a. The handle 163b may be provided so that a user may grasp the same. For example, the handle 163b may be recessed backward from a front surface of the detergent container body 163a.

With this configuration, when the user grips and pulls the handle 163b forward, the detergent container body 163a may also be pulled out forward. Accordingly, according to the present invention, the user can easily pull the detergent container 163 forward and then supply detergent.

The detergent container rail 163c may be formed on the detergent container body 163a. The detergent container rail 163c may guide the movement of the detergent container body 163a.

For example, the detergent container rail 163c may be formed in the form of a groove or a rib in the front-rear direction on the side surfaces of the detergent container body 163a in the left-right direction.

With this configuration, when the user couples the detergent container 163 to the housing 110, the detergent container 163 may be connected to a correct position and the washing water can be prevented from leaking out.

Meanwhile, although not illustrated, a rail may be formed in the housing 110 to correspond to the detergent container rail 163c. The rail may be formed to correspond to the shape and position of the detergent container rail 163c.

Meanwhile, an injection port 163aa may be formed on the detergent container body 163a. A liquid containing detergent may be injected into the detergent container body 163a through the injection port 163aa.

The detergent container 163 may include a refill cap 163d. The refill cap 163d may open and close the injection port 163aa.

The injection port 163aa may be disposed at the upper front of the detergent container body 163a. The injection port 163aa may be disposed adjacent to the handle 163b. With this configuration, the user may remove the refill cap 163d while partially pulling out the detergent container body 163a from the detergent container insertion port 132b and then refill detergent through the injection port 163aa.

The refill cap 163d may be detachably attached to the detergent container body 163a and may include a sealing portion 163db that is formed to protrude from a portion on one surface of the refill cap 163d and inserted into the injection port 163aa. The sealing portion 163db may support the injection port 163aa to be inserted into the injection port 163aa and sealed.

In addition, the refill cap 163d may include a cap handle 163da that is formed to protrude forward from a portion of an edge thereof. The cap handle 163da may be disposed to protrude outward from the detergent container body 163a.

In addition, the refill cap 163d may be disposed while attached to the detergent container body 163a even when removed from the detergent container body 163a to open the injection port 163aa. That is, to prevent loss of the refill cap 163d, the refill cap 163d may include a tether 163dc. The tether 163dc has one end portion integrally formed with the refill cap 163d and the other end having a fastening portion 163dd and is inserted into the detergent container body 163a.

The detergent container 163 includes a tether insertion portion 163ab, which is formed to be smaller than the fastening portion 163dd and larger than a cross section of the tether 163dc. That is, when the tether insertion portion 163ab has a circular hole shape, a diameter thereof may be formed to be smaller than that of the fastening portion 163dd, and when the cross section of the tether 163dc has a circular shape, the cross section thereof may be formed to be larger than that of the tether 163dc.

In addition, the detergent container body 163a may include a cap seating portion 163ac and a handle seating portion 163ad such that the refill cap 163d may be properly assembled. The cap seating portion 163ac may be provided such that the circumference of the injection port 163aa is stepped from the upper surface of the detergent container body 163a and formed such that the refill cap 163d is inserted therein. The handle seating portion 163ad may be formed by extending one side of the cap seating portion 163ac and formed such that the cap handle 163da is inserted therein. In this case, the handle seating portion 163ad is provided to correspond to the position and shape of the cap handle 163da such that the refill cap 163d is properly positioned. With this configuration, when the refill cap 163d is coupled to the detergent container body 163a, the cap handle 163da may be disposed to protrude outward from the detergent container body 163a, allowing the user to easily detach or attach the refill cap 163d.

The wastewater container 166 may provide a space in which the washing water used to wash the mop 242 is stored. After the washing of the mop 242 is finished, the washing water discharged to the upper surface of the washing plate 122 may be drained into the through-hole 122b while moving downward along a slope of the washing plate 122. Washing water passing through the through-hole 122b accumulates in the washing tank 128. In addition, the washing water accumulated in the washing tank 128 may be introduced into a wastewater suction flow path 166b through a wastewater inlet 166a and introduced into the wastewater container 166 through the wastewater inflow flow path 166b. That is, a liquid passing through the washing plate 122 may flow along the washing tank 128 and may be discharged through the wastewater inlet 166a.

Meanwhile, the wastewater suction flow path 166b is formed in a wastewater suction pipe, the wastewater inlet 166a is formed at one end portion of the wastewater suction pipe, and the other end portion of the wastewater suction pipe communicates with the wastewater container 166. in this case, the wastewater suction pipe may be disposed to pass through the lower side of an outside air supply module 171. That is, the wastewater suction flow path 166b may be disposed below the outside air supply module 171. In addition, the wastewater suction flow path 166b may be disposed below an outside air supply flow path 171a.

The washing water stored in the wastewater container 166 may be drained into the drain pipe 25 of the kitchen furniture 2 through a wastewater discharge flow path 167. The wastewater discharge flow path 167 may have one end connected to the wastewater container 166 and the other end connected to the drain pipe 25. In this case, the washing water stored in the wastewater container 166 may flow through the wastewater discharge flow path 167 by a centrifugal pump (not illustrated) and may be drained into the drain pipe 25.

The wastewater discharge flow path 167 connected to the wastewater container 166 may be connected to an upstream 25b with respect to the U-trap 25a of the drain pipe 25 of the kitchen furniture 2. This is because, when the wastewater discharge flow path 167 is connected to a downstream 25c with respect to the U-trap 25a of the drain pipe 25, odor or fluid inside the drain pipe 25 may flow back into the wastewater discharge flow path 167.

In addition, the mop washing unit 160 may include a check valve (not illustrated). The check valve can prevent a fluid inside the drain pipe 25 from flowing back into the wastewater discharge flow path 167. The check valve may be provided at the other end of the wastewater discharge flow path 167 connected to the drain pipe 25.

Mop Drying Unit

Referring to FIGS. 35 to 39, the robot cleaner station 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the mop drying unit 170. In this case, the mop drying unit 170 may dry the mop 242 of the robot cleaner 200 washed by the mop washing unit 160 or the mop 242 that is in a wet state after the water washing operation has been finished.

The mop drying unit 170 may include the outside air supply module 171 and an air discharge unit 172.

The outside air supply module 171 may heat air outside the housing 110 and supply the heated air to the accommodation space S. The outside air supply module 171 may include an outside air supply flow path 171a, an outside air inlet 171b, an outside air outlet 171c, a heater 171d, and a blower fan (not illustrated).

The outside air supply flow path 171a is formed in the outside air supply module 171. The outside air supply flow path 171a may flow outside air to the outside air outlet 171c.

The outside air supply flow path 171a may connect an external space of the housing 110 to the accommodation space. One side of the outside air supply flow path 171a may communicate with an external space through the outside air inlet 171b, and the other side of the outside air supply flow path 171a may communicate with the accommodation space S through the outside air outlet 171c.

The outside air inlet 171b may be formed on a rear surface of the housing 110. The outside air inlet 171b may be formed as a plurality of outside air inlets on the rear surface of the housing 110. Outside air of the housing 110 may be introduced into the outside air supply flow path 171a through the outside air inlet 171b. Accordingly, the outside air of the housing 110 may be introduced into the housing 110.

At least a portion of the outside air outlet 171c may be disposed above the washing plate 122. The outside air outlet 171c may be opened in a direction facing the washing plate 122. The outside air outlet 171c may be provided in pair, each of which is open downward.

The outside air outlet 171c may discharge the air that has passed through the outside air supply flow path 171a. The outside air outlet 171c may discharge air heated by the heater 171d. For example, an outside air outlet may be formed in the outside air outlet 171c.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a lateral diameter of the outside air outlet 171c may become narrower forward. That is, in the present embodiment, the lateral diameter of the outside air outlet 171c may be larger at a rear end than at a front end. Accordingly, even when the mop 242 having a disc shape is rotated during the drying process, the entire mop 242 can be evenly dried.

Meanwhile, the outside air outlet 171c may include a grille that guides an air discharge direction. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent heated air from being intensively discharged to a specific position.

In a state in which the mop 242 is seated on the washing plate 122, the outside air outlet 171c may be opened toward the upper surface of the mop 242. Accordingly, the outside air outlet 171c may be positioned adjacent to the mop 242 and opened downward, allowing the air discharged from the outside air outlet 171c to flow toward the mop 242.

In particular, the outside air outlet 171c of the present embodiment may be provided to be inclined downward toward the front of the robot cleaner station 100. Accordingly, a discharge end of the outside air outlet 171c may be formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the ground. The angle in this case may be 90 degrees or less. Accordingly, the outside air outlet 171c may discharge air in a direction intersecting a direction in which the flow guide surface 122c is formed.

A blower fan (not illustrated) may be disposed on the outside air supply flow path 171a and may blow air toward the accommodation space S. When the blower fan (not illustrated) is operated, the air introduced through the outside air inlet 171b may be heated by the heater 171d and discharged to the accommodation space S through the outside air outlet 171c.

The heater 171d may be disposed on the outside air supply flow path 171a and may heat air flowing through the outside air supply flow path 171a. The heater 171d may heat the air discharged through the outside air outlet 171c.

The heater 171d may include a heater housing and a heating element. In this case, the heater housing may be disposed on the outside air supply flow path 171a and provided with a space for accommodating the heating element. In addition, the heating element may heat air flowing into the heater housing. Accordingly, the air heated by the heating element may be discharged into the accommodation space S through the outside air outlet 171c to dry the wet mop 242.

Air heated by the heat discharged from the outside air supply module 171 may be discharged through the air discharge unit 172.

At least a portion of the air discharge unit 172 may be disposed on an upper portion of the accommodation space S.

The air heated by heat discharged from the outside air supply module 171 may supply heat to the mop 242 of the robot cleaner 200. Accordingly, moisture remaining after being absorbed by the mop 242 may be vaporized by absorbing heat from the air. The vaporized moisture may flow within the accommodation space S. Accordingly, the air within the accommodation space S may contain vaporized moisture, and the humidity within the accommodation space S may increase (hereinafter, air containing vaporized moisture within the accommodation space S may be referred to as “moisture vapor.”).

Specifically, at least a portion of the air discharge unit 172 may be disposed on the upper cover 113, and the upper cover 113 may cover the upper portion of the accommodation space S.

The air heated by the heat discharged from the outside air supply module 171 vaporizes the moisture in the mop 242, resulting in increased humidity. Accordingly, when the robot cleaner station 100 is disposed at the lower portion of the kitchen furniture 2 and the moisture vapor comes into contact with various components of the kitchen furniture 2, such as a mop holder 26 and the like, the moisture vapor may have a negative effect on the components.

In this case, in the present embodiment, since the upper cover 113 covers the upper portion of the accommodation space S and the door 126 covers the front surface of the accommodation space S, the upper cover 113 together with the door 126 can prevent the moisture vapor in the accommodation space S from being discharged to the outside, thereby preventing the kitchen furniture 2 from coming into contact with the moisture vapor.

The air discharge unit 172 may include an air suction port 172a, an air discharge duct 172b, and an exhaust fan 172c.

The air suction port 172a may communicate with the accommodation space S. The air suction port 172a may be disposed on an upper side of the accommodation space S. The moisture vapor in the accommodation space S may be discharged through the air suction port 172a.

The air suction port 172a may be disposed to be higher than the robot cleaner 200 from the ground in a state in which the robot cleaner 200 is seated on the seating unit 120. Accordingly, it is possible to enhance the efficiency of suctioning vapor that convectively rises as the mop dries.

For example, the air suction port 172a may be formed on the upper cover 113. In this case, the upper cover 113 may be formed in the form in which two or more plates overlap, in which the air suction port 172a may be formed in the lowest plate, and a flow path communicating with the air suction port 172a may be formed between the plates to constitute the air discharge duct 172b.

As another example, the air suction port 172a may be formed on the air discharge duct 172b having a circular or rectangular pipe shape, and the air discharge duct 172b may be coupled to the upper cover 113.

With this configuration, when the upper cover 113 is removed, the air discharge duct 172b may be removed together with the upper cover 113, and when the upper portion of the robot cleaner station 100 needs to be opened for repairs or other reasons, an operator can easily remove the air discharge duct 172b by simply lifting the upper cover 113.

The air suction port 172a may be formed in a hole shape on the air discharge duct 172b. For example, the air suction port 172a may be formed such that a plurality of slits are formed in parallel in the air discharge duct 172b. Alternatively, the air suction port 172a may be formed in the air discharge duct 172b in an elongated hole shape.

Meanwhile, a plurality of air suction ports 172a may be disposed at the same distance from the front end of the housing 110. For example, a pair of air suction ports 172a may be disposed at the same distance from the front end of the housing 110. That is, the air suction port 172a may include a first suction port and a second suction port. In this case, the first suction port may be disposed at an upper front left side of the accommodation space S, and the second suction port may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first suction port and disposed at an upper front right side of the accommodation space S.

A distance from the outside air outlet 171c to the air suction port 172a may be larger than a distance from the outside air outlet 171c to the mop 242. This is to prevent the heated air discharged from the outside air outlet 171c from being sufficiently supplied to the mop 242 and being directly suctioned into the air suction port 172a, thereby wasting energy.

In addition, the air suction port 172a may be disposed closer to the door 131 than the outside air outlet 171c. By arranging the air suction port 172a at the upper front side of the accommodation space S, a range in which the hot air discharged from the outside air outlet 171c flows is expanded, thereby enhancing the drying efficiency of the mop 242. Accordingly, the hot air discharged through the outside air outlet 171c may dry the mop 242 of the robot cleaner 200 while flowing forward and may then be discharged through the air suction port 172a.

In addition, the air suction port 172a may be disposed above a path along which the robot cleaner 200 moves within the housing 110. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent condensation from forming on walls inside the housing 110.

For example, at least a portion of the air suction port 172a may be disposed vertically above a position where a lateral width of the robot cleaner 200 is greatest in a state in which the robot cleaner 200 is seated on the seating unit 120. That is, at least a portion of the air suction port 172a may be disposed above a position where a gap between the robot cleaner 200 and the pair of inner walls 124 is narrowest. In this case, at least a portion of the air suction port 172a may be disposed in front of the washing plate 122.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent vapor generated during the drying process of the mop 242 from flowing forward from the robot cleaner station 100 and prevent moisture from penetrating a sensor disposed at the front of the robot cleaner 200 and causing malfunctions.

The air discharge duct 172b may connect the air suction port 172a to the exhaust fan 172c and communicate with the drain pipe 25 of the kitchen furniture 2. The air discharge duct 172b may guide the moisture vapor discharged through the air suction port 172a to the drain pipe 25.

The air discharge duct 172b may have one side coupled to the exhaust fan 172c and the other side divided into a plurality of branches. Accordingly, moisture vapor may be suctioned from a plurality of positions even with a single exhaust fan 172c, thereby stably discharging the moisture vapor.

The air discharge duct 172b may be configured such that an air discharge flow path communicating with the air suction port 172a is formed therein.

The air discharge flow path may refer to a flow path through which air introduced through the air suction port 172a flows. For example, the air discharge flow path may be formed by including an internal space of the air discharge duct 172b, an internal space of the housing of the exhaust fan 172c, and an internal space of the check valve 172d. One side of the air discharge flow path may communicate with the air suction port 172a, and the other side may communicate with the air outlet 172e.

The exhaust fan 172c may cause air to flow from the air suction port 172a toward the drain pipe 25. The exhaust fan 172c may generate an airflow to suction moisture vapor from the accommodation space S through the air suction port 172a and then discharge the moisture vapor to the outside through the air discharge duct 172b.

The exhaust fan 172c may include an exhaust fan housing, a fan motor, and an impeller. The exhaust fan housing may have a flow path formed therein to communicate with the air discharge duct 172b. When the exhaust fan motor operates and the exhaust fan impeller rotates, the air from the accommodation space S or the housing 110 may be introduced into the air discharge duct 172b and discharged through the air outlet 172e after passing through the interior of the exhaust fan housing.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the exhaust fan 172c may be coupled to the outside air supply module 171. Specifically, the exhaust fan housing of the exhaust fan 172c may be coupled to the outside air supply module 171 to constitute a single assembly. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the spaces of the outside air supply module 171 and the air discharge unit 172.

The exhaust fan 172c may be disposed on side surfaces of the outside air supply module 171 in the left-right direction. Specifically, the exhaust fan 172c may be disposed between the dust collection motor 145 and the outside air supply module 171. Accordingly, components can be disposed in a limited space, and the space in which the flow path capable of discharging vapor can be secured.

When the exhaust fan 172c is operated, the air from the accommodation space S may be introduced into the air suction port 172a. The air introduced into the air suction port 172a may be exhausted through the drain pipe 25.

The mop drying unit 170 may include the check valve 172d that prevents a fluid inside the drain pipe 25 from flowing back into the air discharge duct 172b. The check valve 172d may be disposed behind the exhaust fan 172c. The check valve 172d may communicate with an internal space of the exhaust fan 172c. That is, the check valve 172d may be disposed downstream of the exhaust fan 172c in an airflow direction. The air outlet 172e may be formed at a rear end of the check valve 172d. The check valve can prevent the fluid inside the drain pipe 25 from flowing back into the air discharge unit 172.

In this case, a lower end of the air outlet 172e may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the ground. Specifically, the air outlet 172e may be formed in an air discharge pipe disposed in the direction perpendicular to the ground, and the air discharge pipe may be connected to the check valve. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the fluid discharged from the air outlet 172e from flowing back using the property in which warm and humid air convectively rises.

The air discharge unit 172 may be connected to a downstream side of the U-trap 25a of the drain pipe 25. Specifically, the air outlet 172e may be connected to the drain pipe 25 through a flow path member. For example, the flow path member may be a hose. This is because, when the air discharge unit 172 is connected to the upstream 25b with respect to the U-trap 25a of the drain pipe 25, the heat exhausted through the air discharge unit 172 due to the water accumulated in the U-trap 25a may not pass through the drain pipe 25. In addition, this is to prevent odors generated from air discharged from the air discharge unit 172 from flowing back along the drain pipe 25 and spreading into the kitchen.

The moisture vapor discharged through the air suction port 172a and passing through the exhaust fan 172c may be discharged to the outside of the housing 110 along the flow path member through the air outlet 172e.

In this case, the flow path member may be connected to the drain pipe 25 through one of both sidewalls of the outer wall. With this configuration, the connection direction of the flow path member may be selected depending on the installation environment of the robot cleaner station 100 of the present invention, thereby facilitating installation and maintenance.

Drawer

Meanwhile, when the charging station for a robot cleaner is disposed below the kitchen furniture, it is possible to minimize external exposure, thereby providing the interior effect, but when the robot cleaner fails while entering below the kitchen furniture or the charging station for a robot cleaner fails, there is a limitation in that it may be difficult for the user to pull out the robot cleaner for repair. In order to solve this problem, in the present invention, the drawer 190 may be added to the robot cleaner station 100.

In this regard, FIG. 40 illustrates a view for describing a state in which a drawer is pulled out from a robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The drawer 190 of the robot cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 40 as follows.

The robot cleaner station 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include the drawer 190 pulled out from the housing 110.

The drawer 190 may be moved relatively with respect to the housing 110. For example, the housing 110 may be fixedly coupled to the kitchen furniture 2, and the drawer 190 may be pulled out forward from the housing 110.

In this case, the drawer 190 may be pulled out while provided with the seating unit 120 therein. With this configuration, when the drawer 190 is pulled out, the seating unit 120 and/or the robot cleaner 200 may be pulled out from the kitchen furniture 2.

In this case, when the drawer 190 is pulled out from the housing 110 in a state in which the door 131 closes the entrance 127, the upper cover 113 may be exposed to the outside. In this case, when the upper cover 113 is disassembled, the robot cleaner 200 may be exposed to the outside.

Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, when maintenance, such as repair or cleaning of the robot cleaner station 100, is required, the user can easily pull out the seating unit 120 and/or the robot cleaner 200 through the drawer 190 to expose the internal components of the robot cleaner station 100 or the robot cleaner 200.

Meanwhile, the drawer 190 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be pulled out while provided with the dust collection unit 140 therein. In this case, the pull-out direction of the drawer 190 may be parallel to the pull-out direction in which the dust bag drawer 144.

In addition, the drawer 190 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be pulled out together with the mop washing unit 160. Specifically, the drawer 190 may be pulled out together with the detergent container 163. In this case, the direction in which the drawer 190 is pulled out may be parallel to the direction in which the detergent container 163 is pulled out.

With this configuration, the robot cleaner station 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided such that the pull-out directions in which the drawer 190, the dust bag drawer 144, and the detergent container 163 are parallel to each other.

Accordingly, the user can easily recognize the directions in which the components of the robot cleaner station 100 according to the present invention are pulled out and easily pull out the components for repair and maintenance.

The drawer 190 includes a drawer sidewall 191, a fitting portion 192, and a drawer rail 193.

The drawer sidewall 191 is provided to relatively move between the outer wall surfaces of the housing 110. For example, a pair of drawer sidewalls 191 may be disposed to face the pair of outer walls of the housing 110.

In this case, the pair of drawer sidewalls 191 may be disposed further inward than the pair of outer walls of the housing 110 in the robot cleaner station 100. That is, the pair of drawer sidewalls 191 may be disposed to be closer to the seating unit 120 than the pair of outer walls of the housing 110.

Meanwhile, the dust collection unit 140 and/or the mop washing unit 160 may be disposed between the drawer sidewall 191 and the seating unit 120.

With this configuration, the dust collection unit 140 and the mop washing unit 160 may be disposed using the minimum horizontal space.

The drawer rail 193 may be disposed on the drawer sidewall 191 to guide the movement of the drawer sidewall 191. The drawer rail 193 may be fixedly coupled to or integrally formed with the drawer sidewall 191 and coupled to the rail installed on the outer wall 111 of the housing 110 to guide a movement path of the drawer sidewall 191. Meanwhile, although it has been described that the drawer 190 and the housing 110 are provided with the rail, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the form of a rail, and the drawer 190 and the housing 110 may include any form such as a roller, a guide groove, or a guide rib capable of replacing the rail.

Control Configuration

FIG. 41 is a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the robot cleaner station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The control configuration of the robot cleaner station 100 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 41 as follows.

The cleaner station 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention further includes a controller 300 for controlling the seating unit 120, the dust collection motor 145, the mop washing unit 160, and the mop drying unit 170.

The controller 300 may be composed of a printed circuit board and elements mounted on the printed circuit board.

The controller 300 may receive a signal from the entry sensor 135 and control the door driving unit 134.

The controller 300 may sense the approach of the robot cleaner 200 and control the door driving unit 134 to rotate the door 131. Specifically, the controller 300 may detect whether the robot cleaner 200 enters the cleaner station 100 through the entry sensor 135. When a distance between the robot cleaner 200 and the door 131 is smaller than a preset distance, the controller 300 may rotate the door 131 to open the entrance 127. In addition, the controller 300 may rotate the door 131 to close the entrance 127 when the robot cleaner 200 is coupled to the seating unit 120.

When power is supplied to the battery of the robot cleaner 200 from the power supply terminal 123b, the controller 300 may determine that the robot cleaner 200 is coupled to the seating unit 120.

The controller 300 may drive the dust collection motor 145 to suction the dust inside the dust bin 220 of the robot cleaner 200.

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

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

The short-range communication may be, for example, Bluetooth communication, NFC, etc.

The long-range communication may be, for example, wireless LAN (WLAN), digital living network alliance (DLNA), wireless broadband (WiBro), world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), global system for mobile communication (GSM), code division multiple access (CMDA), CDMA2000, enhanced voice-data optimized or enhanced voice-data only (EV-DO), wideband CDMA (WCDMA), high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA), high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA), IEEE 802.16, long term evolution (LTE), long term evolution-advanced (LTEA), wireless mobile broadband service (WMBS), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), Zigbee, radio frequency (RF), long range (LoRa), etc.

The controller 300 may control the mop washing unit 160.

Specifically, the controller 300 may control the detergent pump 163b. The controller 300 may operate the detergent pump 163b to discharge the detergent stored in the detergent container 163 to the mop 242.

In addition, the controller 300 may control the regulator 161. The controller 300 may operate the regulator 161 to adjust the amount of purified water discharged to the mop 242.

In addition, the controller 300 may control the drain pump 168. The controller 300 may operate the drain pump 168 to drain the wastewater after washing the mop 242.

The controller 300 may control the mop drying unit 170.

Specifically, the controller 300 may control the heater 171d. The controller 300 may operate the heater 171d to heat the air discharged to the mop 242.

In addition, the controller 300 may control the blowing fan 171e. The controller 300 may operate the blowing fan 171e to discharge air to the mop 242.

In addition, the controller 300 may control the exhaust fan 172c. The controller 300 may operate the exhaust fan 172c to discharge air after drying the mop 242 to the outside.

In addition, the controller 300 may receive a signal from a temperature sensor 174. The controller 300 may measure the temperature of the air within the housing 110 based on temperature information received from the temperature sensor 174. In addition, the controller 300 may control the operation of the heater 171d based on the temperature information received from the temperature sensor 174, thereby sterilizing bacteria present in the mop 242.

In addition, the controller 300 may receive a signal from the dust bag detection unit 149. When detecting that the dust bag 143 has been coupled, the dust bag detection unit 149 may transmit a signal to the controller 300, and based on this, the controller 300 may control the dust collection unit 140. For example, the controller 300 may operate the dust collection motor 145 only in a state in which the dust bag 143 is coupled. Accordingly, the dust collection motor 145 may not operate in a state in which the dust bag drawer 144 is pulled out or a state in which the dust bag drawer 144 with the dust bag 143 removed is inserted and coupled. When the detachable portion 143b of the dust bag 143 is coupled to the dust bag drawer 144 and the dust bag drawer 144 is coupled to the dust collection unit housing 141, the dust bag detection unit 149 detects the dust bag 143 to enable the operation of the dust collection motor 145.

In addition, the controller 300 may operate the sterilization module 150 only in a state in which the dust bag 143 is coupled.

Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is intended to specifically describe the present invention, and it is apparent that the present invention is not limited thereto, and the present invention can be modified or improved by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

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

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 1: robot cleaner station
  • 2: kitchen furniture
  • 100: robot cleaner station
  • 110: housing
  • 120: seating unit
  • 122: washing plate
  • 128: washing tank
  • 130: door unit
  • 131: door
  • 140: dust collection unit
  • 141: dust collection unit housing
  • 144: dust bag drawer
  • 145: dust collection motor
  • 150: sterilization module
  • 160: mop washing unit
  • 170: mop drying unit
  • 171: outside air supply module
  • 172: air discharge unit
  • 190: drawer
  • 200: robot cleaner
  • 300: controller