KR20130044131A - Robot cleaner and controlling method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A robot cleaner and a controlling method thereof are provided to prevent a collision between an auxiliary device and an auxiliary cleaning tool by distinguishing a protrusion limit area or a battery charger area from an obstacle. CONSTITUTION: A robot cleaner comprises an input unit(210), an obstacle detector(220), and a control unit(240). The input unit receives operation instructions of a user from a remote control or an operation panel equipped in a main body. The obstacle detector detects an obstacle which approaches to the main body. The control unit controls general movement of the robot cleaner according to a control program. The control unit includes a cleaning control unit(241), a driving control unit(242), and a recharge control unit(243). The cleaning control unit controls cleaning movement of the robot cleaner. The driving control unit controls driving of the robot cleaner. The recharge control unit controls charging of the robot cleaner. [Reference numerals] (210) Input unit; (220) Obstacle detector; (230) Signal detector; (240) Control unit; (241) Cleaning control unit; (242) Driving control unit; (243) Charging control unit; (250) Main body driver; (260) Main brush unit driver; (270) Auxiliary cleaning unit driver

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a robot cleaner,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a robot cleaner for automatically cleaning dust and the like accumulated on a floor while traveling in a cleaning area, and a control method thereof.

Generally, the robot cleaner is a device for automatically cleaning foreign objects such as dust from the floor while driving the area to be cleaned by itself without user's operation. Such a robot cleaner includes an auxiliary cleaning tool for improving the cleaning performance of the adjoining portion of the wall in addition to the main brush for removing dust and the like accumulated in the lower portion of the main body.

The auxiliary cleaning tool of the robot cleaner protrudes from the inside of the robot cleaner body toward the outside, thereby cleaning the dust on the floor, especially the dust near the wall. As described above, the auxiliary cleaning tool improves the cleaning performance of the adjoining portion of the wall, etc. However, there is a problem that the risk of collision with an obstacle, for example, a wall surface is increased by protruding to the outside of the robot cleaner main body.

In particular, it is possible to distinguish an additional device such as a charger or a virtual obstacle area forming device constituting the robot cleaner system from an obstacle, and to make the auxiliary cleaning tool protrude close to the additional device of the robot cleaner system. In this case, the collision between the auxiliary cleaning tool and the additional device can move the position of the additional device or damage the additional device, thus requiring a robot cleaner that identifies the additional device of the robot cleaner system from the obstacle.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a robot cleaner for controlling an auxiliary cleaning unit so as not to protrude when an obstacle on a traveling path is detected even in an additional apparatus area constituting the robot cleaner system, and a control method thereof.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a robot cleaner including a main body for traveling on a floor, an obstacle sensing unit for sensing an obstacle approaching the main body, an auxiliary cleaning unit protruding from a lower portion of the main body, And controlling the auxiliary cleaning unit to protrude or converge when the obstacle is detected, and to control the auxiliary cleaning unit so that the auxiliary cleaning unit does not protrude in the charging area by identifying the charging area.

Also, the controller generates and stores a cleaning area map including traveling route information of the main body.

The control unit may designate the start position of the travel path of the main body as the position of the charger in the cleaning area map, identify the charging area through the designated charging position in the cleaning area map, And controls to run.

Also, the controller determines the state of charge of the main body.

Further, the controller identifies that the main body is located in the charger area when the main body is being charged.

Also, the controller identifies that the main body is located in the charger area for a predetermined time when the main body finishes charging and runs backward.

The apparatus further includes a signal sensing unit for sensing a signal transmitted from the charger.

In addition, the controller identifies the charger area through the signal and controls the main body to avoid the charger area to travel.

Further, the signal is a signal for driving the main body to the charger side for docking the charger and the main body.

In addition, the signal includes at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal transmitted within a predetermined angular range toward the front or the side of the charger.

Further, the signal is a signal forming a charger area having a predetermined curved surface on the front side or the side of the charger.

Also, the signal includes at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal forming a signal area on a predetermined curved surface in front of or on the side of the charger.

Also, the signals are superimposed on each other, but are divided into a first signal and a second signal according to the reaching distance or the intensity of the signal.

In addition, the controller identifies that the main body is located in the charger area when the signal is sensed while the main body is at rest.

In addition, the control unit may generate and store a cleaning area map including traveling route information of the main body, designate a position where the identification signal is sensed in the cleaning area map as the charger position, Position to identify the charger area, and controls the main body to avoid the charger area to travel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a robot cleaner including a main body for running on a floor, an obstacle detection unit for detecting an obstacle approaching the main body, an auxiliary cleaning unit protruding from the lower portion of the main body, The control unit controls the auxiliary cleaning unit to protrude or converge when the obstacle is detected, and controls the auxiliary cleaning unit to prevent the auxiliary cleaning unit from protruding in the protrusion limiting area.

The apparatus further includes a signal sensing unit for sensing a signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit.

In addition, the control unit identifies the projected restriction area through the signal, and the projected restriction area is formed as a signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit.

Further, the signal forms a virtual obstacle area of a predetermined size in one direction of the restriction signal unit, and the control unit controls the main body to avoid the virtual obstacle area and travel.

Further, the signal is a signal forming a virtual wall region of a straight line with a predetermined thickness and length.

In addition, the signal includes at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal transmitted within a certain angular range toward one direction of the restriction signal unit.

Further, the signal forms a virtual obstacle area having a constant curved surface around the restriction signal unit, and the control unit controls the main body to avoid the virtual obstacle area to travel.

In addition, the identification signal includes at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal forming a signal area with a curved surface around the restriction signal unit.

The magnetic sensor further includes a signal sensing unit for sensing a magnetic field signal, wherein the control unit identifies the protrusion limiting area through the magnetic field signal, and the protrusion limiting area is formed by a magnet belt installed on the bottom.

In addition, the control unit controls the main body to avoid the magnetic field area and run.

A control method of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body for running the floor, an obstacle sensing unit for sensing an obstacle approaching the main body, an auxiliary cleaning unit for protruding and converging to a lower portion of the main body, The method comprising the steps of: cleaning the floor while traveling on the floor; detecting an obstacle on a traveling path of the main body; and detecting the obstacle, And identifying the charger area and controlling the auxiliary cleaning unit so that it does not protrude in the charger area.

In addition, the identification of the charger area may be performed by designating the starting position of the traveling path of the main body as the charger position in the cleaning area map including the traveling path information of the main body, and designating the charger position designated in the cleaning area map as the charger area .

Further, the identification of the charger area senses the state of charge of the main body and identifies the main body as being located in the charger area if the main body is being charged.

Also, the identification of the charger area senses the charging completion state of the main body, and when the main body finishes charging and runs backward, it identifies the main body as being located in the charger area for a predetermined time.

Also, identification of the charger area senses the signal transmitted by the charger and identifies the charger area via the signal.

In addition, the signal is a signal for inducing running of the main body to the charger side for docking the charger and the main body, or a signal forming a charger area having a certain curved surface on the front or side of the charger.

Also, the identification of the charger area identifies the body as being located in the charger area when the signal is sensed while the main body is stationary.

In addition, the identification of the charger area designates a position where the signal is sensed in the cleaning area map including travel route information of the main body to the charger position, and identifies the charger area through the designated charger position in the cleaning area map .

A control method for a robot cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a main body for running the floor, an obstacle sensing unit for sensing an obstacle approaching the main body, an auxiliary cleaning unit for protruding from the lower portion of the main body, The method comprising the steps of: cleaning the floor while traveling on the floor; sensing an obstacle on a traveling path of the main body; and detecting the obstacle, And controlling the auxiliary cleaning unit so that the auxiliary cleaning unit does not protrude in the protrusion limiting area.

In addition, the identification of the projected restriction area senses a signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit, identifies the projected restriction area through the signal, and the projected restriction area is formed as a signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit.

Further, the signal may form a virtual obstacle region of a predetermined size in one direction of the restriction signal unit, or form a virtual obstacle region having a constant curved surface around the restriction signal unit, Avoiding the area and controlling to travel.

In addition, the identification of the protruding limiting area senses a magnetic field signal and identifies the protruding limiting area through the magnetic field signal, and the protruding limiting area is a magnetic field area formed by the magnet belt installed on the bottom.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent collision between the auxiliary cleaning tool and the additional device by preventing the auxiliary cleaning unit from protruding by identifying the charger area or the protruding restriction area from the obstacle. In addition, the collision between the auxiliary cleaning tool and the additional device can be prevented, and the main body avoids the additional device, so that the additional device can be moved or the additional device can be prevented from being damaged. In addition, since the position of the charger is not moved, the robot cleaner main body can quickly return to the charger, and the virtual obstacle area does not fluctuate, so that the object beyond the virtual obstacle area can be protected according to the user's intention.

FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an appearance of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the lower structure of the robot cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a view schematically showing a configuration for protruding or converging the auxiliary cleaning unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
Fig. 4 is a view schematically showing a configuration for protruding or converging the auxiliary cleaning unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.
5 is a view schematically showing a configuration of an auxiliary cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a view schematically showing a configuration of an auxiliary cleaning tool according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8A to 8D are diagrams schematically illustrating an operation of identifying a charger area of the robot cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a view schematically illustrating an operation of identifying a charger area of the robot cleaner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a charger area of a robot cleaner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
11 to 12 are views schematically showing an operation of identifying a charger area of the robot cleaner according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a charger area of a robot cleaner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a charger area of a robot cleaner according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a virtual obstacle area of the robot cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a virtual obstacle area of the robot cleaner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method of controlling a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method of controlling a robot cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an appearance of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 1, the robot cleaner 1 includes a main body 10 for forming an outer appearance, auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 for cleaning a wall adjacent portion and a corner portion.

Various sensors may be coupled to the main body 10 to detect an obstacle, and various sensors may include a proximity sensor 61 and / or a vision sensor 62. For example, when the robot cleaner 1 travels in an arbitrary direction without a predetermined route, that is, in a cleaning system without a map, the robot cleaner 1 detects an obstacle by using the proximity sensor 61, It is possible to do. On the contrary, in the cleaning system that requires the map when the robot cleaner 1 travels along a predetermined path, a vision sensor 62 for receiving the position information of the robot cleaner 1 and generating a map may be installed , And may be implemented in various other ways.

A signal sensor 63 is coupled to the main body 10 so as to receive a signal from the charger or the discharging station.

In addition, the display unit 64 is coupled to the main body 10 to display various states of the robot cleaner 1. For example, the state of charge of the battery, whether or not the dust collecting device is full of dust, or the cleaning mode of the robot cleaner 1 can be indicated.

The construction of the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 3 to 6. Fig.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing the lower structure of the robot cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG.

1 and 2, the robot cleaner 1 includes a main brush unit 30, a power source unit 50, driving wheels 41 and 42, a caster 43, and auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 do.

The main brush unit 30 is mounted in an opening formed in a portion rearward (R) in the central region of the lower portion of the main body 10. [ The main brush unit 30 sweeps the dust accumulated on the floor on which the main body 10 is placed and guides it to the dust inlet 33. The opening in the lower portion of the main body 10 on which the main brush unit 30 is mounted becomes the dust inlet 33. [

The main brush unit 30 is constituted by a roller 31 and a main brush 32 which is embedded on the outer surface of the roller 31. As the roller 31 rotates, the main brush 32 stirs the dust accumulated on the floor and guides the dust to the dust inlet 33.

Although not shown in FIG. 2, a blowing device for generating a suction force is coupled to the inside of the dust inlet 33 so that the dust introduced into the dust inlet 33 is moved to the dust collecting device.

The power supply unit 50 supplies driving power for driving the main body 10. The power supply unit 50 includes a main body 10 and a battery electrically connected to each driving unit for driving various components mounted on the main body 10 to supply driving power. The battery is provided with a rechargeable secondary battery, and when the main body 10 completes the cleaning process and is connected to the charger or the discharging station, it is charged with power from the charger or the discharging station.

The driving wheels 41 and 42 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right edges of the central region of the lower portion of the main body 10. [ The driving wheels 41 and 42 allow the robot cleaner 1 to perform forward, backward, and rotational movements in the process of cleaning.

A caster 43 is provided at the front edge of the lower portion of the main body 10 with respect to the running direction of the robot cleaner 1 so that the main body 10 can maintain a stable posture. The driving wheels 41 and 42 and the caster 43 may be detachably mounted on the main body 10 in a single assembly.

Openings are formed on both sides of the front side (F) of the main body (10), and auxiliary cleaning units (21, 22) are provided so as to cover the openings.

3 is a view schematically showing a configuration of an auxiliary cleaning unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3, the auxiliary cleaning unit 21, 22 includes a side arm 102, a rim cover 103, and an auxiliary cleaning tool 110.

A side arm 102 is coupled to a lower side of the front side of the main body 10, and an arm motor (not shown) for driving the side arm 102 is received in the upper side. The arm motor is connected to a rotary shaft (not shown) through a predetermined gear that transmits a driving force to the side arm 102, and the rotary shaft is mounted to the coupling groove 101 formed at one end of the side arm 102.

Accordingly, when the arm motor is driven, the side arm 102 rotates about the coupling groove 101 while rotating the rotation shaft. At this time, the side cover 102 is pivoted to the outside of the main body 10, so that the side cover 103 does not cover the opening of the main body 10 and forms the side edge of the main body 10.

At the other end of the side arm 102, an engagement groove 104 is formed to which the auxiliary cleaning tool is coupled. And a rotation motor (not shown) for driving the auxiliary cleaning tool is accommodated in the upper portion thereof, and the auxiliary cleaning tool rotates about the coupling groove 104 by the driving force of the rotation motor.

4 is a view schematically showing a configuration of an auxiliary cleaning unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 4, the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 include a side arm 106, a rim cover 108, and an auxiliary cleaning unit 110. Fig.

A side arm 106 is coupled to the lower side of the front side of the main body 10 through an engagement groove 105 and an extension arm 107 slidably extended to the outside of the side arm 106 is provided in the side arm 106. [ Lt; / RTI >

The extension arm 107 is moved back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the side arm 106 inside the side arm 106. [ A guide ring (not shown) is formed in the extension arm 107 so that the extension arm 107 slides along the rail while being fixed to the rail . Further, another extending arm slidably extending out of the extending arm 107 can be accommodated in the extended arm 107. On the other hand, the movement of the other extension arm can also be done in the same way, and the number of extension arms is not limited.

An arm motor (not shown) for driving the extension arm 107 is accommodated in the upper portion of the side arm 106. The arm motor transmits a driving force to the extending arm 107 through a predetermined gear. When the arm motor is driven, the extending arm 107 slips out of the side arm 106 and protrudes to the outside of the main body 10. At this time, the rim cover 108 does not cover the opening of the main body 10 any more, and does not form the side rim of the main body 10.

One end of the extension arm 106 is formed with an engagement groove 109 to which the auxiliary cleaning tool is coupled. And a rotary motor (not shown) for driving the auxiliary cleaning tool is accommodated in the upper portion thereof, and the auxiliary cleaning tool rotates about the coupling groove 109 by the driving force of the rotary motor.

5 is a view schematically showing a configuration of an auxiliary cleaning tool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, a brush arm 113 is formed extending radially outward of the auxiliary cleaning tool 110. An auxiliary brush 112 is coupled to the brush arm 113 and a rotary shaft 111 protruding from the brush arm 113 is engaged with the side arm 102 or the extension arm 106 through the coupling groove. When the auxiliary cleaning tool 110 rotates, the auxiliary brush 112 sweeps the dust accumulated in the vicinity of the wall surface into the central area of the main body 10.

6 is a view schematically showing a configuration of an auxiliary cleaning tool according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6, the mop holder 116 is formed in the radial direction of the auxiliary cleaning tool 110 and the auxiliary mop 115 is seated in the mop holder 116 in the radial direction of the mop holder 116. A rotary shaft 114 for receiving the driving force of the rotary motor and rotating the auxiliary cleaning tool 110 is protruded from the center of the mop holder 116. The rotary shaft 114 is connected to the side arm 102 through the coupling groove, , Or the extension arm 106, respectively. When the auxiliary cleaning tool 110 rotates, the auxiliary mop 115 polishes the adjoining portion of the wall.

Meanwhile, the auxiliary brush 112 may be formed of various materials having elasticity, and the auxiliary mop 115 may be formed of various materials other than the fiber material.

The robot cleaner 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the cleaning area expanded by the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 protruding outward of the main body 10 so as to clean the vicinity of the wall surface or the corner of the floor do.

The protrusions of the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 in the operation of the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 described below are arranged such that the side arms 102 are arranged in the main body 10 according to the first embodiment, Or the extension arm 106 extends outwardly of the main body 10 and protrudes according to the second embodiment. Further, during the cleaning operation of the robot cleaner 1, the auxiliary cleaning tool 110 rotates to clean the corner portion of the wall adjacent to the wall surface.

7 is a block diagram schematically showing a control configuration of a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7, the robot cleaner 1 includes an input unit 210, an obstacle sensing unit 220, a signal sensing unit 230, a control unit 240, a main body driving unit 250, a main brush unit driving unit 260, And an auxiliary cleaning unit driving unit 270.

The input unit 210 receives a user's operation command from an operation panel provided in the main body 10 or a remote controller. The user's operation command includes a command related to running, cleaning, or charging operation of the robot cleaner 1. In particular, the user can directly input commands such as whether or not the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 are protruding by operating the remote controller directly.

The obstacle sensing unit 220 senses an obstacle approaching the main body 10 during traveling. More specifically, the obstacle sensing unit 220 receives information on the obstacle from the proximity sensor 61 or the vision sensor 62, and detects an obstacle located in the periphery of the body 10. [

For example, the proximity sensor 61 may be implemented in an ultrasonic manner to sense an obstacle by transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from obstacles. To this end, the proximity sensor 61 may be installed around the main body 10 in such a manner that at least one ultrasonic transmission unit and an ultrasonic reception unit are coupled. The proximity sensor 61 of the ultrasonic system generates a signal of high output as the intensity of ultrasonic waves reflected increases as the distance from the obstacle becomes shorter. Based on the output signal of the proximity sensor 61, the distance between the main body 10 and the obstacle can be calculated.

On the other hand, the vision sensor 62 can acquire an image on the traveling path of the main body 10, and can detect an obstacle by using the image processing. Based on the actual three-dimensional coordinate, The distance between the obstacle 10 and the obstacle can be calculated.

The signal sensing unit 230 senses an identification signal formed in the vicinity of the charger or transmitted from the charger through the signal sensor 63.

The main body driving part 250 drives the driving wheels 41 and 42 to move the robot cleaner 1 and adjusts the traveling direction and traveling speed of the robot cleaner 1 according to the control command of the traveling control part 242 do.

The main brush unit driving unit 260 drives the roller 31 in accordance with the control command of the cleaning control unit 241 and rotates the main brush 32 as the roller 31 rotates so as to sweep the dust accumulated on the floor.

The auxiliary cleaning unit driving unit 270 drives the arm motor according to a control command of the cleaning control unit 241 to control the protrusion or convergence of the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22. [ In addition, the auxiliary cleaning unit driving unit 270 controls the extent to which the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 protrude or converge depending on the obstacle and the distance through the rotation speed of the arm motor. The auxiliary cleaning unit driving unit 270 controls the rotation of the auxiliary cleaning tool 110 and the rotational speed to allow the auxiliary brush 112 or the auxiliary mop 115 to clean adjacent portions of the wall.

The control unit 240 controls the overall operation of the robot cleaner 1 according to a control program and includes a cleaning control unit 241 for controlling the cleaning operation of the robot cleaner 1, A control unit 242, and a charge control unit 243 for controlling the charging of the robot cleaner 1.

The cleaning control unit 241 controls not only the operation of the main brush unit 30 but also whether the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 protrude or converge and the protrusion or convergence degree of the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 . The cleaning control unit 241 distinguishes the cleaning mode of the main body 10 from the automatic cleaning mode, the return mode, the charging mode, the charging completion mode, the charging stop mode, Or convergence of the light beam.

The travel control section 242 controls the forward, backward, or rotational travel of the main body 10. [ More specifically, the travel control unit 242 controls the rotational direction and the speed of the drive wheels 41, 42 for running the main body 10. The travel control unit 242 controls the direction in which the main body 10 should turn or reverse in order to avoid an obstacle when an obstacle is detected in the traveling path of the main body 10. [

When the robot cleaner 1 completes cleaning, the charge control unit 243 returns to the charging station or the discharging station so as to perform charging. When the main body 10 and the charger dock to perform charging, do. That is, the charge controller 243 can determine whether the charge is completed or the power of the charger is turned off during charging.

Hereinafter, a method of controlling protrusion or convergence of the sub cleaning unit according to the embodiment of the robot cleaner will be described in detail.

8A to 8D are diagrams schematically illustrating an operation of identifying a charger area of the robot cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the main body 10 is in contact with the charger 80 and is charging. The charging control unit 241 detects that the main body 10 is in the charging state when the main body 10 is in contact with the charger 80.

When charging of the main body 10 is completed or the main body 10 releases the contact with the charger 80 according to the user's automatic cleaning instruction, the traveling of the cleaning area is started. The main body 10 removes dust on the floor while traveling in a cleaning area according to a predetermined travel route. To this end, the travel control unit 242 generates and stores a cleaning area map including traveling route information of the main body.

The position where the main body 10 starts to clean when the main body 10 is in contact with the charger 80 and the user does not move the main body 10 during charging corresponds to the position of the charger 80. That is, the starting position of the traveling path of the main body 10 corresponds to the position of the charger 80.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the travel control unit 242 generates a cleaning area map, and stores each traveling area D for the traveling route of the main body 10. [ The main body 10 travels along the traveling region D along the traveling path to remove dust on the floor. The running control section 242 stores the cleaned state of each of the running regions D. [ Thus, the cleaning completion state of each of the running regions D is determined, and dust is removed while the running region D, which has not been cleaned, travels in turn along the running route.

In addition, the travel control unit 242 can designate the starting position of the traveling route of the main body 10 as the position of the charger 80 in the cleaning area map. The travel controller 242 can identify the charger area C through the location of the charger 80 specified in the cleaning area map.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the main body 10 travels while following the wall, the auxiliary cleaning unit 21 in the wall direction is protruded to remove dust from the adjacent portion of the side wall. 8B shows a case where the right auxiliary cleaning unit 21 protrudes and travels. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the case of traveling while following the left wall of the main body 10, the left auxiliary cleaning unit 22 is protruded State.

Referring to FIG. 8C, the obstacle O may be located on the traveling path of the main body 10. [ The cleaning control unit 241 controls the auxiliary cleaning unit 21 to protrude when the main body 10 travels along the traveling path D along the traveling path and an obstacle O is detected.

Particularly, when an obstacle is detected only on the side of the main body 10 on the traveling path of the main body 10, the auxiliary cleaning unit 21 temporarily protrudes out of the main body 10 and then converges into the main body 10 Can be controlled. Since the control of the auxiliary cleaning unit 21 is performed in real time, even when the auxiliary cleaning unit 21 is temporarily driven, when the obstacle O is continuously detected, the auxiliary cleaning unit 21 continuously Can be driven.

Referring to FIG. 8D, when the main body 10 approaches the charger area C and travels, the obstacle sensing part 220 can sense the charger 80 on the traveling path of the main body 10 as an obstacle. The risk of collision between the main body 10 and the charger 80 increases when the cleaning control unit 241 judges that the charger 80 is an obstacle and protrudes the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22. When the main body 10 and the charger 80 80 may collide with each other and the position of the charger 80 may be changed, it may be difficult to return the main body 10 to the charger 80 after completion of cleaning.

Therefore, the cleaning control unit 241 identifies the charger area C and controls the auxiliary cleaning unit so that it does not protrude in the charger area C. The travel control unit 242 restricts entry of the main body 10 into the charger area C and controls the main body 10 to avoid the charger area C to travel. That is, as shown in FIG. 8D, the main body 10 avoids traveling to the charger area C and passes through the travel area D adjacent to the charger area C.

9 is a view schematically illustrating an operation of identifying a charger area of the robot cleaner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, the main body 10 is provided with a charging terminal 51 and can contact the charging terminal 81 of the charging device 80. The charge control unit 243 detects that the charging terminal 51 of the main body 10 is in the charging state when the charging terminal 51 of the main body 10 is in contact with the charging terminal 81 of the charging unit 80. [ 9A to 9B illustrate a method of charging the main body 10 through the contact between the main body 10 and the charger 80. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, And the charging controller 243 may be connected to the battery of the main body 10 to detect the charging state of the main body 10. [

The cleaning control unit 241 receives information on the state of charge of the main body 10 from the charge control unit 243 and identifies that the main body 10 is located in the charger area if the main body 10 is being charged. Therefore, the obstacle detecting unit 220 detects the charging unit 80 as an obstacle while the main body 10 is charging, thereby preventing the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 from protruding. That is, due to the abnormal protrusion of the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22, the contact between the main body 10 and the charger 80 is released, or the charger 80 and the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 collide with each other, Can be prevented from being worn.

10 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a charger area of a robot cleaner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

10, a state in which the main body 10 finishes charging and travels backward to release contact with the charger 80 is shown. The charging control unit 243 checks the remaining battery capacity of the main body 10 and controls the running of the main body 10 so that the main body 10 can return to the charger 80 and charge the battery when the predetermined remaining battery capacity is reached . The charging control unit 243 automatically releases the contact between the main body 10 and the charger 80 and controls the main body 10 to return to the immediately preceding cleaning area to continuously clean the floor can do. At this time, when the main body 10 finishes charging and moves backward at a high speed, the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 can be protruded by sensing the charger 80 as an obstacle.

Accordingly, the cleaning control units 21 and 22 recognize that the main body 10 is located in the charger area for a predetermined period of time when the main body 10 finishes charging and runs backward, and the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 do not protrude . The charging control unit 243 senses the charging completion state of the main body 10 and transmits the charging state information of the main body 10 to the cleaning control unit 241 when charging is completed. The cleaning control unit 241 restricts the protrusion of the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 for a predetermined period of time when the main body 10 is out of a predetermined distance from the charger in consideration of the running speed of the main body 10. [

11 to 12 are views schematically showing an operation of identifying a charger area of the robot cleaner according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 11, the charger 80 transmits an identification signal that allows the charger 80 to be identified from the obstacle. The main body 10 is provided with a signal sensing unit 230 for sensing an identification signal to sense an identification signal transmitted from the charger 80. More specifically, a plurality of signal sensors 63 are installed on the front surface or the side surface of the main body 10 to receive signals transmitted from the charger 80. The signal sensing unit 230 receives signals transmitted from the charger 80 And an identification signal is detected.

The identification signal may be a signal for driving the main body 10 toward the charger 80 for docking the main body 10 with the charger 80. That is, when the cleaning is completed, the main body 10 travels toward the charger 80 according to the traveling algorithm for returning to the charger 80. [ At this time, the position of the charger 80 is estimated and transmitted from the charger 80 in order to dock the charger 80 and the main body 10, specifically, to make contact between the contact terminal of the charger 80 and the contact terminal of the main body 10. [ .

For example, the charger 80 is provided with a signal transmitter 82 for transmitting an infrared signal to form an identification signal area L for the front or side of the charger 80. Here, the first infrared signal transmitter transmits a low-output infrared signal to form a first infrared signal region, and the second infrared signal transmitter transmits a high-output infrared signal to the first infrared signal transmitter, A second infrared signal region smaller than the signal region may be formed. The first infrared signal and the second infrared signal are overlapped with each other, but they can be classified according to the reaching distance or the intensity of the signal.

That is, the signal transmitter 82 provided in the charger 80 can transmit an infrared signal within a predetermined angular range toward the front or the side of the charger 80 to form an identification signal area. An ultrasonic signal, a laser signal, and the like are also possible in the same manner.

The signal sensor 63 installed in the main body 10 receives an infrared signal or the like and the cleaning control unit 241 detects that the main body 10 is located in the charger area when the identification signal is detected through the signal sensing unit 230 And controls the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 not to protrude. That is, the obstacle and the charger area are identified through the identification signal so that the main cleaning unit 21, 22 is prevented from protruding, and the main body 10 avoids the charger area and runs. When a signal for driving the main body 10 is sensed while the main body 10 is traveling along the traveling route for cleaning rather than requiring the main body 10 to be charged or cleaned, 10 do not control the running of the main body 10 so that the main body 10 and the charger 80 are docked. This is because docking of the main body 10 and the charger 80 is not required.

Referring to FIG. 12, the identification signal may be a signal forming the area of the charger 80. That is, a charger area is formed in a form having a predetermined curved surface on the front side or the side of the charger 80 to prevent the main body 10 from entering the charger 80. Unlike the signal for docking the charger 80 and the main body 10, the main body 10 senses the charger 80 as an obstacle so that the main body 10 avoids the charger 80 and travels.

A signal transmitter 83 for transmitting an identification signal is provided in the charger 80 to form an identification signal area A in front of or behind the charger 80. [ Here, the identification signals are superimposed on each other, but can be divided into a first signal and a second signal according to the arrival distance or the intensity of the signal. For example, when the second signal area is identified, the travel control unit 242 determines that the charger 80 is located on the traveling route of the main body 10, and can pay attention to traveling of the main body 10. [ For example, it is possible to prevent the collision between the main body 10 and the charger 80 by increasing the degree of detection of the obstacle detecting unit 220. When the first signal is detected together with the second signal, the travel control unit 242 determines that there is a risk of collision between the main body 10 and the charger 80, and rotates the main body 10 to rotate the charger 80 And can be controlled to avoid running.

The identification signal area A formed by the charger 80 may include at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal.

The signal sensor 63 installed in the main body 10 receives an infrared signal or the like and the cleaning control unit 241 senses an identification signal through the signal sensing unit 230. The cleaning control unit 241 determines that the charger 80 is an obstacle and controls the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 not to protrude when an identification signal is detected. The charger 80 controls the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 so as not to protrude in the case of the charger 80 so that the charger 80 can control the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 to protrude, And the main body 10 and prevents the position of the charger 80 from being changed.

13 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a charger area of a robot cleaner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, the main body 10 may be docked with the charger 80 for charging. When the main body 10 and the charger 80 are docked, the charging terminal 51 of the main body 10 and the charging terminal 81 of the charger 80 come into contact with each other. At this time, the signal sensor 63 receives the signal L transmitted from the signal transmitter 82 of the charger 80. The charging control unit 243 senses the contact between the charging terminal 51 of the main body 10 and the charging terminal 81 of the charging unit 80 Detection. Even if the charging controller 243 does not detect the charging state of the main body 10, the main controller 10 controls the cleaning controller 241 such that when the main body 10 detects the identification signal of the charger 80 when the main body 10 is stopped, Area. ≪ / RTI > That is, the cleaning control unit 241 can control the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 not to protrude when the main body 10 is located in the charger area for charging.

13 shows a signal for guiding the main body 10 to the charger 80 side for docking the main body 10 and the charger 80 as an example of the identification signal, To the main body 10 to avoid the charger 80 and to travel. For example, even in the case of a signal for preventing the main body 10 from entering the charger 80, the main body 10 may be able to enter the charger 80. That is, when the main body 10 approaches the charger 80 for charging due to the charging / returning mode of the main body 10, the main body 10 may contact the charger 80 even though the identification signal of the charger 80 is detected . Even when the main body 10 comes into contact with the charger 80 to end the charge return mode and enter the charging mode, the charger 80 can continue to transmit the identification signal. The cleaning control unit 241 can sense the charger 80 as an obstacle as the identification signal of the charger 80 is sensed but it is determined that the main body 10 is located in the charger area through the stopped state of the main body 10 The auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 can be controlled not to protrude. Therefore, the charger 80 is detected as an obstacle during the charging of the main body 10 to prevent the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 from protruding.

14 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a charger area of a robot cleaner according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the main body 10 removes dust on the floor while traveling in a cleaning area according to a predetermined traveling route. To this end, the travel control unit 242 generates a cleaning area map including the traveling path information of the main body, and stores the respective traveling areas D in the traveling path of the main body 10. [ The main body 10 travels along the traveling region D along the traveling path to remove dust on the floor.

When the identification signal L of the charger 80 is sensed on the traveling route of the main body 10, the travel control unit 242 can designate the position where the identification signal is sensed to the charger 80 position. The travel control unit 242 identifies the charger area C through the location of the charger 80 specified in the cleaning area map and does not detect the charger area C as an obstacle. That is, the travel control unit 242 controls the sub-cleaning units 21 and 22 so as not to protrude while avoiding the charger area C and controlling to travel. The risk of collision between the main body 10 and the charger 80 increases when the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 are protruded and the position of the charger 80 may be changed due to the collision. Therefore, the cleaning control unit 241 identifies the charger area C and controls the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 not to protrude in the charger area C.

14 shows a signal for guiding the main body 10 to the charger 80 side for docking the main body 10 and the charger 80 as an example of the identification signal, The present invention can be similarly applied to a signal for detecting the obstacle and causing the main body 10 to avoid the charger 80 to travel.

15 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a virtual obstacle area of the robot cleaner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Fig. 15, the limiting signal unit 90 transmits an identification signal to form a protruding limiting region. The protruding restriction area is formed so that the main body 10 avoids a virtual obstacle area and runs as a virtual obstacle area formed by the identification signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit 90. [

The signal sensing unit 230 provided in the main body 10 senses the identification signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit 90 and the cleaning control unit 241 identifies the protrusion restriction region through the identification signal. The signal sensor 63 is installed on the front surface or the side surface of the main body 10 to receive a signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit 90. The signal sensing unit 230 receives the signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit 90, (90).

Here, the identification signal can form a virtual obstacle area of a predetermined size in one direction of the restriction signal unit 90. [ For example, the identification signal can form a virtual wall area W of a straight line with a predetermined thickness and length. The travel control unit 242 can control to travel so as to travel without going into the virtual wall area W when the virtual wall area W is detected. In addition, since the dust accumulated in the adjoining portion between the wall and the floor does not exist in the imaginary wall region W, the cleaning control unit 241 controls the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 not to protrude. The identification signal forming the imaginary wall region W may include at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal transmitted within a certain angular range toward one direction of the limit signal unit 90.

On the other hand, the identification signal can form a virtual obstacle region R having a constant curved surface around the restriction signal unit 90. [ The restriction signal unit 90 forms a virtual obstacle region R to prevent the entry of the main body 10. [ That is, it is a signal to cause the main body 10 to avoid the restriction signal unit 90 to travel by sensing the virtual obstacle region R around the restriction signal unit 90 as an obstacle. The cleaning control units 21 and 22 detect the virtual obstacle region R as an obstacle but control the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 not to protrude. A change occurs in the position of the restriction signal unit 90 when the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 collide with the restriction signal unit 90 so that a change is made in the virtual wall area W formed by the restriction signal unit 90 This is because it can happen. An object or the like which is likely to be damaged due to collision is placed beyond the imaginary wall region W so that the user can form a virtual wall region W with the limit signal unit 90 Limit entry.

An identification signal forming a virtual obstacle region R having a constant curved surface around the restriction signal unit 90 can use an infrared signal. That is, when a plurality of signal transmission units are provided on the side of the restriction signal unit 90 and an infrared signal is transmitted at a certain angle toward the floor where the restriction signal unit 90 is located, The signal area can be formed. On the other hand, the identification signal forming the signal area is not limited to the infrared signal, and the ultrasonic signal or the laser signal can be used in the same manner.

16 is a view schematically showing an operation of identifying a virtual obstacle area of the robot cleaner according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 16, the signal sensing unit 230 may sense a magnetic field signal in addition to an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal. The cleaning control unit 241 identifies the protruding restriction area through the magnetic field signal, and controls the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 so as not to protrude.

On the other hand, the protrusion limiting region may be formed of a limiting signal unit for generating a magnetic field, and may be a magnetic field region formed by a magnet belt M installed on the floor, for example, as shown in Fig. When the magnet belt M is positioned on the traveling path of the main body 10, the travel control unit 242 detects the obstacle and controls the main body 10 to avoid the magnet belt M to travel. Further, the cleaning control unit 241 identifies the magnetic field area where the magnetic field signal is sensed as the protrusion limiting area, so that the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 are prevented from protruding. Here, since the magnet belt M corresponds to an example of forming a magnetic field region, the present invention is not limited to this, and any device or object forming a magnetic field can form a protrusion limiting region in the same manner.

17 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method of controlling a robot cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, first, the main body 10 travels on the floor according to the traveling algorithm, and sweeps the floor with the main brush to clean the floor (S310). An obstacle sensing unit 220 capable of transmitting and receiving an infrared signal or an ultrasonic signal to the main body 10 is provided and an obstacle on the traveling path of the main body 10 is sensed through the obstacle sensing unit 220 at step S320.

Then, it is determined whether the detected obstacle area is a charger area (S330). Here, the identification of the charger area is possible in various ways. The robot cleaner 10 can run the cleaning area through the cleaning area map including the traveling path information of the main body 10 and determine whether the cleaning area is completely cleaned. Charger 80 position. In this case, the position of the charger 80 specified in the cleaning area map can be identified as the charger area.

In addition, the charger area can be identified by a method of detecting the charging state of the main body 10. [ That is, if the main body 10 is being charged according to the charging state of the main body 10, it can be identified that the main body 10 is located in the charging area. The charging end state of the main body 10 may be sensed in a similar manner and the main body 10 may be identified as being located in the charging area for a predetermined period of time when the main body 10 finishes charging and runs backward. The main body 10 travels backward to return to the position where cleaning has been completed for charging. In this case, by identifying the main body 10 as being located in the charger area for a predetermined time, the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 are prevented from protruding while the main body 10 is running backward. This is for preventing collision between the main body 10 and the charger 80 during charging of the main body 10 or at the end of charging.

A method of identifying the charger area may be a method of transmitting an identification signal at the charger 80 and sensing an identification signal transmitted at the charger 80. The main body 10 may be provided with the signal sensing unit 230 and the charger area may be identified through the sensed identification signal. Here, the identification signal may be a signal for driving the main body 10 for docking the charger 80 and the main body 10, or may be a signal for forming a charger area having a curved surface on the front side or the side of the charger 80 Lt; / RTI > When an identification signal is detected, the obstacle area can be identified as a charger area. On the other hand, when the main body 10 is in contact with the charger 80 for charging, the main body 10 is in a stopped state, and an identification signal can be sensed even in this case. That is, if the identification signal is detected while the main body 10 is stationary, it can be identified as being located in the charger area. Further, by using the cleaning area map as described above, the position where the identification signal is sensed can be designated as the charger position.

In the case of the charger area, the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 are controlled so as not to protrude (S340). To prevent collision with the charger 80 due to the protrusion of the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22. It is also possible to prevent the main body 10 from colliding with the charger 80 by controlling the main body 10 to avoid the charger 80 and running.

If it is not the charger area, control is performed so that the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 protrude to clean the dust accumulated in the vicinity of the obstacle (S350).

18 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method of controlling a robot cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, first, the main body 10 sweeps the floor with the main brush while sweeping the floor according to the traveling algorithm (S410), and detects an obstacle on the traveling path of the main body 10 (S420).

If an obstacle is detected, it is discriminated whether the detected obstacle region is a protrusion limiting region (S430). In this case, the protrusion limiting area is identified through an identification signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit 90. To this end, the main body 10 may be provided with a signal sensing unit 230 for sensing an identification signal.

The protruding restriction region may be formed in various ways, for example, by forming a virtual obstacle region of a predetermined size in one direction of the restriction signal unit 90, or by forming a curved surface around the restriction signal unit 90 It is possible to form a virtual obstacle area. The virtual obstacle area is for controlling the main body 10 to avoid a virtual obstacle area while sensing that an actual obstacle is not present but an obstacle exists. That is, the difference between the obstacle area and the virtual obstacle area is whether or not the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 protrude as follows. As described above, the identification signal may include an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, a laser signal, or the like.

On the other hand, the protrusion limiting region may be formed in the form of a magnetic field region. For example, a device or object that forms a magnetic field, such as a magnet belt, may be installed on the floor, and a magnetic field signal may be sensed to identify a protrusion restricted area through a magnetic field signal. When the magnetic field area is sensed, the main body 10 is controlled so as to avoid the magnetic field area and run, while controlling the auxiliary cleaning unit so as not to protrude. Here, when a magnetic sensor is used for the signal sensor provided in the main body 10, a magnetic field signal formed by a magnet belt or the like can be sensed.

The method of forming the protruding restriction region is not limited to this, and may be in the form of an entry preventing line for preventing entry of the main body 10, and the robot cleaner 1 may prevent the entry preventing line from passing through an electromagnetic signal, Sensing, or vision recognition.

Finally, when the obstacle region is the protrusion limiting region, control is performed such that the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 are not protruded (S440). If the obstacle region is not the protrusion limiting region, the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 are protruded, So that dust accumulated in the adjacent portion can be cleaned (S450).

The operation of the above-described robot cleaner 1 can be applied not only to the charger 80 but also to the discharge station for discharging the dust stored in the robot cleaner 1 in the same manner.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary cleaning units 21 and 22 of the robot cleaner 1 are coupled to the left and right sides of the main body 10. However, the number of auxiliary cleaning units to which the present invention is applied And there is no restriction on the installation position.

210: input unit 220: obstacle detection unit
230: Signal detection unit 240: Control unit
250: main body driving part 260: main brush unit driving part
270: auxiliary cleaning unit driving unit

Claims (35)

A body running on the floor;
An obstacle sensing unit for sensing an obstacle approaching the body;
An auxiliary cleaning unit protruding from a lower portion of the main body and being installed so as to be able to converge; And
And controlling the auxiliary cleaning unit to protrude or converge when the obstacle is sensed, and to control the auxiliary cleaning unit so as not to protrude in the charger area by identifying the charging area. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the controller generates and stores a cleaning area map including traveling route information of the main body. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the control unit designates the start position of the travel path of the main body as the position of the charger in the cleaning area map, identifies the area of the charger through the designated charger position in the cleaning area map, A robot cleaner that controls driving. The method according to claim 1,
And the controller determines a state of charge of the main body. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the controller identifies that the main body is located in the charger area when the main body is being charged. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the controller identifies the main body as being located in the charger area for a predetermined period of time when the main body finishes charging and runs backward. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a signal sensing unit for sensing a signal transmitted from the charger, wherein the controller identifies the charger area through the signal and controls the main body to avoid the charger area to travel. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the signal is a signal for driving the main body to the charger side for docking the charger and the main body. 9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the signal includes at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal transmitted within a predetermined angular range toward the front or the side of the charger. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the signal is a signal forming a charger area having a constant curved surface on the front or side of the charger. 11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the signal includes at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal forming a signal area in a predetermined curved surface on the front side or the side of the charger. 11. The method according to claim 8 or 10,
Wherein the signals are superimposed on each other but are divided into a first signal and a second signal according to a reaching distance or an intensity of a signal. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the controller identifies the main body as being located in the charger area when the signal is sensed while the main body is at rest. 8. The method of claim 7,
Wherein the control unit generates and stores a cleaning area map including traveling route information of the main body, designates a position where the identification signal is sensed in the cleaning area map as the charger position, Wherein the main body identifies the charger area and controls the main body to travel by avoiding the charger area. A body running on the floor;
An obstacle sensing unit for sensing an obstacle approaching the body;
An auxiliary cleaning unit protruding from a lower portion of the main body and being installed so as to be able to converge; And
And controlling the auxiliary cleaning unit to protrude or converge when the obstacle is detected, and to control the protrusion limiting area so as to prevent the auxiliary cleaning unit from protruding in the protrusion limiting area. 16. The method of claim 15,
The robot cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a signal sensing unit sensing a signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit, wherein the control unit identifies the protrusion restriction area through the signal, . 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the signal forms a virtual obstacle area of a predetermined size in one direction of the restriction signal unit and the control unit controls the main body to avoid the virtual obstacle area to travel. 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the signal is a signal forming a virtual wall area of a straight line with a predetermined thickness and length. 19. The method of claim 18,
Wherein the signal includes at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal transmitted within a predetermined angular range toward one direction of the restriction signal unit. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the signal forms a virtual obstacle area having a constant curved surface around the restriction signal unit, and the control unit controls the main body to avoid the virtual obstacle area to travel. 21. The method of claim 20,
Wherein the identification signal includes at least one of an infrared signal, an ultrasonic signal, and a laser signal forming a signal area with a constant curved surface around the restriction signal unit. 16. The method of claim 15,
The robot cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a signal sensing unit for sensing a magnetic field signal, wherein the control unit identifies the protruding restriction area through the magnetic field signal, and the protruding restriction area is a magnetic field area formed by a magnet belt installed on the floor. 23. The method of claim 22,
Wherein the control unit controls the main body to avoid running the magnetic field area. A control method for a robot cleaner including a main body for running on the floor, an obstacle sensing unit for sensing an obstacle approaching the main body, an auxiliary cleaning unit for protruding from the lower portion of the main body,
Cleaning the floor while traveling on the floor;
Detecting an obstacle on a traveling path of the main body; And
And controlling the auxiliary cleaning unit to protrude or converge when the obstacle is detected, so that the auxiliary cleaning unit is prevented from protruding in the charging area by identifying the charging area. 25. The method of claim 24,
Wherein the identification of the charger area designates the starting position of the traveling path of the main body to the charger position in the cleaning area map including the traveling path information of the main body and identifies the charger position specified in the cleaning area map as the charger area Control method of robot cleaner. 25. The method of claim 24,
Wherein the identification of the charger area senses the charging state of the main body and identifies the main body as being located in the charger area when the main body is being charged. 27. The method of claim 26,
Wherein the identification of the charger area detects the charge completion state of the main body and identifies that the main body is located in the charger area for a predetermined time when the main body finishes charging and runs backward. 25. The method of claim 24,
Wherein the identification of the charger area senses a signal transmitted by the charger and identifies the charger area through the signal. 29. The method of claim 28,
Wherein the signal is a signal for inducing running of the main body to the charger side for docking the charger and the main body or a signal for forming a charger area having a predetermined curved surface in the front or side of the charger. 29. The method of claim 28,
Wherein the identification of the charger area identifies that the main body is located in the charger area when the signal is sensed while the main body is at rest. 29. The method of claim 28,
Wherein the identification of the charger area is performed by a robot cleaner that identifies a position at which the signal is sensed in a cleaning area map including travel route information of the main body to the charger position and identifies the charger area through a charger location specified in the cleaning area map, / RTI > A control method for a robot cleaner including a main body for running on the floor, an obstacle sensing unit for sensing an obstacle approaching the main body, an auxiliary cleaning unit for protruding from the lower portion of the main body,
Cleaning the floor while traveling on the floor;
Detecting an obstacle on a traveling path of the main body; And
And controlling the auxiliary cleaning unit to protrude or converge when the obstacle is detected, and to control the protrusion limiting area so that the auxiliary cleaning unit does not protrude in the protrusion limiting area. 33. The method of claim 32,
Wherein the identification of the protruding restriction area detects a signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit and identifies the protruding restriction area through the signal, and the protruding restriction area is formed by a signal transmitted from the restriction signal unit Way. 34. The method of claim 33,
Wherein the signal forms a virtual obstacle region of a predetermined size in one direction of the limiting signal unit or forms a virtual obstacle region having a constant curved surface around the limiting signal unit, And controlling the robot cleaner to avoid running. 33. The method of claim 32,
Wherein the identification of the protruding restriction area detects a magnetic field signal and identifies the protrusion restriction area through the magnetic field signal, and the protrusion restriction area is a magnetic field area formed by a magnet belt installed on the bottom.

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