CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANER ADOPTING OVERHEATING PROTECTION METHOD

A cordless vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner main body and a station. The cleaner main body includes a battery and a first processor controlling performing a cleaning function using power of the battery. The station includes a power conversion device to generate a voltage to charge the battery of the cleaner main body, a second charge terminal to charge the battery of the cleaner main body with the voltage generated by the power conversion device, a temperature sensor installed within a distance from the second charge terminal and to detect a temperature of the second charge terminal, a divider resistor to provide a voltage by dividing of an input voltage with the temperature sensor, and a second processor controlling performing an overheating prevention operation based on a voltage level of the voltage provided by the divider resistor and the temperature sensor being greater than a threshold voltage level.

TECHNICAL FIELD

An embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method of detecting overheating occurring in a charge terminal and preventing the overheating in a battery-driven cordless vacuum cleaner and to a cleaner adopting the method.

BACKGROUND ART

A cordless vacuum cleaner is a type of vacuum cleaner including a chargeable battery built into the vacuum cleaner, such that the vacuum cleaner may be operated without having to a power cord connected to an outlet. A cordless vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor for generating suction power to suction foreign materials, such as, for example, dust and the like, along with air from a cleaner head (brush) through suction power generated from the suction motor, and separate the suctioned foreign material from the air, thereby collecting dust.

Compared with a wired vacuum cleaner, a cordless vacuum cleaner that may be implemented without the connection of a power cord is very convenient to use. Thus, cordless vacuum cleaners have become popularized. However, the use forms of cordless vacuum cleaners may vary according to user and environment conditions. Recently, with respect to a cordless vacuum cleaner coupled to a station (dust discharger) that automatically empties dust in a dust container attached to a main body of the cordless vacuum cleaner when docked with the station, the use form, method, and structure of the vacuum cleaner have much diversified. As the main body of the cordless vacuum cleaner detaches or separates from the station to perform a cleaning function in a cordless state, the main body of the cordless vacuum cleaner may be fitted with a battery for powering the cordless vacuum cleaner. A battery is charged mainly when the main body of the cordless vacuum cleaner is electrically connected to the station. In some cases, in the electrically connected state, when overheating occurs in a charge terminal for electrically connecting the main body of the cordless vacuum cleaner to the station, the cordless vacuum cleaner may be damaged.

Further, as an example of a cordless vacuum cleaner, robot vacuum cleaners that automatically clean while a cleaner main body is moved by a motor drive force without user intervention have become popularized and widely used. A cleaner main body of a robot cleaner may autonomously perform a function of cleaning the floor while traveling in a certain area. Such a robot cleaner is generally equipped with a chargeable battery and various sensors for determining and avoiding obstacles while performing the function.

In this state, the cleaner main body of a robot cleaner is wirelessly driven through the battery. As the cleaner main body may provide a cleaning function and also various display functions, in some cases, the cordless vacuum cleaner may be implemented to support continuous battery charging. Some approaches for battery charging may include using a power conversion device. The cleaner main body may dock with a station including a power conversion device to charge the battery before and after a cleaning operation. For cases in which overheating may occur at a battery charge terminal, a protection function capable of preventing a robot cleaner from being damaged due to overheating is desired.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Solution

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a cordless vacuum cleaner includes a battery and a first processor configured to control performing a cleaning function through power of the battery. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner may further include a power conversion device configured to generate a voltage to charge the battery of the cleaner main body. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner may further include a second charge terminal configured to charge the battery of the cleaner main body with the voltage generated by the power conversion device. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner may further include a temperature sensor installed within a certain distance from the second charge terminal and configured to detect a temperature of the second charge terminal, and at least one divider resistor configured to divide a voltage level of an input voltage with the temperature sensor. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner may further include a second processor configured to control performing an overheating prevention operation based on a voltage level determined by the at least one divider resistor and the temperature sensor being greater than a certain threshold voltage level.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner may further include a first charge terminal configured to charge the battery with a direct current (DC) voltage transmitted from the station. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner may further include a temperature sensor installed within a certain distance from the first charge terminal and configured to detect a temperature of the first charge terminal, and at least one divider resistor configured to divide the voltage level of the DC voltage with the temperature sensor. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner may further include a cleaner main body including a first processor configured to control performing a cleaning function through power of the battery and performing an overheating prevention operation based on a voltage level determined by the temperature sensor being greater than a certain threshold voltage level. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner may further include a second charge terminal electrically connected to the first charge terminal to charge the battery of the cleaner main body. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner may further include a station including a power conversion device connected to the second charge terminal and configured to generate the DC voltage to charge the battery.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal in a cordless vacuum cleaner includes detecting a voltage level corresponding to the temperature of a charge terminal, by the temperature sensor that divides an input voltage with a divider resistor while a station is electrically connected to a cleaner main body through the charge terminal. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal in a cordless vacuum cleaner may further include determining whether the charge terminal is overheated, by comparing the voltage level with a certain threshold voltage level. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal in a cordless vacuum cleaner may further include performing at least one overheating prevention operation of an operation of separating the cleaner main body from the station, an operation of blocking, by a second switch, a connection from a power conversion device to the charge terminal in the station, and an operation of blocking a connection from the charge terminal to a battery by turning off a first switch in the cleaner main body.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Terms used in the disclosure are briefly described, and an embodiment of the disclosure is described in detail.

The terms used in the disclosure have been selected from currently widely used general terms in consideration of the functions in the disclosure. However, the terms may vary according to the intention of one of ordinary skill in the art, case precedents, and the advent of new technologies. In some aspects, for special cases, meanings of the terms selected by the applicant are described in detail in the description section. Accordingly, the terms used in the disclosure are defined based on their meanings in relation to the contents discussed throughout the specification, not by their simple meanings.

In the disclosure, expressions such as “at least one of a, b, or c” may denote “a”, “b”, “c”, “a and b”, “a and c”, “b and c”, “all of a, b, and c”, or modifications thereof.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” used herein specify the presence of stated features or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features or components. Furthermore, terms such as, for example, “ . . . portion,” “ . . . unit,” “ . . . module,” and “ . . . block” stated in the specification may signify a unit to process at least one function or operation and the unit may be embodied by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

The terms “about” or “approximately” as used herein are inclusive of the stated value and include a suitable range of deviation for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, considering the measurement in question and the error associated with measurement of the particular quantity. The term “about” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within ±30%, 20%, 10%, 5% of the stated value, for example.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings such that one skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains can easily work the disclosure. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments of the disclosure set forth herein. In the drawings, a part that is not related to a description is omitted to clearly describe the disclosure and, throughout the specification, similar parts are referenced with similar reference numerals.

Embodiments of the present disclosure support a method of detecting overheating of a charge terminal when overheating occurs in the charge terminal in a cordless vacuum cleaner and protecting the cordless vacuum cleaner from the overheating of the charge terminal, and embodiments of the present disclosure support a cordless vacuum cleaner adopting such a method. Furthermore, in some aspects, the method includes performing an operation to protect the cordless vacuum cleaner from the overheating of a charge terminal.

The technical objectives to be achieved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-described objectives, and other technical objectives that are not mentioned herein would be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the disclosure.

FIG.1Aillustrates a cordless vacuum cleaner3000in which a station is coupled to a cleaner main body, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cleaner main body1000capable of autonomously moving and performing a cleaning function. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000may include a station2000coupled to the cleaner main body1000and including a power conversion device (2400) supportive of charging a battery of the cleaner main body1000. The cleaner main body1000and the station2000may be electrically connected to each other through respective charge terminals of the cleaner main body1000and the station2000. The cleaner main body1000may move in association with docking with the station2000. In an example, in a docked state, the cleaner main body1000and the station2000may be electrically connected to each other through the charge terminals. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may be a robot cleaner, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

In some cases, when the cleaner main body1000is docked at the station2000such that charge terminals are electrically connected to each other, an electrical connection between the charge terminals may become unstable for some reasons, and the charge terminals may overheat. In an example in which the charge terminals are overheated, the charge terminal of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may become damaged and damage to other components of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may be caused, and moreover, fire may occur at the cordless vacuum cleaner3000.

When docking (electrical connection) between the cleaner main body1000and the station2000is smoothly and appropriately made, a contact resistance between a charge terminal (hereinafter, referred to as the “main body charge terminal” or the “first charge terminal”) at the side of the cleaner main body1000and a charge terminal (hereinafter, referred to as the “second charge terminal”) at the side of the station2000may be considerably low. For example, the contact resistance may be below a certain resistance value. However, when the docking between the cleaner main body1000and the station2000is not smoothly performed due to various environmental factors such as, for example, a material of wood flooring or a material of a carpet or vinyl flooring, the location of the station2000, an obstacle between the station2000and the cleaner main body1000, disturbance by pets and kids, and the like, the environmental factors may prevent effective contact between the charge terminals of both sides. The contact error between the charge terminals of both sides causes a phenomenon that a contact resistance between the first charge terminal of the clean main body1000and the second charge terminal of the station2000increases (e.g., to an abnormally high contact resistance). In this case, during charging of the battery of the cleaner main body1000, abnormally large contact resistance may generate heat, which may cause component damage or charge terminal damage at or around the charge terminal. In the disclosure, when simply referred to, the term “charge terminal” may collectively mean the first charge terminal of the cleaner main body1000or the second charge terminal of the station2000, unless otherwise stated.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method of detecting a temperature (heat) generated in the charge terminal during docking between the cleaner main body1000and the station2000and protecting the cordless vacuum cleaner3000when the temperature of the charge terminal is abnormally high. Embodiments of the present disclosure support the cordless vacuum cleaner3000adopting such a method.

When the cleaner main body1000is normally docked at the station2000, and the cordless vacuum cleaner3000performs charging operations associated with charging the battery in the cleaner main body1000, the station2000uses power (voltage*current) suitable for charging the battery according to the capacity of the power conversion device or a switched mode power supply (SMPS) as a power supply device (or a power supply circuit) for supplying power to the station2000. In an example in which the cleaner main body1000is normally docked at the station2000and a charging operation starts, the contact resistance between the charge terminals is within several micro ohms (m (2), and thus, abnormal overheating does not particularly occur in the charge terminal during charging. However, when the cleaner main body1000is incompletely or incorrectly docked at the station2000for some reasons, the contact resistance of the charge terminal may increase to several ohms (52), and thus, power as much as P=I*I*R may be released as heat from the charge terminal.

For example, assuming that the specifications of the power conversion device of the station2000includes 25.25 V/2.5 A, for a case in which the contact resistance between the charge terminals is 5Ω because the cleaner main body1000is incompletely docked at the station2000, power of 2.5*2.5*5=31 W of a total 63 W of battery charging power is converted into heat energy in the charge terminal, thereby causing overheating in the charge terminal. The overheating in the charge terminal may cause a temperature increase to 100° C. or more in moisture. In an example in which the overheating occurs, an injection mold encompassing the charge terminal, parts around the charge terminal, and/or the charge terminal itself may be deformed by heat, and fire in the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may follow.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may include installing a temperature sensor capable of detecting a temperature in the charge terminal of the cleaner main body1000and/or the station2000, which may support stable and safe charging having a high immunity against environmental factors within a consumer's home where the cordless vacuum cleaner3000is installed. Accordingly, for example, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may be safely protected from overheating.

The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be a selectively usable cleaner of a hand type, an autonomous type, and a stick type. A hand type cleaner, an autonomous type cleaner, or/and a stick type cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be a cordless vacuum cleaner. The cleaner main body1000according to an embodiment of the disclosure is a portion held and moved by a user during cleaning. The cleaner main body1000may include a dust container (or a dust collecting container) for receiving foreign materials suctioned from a cleaning surface (e.g., floor such as, for example, wood floor, carpet, mat, or the like, bedding, sofa, or the like).

FIG.1Billustrates a cordless vacuum cleaner in which a station is coupled to a cleaner main body, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the cleaner main body1000including a battery and in the form of a stick cleaner held directly by a user for cleaning. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000may include the station2000including the power conversion device to charge the battery of the cleaner main body1000. The cleaner main body1000may be mounted on the station2000such that the cleaner main body1000and the station2000are electrically connected to each other through a second charge terminal2010at the side of the station2000viewed from FIG.1B.

In some cases, the contact between the charge terminals may not smooth (e.g., due to environmental factors described herein) in the cordless vacuum cleaner3000in the form of the cleaner main body1000being mounted on the station2000, as illustrated inFIG.1B. Accordingly, when the contact between the charge terminals is not smooth, as illustrated above inFIG.1A, heat may be generated and thus the charge terminal and/or component around the charge terminal may be damaged.

FIG.2Ais a view for explaining structure of a surface of a robot cleaner according to according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.2A, illustrated is a perspective view of the cleaner main body1000of a robot cleaner among the cordless vacuum cleaner3000when viewed above in a diagonal direction. The cleaner main body1000may include a first charge terminal1010, a first output interface1072as one of a first user interface1070, a remote control receiver1002, an obstacle sensor1021, a bumper sensor1022, a dust discharge hole1030, a first input interface1071as one of the first user interface1070, a camera1040, and the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Although not illustrated inFIG.2A, the cleaner main body1000may further include a battery1050(e.g., internal to the cleaner main body1000or externally coupled to the cleaner main body1000) for supplying power.

The first output interface1073may display a current state (e.g., cleaning, charging, overheating of a charge terminal, indicating the overheated charge terminal, indicating unavailability of battery charging due to low temperature, or the like), a battery level (e.g., remaining charge amount), a current cleaning mode (e.g., a quick mode, a precise mode, a carpet cleaning mode, or the like), and the like, but the display information is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a user may change a cleaning mode (e.g., a quick mode or a precise mode) of the cleaner main body1000by using the first input interface1071. Furthermore, a user may set a cleaning zone or a cleaning mode for a specific area by using the first input interface1071.

The first charge terminal1010may include a conductor for electric connection when connected to the station2000. InFIG.2A, although the first charge terminal1010according to an embodiment is attached to a side surface of the cleaner main body1000, as illustrated inFIG.2B, the first charge terminal1010may be attached to a bottom surface or other surface of the cleaner main body1000. The location of the charge terminal1010may vary based on the design of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000. In an example in which the first charge terminal1010is attached to the side surface of the cleaner main body1000, the second charge terminal2010of the station2000may be installed on the side surface of the station2000in support of electrically connection to the first charge terminal1010of the cleaner main body1000.

FIG.2Bis a view for explaining a lower surface structure of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.2B, the cleaner main body1000of a robot cleaner may include the first charge terminal1010, a fall prevention sensor1023, a side rotation brush1061, a driving wheel1062, and a power brush1063, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The first charge terminal1010is a terminal for electrical connection to the station2000when the cleaner main body1000is coupled to the station2000. InFIG.2B, unlikeFIG.2A, the first charge terminal1010may be installed on the bottom surface of the cleaner main body1000. Accordingly, in the cleaner main body1000as illustrated inFIGS.2A and2B, the position of the first charge terminal1010may be the side surface and/or the bottom surface of the cleaner main body1000, based on the design of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000. In an example in which the first charge terminal1010is installed on the bottom surface as illustrated inFIG.2B, the second charge terminal2010of the station2000is installed on the bottom surface facing upwards.

The fall prevention sensor1023is a sensor to prevent the cleaner main body1000from falling by detecting the cleaner main body1000of a robot cleaner reaching a position where the cleaner main body1000may fall during performing autonomous cleaning. The side rotation brush1061may be used to wipe out floor dust during cleaning as the cleaner main body1000autonomously moves. The driving wheel1062may be used to move when the cleaner main body1000moves to perform cleaning. The power brush1063may be used to suck-up dust while the cleaner main body1000autonomously moves and performs cleaning.

As the functions of the other components are those that a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer from the names thereof, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

FIG.3Ais a view illustrating the station2000according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3A, the station2000may include the second charge terminal2010to be docked with the cleaner main body1000and to charge the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000during docking. The second charge terminal2010may be located at a position suitable for establishing an electrical connection with the first charge terminal1010of the cleaner main body1000.FIG.3Aillustrates that the second charge terminal2010may be located on the bottom surface. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the first charge terminal1010of the cleaner main body1000is arranged on the side surface of the cleaner main body1000, the second charge terminal2010may also be located on a side surface3of the station2000.

Although not illustrated inFIG.3A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000may include therein a second temperature detection circuit2100, a second processor2200, a power conversion device2400, a second switch2410, a second communication interface2300, a second user interface2500, and a memory2600, example aspects of which are later described with reference toFIG.3B. The second switch2410may be a switch that may block or establish an electrical connection between the power conversion device2400and the second charge terminal2010. The on/off of the second switch2410may be controlled by the second processor2200. The configuration and functions of the station2000are described with reference toFIG.3B.

FIG.3Bis a block diagram of the station2000according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3B, the station2000according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the second temperature detection circuit2100, the second processor2200, the second communication interface2300, the power conversion device2400, the second switch2410, the second user interface2500, and the memory2600. Throughout the specification, the second processor2200may be simply referred to as the “processor2200”, and the power conversion device2400may be referred to as SMPS. The processor2200may be a plurality of processors or a single processor.

The second temperature detection circuit2100is a circuit capable of detecting the temperature of the second charge terminal2010. The second temperature detection circuit2100may include a divider resistor configured to divide a certain input voltage and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be a thermistor having a resistance which varies according to temperature. The thermistor may include a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, based on a circuit configuration. In the case in which a certain input voltage (DC voltage) is divided by the divider resistor and the temperature sensor, when the resistance of the temperature sensor changes according to a change in detected temperature, a voltage applied between the opposite ends of the temperature sensor changes. Then, the processor2200may receive the voltage change through an analog-digital conversion port and determine (e.g., based on the voltage change) the temperature of the second charge terminal2010. In an example in which the processor2200does not include an analog-digital conversion portion, the processor2200may receive a value corresponding to the temperature of the second temperature detection circuit2100through an analog-digital conversion portion which is separate from the processor2200.

The station2000may include the processor2200. The processor2200may receive power through the power conversion device2400and control the overall operation of the station2000. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2200may determine the temperature of the second charge terminal2010through the second temperature detection circuit2100, and when the second charge terminal2010is determined (e.g., by the processor2200) to be overheated, the processor2200may protect the station2000from overheating by, for example, turning the second switch2410off. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when overheating occurs in the second charge terminal2010, the processor2200may detect an overheating position, that is, in which one of two plus and minus (+ and −) terminals the overheating occurs, and the processor2200may control a second output interface2510of the station2000to output the overheating position by voice, display, or the like. For example, the processor2200may output a notification (e.g., a visual notification, an audio notification, a haptic notification, or the like) indicating the overheating position, via the second output interface2510.

The processor2200of the station2000may include a single processor or a plurality of processors. The processor2200according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), a many integrated core (MIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), and a neural processing unit (NPU). The processor2200may be implemented in the form of a system-on-chip (SoC) in which one or more electronic components are integrated. In an example in which the processor2200includes a plurality of processors, each processor may be implemented by separate hardware (H/W). The processor2200may be referred to as a microprocessor controller (MICOM), a microprocessor unit (MPU), or a micro controller unit (MCU). The processor2200according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented by a single core processor or a multicore processor.

The station2000may include the second communication interface2300, and the second communication interface2300may support communication between the station2000and an external device. For example, the station2000may communicate with the cleaner main body1000of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000, a server (not illustrated), and/or a user terminal (not illustrated) through the second communication interface2300. In this state, the second communication interface2300may communicate with the server through a first communication method (e.g., a Wi-Fi communication method) and with the cleaner main body1000through a second communication method (e.g., a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) communication method).

The second communication interface2300may include a short-range wireless communication interface2310, a long-range wireless communication interface2320, and the like. The short-range wireless communication interface2310may include a Bluetooth communication interface, a BLE communication interface, a near field communication interface (NFC), a wireless local-area network (WLAN) communication interface, a Zigbee communication interface, an infrared data association (IrDA) communication interface, a Wi-Fi direct (WFD) communication interface, an ultra-wideband (UWB) communication interface, an Ant+ communication interface, and the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In some examples, the station2000may use the long-range wireless communication interface2320for remotely communicating with the server or the user terminal. The long-range wireless communication interface2320may include the Internet, a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), and a mobile communication interface. The mobile communication interface may include a 3G module, a 4G module, a 5G module, an LTE module, an NB-IoT module, an LTE-M module, and the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The second communication interface2300may transmit data to the processor2200through, for example, a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) protocol that is an asynchronous communication, but the communication method is not limited thereto.

The second user interface2500of the station2000may include the second output interface2510and a second input interface2520. The second input interface2520may be a device supportive of user input of a command to the cordless vacuum cleaner3000. The second input interface2520may include a touch screen, a voice input device, a physical button, and the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The second input interface2520may include a cleaning start operation button, a dust discharge button, a mode selection button, and the like. The second output interface2510may include a display, such as, for example, LED, LCD, a touch screen, and the like, or a voice output device, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The second output interface2510may display a charge amount of the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000, software update progress information, operation event information, overheating information of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000, whether the second charge terminal2010and/or the first charge terminal1010is overheated, whether any charge terminal is overheated, and the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The memory2600of the station2000may store a program (e.g., one or more instructions) for the processor2200to control the overall operation of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000or the station2000, or pieces of data that are input/output. For example, the memory2600of the station2000may include software relate to the control of the station2000, charge terminal overheating state data, charge terminal overheating history data, charge terminal overheating position information data, error occurrence data (failure history data), a type of an operation event, information about charging of the battery1050, for example, charging intervals, recent compensation charging time point data, a charging level of the battery1050during recent compensation charging, and the like, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The memory2600of the station2000may store data received from the cleaner main body1000. For example, the memory2600may store product information of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000mounted on the station2000(e.g., identification information, model information, or the like), version information of software installed on the cordless vacuum cleaner3000, error occurrence data (failure history data) of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000, temperature data of the station2000or the cleaner main body1000, information related to charging of the battery1050, charge terminal overheating notification received from the cleaner main body1000(including information about in which one of a plus (+) terminal and a minus (−) terminal overheating occurs), and the like.

The memory2600may include a storage medium of at least one type of memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, or the like) of a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, and a card type, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disc. Programs stored in the memory2600may be classified into a plurality of modules according to functions thereof.

The power conversion device2400is a device capable of converting received AC input power into DC power. The power conversion device2400may include an integrated circuit (IC) for power conversion, such as, for example, a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller, for power conversion. In an example in which the cleaner main body1000is electrically connected to the station2000, DC power generated by the power conversion device2400is supplied to the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000through the second charge terminal2010of the station2000and the first charge terminal1010of the cleaner main body1000, thereby charging the battery1050. The second charge terminal2010is electrically connected to the first charge terminal1010and is used to charge the battery1050included in the cleaner main body1000. The second charge terminal2010may be connected to the power conversion device2400and may provide an electrical connection to charge the battery1050by connecting the DC voltage (e.g., 30 V) output from the power conversion device2400to the battery1050through the first charge terminal1010.

The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment of the disclosure is not limited to an autonomous type cleaner such as, for example, a robot cleaner, and the cleaner main body1000may be of a stick type cleaner.

In some cases, some components illustrated inFIG.3Bmay be non-essential components. In some embodiments, the station2000may be implemented by more or less components than the components illustrated inFIG.3B.

FIG.4Ais a block diagram of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4A, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may include the station2000and the cleaner main body1000. The station2000and the cleaner main body1000may be electrically connected through the first and second charge terminals1010and2010. The station2000may be directly connected to an input power10. The power conversion device2400of the station2000may generate a DC voltage to charge the battery1050in the cleaner main body1000. The power conversion device2400of the station2000may be electrically connected to the cleaner main body1000via the second charge terminal2010. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second switch2410that may block the DC voltage generated from the power conversion device2400may be included between the power conversion device2400and the second charge terminal2010, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In some examples, the second switch2410may be omitted from between the power conversion device2400and the second charge terminal2010. The cleaner main body1000may include the first charge terminal1010electrically connected to the second charge terminal2010. The battery1050may be charged by the DC voltage transmitted through the first charge terminal1010. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a first switch1011capable of blocking power (e.g., blocking the transfer of power between the power conversion device2400and the battery1050) may be included between the first charge terminal1010and the battery1050, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In some examples, the first switch1011may be omitted.

The battery1050may supply power to the cleaner main body1000such that the cleaner main body1000may be detached from the station2000and wirelessly used without a power cord. The battery1050may be charged to, for example, a certain DC voltage (e.g., 30 V) through the power conversion device2400. However, the charging voltage is not limited thereto, and the amount of charging voltage (or driving DC voltage) may vary based on the specifications of the battery1050.

The power conversion device2400may receive the input power10supplied to the station2000and convert the AC voltage (AC) into a DC voltage (DC). The power conversion device2400may include a switching element for AC voltage (AC)-DC voltage (DC) conversion and a PWM controller for driving the switching element. The switching element of the power conversion device2400may employ any one of a field effect transistor (FET), a metal oxide field effect transistor (MOSFET), an insulated gate bipolar mode transistor (IGBT), and a transistor (TR), but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The power conversion device2400may be located on the bottom surface of the station2000to be connected to the input power10, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and power conversion device2400may be located on any surface of the station2000.

The cleaner main body1000and the station2000may be electrically connected to each other through the first charge terminal1010and the second charge terminal2010. The cleaner main body1000may include a first processor1001, the first charge terminal1010, a sensor portion1020, the camera1040, the battery1050, the driving wheel1062, the power brush1063, the first user interface1070, a first communication interface1080, and a first temperature detection circuit1100. However, this is an example that the cleaner main body1000is a robot cleaner, and when the cleaner main body1000is a stick cleaner, components, such as, for example, the camera1040, the sensor portion1020, the driving wheel1062, and the power brush1063, may be omitted from the cleaner main body1000. In an example in which the cordless vacuum cleaner3000is a stick cleaner, the cleaner main body1000may include a suction motor.

The first processor1001may handle the overall control of the cleaner main body1000. The first processor1001may be referred to as a main body processor1001in the disclosure. The first processor1001may include therein an analog-digital conversion portion according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Although it is not illustrated inFIG.4A, when the first processor1001does not include an analog-digital conversion portion, the cleaner main body1000may include a separate analog digital conversion IC. The first processor1001, when including an analog-digital conversion portion therein, may include an analog-digital conversion input port for receiving an analog signal and converting the analog signal into a digital signal. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the analog-digital conversion input port may include a plurality of analog-digital conversion input ports. The analog-digital conversion input port may for example, receive an analog value corresponding to a voltage varying in real time from the first temperature detection circuit1100. The received analog value may be converted into a digital value that the first processor1001may process. The first processor1001may determine whether the first charge terminal1010is overheated, by converting the analog value corresponding to a change in voltage transmitted from the first temperature detection circuit1100into a digital value and then comparing the digital value with a certain threshold value corresponding to a temperature value that is determined to be overheated. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the certain threshold value may correspond to a certain threshold voltage level by which the first charge terminal1010may be determined to be overheated.

The first processor1001, when the first charge terminal1010is determined (e.g., by the first processor1001) to be overheated, may perform a certain overheating prevention operation. The certain overheating prevention operation is described with reference toFIG.12A.

FIG.12Aillustrates an overheating prevention operation supportive of separating the cleaner main body1000from the station2000for preventing overheating, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.12A, in an embodiment of the disclosure, when the first processor1001of the cleaner main body1000determines that the first charge terminal1010is overheated, the first processor1001may perform an overheating prevention operation of separating the cleaner main body1000from the station2000by a certain distance or more by driving the cleaner main body1000. For example, the first processor1001may control and move the cleaner main body1000such that the cleaner main body1000is spaced apart from the station2000by at least the certain distance. In an example, a distance by which the first charge terminal1010may be electrically insulated from the second charge terminal2010of the station2000is sufficient as the certain distance. In an example in which the station2000detects overheating in the second charge terminal2010, the station2000may transmit an overheating notification to the cleaner main body1000through communication with the cleaner main body1000. The cleaner main body1000may perform an overheating prevention operation by driving the cleaner main body1000based on the received overheating notification. In an example, the overheating prevention operation may include controlling the cleaner main body1000such that the cleaner main body1000is spaced apart from the station2000by a certain distance or more.

FIG.12Billustrates that the cleaner main body1000is recoupled to the station2000as overheating is released, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, after the first processor1001controls the cleaner main body1000based on the overheating determination or the received overheating notification such that the cleaner main body1000is separated from the station2000by a certain distance or more, the first processor1001may determine whether the temperature of the first charge terminal1010is determined to have decreased to a certain temperature or lower. In an example, when the first processor1001determines the temperature of the first charge terminal1010has decreased to a certain temperature or lower, the first processor1001may control the cleaner main body1000to perform a docking operation, that is, an overheating release operation, to electrically reconnect the cleaner main body1000to the station2000. In this state, the first processor1001may perform an overheating release operation based on determining the temperature of the first charge terminal1010has decreased to a certain temperature or lower. Additionally, or alternatively, the first processor1001may perform the overheating release operation based on receiving a notification from the station2000, in which the notification indicates that the temperature of the second charge terminal2010is decreased to a certain temperature or lower. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the certain temperature may be 50° C., but is not limited thereto. For example, when the first processor1001determines that the temperature at the first charge terminal1010is has decreased to 50° C. or lower, the first processor1001may perform an overheating release operation.

Another overheating prevention operation is described with reference back toFIG.4A.

The overheating prevention operation of the first processor1001may be performed by another method. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the first charge terminal1010is determined to be overheated, the first processor1001may control the first switch1011(turn off the first switch1011) such that the electrical connection between the first charge terminal1010and the battery1050is blocked. Descriptions herein of a switch (e.g., first switch1011, second switch2410) which is turned off may refer to a state in which an electrical connection between the switch and another component is blocked, and descriptions herein of a switch (e.g., first switch1011, second switch2410) which is turned on may refer to a state in which an electrical connection between the switch and another component is established. In some aspects, descriptions herein of a switch (e.g., first switch1011, second switch2410) which is turned off may refer to an open state in which the switch is preventing the flow of electrical current or power, and descriptions herein of a switch (e.g., first switch1011, second switch2410) which is turned on may refer to a closed state in which the switch is enabling the flow of electrical current or power.

Through the operation of controlling the first switch1011, the component damage of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000due to the overheating of the first charge terminal1010(or the second charge terminal2010of the station2000) may be prevented by blocking the electrical connection between the power conversion device2400of the station2000and the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000. Throughout the disclosure, the first charge terminal1010being overheated may be understood as the second charge terminal2010of the station2000being overheated. This is because, at the time when overheating occurs, the first charge terminal1010and the second charge terminal2010may be in a considerably close contact with each other. Alternatively, even when the second charge terminal2010and the first charge terminal1010are connected to each other, there may be a difference in the temperature detected in each charge terminal due to a fine separation, and overheating of the first charge terminal1010and overheating of the second charge terminal2010of the station2000may be separately distinguished.

The overheating prevention operation of the first processor1001may be performed by another method. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the first charge terminal1010is determined to be overheated, the first processor1001may communicate with the second communication interface2300of the station2000through the first communication interface1080and notify the station2000that the first charge terminal1010(or, the second charge terminal2010of the station2000in contact with the first charge terminal1010) is in an overheating state (an overheating notification). For example, the cleaner main body1000may provide an overheating notification to the station2000.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000having received the overheating notification from the cleaner main body1000may perform an appropriate overheating prevention operation based on the received overheating notification. The overheating notification is a notification indicating that the first charge terminal1010is overheating. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second processor2200of the station2000may turn the second switch2410of the station2000off based on the received overheating notification received from the cleaner main body1000so as to block the electrical connection between the power conversion device2400and the second charge terminal2010.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, reversely, the first processor1001may receive an overheating notification from the station2000and perform an overheating prevention operation. The overheating prevention operation refers to an operation to prevent the first charge terminal1010and/or the second charge terminal2010from being overheated.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, when receiving the overheating notification from the station2000, the first processor1001may control the driving wheel1062to perform an overheating prevention operation which includes separating the cleaner main body1000from the station2000by a certain distance.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, when receiving the overheating notification from the station2000, the first processor1001may perform an operation of turning the first switch1011off, blocking the electrical connection between the second charge terminal2010and the battery1050. The overheating prevention operations described herein may be performed independently of one another or in combination.

For an example case in which the cordless vacuum cleaner3000is a robot cleaner, the sensor portion1020senses a movement space to prevent the cleaner main body1000from falling into a cleaning disability state due to an obstacle or fall while moving in a cleaning target space. The sensor portion1020may include the obstacle sensor1021, the bumper sensor1022, and the fall prevention sensor1023, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. Furthermore, when the cordless vacuum cleaner3000is a stick type cleaner, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may omit the sensor portion1020.

The first temperature detection circuit1100is a circuit for detecting overheating of the first charge terminal1010and may be referred to as a main body temperature detection circuit. The first temperature detection circuit1100may be a circuit having the same configuration as the second temperature detection circuit2100of the station2000. Accordingly, both of the first and second temperature detection circuits1100and2100may be simply referred to as the temperature detection circuit. The first temperature detection circuit1100may include a divider resistor to divide a certain input voltage and the temperature sensor.

The temperature sensor may be a thermistor with a resistance varying according to the temperature. Accordingly, throughout the disclosure, the temperature sensor and the thermistor may be interchangeably used. The thermistor may include a PTC thermistor or a NTC thermistor, based on a circuit configuration. In the case in which a certain input voltage is divided by the divider resistor and the temperature sensor, when the resistance of the temperature sensor changes according to a change in detected temperature, a voltage applied between the opposite ends of the temperature sensor changes. Then, the processor1001may receive the voltage change through an analog-digital conversion port and determine the temperature of the first charge terminal1010.

The first temperature detection circuit1100may detect whether the first charge terminal1010is in an excessively low temperature state. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first processor1001may compare the temperature determined by the divider resistor at the main body side and the temperature sensor of the first temperature detection circuit1100with a certain second threshold temperature. For example, the second threshold temperature may be a considerably low temperature, for example, 0° C. The first processor1001may determine that the temperature detected in the first charge terminal1010is a temperature that is not sufficient for charging the battery1050(e.g., the temperature does not support charging of the battery1050), according to a result of the comparison. The first processor1001may notify the station2000(e.g., transmit a low temperature notification to the station2000) that the first charge terminal1010is not in a state to charge the battery1050through the first communication interface1080, based on the determination that the temperature detected at the first charge terminal1010is a temperature that is too low to charge the battery1050, compared with a certain second threshold voltage level. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000having received the low temperature notification may output, by voice, display, or the like, a message indicating that the first charge terminal1010is not in a state to charge the battery1050, through the second user interface2500.

The battery1050may be referred to as a battery pack and may include a battery cell array1053charged with electricity and a battery controller1055configured to control the battery1050.

The first user interface1070may include the first input interface1071configured to input a command to the cordless vacuum cleaner3000and the first output interface1073through which the cordless vacuum cleaner3000displays information to a user. The first input interface1071may be a user input interface capable of touch recognition. The first output interface1073may be an LCD or LED display, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The first output interface1073may display various pieces of information illustrating the state of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000to a user. As an example, the first output interface1073may display whether a charge terminal is overheated when the first charge terminal1010and/or the second charge terminal2010of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000is overheated, and the first output interface1073may also display position information about in which one of the plus (+) charge terminal and the (−) charge terminal overheating occurs, in the cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the first output interface1073may display an operation state or a charge amount of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000or provide information about charging or not and the like of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000.

The first communication interface1080may transceive data under the control of the first processor1001and perform a wireless communication with the second communication interface2300of the station2000. The first processor1001may notify the station2000that the first charge terminal1010is overheated, through the first communication interface1080. The first processor1001may receive from the station2000an overheating notification indicating that the second charge terminal2010of the station2000is overheated, through the first communication interface1080.

The station2000may include the processor2200, the second communication interface2300, and the second user interface2500. The station2000may perform mainly an auto/manual dust empty operation, a communication operation with the cleaner main body1000through a communication connection (WiFi or BLE), and an operation of charging the battery1050mounted in the cleaner main body1000. The power conversion device2400of the station2000may receive an AC voltage from the input power10and generate a desired DC voltage by PWM switching of a switching element such as, for example, a FET under the control of the PWM controller therein. As an example, to charge the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000, the power conversion device2400may generate a DC voltage of 30 V. Furthermore, as applicable, the power conversion device2400may generate a DC voltage of 5 V or 3.3 V in association with operating the second processor2200of the station2000and the first processor1001of the cleaner main body1000.

The processor2200may determine whether the second charge terminal2010is overheated, by using the second temperature detection circuit2100. The processor2200may include an analog-digital conversion portion according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and although it is not illustrated inFIG.4A, when the processor2200does not include an analog-digital conversion portion, the station2000may include a separate analog-digital conversion IC. In an example in which the station2000includes a separate analog-digital conversion IC, the processor2200may be connected to the analog-digital conversion IC and may receive digitally converted data from the analog-digital conversion IC. For example, the processor2200may receive data on the temperature of the second charge terminal2010detected by the second temperature detection circuit2100through the analog-digital conversion IC.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the processor2200includes an analog-digital conversion portion, the processor2200may include an analog-digital conversion input port to receive an analog signal to be converted into a digital signal. The analog-digital conversion input port may include a plurality of analog-digital conversion input ports. The analog-digital conversion input port may receive, for example, an analog value corresponding to a temperature change, or a voltage change, from the second temperature detection circuit2100. The received analog value may be converted into a digital signal to be processable by the processor2200. The processor2200may convert the analog value corresponding to the temperature change, or the voltage change, received from the second temperature detection circuit2100into a digital value and then compare the digital value with a certain threshold value, thereby determining whether the second charge terminal2010is overheated. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the certain threshold value may correspond to a certain threshold temperature level, or a certain threshold voltage level, at which the second charge terminal2010is determined to be overheated.

When the second charge terminal2010is determined to be overheated, the processor2200may perform a certain overheating prevention operation. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the second charge terminal2010is determined to be overheated, the processor2200may transmit an overheating notification to the cleaner main body1000through the second communication interface2300so as to perform an overheating prevention operation in association with separating the cleaner main body1000from the station2000by a certain distance or more. For example, a distance by which the second charge terminal2010may be electrically insulated from the first charge terminal1010of the cleaner main body1000is sufficient as the certain distance.

After the cleaner main body1000is separated from the station2000by a certain distance or more, when it is determined that the second charge terminal2010is decreased to a certain temperature or lower, the processor2200may transmit an overheating release notification to the cleaner main body1000through the second communication interface2300such that the cleaner main body1000performs a docking operation to be electrically reconnected to the station2000.

The overheating prevention operation of the processor2200may be performed by another method. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the second charge terminal2010is determined to be overheated, the processor2200may control the second switch2410(turn off the second switch2410) so as to block the connection between the second charge terminal2010and the power conversion device2400. Through this operation, the electrical connection between the power conversion device2400of the station2000and the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000is blocked, and thus, component damage or fire of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000due to the overheating of the second charge terminal2010may be prevented.

The overheating prevention operation of the processor2200may be performed by another method. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when the second charge terminal2010is determined to be overheated, the processor2200may communicate with the first communication interface1080of the cleaner main body1000through the second communication interface2300and notify the cleaner main body1000(e.g., provide an overheating notification) that the second charge terminal2010(or the first charge terminal1010) is in an overheating state.

The cleaner main body1000having received the overheating notification from the processor2200may perform an appropriate overheating prevention operation based on the received overheating notification. The overheating notification is a notification indicating that the first and second charge terminals1010and2010are overheating. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first processor1001of the cleaner main body1000may turn off the first switch1011of the cleaner main body1000based on the overheating notification received from the station2000so as to block the electrical connection between the first charge terminal1010and the battery1050.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, when overheating occurs in the second charge terminal2010, the processor2200may perform the overheating prevention operation to turn off the second switch2410and also transmit an overheating notification (a notification for separation) to the cleaner main body1000, as an additional overheating prevention operation, in association with separating the cleaner main body1000and the station2000.

The second communication interface2300of the station2000may perform communication with the first communication interface1080of the cleaner main body1000and exchange data with the cleaner main body1000. The second communication interface2300may be connected to the processor2200by an asynchronous communication (e.g., UART) protocol and may transmit the received data to the processor2200or receive data to be transmitted from the processor2200and transmit the received data.

The second user interface2500of the station2000may display various pieces of information illustrating the state of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000to a user. As an example, when the second charge terminal2010of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000is overheated, the second user interface2500may display through a display whether there is overheating, and the second user interface2500may display position information about in which part (+,-) of the charge terminal of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000is overheating, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the second user interface2500may display an operation state or a charge amount of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000or provide information about charging or not and the like of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000.

FIG.4Bis a block diagram of the power conversion device2400according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4B, the power conversion device2400may receive the input power10that is an AC voltage. Although varying based on the specifications, the amount of AC voltage may be an amount ranging from 90 V to 210 V. However, since there are countries that use AC voltage values lower or higher than the above values, the above values are example approximate values and are not intended to limit the size range of AC voltage.

The power conversion device2400is a power conversion device to convert the AC voltage received through the input power10into a DC voltage (e.g., DC 5 V and/or DC 30 V) suitable for powering the cleaner main body1000or the station2000.

Noise in the AC voltage received from the input power10is removed through an EMI filter11, and the AC voltage removed of noise is converted to a DC voltage through a rectifier12. The rectifier12is configured mainly with a diode, but the rectifier12is not limited thereto and may be configured with a switching element, such as, for example, a thyristor or an insulated gate bipolar mode transistor (IGBT). The DC voltage converted by the rectifier12is smoothed by a DC link capacitor13. The DC voltage at opposite ends of the DC link capacitor13may be converted again into an AC voltage of a desired size and a desired frequency, through the PWM switching by a switch40under the control of a PWM controller30. The converted AC voltage may pass through a transformer20for insulation, filtering, and/or voltage size change. A second side output of the transformer20becomes a second AC voltage, and the second AC voltage passes through a second rectifier22to be rectified again into a second DC voltage. The second DC voltage is smoothed by a second DC link capacitor23. The smoothed second DC voltage passes through a second EMI filter21for noise removal, and the DC voltage (e.g., DC 30 V) having passed through the second EMI filter21passes through the first and second charge terminals1010and2010to be used for charging the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000.

InFIG.4B, a constant current (CC)/constant voltage (CV) IC24is a circuit or IC that controls conversion to a CC mode or a CV mode during charging of the battery1050. In an example in which an amount of discharge increases, the voltage of the battery1050may decrease lower than a buffer voltage (e.g., 30 V). Accordingly, in charging the battery1050, charging is performed in a CC mode under the control of the CC/CV IC24to a time point of a certain percent (%) compared with a buffer (e.g., 80% compared with a buffer), and then, the battery1050is charged in a CV mode. The conversion to the CC mode or CV mode is managed by the CC/CV IC24.

A feedback circuit25may monitor am output end (30 V) to charge the battery1050and provide a feedback to the PWM controller30such that a charging output to the battery1050is constant. In an example in which a charging voltage to the battery1050is 30 V, if a current charging voltage is 32V, the feedback circuit25provides an overvoltage feedback to the PWM controller30. The PWM controller30having received the overvoltage feedback controls the output voltage of the power conversion device2400to be low by reducing the switching of the switch40. Reversely when the charging voltage to the battery1050is currently 27 V, the feedback circuit25provides a low voltage feedback to the PWM controller30. The PWM controller30having received the low voltage feedback controls the output voltage of the power conversion device2400to increase by increasing the switching of the switch40.

The PWM controller30may function to control the output of the power conversion device2400and mainly have the form of IC pre-manufactured by chip manufacturers. The PWM controller30controls the switch40to enable PWM switching.

FIG.5Aincludes a side view and an aerial view illustrating a structure in which the cleaner main body1000is coupled to the station2000, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.5A, the first charge terminal1010is provided on the bottom surface of the cleaner main body1000, and when the cleaner main body1000accesses the station2000to be docked thereat, the first and second charge terminals1010and2010are in contact with each other on the bottom surface of the cleaner main body1000.

FIG.5Bincludes a side view and a plan view illustrating a structure in which the cleaner main body1000is coupled to the station2000, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.5B, the first and second charge terminals are provided on the side surfaces of the cleaner main body1000and the station2000, and when the cleaner main body1000accesses the station2000to be docked thereat, the first and second charge terminals1010and2010are in contact with each other on the side surfaces of the cleaner main body1000and the station2000. The method of coupling the first and second charge terminals1010and2010according toFIGS.5A and5Bamounts to an optional feature of a designer. Whether the first and second charge terminals1010and2010are coupled on the bottom surface of the cleaner main body1000or on the side surfaces of the cleaner main body1000and the station2000, or according to another coupling method, the charge terminal overheating prevention according to the disclosure may be identically applied.

The cleaner main body1000may perform the charging operation of the battery1050by recognizing the output voltage of the power conversion device2400in the station2000, or the cleaner main body1000may perform a charging operation by recognizing the resistance value of the cleaner main body1000in the power conversion device2400of the station2000. Alternatively, the charging operation may be performed in various methods, for example, a method of performing a charging operation when a mutual communication between the cleaner main body1000and the station2000is smoothly established. Accordingly, charge terminals for mutual contact are essential between chargers that the cleaner main body1000and the station2000include, and when docking is smoothly made between the cleaner main body1000and the station2000, a charging voltage is applied to the charge terminals and a charging current flows through the charge terminals.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a thermistor may be used as the temperature detection sensor capable of detecting a temperature. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the thermistor may be used in connection with a pull-up resistor connected to an input voltage VCC of the processor2200or the first processor1001or to a pull-down resistor of a ground GND. A middle point connected to the thermistor and the pull-up (or pull-down) resistor may be connected to an input port of an analog-digital conversion portion or the analog-digital conversion input port of the second processor2200/the first processor1001. The second processor2200/the first processor1001may detect the temperature of the charge terminals1010and2010by reading out a voltage value corresponding to the temperature from the analog-digital conversion portion or a voltage value corresponding to the temperature input to the analog-digital conversion input port, and may perform an overheating prevention operation to stop charging and/or provide separation between the cleaner main body1000and the station2000according to a change in the temperature of the charge terminals1010and2010.

FIG.6is a view illustrating a structure in which the cleaner main body1000is coupled to the station2000, through the first and second charge terminals1010and2010, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.6, the station2000may include the power conversion device (adaptor or SMPS)2400. The cleaner main body1000and the station2000are electrically connected to each other through the first charge terminal1010and the second charge terminal2010. The first charge terminal1010and the second charge terminal2010may be collectively referred to a charge terminal3010. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a temperature detection circuit3100to detect the temperature of the charge terminal3010may include the first temperature detection circuit1100at the side of the cleaner main body1000and the second temperature detection circuit2100at the side of the station2000. The temperature detection circuit3100may include a thermistor as the temperature sensor, and the temperature sensor may be installed in the first charge terminal1010of the cleaner main body1000and/or the second charge terminal2010of the station2000. A thermistor that is the temperature sensor may be installed in both of the charge terminals, and when the first charge terminal1010and the second charge terminal2010are electrically connected to each other such that the first charge terminal1010and the second charge terminal2010are in close contact with each other, the thermistor may be installed in the charge terminal at any one side. The output of the temperature detection circuit3100for detecting temperature may be input to the analog-digital conversion input port of the second processor2200/the first processor1001. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a processor3300may be the first processor1001of the cleaner main body1000or the processor2200of the station2000. Accordingly, the first processor1001of the cleaner main body1000or the processor2200of the station2000may be collectively referred to as the processor3300. In an example in which the processor3300does not include the analog-digital conversion portion, the processor3300may receive from a separate analog-digital conversion portion a value corresponding to an output voltage level (voltage value) of the temperature detection circuit3100input to the separate analog-digital conversion portion.

The first processor1001of the cleaner main body1000reads out a temperature value corresponding to the output voltage value of the first temperature detection circuit1100. As a result, when it is detected that the read temperature value is higher than a certain temperature (e.g., 80° C.), the first processor1001performs an overheating prevention operation to protect the cordless vacuum cleaner3000from the overheating of the charge terminal3010. Such a certain temperature may correspond to a certain threshold voltage level that is associated with an overheated charge terminal when read out by the analog-digital conversion input port. The overheating prevention operation is already described herein and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

FIG.7Ais a characteristic curve graph of a thermistor as the temperature sensor used in the temperature detection circuit3100, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.7A, a resistance (R)-temperature (T) characteristic curve graph of a PTC thermistor is illustrated as a temperature sensor used in the temperature detection circuit3100. As illustrated inFIG.7A, the resistance of a PTC thermistor characteristically increases as a temperature increases. In particular, as the PTC thermistor exhibits a noticeable change in resistance according to a temperature change between 90° C. and 130° C., the PTC thermistor is suitable for detecting overheating through a resistance change, that is, a resistance increase, between 90° C. and 130° C. Referring toFIG.7A, it may be seen that the PTC thermistor has a value of about 20Ω at 120° C. and a value of about 30 kΩ at 130° C.

The characteristics of the PTC thermistor according toFIG.7Aare an example, and as applicable, a PTC thermistor having a different resistance value in a different temperature range may be employed.

FIG.7Bis a circuit diagram of a temperature detection circuit (3100) using a thermistor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The temperature detection circuit ofFIG.7Bmay include a divider resistor100and a PTC thermistor110as a temperature sensor, and an output at a point A of the temperature detection circuit may be input to the analog-digital conversion input port. The PTC thermistor110may be installed in the charge terminal3010to detect the temperature of the charge terminal3010. Alternatively, when it is difficult to install the PTC thermistor110to accurately contact the charge terminal3010, the PTC thermistor110may be installed as close to the charge terminal3010as possible.

Referring toFIG.7B, an input voltage of ±5 V is divided by the divider resistor100of 10 kΩ and the PTC thermistor110. The divider resistor100is a resistor that divides the ±5 V input voltage with the PTC thermistor110. Furthermore, inFIG.7B, it may be seen that the divider resistor100is a pull-up resistor. The point A between the divider resistor100and the PTC thermistor110is connected to the analog-digital conversion input port. The ±5 V input voltage may be a DC voltage generated by the power conversion device2400. AlthoughFIG.7Billustrates that there is one divider resistor as the divider resistor100, the divider resistor100may include a plurality of divider resistors. AlthoughFIG.7Billustrates that the PTC thermistor110has a resistance of 10 kΩ at 25° C., the resistance of the PTC thermistor110for each temperature may vary according to the type of the PTC thermistor110. InFIG.7B, at 25° C., the voltage applied to the point A is 2.5 V. Assuming that a temperature that is determined by the charge terminal3010to be overheating is 80° C., when the resistance of the PTC thermistor110is 70 kΩ at 80° C., the voltage applied to the point A is 4.38 V. Accordingly, the processor3300having detected a digital value corresponding to 4.38 V may determine that the charge terminal3010is overheating. The processor3300having determined that the charge terminal3010is overheated may subsequently perform an overheating prevention operation. The temperature that is determined by the charge terminal3010as the threshold temperature representative of overheating may be freely selected by a designer according to the specifications of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000or the charge terminal3010. As such, the point A where a voltage value varying based on a change in the resistance of the PTC thermistor110according to the temperature change is read may be the output of the temperature detection circuit.

A case of applying the temperature detection circuit ofFIG.7Bto the circuit ofFIG.6is described. For example, inFIG.6, when the output of the first temperature detection circuit1100connected to the first charge terminal1010at the (+) side is connected to an analog-digital conversion input port1A/D1, and the output of the first temperature detection circuit1100connected to the first charge terminal1010at the (−) side is connected to an analog-digital conversion input port2A/D2, the first processor1001may determine which of the (+) and (−) sides of the first charge terminal1010is overheated. In other words, when a value corresponding to a certain threshold voltage level that is associated with an overheated charge terminal is detected from the values input to the analog-digital conversion input port1A/D1and the analog-digital conversion input port2A/D2of the first processor1001, the first processor1001may determine that the corresponding (+) or (−) charge terminal is overheating. Accordingly, the first processor1001may output, by voice, display, or the like, accurately in which charge terminal overheating occurs, through the second user interface2500. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000may transmit to a manufacturer's server information about the charge terminal at which overheating occurs such that a manufacturer may provide customer service.

The above description about in which charge terminal of the first charge terminal1010overheating occurs may be identically applied to the second charge terminal2010at the side of the station2000.

FIG.7Cis a graph illustrating a voltage level of a voltage output from a temperature detection circuit3100according to a change in the temperature of a charge terminal, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

When the PTC thermistor110in which resistance increases according to the temperature is used in the temperature detection circuit ofFIG.7B, the voltage output from the point A may vary according to the temperature as illustrated inFIG.7C. For example, as illustrated inFIG.7C, when the resistance of the PTC thermistor110is 10 kΩ at 25° C., the voltage applied to the point A is 2.5 V, and when the resistance of the PTC thermistor110is 70 kΩ at 80° C., the voltage applied to the point A is 4.38 V.

FIG.8Ais a characteristic curve graph of a thermistor as a temperature sensor used in a temperature detection circuit3100, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.8A, an R-T characteristic curve graph is illustrated for an NTC thermistor used as a temperature sensor in the temperature detection circuit3100. As illustrated inFIG.8A, the resistance of the NTC thermistor characteristically decreases as a temperature increases. In particular, as the PTC thermistor exhibits a uniform change in resistance according to a temperature change between −25° C. to 125° C., the PTC thermistor is suitable for detecting overheating through a resistance change, that is, a resistance decrease, between −25° C. to 125° C. The NTC thermistor may have a resistance value of, for example, 100Ω at 25° C., and1(2at 100° C.

The characteristics of the NTC thermistor according toFIG.8Aare an example, and as applicable, an NTC thermistor having a different resistance value in the corresponding temperature range may be employed.

FIG.8Bis a circuit diagram of a temperature detection circuit using a thermistor according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The temperature detection circuit ofFIG.8Bmay include the divider resistor100and an NTC thermistor120as a temperature sensor, and an output of the point B of temperature detection circuit may be input to the analog-digital conversion input port.

The NTC thermistor120may be installed in the charge terminal3010to detect the temperature of the charge terminal3010. Alternatively, when it is difficult to install the NTC thermistor120to accurately contact the charge terminal3010, the NTC thermistor120may be installed as close to the charge terminal3010as possible. The divider resistor100may is a resistor that divides an input voltage of ±5 V with the NTC thermistor120.

Referring toFIG.8B, the input voltage of ±5 V is divided by the divider resistor100of 10 kΩ and the NTC thermistor120. InFIG.8B, the divider resistor100is a pull-up resistor. The point B between the divider resistor100and the NTC thermistor120is connected to the analog-digital conversion input port. The ±5 V input voltage may be a DC voltage generated by the power conversion device2400. AlthoughFIG.8Billustrates that there is one divider resistor as the divider resistor100, the divider resistor100may include a plurality of divider resistors. AlthoughFIG.8Billustrates that the NTC thermistor120has a resistance of 10 kΩ at 25° C., the resistance of the NTC thermistor120for each temperature may vary according to the type of the NTC thermistor120. InFIG.8B, at 25° C., the voltage applied to the point B is 2.5 V. In an example in which the resistance of the NTC thermistor120is 1.5 kΩ at 80° C. at which the charge terminal3010is determined to be overheated, the voltage applied to the point B is 0.65 V. Accordingly, the processor3300having detected a digital value corresponding to 0.65 V may determine that the charge terminal3010is overheating. The processor3300having determined that the charge terminal3010is overheated may selectively perform an overheating prevention operation. The temperature that is determined by the charge terminal3010as the threshold temperature representative of overheating may be freely selected by a designer according to the specifications of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000or the charge terminal3010. As such, the point B where a voltage value varying based on a change in the resistance of the NTC thermistor110is read may be the output of the temperature detection circuit.

A case of applying the temperature detection circuit ofFIG.8Bto the circuit ofFIG.6is described. As an example of detecting the position of a charge terminal to be overheated in the cleaner main body1000in the PTC thermistor110is described herein, an embodiment to detect the position of a charge terminal to be overheated in the station2000is now described.

For example, inFIG.6, when the output of the second temperature detection circuit2100connected to the second charge terminal2010at the (+) side is connected to the analog-digital conversion input port1A/D1of the processor2200, and the output of the second temperature detection circuit2100connected to the second charge terminal2010at the (−) side is connected to the analog-digital conversion input port2A/D2of the processor2200, the processor2200may determine which of the (+) and (−) sides of the second charge terminal2010is overheated. In other words, when a value corresponding to a certain threshold voltage level that is associated with an overheated charge terminal is detected from the values input to the analog-digital conversion input port1A/D1and the analog-digital conversion input port2A/D2of the processor2200, the second processor2200may determine that the corresponding (+) or (−) charge terminal is overheating. Accordingly, the processor2200may accurately output, by voice, display, or the like, in which charge terminal overheating occurs, through the second user interface2500. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000may transmit to a manufacturer's server information about the charge terminal at which overheating occurs such that a manufacturer may provide customer service.

The above description about in which charge terminal of the second charge terminal2010of the station2000overheating occurs may be identically applied to the first charge terminal1010at the side of the cleaner main body1000.

FIG.8Cis a graph illustrating a voltage level of a voltage output from a temperature detection circuit according to a change in the temperature of a charge terminal, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

When the NTC thermistor120having resistance increasing according to a temperature is used in the temperature detection circuit ofFIG.8B, the voltage applied to the point B may vary according to the temperature as illustrated inFIG.8C. For example, as illustrated inFIG.8C, when the resistance of the NTC thermistor120is 10 kΩ at 25° C., the voltage applied to the point B is 2.5 V, and when the resistance of the NTC thermistor120is 1.5 kΩ at 80° C., the voltage applied to the point B is 0.65 V.

FIG.9Ais a circuit diagram of a temperature detection circuit according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.7Billustrates the temperature detection circuit in which the divider resistor100that is a pull-up resistor and the PTC thermistor110are connected to each other, andFIG.8Billustrates the temperature detection circuit in which the divider resistor100that is a pull-up resistor and the NTC thermistor120are connected to each other.

InFIGS.9A and9B, a temperature detection circuit using a pull-down resistor instead of pull-up resistor as a divider resistor200is illustrated. InFIG.9A, the temperature detection circuit may include the divider resistor200and the PTC thermistor110as a temperature sensor. The output of an output C of the temperature detection circuit may be input to the analog-digital conversion input port. Referring toFIG.9A, the ±5 V input voltage may be divided by the PTC thermistor110and the divider resistor200.

AlthoughFIG.9Aillustrates that the PTC thermistor110has a resistance of 10 kΩ at 25° C., the resistance for each temperature may vary according to the type of the PTC thermistor110. InFIG.9A, at 25° C., the voltage applied to a point C is 2.5 V. It is assumed that a temperature that is determined by the charge terminal3010to be overheating is 80° C. In an example in which the resistance of the PTC thermistor110is 70 kΩ at 80° C., the voltage applied to the point C is 0.63 V. Accordingly, the processor3300having detected a digital value corresponding to 0.63 V may determine that the charge terminal3010is overheating and perform an overheating prevention operation. The temperature that is determined by the charge terminal3010as the threshold temperature representative of overheating may be freely selected by a designer according to the specifications of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000or the charge terminal3010.

FIG.9Bis a circuit diagram of a temperature detection circuit according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

InFIG.9B, the temperature detection circuit may include the divider resistor200and the NTC thermistor120as a temperature sensor. The output of a point D of the temperature detection circuit may be input to the analog-digital conversion input port. Referring toFIG.9B, the ±5 V input voltage may be divided by the NTC thermistor120and the divider resistor200.

AlthoughFIG.9Billustrates that the NTC thermistor120has the resistance of 10 kΩ at 25° C., resistance for each temperature may vary according to the type of the NTC thermistor120. InFIG.9B, at 25° C., the voltage applied the point D is 2.5 V. It is assumed that a temperature that is determined the charge terminal3010to be overheating is 80° C. In an example in which the resistance of the NTC thermistor120is 1.5 kΩ at 80° C., the voltage applied the point D is 4.35 V. Accordingly, the processor3300having detected a digital value corresponding to 4.35 V may determine that the charge terminal3010is overheating and perform an overheating prevention operation. The temperature that is determined by the charge terminal3010as the threshold temperature representative of overheating may be freely selected by a designer according to the specifications of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000or the charge terminal3010.

FIG.10is a flowchart of a method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In operation S1020, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000detects the temperature of the charge terminal3010through the thermistor installed in the charge terminal3010and the temperature detection circuit including the thermistor. At this time, the temperature detection circuit may include at least one divider resistor and a temperature sensor to divide an input voltage. In operation S1030, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000detects and determines a voltage level corresponding to the temperature of the charge terminal3010detected through the temperature detection circuit including the at least one divider resistor and the temperature sensor.

In operation S1040, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000compares the voltage level determined in operation S1030with a certain first threshold voltage level. The certain first threshold voltage level corresponds to a temperature that is determined by the charge terminal3010to be overheating. In an example in which the temperature detection circuit of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000is the temperature detection circuit ofFIG.8B, a certain first threshold voltage level may be 0.65 V. Accordingly, when the voltage level determined in operation S1030is less than 0.65 V, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may determine that the charge terminal3010is overheating. In operation S1040, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000compares the voltage value according to the temperature detection circuit determined in operation S1030with a certain first threshold voltage level. In an example in which the temperature detection circuit of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000is the temperature detection circuit inFIG.7B, the certain first threshold voltage level may be 4.38 V. In an example in which the voltage level determined in operation S1030is greater than 4.38 V, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may determine that the charge terminal3010is overheating.

In operation S1050, when the charge terminal3010is determined to be overheated, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000performs an overheating prevention operation. The overheating prevention operation may include at least one of the operation of separating the cleaner main body1000and the station2000from each other by a certain distance in the cordless vacuum cleaner3000, the operation of turning off the first switch1011between the first charge terminal1010and the battery1050in the cleaner main body1000, or the operation of turning off the second switch2410between the second charge terminal2010and the power conversion device2400in the station2000. To perform the overheating prevention operation, the cleaner main body1000may transmit an overheating notification to the station2000. Alternatively, to perform the overheating prevention operation, the station2000may transmit an overheating notification to the cleaner main body1000.

After operation S1050is performed, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000determines overheating and the method may include terminating the process of performing the overheating prevention operation. However, selectively, the method may include determining (at S1060) whether a temperature of the charge terminal3010is a low temperature which does not support charging the battery1050.

In operation S1060, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000compares the voltage level determined in operation S1030with a certain second threshold voltage level. The certain second threshold voltage level corresponds to a low temperature which does not support charging of the battery1050. For example, the temperature corresponding to the second threshold voltage level may be 0° C.

In operation S1070, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000performs a low temperature related operation when the determined voltage level is compared with a certain second threshold voltage level and the temperature of the charge terminal3010is determined to fall to the low temperature at which the battery1050cannot be charged. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the temperature detection circuit as inFIG.7Bis used the temperature detection circuit, and the low temperature at which the battery1050cannot be charged is 0° C., the certain second threshold voltage level is 1.20 V as illustrated inFIG.7C. In an example in which the voltage level determined by the temperature detection circuit is lower than 1.20 V, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may perform a low temperature related operation. In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the temperature detection circuit as illustrated inFIG.8Bis used as the temperature detection circuit, and the low temperature at which the battery1050cannot be charged is 0° C., the certain second threshold voltage level is 3.60 V as illustrated inFIG.8C. In an example in which the voltage level determined by the temperature detection circuit is higher than 3.60 V, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may perform a low temperature related operation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the low temperature related operation may be that the processor2200outputs, by voice, display, or the like, a message indicating that “the charge terminal is in a low temperature state such that the battery cannot be charged” through the second user interface2500. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the low temperature related operation may be that the processor2200notifies a manufacturer's server or a user terminal, through the second communication interface2300, that the charge terminal3010is in a low temperature state such that the battery cannot be charged.

As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure support implementing the method described with reference toFIG.10with or without operations S1060and S1070, and the embodiments support selective addition of operations S1060and S1070by the designer of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000.

In the descriptions of the method and processes herein, the operations may be performed in a different order than the order shown and/or described, or the operations may be performed in different orders or at different times. Certain operations may also be left out of the method and processes, one or more operations may be repeated, or other operations may be added.

FIG.11Aillustrates a charge terminal of a station, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.11Athe second charge terminal2010is installed on the bottom surface of the station2000. However, this is an example embodiment, and the second charge terminal2010may be installed on the side surface of the station2000, as described herein. In an example in which the cleaner main body1000is docked with the station2000, for some reasons, such as, for example, foreign materials, a material of wood flooring, or a material of a carpet or vinyl flooring, adhering to the second charge terminal2010, the location of the station2000, an obstacle between the station2000and the cleaner main body1000, disturbance by pets and kids, and the like, a contact the first charge terminal1010of the cleaner main body1000and the second charge terminal2010of the station2000may not be performed appropriately. In this case, the contact resistance between the charge terminals1010and2010may abnormally increase, and in the state, during charging of the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000, overheating may occur in the charge terminal3010.

FIG.11Billustrates an installation position of a temperature sensor in a charge terminal, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

AlthoughFIG.11Billustrates the second charge terminal2010of the station2000as an example, in the description of installing a thermistor in the charge terminals1010and2010as a temperature sensor, the charge terminal3010may be understood as including both of the first charge terminal1010of the cleaner main body1000and the second charge terminal2010of the station2000. Referring toFIG.11B, by installing the thermistor110or120, as a temperature sensor, in a vicinity1111as close as possible to the charge terminal3010with an external injection molded part taken off, the overheating of the charge terminal3010may be accurately detected. The thermistor110or120may be installed to be in direct contact with the charge terminal3010. However, considering the product characteristics of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000, a portion in direct contact with the charge terminal3010is weak to dust or electrostatic charge (ESD). Accordingly, even when an actual temperature is not accurately reflected, the thermistor110or120may be installed at a position a part from the charge terminal3010by a certain distance, for example, 5 mm to 3 cm. In an example in which the thermistor110or120is installed apart from the charge terminal3010by a certain distance, there may be a slight difference between the temperature measured by the thermistor110or120and the temperature of the charge terminal3010. Accordingly, to compensate for the difference, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may store and use a mapping table containing a relationship between the temperature measured by the thermistor110or120and the temperature measured by the charge terminal3010. As an example, Table 1 below illustrates an example of a mapping table between the temperature measured by the thermistor110or120and the temperature measured by the charge terminal3010, when a separation distance between the thermistor110or120and the charge terminal3010is 5 mm.

Through the mapping table as above, the processor3300may obtain the actual temperature of the charge terminal3010based on the temperature measured by the thermistor110or120. The mapping table (e.g., mappings provided by the mapping table) according to Table I may vary according to a distance between the thermistor110or120and the charge terminal3010, a material at a position where the thermistor110or120is installed, and the installation environment of the charge terminal3010. In some aspects, a manufacturer may obtain a mapping table through experiments and store the obtained mapping table in a memory of the cordless vacuum cleaner3000.

Although the thermistor110or120is assumed to be a temperature sensor in the above description, in addition to the thermistor110or120, any other component capable of measuring the temperature of the charge terminal3010may be employed as the temperature sensor.

FIG.13is a flowchart of an overheating prevention operation according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

First, in operation S1310, the cordless vacuum cleaner3000determines that the charge terminal3010is overheated. In determining that the charge terminal3010is overheated, operation S1310may include using a temperature detection circuit including a temperature sensor including a thermistor. The temperature detection circuit ofFIGS.7B,8B,9A, and9Bmay be used as the temperature detection circuit, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The temperature sensor of the temperature detection circuit may be installed directly in or within a certain distance from the charge terminal3010and be configured to detect the temperature of the charge terminal3010. The temperature sensor may be installed at least one of the first charge terminal1010or the second charge terminal2010of the station2000.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, when the temperature detection circuit detects that the temperature measured by the charge terminal3010reaches a certain temperature or more that is an overheating reference (i.e., a threshold temperature representative of overheating), the processor3300determines that the charge terminal3010is overheated.

First, a case in which the temperature sensor is installed in the first charge terminal1010at the side of the cleaner main body1000and the first charge terminal1010is determined to be overheated is described. When determining that the first charge terminal1010is overheated, through the first temperature detection circuit1100connected to the first charge terminal1010, the first processor1001of the cleaner main body1000may perform an overheating prevention operation. Further, when receiving, through communication from the station2000, a notification that the second charge terminal2010is overheated, the first processor1001of the cleaner main body1000likewise may perform an overheating prevention operation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first processor1001may block the electrical connection between the battery1050and the first charge terminal1010by turning off the first switch1011connecting the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000and the first charge terminal1010to each other (S1320). In an embodiment of the disclosure, when determining that the first charge terminal1010is overheated through the first temperature detection circuit1100connected to the first charge terminal1010, the first processor1001may notify the station2000(at the side of the station2000) of the overheating (S1330). For example, the first processor1001may provide a notification (e.g., including an indication that the first charge terminal1010is overheated), based on which the processor2200of the station2000may perform an overheating prevention operation (S1330). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first processor1001may control, as an overheating prevention operation, the cleaner main body1000to be spaced apart from the station2000by a certain distance by driving the driving wheel1062of the cleaner main body1000(S1340).

Next, a case in which the temperature sensor is installed in the second charge terminal2010of the station2000and the second charge terminal2010is determined to be overheated is described. In an example in which determining that the second charge terminal2010is overheated through the second temperature detection circuit2100connected to the second charge terminal2010, the processor2200may perform an overheating prevention operation. Further, when receiving a notification that the first charge terminal1010is overheated, through communication from the cleaner main body1000, the processor2200likewise may perform an overheating prevention operation.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2200may block the electrical connection between the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000and the power conversion device2400by turning off the second switch2410connecting the power conversion device2400of the station2000and the second charge terminal2010to each other (S1350). In an embodiment of the disclosure, when determining that the second charge terminal2010is overheated through the second temperature detection circuit2100connected to the second charge terminal2010, the processor2200may notify the cleaner main body1000of the overheating (S1360). For example, the processor2200may provide a notification (e.g., including an indication that the second charge terminal2010is overheated), based on which the first processor1001of the cleaner main body1000may perform an overheating prevention operation, for example, the operation according to operations S1320and/or S1340(S1360).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the overheating prevention operation may be configured in two steps. In an example of determining that the second charge terminal2010is overheated through the second temperature detection circuit2100connected to the second charge terminal2010, the processor2200may perform a “first-step switch-off” operation of turning off the second switch2410at the side of the station2000or turning the first switch1011off in the cleaner main body1000by transmitting an overheating notification to the cleaner main body1000. In an example in which, in spite of the “first-step switch-off” operation, the temperature of the charge terminal3010is not reduced to a certain temperature for a certain time duration (e.g., 20 sec.), the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may perform a “second-step separation” operation of moving the cleaner main body1000to separate the cleaner main body1000and the station2000from each other.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, when a certain time duration (e.g., 1 min.) has elapsed after the overheating prevention operation of separating the cleaner main body1000and the station2000from each other, or the temperature of the charge terminal3010is detected have dropped to a certain temperature (e.g., to 70° C. from 80° C.), the cordless vacuum cleaner3000may control, as an overheating release operation, the cleaner main body1000in association with recoupling or redocking the cleaner main body1000to the station2000.

The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the battery1050. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment may include the cleaner main body1000including the first processor1001that controls performing of a cleaning function using power provided by the battery1050. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment may include the power conversion device2400that generates a voltage to charge the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment may include the second charge terminal2010to charge the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000with the voltage generated by the power conversion device2400. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment may include the temperature sensor110or120installed within a certain distance from the second charge terminal2010to measure the temperature of the second charge terminal2010, and at least one divider resistor100or200configured to provide a voltage by dividing the voltage level of an input voltage with the temperature sensor110or120. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment may include the station2000including the processor2200that controls performing of an overheating prevention operation when the voltage level of the voltage provided by at least one divider resistor100or200and the temperature sensor110or120is greater than a certain threshold voltage level.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000may further include the second switch2410to establish or disconnect the electric connection between the power conversion device2400and the second charge terminal2010, and the overheating prevention operation may be an operation in which the processor2200turns the second switch2410off. In some aspects, the second switch2410, when turned on, electrically connects the power conversion device2400to the second charge terminal2010.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cleaner main body1000may further include the first communication interface1080. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000may further include the second communication interface2300to communicate with the first communication interface1080of the cleaner main body1000. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the overheating prevention operation may be an operation in which the processor2200transmits an overheating notification to the first communication interface1080of the cleaner main body1000through the second communication interface2300.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first processor1001may control the cleaner main body1000to be spaced apart from the station2000by a certain distance or more, through the first communication interface1080, based on the received overheating notification.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2200may compare the voltage level of the voltage provided by at least one divider resistor100or200and the temperature sensor110or120with a certain release voltage level, and the processor2200may transmit an overheating release notification to the cleaner main body1000through the second communication interface2300and the first communication interface1080, based on the determination according to a result of the comparison that the second charge terminal is released from the overheating state, and the first processor1001may control the cleaner main body1000to be recoupled with the station2000based on the overheating release notification received through the first communication interface1080.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cleaner main body1000may further include the first charge terminal1010that electrically contacts the second charge terminal2010for charging and the first switch1011configured to block or provide a connection between the first charge terminal1010and the battery1050, and the first processor1001may control turning off of the first switch1011based on the overheating notification received through the first communication interface1080, where turning the first switch1011off may block the connection between the first charge terminal1010and the battery1050.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the temperature sensor may include the PTC thermistor110or the NTC thermistor120, and a resistance of the temperature sensor changes according to a temperature change associated with the temperature sensor.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, at least one divider resistor100may be connected to the positive power side of an input voltage, and the temperature sensor110or120may be connected to a ground (e.g., the ground side of the input voltage). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the temperature sensor110or120may be connected to the positive power side of the input voltage, and at least one divider resistor200may be connected to the ground side.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000may further include the second user interface2500, and when the second charge terminal2010is determined to be overheated, the processor2200may notify a user of the overheating of the second charge terminal2010, by at least one of display or voice, through the second user interface2500. Expressed another way, the processor2200may be further configured to provide an overheating notification to the user through the second user interface2500based on the processor2200determining that the second charge terminal2010is overheated, where the notification includes at least one of a visual alert and an audio alert. In an example, the processor2200may be configured to determine the second charge terminal2010is overheated based on the processor2200determining the voltage level of the voltage provided by the at least one divider resistor100and the temperature sensor is greater than the certain threshold voltage level.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000may further include the second communication interface2300, and when the second charge terminal2010is determined to be overheated, the processor2200may notify a user terminal or a server of the overheating of the second charge terminal2010through the second communication interface2300. Expressed another way, based on determining the second charge terminal2010is overheated, the processor2200may be further configured to provide a notification of overheating to a user terminal or a server through the second communication interface2300that the second charge terminal2010is overheated.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000may further include a first analog-digital conversion portion that detects and measures the voltage level measured at the plus (+) terminal of the second charge terminal2010, and the second analog-digital conversion portion that detects and measures the voltage level measured at the minus (−) terminal of the second charge terminal2010, the processor2200may determine in which terminal of the plus (+) terminal and the minus (−) terminal overheating occurs, based on the voltage level detected and measured through the first analog-digital conversion portion and the voltage level detected and measured through the second analog-digital conversion portion, and the notification of overheating may include information indicating in which terminal of the plus (+) terminal and the minus (−) terminal overheating occurs.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000may further include the second user interface2500, the processor2200may compare the voltage level of the voltage provided by at least one divider resistor100or200and the temperature sensor110or120with a certain second threshold voltage level, and when the temperature of the second charge terminal2010is determined to be lower than a certain chargeable temperature, according to a result of the comparison, the station may control outputting, by at least one of display or voice, that charge through the second user interface2500is unavailable. Expressed another way, the processor2200may control outputting, through the second user interface2500, a notification that charging the battery is unavailable, based on the processor2200determining a temperature of the second charge terminal2010is lower than a certain chargeable temperature according to a result of the comparison.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor2200may correct the temperature measured by the temperature sensor110or120based on a mapping table illustrating a difference between an actual temperature of the second charge terminal2010and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor110or120installed within the certain distance from the second charge terminal2010.

The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the first charge terminal1010to charge the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000with the DC voltage transmitted from the station2000. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment may include the temperature sensor110or120installed within a certain distance from the first charge terminal1010and configured to measure the temperature of the first charge terminal1010, and at least one divider resistor100or200that provide a voltage by dividing the DC voltage with the temperature sensor110or120. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment may include the cleaner main body1000that includes the first processor1001controlling performing of a cleaning function powered by the battery1050and performing of an overheating prevention operation when the voltage level of the voltage provided by the at least one divider resistor100and the temperature sensor110or120is greater than a certain threshold voltage level. The cordless vacuum cleaner3000according to an embodiment may include the station2000that includes the second charge terminal2010electrically connected to the first charge terminal1010and configured to charge the battery1050of the cleaner main body1000, and the power conversion device2400connected to the second charge terminal2010and generating a DC voltage to charge the battery1050.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the overheating prevention operation may be an operation in which the first processor1001drives the cleaner main body1000in association with separating the cleaner main body1000from the station2000by a certain distance or more.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the overheating prevention operation may be an operation in which the first processor1001turns the first switch1011off that connects the battery1050and the first charge terminal1010to each other.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cleaner main body1000may further include the first communication interface1080, and the overheating prevention operation may be an operation in which the first processor1001transmits an overheating notification to the station2000through the first communication interface1080.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the station2000may further include the processor2200, and the second switch2410that may block or provide the connection between the power conversion device2400and the second charge terminal2010, and the processor2200may turn the second switch2410off based on receiving the overheating notification. In some aspects, turning the second switch2410off may block the connection between the power conversion device2400and the second charge terminal2010.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cleaner main body1000may further include the first communication interface1080, the station2000may further include the second user interface2500, and the first processor1001may compare the voltage level of the voltage provided by at least one divider resistor100or200and the temperature sensor110or120with a certain second threshold voltage level, and output, through the first communication interface1080, a notification to the station2000that charging the battery1050is unavailable, through the first communication interface1080, based on the first processor1001determining the temperature is insufficient for charging the battery1050according to a result of the comparison, and the station2000may output a second notification that charging the battery1050is unavailable (e.g., a message indicating that it is unavailable to charge the battery1050), through the second user interface2500.

A method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal in a cordless vacuum cleaner, according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include determining, by a temperature sensor, a voltage level corresponding to a temperature of the charge terminal while a station is electrically connected to a cleaner main body through the charge terminal, wherein determining the voltage level comprises dividing, by the temperature sensor, an input voltage with a divider resistor. A method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal in a cordless vacuum cleaner, according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include determining whether the charge terminal is overheated, by comparing a voltage level with a certain threshold voltage level. A method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal in a cordless vacuum cleaner, according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include, based on determining the charge terminal being is overheated, performing at least one overheating prevention operation of: an operation of separating a cleaner main body from a station, an operation of blocking, by a second switch, a connection between a power conversion device and a charge terminal in the station, and an operation of blocking a connection between a charge terminal and a battery by turning off a first switch in the cleaner main body.

A computer-readable storage medium, on which a method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal by a temperature sensor in a cleaner, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, is executable, may include a computer command to perform detecting a voltage level corresponding to the temperature of the charge terminal, by a temperature sensor that divides an input voltage with a divider resistor, while a station is electrically connected to a cleaner main body through the charge terminal. A computer-readable storage medium, on which a method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal by a temperature sensor in a cleaner, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, is executable, may include a computer command to perform determining whether the charge terminal is overheated, by comparing a voltage level with a certain threshold voltage level. A computer-readable storage medium, on which a method of preventing overheating of a charge terminal by a temperature sensor in a cleaner, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, is executable, may include a computer command to perform at least one overheating prevention operation from among, when the charge terminal is overheated based on the determining of overheating, an operation of separating a cleaner main body from a station, an operation of blocking, by a second switch, a connection from a power conversion device to a charge terminal in the station, and an operation of blocking a connection from a charge terminal to a battery by turning off a first switch in the cleaner main body.

The method according to an embodiment of the disclosure may be embodied in form of a program command executable through various computing devices, and may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include a program command, a data file, a data structure, or the like solely or by combining the same. A program command recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the disclosure or may be a usable one, such as, for example, computer software, which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains to. A computer-readable recording medium may include magnetic media such as, for example, hard discs, floppy discs, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as, for example, CD-ROM or DVD, magneto-optical media such as, for example, floptical disks, and hardware devices such as, for example, ROM, RAM flash memory, which are specially configured to store and execute a program command. An example of a program command may include machine codes created by a compiler and also high-level programming language executable by a computer using an interpreter.

An embodiment of the disclosure may be embodied in the form of a recording medium including computer executable instructions, such as a program module executed by a computer. A computer-readable storage medium may be a useable medium that is accessible by a computer and may include all of volatile and non-volatile media and separable and inseparable media. Furthermore, the computer-readable medium may include all of computer storage media and communication media. A computer storage medium may include all of volatile and non-volatile media and separable and inseparable media embodied by a method or technology for storing information, such as, for example, computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. The communication media may typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data of a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, or other transmission mechanism, and may also include information transmission media. Furthermore, an embodiment of the disclosure may be embodied by a computer program including instructions executable by a computer, such as a computer program executed by a computer, or a computer program product.

A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the “non-transitory storage medium” may mean that a storage medium is a tangible device, not including a signal, for example, an electromagnetic wave. However, the term does not distinguish a case of semi-permanently storing data in a storage medium from a case of temporarily storing data. For example, the “non-transitory storage medium” may include a buffer in which data is temporarily stored.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the method according to an embodiment disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. A computer program product as goods may be dealt between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product is distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium, for example, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), or through application stores, or can be distributed directly or online, for example, download or upload, between two user devices, for example, smart phones. In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as, for example, a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a memory of a relay server.