CN115734735A

CN115734735A - Cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and docking station

Info

Publication number: CN115734735A
Application number: CN202180046785.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金时贤; 金泫澈; 权沂奂; 韩政均; 李弦柱; 车胜龙; 崔仁奎
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-03
Filing date: 2021-05-12
Publication date: 2023-03-03
Also published as: KR20210002057A; EP4154786A1; KR20220016265A; WO2022005013A1; US20230146588A1; KR20230121703A; KR102566393B1; KR102470035B1; EP4154786A4

Abstract

The cleaning apparatus according to the present inventive concept includes: a battery for generating a suction force; a vacuum cleaner including a dust collection container in which foreign substances sucked by the suction force are collected; and a docking station connected to the vacuum cleaner and having a long axis extending in a first direction, wherein the docking station comprises: a charging section configured to charge the battery by being in contact with the battery; a docking portion connected to the dust collecting container to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting container; and a suction device configured to suck the foreign matter and the internal air inside the dust collection container docked on the docking portion, the docking portion including a docking opening that is open to a second direction different from the first direction such that at least a portion of the dust collection container is inserted into the docking opening.

Description

Cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and docking station

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station, and more particularly, to a docking station and a cleaning apparatus capable of automatically discharging dust in a vacuum cleaner.

Background

In general, a vacuum cleaner is an apparatus equipped with a fan motor generating a suction force, and sucks foreign substances such as dust together with air by the suction force generated by the fan motor, separates the foreign substances contained in the sucked air from the air, and collects the dust for cleaning.

The vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection chamber for collecting foreign substances, and a user needs to periodically separate the foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber from the vacuum cleaner and discharge the separated foreign substances from the dust collection chamber.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus including a docking station of a vacuum cleaner capable of automatically discharging foreign substances from a dust collection chamber.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus including a docking station capable of discharging foreign substances from a dust collection chamber while charging a battery of a vacuum cleaner.

Technical scheme

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning apparatus including: a vacuum cleaner including a battery configured to generate a suction force and a dust collection chamber in which foreign substances sucked by the suction force are collected; and a docking station connected to the vacuum cleaner and having a long axis extending in a first direction, wherein the docking station comprises: a charging section provided in contact with the battery to charge the battery; a docking portion connected to the dust collecting chamber to remove the foreign materials collected in the dust collecting chamber; and a suction device configured to suck the foreign objects and the internal air in the dust collecting chamber docked on the docking portion, wherein the docking portion includes a docking opening opened to a second direction different from the first direction such that at least a portion of the dust collecting chamber is inserted into the docking opening.

The charging part may be disposed above the docking part in the first direction.

The first direction may be disposed in a direction corresponding to upper and lower side directions of the docking station, and the second direction may be disposed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

The first direction may be disposed in a direction corresponding to upper and lower side directions of the docking station, and the second direction may be disposed in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction.

The dust collecting chamber may include a body provided in a cylindrical shape formed around an extension axis extending in one direction, and the dust collecting chamber may be provided to be inserted into the docking portion in an extension direction of the extension axis of the dust collecting chamber.

The vacuum cleaner may further include: a suction unit configured to suction foreign matter; and an extension pipe connecting the suction unit and the dust collection chamber to each other and having a long axis extending in one direction, and the long axis of the extension pipe and the extension axis of the dust collection chamber may be disposed substantially perpendicular to each other.

The vacuum cleaner may further include: a suction unit configured to suction foreign matter; and an extension pipe connecting the suction unit and the dust collection chamber to each other and having a long axis extending in one direction, and when the dust collection chamber is docked on the docking portion, the vacuum cleaner may be supported on the docking station such that the long axis of the extension pipe extends in a direction corresponding to the first direction.

The dust collecting chamber may further include: a dust chamber opening that is open in a direction corresponding to an extending direction of the extending axis of the body and is formed at one end of the body; and a dust collection chamber door configured to open and close the dust collection chamber opening, and may be arranged to be disposed within the docking portion when the dust collection chamber is inserted into the docking opening.

The dust collecting chamber may further include a fixing member provided to fix the dust collecting chamber door to the body and release fixing of the dust collecting chamber door when pressed by an external force, and the docking part may be configured to press the fixing member in response to the dust collecting chamber being inserted into the docking opening.

The docking portion may include an opening guide configured to press the fixing member in response to the dust collection chamber being inserted into the docking opening.

The dust collecting chamber door may be provided to rotate about a rotation shaft provided at one side of one end of the body, and the dust collecting chamber may be provided such that the rotation shaft may be disposed on an upper end of the dust collecting chamber in a first direction when the dust collecting chamber is inserted into the docking opening.

The dust collecting chamber may further include an elastic member provided in an extending direction of the rotation shaft to bias the dust collecting chamber door in a direction toward the body.

The dirt collection chamber may further include a pair of magnetic members disposed on the body and the dirt collection chamber door, respectively.

The dust collection chamber door may be configured to rotate about the rotation axis by means of a suction air flow formed in the suction device when the suction device is driven.

The docking station may further include a collecting part configured to flow a suction air flow formed by the suction device therethrough to collect foreign substances within the dust collecting chamber, wherein the charging part, the docking part, the collecting part, and the suction device may be sequentially arranged in the first direction.

A cleaning device comprising: a vacuum cleaner including a battery for generating a suction force and a dust collection chamber in which foreign substances sucked by the suction force are collected; and a docking station connected to each of the battery and the dust collection chamber,

wherein the docking station comprises: a body comprising a docking surface, the body having a docking opening to which the dust collection chamber is docked, and the body having a long axis extending in a first direction; a charging part connected to the battery and formed at an upper side of the docking surface in the first direction; a docking portion communicating with the docking opening and provided to allow at least a portion of the dust collection chamber to be inserted therein to remove foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber; and a suction device configured to suck the foreign matter and the internal air within the dust collection chamber docked on the docking portion, wherein the dust collection chamber is provided to be inserted into the docking opening in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Furthermore, the docking station may be arranged such that the charging means and the suction means are operated simultaneously.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning apparatus including: the vacuum cleaner including a suction unit configured to suck foreign substances, a dust collection chamber configured to collect the foreign substances sucked from the suction unit, and an extension pipe connecting the suction unit to the dust collector and having a long axis extending in one direction; and a docking station connected to the vacuum cleaner and having a long axis extending in a first direction, wherein the docking station comprises: a body comprising a docking surface having a docking opening to which the dust collection chamber is docked, and having a long axis extending in a first direction; a docking portion communicating with the docking opening and provided to allow insertion into the dust collection chamber in a second direction different from the first direction to remove foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber; and a suction device configured to suck the foreign matter and the internal air in the dust collecting chamber docked on the docking portion, wherein the dust collecting chamber is provided in a cylindrical shape having a long axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the extension pipe.

Further, the second direction may correspond to a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Further, the vacuum cleaner may further include a cleaner body having a motor for forming a suction air flow, and the dust collecting chamber may be integrally formed with the cleaner body.

Advantageous effects

According to aspects of the present disclosure, the cleaning apparatus may allow a docking station of a vacuum cleaner to charge a battery of the vacuum cleaner while automatically removing foreign substances collected in a dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, when the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner is inserted into the docking station in a direction substantially perpendicular to the up-down side direction, the foreign substances collected in the dust collection member may be effectively removed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a docking station of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a vacuum cleaner of the cleaning apparatus is separated from a docking station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a view showing a side cross section of a portion of the docking station in a state where the vacuum cleaner of the cleaning apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is docked into the docking station.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a vacuum cleaner of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner prior to docking to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to the disclosed embodiments.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner in a state where the vacuum cleaner is docked to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to the disclosed embodiments.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the vacuum cleaner when the suction device is driven in a state where the vacuum cleaner is docked to a docking station in the cleaning apparatus according to the disclosed embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner prior to docking to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment disclosed.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner prior to docking to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment disclosed.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner in a state in which the vacuum cleaner is docked to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment disclosed.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner docked to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment disclosed, wherein the opening guide is actuated.

Fig. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which a vacuum cleaner of a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is docked to a docking station.

Detailed Description

The embodiments described in the specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary examples of the present disclosure, and various modifications may be substituted for the embodiments and drawings of the present disclosure at the time of filing this application.

Further, like symbols or numerals in the drawings of the present disclosure indicate components or elements configured to perform substantially the same function.

Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms also include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," "has," "having" and/or "having" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Further, it will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The term "and/or" includes a combination of one or all of the associated listed terms.

Further, the terms "upper side", "lower side", "upper and lower side direction", etc. used herein are defined with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of the components are not limited by these terms.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a docking station of a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, fig. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a vacuum cleaner of the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is separated from the docking station, fig. 3 is a view illustrating a side cross-section of a portion of the docking station in a state in which the vacuum cleaner of the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is docked into the docking station, and fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the vacuum cleaner of the cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In fig. 1 to 4, the cleaning apparatus 1 may include a cleaner 10 and a docking station 100.

The cleaner 10 may include a cleaner body 11, an extension pipe 17 detachably coupled to the cleaner body 11, a suction unit 18 detachably coupled to the extension pipe 17, and a dust collection chamber 20 connected to the cleaner body.

The cleaner body 11 may include a suction motor (not shown) that generates a suction force required to suck foreign substances on a surface to be cleaned.

The dust collecting chamber 20 may be disposed upstream of a suction motor (not shown) in an air flow to filter out dust or dirt from the air introduced through the main suction unit 18 and collect the filtered dust or dirt. The dust chamber 20 may be integrally formed with the cleaner body 11. When the cleaner body 11 and the dust chamber 20 are referred to as being integrally formed with each other, the cleaner body 11 and the dust chamber 20 may provide a structure in which the dust chamber 20 is not arbitrarily separated from the cleaner body 11 when in use. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the dust collection chamber 20 may be provided to be detachable from the cleaner body 11.

Cleaner body 11 may include a handle 14 that is grasped by a user for manipulating cleaner 10. The user can hold the handle 14 and move the cleaner 10 in the front-rear direction.

The cleaner body 11 may include a dust collection guide 15, the dust collection guide 15 for guiding foreign substances into the dust collection chamber 20 by connecting the dust collection chamber 20 to the extension pipe 17 and the suction unit 18.

The dust collection guide 15 may be coupled to the extension pipe 17 as described above while guiding the foreign substances to the dust collection chamber 20 as described above. Further, the dust collection guide 15 may be provided to be directly coupled to the suction unit 18 instead of being coupled to the extension pipe 17, or the dust collection guide 15 may be coupled to other components, such as an auxiliary suction unit.

The extension pipe 17 may extend to have a long axis X extending in one direction.

Accordingly, the user can increase the convenience of cleaning by coupling various components to the dust collection guide 15 according to the cleaning situation.

The dust collecting chamber 20 may be provided in a cylindrical shape having an extension axis Y extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the long axis X of the extension pipe 17 extends. In particular, the dust collection guide 15 may be coupled to the extension pipe 17 such that the long axis X of the extension pipe 17 faces a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the extension axis Y of the dust compartment 20.

The dust chamber 20 may comprise a cylindrical body 22 extending in the extension direction of the extension axis Y.

The dust chamber 20 may be provided to collect foreign substances by centrifugal rotation separation of the cylindrical body 22. The dust chamber 20 may include a multi-stage cyclone to collect foreign materials through centrifugal rotation separation.

The dust collection chamber 20 may include a dust collection chamber door 21, the dust collection chamber door 21 being disposed at a side opposite to a portion connected to the dust collection guide 15 in an extension direction of the extension axis Y, and configured to open and close the dust collection chamber 20.

When a large amount of foreign substances are collected in the dust collection chamber 20, the user may open the dust collection chamber door 21 to discharge the foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber 20 from the dust collection chamber 20.

Specifically, the dust collection chamber door 21 may be provided to open and close a dust collection chamber opening 23 formed at one end of the body 22 of the dust collection chamber 20 and provided to open in the extending direction of the extending axis Y.

The dust chamber opening 23 may be openable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the long axis X of the extension pipe 17 extends.

The handle 14 may be disposed at a side of the dust chamber 20 opposite to a side where the extension pipe 17 is disposed.

The cleaner 10 may include a battery 16 that provides driving force to the cleaner 10. The battery 16 may be detachably mounted to the cleaner body 11. Specifically, the battery 16 may be disposed adjacent the handle 14.

Accordingly, the battery 16 may be disposed at a side of the dust collecting chamber 20 opposite to a side where the extension pipe 17 is disposed.

The battery 16 may be electrically connected to a charging terminal 123 provided in the docking station 100 to be described below. The battery 16 may be charged by receiving power from charging terminals 123 provided in the docking station 100.

The docking station 100 may be configured for storage or mounting of the cleaner 10 thereon. The cleaner 10 can be charged in the docking station 100.

The docking station 100 may include a body housing 110 that forms the appearance of the docking station 100.

The body case 110 may be provided to have a long axis extending in one direction. The long axis of the body case 110 may preferably be provided to extend in the up-down direction. Accordingly, the docking station 100 may be provided in a box shape extending generally in the up-down direction.

The docking station 100 may include a charging portion 120 on which the handle 14 of the cleaner 10 is docked so that the batteries 16 are powered.

The charging part 120 may include a battery mounting part 121 on which the battery 16 is mounted, a battery guide 122 for guiding the mounting of the battery 16, and a charging terminal 123 for supplying power to the battery 16 in response to the battery 16 being mounted on the charging part 120.

The battery 16 may be provided to be detachable from the cleaner body 11. Thus, the cleaner 10 may be configured to couple with one or more replaceable batteries 16.

The battery 16 may be disposed to be exposed to the outside as in the embodiment of the present disclosure, but may be disposed inside the cleaner body 11 of the cleaner 10 without being exposed to the outside. In this case, the charging part 120 may be provided such that at least a portion of the cleaner body 11 in which the battery 16 is disposed is seated on the charging part 120 to charge the battery 16.

The cleaner 10 may approach the docking station 100 in a second direction B to be docked to the docking station 100, which is a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction a, which is the direction of extension of the docking station 100. This is to allow the battery 16 of the cleaner 10 to be docked to the docking station 100 at the same time that the dust chamber 20 of the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100.

Conventional docking stations are configured to provide power to the battery when the cleaner is docked to the docking station, as described above. Docking station 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is further implemented to allow dust collected in dust collection chamber 20 to be automatically discharged when cleaner 10 is docked to docking station 100, so as to increase convenience to the consumer.

In the conventional art, a user needs to directly empty dust collected in the dust chamber 20 after using the cleaner 10, which is troublesome. However, docking station 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented to directly dock with dust collection chamber 20 when cleaner 10 is docked, such that dust collected within dust collection chamber 20 may be automatically removed.

The docking station 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to automatically discharge dust collected in the dust chamber 20 while charging the battery 16 of the cleaner 10 when the cleaner 10 is docked on the docking station 100. However, as described below, the docking station 100 may be provided to selectively charge only the cleaner 10 or to charge the cleaner 10 while discharging dust of the dust chamber 20 according to a user's selection when the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100.

The docking station 100 may include a suction device 130 to discharge dust collected in the dust chamber 20 from the dust chamber 20.

The docking station 100 may include a controller (not shown) for the user to input a signal for actuating the suction device 130. When the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100, a user may input a signal to a controller (not shown) so that the docking station 100 is controlled to discharge foreign matter collected in the dust chamber 20 while charging the battery 16 of the cleaner 10.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the controller (not shown) of the docking station 100 may be configured to drive the suction device 130 upon receiving a detection value of a sensor for detecting docking of the cleaner 10, so that the suction device 130 is automatically driven in response to the cleaner 10 being docked, even without a signal input by the user.

Docking station 100 may include a docking portion 140, the docking portion 140 being configured to dock dirt collection chamber 20 to docking station 100.

As described above, the body case 110 may be provided to have a long axis extending in the first direction a. The first direction a may be disposed in a direction corresponding to the up-down side direction. Accordingly, the docking station 100 may be provided in a box shape extending in the up-down direction.

The docking part 140 may be disposed in an upper portion of the body case 110. The docking part 140 may be disposed at a lower side of the charging part 120 in the extending direction of the body case 110.

Preferably, the charging part 120 may be disposed on an upper end of the body housing 110 in an extending direction of the body housing 110, and the docking part 140 may be disposed on a lower side of the charging part 120.

Thus, the cleaner 10 may be docked to the docking station 100 such that the side of the cleaner 10 on which the batteries 16 are disposed is disposed on the upper side in the first direction a and the side of the cleaner 10 on which the extension pipe 17 is disposed on the lower side in the first direction a.

The suction device 130 may be disposed within the body case 110. Specifically, the suction device 130 may be disposed at a lower portion of the body case 110 in the extending direction of the body case 110.

The docking station 100 may include a collecting part 150 for collecting foreign materials discharged from the dust chamber 20. The collecting part 150 may be disposed inside the body case 110. The collecting part 150 may be disposed at an upper side of the suction device 130.

The charging part 120, the docking part 140, the collecting part 150, and the suction device 130 may be sequentially arranged in the extending direction of the body housing 110.

The docking station 100 may include a suction flow path 141 connecting the docking portion 140 and the collection portion 150 to each other and allowing foreign matter discharged from the dust chamber 20 to be sucked to the collection portion 150 through the docking portion 140. The suction flow path 141 may be provided to extend in an extending direction of the body housing 110 to connect the docking portion 140 and the collecting portion 150 to each other.

The docking part 140 may include a seating space 142 communicating with the suction flow path 141 and in which the dust collection chamber 20 is located. Docking portion 140 may include a docking opening 143, the docking opening 143 being configured to enable docking of the dust chamber 20 to the docking station 100 from outside the docking station 100.

At least a portion of the dust chamber 20 may be arranged to be inserted into the docking opening 143. The dust chamber 20 may be seated on the seating space 142 through the docking opening 143.

The docking opening 143 may open in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extending direction of the long axis of the body case 110. That is, the docking opening 143 may be opened in a second direction B perpendicular to the first direction a.

As described above, the docking station 100 is provided in a box shape extending in the upper direction. Accordingly, the docking opening 143 may be provided to open in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction of the docking station 100.

The seating space 142 may have one end disposed to communicate with the docking opening 143 and the other end disposed to communicate with the suction flow path 141. Accordingly, the seating space 142 may be provided in a curved shape in which the seating space 142 formed to extend in the second direction B is also formed to extend in the first direction a.

Since the docking opening 143 is provided to be open when facing the second direction B, the dust collection chamber 20 can be docked to the docking station 100 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the long axis of the body housing 110 extends. The cleaner 10 may be configured to be docked to the docking station 100 in a second orientation B.

The body housing 110 may include a docking surface 111, the docking surface 111 being provided at a side where the docking opening 143 is disposed and the cleaner 10 is docked. The abutting surface 111 may be provided to form one surface of the body case 110. The docking surface 111 may be disposed to face a second direction B, which is a direction in which the docking opening 143 is opened.

Although not shown, the abutting surface 111 may be provided in various shapes as well as a flat surface or a curved surface.

The abutting surface 111 may extend in a planar shape having a long axis extending in one direction. As described above, since the body case 110 is provided in a box shape extending in the first direction a (i.e., the up-down direction), the long axis of the abutting surface 111 may extend in a direction corresponding to the first direction a.

The docking opening 143 and the charging part 120 may be formed on the docking surface 111. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the charging part 120 may be disposed above the docking surface 111, in detail, above the docking surface 111 in an extending direction of the docking surface 111.

Cleaner 10 may be docked to docking station 100 in a direction facing docking surface 111 of docking station 100. The cleaner 10 may be configured to be docked to the docking station 100 in a second orientation B.

Cleaner 10 may be docked to docking station 100 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the long axis of docking surface 111 extends in docking station 100. The cleaner 10 may be configured to be docked to the docking station 100 in a second direction B perpendicular to the first direction a.

Thus, when the dust chamber 20 is docked to the docking station 100, the first direction a (i.e., the direction of extension of the long axis of the body housing 110) and the extension axis Y of the dust chamber 20 are disposed to face in directions substantially perpendicular to each other.

That is, the extension axis Y of the dust chamber 20 may be inserted into the docking opening 143 of the docking station 100 in a direction corresponding to the second direction B. Accordingly, in a state where the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100, the long axis X of the extension pipe 17 of the cleaner 10 may be arranged in a direction corresponding to the first direction a. This is because the long axis X of the extension pipe 17 and the extension axis Y of the dust chamber 20 are disposed perpendicular to each other.

When the dust chamber 20 is docked in a direction that is not perpendicular to the long axis of the docking station 100, the extension tube 17 of the cleaner 10 may be arranged to face in a direction other than the first direction a, such that the cleaner 10 docked to the docking station 100 without the extension tube 17 being detached by the user may be aesthetically displeasing and reduce the space efficiency of the space surrounding the docking station 100.

Furthermore, the usability of the docking station 100 may be reduced, since it is also difficult for a user to separate the extension pipe or suction unit, which may be coupled to the dust collection guide 15.

To address such a limitation, the cleaning apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided to allow the vacuum cleaner 10 to be docked to the docking station 100, and to allow the substances collected in the dust collection chamber 20 to be automatically discharged into the docking station 100 in a state where the extension pipe 17 or the suction unit 18 is coupled to the dust collection guide 15 of the cleaner 10.

That is, the cleaning apparatus 1 may be configured to arrange the direction in which the long axis X of the extension pipe 17 of the cleaner 10 faces in the first direction a, which is the direction in which the long axis of the docking station 100 extends, when the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100.

The dirt-collection chamber 20 may be arranged with a cyclonic separator 24 arranged therein. The dirt-collection chamber 20 may be arranged to collect foreign matter to the underside 24a of the cyclonic separator 24. The dust collection container 20 may include a first dust collection part 20a that primarily performs dust collection to collect relatively large foreign substances, and a second dust collection part 20b that performs dust collection through the cyclone 24 to collect relatively small foreign substances.

When the dust collection compartment door 21 is opened, both the first dust collection part 20a and the second dust collection part 20b may be provided to be opened outward.

Accordingly, when the dust collection chamber door 21 disposed at one end of the body 22 is opened, the foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber 20 may be easily discharged out of the dust collection chamber 20.

At least a portion of dust collection chamber 20 may be configured to be inserted into docking portion 140 through docking opening 143 when cleaner 10 is docked to docking station 100. Specifically, the dust collection chamber door 21 disposed at one end of the body 22 of the dust collection chamber 20 may be disposed in a seating region 142 provided within the docking portion 140.

Accordingly, when the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100, the dust collection chamber door 21 is opened within the docking part 140, so that foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber 20 can be discharged within the docking station 100 without being scattered to the outside of the docking station 100.

The suction flow path 141 may be connected from the docking part 140 to the collection part 150. The suction flow path 141 may transmit the air flow generated by the suction device 130 to the dust chamber 20. That is, the suction air flow generated by the suction device 130 passes through the collection part 150 and then reaches into the dust collection chamber 20 along the suction flow path 141 and the seating area 142, and the suction air flow causes foreign substances in the dust collection chamber 20 to be discharged from the dust collection chamber 20 to the seating area 142 along the flow of the air flow and then collected in the collection part 150 via the suction flow path 141.

The collecting part 150 may include a collecting part case 151. The collecting part housing 151 may form an inner space. The collection part 150 may include a dust bag 152 disposed in an inner space of the collection part 150 and collecting foreign substances introduced through the suction flow path 141.

The dust bag 152 is formed of a material that permeates air while blocking foreign substances, so that foreign substances introduced from the dust chamber 20 into the collecting part 150 can be collected.

The dust bag 152 may be directly connected to the suction flow path 141, and the dust bag 152 may be provided to be detachable from the collection part 150.

Although not shown in the drawings, the collecting part 150 may include a panel (not shown) that is separable from the body housing 110 so that the user can exchange the dust bag 152 from the outside when foreign substances are collected in the dust bag 152 by driving the docking station 100. The user may detach the panel (not shown) and open the collecting part housing 151 to separate the dust bag 152 from the collecting part 150 and discharge the foreign materials collected by the docking station 100.

Although not shown in the drawings, the collecting part 150 may include an additional dust collecting chamber (not shown) in addition to the dust collecting bag 152. The inner space of the additional dust chamber (not shown) may be provided to be larger than the inner space of the dust chamber 20, and a cyclone may be included to collect fine foreign substances, similar to the dust chamber 20.

The suction device 130 may include a suction fan 131 and a suction device housing 132 forming an inner space in which a suction fan 431 is disposed.

The suction air flow formed by the suction fan 131 may move from the inner space of the suction device housing 132, pass through the collection portion 150 and the suction flow path 141, to be finally supplied to the dust collection chamber 20.

The docking station 100 may include a flow altering device 160, the flow altering device 160 being configured to selectively alter the amount of suction air flow supplied to the dirt-collection chamber 50.

Air and foreign substances inside the dust collection chamber 20 may be discharged to the outside through the dust collection chamber door 21 of the dust collection chamber 20 along the suction flow path 141, but some foreign substances may be caught by the internal components of the dust collection chamber 20 and not discharged to the outside.

For example, foreign substances such as hairs may be caught in the internal components of the dust collection chamber 20 and thus fail to be separated from the dust collection chamber 20 by means of the generated suction air flow reaching the lower side of the dust collection chamber door 21, but remain inside the dust collection chamber 20.

The suction air flow delivered into the dust compartment 20 may be formed to face only a direction in which the dust compartment opening 23 of the dust compartment 20 is open. Accordingly, some foreign matter may have resistance to the direction in which the suction air flow is formed, and may not be separated from the dust chamber 20 by means of the suction air flow.

Therefore, the foreign materials in the dust collection chamber 20 may not be effectively removed.

The docking station 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a flow altering device 160 configured to selectively supply additional outside air to the dirt-collection chamber 20 in addition to the suction air flow to address the limitations described above.

The flow rate changing device 150 may change the flow rate in the dust collection chamber 20 while the suction air flow is being supplied into the dust collection chamber 20 such that the air in the dust collection chamber 20 is sucked by the suction device 130, thereby changing the flow of the air in the dust collection chamber 20 in a varying manner.

The flow changing device 160 may be disposed within the body housing 110. The flow rate changing device 160 may be disposed between the collecting part 150 and the suction device 130. Specifically, the flow rate changing device 160 may be disposed between the collecting part 150 and the flow path to which the suction device 130 is connected.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flow rate change device 160 may be disposed between the collection portion 150 and the suction flow path 141.

The suction device 130, the flow rate changing device 160, the collecting part 150, and the docking part 140 may be disposed within the body case 110.

The charging part 120, the docking part 140, the collecting part 150, the flow rate changing device 160, and the suction device 130 may be sequentially arranged with respect to the first direction a.

Accordingly, the docking station 100 may be provided in a box shape extending in the up-down direction (i.e., the first direction a).

As described above, the dust collecting container 20 may include the first dust collecting portion 20a that primarily performs dust collection to collect relatively large foreign substances, and the second dust collecting portion 20b that performs dust collection through the cyclone 24 to collect relatively small foreign substances.

Both the first dust collection part 20a and the second dust collection part 20b may be provided to be outwardly opened when the dust collection compartment door 21 is opened. In this case, when the dust collection container door 21 is opened, both the first dust collection part 20a and the second dust collection part 20b may be provided to be opened outward.

The dust collection chamber door 21 may include a coupling protrusion 21a and a cap 21b, the coupling protrusion 21a being provided to be coupled to the body 22 such that the dust collection chamber 20 is maintained in a closed state, the cap 21b being configured to prevent foreign substances collected in the second dust collection part 20b from being scattered to the outside when the dust collection chamber 20 is closed.

The dust collection chamber door 21 can open and close the dust collection chamber opening 23 while rotating about a rotation shaft 21c, which is disposed at one side of the body 22 where one end of the dust collection chamber opening 23 is formed.

The rotation shaft 21c may be disposed on an end of the body 22 at a side close to the handle 14. That is, the rotation shaft 21c may be disposed at a side opposite to the side where the extension pipe 17 is disposed with respect to the extension axis Y of the dust chamber 20.

This is to allow the rotational shaft 21c to be disposed in the first direction a onto the upper end of the dust chamber 20 when the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100, as described below.

The dust collection chamber 20 may include a fixing member 25, the fixing member 25 being disposed on the other side of one end of the body 22 and supporting the coupling protrusion 21a to prevent the dust collection chamber door 21 from being separated from the one end of the body 22.

The fixing member 25 may be hook-coupled with the coupling protrusion 21a to prevent the coupling protrusion 21a from being separated from the body 22.

The fixing member 25 may include an urging portion 25a provided to be rotated to release the hook coupling with the coupling protrusion 21a when pressed by an external force, and a hook portion 25a hook-coupled with the coupling protrusion 25a in association with the urging portion 25 a.

The fixing member 25 may include an elastic member (not shown) provided to maintain a hook coupling state of the hook portion 25b with the coupling protrusion 25a when the fixing member 25 is not pressed by the pressing portion 25 a.

The elastic member (not shown) may be provided to be biased in a state where the dust collection chamber door 21 is closed, so that the hook portion 25b is pressed in a direction toward the coupling protrusion 21a, thereby the hook coupling of the hook portion 25b and the coupling protrusion 21a is maintained.

When a force larger than the elastic force of an elastic member (not shown) is applied to the urging portion 25a, the hook portion 25b rotates in association with the urging portion 25a, and the hook coupling of the hook portion 25b with the coupling protrusion 21a can be released.

Therefore, when an external force is applied to the pushing portion 25a in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the body 22, the pushing portion 25a may rotate in a direction opposite to the radial direction of the body 22, and thus, the hook portion 25b may rotate in the radial direction of the body 22 to move in a direction away from the coupling protrusion 21 a.

Accordingly, the user can press the pressing portion 25a to open the dust chamber 20 and discharge the foreign substances collected in the dust chamber 20 to the outside of the dust chamber 20.

Hereinafter, technical features in which the cleaner 10 is docked on the docking station 100 to discharge foreign materials collected in the dust chamber 20 will be described in detail.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the vacuum cleaner before the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station in the cleaning apparatus according to the disclosed embodiment, fig. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the vacuum cleaner in a state in which the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station in the cleaning apparatus according to the disclosed embodiment, and fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the vacuum cleaner when the suction device is driven in a state in which the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station in the cleaning apparatus according to the disclosed embodiment.

As described above, the dust chamber 20 may be docked on the docking station 100 such that the extension axis Y faces in the second direction B. Thus, the dust chamber 20 may be docked on the docking station 100 such that the extension axis Y is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the first direction a (i.e. the direction of gravity).

When the extension axis Y of the dust collection chamber 20 is arranged in a direction corresponding to the gravity direction, the dust collection chamber opening 23 may be arranged to be opened downward, and the dust collection chamber door 21 may be arranged at the lower end of the dust collection chamber 20. In this case, when the fixing member 25 is pressed, the dust collection chamber door 21 may be separated from the body 22 by gravity and rotated about the rotation shaft 21c in the gravity direction, thereby causing the dust collection chamber opening 23 to be opened.

However, when the extending direction of the extending axis Y of the dust collection chamber 20 is arranged in the direction perpendicular to the gravity direction, the dust collection chamber door 21 may remain closed even when the fixing member 25 is pressed, as in the embodiment of the present disclosure, unless an additional external force is generated.

In particular, as described above, since the rotation shaft 21c of the dust collection chamber door 21 is disposed on the opposite side to the side on which the extension pipe 17 is disposed with respect to the extension axis Y of the dust collection chamber 20, the rotation shaft 21c may be disposed to be disposed at the upper end of the dust collection chamber 20 in the first direction a when the cleaner 10 is docked on the docking station 100, so that the dust collection chamber door 21 may be kept closed from the influence of gravity even in an openable state.

That is, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, since the dust collection chamber 20 is docked on the docking station 100 such that the extension axis Y of the dust collection chamber 20 faces the second direction B, the dust collection chamber door 21 can maintain the closed state even when the fixing member 25 is pressed within the docking part 140 in the docked state of the dust collection chamber 20.

The docking portion 140 may include an opening guide 145, the opening guide 145 being provided to press the pressing portion 25a when the dust collection chamber 20 is seated in the seating space 142 through the docking opening 143, so that the dust collection chamber door 21 is provided in an openable state.

The opening guide 145 may be disposed on a front inner circumferential surface 144, the front inner circumferential surface 144 being disposed at a front side of the seating space 142 in the second direction B, and the docking opening 143 is formed at a position of the seating space 142 where the docking opening 143 is connected.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening guide 145 may be formed as a partial region of the front inner circumferential surface 144. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the opening guide 145 may be provided as a region or a protruding surface protruding from the front inner circumferential surface 144 toward the center, or as a shape of a protrusion, a rib, or the like protruding from the inner circumferential surface toward the center.

The front inner circumferential surface 144 may be provided with dimensions substantially corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the body 22. Specifically, the circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the docking opening 143 and the circumference of the dust chamber body 22 may be set to be substantially the same.

That is, when dust collection chamber 20 is docked to docking station 100, front inner circumferential surface 144 and the outer circumferential surface of body 22 may be disposed facing each other with a predetermined distance therebetween.

Accordingly, when the dust collection chamber 20 is seated in the seating space 142 through the docking opening 143, the dust collection chamber 20 may move the outer circumferential surface of the body 22 in the second direction B along the front inner circumferential surface 144.

In this case, the pushing portion 25a protruding outward from the outer circumferential surface of the body 22 may be pressed against the opening guide 145.

Specifically, when the dust collection chamber 20 is moved in the second direction B, the pushing portion 25a disposed outside the outer circumferential surface of the body 22 is pressed by the opening guide 14 in the first direction a, which rotates the pushing portion 25a opposite to the radial direction of the outer circumferential surface of the body 22, so that the hook coupling between the hook portion 25B and the coupling protrusion 21a is released, thereby setting the dust collection chamber door 21 in an openable state.

However, as described above, the dust collection chamber door 21 is maintained in an openable state without being opened unless an additional external force is generated.

The dust collection chamber 20 may include a gasket 26 seated on the dust collection chamber door 21 to seal a space between the dust collection chamber door 21 and the inner circumferential surface 22a of the body 22. The gasket 26 may be formed of an elastic material, such as rubber, to seal a space between the inner circumferential surface 22a of the body 22 and the dust collection chamber door 21, thereby preventing foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber 20 from being scattered to the outside.

As described above, since the gasket 26 is formed of an elastic material, the gasket 26 may be biased or biased toward the inner circumferential surface 22a of the body 22 when the dust collection chamber door 21 is in a closed state.

That is, the gasket 26 is biased or biased in a radial direction of the body 22 with respect to the center of the body 22, so that the gasket 26 can elastically support the dust collection compartment door 21 when there is no external force on the dust collection compartment door 21 to prevent the dust collection compartment door 21 from being opened from the body 22.

Therefore, even when the fixing member 25 is pressed by the opening guide 145, the dust collection chamber door 21 is prevented from being separated from the body 22.

Thereafter, as shown in fig. 7, when the suction device 130 is driven and the suction air flow flows into the dust collecting chamber 20 through the seating space 142, the suction air flow provides an external force in a direction of opening the dust collecting chamber door 21 to the dust collecting chamber door 21, so that the dust collecting chamber door 21 is opened, and the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber 20 flow into the collecting part 150 through the seating space 142 and are thus collected in the collecting part 150.

The seating space 142 may be provided to allow the dust collection chamber 20 to be inserted therein and to allow the dust collection chamber door 21 to rotate within the seating space 142.

The docking part 140 may include a flow path guide 145, the flow path guide 145 being disposed in the seating space 142 on a side opposite to the docking opening 143 in the second direction B, and being formed as a curved surface.

The flow path guide may be provided in a curved shape in which the flow path guide connected to extend in the second direction B is connected to extend in the first direction a.

As described above, since the docking opening 143 is formed toward the second direction B and the suction device 130 is disposed under the docking portion 140 in the first direction a, the suction air flow generated by the suction device 130 and flowing toward the dust collection chamber 20 may collide with a portion in which the first and second directions a and B cross each other, which causes noise or pressure loss.

The flow path guide 145 may be formed in the seating space 142 on a side opposite to the docking opening 143 in the second direction B (the side being a portion in which the first direction a and the second direction B cross each other) to guide the suction air flow such that the suction air flow flowing in the first direction a smoothly flows in the second direction B, or vice versa.

Hereinafter, a cleaning apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The components of the present embodiment other than the dust collecting chamber 20 are the same as those of the cleaning apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner prior to docking to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a vacuum cleaner prior to docking to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 8, the dust collection chamber 20 may include an elastic member 27 disposed on the rotation shaft 21c of the dust collection chamber door 21.

The elastic member 27 may be provided in the same shape as the torsion spring.

The elastic member 27 may be provided to bias or bias the dust collection chamber door 21 toward the body 22.

Therefore, even when the dust collection chamber door 21 is set to an openable state due to the fixing member 25 of the dust collection chamber 20 being pressed, the dust collection chamber door 21 elastically supported by the elastic member 27 can be kept closed unless an external force is generated.

However, in this case, when the suction air flow is generated by the suction device 130, the suction air flow provides an external force in a direction of opening the dust collection chamber door 21 to the dust collection chamber door 21, so that the dust collection chamber door 21 is opened, and the foreign substances collected in the dust collection container 20 flow into the collection part 150 through the seating space 142 and are thus collected in the collection part 150.

In addition, referring to fig. 9, the dust collection chamber 20 may include a pair of magnetic members 28 disposed on the body 22 and the dust collection chamber door 21, respectively.

A first magnetic member 28a of the pair of magnetic members 28 may be disposed on the body 22, and a second magnetic member 28b of the pair of magnetic members 28 may be disposed on the dust collection compartment door 21.

Therefore, even when the dust collection chamber door 21 is set to the openable state due to the fixing member 25 of the dust collection chamber 20 being pressed, the dust collection chamber door 21 magnetically supported by the pair of magnetic members 28 can be kept closed unless an external force is generated.

Hereinafter, a cleaning apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The components of this embodiment are the same as those of the cleaning apparatus according to the above-described embodiment except for the opening guide, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of a vacuum cleaner in a state where the vacuum cleaner is docked to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment disclosed, and fig. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of a vacuum cleaner docked to a docking station in a cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment disclosed, in which an opening guide is driven.

Since the fixing member 25 is pressed in response to the dust collection chamber 20 being docked to the docking station state 1000, the dust collection door 21 may be maintained in an openable state. In this case, as described above, when there is no external force on the dust collection chamber door 21, the dust collection chamber door 21 is not opened.

However, when an undesired external force is applied to the docking station 100, the external force is applied to the dust collection chamber door 21, so that the dust collection chamber door 21 may be opened and foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber 20 may be scattered to the outside.

That is, in a state where the suction device 130 is not driven, when the dust collection chamber door 21 is opened by an external force other than the suction air flow, foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber 20 may be scattered to the outside of the docking station 100.

The docking station 100 may be configured to perform both a charging mode for charging the battery 16 of the cleaner 10 when the cleaner 10 is docked, and a suction mode for driving the suction device 130 to discharge foreign substances in the dust chamber 20, or to perform one of the charging mode and the suction mode.

That is, the user may control the docking station 100 such that only the charging mode is performed when the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 100. When the dust collection chamber door 21 is opened in a state where the suction mode is not operated, foreign substances may be scattered to the outside.

To address this limitation, docking stations 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include an opening guide 147 that allows the securing member 25 of the docked dust chamber 20 to be depressed only when the suction device 130 is actuated.

The opening guide 147 may be provided in the shape of a protrusion or a rib protruding from the front inner circumferential surface 144 toward the center of the front inner circumferential surface 144.

When the dust chamber 20 is inserted into the docking part 140 through the docking opening 143 and docked, the opening guide 147 may be disposed at an inner side of the docking part 140 in the second direction B away from the fixing member 25 of the dust chamber 20.

Accordingly, the opening guide 147 may be provided to prevent the fixing member 25 from being pressed in a state where the dust chamber 20 is docked.

Accordingly, since the fixing member 25 is not pressed even when the dust collection chamber 20 is docked to the docking portion 140, the dust collection chamber door 21 is prevented from being opened by an external force.

The docking portion 140 may include a driving device 148 interacting with the opening guide 147 to drive the opening guide 147.

The drive device 148 may drive the opening guide 147 to translate the opening guide 147 in the second direction B in accordance with a signal from a controller (not shown) of the docking station 100.

When the suction device 130 is driven, the driving device 148 may drive the opening guide 147 to move forward in the second direction B upon receiving a signal from a controller (not shown) of the docking station 100.

The drive device 148 may be provided in various configurations, such as a motor, a solenoid valve, and the like.

When the opening guide 147 moves forward, the opening guide 147 may be provided to press the fixing member 25, thereby setting the dust collection chamber door 21 to an openable state.

Accordingly, the opening guide 147 and the driving device 148 may allow the fixing member 25 to be selectively pressed such that the dust collection chamber door 21 is opened only when the suction device 130 is driven. Therefore, the foreign materials collected in the dust collection chamber 20 are prevented from being unintentionally dispersed to the outside.

In addition, although not shown in the drawings, the driving device 148 may be provided to be directly controlled by a user. That is, in addition to a controller (not shown) that controls the docking station 100 in accordance with the actuation of the suction device 130, the user may separately input a signal for actuating the actuation means 148 to actuate the actuation means 148.

The user may input a drive signal of the drive means 148 to a controller (not shown) of the docking station 100 so that the user may control the drive means 148 separately from the driving of the suction means 130.

Further, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in order for a user to directly move the opening guide 147 through an intermediate member (not shown) provided to interact with the opening guide 147 using a physical force, the present disclosure may include a button (not shown) or the like to interact with the intermediate member (not shown).

A button (not shown) may be disposed on one side of the body housing 110 to allow a user to easily open the dust collection chamber door 21 through the opening guide 147.

Hereinafter, a cleaning apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The components other than the docking station are the same as those of the cleaning apparatus according to the above-described embodiment, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to fig. 12, the body housing 210 of the docking station 200 may be configured to have a long axis extending in the first direction a.

Unlike the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure, the abutment surface 211 of the body housing 210 may be provided to have a long axis extending in the third direction D having an inclination with respect to the first direction a.

Therefore, the abutting surface 211 may be provided to extend in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction a (i.e., the up-down direction).

Since docking space 211 comprises a docking opening 143, dust chamber 20 is inserted into docking opening 143, cleaner 10 can be docked to docking station 100 in the direction of docking surface 211 in docking station 200. The cleaner 10 may be configured to be docked to the docking station 200 in a fourth direction E perpendicular to the third direction D. The fourth direction E may be disposed in a direction inclined with respect to the second direction B.

The cleaner 10 may be docked to the docking station 200 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the long axis of the docking surface 211 extends in the docking station 200. The cleaner 10 may be configured to be docked to the docking station 200 in a fourth direction E perpendicular to the third direction D.

Since the direction in which the cleaner 10 is docked to the docking station 200 is set in the fourth direction E that is inclined with respect to the second direction B (the second direction B is a horizontal direction), the user can easily dock the cleaner 10 to the docking station 200.

Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and scope of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, comprising:

a vacuum cleaner including a battery configured to generate a suction force and a dust collection chamber in which foreign substances sucked by the suction force are collected; and

a docking station connected to the vacuum cleaner and having a long axis extending in a first direction,

wherein the docking station comprises:

a charging section provided in contact with the battery to charge the battery;

a docking part connected to the dust collection chamber to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collection chamber; and

a suction device configured to suck the foreign matter and the internal air in the dust collecting chamber docked on the docking portion,

wherein the docking portion includes a docking opening that opens toward a second direction different from the first direction such that at least a portion of the dust collection chamber is inserted into the docking opening.

2. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the charging portion is provided above the docking portion in the first direction.

3. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first direction is disposed in a direction corresponding to an up-down direction of the docking station, and the second direction is disposed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is provided in a direction corresponding to an up-down direction of the docking station, and the second direction is provided in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction.

5. The cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the dust collecting chamber includes a body provided in a cylindrical shape formed around an extension axis extending in one direction, and

the dust collecting chamber is arranged to be inserted into the docking portion in an extension direction of the extension axis of the dust collecting chamber.

6. The cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises:

a suction unit configured to suction foreign matter; and

an extension pipe connecting the suction unit and the dust collection chamber to each other and having a long axis extending in one direction, and

the long axis of the extension pipe and the extension axis of the dust chamber are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other.

7. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner further comprises:

a suction unit configured to suction foreign matter; and

when the dust collection chamber is docked on the docking portion, the vacuum cleaner is supported on the docking station such that the long axis of the extension tube extends in a direction corresponding to the first direction.

8. The cleaning apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein the dirt collection chamber further comprises:

a dust collection chamber opening that is open in a direction corresponding to an extending direction of the extending axis of the body and is formed at one end of the body; and

a dust collection chamber door configured to open and close the dust collection chamber opening, and

the dust collection chamber door is configured to be disposed within the docking portion when the dust collection chamber is inserted into the docking opening.

9. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the dust collection chamber further comprises a fixing member provided to fix the dust collection chamber door to the body and release the fixation of the dust collection chamber door when pressed by an external force, and

the docking portion is configured to press the fixing member in response to the dust collection chamber being inserted into the docking opening.

10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the docking portion includes an opening guide configured to press the securing member in response to the dust chamber being inserted into the docking opening.

11. The cleaning apparatus of claim 9, wherein the dust collection chamber door is provided to rotate around a rotation shaft provided at one side of one end of the body, and

the dust compartment is arranged such that the rotation shaft is arranged in the first direction on an upper end of the dust compartment when the dust compartment is inserted into the docking opening.

12. The cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the dust collection chamber further includes an elastic member provided in an extending direction of the rotation shaft to bias the dust collection chamber door in a direction toward the body.

13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 11, wherein the dirt collection chamber further comprises a pair of magnetic members disposed on the body and the dirt collection chamber door, respectively.

14. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the dust collection chamber door is provided to be rotated about the rotation axis by means of a suction air flow formed in the suction device when the suction device is driven.

15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the docking station further comprises a collection portion configured to flow a suction airflow created by the suction device therethrough to collect foreign matter within the dust collection chamber,

wherein the charging part, the docking part, the collecting part, and the suctioning device are sequentially arranged in the first direction.