EP4374762A1

EP4374762A1 - Cleaner station

Info

Publication number: EP4374762A1
Application number: EP22846138.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kietak Hyun; Hyunsup Song; Jinho CHUNG
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2021-07-19
Filing date: 2022-07-14
Publication date: 2024-05-29
Also published as: WO2023003268A1; CN117677329A; KR20230013340A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station configured to be coupled to a cleaner to capture dust in a dust bin of the cleaner, and a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a station main body to which a cleaner is configured to be coupled, the station main body including a dust collecting motor configured to operate to provide a suction force in a dust bin of the cleaner, and a suction flow path provided so that air discharged from the inside of the dust bin flows, a dust collecting container disposed above the station main body and configured to capture dust flowing together with the air, an impactor flow path tube disposed outside and above the dust collecting container and configured to provide a flow path through which the air introduced through the suction flow path flows, and a discharge air moving part configured to provide a space in which discharge air, from which the dust is separated, is introduced and flows after being discharged from the impactor flow path tube, in which a direction in which the dust moves in the impactor flow path tube is different from a direction in which the suction force is applied to the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube.

Description

[Technical Field]

The present disclosure relates to a cleaner station coupled to a cleaner to capture dust in a dust bin of the cleaner, and more particularly, to a cleaner station equipped with a dust collecting container that is a member for capturing and storing dust and is provided in the form of a bin instead of a dust bag required to be periodically replaced by a user.

[Background Art]

In general, a cleaner refers to an electrical appliance that draws in small garbage or dust by sucking air by using electricity and fills a dust bin provided in a product with the garbage or dust. Such a cleaner is generally called a vacuum cleaner.
The cleaners may be classified into a manual cleaner which is moved directly by a user to perform a cleaning operation, and an automatic cleaner which performs a cleaning operation while autonomously traveling. Depending on the shape of the cleaner, the manual cleaners may be classified into a canister cleaner, an upright cleaner, a handy cleaner, a stick cleaner, and the like.
The canister cleaners were widely used in the past as household cleaners. However, recently, there is an increasing tendency to use the handy cleaner and the stick cleaner in which a dust bin and a cleaner main body are integrally provided to improve convenience of use.
In the case of the canister cleaner, a main body and a suction port are connected by a rubber hose or pipe, and in some instances, the canister cleaner may be used in a state in which a brush is fitted into the suction port.
The handy cleaner has maximized portability and is light in weight. However, because the handy cleaner has a short length, there may be a limitation to a cleaning region. Therefore, the handy cleaner is used to clean a local place such as a desk, a sofa, or an interior of a vehicle.
A user may use the stick cleaner while standing and thus may perform a cleaning operation without bending his/her waist. Therefore, the stick cleaner is advantageous for the user to clean a wide region while moving in the region. The handy cleaner may be used to clean a narrow space, whereas the stick cleaner may be used to clean a wide space and also used to a high place that the user's hand cannot reach. Recently, modularized stick cleaners are provided, such that types of cleaners are actively changed and used to clean various places.
In addition, recently, a robot cleaner, which autonomously performs a cleaning operation without a user's manipulation, is universally used. The robot cleaner automatically cleans a zone to be cleaned by sucking foreign substances such as dust from the floor while autonomously traveling in the zone to be cleaned.
However, because the stick cleaner or the robot cleaner in the related art has a dust bin with a small capacity for storing collected dust, which inconveniences the user because the user needs to empty the dust bin frequently.
In this regard, Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2020-0074001 discloses a cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station.
The patent document discloses the cleaning apparatus including the vacuum cleaner including the dust collecting container for collecting foreign substances, and the docking station connected to the dust collecting container and configured to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting container. The docking station includes the suction device configured to suck foreign substances in the dust collecting container.
In addition, the patent document includes the capturing part disposed in the docking station and configured to capture foreign substances.
However, the capturing part in the embodiment of the patent document is configured as a dust bag, which inconveniences the user because the user needs to periodically replace the dust bag. In addition, because of the nature of the material of the dust bag, there may occur a problem in that dust scatters during the process of separating the dust bag from the docking station to replace the dust bag.
Meanwhile, the patent document discloses the embodiment in which the capturing part includes the additional dust collecting container. The additional dust collecting container includes multiple cyclones and is configured such that air introduced into the additional dust collecting container passes through the multiple cyclones. Therefore, foreign substances discharged from the dust collecting container of the cleaner may be captured in the additional dust collecting container.
However, in another embodiment of the patent document, the multiple cyclones are accommodated in the additional dust collecting container, which causes a problem in that a dust accommodation capacity of the dust collecting container is decreased by volumes of the multiple cyclones. When the multiple cyclones are accommodated in the additional dust collecting container, the internal structure of the dust collecting container becomes complicated, which makes it difficult for the user to manage and wash the additional dust collecting container.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

An object of the present disclosure is to provide convenience for a user by providing a cleaner station including a debris storage member that is not required to be replaced.
Another object of the present disclosure is to improve convenience for a user by providing a cleaner station including a debris storage member (hereinafter, referred to as a 'dust collecting container') provided to be easy to wash and maintain.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to improve convenience for a user by providing a cleaner station including a dust collecting container having an increased dust storage capacity.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to improve convenience for a user by providing a cleaner station including a dust collecting container with improved dust storage efficiency.
Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to improve convenience for a user by providing a cleaner station configured such that dust does not scatter during a process of removing the dust from a dust collecting container.

[Technical Solution]

A cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a station main body to which a cleaner is configured to be coupled, the station main body including a dust collecting motor configured to operate to provide a suction force in a dust bin of the cleaner, and a suction flow path provided so that air discharged from the inside of the dust bin flows; a dust collecting container disposed above the station main body and configured to capture dust flowing together with the air; an impactor flow path tube disposed outside and above the dust collecting container and configured to provide a flow path through which the air introduced through the suction flow path flows; and a discharge air moving part configured to provide a space in which discharge air, from which the dust is separated, is introduced and flows after being discharged from the impactor flow path tube, in which a direction in which the dust moves in the impactor flow path tube is different from a direction in which the suction force is applied to the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube.
In this case, the cleaner station may further include: a rotary unit disposed in the dust collecting container and configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the dust collecting container along an inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container; and a compression plate disposed in a state of being fixed to one side in the dust collecting container to compress the dust collected when the rotary unit rotates.
In this case, the rotary unit may include: a rotary shaft disposed in the longitudinal direction of the dust collecting container and configured to rotate by receiving power from the outside of the dust collecting container; a scrubber provided to rotate together with the rotary shaft in a state in which the scrubber is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container; and a rotary plate connected between the rotary shaft and the scrubber and configured to rotate together with the rotary shaft to compress the dust while coming into contact with one surface of the compression plate.
In addition, the cleaner station may further include: a blocking plate coupled to the impactor flow path tube and provided to close at least a part of an upper side of the dust collecting container and at least a part of an upper side of the discharge air moving part; and an upper cover coupled to an upper portion of the blocking plate and configured to define a dust separation space disposed between the upper cover and the blocking plate and configured to accommodate the impactor flow path tube.
In addition, the blocking plate may include: a dust passing hole configured to allow the inside of the dust collecting container and the dust separation space to communicate with each other, the dust passing hole being provided so that the dust discharged from the impactor flow path tube passes through the dust passing hole; and a discharge air passing hole configured to allow the dust separation space and the discharge air moving part to communicate with each other, the discharge air passing hole being provided so that the air discharged from the impactor flow path tube passes through the discharge air passing hole.
In addition, the cleaner station may further include: a collision portion provided in the dust separation space and disposed along at least a part of an outer boundary of the dust passing hole, in which at least one surface of the collision portion is directed in a direction of an inertial force applied to the dust discharged from the impactor flow path tube.
In addition, the discharge air moving part may include: a discharge air moving part housing configured to define a space into which the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube is introduced; a prefilter disposed in the discharge air moving part housing and configured to additionally filter out the dust from the discharge air; and a suction flow path connection tube disposed in the discharge air moving part housing and configured to communicate with the suction flow path, and the impactor flow path tube may communicate with the suction flow path connection tube through one end thereof.
Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the impactor flow path tube may have a louver installed so that the air is discharged in a direction disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to a direction in which the air flows in the impactor flow path tube.
In this case, the louver may be installed in an opening of the impactor flow path tube directed laterally.
Alternatively, the louver may be installed in an opening the impactor flow path tube directly upward.
Meanwhile, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaner station may further include: a cyclone part configured to additionally filter out dust from the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube.
In this case, the cleaner station may further include: a blocking plate coupled to the impactor flow path tube and provided to close at least a part of an upper side of the dust collecting container and at least a part of an upper side of the discharge air moving part; and an upper cover coupled to an upper portion of the blocking plate and configured to define a dust separation space disposed between the upper cover and the blocking plate and configured to accommodate the impactor flow path tube.
In addition, the blocking plate may include a discharge air passing hole through which the air discharged from the cyclone part passes.
In addition, the discharge air moving part may include: a discharge air moving part housing configured to define a space in which dust filtered out by the cyclone part is stored; a suction flow path connection tube disposed in the discharge air moving part housing and configured to communicate with the suction flow path; and a dust collecting motor connection tube disposed in the discharge air moving part housing and configured to communicate with the dust collecting motor so that the air discharged from the cyclone part flows.

[Advantageous Effects]

According to the present disclosure, the cleaner station includes a bin-type member, instead of a bag-type member, as a debris storage member. Therefore, it is not necessary to periodically change the debris storage members, which may improve the economic feasibility and convenience for the user.
In addition, according to the present disclosure, the components for separating dust, such as the impactor flow path and/or the cyclone, are disposed outside the dust collecting container, such that the dust collecting container may be easily washed, which may improve the convenience related to the maintenance of the cleaner station.
In addition, according to the present disclosure, the components for separating dust, such as the impactor flow path and/or the cyclone, are disposed outside the dust collecting container, such that the space capable of storing dust in the dust collecting container may be increased, and thus the cycle for removing the dust in the dust collecting container by the user may be prolonged, thereby improving the convenience for the user.
In addition, according to the present disclosure, the dust captured in the dust collecting container may be stored by being compressed by the rotary unit provided in the dust collecting container, such that the efficiency in storing the dust in the dust collecting container may be improved, thereby improving the convenience for the user.
In addition, according to the present disclosure, the dust captured in the dust collecting container may be stored by being compressed by the rotary unit provided in the dust collecting container, such that the dust does not scatter during the process of removing the dust from the dust collecting container.

[Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a cleaner system including a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the cleaner configured to be coupled to the cleaner station in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a coupling part of the cleaner station in FIG. 1 to which the cleaner is coupled.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a dust separation module included in the cleaner station in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the dust separation module in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 4.
FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a rotary unit included in the dust separation module in FIG. 4.
FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a dust collecting container in FIG. 4 when viewed from the top side.
FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which components of the dust separation module are separated from a station main body.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the dust separation module included in the cleaner station in FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the dust separation module in FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an impactor flow path tube in FIG. 10 when viewed from the top side.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the dust separation module when viewed from the top side after a cyclone cover is excluded from the embodiment in FIG. 10.
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a view illustrating an impactor flow path tube of still another embodiment of the dust separation module included in the cleaner station in FIG. 1 when viewed from the top side.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 16.

[Mode for Invention]

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The present disclosure may be variously modified and may have various embodiments, and particular embodiments illustrated in the drawings will be specifically described below. The description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the particular embodiments, but it should be interpreted that the present disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.
The terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless clearly described as different meanings in the context.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. The terms such as those defined in a commonly used dictionary may be interpreted as having meanings consistent with meanings in the context of related technologies and may not be interpreted as ideal or excessively formal meanings unless explicitly defined in the present application.
FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a cleaner system including a cleaner station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of a cleaner configured to be coupled to the cleaner station in FIG. 1.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cleaner system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cleaner station 10 and a cleaner 20. Meanwhile, the present embodiment may be carried out without some of the above-mentioned components and does not exclude additional components.
The cleaner station 10 refers to a device configured to operate to suck and remove dust in a dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20. The cleaner 20 may be coupled to the cleaner station 10 to perform the dust suction operation. In this case, the cleaner 20 configured to be coupled to the cleaner station 10 may be a robot cleaner that performs a cleaning operation while autonomously traveling.
The cleaner 20 may automatically clean a zone to be cleaned by sucking debris such as dust from a floor while autonomously traveling in the zone to be cleaned. The cleaner 20 may include a distance sensor configured to detect a distance from an obstacle such as furniture, office supplies, or walls installed in the zone to be cleaned, and left and right wheels for moving the cleaner. The cleaner 20 may be coupled to the cleaner station 10. The dust sucked into the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 may be collected in the cleaner station 10 through a suction hole 123 to be described below.
The cleaner 20 may include a dust discharge hole 22. In this case, the dust discharge hole 22 may be disposed in a bottom surface of the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20. Therefore, the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 may communicate with a suction flow path 130 to be described below. For example, the dust discharge hole 22 may be provided in the form of a quadrangular hole. However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the dust discharge hole 22 is not limited.
The cleaner 20 may include a discharge cover 23. In this case, the discharge cover 23 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the dust discharge hole 22 and configured to close the dust discharge hole 22. To this end, the discharge cover 23 may be disposed in the dust discharge hole 22. In addition, one side of the discharge cover 23 may be defined as a fixed end fixed to the dust discharge hole 22, and the other side of the discharge cover 23 may be defined as a free end. With this configuration, when a suction force is generated toward the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20, the free end may move downward (a direction toward the suction hole 123 of a coupling part 120) in a state in which the fixed end is fixed, such that the dust discharge hole 22 may be opened. When the suction force, which is applied toward the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20, is eliminated, the free end of the discharge cover 23 may move upward and close the dust discharge hole 22 again. As described above, in accordance with the movement direction of the free end, the discharge cover 23 may allow the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 to communicate with a suction tube 126 or close the dust bin 21 and the suction tube 126.
The cleaner 20 may include corresponding terminals 24 used to charge a battery when the cleaner 20 is coupled to the cleaner station 10. The corresponding terminals 24 may be disposed at positions at which the corresponding terminals 24 may be connected to charging terminals 126a and 126b of the cleaner station 10 in the state in which the cleaner 20 is coupled to the cleaner station 10. For example, the corresponding terminals 24 may be provided as a pair of corresponding terminals 24 disposed on a bottom surface of the cleaner 20. When the corresponding terminals 24 and the charging terminals 126a and 126b are electrically connected, power is supplied from the cleaner station 10 to the cleaner 20, such that the cleaner 20 may be charged.
The cleaner station 10 may include a station main body 100 and a dust separation module 200.
The directions, which will be described throughout the specification, will be defined prior to the description of the specific configuration of the cleaner station 10. When a direction in which the cleaner 20 moves to be coupled to the cleaner station 10 is defined as a forward/rearward direction, one side at which the cleaner 20 is coupled to the cleaner station 10 may be defined as a front side. Further, the opposite side to the front side is defined as a rear side. In addition, a direction parallel to a major axis A1 of the station main body 100 may be defined as an upward/downward direction.
The station main body 100 is configured to be coupled to the cleaner 20 and suck the dust in the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 into the inside of the station main body 100. The station main body 100 may have the major axis A1 disposed to extend in the upward/downward direction.
The station main body 100 may include a housing 110 having an internal space surrounded by a plurality of outer walls. Various types of components may be accommodated in the space and protected from external impact. For example, the components may be a dust collecting motor 140 configured to generate a suction force in the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20, a power source module configured to charge the cleaner 20, and a control circuit configured to control an overall operation of the cleaner station 10.
The plurality of outer walls of the housing 110 may define an external shape of the station main body 100. For example, the housing 110 may have an external shape similar to a quadrangular column. More specifically, the housing 110 may have a shape similar to a quadrangular column as a whole, and a part of the housing 110, to which the cleaner 20 is coupled, may have a shape bent rearward. However, the external shape of the housing 110 may be variously changed within a range of functions of the housing 110 that may be coupled to the cleaner 20, define a space in the cleaner station 10, and accommodate and protect the above-mentioned components.
Meanwhile, the plurality of outer walls may include a front surface wall 110a disposed at the front side, a rear surface wall 110b disposed to face the front surface wall 110a and be directed rearward, and lateral surface walls 110c and 110d disposed between the front surface wall 110a and the rear surface wall 110b. The coupling part 120, to which the cleaner 20 is coupled, may be provided on the front surface wall 110a. The front surface wall 110a may be provided to have a shape bent rearward to correspond to the shape in which the cleaner 20 is coupled. The rear surface wall 110b may be provided in the form of a flat surface in contrast to the front surface wall 110a. Therefore, in an indoor space in which the cleaner station 10 is placed, the rear surface wall 110b may be disposed adjacent to a wall of the indoor space, which may improve spatial utilization efficiency of the indoor space. In addition, a power line for supplying power to the cleaner station 10 may be extended from the rear surface wall 110b. The lateral surface walls 110c and 110d may be respectively provided at the left and right sides to connect the front surface wall 110a and the rear surface wall 110b. In this case, at least one edge, which connects the front surface wall 110a and the lateral surface walls 110c and 110d or connects the rear surface wall 110b and the lateral surface walls 110c and 110d, may be provided to have a predetermined radius of curvature.
A partial region of the housing 110 may be configured to open or close the internal space of the housing 110 and the outside of the housing 110. For example, a housing opening cover (not illustrated) configured to be openable and closable may be provided in a partial region of the front surface wall 110a. The housing opening cover may be disposed to open or close an adjacent region in which a HEPA filter 150 to be described below is disposed.
The station main body 100 may further include the coupling part 120 to which the cleaner 20 is coupled. The cleaner 20 may climb an upper surface of the coupling part 120 and be coupled to the cleaner station 10. The coupling part 120 may be disposed on one of the outer walls that constitute the housing 110. For example, as in the embodiment in FIG. 1, the coupling part 120 may be disposed on the front surface wall. A structure of the coupling part 120 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.
The station main body 100 may further include the suction flow path 130.
The suction flow path 130 may be disposed in the internal space of the housing 110. The suction flow path 130 may be coupled to the coupling part 120 and provided in the form of a hollow tube to suck the dust in the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20. That is, the air containing the dust discharged from the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 may flow in the suction flow path 130. One end of the suction flow path 130 is coupled to the suction hole 123 of the coupling part 120. Therefore, when the cleaner 20 is coupled to the cleaner station 10, the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 may communicate with the suction flow path 130 through the suction hole 123.
The suction flow path 130 may include a first suction flow path 130a and a second suction flow path 130b (see FIG. 1). A longitudinal axis of the first suction flow path 130a may be disposed in parallel with the major axis A1 of the station main body 100. One end of the second suction flow path 130b may be connected to the first suction flow path 130a. In addition, the second suction flow path 130b may be disposed at a lower side of the coupling part 120 and extend in the forward/rearward direction. The other end of the second suction flow path 130b may be connected to the suction hole 123. Therefore, when the cleaner 20 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the other end of the second suction flow path 130b may communicate with the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20.
The station main body 100 may further include the dust collecting motor 140.
The dust collecting motor 140 may be disposed in the internal space of the housing 110. The dust collecting motor 140 may provide a suction force in the dust bin 21 so that the dust in the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 moves through the suction flow path 130. More specifically, when the dust collecting motor 140 operates, a flow of air is generated in a direction from the upper side toward the lower side of the station main body 100, such that a suction force directed from the dust separation module 200, which will be described below, toward the dust collecting motor 140 may be generated. In the suction flow path 130, the suction force may be applied in the direction in which the suction force sucks the dust in the dust bin 21.
The station main body 100 may further include the HEPA filter 150.
The HEPA filter 150 may be accommodated in the housing 110. The HEPA filter 150 may be disposed at an appropriate position at which the HEPA filter 150 may finally filter the air, which has passed through the dust collecting motor 140, before the air is discharged to the outside of the housing 110. In the possible embodiment, the HEPA filter 150 may be disposed below the dust collecting motor 140. Alternatively, in the possible embodiment, the HEPA filter 150 may be disposed forward of the dust collecting motor 140. Alternatively, in the possible embodiment, the HEPA filter 150 may be disposed rearward of the dust collecting motor 140.
The station main body 100 may further include a controller (not illustrated).
The controller may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 110. The controller may determine whether the cleaner 20 is coupled to the cleaner station 10, and the controller may control the overall subsequent suction operation. In this case, the controller may include any type of device capable of processing data, such as a processor. Here, the 'processor' may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware and having, for example, a circuit physically structured to perform a function represented by codes or instructions included in a program. Examples of the data processing device embedded in hardware may include processing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
The station main body 100 may further include the power source module (not illustrated).
The power source module may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 110 and convert alternating current power, which is supplied from the outside of the housing 110, into direct current power. When the cleaner 20 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the power source module may supply electric power to the cleaner 20 to charge the battery of the cleaner 20.
The housing 110 of the station main body 100 may have an air discharge part (not illustrated). The air discharge part may include a plurality of holes formed through the inside and outside of the housing 110 so that the air having passed through the HEPA filter 150 is discharged to the outside of the housing 110. In the possible embodiment, the air discharge part may be formed in the front surface wall. Alternatively, in the possible embodiment, the air discharge part may be formed in the rear surface wall 110b. Alternatively, in the possible embodiment, the air discharge part may be formed in the lateral surface walls 110c and 110d.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the coupling part of the cleaner station in FIG. 1 to which the cleaner is coupled.
With reference to FIG. 3, the coupling part 120 may include a coupling surface 120a. The coupling surface 120a may mean a surface formed by bending the front surface wall of the housing 110, i.e., a surface directed upward. In addition, the coupling surface 120a may mean a surface facing the bottom surface of the cleaner 20 based on the state in which the cleaner 20 is coupled. The cleaner 20 may approach the coupling part 120 from a location disposed forward of the coupling part 120 and be seated on the coupling surface 120a while climbing the coupling part 120. A shape of the coupling surface 120a may correspond to a shape of the bottom surface of the cleaner 20. For example, the coupling surface 120a may have a rectangular shape. However, in the possible embodiment, the shape of the coupling surface 120a may be different from the shape of the bottom surface of the cleaner 20.
The coupling part 120 may include rolling portions 121 over which the left and right wheels of the cleaner 20 pass when the cleaner 20 climbs the coupling part 120 so as to be coupled to the coupling part 120. The rolling portions 121 may be disposed to be respectively adjacent to left and right ends of the coupling part 120 based on the state in which the coupling part 120 is viewed from the front side. In order to guide the movements of the left and right wheels of the cleaner 20, an interval between the left and right rolling portions 121 may correspond to an interval between the left and right wheels of the cleaner 20. In addition, the rolling portions 121 may have shapes recessed downward from the coupling surface 120a of the coupling part 120 so that the left and right wheels of the cleaner 20 do not deviate from movement routes when the left and right wheels of the cleaner 20 move. That is, the rolling portion 121 may be defined as a region concavely depressed downward with respect to the coupling surface 120a adjacent to the rolling portion 121.
In addition, the rolling portions 121 may have wheel seating portions 122 configured to support the left and right wheels of the cleaner 20 so that the cleaner 20 does not move in the state in which the cleaner 20 is completely coupled to the coupling part 120. The wheel seating portions 122 may be defined as concave regions depressed to have curved surfaces to surround and support the left and right wheels of the cleaner 20 on the rolling portions 121.
A plurality of protrusions may be provided at predetermined intervals on an upper surface of the rolling portion 121 and protrude upward. The plurality of protrusions may define concave-convex portions on the rolling portion 121 to prevent the left and right wheels from slipping.
The coupling part 120 may include the suction hole 123 provided to correspond to the position at which the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 is disposed based on the state in which the cleaner 20 is coupled to the coupling part 120. The suction flow path 130 and the dust bin 21 may communicate with each other through the suction hole 123. The suction hole 123 may be provided in a protruding portion 124 protruding upward from the coupling surface 120a. The protruding portion 124 may protrude by a height that may compensate for a position difference between the discharge hole of the cleaner 20 and the coupling surface 120a when the wheels of the cleaner 20 are seated on the wheel seating portions 122. Because the suction hole 123 is provided in the protruding portion 124, it is possible to prevent the suction force from decreasing when the dust bin 21 communicates with the suction flow path 130.
In this case, a caster guide portion 125 may be formed on the protruding portion 124 and have a height equal to the height of the coupling surface 120a in order to guide a movement of a caster. From another point of view, the protruding portions 124 may be respectively formed at the left and right sides and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval in order to maintain left and right balances of the cleaner 20, and one region of the coupling surface 120a between the protruding portions 124, which are spaced apart from each other, may be defined as the caster guide portion 125.
The suction hole 123 may be disposed to correspond to the position at which the dust discharge hole 22 of the cleaner 20 is disposed when the cleaner 20 is coupled to the coupling part 120. The suction hole 123 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the dust discharge hole 22 of the cleaner 20. For example, the suction hole 123 may be provided in the form of a quadrangular hole.
Meanwhile, the second suction flow path 130b may be accommodated in the internal space of the housing 110 disposed below the coupling part 120, and an end of the second suction flow path 130b may be connected to the suction hole 123. That is, when the discharge cover 23 of the cleaner 20 opens the dust discharge hole 22, the second suction flow path 130b and the inside of the dust bin 21 may communicate with each other through the suction hole 123.
The coupling part 120 may include a charging part 126 electrically connected to the cleaner 20 and configured to supply electric power to charge the cleaner 20. The charging part 126 may include charging terminals respectively provided at left and right sides, one for each side, based on the state in which the coupling part 120 is viewed from the front side. When the cleaner 20 is coupled to the coupling part 120, the corresponding terminals 24 of the cleaner 20 are electrically connected to the charging terminals, and the power source module provided in the housing 110 supplies electric power to the cleaner 20, such that the cleaner 20 may be charged. An interval between the left and right charging terminals may be substantially equal to an interval between the corresponding terminals 24 of the cleaner 20.
Hereinafter, various embodiments of the dust separation module 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 18.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the dust separation module included in the cleaner station in FIG. 1, FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the dust separation module in FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a rotary unit included in the dust separation module in FIG. 4, and FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a dust collecting container in FIG. 4 when viewed from the top side.
With reference to FIG. 4, the dust separation module 200 may include a dust capturing part 210, a dust separating part 220, and a discharge air moving part 230.
The dust capturing part 210 may include a dust collecting container 211.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the dust collecting container 211 may be disposed above the station main body 100 and configured to capture dust flowing together with air. The dust collecting container 211 may have a cylindrical shape. A longitudinal axis of the dust collecting container 211 may be disposed in parallel with the major axis of the station main body 100. A lower end of the dust collecting container 211 may be disposed to be in contact with an upper surface of the station main body 100, and an upper end of the dust collecting container 211 may be opened. The upper end of the dust collecting container 211 may be coupled to a blocking plate 222 to be described below, and at least a part of the opened upper end of the dust collecting container 211 may be closed by the blocking plate 222. The dust collecting container 211 may be made of a transparent material so that the interior of the dust collecting container 211 is visible. Therefore, a user may recognize a degree to which dust is captured, and the user may easily determine whether to remove the dust captured in the dust collecting container 211. The dust collecting container 211 may be made of a washable material. For example, the dust collecting container 211 may be made of a plastic material.
In case that a dust storage member provided in the cleaner station 10 is a bag-type dust bag, the user needs to periodically change the dust bags. In this case, in case that the dust bag has a small capacity, there is a problem in that the user needs to frequently change the dust bags, which degrades the convenience for the user. In contrast, in case that the dust bag has a large capacity, there may occur a problem in that the user needs to wait until the dust bag is fully filled with dust, and a replacement cycle increases, which may cause the proliferation of bacteria inside the dust bag.
In contrast, as in the embodiment of the present disclosure, in case that the bin-type dust collecting container 211 is provided as the dust storage member, the dust collecting container 211 may be used semi-permanently without being required to be replaced, such that the dust collecting container 211 is economical. Further, because the dust collecting container 211 is washable, the dust may be removed, and the dust collecting container 211 may be washed at any desired time, such that the cleaner station 10 may be more hygienically managed.
The dust capturing part 210 may further include a rotary unit 212 and a compression plate 213.
With reference to FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the rotary unit 212 may be disposed in the dust collecting container 211 and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the dust collecting container 211 along an inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container 211. More specifically, the rotary unit 212 may include a rotary shaft 2123, a scrubber 2122, and a rotary plate 2121.
The rotary shaft 2123 may be disposed in the longitudinal direction of the dust collecting container 211 and rotate by receiving power from the outside of the dust collecting container 211. The rotary shaft 2123 may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the dust collecting container 211. A lower end of the rotary shaft 2123 may be connected to a lower surface of the dust collecting container 211 so as to receive power from the outside. The rotary shaft 2123 may extend to be adjacent to the upper end of the dust collecting container 211.
The rotary plate 2121 may be connected between the rotary shaft 2123 and the scrubber 2122 and rotate together with the rotary shaft 2123. The rotary plate 2121 may be formed such that one end of the rotary plate 2121 is connected to the rotary shaft 2123, and the other end of the rotary plate 2121 extends outward in a radial direction of the dust collecting container 211. For example, the rotary plate 2121 may be provided in the form of a quadrangular flat plate. A length of the rotary plate 2121 in the upward/downward direction may be similar to a length of the dust collecting container 211. When the rotary plate 2121 rotates together with the rotary shaft 2123, one large surface of the rotary plate 2121 comes into contact with one large surface of the compression plate 213 to be described below, such that the dust collected between the rotary plate 2121 and the compression plate 213 may be compressed.
The scrubber 2122 may be configured to rotate together with the rotary shaft 2123 in a state in which the scrubber 2122 is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container 211. The scrubber 2122 may be coupled to a side of the rotary plate 2121 opposite to the side at which the rotary shaft 2123 is disposed. In this case, one side of the scrubber 2122 may be in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container 211. Therefore, the scrubber 2122 may scrub the inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container 211 when the scrubber 2122 rotates together with the rotary plate 2121. The scrubber 2122 may be made of a material with flexibility. For example, the scrubber 2122 may be made of a rubber material.
The compression plate 213 may be disposed in a state of being fixed to one side in the dust collecting container 211 to compress the dust collected when the rotary unit 212 rotates (see FIG. 8). The compression plate 213 may be formed such that one end of the compression plate 213 is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container 211, and the other end of the compression plate 213 extends inward in the radial direction of the dust collecting container 211. The compression plate 213 may be formed in a shape substantially identical to the shape of the rotary plate 2121. For example, the compression plate 213 may be provided in the form of a quadrangular flat.
Meanwhile, with reference back to FIG. 7, the dust capturing part 210 may further include a dust compression motor 214.
The dust compression motor 214 may provide power for rotating the rotary shaft 2123. The dust compression motor 214 may be disposed outside the dust collecting container 211 and connected to the rotary shaft 2123 through the lower surface of the dust collecting container 211. In the possible embodiment, the dust compression motor 214 may be connected directly to the rotary shaft 2123 through a shaft of the dust compression motor 214 that penetrates the lower surface of the dust collecting container 211. Alternatively, in the possible embodiment, the dust compression motor 214 and the rotary shaft 2123 may be connected through a dust compression gear part 215. In this case, the dust compression gear part 215 may include at least one gear component. A sensor may be disposed at one side of the dust compression motor 214 and detect a rotation degree of the rotary shaft 2123 in order to control and stop the rotary shaft 2123. The sensor may be a micro-switch.
The dust compression motor 214 may be controlled by the controller. In the possible embodiment, the rotation direction of the dust compression motor 214 may be changed. For example, the rotary plate 2121 may rotate in a first direction and compress the dust while meeting the compression plate 213. In addition, the rotary plate 2121 may rotate in a second direction, which is reverse to the first direction, and compress the dust while meeting the compression plate 213.
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the dust captured in the dust collecting container 211 may be compressed and stored by the rotary unit 212 and the compression plate 213. Therefore, a capacity capable of collecting the dust is increased compared to an actual capacity of the dust collecting container 211, and the efficiency in storing dust in the dust collecting container 211 is improved, such that the convenience for the user may be improved. In addition, because the dust is compressed in the dust collecting container 211, the dust does not scatter during the process of removing the dust from the dust collecting container 211.
Meanwhile, the dust compression motor 214 and the dust collecting container 211 may be provided separably. That is, the dust compression motor 214 may be disposed outside the dust collecting container 211. The rotary shaft 2123, the rotary plate 2121. The compression plate 213 may be accommodated in the dust collecting container 211, and the compression plate 213, together with the dust collecting container 211, may be separated from the dust compression motor 214. As described above, because the dust compression motor 214 is disposed outside the dust collecting container 211, the interior of the dust collecting container 211 may be easily washed with water.
Next, the dust separating part 220 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
The dust separating part 220 is configured to perform a function of separating dust from the air, which flows through the suction flow path 130, and capturing the dust in the dust collecting container 211. The dust separating part 220 may be disposed above the dust collecting container 211. The dust separating part 220 may include an impactor flow path tube 221, the blocking plate 222, and an upper cover 223.
The impactor flow path tube 221 may be disposed outside and above the dust collecting container 211 and provide a flow path through which the air, which is introduced through the suction flow path 130, flows. In this case, as known, the impactor is configured to use a phenomenon in which when debris particles such as dust introduced through an inlet move along a flow path for air, the particles having large sizes and thus receiving a high inertial force are captured without moving along the flow.
The impactor flow path tube 221 may be configured such that a direction in which the dust moves in the impactor flow path tube 221 is different from a direction in which a suction force is applied to the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube 221. Therefore, the dust contained in the air may be captured in the dust collecting container 211 by the inertial force.
One end of the impactor flow path tube 221 may be connected to the suction flow path 130 so that the air is introduced through the suction flow path 130. The other end of the impactor flow path tube 221 may be opened so that the air containing dust may be discharged.
The blocking plate 222 may be coupled to the impactor flow path tube 221 and configured to close at least a part of an upper side of the dust collecting container 211 and at least a part of an upper side of the discharge air moving part 230 to be described below. The blocking plate 222 may be separably coupled to the upper end of the dust collecting container 211 and serve as a cover of the dust collecting container 211. That is, the user may separate the dust collecting container 211 and the blocking plate 222 and then separate the dust collecting container 211 and the station main body 100. Therefore, the dust captured in the dust collecting container 211 may be discharged and removed through the opened upper end of the dust collecting container 211.
The upper cover 223 may be coupled to an upper portion of the blocking plate 222. A dust separation space may be formed between the upper cover 223 and the blocking plate 222 and accommodate the impactor flow path tube 221. More specifically, the upper cover 223 may include a first cover part 2231 and a second cover part 2232. The first cover part 2231 may be provided in the form of a flat plate having substantially the same shape as the blocking plate 222. The second cover part 2232 meets the first cover part 2231 at a right angle at an edge of the first cover part 2231, and the second cover part 2232 extends downward by a predetermined length from the edge of the first cover part 2231. A lower end of the second cover part 2232 may be coupled to the blocking plate 222. A lower end of the upper cover 223 may be opened, and a space may be provided in the upper cover 223. That is, an upper end of the second cover part 2232 may be closed by the blocking plate 222, and the lower end of the second cover part 2232 may be opened.
Meanwhile, in the dust separation space, relatively large dust may be separated from the air introduced from the station main body 100. The dust separation space may be a space in which the air flows and large dust particles are separated, and at the same time, the dust separation space may be a space that protects the impactor flow path tube 221 from external impact.
Hereinafter, the discharge air moving part 230 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
The discharge air moving part 230 is configured to provide a space in which the discharge air from which the dust is separated is introduced and flows after being discharged from the impactor flow path tube 221. The discharge air moving part 230 may be disposed above the station main body 100 (see FIG. 1). The discharge air moving part 230 may be disposed rearward of the dust collecting container 211. The discharge air moving part 230 may be disposed below the dust separating part 220. That is, the dust capturing part 210 and the discharge air moving part 230 may be provided above the station main body 100 and disposed in parallel with each other in the forward/rearward direction. The dust separating part 220 may be disposed above the dust capturing part 210 and the discharge air moving part 230. In the possible embodiment, the dust capturing part 210 and the discharge air moving part 230 may also be disposed in parallel with each other in the leftward/rightward direction.
The discharge air moving part 230 may include a discharge air moving part housing 223 configured to define a space into which the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube 221 is introduced, a prefilter 232 disposed in the discharge air moving part housing 223 and configured to additionally filter out the dust from the discharge air, and a suction flow path connection tube 231 disposed in the discharge air moving part housing 223 and configured to communicate with the suction flow path 130.
In this case, a part of an external shape of the discharge air moving part housing 223 may be provided to surround the dust collecting container 211, and the remaining part of the external shape of the discharge air moving part housing 223 may be provided to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the housing 110 of the station main body 100. A discharge port, from which the air is discharged, may be disposed in a lower portion of the discharge air moving part housing 223, and the discharge port may communicate with the dust collecting motor. An upper side of the discharge air moving part housing 223 may be opened. The discharge air moving part housing 223 may be coupled to the blocking plate 222. In this case, a partial region of the upper side of the discharge air moving part housing 223 may be closed by the blocking plate 222.
The air, which is discharged after large dust particles are captured in the dust collecting container 211, may be filtered once more by the prefilter 232. The prefilter 232 may be disposed to face a movement route through which the discharge air is discharged (see FIG. 6). In addition, the prefilter 232 may be disposed in the discharge port that communicates with the dust collecting motor 140. In addition, a shape of the prefilter 232 may be substantially identical to a shape of the discharge port so that there is no air that is discharged from the discharge port without passing through the prefilter 232. In addition, the shape of the prefilter 232 may be substantially identical to a shape of a discharge air passing hole 2222 to be described below.
A lower end of the suction flow path connection tube 231 may communicate with the first suction flow path 130a. An upper end of the suction flow path connection tube 231 may communicate with the impactor flow path tube 221 (see FIG. 5). That is, one end of the impactor flow path tube 221 may be connected to the suction flow path connection tube 231 and communicate with the first suction flow path 130a. Therefore, the air, which is discharged from the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 and introduced into the suction flow path 130, may be delivered to the impactor flow path tube 221.
Meanwhile, the blocking plate 222 may further include a dust passing hole 2221 configured to allow the inside of the dust collecting container 211 and the dust separation space to communicate with each other, the dust passing hole 2221 being provided such that the dust discharged from the impactor flow path tube 221 passes through the dust passing hole 2221, and the discharge air passing hole 2222 configured to allow the dust separation space and the discharge air moving part 230 to communicate with each other, the discharge air passing hole 2222 being provided such that the air discharged from the impactor flow path tube 221 passes through the discharge air passing hole 2222 (see FIG. 6).
Further, the impactor flow path tube 221 may include a first flow path tube 2211 extending in the upward/downward direction, and a second flow path tube 2212 connected to the first flow path tube 2211 and extending in a direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the first flow path tube 2211 (see FIG. 5). One end of the first flow path tube 2211 may be connected to the suction flow path connection tube 231, and the other end of the first flow path tube 2211 may be connected to the second flow path tube 2212. One end of the second flow path tube 2212 may be connected to the first flow path tube 2211, and the other end of the second flow path tube 2212 may be opened at a position adjacent to the dust passing hole 2221.
Hereinafter, a process in which dust is captured in the dust collecting container 211 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6.
The air, which is introduced into the impactor flow path tube 221 through the suction flow path 130 and the suction flow path connection tube 231, moves together with dust in a first direction D1. In this case, the suction force of the dust collecting motor 140 is applied in a second direction D2 toward the discharge air passing hole 2222. That is, because the first direction D 1 and the second direction D2 are directed differently, the dust, which moves at the moment when the air is discharged from the opened end of the impactor flow path tube 221, continuously moves in the direction D1 by receiving an inertial force that is a force that moves the dust in the direction in which the dust has moved. Further, the air flows in the direction D2 in which the suction force is applied, such that the air is introduced into the discharge air moving part 230.
In this case, in order to capture the dust by using the inertial force, the impactor flow path tube 221 needs to be formed such that the direction D1, i.e., the direction in which the second flow path tube 2212 extends (or the movement direction of the dust or the direction in which the inertial force is applied to the dust) is different from the direction D2, i.e., the direction in which the suction force is applied to the air in the dust separation space.
Meanwhile, the dust is separated from the air moving in the direction D2, continuously moves in the direction D1, collides with the upper cover 223, and then falls through the dust passing hole 2211, such that the dust may be captured in the dust collecting container 211. The air, which moves in the direction D2 and is introduced into the discharge air moving part 230, may be filtered once more while passing through the prefilter 232 and then discharged to the outside of the housing 110.
Meanwhile, the dust separating part 220 may further include a collision portion 224.
With reference to FIG. 6, the collision portion 224 may be provided in the dust separation space and disposed along at least a part of an outer boundary of the dust passing hole 2221. More specifically, the collision portion 224 may extend in the upward/downward direction in the dust separation space and be disposed in a region of the outer boundary of the dust passing hole 2221 that faces the opened end of the impactor flow path tube 221. That is, at least one surface of the collision portion 224 may be disposed to be directed in the direction of the inertial force applied to the dust discharged from the impactor flow path tube 221. When the dust separation space is viewed from the top side, the collision portion 224 may include a first collision portion 2241 having a semicircular shape connected to an inner wall of the second cover part 2232, and second collision portions 2242 connected to the first collision portion 2241 and extending toward the impactor flow path tube 221. The second collision portion 2242 may extend in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the second flow path tube 2212 of the impactor flow path tube 221 and be disposed to define a predetermined interval from an outer peripheral surface of the second flow path tube 2212.
With this configuration, the air discharged from the impactor flow path tube 221 may collide with the collision portion 224, and a flow direction of the air may be rapidly changed along the inner wall surface of the collision portion 224. Therefore, this configuration makes it more difficult for the dust to flow along a flow of air, such that the efficiency in capturing the dust may be further improved.
According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, because large dust particles are captured by using the inertial force, a mesh made of a metallic material need not be provided, such that the dust separation structure may be simplified. Therefore, the number of components required to be washed may be reduced, which may further improve the convenience for the user.
In addition, as in the present disclosure, the dust separating part 220 is disposed outside the dust collecting container 211, which may increase the space capable of storing the dust in the dust collecting container 211.
FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which the components of the dust separation module are separated from the station main body.
The dust collecting container 211 and the dust separating part 220 of the dust separation module 200 may be separably coupled to the station main body 100. The dust collecting container 211 may be configured to be separable forward. The dust separating part 220 may be configured to be separable upward. Because the dust collecting container 211 is separable and because the dust separating part 220 is disposed outside the dust collecting container 211 so that a component, which cannot be washed with water, is not placed in the dust collecting container 211, the convenience related to the maintenance of the cleaner station 10 may be improved.
Hereinafter, another embodiment of the dust separation module will be described.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the dust separation module included in the cleaner station in FIG. 1, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the dust separation module in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an impactor flow path tube in FIG. 10 when viewed from the top side, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 12, FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the dust separation module when viewed from the top side after a cyclone cover is excluded from the embodiment in FIG. 10, and FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 14.
With reference to FIGS. 10 to 15, a dust separation module 300 according to another embodiment may include the dust capturing part 210, a dust separating part 320, a cyclone part 330, and a discharge air moving part 340. In this case, because the dust capturing part 210 has the same structure as the dust separation module 200 according to the embodiment in FIG. 4, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.
In the present embodiment, as in the above-mentioned embodiment, dust may be captured in the dust collecting container 211 by an inertial force applied to the dust through an impactor flow path tube 321. After large dust is captured in the dust collecting container 211, the dust with a fine size may be filtered out once more by the cyclone part 330.
The dust separating part 320 may include the impactor flow path tube 321, a blocking plate 323, and an upper cover 324.
The impactor flow path tube 321 may include a first flow path tube 3211 and a second flow path tube 3212. The first flow path tube 3211 may communicate with the suction flow path 130 and suck the air from the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20. One end of the second flow path tube 3212 may be connected to the first flow path tube 3211, and the other end of the second flow path tube 3212 may communicate with the dust collecting container 211.
In addition, the impactor flow path tube 321 may have louvers 322 so that the air is discharged in a direction disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction in which the air flows in the impactor flow path tube 321. More specifically, the plurality of louvers 322 may be installed in the second flow path tube 3212 of the impactor flow path tube 321 and spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals. The louver 322 means a thin plate-shaped structure installed in an opening of the second flow path tube 3212 so that the air is discharged in the direction inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction in which the air flows in the second flow path tube 3212. The louver 322 may be installed such that a large surface thereof is disposed obliquely with respect to a longitudinal axis of the second flow path tube 3212. In one possible embodiment, the louver 322 may be installed to guide the air in a direction inclined upward. That is, the louver 322 may be installed in the opening of the second flow path tube 3212 directed upward.
In other words, the louver 322 may be installed such that a direction D3 in which the louver 322 guides the air is different from a direction D4 in which the air flows in the impactor flow path tube 321 (see FIG. 13). That is, the dust is continuously moved by the inertial force in the direction in which the air flows in the impactor flow path tube 321, and the air from which the dust is separated is discharged from the opening of the impactor flow path tube 321 while being guided by the louver 322.
The blocking plate 323 may be coupled to the impactor flow path tube 321 and configured to close at least a part of an upper side of the dust collecting container 211 and at least a part of an upper side of the discharge air moving part 340 to be described below (see FIG. 11).
The upper cover 324 may be coupled to an upper portion of the blocking plate 323. A dust separation space may be formed between the upper cover 324 and the blocking plate 323 and accommodate the impactor flow path tube 321. More specifically, the upper cover 324 may include a first cover part 3241 and a second cover part 3242. An external shape of the first cover part 3241 may be substantially identical to that of the blocking plate 323, the second cover part 3242 may meet the first cover part 3241 at a right angle at an edge of the first cover part 3241, and the first cover part 3241 may extend downward by a predetermined length. A lower end of the second cover part 3242 may be coupled to the blocking plate 323. The lower end of the second cover part 3242 may be coupled to the blocking plate 323. A lower end of the upper cover 324 may be opened, and a space may be provided in the upper cover 324. That is, an upper end of the second cover part 3242 may be closed by the first cover part 3241, and the lower end of the second cover part 3242 may be opened.
Meanwhile, in the dust separation space, relatively large dust may be separated from the air introduced from the station main body 100. The dust separation space may be a space in which the air flows and large dust particles are separated, and at the same time, the dust separation space may be a space that protects the impactor flow path tube 321 from external impact.
The cyclone part 330 may additionally filter out the dust from the discharge air from which the dust is separated after the discharge air is discharged from the impactor flow path tube 321. A cyclone suction part 331 and a first cyclone tube 332 of the cyclone part 330 may be formed in the upper cover 324. A second cyclone tube 333 and a cyclone guide part 334 of the cyclone part 330 may be formed in the blocking plate 323.
The cyclone suction part 331 may communicate with a dust collecting motor connection tube 342 to be described below and communicate with the first cyclone tube 332. Therefore, a suction force of the dust collecting motor 140 is applied to the first cyclone tube 332 through the cyclone suction part 331. A diameter of the first cyclone tube 332 may be smaller than a diameter of the second cyclone tube 333. Therefore, based on a state in which the upper cover 324 and the blocking plate 323 are coupled, the first cyclone tube 332 is disposed by being inserted into the second cyclone tube 333. The suction force applied to the first cyclone tube 332 allows the air to be introduced into the second cyclone tube 333 through the cyclone guide part 334 having a spiral structure. As a result, a cyclone flow is generated in the second cyclone tube 333.
Meanwhile, the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube 321 may be introduced into the second cyclone tube 333 through the cyclone guide part 334. The discharge air is the air from which the large dust particles are separated through the impactor flow path tube 321. When the discharge air is introduced into the second cyclone tube 333, the dust with a fine size may be separated by the cyclone flow.
The discharge air moving part 340 may be disposed above the station main body 100. The discharge air moving part 340 may be disposed rearward of the dust collecting container 211. The discharge air moving part 340 may be disposed below the dust separating part 320. That is, the dust capturing part 210 and the discharge air moving part 340 may be provided above the station main body 100 and disposed in parallel with each other in the forward/rearward direction. The dust separating part 320 may be disposed above the dust capturing part 210 and the discharge air moving part 340. In the possible embodiment, the dust capturing part 210 and the discharge air moving part 340 may also be disposed in parallel with each other in the leftward/rightward direction.
The discharge air moving part 340 may include a discharge air moving part housing 343, a suction flow path connection tube 341, and the dust collecting motor connection tube 342.
The discharge air moving part housing 343 may define a space in which the dust with a fine size, which is filtered out by the cyclone part 330, is stored. In this case, a part of an external shape of the discharge air moving part housing 343 may be provided to surround the dust collecting container 211, and the remaining part of the external shape of the discharge air moving part housing 343 may be provided to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the station main body 100. A discharge port, from which the air is discharged, may be disposed in a lower portion of the discharge air moving part housing 343, and an upper side of the discharge air moving part housing 343 may be opened. The discharge air moving part housing 343 may be coupled to the blocking plate 323. In this case, a partial region of the upper side of the discharge air moving part housing 343 may be closed by the blocking plate 323.
The suction flow path connection tube 341 may be disposed in the discharge air moving part housing 343 and communicate with the suction flow path 130. More specifically, the suction flow path connection tube 341 may be provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube and disposed in the discharge air moving part housing 343. A lower end of the suction flow path connection tube 341 may communicate with the first suction flow path 130a. An upper end of the suction flow path connection tube 341 may communicate with the impactor flow path tube 321. That is, one end of the impactor flow path tube 321 (one end of the first flow path tube 3211) may be connected to the suction flow path connection tube 341 and communicate with the first suction flow path 130a. Therefore, the air, which is discharged from the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 and introduced into the suction flow path 130, may be delivered to the impactor flow path tube 321.
The dust collecting motor connection tube 342 may be disposed in the discharge air moving part housing 343 and communicate with the dust collecting motor 140 so that the air discharged from the cyclone part 330 flows. More specifically, the dust collecting motor connection tube 342 may be provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical tube and disposed in the discharge air moving part housing 343. A lower end of the dust collecting motor connection tube 342 may communicate with the dust collecting motor 140. An upper end of the dust collecting motor connection tube 342 may communicate with the cyclone suction part 331. Therefore, when the dust collecting motor 140 operates, the suction force is applied to the cyclone suction part 331 through the dust collecting motor connection tube 342.
Meanwhile, the blocking plate 323 may include a discharge air passing hole 3232 through which the air discharged from the cyclone part 330 passes.
The discharge air passing hole 3232 may allow the cyclone suction part 331 and the dust collecting motor connection tube 342 to communicate with each other. The air discharged from the impactor flow path tube 321 may be introduced into the second cyclone tube 333, flow in a cyclone manner, pass through the first cyclone tube 332 and the cyclone suction part 331, and then pass through the discharge air passing hole 3232.
Meanwhile, the second cyclone tube 333 may be accommodated in the discharge air moving part housing 343. A longitudinal axis of the second cyclone tube 333 may be disposed in parallel with a longitudinal axis of the dust collecting container 211, and the second cyclone tube 333 may be disposed while penetrating the blocking plate 323. More specifically, a part of an upper side of the second cyclone tube 333 based on the longitudinal direction and the cyclone guide part 334 may be disposed in the dust separation space. A part of a lower side of the second cyclone tube 333 based on the longitudinal direction may be disposed in the discharge air moving part housing 343 based on the state in which the blocking plate 323 is coupled to the discharge air moving part housing 343.
The dust separation module 300 may further include a cyclone cover 350. The cyclone cover 350 may be disposed on the first cover part 3241. More specifically, the cyclone cover 350 may be coupled to an upper surface of the first cover part 3241 and configured to cover the cyclone suction part 331 and the first cyclone tube 332 (see FIG. 11).
Hereinafter, a flow of air in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 12 to 15.
When the suction force generated by the operation of the dust collecting motor 140 is applied to the dust collecting motor connection tube 342, the air discharged from the dust bin 21 of the cleaner 20 may flow along a route that passes through the suction flow path 130, the suction flow path connection tube 341, and the impactor flow path tube 321. In this process, the large dust particles may be separated from the air and captured in the dust collecting container 211 (see FIGS. 1 and 13).
Thereafter, the discharge air, which is discharged from the impactor flow path tube 321 along the inclined surface of the louver 322, may be introduced into the cyclone part 330 and flow in a cyclone manner. In this process, the dust with a fine size may be separated from the discharge air and captured in the discharge air moving part housing 343 (see FIGS. 12 and 15).
The discharge air, from which even the dust with a fine size is separated, sequentially flows through the first cyclone tube 332, the cyclone suction part 331, and the dust collecting motor connection tube 342, passes through the dust collecting motor 140, and then is discharged to the outside of the housing 110 after being finally filtered by the HEPA filter 150 (see FIGS. 1, 11, and 14).
Hereinafter, still another embodiment of the dust separation module will be described.
FIG. 16 is a view illustrating an impactor flow path tube of still another embodiment of the dust separation module included in the cleaner station in FIG. 1 when viewed from the top side, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 16.
The dust separation module 300 according to another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 15 and a dust separation module 400 according to still another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 are identical in configuration to each other, except for a position at which a louver 422 is installed. Therefore, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.
With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, in the present embodiment, the louver 422 may guide the air in a direction inclined laterally. That is, the louver 422 may be installed in an opening of an impactor flow path tube 421 directed laterally. In other words, the louver 422 may be installed such that directions D6 and D7 in which the louver 422 guides the air are different from a direction D5 in which the air flows in the impactor flow path tube 421 (see FIG. 16). The air containing dust is introduced into a first flow path tube 4211 and flows through a second flow path tube 4212. The dust is continuously moved by the inertial force in the direction in which the air flows in the second flow path tube 4212. The dust passes through a dust passing hole 3231 coupled to an end of the second flow path tube 4212 and is captured in the dust collecting container 211 (see FIG. 17).
In this case, the air from which the dust is separated may be discharged through an opening formed in the impactor flow path tube 421 while being guided by the louver 422. The air discharged from the impactor flow path tube 421 is introduced into the cyclone part 330, and the dust with a fine size is separated by a cyclone flow (see FIGS. 12 and 15).
The discharge air, from which even the dust with a fine size is separated, sequentially flows through the first cyclone tube 332, the cyclone suction part 331, and the dust collecting motor connection tube 342, passes through the dust collecting motor 140, and then is discharged to the outside of the housing 110 after being finally filtered by the HEPA filter 150 (see FIGS. 1, 11, and 14).
As described above, according to the present disclosure, the cleaner station includes a bin-type member, instead of a bag-type member, as a debris storage member. Therefore, it is not necessary to periodically change the debris storage members, which may improve the economic feasibility and convenience for the user.
In addition, according to the present disclosure, the components for separating dust, such as the impactor flow path and/or the cyclone, are disposed outside the dust collecting container, such that the dust collecting container may be easily washed, which may improve the convenience related to the maintenance of the cleaner station.
In addition, according to the present disclosure, the components for separating dust, such as the impactor flow path and/or the cyclone, are disposed outside the dust collecting container, such that the space capable of storing dust in the dust collecting container may be increased, and thus the cycle for removing the dust in the dust collecting container by the user may be prolonged, thereby improving the convenience for the user.
In addition, according to the present disclosure, the dust captured in the dust collecting container may be stored by being compressed by the rotary unit provided in the dust collecting container, such that the efficiency in storing the dust in the dust collecting container may be improved, thereby improving the convenience for the user.
In addition, according to the present disclosure, the dust captured in the dust collecting container may be stored by being compressed by the rotary unit provided in the dust collecting container, such that the dust does not scatter during the process of removing the dust from the dust collecting container.
While the present disclosure has been described with reference to the specific embodiments, the specific embodiments are only for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments. It is apparent that the present disclosure may be modified or altered by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure.
All the simple modifications or alterations to the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific protection scope of the present disclosure will be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A cleaner station comprising:
a station main body to which a cleaner is configured to be coupled, the station main body comprising a dust collecting motor configured to operate to provide a suction force in a dust bin of the cleaner, and a suction flow path provided so that air discharged from the inside of the dust bin flows;

a dust collecting container disposed above the station main body and configured to capture dust flowing together with the air;

an impactor flow path tube disposed outside and above the dust collecting container and configured to provide a flow path through which the air introduced through the suction flow path flows; and

a discharge air moving part configured to provide a space in which discharge air, from which the dust is separated, is introduced and flows after being discharged from the impactor flow path tube,

wherein a direction in which the dust moves in the impactor flow path tube is different from a direction in which the suction force is applied to the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube.
The cleaner station of claim 1, further comprising:
a rotary unit disposed in the dust collecting container and configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the dust collecting container along an inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container; and

a compression plate disposed in a state of being fixed to one side in the dust collecting container to compress the dust collected when the rotary unit rotates.
The cleaner station of claim 2, wherein the rotary unit comprises:
a rotary shaft disposed in the longitudinal direction of the dust collecting container and configured to rotate by receiving power from the outside of the dust collecting container;

a scrubber provided to rotate together with the rotary shaft in a state in which the scrubber is in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the dust collecting container; and

a rotary plate connected between the rotary shaft and the scrubber and configured to rotate together with the rotary shaft to compress the dust while coming into contact with one surface of the compression plate.
The cleaner station of claim 1, further comprising:
a blocking plate coupled to the impactor flow path tube and provided to close at least a part of an upper side of the dust collecting container and at least a part of an upper side of the discharge air moving part; and

an upper cover coupled to an upper portion of the blocking plate and configured to define a dust separation space disposed between the upper cover and the blocking plate and configured to accommodate the impactor flow path tube.
The cleaner station of claim 4, wherein the blocking plate comprises:
a dust passing hole configured to allow the inside of the dust collecting container and the dust separation space to communicate with each other, the dust passing hole being provided so that the dust discharged from the impactor flow path tube passes through the dust passing hole; and

a discharge air passing hole configured to allow the dust separation space and the discharge air moving part to communicate with each other, the discharge air passing hole being provided so that the air discharged from the impactor flow path tube passes through the discharge air passing hole.
The cleaner station of claim 5, further comprising:
a collision portion provided in the dust separation space and disposed along at least a part of an outer boundary of the dust passing hole,

wherein at least one surface of the collision portion is directed in a direction of an inertial force applied to the dust discharged from the impactor flow path tube.
The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the discharge air moving part comprises:
a discharge air moving part housing configured to define a space into which the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube is introduced;

a prefilter disposed in the discharge air moving part housing and configured to additionally filter out the dust from the discharge air; and

a suction flow path connection tube disposed in the discharge air moving part housing and configured to communicate with the suction flow path, and

wherein the impactor flow path tube communicates with the suction flow path connection tube through one end thereof.
The cleaner station of claim 1, wherein the impactor flow path tube has a louver installed so that the air is discharged in a direction disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to a direction in which the air flows in the impactor flow path tube.
The cleaner station of claim 8, wherein the louver is installed in an opening of the impactor flow path tube directed laterally.
The cleaner station of claim 8, wherein the louver is installed in an opening the impactor flow path tube directly upward.
The cleaner station of claim 1, further comprising:
a cyclone part configured to additionally filter out dust from the discharge air discharged from the impactor flow path tube.
The cleaner station of claim 11, further comprising:
a blocking plate coupled to the impactor flow path tube and provided to close at least a part of an upper side of the dust collecting container and at least a part of an upper side of the discharge air moving part; and

an upper cover coupled to an upper portion of the blocking plate and configured to define a dust separation space disposed between the upper cover and the blocking plate and configured to accommodate the impactor flow path tube.
The cleaner station of claim 12, wherein the blocking plate comprises a discharge air passing hole through which the air discharged from the cyclone part passes.
The cleaner station of claim 11, wherein the discharge air moving part comprises:
a discharge air moving part housing configured to define a space in which dust filtered out by the cyclone part is stored;

a suction flow path connection tube disposed in the discharge air moving part housing and configured to communicate with the suction flow path; and

a dust collecting motor connection tube disposed in the discharge air moving part housing and configured to communicate with the dust collecting motor so that the air discharged from the cyclone part flows.