KR20230133586A - Station for cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner station that internally sucks dust stored in the dust bin of a vacuum cleaner. The cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to the dust bin and air containing dust through the suction operation of the dust collection motor. a suction flow path through which there flows; a chamber housing disposed below the suction passage and having a receiving space therein; and a dust chamber that separates and stores dust sucked from the cleaner and is detachably coupled to the chamber housing, wherein the dust chamber is inserted into the chamber housing along a first direction and is connected to the first direction. It is drawn out along a second direction, which is the opposite direction, and coupling members in the form of sliding coupling may be provided on the inner surface of the chamber housing and the outer surface of the dust chamber.

Description

CLEANER STATION{STATION FOR CLEANER}

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner station that internally sucks dust stored in a vacuum cleaner, and more specifically, to a vacuum cleaner station with enhanced sealing in the dust flow path.

In general, a vacuum cleaner is a home appliance that sucks in small trash or dust and fills the dust bin inside the product by sucking air using electricity, and is commonly called a vacuum cleaner.

These vacuum cleaners can be divided into manual vacuum cleaners, in which the user moves the vacuum cleaner while performing cleaning, and automatic vacuum cleaners, in which the vacuum cleaner performs cleaning while traveling on its own. Depending on the type of cleaner, manual cleaners can be classified into canister-type cleaners, upright cleaners, hand-held cleaners, and stick-type cleaners.

In the past, canister-type vacuum cleaners were widely used as household cleaners, but recently, hand-held vacuum cleaners and stick vacuum cleaners, which provide improved convenience of use by providing a dust bin and vacuum cleaner body, are increasingly being used.

A canisty-type vacuum cleaner has its main body and suction port connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some cases, it can be used by inserting a brush into the suction port.

Handheld vacuum cleaners maximize portability and are light in weight, but short in length, so the cleaning area when sitting may be limited. Therefore, it is used to clean localized areas, such as on a desk or sofa, or inside a car.

Stick vacuum cleaners can be used while standing, so you can clean without bending down. Therefore, it is advantageous for cleaning a large area while moving. While a handheld vacuum cleaner cleans narrow spaces, a stick vacuum cleaner can clean larger spaces and high places that cannot be reached by hand. Recently, stick vacuum cleaners have been provided in module types, allowing users to actively change the vacuum cleaner type for various purposes.

However, the capacity of the dust bin for storing collected dust in stick vacuum cleaners is small, so users have the inconvenience of having to empty the dust bin every time. In general, a vacuum cleaner is a home appliance that sucks in small trash or dust and fills the dust bin inside the product by sucking air using electricity, and is commonly called a vacuum cleaner.

These vacuum cleaners can be divided into manual vacuum cleaners, in which the user moves the vacuum cleaner while performing cleaning, and automatic vacuum cleaners, in which the vacuum cleaner performs cleaning while traveling on its own. Depending on the type of cleaner, manual cleaners can be classified into canister-type cleaners, upright cleaners, hand-held cleaners, and stick-type cleaners.

In the past, canister-type vacuum cleaners were widely used as household cleaners, but recently, hand-held vacuum cleaners and stick vacuum cleaners, which provide improved convenience of use by providing a dust bin and vacuum cleaner body, are increasingly being used.

A canister-type vacuum cleaner has its main body and suction port connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some cases, it can be used by inserting a brush into the suction port.

Handheld vacuum cleaners maximize portability and are light in weight, but short in length, so the cleaning area when sitting may be limited. Therefore, it is used to clean localized areas, such as on a desk or sofa, or inside a car.

Stick vacuum cleaners can be used while standing, so you can clean without bending down. Therefore, it is advantageous for cleaning a large area while moving. While a handheld vacuum cleaner cleans narrow spaces, a stick vacuum cleaner can clean larger spaces and high places that cannot be reached by hand. Recently, stick vacuum cleaners have been provided in module types, allowing users to actively change the vacuum cleaner type for various purposes.

However, the capacity of the dust bin for storing collected dust in stick vacuum cleaners is small, so users have the inconvenience of having to empty the dust bin every time.

As prior document 1, Korean Patent Publication No. 2020-0074001 discloses a cleaning device including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station.

The prior art document 1 includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collection container in which foreign substances are collected, and a docking station connected to the dust collection container to remove foreign substances collected in the dust collection container, and the dust collection container is provided to be docked to the docking station. The docking station is configured to include a suction device that suctions foreign substances and internal air in the docked dust collection container.

In addition, the docking station of the prior art document 1 further includes a collection unit that collects foreign substances, and the collection unit is detachable from the docking station, so that when the collection unit is full of foreign substances, the user can use the dust bag placed in the collection unit. It can be removed and replaced from the air flow path (first connection).

In addition, the docking station of the prior art document 1 may further include an additional dust collection container, and the additional dust collection container is disposed in the collection section instead of the dust bag and can be separated from the flow path (the first connection portion and the second connection portion). can be combined.

However, the docking station of the prior art document 1 only describes that both the dust bag and the additional dust collection container can be connected to the flow path, but does not disclose the sealing of the dust bag, the additional dust collection container, and the flow path.

If sufficient sealing is not achieved in the flow path of the air, dust may leak and scatter into the space between the storage parts that store the dust (dust bag, dust collection container, etc.) and the housing that accommodates the storage parts. This causes the user to clean the space between the devices for hygiene, causing inconvenience in use. Additionally, when scattered dust flows into parts other than the storage part (for example, motors with various functions), it causes failure of the other parts.

Korean Patent Publication No. 2020-0074001

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner station with reinforced sealing of the air flow path.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner station from which a user can select various types of dust storage structures.

An embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described object is a cleaner station that is connected to the dust bin of a vacuum cleaner and sucks dust from the dust bin, where air containing dust flows through the suction operation of the dust collection motor and is connected to the dust bin. suction flow path; a chamber housing disposed below the suction passage and having a receiving space therein; and a dust chamber that separates and stores dust sucked from the cleaner and is detachably coupled to the chamber housing.

At this time, the dust chamber is inserted into the chamber housing along a first direction and pulled out along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the inner surface of the chamber housing and the outer surface of the dust chamber slide against each other. A coupling member may be provided in the form of a fitting coupling method.

The coupling member includes coupling rails disposed on left and right outer surfaces of the dust chamber, respectively; and a guide rail disposed at a position facing the coupling rail and protruding from the left and right inner sides of the chamber housing to guide the movement of the coupling rail.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber housing and the dust chamber may be constrained in at least two axial directions orthogonal to each other by combining the coupling rail and the guide rail.

In addition, the coupling rail is U-shaped with a rear opening when viewed from the left or right side of the dust chamber, and an insertion portion corresponding to the guide rail may be formed so that the guide rail is inserted. .

In an embodiment of the present invention, the area of the guide rail may become larger as it extends in the sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber, based on a state when viewed from the side.

Additionally, the guide rail may include at least one inclined surface formed toward the sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber housing may further include an air hole that introduces air into the internal space of the chamber housing by negative pressure.

In an embodiment of the present invention, when the dust chamber is coupled to the chamber housing, a first space is an inner space of the dust chamber, and a second space is a space between the outer surface of the dust chamber and the inner surface of the chamber housing. A space is defined, and the air hole can create a pressure difference between the first space and the second space that moves the dust chamber in the sliding insertion direction when dust from the cleaner is sucked.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the chamber housing is disposed in the sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber, and may further include a connection passage through which air discharged from the chamber housing flows toward the dust collection motor.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dust chamber may be selected by the user among a first dust chamber and a second dust chamber including different types of dust separation means.

At this time, a dust bag made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow dust to pass through may be detachably attached to the first dust chamber as the dust separation means.

At this time, the second dust chamber may include a mesh net that separates dust using a plurality of holes formed in the air movement path as the dust separation means.

At this time, the second dust chamber may include a cyclone unit that separates dust using a cyclonic flow as the dust separation means.

According to the present invention, when the dust chamber is slidingly coupled to the chamber housing, it moves along the coupling rail and is constrained in at least two mutually orthogonal axial directions. Accordingly, it is guaranteed that the dust chamber is coupled to the correct position inside the chamber housing, and dust can be prevented from flying into spaces other than the storage space.

In addition, according to the present invention, the air hole formed in the chamber housing forms a pressure difference between the first space, which is the space inside the dust chamber, and the second space, which is the space between the dust chamber and the chamber housing, and the pressure difference causes the dust chamber and the chamber. The dust chamber moves in a direction that strengthens the seal between the housings. Therefore, dust can be prevented from flying into spaces other than the storage space.

In addition, according to the present invention, since various compatible dust chambers are provided in a separable manner, there is an advantage in that the user can select his preferred dust collection method.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a perspective view showing a dust removal system including a cleaner station and a cleaner in the present invention.
Figure 2 is a view showing the shape of the vacuum cleaner coupled to the vacuum cleaner station and the inside of the side of the vacuum cleaner station in the present invention.
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the opening and closing structure of the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner in the present invention.
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the cover opening unit in the present invention.
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the door unit in the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a dust chamber having different dust separation structures and a chamber housing to which the dust chamber is detachably coupled, in the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the dust chamber housing as seen from the rear, in the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second dust chamber viewed from the rear in the present invention.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the first dust chamber viewed from the rear in the present invention.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a coupling rail, which is a coupling member of a dust chamber in the present invention.
Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a guide rail, which is a coupling member of the chamber housing in the present invention.
Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing how, in the present invention, when the dust chamber is inserted into the chamber housing, its position is restricted by a coupling member and it slides.
Figure 14 is a diagram showing the air flow path of the first dust chamber.
Figure 15 is a diagram showing the air flow path of the second dust chamber.
Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the dust chamber moving due to the pressure difference created by the air hole.

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

Since the present invention can make various changes and have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be interpreted as including all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a dust removal system including a vacuum cleaner station and a vacuum cleaner in the present invention, Figure 2 is a diagram showing the shape of the vacuum cleaner coupled to the vacuum cleaner station and the inside of the side of the vacuum cleaner station in the present invention, and Figure 3 is a diagram showing the vacuum cleaner station in the present invention. In the present invention, it is an enlarged view of the dust bin opening and closing structure of the vacuum cleaner, Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the cover opening unit in the present invention, and Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the door unit in the present invention.

1 to 5, the dust removal system 1 may include a cleaner station 10 and a cleaner 20.

A vacuum cleaner 20 may be coupled to the front of the vacuum cleaner station 10. More specifically, the cleaner body 2100 of the cleaner 20 may be coupled to the front of the cleaner station 10.

At this time, the front of the vacuum cleaner station 10 can be defined as the direction in which the coupling portion 115, which is formed by recessing the main housing 100, which will be described later, into a shape corresponding to the main body 2100 of the vacuum cleaner 20, faces. . The direction in which the opposite side of the main housing 100 faces based on the coupling portion 115 can be defined as rear.

First, the configuration of the vacuum cleaner body 2100 of the vacuum cleaner 20 in the present invention will be briefly described.

Referring to Figure 2, the cleaner main body 2100 communicates with the suction part 2110 and the suction part 2110, which provides a flow path through which air containing dust can flow, and is sucked into the interior through the suction part 2110. It may include a dust separation unit 2120 that separates the dust, a suction motor 2130 that generates a suction force to suck air, a handle 2140 held by the user, and a battery housing 2150 that accommodates the battery therein. You can.

Additionally, the cleaner main body 2100 may further include a dust bin 2160.

Here, the dust bin 2160 may communicate with the dust separator 2120 and store the dust separated from the dust separator 2120.

Referring to FIG. 3, the dust bin 2160 may include an exhaust cover 2161. The discharge cover 2161 may include a cover body 2161a and a hinge portion 2161b. The cover body 2161a can rotate to open and close the dust bin 2160 based on the hinge portion 2161b. The hinge portion 2161b may be disposed adjacent to the battery housing 2150. The discharge cover 2161 may be coupled to the dust bin 2160 through a hook connection.

Meanwhile, the dust bin 2160 may further include a coupling lever 2161c. The discharge cover 2161 can be separated from the dust bin 2160 through the coupling lever 2161c. The coupling lever 2161c may be disposed downward based on the state in which the vacuum cleaner 20 is coupled to the vacuum cleaner station 10. When an external force is applied, the coupling lever 2161c can elastically deform the hook extending from the cover main body 2161a so as to release the hook coupling between the cover main body 2161a and the dust bin 2160.

Next, the vacuum cleaner station 10 according to the present invention will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaner station 10 may include a main housing 100.

The main housing 100 is a component to which the vacuum cleaner 20 is coupled and can form the exterior of the vacuum cleaner station 10. Specifically, the main housing 100 may be formed in a pillar shape including at least one outer wall surface. As an example, the main housing 100 may be formed in a shape similar to a square pillar.

The main housing 100 has a space formed inside it to accommodate various parts.

The main housing 100 may include a ground support portion 150. At this time, the ground support unit 150 may be disposed toward the ground. The bottom surface of the ground support unit 150 in contact with the ground may be arranged parallel to the ground, and may also be arranged inclined at a predetermined angle with the ground. With this configuration, the dust collection motor 200 accommodated inside the main housing 100 can be stably supported and the overall weight can be balanced even when the vacuum cleaner 20 is combined.

Additionally, the ground support portion 150 may be in the form of a plate extending from the bottom of the main housing 100 to prevent the vacuum cleaner station 10 from falling over and increase the area in contact with the ground to maintain balance.

The main housing 100 may be configured to include at least one outer wall surface as described above. As an example, the main housing 100 may include a first outer wall surface 110 on which the coupling portion 115 is formed, and is arranged in order in a counterclockwise direction while facing the first outer wall surface 110. It may further include a second outer wall surface 120, a third outer wall surface 130, and a fourth outer wall surface 140.

The coupling portion 115 formed on the first outer wall surface 110 may be provided by recessing the first outer wall surface 110 to correspond to the shape of a portion in the direction in which the dust bin 2160 of the vacuum cleaner 20 is disposed. . By this configuration, a portion of the cleaner 20 can be coupled to the cleaner station 10 and supported by the cleaner station 10 .

The main housing 100 may be provided to be openable so that some of the components accommodated therein are exposed. For example, when looking at the cleaner station 10 from the front, the left part of the first outer wall surface 110 may be open toward the fourth outer wall surface 140, and the right part of the first outer wall surface 110 may be open toward the fourth outer wall surface 140. 2 It may be open toward the outer wall surface 120.

Or, as another example, a part of the first outer wall surface 110 and a part of the second outer wall surface 120 may be formed integrally and open together in the direction of the second outer wall surface 120, and the first outer wall surface 110 ) and a part of the fourth outer wall surface 140 may be formed integrally and opened together in the direction of the fourth outer wall surface 140.

The cleaner station 10 according to the present invention may further include a cover opening unit 500.

Referring to FIG. 4, the cover opening unit 500 is provided to open the discharge cover 2161 of the cleaner 20.

The cover opening unit 500 may include a push protrusion 510, a cover opening gear 520, and a cover opening motor (not shown).

The push protrusion 510 may be placed at a position where the coupling lever 2161c can be pressed when the vacuum cleaner 20 is coupled. The push protrusion 510 may make a linear reciprocating motion to press the coupling lever 2161c. Specifically, the push protrusion 510 is coupled to the cover opening gear 520 and can be moved together by the movement of the cover opening gear 520.

The cover opening motor may provide power to move the push protrusion 510 to the cover opening gear 520.

The cover opening gear 520 is coupled to the cover opening motor and can move the push protrusion 510 using the power of the cover opening motor. More specifically, the cover opening gear 520 is engaged with the first cover opening gear 521 and the first cover opening gear 521, which receives rotational power from the shaft of the cover opening motor, and performs a linear reciprocating motion on the push protrusion 510. It may include a second cover opening gear 522 that transmits.

At this time, the first cover opening gear 521 may be made of a pinion gear, and the second cover opening gear 522 may be made of a rack gear.

In other words, when the main body 2100 of the vacuum cleaner 20 is fixed to the coupling portion 115, the cover opening motor moves the push protrusion 510 through the cover opening gear 520 to open the discharge cover 2161 into the dust bin. It can be separated from (2160).

The vacuum cleaner station 10 according to the present invention may further include a door unit 600.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the door unit 600 may include a door 610, a door arm 620, and a door motor 630.

The door 610 is coupled to the coupling portion 115 with a hinge 605, and can rotate around the hinge 605 to open and close the inside and outside of the main housing 100.

More specifically, in a state where the door 610 is closing the inside of the main housing 100, when the door arm 620 pulls the door 610, the door 610 is pulled into the main housing 100 of the vacuum cleaner station 10. ) can rotate and move toward the inside. Meanwhile, when the door arm 620 pushes the door, the door 610 may rotate and move toward the outside of the cleaner station 10.

The door motor 630 may provide power to rotate the door 610 to the door arm 620. Specifically, the door motor 630 may rotate the door arm 620 in the forward or reverse direction. Here, the forward direction may mean a direction in which the door arm 620 pulls the door 610 toward the inside of the main housing 100. Additionally, the reverse direction may mean a direction in which the door arm 620 pushes the door 610 toward the outside of the main housing 100.

The door arm 620 connects the door 610 and the door motor 630, and can open and close the door 610 using power generated from the door motor 630.

As an example, the door arm 620 may include a first door arm 621 and a second door arm 622. One end of the first door arm 621 may be coupled to the door motor 630. The first door arm 621 can rotate by the power of the door motor 630. The other end of the first door arm 621 may be rotatably coupled to the second door arm 622. The first door arm 621 may transmit the force transmitted from the door motor 630 to the second door arm 622. One end of the second door arm 622 may be coupled to the first door arm 621. The other end of the second door arm 622 may be coupled to the door 610. The second door arm 622 can push or pull the door 610.

The cleaner station 10 according to the present invention may further include a suction passage 700.

Here, the suction passage 700 is a passage through which air containing dust can flow. Accordingly, when the discharge cover 2161 is separated from the dust bin 2160, dust in the dust bin 2160 can be collected into the dust chamber 300, which will be described later, through the suction passage 700.

Meanwhile, the dust collection motor 200 may be accommodated inside the main housing 100 and disposed at the lower part of the dust chamber 300. The dust collection motor 200 may be driven to generate suction force in the suction passage 700. Through this, the dust collection motor 700 can suck the dust inside the dust bin 2160 of the vacuum cleaner 20.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a dust chamber having different dust separation structures and a chamber housing to which the dust chamber is detachably coupled in the present invention, and Figure 7 is a view from the rear of the dust chamber housing in the present invention. It is a perspective view of the state, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second dust chamber in the present invention viewed from the rear, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first dust chamber in the present invention viewed from the rear.

The cleaner station 10 according to the present invention may further include a dust chamber 300 and a chamber housing 800.

The dust chamber 300 will first be described. Prior to description, with reference to FIG. 6, the axial directions for the dust chamber 300 and the chamber housing 800 are set as follows.

First, the direction in which the dust chamber 300 slides (inserts or withdraws) with respect to the chamber housing 800 is defined as the y-axis. Hereinafter, the direction may be referred to as the front-back direction, with the sliding insertion direction (d1 direction) in the y-axis being rearward and the sliding withdrawal direction (d2 direction) being forward.

Next, one of the two axes perpendicular to the y-axis is defined as the z-axis. The z-axis is defined as the direction in which the suction flow path 700 is disposed in one direction and the dust collection motor 200 is disposed in the other direction. Hereinafter, the z-axis direction may be referred to as an upward direction, with the direction in which the suction passage 700 is disposed being upward, and the direction in which the dust collection motor 200 is disposed being downward.

Finally, the remaining axis orthogonal to both the y-axis and the z-axis is defined as the x-axis. From now on, one direction of the x-axis may be referred to as the left and the other direction as the right.

The dust chamber 300 is configured to store dust sucked from the inside of the dust bin 2160 of the vacuum cleaner 20 by the dust collection motor 200. The dust chamber 300 includes at least one dust separation structure capable of separating dust from the sucked air.

The dust chamber 300 is accommodated inside the main housing 100. The dust chamber 300 is detachably coupled to the main housing 100. The dust chamber 300 is detachably coupled to the chamber housing 800, which will be described later. When the main housing 100 or the chamber housing 800 is opened, the dust chamber 300 may be detached from the main housing 100 or the chamber housing 800.

The dust chamber 300 may be one selected by the user among a plurality of dust chambers 300 including different types of dust separation structures. In an embodiment of the present invention, one dust chamber selected by the user among the first dust chamber 310 and the second dust chamber 330 having different dust separation structures is the main housing 100 or the chamber housing 800. can be accepted.

In a possible embodiment, the dust chamber 300 may be equipped with a dust bag as a dust separation means. The dust bag may be made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow dust to pass through. The dust bag may be detachably coupled to the inner space of the dust chamber 300.

In a possible embodiment, the dust chamber 300 may include a mesh net as a dust separation means. The mesh net is composed of a plurality of holes, and is provided in the air movement path to separate dust on the principle that dust does not pass through the holes when the air passes through the mesh net. The mesh network may be made of a metal material.

In a possible embodiment, the dust chamber 300 may include a cyclone unit as a dust separation means. The cyclone unit is comprised of one or more cyclone bodies, and can separate dust using cyclone flow occurring along the inner peripheral surface of the cyclone body. The cyclone body may be cylindrical or conical.

Dust separation means that may be provided in the dust chamber 300 are not limited to the examples described above. For example, the dust separation means may be a filter that adsorbs fine dust using electrostatic attraction.

Two or more dust separation means in the above-described example may be included in one dust chamber 300.

In the present invention, an embodiment will be described based on the first dust chamber 310 coupled to the dust bag 3130 and the second dust chamber 330 including the mesh net 3320 and the cyclone unit 3360. The detailed internal structure of the first dust chamber 310 and the second dust chamber 300 and the air flow path inside the dust chambers 310 and 330 will be described later.

In conclusion, a plurality of dust chambers 300 including different types of dust separation structures are attachable to and detachable from the vacuum cleaner station 10 . Thereby, the user has the advantage of being able to select a type of dust storage structure that suits his or her preference.

For example, a user who prefers a periodically replaceable bag type as a dust separation structure may select the first dust chamber 310 of the embodiment of the present invention. For example, a user who prefers a washable bin type as a dust storage structure may select the second dust chamber 330 of an embodiment of the present invention.

The dust chamber 300 and the chamber housing 800 of various types are provided with coupling members that enable them to be coupled to each other. Various types of dust chambers 300 can be inserted and coupled to the chamber housing 800 by fitting through a coupling member, and the user's range of choices is expanded.

The dust chamber 300 is coupled to the chamber housing 800 in a sliding manner. More specifically, the dust chamber 300 may be accommodated in the internal space of the chamber housing 800 by sliding along the first direction d1. The dust chamber 300 may be pulled out from the inner space of the chamber housing 800 by sliding along the second direction d2, which is opposite to the first direction d1. The first direction d1 and the second direction d2 are directions parallel to the y-axis.

The dust chamber 300 is provided with inlet holes 3140 and 3340. Air containing dust flows into the dust chamber 300 through the inlet holes 3140 and 3340. In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the shape of the inlet holes 3140 and 3340 is shown as circular, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The inlet holes 3140 and 3340 are provided on the upper surface of the dust chamber 300. The upper surface of the dust chamber 300 is a surface disposed toward the suction passage 700.

The dust chamber 300 is provided with discharge holes 3150 and 3350. Air from which dust has been separated is discharged to the outside of the dust chamber 300 through the discharge holes 3150 and 3350. In the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, the shape of the discharge holes 3150 and 3350 is shown as a square, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Discharge holes 3150 and 3350 are provided at the rear of the dust chamber 300. The rear of the dust chamber 300 is a surface disposed in the first direction d1.

Next, the chamber housing 800 will be described.

The chamber housing 800 is provided with an accommodation space therein. The dust chamber 300 is inserted and coupled to the receiving space. At this time, the chamber housing 800 itself is accommodated in the inner space of the main housing 100. That is, the chamber housing 800 is accommodated inside the main housing 100 and the dust chamber 300 is accommodated inside the chamber housing 800. At this time, as described above, the dust chamber 300 may be provided to be detachable from the chamber housing 800.

The chamber housing 800 may be provided to be detachable from the main housing 100. As another example, the chamber housing 800 may be formed integrally with the main housing 100 and may not be detachable.

The chamber housing 800 may be disposed below the suction passage 700. The chamber housing 800 may be placed on top of the dust collection motor 200. That is, the suction passage 700, the chamber housing 800, and the dust collection motor 200 are all accommodated in the main housing 100, and can be sequentially arranged along the z-axis.

The chamber housing 800 may divide the space between the suction passage 700 and the dust collection motor 200 among the internal spaces of the main housing 100 into a space for dust storage. The air containing dust flowing through the suction flow path 700 flows into the dust chamber 300 accommodated in the chamber housing 800, and the air from which the dust has been separated from the dust chamber 300 flows into the outside of the chamber housing 800. It is discharged and flows toward the dust collection motor 200. Dust separated from the air is stored in the dust chamber 300.

An inlet hole 8300 is provided in the chamber housing 800.

The inlet hole 8300 is provided on the upper surface of the chamber housing 800. The upper surface of the chamber housing 800 is a surface disposed toward the suction passage 700. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, the shape of the inlet hole 8300 is shown as a circle, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

When the dust chamber 300 is inserted into the chamber housing 800, the inlet hole 8300 of the chamber housing 800 and the inlet holes 3140 and 3340 of the dust chamber 300 are connected vertically to form a suction flow path 700 and The dust chamber 300 is in communication. Therefore, when the dust collection motor 200 is driven, air may move from the suction passage 700 to the inside of the dust chamber 300.

A discharge hole 8400 is provided in the chamber housing 800 (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

The discharge hole 8400 is provided at the rear of the chamber housing 800. The rear of the chamber housing 800 is a surface disposed in the sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber 300. The discharge hole 8400 may be provided at one end of the connection passage 8600, which will be described later.

When the dust chamber 300 is inserted into the chamber housing 800, the discharge hole 8400 of the chamber housing 800 and the discharge holes 3150 and 3350 of the dust chamber 300 are connected back and forth to connect to the dust chamber 300. Euro (8600) is connected. Accordingly, when the dust collection motor 200 is driven, the air discharged from the dust chamber 300 may move to the dust collection motor 200 through the connection passage 8600.

A connection passage 8600 is provided in the chamber housing 800. The connection passage 8600 is a passage through which air released from the dust chamber 300 flows. One end of the connection passage 8600 is coupled to the discharge hole 8400 of the chamber housing 800, and the other end is open toward the dust collection motor 200.

An air hole 8500 is provided in the chamber housing 800.

The air hole 8500 is a configuration that allows external air to flow into the inner space of the chamber housing 800 when negative pressure is generated in the inner space of the chamber housing 800. At least one air hole 8500 may be provided to penetrate the chamber housing 800. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, two air holes 8500 are shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The air hole 8500 may be provided at the upper rear corner of the chamber housing 800.

The dust chamber 300 described above may be coupled to the chamber housing 800 in a sliding manner. To this end, coupling members that fit into each other may be provided on the inner surface of the chamber housing 800 and the outer surface of the dust chamber 300.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing a coupling rail, which is a coupling member of the dust chamber in the present invention, and Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a guide rail, which is a coupling member of the chamber housing in the present invention.

The coupling member includes coupling rails 3110 and 3310 provided in the dust chamber 300 and a guide rail 8100 provided in the chamber housing 800.

The coupling rails 3110 and 3310 and the guide rail 8100 are each configured to fit into each other. By combining the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 and the guide rail 8100, the chamber housing 800 and the dust chamber 300 are constrained in at least two axes orthogonal to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 may be disposed on the left and right outer surfaces of the dust chamber 300, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 10 , the shape will be described based on the coupling rail 3110 of the first chamber 310 as follows.

The coupling rail 3110 may be formed in a U-shape with an open rear end when viewed from the left or right side of the dust chamber 310. More specifically, the coupling rail 3110 may include a coupling rib 3111 formed by protruding the outer surface of the dust chamber 310. The protruding form of the coupling rib 3111 may be formed in a U-shape with an open rear end so as to surround the guide rail 8100, which will be described later, from the outside.

An insertion portion 3112 surrounded by a coupling rib 3111 is formed in the coupling rail 3110. Since the guide rail 8100 must be inserted into the insertion portion 3112, the shape of the insertion portion 3112 corresponds to the shape of the guide rail 8100.

When the guide rail 8100 is inserted into the open rear end of the left and right coupling ribs 3111, the dust chamber 300 slides in the first direction d1 while the coupling rib 3111 surrounds the guide rail 8100. do. Accordingly, the dust chamber 300 can be inserted into the chamber housing 800.

The coupling member may further include an auxiliary rail provided below the coupling rail 3110. The auxiliary rail is formed by protruding the outer surface of the dust chamber and includes an auxiliary rib 3113 connected to the coupling rib 3111. The auxiliary rail may be provided with an auxiliary insertion portion 3114 surrounded by a lower portion of the coupling rib 3111 and the auxiliary rib 3113.

Here, the description has been made based on the coupling rail 3110 provided in the first dust chamber 310, but the coupling rail 3310 of the second dust chamber 330 is also substantially the same for coupling compatibility with the guide rail 800. It is natural that it is prepared in this form.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 11 , the guide rail 8100 may be disposed at a position facing the coupling rails 3110 and 3310, respectively. That is, the guide rail 8100 may be disposed on the left and right inner surfaces of the chamber housing 800, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the guide rail 8100 may be provided in a form that protrudes from the left and right inner surfaces of the chamber housing 800. More specifically, the guide rail 8100 may be formed in a U-shape with a filled interior, based on the chamber housing 800 viewed from the left or right side. Therefore, it is possible to fit and couple the U-shaped coupling rails 3110 and 3310 with only the edges protruding.

The guide rail 8100 may have a larger area as it extends in the sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber 300. The area is the area when the chamber housing 800 is viewed from the side. More specifically, when the chamber housing 800 is viewed from the side, the guide rail 8100 may have an area in the first direction d1 that is larger than an area in the second direction d2.

As a result, at the beginning when the dust chamber 300 is inserted, the area of the insertion portion 3112 is larger than the area of the guide rail 800, so even if the user does not insert the dust chamber 300 in the correct position, the coupling rail ( 3110) can be easily coupled to the guide rail 800.

The guide rail 8100 may include at least one inclined surface 8111. The inclined surface 8111 may be a surface that contacts the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 when the dust chamber 300 is inserted. The inclined surface 8111 may be formed toward the sliding direction d1 of the dust chamber 300.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the inclined surface 8111 may be the upper surface of the guide rail 8100. When the upper surface 8100 of the guide rail forms an inclined surface 8111, the inclined direction is preferably backward-upward. Accordingly, when the dust chamber 300 is inserted, the sliding movement of the coupling rails 3110 and 3310 can be easily guided with little force from the user.

For example, in an embodiment not shown, the inclined surface may be the lower surface of the guide rail 8100. When the lower surface of the guide rail 8100 forms an inclined surface, the inclined direction is preferably backward-downward.

The coupling member may further include an auxiliary guide rail 8200 provided below the guide rail 8100 and formed by protruding the inner surface of the chamber housing 800. The auxiliary guide rail 8200 may be fitted into the auxiliary insertion portion 3114.

Figures 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing how, in the present invention, when the dust chamber is inserted into the chamber housing, its position is restricted by a coupling member and it slides.

12 and 13 are shown based on the first dust chamber 310, and the second dust chamber 330 also operates in the same manner.

When the dust chamber 310 is inserted, the coupling rail 3110 is inserted into the guide rail 8100 and the z-axis position of the dust chamber 310 is aligned and constrained. That the z-axis direction position of the dust chamber 310 is aligned or restricted means that the inlet hole 3140 and the outlet hole 3150 of the dust chamber 310 are the inlet hole 8300 and the outlet hole (8300) of the chamber housing 800. 8400), which means that they are placed at the exact position based on the z-axis.

When the dust chamber 310 is inserted, the guide rail 810 provided on the left and right sides and the coupling rail 3110 are fitted, so that the x-axis direction position of the dust chamber 310 is aligned and constrained. That the x-axis direction position of the dust chamber 310 is aligned or constrained means that the inlet hole 3140 and the outlet hole 3150 of the dust chamber 310 are the inlet hole 8300 and the outlet hole (8300) of the chamber housing 800 ( 8400), which means that they are placed at the exact position based on the x-axis.

That is, the inlet hole 8300 of the chamber housing 800, the inlet hole 3140 of the dust chamber 310, and the outlet hole 8300 of the chamber housing 800 and the dust chamber are connected by the coupling members 8100 and 3110. The positions of the discharge holes 3150 of 310 are restricted in two axes orthogonal to each other. Therefore, dust is prevented from scattering beyond the air flow path, which has the effect of strengthening the seal.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing the air flow path of the first dust chamber.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the internal structure of the first dust chamber 310 and the dust suction operation when the first dust chamber 310 is coupled to the chamber housing 800 will be described as follows.

As described above, the dust bag 3130 is detachably coupled to the first dust chamber 310 (see FIG. 6).

The dust bag 3130 is configured to receive dust sucked from the vacuum cleaner 20 and store it therein. The dust bag 3130 may be slidably inserted into the fixed holder 3120 provided in the first dust chamber 310.

The dust bag 3130 may be provided so that when suction force is generated by the dust collection motor 200, its volume increases and dust is accommodated therein. To this end, the dust bag 3130 may be made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow foreign substances such as dust to pass through. As an example, the dust bag 3130 may be made of a non-woven material and may have a hexahedral shape when its volume is increased.

Although not shown, an inlet hole is provided in the dust bag 3130 to allow dust and air to flow together, and is connected to the inlet hole 8300 of the chamber housing 800 and the inlet hole 3140 of the dust chamber 310. Accordingly, when an air current is formed by the suction force of the dust collection motor 200, air containing dust may be sucked in through the suction passage 700 and move into the inside of the dust bag 3130. Afterwards, only the air escapes from the dust bag 3130, and the dust remains inside the dust bag and is stored.

The air escaping from the dust bag 3130 is sucked into the dust collection motor 200 through the connection passage 8600.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing the air flow path of the second dust chamber.

Referring to FIG. 15 , the internal structure of the second dust chamber 330 and the dust suction operation when the second dust chamber 330 is coupled to the chamber housing 800 are described as follows.

The internal space of the second dust chamber 330 may be divided into a first flow part 3370, a second flow part 3380, and a third flow part 3390.

A mesh net 3320 and a dust cleaner 3330 are disposed in the first moving part 3370, and large particles of dust are primarily separated.

A cyclone unit 3360 is disposed in the second flow unit 3380, and fine-sized dust is separated secondarily.

The third flow part 3390 is a space where air separated from fine-sized dust flows. The air flowing through the third flow part 3390 exits the second dust chamber 330 and passes through the connection flow path 8600. It is sucked into the dust collection motor 200.

The second dust chamber 330 may include a mesh net 3320.

The mesh network 3320 is disposed on one side of the first moving part 3370. The mesh network 3320 is a member in which a plurality of holes are formed and may be formed of a metal material, but is not limited thereto. The mesh net 3320 serves to primarily remove dust with large particles. Large dust that does not pass through the mesh net 3320 is collected and stored on the lower side of the first flow unit 3370.

The second dust chamber 330 may include a dust cleaner 3330.

The dust cleaner 3330 is disposed in the first moving part 3370. The dust cleaner 3330 may include a rotating shaft 3331 disposed in the vertical direction, and a cleaning plate 3333 that is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 3331 and rotates to clean the mesh net 3320. The cleaning plate 3333 can scrape the mesh net 3320 while rotating. Accordingly, dust adhering to the mesh net 3320 can be removed and dust filtration efficiency can be maintained.

The second dust chamber 330 may include a cyclone unit 3360.

The cyclone unit 3360 is disposed in the second flow unit 3380. The second flowing part 3380 communicates with the first flowing part 3370 through a plurality of holes formed in the mesh network 3320. When the air released from the first flow part 3370 through the mesh net 3320 flows into the cyclone part 3360, cyclone flow occurs along the inner circumferential surface of the cyclone body, and fine-sized dust is removed secondarily. do. The removed fine-sized dust is collected and stored on the lower side of the second moving part 3380.

A plurality of cyclone bodies may be provided and arranged in parallel. Alternatively, the cyclone body may be provided as a single body. Meanwhile, the principle of generating cyclone flow and the shape of the cyclone unit 3360 shown in the present invention are not only well-known technologies, but are also unrelated to the core idea of the present invention, so detailed descriptions are omitted here.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing the dust chamber moving due to the pressure difference created by the air hole.

Based on the state in which the dust chamber 310 and the chamber housing 800 are combined, the inner space of the dust chamber 310 is divided into the first space s1, the outer surface of the dust chamber 310, and the chamber housing 800. Let's define the space between the medial surfaces as the second space (s2).

A pressure difference occurs between the first space s1 and the second space s2 due to the suction force generated by the driving of the dust collection motor 200 and the presence of the air hole 8500.

More specifically, the pressure of the first space s1 is lowered by the suction force generated by the dust collection motor 200. In contrast, atmospheric pressure is maintained in the second space s2 because external air continues to flow into the second space s2 through the air hole 8500 even when negative pressure is generated. Therefore, when the dust collection motor 200 is driven, the second space s2 is always in a state of higher pressure than the first space s1, and a pressure difference occurs between the first space s1 and the second space s2.

Due to the pressure difference, when dust from the vacuum cleaner 20 is sucked into the dust chamber 300, force F is applied to the dust chamber 310 in the direction in which the suction force acts. In the embodiment of the present invention, since the discharge hole 3150 and the connection passage 700 are disposed in the sliding insertion direction d1, the force F also acts toward the sliding insertion direction d1 of the dust chamber 310.

That is, the dust chamber 310 moves along the direction in which the force F acts, that is, the sliding insertion direction d1.

The relationship between the movement of the dust chamber 310 and the sealing of the air flow path is explained as follows.

Driving the dust collection motor 200 may generate vibration in the dust chamber 310. In this case, the dust chamber 310, which is not constrained in the y-axis direction, may move in the sliding direction d2, thereby creating a sealing gap in the air flow path. If dust leaks and scatters through the sealing gap, it can cause hygiene problems and component failure.

However, when the air hole 8500 is formed in the chamber housing 800 as in the embodiment of the present invention, the pressure difference between the first space s1 and the second space s2 causes the dust chamber 310 to slide as described above. The sealing gap is removed while moving in the insertion direction d1. At this time, pressure proportional to the area of the sealing face is applied to the sealing face surrounding the discharge hole 3150, which has the effect of strengthening the sealing between the dust chamber 310 and the chamber housing 800. . When the sealing gap is removed, dust is prevented from flying out of the flow path, so the cleaner station 10 can be managed hygienically and component failure can be prevented.

Meanwhile, a separate sealing member may be disposed on the sealing surface surrounding the inlet hole 3140 and the outlet hole 3150. However, the provision of sealing members such as gaskets and O-rings on the sealing surface is not only a well-known technology but also has nothing to do with the core technical idea of the present invention, so it is not separately shown or explained here.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the dust chamber is slidingly coupled to the chamber housing, it moves along the coupling rail and is restrained in at least two axial directions orthogonal to each other. Accordingly, it is guaranteed that the dust chamber is coupled to the correct position inside the chamber housing, and dust can be prevented from flying into spaces other than the storage space.

In addition, according to the present invention, the air hole formed in the chamber housing forms a pressure difference between the first space, which is the space inside the dust chamber, and the second space, which is the space between the dust chamber and the chamber housing, and the pressure difference causes the dust chamber and the chamber. The dust chamber moves in a direction that strengthens the seal between the housings. Therefore, dust can be prevented from flying into spaces other than the storage space.

In addition, according to the present invention, since various compatible dust chambers are provided in a separable manner, there is an advantage in that the user can select his preferred dust collection method.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and shown in the above, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and those skilled in the art can vary it to other specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. You will understand that it can be modified and transformed. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should not be determined by the described embodiments, but rather by the technical idea stated in the claims.

10: Vacuum cleaner station
100: main housing
200: Dust collection motor
300: dust chamber
310: first dust chamber
3110: Combined rail
3111: Combined ribs
3112: insertion part
3120: Fixed holder
3130: dust bag
3140: Inlet hole
3150: discharge hole
330: second dust chamber
3310: Combined rail
3311: Combined ribs
3312: insertion part
3340: Inlet hole
3350: discharge hole
3320: mesh net
3330: Dust Sweeper
3360: Cyclone Department
700: suction flow path
800: Chamber housing
8100: Guide rail
8111: slope
8200: Auxiliary guide rail
8300: Inlet hole
8400: discharge hole
8500: Air hole
8600: Connection Euro

Claims (13)

In the vacuum cleaner station connected to the dust bin of the vacuum cleaner and sucking dust from the dust bin,
a suction passage connected to the dust bin and through which air containing dust flows by the suction operation of the dust collection motor;
a chamber housing disposed below the suction passage and having a receiving space therein; and
It includes a dust chamber that separates and stores dust sucked from the cleaner and is detachably coupled to the chamber housing,
The dust chamber is inserted into the chamber housing along a first direction and pulled out along a second direction opposite to the first direction,
A coupling member in the form of a sliding fit is provided on the inner surface of the chamber housing and the outer surface of the dust chamber,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to paragraph 1,
The coupling member is,
Coupling rails disposed on left and right outer surfaces of the dust chamber, respectively; and
A guide rail disposed at a position facing the coupling rail and protruding from the left and right inner sides of the chamber housing to guide the movement of the coupling rail; including,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to paragraph 2,
By combining the coupling rail and the guide rail, the chamber housing and the dust chamber are constrained in at least two axial directions orthogonal to each other,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to paragraph 2,
The combined rail is,
When viewed from the left or right side of the dust chamber, the dust chamber is U-shaped with an open rear end,
An insertion part of a shape corresponding to the guide rail is formed so that the guide rail is inserted,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to paragraph 2,
The guide rail is,
Based on the state viewed from the side, the area becomes wider as it moves in the direction of sliding insertion of the dust chamber,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to paragraph 2,
The guide rail is,
Comprising at least one inclined surface formed toward the sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to paragraph 1,
The chamber housing is,
It further includes an air hole that introduces air into the inner space of the chamber housing by negative pressure.
Vacuum cleaner station.
In clause 7,
With the dust chamber coupled to the chamber housing,
A first space, which is an internal space of the dust chamber, and a second space, which is a space between the outer surface of the dust chamber and the inner surface of the chamber housing, are defined,
The air hole is,
When dust from the cleaner is sucked, a pressure difference is formed between the first space and the second space to move the dust chamber in the sliding insertion direction,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to paragraph 1,
The chamber housing is,
It is disposed in the sliding insertion direction of the dust chamber, and a connection passage through which air discharged from the chamber housing flows toward the dust collection motor.
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to paragraph 1,
The dust chamber is,
Selected by the user among a first dust chamber and a second dust chamber including dust separation means of different types,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to clause 10,
The first dust chamber is,
As the dust separation means, a dust bag made of a material that allows air to pass through but does not allow dust to pass through is detachably coupled,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to clause 10,
The second dust chamber is,
The dust separation means includes a mesh net that separates dust using a plurality of holes formed in the air movement path,
Vacuum cleaner station.
According to clause 10,
The second dust chamber is,
As the dust separation means, it includes a cyclone unit that separates dust using a cyclonic flow,
Vacuum cleaner station.